IMPROVEMENTS IN HEATING APPARATUS
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Henry Johnson, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the
County of Middlesex, Gentleman, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
HEATING APPARATUS." A communication from abroad by Auguste Séguin,
of Paris, in the Republic of France.
Sealed the 10th July 1877, and dated the 7th May 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Henry Johnson at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 7th May 1877.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman. " IMPROVEMENTS IN HEATING APPARATUS.” A communication from
abroad by Auguste Séguin, of Paris, in the Republic of France.
This Invention relates to an improved construction of heating apparatus, applicable
to all kinds of boilers and furnaces for metallurgical and other operations, and
enabling the complete combustion to be obtained of the gases generated by the
distillation of coal, which is effected by means of a current of air at an elevated
temperature, and it consists essentially of an improved arrangement of the different
parts of the apparatus, and of a peculiar mode of applying the same, as herein-after
described,
The Invention comprises the following characteristic features and advantages,
viz. The distillation of the fuel in a separate chamber; combustion in a specially
constructed radiating combustion chamber or laboratory; supply of air at an
elevated temperature, mixing with the gases at the hottest point, and consequent
complete consumption of smoke; simplicity and economy in the construction of the
apparatus, which is portable and applicable to any description of boiler and furnace
without altering any of the arrangements. The apparatus is composed of two
parts, the distilling chamber and the combustion chamber.
The distilling apparatus is formed of a double case of iron plate or other suitable
sheet metal, lined internally with fire-bricks, and in which the radiating heat is
utilized either to commence the heating of the air destined for the combustion, or
to evaporate water in communication with a boiler, or for any other required
purpose. The grate, arranged in steps, is divided into two parts, one of which is
fixed and the other moveable, in order to admit of the fire being cleared while

page_text: working. The air necessary to the formation of carbonic oxide is admitted through
the grate from two apertures provided with sliding doors, which enable the dis-
tillation of gas to be regulated as required. The fuel is piled up to a height of, say,
about from 31 inches to 39 inches, in order to ensure its regular and uniform
distillation.
The laboratory or combustion chamber is likewise enclosed in a double case of
iron plate or other suitable sheet metal, in which the air circulates twice in a double
row of hollow bricks with a passage of an elliptical form in cross section, and issues
hot from apertures or nozzles arranged radially round the combustion chamber.
This hot air coming in contact with the carbonic oxide at a very high temperature
ensures its complete combustion at an extremely elevated temperature.
By regulating the pressure of air in the distilling apparatus and in the combustion
chamber a flame of the desired length and temperature will be obtained from a deep
violet to the most brilliant white.
The caloric of the gases may be utilized until their temperature is reduced to,
say, about 100 to 120° centigrade, as there is no necessity for creating any draft in
the chimney.
As the laboratory or combustion chambor is at a white welding heat, iron may be
heated and welded therein very economically by providing apertures for the
purpose. The apparatus may thus be used in lieu of hand forges, which constitutes
an important application of the Invention.
According to one mode of carrying out this Invention the apparatus is composed
of a case forming the hearth of the furnace, and a laboratory or combustion
chamber. The hearth is closed by a grate formed in steps. The air enters the
grate through a pressure chamber, which is closed by a door. The fuel is fed on to
the hearth through a feeding hopper, and is piled up at the front of the apparatus,
the bottom of which is occupied by a water space, for the purpose of cooling the
cinder or residues of combustion, which may be withdrawn at intervals through an
opening closed by a door. The combustion chamber is formed by a double metal
case of iron plates, lined with hollow fire-bricks, which form a double circulation
for the air which passes through them, and is gradually increased in temperature
until it reaches a circular tuyere, whence it is discharged into the chamber in which
the combustion of the carbonic oxide takes place, which is also of a very high
temperature.
