IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR HEATING, COOLING, AND ATTEMPERATING GRAIN, MALT, & OTHER SUBSTANCES, & ALSO FOR IMPROVED ARRANGEMENTS FOR CONVEYING & DISTRIBUTING AIR, GAS, OR OTHER FLUIDS USED IN THESE PROCESSES
Year: 1879

page_text: "s
LETTERS PATENT to Henry Wilson, Engineer, of Stockton on Tees, County
of Durham, for the Invention of IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR HEATING,
COOLING, AND ATTEMPERATING GRAIN, MALT, & OTHER SUBSTANCES, & ALSO
FOR IMPROVED ARRANGEMENTS FOR CONVEYING & DISTRIBUTING AIR, GAS,
OR OTHER FLUIDS USED IN THESE PROCESSES."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Wilson at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 8th April 1879.
HENRY WILSON, Engineer, of Stockton on Tees, County of Durham. "IMPROVED
APPARATUS FOR HEATING, COOLING, AND ATTEMPERATING GRAIN, MALT, & OTHER
SUBSTANCES, & ALSO FOR IMPROVED ARRANGEMENTS FOR CONVEYING & DISTRI-
BUTING AIR, GAS, OR OTHER FLUIDS USED IN THESE PROCESSES."
The first part of my Invention consists in the construction of and arrangement of
floors for the reception of grain to be subjected to the process known as Galland's
pneumatic system of malting, and has for its object the proper and uniform distri-
bution of the attemperated air by which the process is performed, and for this purpose
instead of constructing the floor in the manner shewn in Galland's Specification by
building transverse dwarf walls upon any existing floor or foundation, leaving large
spaces below leading to the exhaust conduit, which spaces are controlled by hand
worked sluices, I construct hollow bearers of semicircular, triangular, or other suitable
shape (composed of wood, inetal, or other suitable materials) having openings in the
sides of such size and arrangement as will ensure an equal amount of suction or blowing
power being evenly spread over the entire under surface of the grain which is laid
upon the perforated medium which is supported by these bearers or beams, which
are simply laid upon any existing floor, or I place ordinary plain beams or girders
at proper distances on any existing floor and have suitable openings through the
floor into branch conduits leading to the main conduit or longitudinal sluice, or the
ends of these bearers or beams terminated in a longitudinal sluice communicating
with the face, or I sometimes apply the suction power by carrying this conduit into
the ash pit of any convenient boiler or other chimney so that the draught of the

page_text: fire and chimney draws the air along the conduit from the transverse hollow beams
or bearers, and communicating with the spaces under the perforated or grated floor
upon which the grain is laid through the openings spread over the surface of these
beams or bearers. I also sometimes cause a draught or suction by placing a steam
jet in the outlet end of the conduit to create a partial vacuum, and sometimes use an
exhausting air pump and also an ordinary enclosed bellows for the same purpose.
And in order to provide for the proper distribution of the attemperated air, gas, or
other fluid over the upper surface of the grain, malt, or other substance, I conduct
the air through a longitudinal conduit having branch conduits leading to the side
of the chamber, and these branch conduits have grated openings on the sides or
under surface, and are arranged to discharge the attemperated air uniformly over
the surface of the grain. The main or longitudinal conduit is connected at one or
both ends if required to the filtering or charging chamber or chambers, and the
openings into the branch conduits are controlled by flaps or valves, which are
operated upon in the following manner, which forms the second part of my Inven-
tion The flaps or valves above named are connected by rods and levers to similar
flaps or valves placed in the suction conduit or sluice, and cover the outlets of the
transverse hollow beams so that the flap or valve of both the supply and delivery
or suction are open at the same time and also closed at the same time. On the
vertical rod connecting the valves together is fixed a projecting lever, which is so
placed that on depressing this lever both the supply and suction valves or
flaps are opened. A double belt or two ropes passing over pullies at each end
of the chamber and arranged so that the projecting lever is between the two
belts or ropes; at required distances a solid belt or other arrangement is fixed
between the two belts or ropes so that when this part comes over the lever it
depresses it and opens the valves, keeping them open till it has passed on to
the next, which it depresses, and allows the first one to close, which operation is
performed by a strong spring or weight attached to one of the flaps, which
pulls them both close when the pressure of the belt is removed from the lever,
the alternate opening and closing of the whole range of valves being regulated as
required, but all being operated upon in rotation by means of the double belt or
