IMPROVEMENTS IN PRODUCING, PURIFYING, AND REGULATING GAS, AND IN APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Sydney Pitt, of Sutton, in the County of Surrey, for the
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN PRODUCING, PURIFYING, AND REGULATING
GAS, AND IN APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN." A communication from abroad
by Dr, Moses Warren Kidder, of Boston, Massachusetts, United States of
America.
Sealed the 22nd March 1878, and dated the 19th October 1877.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Sydney Pitt at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 19th October 1877.
SYDNEY PITT, of Sutton, in the County of Surrey.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN PRO-
DUCING, PURIFYING, AND REGULATING GAS, AND IN APPARATUS EMPLOYED
THEREIN." A communication from abroad by Dr. Moses Warren Kidder, of Boston,
Massachusetts, United States of America.
The object of this my Invention is, first, to improve the process and apparatus for
the manufacture and purification of non-luminant combustible gases, either for heating,
or as carriers of luminiferous vapors from bituminous coals or oils, as in illuminating
gas, by the employment of free oxygen to support the combustion, and thereby the
temperature in the generator, and purifying the product by passing it through
incandescent charcoal.
A further object of this Invention is to improve the processes and apparatus
employed in the manufacture of illuminating gas, so that the generally recognized
waste heretofore incident to this manufacture may be avoided by using non-luminant
gases procured from steam and coke, or coal at a high temperature, to carry the
luminiferous vapors, instead of decomposing four-fifths of the rich luminiferous
hydrocarbons from the coal to obtain the non-luminant gas for carrying the other
fifth, as in the old process, thus utilizing the entire luminiferous value of the coal as
such, and obtaining the non-luminant or carrying gas from a much cheaper source,
and to obviate the difficulties heretofore presented in the interrupted process of
coal distillation in combination with water gas by a continuous or uninterrupted
process, whereby the yield of hydrocarbon becomes uniform, and can most readily
be proportioned to the water gas introduced.

page_text: A further object of this Invention is to present in the same apparatus such facilities
as adapt it to the most economical distillation of coal, and also for the volatilization
of liquid hydrocarbons when introduced upon such coal. In but few localities can
petroleum be used for this purpose without increasing the cost of manufacture far
above that from coal, as the coal oils are of about two and a half times the illumi-
nating value of petroleum, to which must be added the hazard and inconvenience of
handling.
A further object of this Invention is to provide certain improvements in gas
pressure regulators.
This Invention consists, first, in the process herein described for producing and
purifying non-luminant gas, either for the purpose of fuel for heating, or as a vehicle
for carrying luminant matters from coal or oil, as the non-luminant gases now do
in ordinary illuminating coal gas.
The means employed consist,-
First. Of coal or coke in an active state of combustion in a closed chamber, which
may be partially heated upon the outside.
Second. In an adjoining compartment, incandescent charcoal.
Third. In the introduction of steam and oxygen gas, the latter as existing in any
other combination than as in water or atmospheric air, either separately or combined,
near the grate which supports the coal or coke first referred to.
The oxygen, both free and that combined with the hydrogen in the steam, unites
with the carbon to produce carbonic oxyde, the former developing heat to replace
that carried away by the resulting gases and by radiation from the apparatus, while
the incandescent charcoal serves to arrest and decompose any carbonic acid which
may have been produced, converting it into carbonic oxyde.
This Invention also consists in the process herein described for obtaining the
maximum value of illuminating matter from bituminous coal for the production of
illuminating gas, by distilling or roasting bituminous coal at a low temperature for
the expulsion of all volatile matters therefrom, and while being so treated intro-
ducing combustible non-luminant gases, such as water gas, hydrogen, carbonic oxyde,
marsh gas, or either of them, beneath, and passing it upwardly through such coal
while being so distilled for the purpose of carburetting the non-luminant gases, and
conveying all luminiferous matters from the distilling coal to a superheating retort,
where the hydrocarbon vapors from the coal are permanently combined with the
non-luminant gases without decomposition, resulting in illuminating gas of standard
quality, substantially as herein specified.
This Invention also consists in the process herein described for producing illumi-
nating gas from bituminous coal, hydrocarbon oils, and water gas,-
First. By means of the hydrocarbon vapors as they are distilled from such coal at
a low temperature in a closed chamber.
Second. By means of petroleum or other hydrocarbon in a liquid form introduced
to and volatilized from such coal.