According to another mode of carrying out this Invention the apparatus, which
may open into a steam chamber, is composed, as in the preceding example,
of a hearth on which the combustion of the fuel is effected, and a laboratory or
combustion chamber. It is also enclosed in a case of refractory material, covered
with a metal case, strengthened by means of angle irons and rivets. The front part
of the apparatus is occupied by the hearth containing the fuel, which is fed in
through a hopper, the bottom of which is provided with a door. The inclined
grate, arranged in the manner of steps, is composed of flat iron bars attached to the
frame or supports of the hearth, and the water receiver of the ash-pit for cooling the
cinder and scoriæ is provided with a feed pipe. Spy holes closed by plugs are
provided at the sides and front of the hearth to enable the progress of the combus-
tion to be observed with facility, the gaseous products of which are conducted
through a conical passage to the combustion chamber. The compressed air chamber,
situate in front of the hearth, is closed by one or more metal doors. Into this
chamber open two cold air pipes, which may be closed when required by means of
registers provided with handles. These pipes communicate with a transverse pipe
in connection with a suitable blowing apparatus. The transverse pipe also supplies
the combustion chamber with the requisite hot air for burning the carbonic oxide.
For this purpose it is provided at each extremity with a curved pipe fitted with
valves, worked by hand, and opening into compartments formed between the walls
of refractory material forming the side of the hearth and the outer case of the
apparatus. The air passing through this compartment becomes heated, and passes
through holes into an annular space where the heating is completed in the winding

page_text: passages surrounding the combustion chamber, which passages are formed by three
walls of refractory material, forming between them two annular channels, through
which the air is compelled to pass before reaching the burners. The flames when
produced all pass through the combustion chamber and enter a circular central flue
in the boiler.
According to a further modification the apparatus is constructed with a view to
its application not only to the reheating and working of iron in puddling, but also
for use in foundries and glass works, in the manufacture of chemical products, and
in general in the various operations in which gas furnaces may be employed in
manufactures. In this arrangement the fuel is supplied to the distilling chamber
or hearth, as in the arrangement herein-before described, by means of a hopper, the
bottom of which can be closed when required by an iron door. The distilling
chamber is of conical shape at the upper part, and a water space is provided under
the bottom, above which the cinder is collected, to be removed when required by
opening doors situate in front of the apparatus. A water space in the form of a
horse-shoe also surrounds the lower part of the chamber, and communicates with
the water space herein-before mentioned by means of a pipe. Pipes are provided
for supplying water and drawing water from these water spaces. A door in the
front of the furnace, and holes in the sides, are also provided for the facility of
stirring the fuel when required. Air is supplied to the hearth or distilling chamber
under pressure as in the arrangement herein-before described, such air passing
through an inclined grate, at the lower part of which a moveable grate is provided,
capable of sliding on angle irons and being maintained in any desired position by
means of a chain. The carbonic oxide gas generated in the chamber passes under
a hanging bridge into the carbonic oxide chamber, and enters the combustion
chamber, where it is mixed with air supplied by a pipe, which air has been heated
by passing through winding passages formed by the hollow bricks surrounding the
combustion chamber, and meets the carbonic oxide as it issues from holes situate
between the carbonic oxide chamber and the combustion chamber, whence the
heated products are conducted by a flue to a welding furnace with a refractory sole,
they then pass to a reheating furnace, and thence through flues to a boiler. A
channel is provided at the lower part of the welding furnace, between it and the
reheating furnace, to allow of the scoriæ being run off. The welding furnace and
reheating furnace are also separated by a hanging bridge, and access may be
obtained to the two furnaces by means of apertures, closed by doors. The whole
apparatus is encased in sheet iron, strengthened by angle irons.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said John Henry Johnson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 5th
November 1877.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN HEATING APPARATUS." A communication from
abroad by Auguste Sèguin, of Paris, in the Republic of France.
The said Invention relates to improvements in heating apparatus, applicable to
boilers of every description (fixed or portable), furnaces for metallurgical operations,
glass furnaces, porcelain furnaces, and furnaces for roasting and treating chemical
materials and products, and for other purposes; and it consists of an improved
arrangement of the parts of the apparatus, and a peculiar mode of applying the
same, whereby the complete combustion of the gases generated by the distillation
of coal is obtained, the same being effected by means of a current of air at an
elevated temperature.
The Invention comprises the following characteristic features and advantages, vide-
licit:-The fuel is distilled in a separate chamber; combustion is effected in a specially

page_text: constructed combustion chamber or laboratory; air is supplied at an elevated
temperature and mixed with the gases at the hottest point, thereby ensuring the
complete consumption of smoke. The apparatus, which is simple and economical in
construction, and may be readily transported, is applicable to any description of
boiler and furnace without entailing alterations in the arrangements of the same.
It consists essentially of two parts, the distilling chamber or apparatus, and the
combustion chamber or laboratory.