ropes with the solid piece at required intervals, as before described, and which are
also so arranged that at stated intervals the direction of the attemperated air can be
reversed and driven up as well as down through the mass of grain, which is thereby
loosened, thus dispensing with hand or machine turning to a great degree. The
purpose of the arrangement above described is to ensure every part of the grain
having an equal supply of attemperated air applied uniformly, it being a law of
nature that air and other fluids will only travel the shortest distances to their outlet,
and especially when the air is colder and moister than the atmosphere into which
it is discharged. It will only fall straight down when discharged from the outlet
of the filtering or attemperating chamber, so that the surface of grain furthest
removed from that outlet will fail to receive any portion of the attemperated air
until the whole of the atmosphere of the chamber is of an equal temperature, which
if the suction is carried on continuously it can never be, and consequently the
necessity for frequent turning over and changing the position of the grain is
necessary now the moving of the sluices by hand as directed in Galland's system is
uncertain. It will be seen that the adoption of the arrangement hereinbefore
described ensures that every part of the upper and under surface, and consequently
the intervening mass, is operated upon in a regular and uniform manner, the use of
the hollow perforated beams being to spread the suction over the entire under
surface, without which the air will find its way down through the inass at the sides
nearest the source from which it is drawn or sucked away. Therefore an important
point in my Invention is the uniformn distribution of attemperated air, gas, or other
fluid over the entire surfaces of grain or other substances under the operation called
Galland's patent pneumatic system, whereby I dispense either wholly or in a great
measure with hand or manual turning, and also shorten the time required for com-
pleting the process, and in the manner described.

page_text: Another important point is that I use the same arrangement for the drying of
grain, hay, or any other substance, and for the distribution of cold air in preserving
and refrigerating chambers, and also for the distribution of hot air, gas, or other
fluids over extended surfaces, likewise for malt kilns, which I construct in the following
manner-Over the fire or heating media in the ordinary kiln I place a solid roof
of cast iron or other suitable material, having an open or grated space round the
whole of the outer edge next the wall, and sometimes I have open spaces in various
parts of the body of this roof. On the upper surface of this roof I place my hollow
perforated beams or girders, on which are placed the grids upon which the malt
rests. The openings above named as coming from the under surface of the roof are
carried by tubes or trunks above the grid so that the heated or attemperated air
from below passes clear up and is discharged on the upper surface of the malt, the
fan being connected to the conduit leading from the hollow beams or girders sucks
the heated air down through the malt and into the space between the under surface
of the grids and the upper surface of the roof. The valves for controlling the
currents are worked in the same manner as before described, and the hot air being
either sucked down or forced up through the malt as required. In this arrangement
an important point is that in the ordinary method of drying or roasting inalt the
hot air ascends by gravitation and is displaced by cold and heavier air entering
through the ventilator, which falling down direct amongst the steam arising from
the malt condenses a large portion of it and throws it back upon the malt to be re-
evaporated, and so on. In my system the steam arising from the malt is carried
directly away, and their being no ventilator nor any opening to the cold air required
in my form of malt kiln no condensation takes place as no cold air is admitted, the
hot air from below being carried up clear of the upper surface and drawn down
through the malt as described, or the hot air is by changing the direction of the
current driven up through the malt to loosen the mass and dispense with hand
turning, though I sometimes apply the suction power of the fan or other media to
the upper surface of the malt, and closing up all communication with the cold air,
draw away by this means the steam as rapidly as it is formed, all of which means
come within the scope of my Invention.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Henry Wilson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 8th
October 1879.
HENRY WILSON, Engineer, of Stockton on Tees, in the County of Durham.
"IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR HEATING, COOLING, AND ATTEMPERATING GRAIN,
MALT, AND OTHER SUBSTANCES, AND ALSO FOR IMPROVED ARRANGEMENTS FOR
CONVEYING AND DISTRIBUTING AIR, GAS, OR OTHER FLUIDS IN THESE PROCESSES."