Third. By means of the introduction of hydrogen, carbonic oxyde, inarsh gas, or
water gas, so called, or either of them, and passing the same upwardly through such
coal, thereby conveying all volatile matters from the coal or oil to a connected retort,
which being maintained at a proper temperature all the hydrocarbons are perma-
nently combined therein with such non-luminant gases, resulting in illuminating gas
of standard commercial value.
This Invention also includes the combination in a water-gas generator of the two
adjacent chambers A & A', the first for receiving and containing coal or coke, which
at a high temperature is designed to decompose steam when admitted in contact
with it; the second for receiving and containing wood charcoal, which in the state
of incandescence from the surrounding heat acts as a purifier, arresting and decom-
posing any carbonic acid that may have resulted from the action in the first chamber,
as the gases there produced are passed downwardly through such incandescent
charcoal in the second chamber.

page_text: This Invention also includes, in combination with a water-gas generator, the
grooved tiles or fire-bricks a used for lining the combustion chamber (A), said bricks
being perforated and grooved in such manner as to allow of the circulation of steam
through such grooves and perforations, which from such exposure to heat, both from
the outside and inside of the chamber, becomes highly superheated before coming in
contact with the incandescent coal or coke in the chamber where it is decomposed.
This Invention also includes the combination, with a water-gas generator, of the
pipe (b) for the introduction of oxygen gas for the purpose herein specified.
This Invention also includes the combination, with the water-gas generator, of
the automatic pyrometric device and connected valve and pipe for controlling and
regulating the supply of oxygen passing through such valve and pipe to the com-
bustion chamber by the temperature maintained in such chamber.
This Invention also includes the combination, with a water-gas generator, of a
grate (c) constructed of reciprocating bars resting upon eccentric shafts in such
manner that the several bars are alternately thrown upward and forward so as to
carry any slag or incombustible matter to the front end of the bars, and throw it
into the ash-pit.
This Invention also includes the water-gas generator A when heated in part upon
the outside, and in part by the combustion of the coal within said generator, whereby
a smaller supply of oxygen is demanded to keep up the necessary temperature for
the decomposition of the steam and production of gas.
This Invention also includes the combination, in a gas-generating apparatus, of a
vertical coal distilling chamber B, and a subjacent coke-pit B2, and a connected
trunk B*, and superheating retort B³, and pipe O for introducing non-luminant gas,
the chamber and trunk being closed at the top by a hopper and certain common
devices, and at the bottom by the lower end of both the coke-pit and trunk dipping
into and beneath the surface of water in a sealing trough D, substantially as described.
The superheating retort B³ is placed in a fire-room G, which communicates through
corridors F with the space F around the vertical distilling chambers B, from near
the top of which an aperture E opens to the adjacent trunk, which serves as the
connecting mechanism for the passage of mixed vapors and gases from the vertical
chamber B to the superheating retort B³, the roasting of the coal in the chamber B
being effected by heat from the fire-room G through the corridor acting upon the
outside of the chamber; this construction is such as to allow of the introduction of
coal through the hopper at the top, or the removal of coke from the sealing trough
D at the bottom at any time without liability of escape of gas from, or the admission
of air to, the apparatus.
This Invention also includes the combination, with a coal distilling chamber and
its subjacent coke-pit B2, of the movable apron H, for the purpose of removing the
coke from the coke-pit, as shown and described.
This Invention also includes the combination, with a coal distilling chamber and
its subjacent coke-pit, of the pipe O and valve V for the introduction and control of
non-luminant gases, for the purpose herein set forth.
This Invention also includes the combination, with a closed coal distilling chamber
B, of the pipe I for the introduction of oil upon the coal as an enricher of the resulting
gas.
This Invention also includes the combination, with a coal distilling chamber, of
the movable plates P, to facilitate the movement of the coal downward toward the
coke-pit, and to insure freedom for the passage of vapors and gases upward through
the chamber.
This Invention also consists in the comparatively dry seal of the coke-pit beneath
a coal distilling chamber B, in combination with the movable floor J, which is in
bars having projections upon their upper surface, as set forth; these bars are moved
upon eccentric supports, so that they are altercately moved upward and forward so
as to throw the coke into the sealed receptacle L, from which it is allowed to fall
through the lower gate K' into a barrow placed beneath.

page_text: This Invention also consists in the combination, with a gas fixing retort B³, of
the diverting plates M, for the purpose specified.