The distilling apparatus is formed of a double case of iron plate or other suitable
sheet metal, lined internally with fire-bricks, the radiating heat from which
apparatus is utilized either for commencing the heating of the air destined for the
combustion, or for evaporating water in communication with a boiler, or for any
other required purpose. The grate, which is arranged in steps, is, according to one
arrangement, divided into two parts, one of which is fixed whilst the other is
moveable, in order to admit of the fire being cleared while working. The air
necessary for the formation of carbonic oxide is admitted through the grate from
two apertures provided with sliding doors, which enable the distillation of gas to
be regulated as required. The fuel is piled up to a height of, say, about from 30
inches to 40 inches, in order to ensure its regular and uniform distillation.
The combustion chamber or laboratory is likewise enclosed in a double case of
iron plate or other suitable sheet metal, in which the air circulates in a double row
of hollow bricks having a passage of an elliptical form in cross section, and issues
hot from apertures or nozzles arranged radially round the combustion chamber.
This hot air coming into contact with the carbonic oxide ensures its complete com-
bustion at an extremely elevated temperature.
By regulating the pressure of air in the distilling apparatus and in the combus-
tion chamber a flame ranging from, say, a deep violet to a brilliant white heat, and
of the desired length, will be obtained.
The caloric of the gases may be utilized until their temperature is reduced to,
Bay, about 100° or 120° centigrade, as there is no necessity for creating any draft in
the chimney.
As the combustion chamber or laboratory is at a white welding heat iron may be
heated and welded therein very economically by providing apertures for the purpose.
The apparatus may thus be used in lieu of hand forges, which constitutes an
important application of the Invention.
And in order that the said Invention may be fully understood I shall now proceed
more particularly to describe the same, and for that purpose shall refer to the
several Figures on the annexed Sheet of Drawings, the same letters of reference
indicating corresponding parts in all the corresponding Figures.
Figure 1 of the accompanying Drawings represents a longitudinal section of a
furnace constructed according to one modification of the said Invention; Figure 2
is a side elevation, Figure 3 a transverse section, and Figure 4 an end elevation of
the same.
Figure 5 represents a longitudinal section of a furnace constructed according to
another modification, and shewn applied to a steam boiler; Figure 6 is an end
elevation, Figure 7 a horizontal section, and Figure 8 a transverse section of the
furnace.
Figure 9 represents a side elevation, partly in section, of a furnace constructed
according to the said Invention, adapted for metallurgical, chemical, and other like
purposes; Figure 10 is a horizontal section, Figure 11 an end elevation, partly in
section, and Figure 12 a transverse section of the same, the latter Figure shewing
the arrangement of the hot air passages.
In the arrangement illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the Drawings the
apparatus is composed of a case A, forming the hearth of the furnace, and a com-
bustion chamber or laboratory b. The hearth is closed by a grate C formed in
steps. The air enters the grate through a pressure chamber D, which is closed by
door E. The fuel is fed on to the hearth through a feeding hopper F, and is piled
up at the front of the apparatus, the lower part of which is occupied by a water

page_text: chamber G of iron plate or cast iron, forming an ash pan with a water jacket, for
the purpose of cooling the cinder or residues of combustion which settle on the top
of the same, and which may be withdrawn at intervals of, say, 24 hours, through
an opening closed by a door H. The combustion chamber b is formed by a double
metal case J, K, lined with hollow fire-bricks, which constitute double passages for
the circulation of the air, which is thereby gradually increased in temperature until
it reaches a circular tuyere I, whence it is discharged into the chamber b, in which
the combustion of the carbonic oxide (which is also at an elevated temperature)
takes place.
Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8 represent an apparatus constructed upon the same principle
(that is to say, consisting of a hearth on which the combustion of the fuel is effected,
and of a laboratory or combustion chamber), but modified in its details. It is more-
over in the present example shewn applied to a steam boiler. The apparatus is
enclosed in a case a of refractory material, covered with a metal case b, strengthened
by means of angle irons and rivets. The front part of the apparatus is occupied
by a hearth c containing the fuel, which is fed in through a hopper d, the bottom
of which is provided with a door e. f is the inclined grate arranged in steps and
composed of flat iron bars, attached to the frame or supports g of the hearth; and h
is the water chamber, supplied by a feed pipe i, and having a concave top for the
purpose of collecting the cinder. In order to facilitate the removal of the cinder an
opening is provided closed by a door J, which is worked by a chain and lever k
jointed to a fixed support forming part of the main framing of the apparatus, the
long arin of which lever is also provided with a chain for operating it. Spy holes
closed by plugs m are formed in the sides and front of the hearth for the facility of
observing the progress of the combustion, the gaseous products of which are con-
ducted through a conical passage N to the combustion chamber V. The compressed
air chamber D¹ situate in front of the hearth is closed by one or more metal doors O.
