IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR TREATING GASEOUS FUEL FOR THE PURPOSE OF PURIFYING THE SAME AND OBTAINING VALUABLE PRODUCTS THEREFROM, AND FOR PREVENTING THE FORMATION OF SMOKE IN THE BURNING OF THE SAID FUEL
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Samuel Lloyd, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick,
. Ironmaster, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR TREATING
GASEOUS FUEL FOR THE PURPOSE OF PURIFYING THE SAME AND OBTAINING
VALUABLE PRODUCTS THEREFROM, AND FOR PREVENTING THE FORMATION OF
SMOKE IN THE BURNING OF THE SAID FUEL,"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Samuel Lloyd at the Office.
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 25th June 1881.
SAMUEL LLOYD, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Ironmaster.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR TREATING GASEOUS FUEL FOR THE PURPOSE
OF PURIFYING THE SAME AND OBTAINING VALUABLE PRODUCTS THEREFROM, AND
FOR PREVENTING THE FORMATION OF SMOKE IN THE BURNING OF THE SAID
FUEL."
The object of this Invention is to condense and precipitate the volatile and
suspended matter contained in gaseous fuel, and thereby to purify the said gaseous
fuel and obtain valuable residual products therefrom, and at the same time to
prevent the formation of smoke in the burning of the fuel.
I convey the gases generated by the slow combustion of fuel in a gas generator
or furnace through pipes, tubes, or passages into a cooling or condensing chamber of
the following description
Within a cylinder or casing I fix a series of tubes flattened or corrugated through
the greater part of their length, but cylindrical at their open ends. The gases
which have been generated are conveyed from the generator into the said cylinder
or casing. The gases are cooled by contact with the tubes, which are kept cool
either by the passage of water or air through them.
In order more effectually to condense the tar and other volatile matter contained
in the gases and to precipitate the dust, a series of shelves, with or without per-
forations, may be fitted in the cylinder so as to deflect the current of gas and
prevent its too rapid passage through the cylinder. These shelves may be placed
horizontally or at an angle.

page_text: In order to increase the efficiency of the condenser and to cause it to be an
effectual scrubber as well as condenser, I inject into 'it sprays of water which
falling down from shelf to shelf and splashing against the interior surface of the
cylinder effectually condenses the condensable matter and cleanses the gas.
When the combustion of the gas is employed for the generation of steam, the
required draught for drawing the gas through the cylinder may be obtained by the
action of the exhaust or spare steam. When the combustion of the gas is not
employed for the production of steam, the gas is drawn through the cylinder by
the draught caused by the burning of the gas when this is effected in connection
with a tall chimney. In situations where a sufficient draught is not thus available
the draught may be obtained by means of a fan or blower.
Where water is not available for cooling the small tubes in the condenser I draw
a current of cold air through them for that purpose. The air that I draw through
by means of the exhaust steam or otherwise I send forward together with the gas
along a separate pipe, and then mix the air and gas together at or near the point
where the gas is ignited, the draught both of the combustible gas and the air being
produced by the exhaust or spare steam or exhausting apparatus.
This has the effect of greatly increasing the heat resulting from the combustion,
and in order still further to increase the heat from the combustion of the mixed
gas and air I prefer to use regenerators in order to intensify this heat during
combustion.
When my Invention is made use of in steam ships or vessels I prefer to place
the condensing vessel or cylinder horizontally below the level of the water, so that
as the steamer progresses there will be a constant stream of cold water passing
through or around or both through and around the condenser so as rapidly to
condense the gases with most powerful effect. When made use of for locomotives
I fix the tubes so that as the engine moves a stream of air is propelled through
each tube with a velocity proportionate to the speed of the engine, and to increase
the quantity of air passing through I enlarge the ends and make them trumpet
shaped.
The pipes which convey the gases to the condenser and the passages inside and
those connected with the apparatus generally have a tendency to become clogged
and furred with the tar and refuse matter from the gases. I meet this difficulty
by injecting steam or water at a high temperature which melts the tar and pitch
and other products, and in an inexpensive manner thus cleanses the apparatus. In
cases where there is not a supply of water or steam from other sources, I pass the
necessary water round the gas generator in a water jacket, or heat the water in
pipes from the heat of the fuel or gases in the generator or by the gases in the
pipes between the generator and condenser. Where it is convenient to do so a
rotary motion may be given to the cylinder containing the condensing or scrubbing
apparatus. Its efficiency is thereby increased and a less condenser is required when
it is made to rotate than when it is stationary.