This Invention also consists in a partition wall N between the fire-room G and
the space F¹, surrounding the coal distilling chamber of a gas producing apparatus,
for the purpose specified.
This Invention also consists in the passage ways Q, through the wall, for the
circulation of air, for the purpose herein set forth.
This Invention also includes the combination, with a coal distilling chamber, of a
receptacle B and a hopper with cover and bottom gate, which is operated with a
lever from the outside, for the purpose of introducing coal to said chamber.
This Invention also consists, in the combination with a hydraulic main R, of the
automatic dip seal S, consisting of an inverted cup, with parallel guide bars, either
with or without an external handle for controlling the same.
This Invention further includes, as a new feature in the construction of gas-
pressure regulators, the upwardly closing annular valve or gate, whereby all dis-
turbance of the action of the valve from variations of pressure in the street mains,
or from position of the valve, is wholly obviated, as set forth.
This Invention also includes, as new in the construction of gas-pressure regulators,
the inverted cup (C) when constructed with a conoidal band (K*) for the purpose
of furnishing an increasing area for the action of the gas as it rises from the liquid
packing, and a decreasing area as it sinks into the same, the object being propor-
tional compensation for friction in the distributing pipes after the gas has passed the
regulator, as set forth, the vertical motion of the gate determining the altitude of
this band, and the difference of pressure area the horizontal width of the same
approximately.
This Invention also includes, in the construction of gas-pressure regulators, the
diaphragm (G) supporting the hemispherical seat (H') for the valve, and arresting
the impulse of the gas as it flows through the valve, thus preventing its direct impact
upon the inverted cup.
This Invention also includes, in the construction of antifriction attachments for
gas-pressure regulators, the curved tubes (0') containing mercury for the more
perfect gradation of action than is obtainable by straight tubes.
On the accompanying Drawings,—
Figure 1 represents a top view of the apparatus embodying my Invention.
Figure 2 represents a vertical section on line W, W, Fig. 1, looking towards the
front of the apparatus.
Figure 3 represents a horizontal section on line x, x, Fig. 2.
Figure 4 represents a similar section on line y, y, Fig. 2.
Figure 5 represents a vertical section on line 2, 2, Fig. 1.
Figure 6 represents a vertical section on line 2¹, z¹, Fig. 1.
Figures 7 represents a vertical section on line 22, 22, Fig. 1.
Figure 8 represents a vertical section on line 21, 21, Fig. 1, showing a modifi-
cation.
Figures 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 represent views of parts in detail.
Figures 15, 16, and 17 represent views of a gas regulator.
In describing my improved coal gas apparatus I shall, for convenience, classify the
principal combinations, as the water gas series and the coal distilling series, each
being largely independent of and but indirectly connected with the other. Both
series are substantially constructed of iron, and supported and surrounded by
suitable masonry.
The water gas series consists of, first, the generator A and purifier A¹, both being
enclosed in an outer casing and separated nearly to the top by a partition A². The
generator A is lined with fire-brick (a) having grooves (a¹), and perforations (a²) for the
passage and superheating of steam. The compartment A is provided with a suitable
grate (c) and ash-pit (c¹), and the compartment A' with grate (c2) and ash-pit (c³),
these ash-pits being disconnected from each other, and each having a close-fitting
door (d), being closed at the top by a plate of iron (e), through which the extension

page_text: of the hopper (h) passes downward into the generator, and the smoke pipe (i) with
it's valve covers an opening for the escape of the smoke or gases when the fire is being
aroused by air supplied to the fuel in the generator, also a covered opening for the
introduction of charcoal to the purifying chamber.
The hopper (h) is constructed with a close-fitting cover (h¹) which swings upon a
crane (h), and when in place is confined by a cam aud lever (h³), while a false
bottom or grate (h), controlled by a lever and counterweight (h³) outside, is provided
to close the opening to the combustion chamber when fuel is being introduced into
the hopper. Passing immediately above the partition, between the two compart-
ments, is a pipe (j), in which is placed a pyrometric bar (j') to be acted upon by
the varying temperature in the generator, which again in its turn acts upon a valve
() in pipe (b) through its connections, whereby the influx of oxygen for the
generation of heat in the chamber A is automatically controlled.