Into this chamber open two cold air pipes P, which may be closed when required by
means of registers provided with handles, such pipes communicating with a trans-
verse pipe q in connection with a suitable blowing apparatus. The pipe q also
supplies the combustion chamber with the requisite hot air for burning the carbonic
oxide. For this purpose it is provided at each extremity with a curved pipe r, fitted
with valves worked by hand, and opening into compartments S formed between the
walls a of refractory material, constituting the side of the hearth and the outer
case of the apparatus. The air traversing this compartment becomes heated. It
then passes through holes into an annular space t, and thence through the winding
passages u surrounding the combustion chamber V, where the heating is completed.
These passages are formed by three walls of refractory material, forming between
them two annular channels, through which the air is caused to pass before reaching
the burners x. The flames when produced all pass through the combustion chamber V,
and enter a circular central flue y in the boiler Z.
Figures 9, 10, 11, and 12 show another modification of the apparatus, adapted for
use for the reheating and working of iron in puddling; also for use in foundries
and glass works, in the manufacture of chemical products and the like, and generally
in the various operations for which gas furnaces may be employed in arts and
manufactures. In this arrangement the fuel is supplied to the distilling chamber or
hearth A, as in the arrangements herein-before described, by means of a hopper L,
the bottom of which can be closed when required by an iron door L². The distilling
chamber is of conical shape at the upper part K, and a water chamber Q is provided
under the bottom, above which the cinder is collected, to be removed when required
by opening doors O and P situate in front of the apparatus. The lower part of the
chamber is also surrounded by a water chamber R in the form of a horse-shoe, which
is in communication with the water chamber Q by means of a pipe S. These water
chambers are supplied with water by a pipe T, and the water may be drawn off
through a pipe U. A door N in the front of the furnace, and holes M in the sides,
are also provided for the facility of stirring the fuel when required. Air is supplied
to the hearth or distilling chamber under pressure, as in the arrangements herein-

page_text: .
⚫before described, such air passing through an inclined grate G, at the lower part of
which is provided a moveable grate H, capable of sliding on angle irons J, and being
maintained in any desired position by means of a chain I. The carbonic oxide gas
generated in the chamber A passes under a hanging bridge V into the carbonic
oxide chamber B and enters the combustion chamber c, where it is mixed with air
supplied by a pipe X, which air has been heated by passing through winding
passages Y formed by the hollow bricks surrounding the combustion chamber, and
meets the carbonic oxide as it issues from holes situate at Z', between the carbonic
oxide chamber and the combustion chamber. The heated products are conducted
from the combustion chamber c by a flue a to a welding furnace D with refractory
sole, whence they pass to a reheating furnace E, and thence through flues F to a
. boiler. A channel C is provided at the lower part of the furnace D, between it and
the furnace E, in order to admit of the scoriæ being run off. The welding furnace D
and reheating furnace E are also separated by a hanging bridge d, and access may
be obtained to the two furnaces by means of apertures b, e, closed by doors f. The
whole apparatus is encased in sheet iron Z, strengthened by angle irons.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the said Inven-
tion, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into effect,
I would observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and original, and
therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-before in part recited
Letters Patent is,-
First. The distilling apparatus with a double case and with a step-formed grate,
the lower part of which is moveable, and with an ash pan provided with a water
jacket, all substantially as and for the purposes herein-before described.
Second. The combustion chamber lined with hollow bricks, forming double
passages for the circulation of the air before it issues at the burners, substantially
as herein-before described.
Thirdly. The combination of the distilling apparatus and the combustion
chamber, both constructed, arranged, aud applied substantially in the manner and
for the purposes herein-before described, and as illustrated by the accompanying
Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Henry Johnson, have to this my Speci-
fication set my hand and seal, the Second day of November, One thousand
eight hundred and seventy-seven
J. HENRY JOHNSON. (L.S.)