My improvements are applicable both to gaseous fuel obtained by imperfect
combustion carried on for the purpose of producing the said gaseous fuel, and to
gaseous fuel obtained as a residual or waste product, as, for example, the gaseous
fuel evolved by blast furnaces in the smelting of iron. Mixtures of these kinds of
fuel may also be treated according to my Inventiou.
The advantages resulting from this mode of utilizing fuel in its gaseous state
may be summed up as follows:-The fire in the gas generator is quickened or
lessened according to the gas required and remains alight for a lengthened time,
even if no gas is drawn off, so that as it is constantly ready for use. All the delay
and labour and expense in extinguishing and relighting the fire is also avoided.
The more quickly gas is drawn from the generator the more quickly fresh gas is
formed, and the reverse. My mode of utilizing fuel is consequently more economical
than making use of it in open fires in a solid form when all the residual products
are lost in smoke.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Samuel Lloyd in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 21st December
1881.
SAMUEL LLOYD, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Ironmaster.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR TREATING GASEOUS FUEL FOR THE PURPOSE
OF PURIFYING THE SAME AND OBTAINING VALUABLE PRODUCTS THEREFROM, AND
FOR PREVENTING THE FORMATION OF SMOKE IN THE BURNING OF THE SAID
FUEL."
The object of this Invention is to condense and precipitate the volatile and
suspended matter contained in gaseous fuel, and thereby to purify the said gaseous
fuel and obtain valuable residual products therefrom, and at the same time to
prevent the formation of smoke in the burning of the fuel
I convey the gases generated by the slow combustion of fuel in a gas generator
or furnace, through pipes, tubes, or passages, into a cooling or condensing chamber
of the following description:-
Within a cylinder or casing I fix a series of tubes which may be flattened or
corrugated through the greater part of their length, but cylindrical at their open
ends. The gases which have been generated are conveyed from the generator into
the said cylinder or casing. The gases are cooled by contact with the tubes, which
are kept cool either by the passage of water or air through them.
In order more effectually to condense the tar and other volatile matter contained
in the gases and to precipitate the dust and cleanse the gas from solid particles, I
fix a series of shelves or trays, with perforations, in the cylinder so as to deflect and
retard and divide the current of gas in its passage through the perforations in the
said shelves or trays. These shelves or trays should be placed horizontally.
In order more effectually to cleanse as well as condense the gas, I inject into the
top of the cylinder or vessel sprays of water, which falling down in a shower upon
the perforated shelves are still further divided by the said perforated shelves, and
splashing against the interior surface of the cylinder or vessel effectually condense
the condensable matter and cleanse the gas. The water employed I use over and
over again, so as to obtain a solution of ammonia of sufficient strength for
commercial purposes.
When the combustion of the gas is employed for the generation of steam the
required draught for drawing the gas through the cylinder may be obtained by the
action of the exhaust or spare steam. When the combustion of the gas is not
employed for the production of steam, the gas is drawn through the cylinder by the
draught caused by the burning of the gas when this is effected in connection with
a tall chimney. In situations where a sufficient draught is not thus available, the
draught may be obtained by means of a fan or blower.
In order to regulate the heat produced by the combustion of the gas and to make
it more or less intense at or near the point of ignition, and also in order to regulate
the length of the flame as may be required, I compress air by means of a blast
engine or fan and send it forward under pressure together with the gas but in a
separate pipe, and then mix the air and gas together at or near the point where
the gas is ignited. I introduce more or less air into the gas according to the
intensity of the heat required and the length of flame desired; and in order still
further to increase the heat from the combustion of the mixed gas and air, I use
regenerators in order to heat the gas and air prior to combustion.
When my Invention is made use of in steam ships or vessels I prefer to place
the condensing vessel or cylinder horizontally below the level of the water, so that
as the steamer progresses a constant stream of cold water may be readily passed

page_text: through or around, or both through and around the condenser so as rapidly to
condense the gases. The position of the condenser may however be varied
according to requirements, but if placed above the water level a centrifugal or
other pump must be employed to pass the necessary quantity of water through the
condenser.