The grate c at the bottom of the gas generator is made of several individual bars,
which rest upon eccentric shafts in such manner that the rotation of the shafts cause
alternate bars to rise and move toward the ash-pit door, while the intermediates fall
and retreat from the door, each in turn acting to carry any slag or incombustible
matter over the end of the grate and throw it into the ash-pit. There is provided
an air pipe (k), which enters the ash-pit of the generator, through which air.
may be
forced to encourage the fire, and near the top a pipe (1) for the introduction of steam
to the grooves of the fire-brick lining. Passing downward from the lower ash-pit is
a pipe (m) for the conveyance of the "water gas" to a hydraulic main (n), from
which it is passed through pipe (o) to a holder for non-luminant gas.
The coal distilling chambers B and their adjuncts are inade about six feet high,
by 3x2 feet, of greater breadth at the bottom than at the top. Beneath each
chamber is a coke-pit B³, about six feet deep, which is sealed at the bottom in a water
trough D, which receives the coke from above upon a movable apron H, resting on
antifriction rollers H', by means of which the coke is readily removed without
breaking the seal or allowing the escape of gas or influx of air. These distilling
chambers are supplemented at the top by a receptacle B¹ for coal, when it may
become warmed before passing down into the distilling chamber proper. The chief
purpose of this receptacle however is to arrest, upon the surface of the coal recently
introduced, the more condensible or pitchy matters, while the more volatile portions
even of what is here condensed will be again distilled, and all strictly volatile
matter ultimately carried over by the non-luminant gas passing upwardly through
the coal and thence to the retort B³. Above these receptacles hoppers are provided
of a construction similar to that heroin-before described for the introduction of coal.
In each of these coal distilling chambers is placed an agitator (P) consisting of
several horizontal curved plates P, attached to vertical side bara in such relation as
to insure a way of escape upwardly of gases and vapors from below. These agitators
rest upon an eccentric shaft P' which traverses the coke-pit from before backwards,
projecting by one end through the outer wall, so that the device can be reciprocated
vertically to facilitate the descent of the coal toward the coke-pit. Adjacent to
each of these coal-distilling chambers, receptacles, and coke-pits, and separated from
them only by a partition which reaches from near the top of the receptacle down-
ward through the distilling chamber and coke-pit, dipping into the water in the
trough D, is a trunk B* for the conveyance of gases and vapors from the top of the
coal receptacle downward to the superheating retort B³ (which opens freely by its
rear end into said trunk). The lower end of the trunk provides for the removal
of any coke which might possibly form and accumulate in the trunk, allowing
it to fall into the water trough. There is provided for each coke-pit a pipe Ü
and valve V for the introduction of non-luminant gases. The distributing
pipe O' from which the non-luminant gas is drawn, being built into the wall, is
shown in section in Fig. 6, and elevation, Fig. 1. The superheating or gas-
fixing retort Bs contains an alternating series of diverting plates M, the purpose of
which is to thoroughly and uniformly mix and combine the non-luminant gases and
hydro-carbon vapors from the coal. The outer end of each retort is closed and

page_text: provided with a stand pipe B, which passes upward through the floor of the hydraulic
main R about eight or ten inches. Covering each of these pipes is an inverted cup
S, of a diameter considerably greater than the pipe. These cups are retained in
their vertical position by parallel guide bars S¹, so that the cup always maintains
its relations to the stand pipe. They may be controlled by a lever S2 passing outside
of the hydraulic main if desired, as shown in Figure 10..
In each complete bench enclosing one water gas series and two coal distilling
series, with a sufficient space intervening to allow for a fire-room for the retorts, and
corridors for the smoke and heated gases from the grate beneath the superheating
retorts, is a substantial wall of brick rising from the foundation below the water
troughs. The space included is about equally divided between the fire-room and
the space occupied by the coal-distilling chambers by a wall N having passage ways
Qthrough from inlets below to outlets near the top of the fire-room. This wall is
built so as to cover and protect that part of the trunk adjacent to the distilling
chambers proper against too great heat. Another purpose is to heat the air passing
through, to insure more perfectly the combustion of the gases admitted to the fire-
room from the water gas generator, or produced in the fire-room from fuel upon the
grate. Through this wall pass the retorts from the distilling chambers, and below
the floor of the fire-room, and corresponding with the spaces between the distilling
chambers are three openings O2, to which the smoke corridors lead, and through
which the distilling chambers receive their heat, while below the smoke corridors
the air passages lead from the outside to the spaces in the partition wall. The prime
object of the wall N is to insure a wide difference of temperature between the retorts
and the distilling chambers. The space in the rear of the water gas generator is
occupied by a retort W for the production of oxygen to be used in the water gas
generator, and is separated from the fire-room by a wall W'. The fire-room is
covered by a brick arch (r) just above the two superheating retorts; through this
arch passes the smoke pipe (t) of the water gas apparatus, so that if the fire in the
generator be urged by a blast of air, the resulting half-consumed fuel is economised
in the fire-room and no loss sustained. The space occupied by the distilling chambers
and water gas generator is covered with an iron plate, and the space in which the
oxygen retort is placed is covered with a brick arch (t) and surmounted by a chimney
(u) for conveying away the smoke from the fire. The rear wall supports the outer
end of the retorts which pass through it. It also has openings for a fire-door (d),
an ash-pit door, air passages, &c. Beneath the retorts is an ordinary fire-grate G³,
and beneath this an ash-pit of ordinary construction.