The first part of my Invention consists in the construction and arrangement of
floors for the reception of grain to be subjected to the process known as Galland's
pneumatic system of malting, and has for its object the proper and uniform distri-
bution of the attemperated air by which the process is performed, and for this
purpose instead of constructing the floor in the manner shown in Galland's
Specification by building transverse dwarf walls upon any existing floor or
foundation, and leaving large spaces below, which spaces are controlled by hand
worked sluices, I construct hollow bearers of semicircular, triangular, or other
suitable shape, composed of wood, metal, or other suitable material, having openings
in the sides of such size and arrangement as will ensure an equal amount of suction
or blowing power being evenly spread over the entire under surface of the grain,
which is laid upon the perforated medium that is supported by these bearers or
beams which are simply laid upon any existing floor. Or I place ordinary beams or
girders at proper distances on any existing floor, and have suitable openings through
the floor into branch conduits leading to the main conduits or longitudinal sluice,
the ends of which bearers or beams terminato in a longitudinal sluice or conduit
communicating with the fan. Or I sometimes apply the suction power by carrying
the conduit into the ash pit of any convenient boiler or other chimney, so that the
draught of the fire and chimney draws the air along the conduit from the trans-
verse hollow beams or bearers, and communicating with the spaces under the
perforated or grated floor upon which the grain is laid through the openings spread
over the surface of these beams or bearers. I also sometimes cause a draught or
suction by placing a steam jet in the outlet end of the conduit to create a partial
vacuum, and sometimes use an exhausting air pump and also an ordinary enclosed
bellows for the same purpose; and in order to provide for the proper distribution
of the attemperated air, gas, or other fluid over the upper surface of the grain,
malt, or other substance I conduct the air through a longitudinal conduit having
branch conduits leading to the sides of the chamber. These branch conduits have
grated openings on the sides or under surface, and are arranged to discharge the
attemperated air uniformily over the surface of the grain. The main or longitudinal
conduit is connected at one or both ends (as required) to the filtering or charging
chamber or chambers, and the openings into the branch conduits are controlled by
flaps or valves, which are operated upon in the following manner (which forms the
second part of my Invention):-The flaps or valves above named are connected by
rods and levers to similar flaps or valves placed in the suction conduit or sluice
covering the outlets of the transverse hollow beams, so that the flap or valve of
both the supply and delivery or suction are open at the same time, and also close at
the same time. On the vertical rod connecting the valves together is fixed a
projecting lever, which is so placed that on depressing this lever both the supply
and suction valves or flaps are opened. A double belt or two ropes pass over
pulleys at each end of the chamber, being arranged so that the projecting lever is
between the two belts or ropes. At required distances a solid belt or other
arrangement is fixed between the two belts or ropes, so that when this solid part
comes over the lever it depresses it and opens the valves, keeping them open till it
has passed on to the next, which it depresses, allowing the first one to close.
operation is performed by a strong spring or weight attached to one of the flaps
The

page_text: which pulls them both close when the pressure of the belt is removed from the
lever. The alternate opening and closing of the whole range of valves being
regulated as required, but all being operated upon in rotation by means of the
double belt or ropes with the solid pieces at required intervals, as before described.
Same are also so arranged that at stated intervals the direction of the attemperated
air can be reversed and driven up as well as down through the mass of grain which
is thereby loosened, dispensing with hand or manual turning to a great degree. I
also sometimes by preference actuate the valves by means of cords connected to
levers fixed in proximity to a drum having a series of projections at different parts
of its surface, so that when these projections come in contact with the levers they
aro depressed or elevated and open the valves of each section alternately, the
alternate suction and pressure being produced in the following manner (the use of
the alternate suction and pressure being to blow a current of air up through and
down through the grain alternately):-On the outlet of the air pump, fan, or
bellows I place a pipe or box containing a series of valves so arranged and worked
by automatic action that the air is sucked in or forced out by the same conduit, as
may be required and arranged.