When the condenser is made use of for locomotives, I fix the tubes so that as the
engine moves a stream of air is propelled through each tube with a velocity
proportionate to the speed of the engine, and to increase the quantity of air passing
through I enlarge the ends and make them trumpet shaped.
Although I have described the condenser I employ as consisting of a casing
having tubes, the gas to be cooled and condensed occupying the casing, and the
condensing water or air passing through the said tubes, yet the contrary
arrangement may be employed, that is to say, the gas may be passed through the
tubes, the cooling water or air being applied to the exterior of the tubes.
The pipes which convey the gases to the condenser and the passages inside, and
those connected with the apparatus generally have a tendency to become clogged
and furred with the tar and refuse matter from the gases. I meet this difficulty
by injecting steam or water at a high temperature which melts the tar and pitch!
and other products, and in an inexpensive manner thus cleanses the apparatus. In
cases where there is not a supply of water or steam from other sources I pass the
necessary water round the gas generator in a water jacket, or heat the water in
pipes from the heat of the fuel or gases in the generator, or by the gases in the
pipes between the generator and condenser. Where it is convenient to do so a
rotary motion may be given to the vessels or cylinders containing the condensing
or scrubbing apparatus. Their efficiency is thereby increased and condensers or
scrubbers of less dimensions will be required when they are made to rotate than
when they are stationary.
In
In generators employed on locomotive engines and in steam vessels I avail myself
of the rapid motion of the generator through the air to produce a strong draught
through the generator. The production of the gaseous fuel is thereby expedited
and a less generator may be employed than would otherwise be required.
order thus to stimulate the action of the generator I fix one or more tubes in the
line of the locomotive or steam vessel's motion, the open ends of the tubes being
turned in the direction of the said motion. I fix in each air tube a steam jet or
injector so as to propel air through it into the generator when the locomotive or 3
steam vessel is not in motion or is not moving at sufficient speed to give the
required draught.
In order that the fire in the generator may be readily controlled and when
necessary extinguished, I fix a steam pipe communicating from the boiler to the
generator. By means of a tap in this pipe steam in any required quantity may
be introduced into the generator and the combustion therein either retarded or
wholly arrested.
In applying gas purified according to my Invention for warming and ventilating
rooms and other places I burn the purified gas at the lower ends of a series of
vertical tubes, the products of combustion passing to a flue or chimney. The air 4
of the room or place is warmed by contact with the exterior of the said tubes, and
the warming and ventilation of the room or place is effected without contamination
of the air.
My improvements are applicable both to gaseous fuel obtained by imperfect
combustion carried on for the purpose of producing the said gaseous fuel, and to
gaseous fuel obtained as a residual or waste product, as, for example, the gaseous
fuel evolved by blast furnaces in the smelting of iron. Mixtures of these kinds of
fuel may also be treated according to my Invention.
When gaseous fuel is treated according to my Invention it burns without the
production of smoke.
In applying my Invention to kilns for burning bricks and for other like purposes
and for calcining metallic ores I employ a gas exhauster or fan for the purpose of

page_text: directing the gaseous fuel in larger or smaller quantities as desired in the
required direction and with the required pressure so as to burn or calcine the
articles or material under treatment to the extent desired.
Having now described the nature of my said Invention, and the manner in
which the same is to be performed, I wish it to be understood that I claim as my
Invention of "Improvements in Apparatus for Treating Gaseous Fuel for the
Purpose of Purifying the same and Obtaining Valuable Products therefrom, and for
Preventing the Formation of Smoke in the Burning of the said Fuel,”—
First. The arrangements or combinations of parts herein before described of
condensers for condensing the condensable matter and for precipitating the suspended
matter of gaseous fuel before it is burned, and thereby causing the said gaseous
fuel to burn with a smokeless flame.
Secondly. The arrangements or combinations of parts herein before described
for producing as required a greater or less current of air through the generator in
addition to the ordinary draught whereby the production of gaseous fuel is much
expedited, and a much smaller generator may in any given case be employed than
would otherwise be required.
In witness whereof, I, the said Samuel Lloyd, have hereunto set my hand and
seal, this Nineteenth day of December, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and eighty one.
Witness,
RICHARD SKERRETT,
37, Temple Street,
Birmingham.
SAMUEL LLOYD. (L.S.)