The coal distilling series, represented in Figure 8, differs from that herein-before
described only in the means provided for sealing the lower end of the coke-pit and
trunk and for the removal of the coke. The sealing of the trunk is effected by the
water trough D, but that of the coke-pit by a counterpoised gate K, provided with
grooves, which closes in such a manner as to receive into these grooves the lower or
downwardly projecting flanges p of the coke-pit (B2). The grooves then being
filled with water through the pipe (p³) effectually seal the gate. A similar gate Ki
is provided to the coke receptacle L beneath, being sealed in like manner. The floor
J of the coke-pit B2 is inclined towards the upper gate and constructed of recipro-
cating bars, resting upon eccentric shafts in such manner that the rotation of the
shaft carries the coke towards and through the upper gateway, when opened, into
the coke receptacle below.
Having fully described the mechanism of my improved gas generating apparatus,
I will now describe its various operations.
The trough D and hydraulic mains (n) and R are charged with water to the proper
level. The purifying chambers A' are filled with charcoal, and closed. The coke
pits B are filled with coke through the hopper (h) as a basis upon which the
bituminous coal may rest, which is next introduced. The distilling chambers B
and the receptacles B¹ above are filled. The fires are next kindled upon the grates C
of the water gas generators A. The valves in the dome of the smoke pipe (2) being
opened, and air admitted to the ash-pit (c¹), either by opening the doors (d) or by a

page_text: blast through pipes (k), coke is filled in to the water gas generators A gradatim
until they are full, and the blast continued until it is in an energetic state of com-
bustion, when the air is shut out from the ash-pit (c¹), and steam is drawn in
through pipe (1) to and through the grooves and apertures (a', a³) in the lining of
the generator, when it becomes thoroughly superheated, and near the grate C is met
by the oxygen gas through pipe (b) with which it mingles. Then flowing through
apertures upon all sides of the generator it enters the combustion chamber in contact
with the incandescent coke, when both the free oxygen and that combined with the
hydrogen in the steam are devoured by the coke, resulting in carbonic oxyde, and
the hydrogen is set free. The oxygen of the steam does not produce any heat in
abandoning the hydrogen, and uniting with the carbon; but the free oxygen in its
combination developes heat to any desired extent to re-place that carried away by
the gases, and by radiation from the apparatus the automatic pyrometric bar j³,
with the connected valve j², controlling the quantity introduced, thus insuring the
maximum yield of non-luminant combustible gas from the coal or coke used. This
product is liable to be contaminated with carbonic acid gas, to remove which it is
passed down through the incandescent charcoal in the purifying chamber A', where
each atom of carbonic acid is decomposed, resulting in two atoms of carbonic oxyde.
This purified gas is then passed downward through the hydraulic main (n) and
pipe (o) to a holder for non-luminant gas. A fire is next started upon the grates G³
beneath the retorts B³, the flame and heated gases from which flows first around
the retorts B³ to heat them, and then downward through ports and flues (F)
beneath the fire-room floor and apertures 02 in the wall (N), corresponding with
spaces between the distilling chambers B, which chambers are thereby heated to
about 700°. Thence the heated gases, pass around the water gas generator A to the
chimney.
The coal in the distilling chambers having become so far heated as to begin to
yield the bydrocarbon oils therein contained, the non-luminant gas made in the
preceding process is drawn from the holder through pipes (o¹) and valves (v) to the
coke-pits B2 beneath the coal, and, passing upward, mingles with and is carburetted
by the hydrocarbon vapors, and carries them up through the coal in the receptacle B',
where all pitching matter is arrested, thence through apertures E to and through
trunks B¹, retorts D, and diverting plates M, when, a much higher temperature
being maintained, the hydrocarbon vapors are permanently combined with the non-
luminant gases. From this point they pass upwardly through the stand pipe B*,
meeting the automatic sealing cups S, which are thereby caused to float lightly
upon the surface of the water in the hydraulic main (R), giving the lightest possible
dip, while any reverse action of the gas current would instantly insure a very deep
and sufficient seal to prevent any reflux through the stand pipes.
The great
advantage of this is apparent. From the hydraulic main H the gas is conducted
through a condenser, scrubber, and purifier, as in the ordinary manufacture, to a
holder for illuminating gas.
When hydrocarbon oils are used in addition to the coal by introducing them
through the pipe (I), the operation, aside from this particular, is the same as that
above described.
As the distillation proceeds, and the coal most exposed to heat in the distilling
chambers becomes coked, having parted with its volatile matters, the apron H upon
which the coke rests are moved by levers H₁, so as to bring the coke forward and
upward from the water troughs; by which act the coal from its own weight
gravitates toward the troughs, thus leaving space in the receptacles B' for the
introduction of fresh coal trough the hoppers. This is done at intervals of half an
hour in quantity of fifty pounds to each chamber, which being designed to contain
fifteen hundred pounds is one thirtieth of the full charge, and gives to every
pound of coal twelve hours exposure to the action of the fire before entering the
coke-pit.
The passage of the non-luminant gases through the coke near the top of the pit
cools the coke, and heats and expands the gases, which like dry heated air seeks

page_text: and abstracts the vapors from the coal with the greatest possible avidity. Thus
is the process of distillation rendered' continuous, and the yield of the hydrocarbon
vapors uniform, in contrast with the old intermittent process, where the variable
yield of the hydrocarbons rendered their uniform combination with water gas
impracticable, if not impossible.
The coke produced in the distilling chambers B is transferred from the troughs D
to the water gas generators for producing non-luminant gás as described.
The operation of the coal distilling chamber, as shown in Figure 8, is the same as
in the foregoing, excepting in sealing at the bottom, and in the removal of coke; the
former being accomplished by the inovable gates K, K, having grooves, into which
water flows from pipe (p³) from above these grooves, also receiving the pro-
jections (2) at the lower end of the coke-pit B³, and the coke receiver below,
the upper gate being opened while the lower is closed and water-sealed; the coke
resting upon the inclined floor J of the coke pit is moved through the upper gate
by the reciprocal action of the bars, of which the floor is constructed, by the
eccentric shafts upon which they rest. When a sufficient quantity has been so
transferred the upper gate is closed and sealed with water, and the lower one opened,
allowing the coke resting upon it to fall into a barrow below.
In describing the gas-pressure regulator, the main body, consisting of the
bottoni (A), concentric sides (A5), and partitions (A), (A7), is a single casting of
iron. An iron pipe (B) is screwed through the centre of the bottom, far enough to
serve for connecting it with the induction pipe, and extending up inside to the
same height as the partitions. By these three concentric partitions and the outer
shell, the space is divided so as to give two annular spaces (84), (85), for holding any
suitable liquid, as mercury, glycerine, &c., the outer for receiving and sealing the
lower edge of the inverted cup (C), and the inner for receiving and sealing the
lower edge of the thin tube (D) connected with, and depending from the valve (E').
These two concentric spaces are connected through a passage (F), so that the fluid
may readily flow from one to the other. Extending from the outer concentric
partition (A) a diaphragm (G*) of cast iron rises as a dome, covering the central
works. From the centre of this diaphragm, and forming a part of it, depends a
segment of a sphere (H), which being nicely finished serves as a seat against which
the gate closes. Through the sides of this diaphragm are several small openings (1)
for the ready transmission of the pressure from below to the inverted cup above
the diaphragm. In the centre is an opening for the passage, a connecting rod (J*)
from the inverted cup (C) above to the annular gate or valve (J) below the
diaphragm. The inverted cup (C) is constructed of thin metal iron or tinned plate,
the upper part of less diameter than the lower, the two parts being connected by
an intervening conoidal band (K) of such width as to meet the requirements in the
various sizes, the purpose being that this conoidal surface inside shall mark the
portion of the inverted cup which is wholly submerged in the liquid packing when
the gate is wide open, and when closed it shall be quite uncovered by the liquid,
for the purpose herein specified. The valve (E*) with its connected and depending
tube (D) is connected through a cross bar (L), and the rod (J) with the inverted
cup, rising and falling with it. In the bottom is an opening, to which is connected
the outlet (M), and over all a suitable cover (N'), also of iron.
The operation of the regulator is as follows:-The edges of the inverted cup (C4)
and the tube (D) being submerged in the liquid packing contained in the annular
spaces (S), (S), forbids the passage of gas beneath them. The gas entering by the
inlet pipe (B) passes between the gate (E*) and its seat, until the pressure upon the
under side of the inverted cup (C) is more than equal to the weight of the cup and
its attachments; then the cup (C) rises, and as it does so the conoidal band (K'),
which at first was covered upon the inside by the liquid packing, now becomes
uncovered, presenting an increasing area, upon which the gas pressure may act, to
force up the inverted cup, and with it the valve, until it is closed against the
hemispherical seat (H) upon the under side of the diaphragm (G). As the gas is
drawn out through the outlet (M*) it relieves the upward pressure upon the

page_text: inverted cup, and the latter falls so far as to open the valve sufficiently to maintain
a perfect equilibrium between the pressure of the gas in the inverted cup and the
weight of the inverted cup, its attachments, and such weight as may be added to
increase the pressure in the distributing pipes. The larger the volume of gas
passing through the distributing pipes the greater is the aggregate friction, and by
means of the conoidal band in the inverted cup, as the valve opens to allow a larger
volume of gas to pass, the inverted cup sinks its conoidal band in the liquid
packing, thus reducing the area upon which the gas acts to oppose the weight of
the cup and its appendages, so that the pressure is increased in proportion as the
valve is opened.
The antifriction attachment to the gas-pressure regulator consists of a series of
curved iron tubes (0%) with the ends closed, and turning upwardly, while the
middle is depressed. Passing horizontally through the middle of each is a fulcrum
pin (P), upon which they readily tilt; these are supported upon a suitable circular
frame (Q), with such attachments as may be necessary. These tubes are partly
filled with mercury, so that in the degree either end is depressed; the mercury flows
in that direction. These tubes are arranged radially upon the circular frame, the
converging ends being so connected with and acting upon the centre rod (J) of a
gas-pressure regulator, that they are simultaneously moved up or down with the
centre pin; the mercury flowing towards the centre as it is depressed, and when
raised flowing to the diverging ends, thus acting by its weight, according to position
in the tubes, to bear down or lift up the centre pin, and thereby compensate for the
proportional increase of friction in the distributing pipes as a greater or less volume
of gas is passing through them.
Having thus fully described the nature, construction, and operation of my
Invention, I wish to secure by Letters Patent, and claim,-
1st. The process for producing and purifying non-luminant gas, consisting in
passing steam and oxygen, as existing in any other combination than as in water
or in atmospheric air; first, through incandescent coke or coal, and then through
incandescent charcoal, for the purpose specified.
2nd. The process for producing illuminating gas, which consists, 1st., in heating
bituminous coal in a closed chamber or retort, sufficiently to expel the hydrocarbon
vapors from the coal without decomposing said vapors; and, secondly, in passing
combustible non-luminant gases, such as water gas, hydrogen, carbonic oxyde, or
marsh gas, upwardly through such heated coal, whereby the nascent hydrocarbon
vapors are taken up and lifted out from the coal and the non-luminant gases
carburetted, the mixed gases and vapors being subsequently superheated, as
specified.
3rd. The process for producing illuminating gas, which consists, 1st., in heating
bituminous coal in a closed chamber or retort; 2ndly., in introducing petroleum or
the hydrocarbon in a liquid form to such heated coal; and 3rd., in passing com-
bustible non-luminant gases, such as water gas, hydrogen, carbonic oxyde, or marsh
gas, upwardly through such coal, thereby conveying all volatile matters from the
coal and oil to a connected retort, which being maintained at a proper temperature
all the hydrocarbons are permanently combined therein with such non-luminant
gases, the product being an illuminating gas of standard commercial value.
the
4th. The combination in a water gas generator of the two adjacent chambers;
first for receiving and containing coal or coke, which at a high temperature is
designed to decompose steam when admitted in contact with it; the second, for
receiving and containing wood charcoal, which in the state of incandescence from
the surrounding heat acts as a purifier, arresting and decomposing any carbonic acid
that may have resulted from the action in the first chamber as the gases there
produced are passed downwardly through such incandescent charcoal in the second
chamber.
5th. In combination with a water gas generator, the grooved tiles or fire-bricks a
used for lining the combustion chamber, said bricks being perforated and grooved

page_text: in such manner as to allow of the circulation of steam through such grooves and
perforations, where froin such exposure to heat, both from the outside and inside of
the chamber, becomes highly superheated before coming in contact with the
incandescent coal or coke in the chamber where it is decomposed.
6th. The combination with a water gas generator of the pipe b for the introduction
of oxygen gas for the purpose herein specified:
7th. The combination with a water gas generator of the automatic pyrometric
device and connected valve and pipe for controlling and regulating the supply of
oxygen passing through such valve and pipe to the combustion chamber by the
temperature maintained in such chamber.
8th. The combination with a water gas generator of the grate c constructed of
reciprocating bars resting upon eccentric shafts in such manner that the several
bars are alternately thrown upward and forward so as to carry any slag or
incombustible matter to the front end of the bars, and throw it into the ash-pit.
9th. The water gas generator A when heated in part upon the outside, and in
part by the combustion of the coal within said generator, whereby a smaller supply
of oxygen is demanded to keep up the necessary temperature for the decomposition
of the steam and production of gas.
10th. The combination in a gas-generating apparatus of a vertical coal distilling
chamber B, and a subjacent coke pit B³, and a connected trunk B*, and super-
heating retort B³; and pipe O for introducing non-luminant gas, the chamber and
trunk being closed at the top by a hopper and certain common devices, and at the
bottom by the lower end of both the coke-pit and trunk dipping into and beneath
the surface of water in a sealing trough D, substantially as described.
11th. The combination with a coal distilling chamber B and its subjacent coke-
pit B of the movable apron H for the purpose of removing the coke froin the coke-
pit, as shown and described.
12th. The combination with a coal distilling chamber and its subjacent coke-pit
of the pipe O and valve V for the introduction and control of non-luminant gases,
for the purpose herein set forth.
13th. The combination with a closed coal distilling chamber B of the pipe I for
the introduction of oil upon the coal, as an enricher of the resulting gas.
14th. The combination with a coal distilling chamber of the movable plates P to
facilitate the movement of the coal downward toward the coke-pit, and to insure
freedom for the passage of vapors and gases upward through the chamber.
15th. The comparatively dry seal of the coke-pit beneath a coal distilling
chamber, in combination with the movable floor J, which is in bars, having
projections upon their upper surface, as set forth.
16th. The combination with a gas fixing retort B³ of the diverting plates M for
the purpose specified.
17th. A partition wall N between the fire-room G and the space F1 sur-
rounding the coal distilling chamber of a gas-producing apparatus, for the purpose
specified.
18th. The passage ways through the wall for the circulation of air, for the
purpose herein set forth.
19th. The combination with a coal distilling chamber of a receptacle B¹, and a
hopper with cover and bottom gate, which is operated with a lever from the outside,
for the purpose of introducing coal to said chamber:
20th. The combination with a hydraulic main R of the automatic dip seal S,
consisting of an inverted cup with parallel guide bars, either with or without an
external handle for controlling the same.
21st. In gas-pressure regulators, the upwardly closing annular valve or gate,
whereby all disturbance of the action of the valve from variations of pressure in the
street mains, or from position of the valve, is wholly obviated, as set forth.
22nd. The inverted cup C when constructed with a conoidal band K* for the
purpose of furnishing an increasing area for the action of the gas, as it rises from

page_text: the liquid packing, and a decreasing area, as it sinks into the same; the object
being proportional compensation for friction in the distributing pipes after the gas
has passed the regulator, as set forth.
23rd. The diaphragm G' supporting the hemispherical seat H for the valve, and
arresting the impulse of the gas as it flows through the valve, thus preventing its
direct impact upon the inverted cup.
24th. In antifriction attachments to gas-pressure regulators, the curved tubes
containing mercury, for the more perfect gradation of action than is obtainable by
straight tubes.
In witness whereof, I, the said Sydney Pitt, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Eighteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven.
SYDNEY PITT. (L.S.)