The purpose of the arrangement described above is to ensure every part of the
grain having an equal supply of attemperated air applied uniformily, it being a law
of nature that air or other fluids will only travel the shortest distances to their
outlet, and especially when the air is colder and moister than the atmosphere into
which it is discharged. Thus it will only fall straight down when discharged from
the outlet of the filtering or attemperating chamber, so that the surfaces of grain
farthest removed from that outlet will fail to receive any portion of the attempe-
rated air until the whole of the atmosphere of the chamber is of an equal
temperature, which, if the suction is carried on continuously, it can never be, and
consequently the necessity for frequent turning over and changing the position of
the grain is necessary; besides, the moving of the sluices by hand, as directed in
Galland's system, is uncertain.
It will be seen that the adoption of the arrangement described in my
Specification ensures that every part of the upper and under surfaces, and con-
sequently the intervening mass, be operated upon in a regular and uniform manner,
the use of the hollow perforated beams being to spread the suction over the entire
under surface, without which the air will find its way down through the mass at
the sides nearest the source from which it is drawn or sucked away. Therefore an
important point in my Invention is the uniform distribution of attemperated air,
gas, or other fluid over the entire surfaces of grain or other substances under the
operations called Galland's patent pneumatic system, thereby dispensing either
wholly or in a great measure with hand or manual turning, thus shortening the
time required for completing the process in the manner described.
Another important point is that I use my arrangements for the drying of grain,
hay, or any other substance, and. for the distribution of cold air in preserving and
refrigerating chambers, and also for the distribution of hot air, gas, or other Huids
over extended surfaces, and also for malt kilns, which I construct in the following
manner-Over the fire or heating media in the ordinary kiln I place a solid roof
of cast iron or other suitable material, having an open or grated space round the
whole of the outer edge next the wall.
And sometimes I have open spaces in
various parts of the body of this roof. On the upper surface of this roof I placo
my hollow perforated beams or girders, on which again are placed the grids upon
which the malt rests; the openings above named as coming from the under
surface of the roof are carried by tubes or trunks above the grids, so that the
heated or attemperated air from below passes clear up, and is discharged on the
upper surface of the malt. The fan being connected to the conduit leading from
the hollow beams or girders sucks the heated air down through the malt and
into the space between the under surface of the grids and the upper surface of
the roof. The valves controlling the currents are worked in the same manner as
before described, the hot air being either sucked down or forced up through the

page_text: malt as required. In this arrangement an important point is that in the ordinary
method of drying or roasting malt the hot air ascends by gravitation, and is
displaced by cold and heavier air entering through the ventilator, which falling
down direct amongst the steam arising from the malt condenses a large portion of
it, and throws it back upon the malt to be re-evaporated, and so on; whilst in
my system, the steam arising from the malt is carried directly away, and there
being no ventilator nor any opening to the cold air required in my form of malt
kilns no condensation takes place, as no cold-air is admitted, the hot air from below
being carried up clear of the upper surfaces, and drawn down through the malt as
described; or the hot air is by changing the direction of the current driven up
through the malt to loosen the mass and dispense with hand turning, though
I sometimes apply the suction power of the fan or other media to the upper surface
of the malt, and closing up all communication with the cold air, draw away by this
means the steam as rapidly as it is formed.
I also where it is convenient apply the above form of cooling, heating, and
attemperating in a circular form having the transverse conduit revolving round a
centre through which the air passes into the conduit, and is treated in the manner
above described, and when used for the purpose of drying or roasting malt by the
direct action of the fire, I attach the conduit to a pipe, to the bottom of which a
cone is fixed, which cone covers the fire and conveys the heat direct up the pipe
and into the conduit where it escapes through the perforations. And in order to
carry off the steam arising from the damp malt, I place a cover of sheet iron or
other suitable material immediately over the conduit, and opening into the upper
part of the vertical pipe above described, the upper and lower part being divided
by a plate or division, so as to prevent the fire heat passing right away up the
chimney, forcing it through the conduit. The upper part of this pipe passes through
the roof of the building and carries the steam away clear of the interior; and to
promote the more rapid condensation and absorption of this steam, I place layers of
canvas, spun yarn, or other absorbing material inside the above named cover with
suitable channels to convey away the condensed water.
I also use the same arrangement of apparatus for the cooling of brewers' worts
and other liquids; water, or air, conveyed through flattened or other shaped tubes
being the cooling agent.
Having thus far described the nature of my said Invention, and incidentally
intimated in what manner the same is to be performed, I will now proceed, aided
by the accompanying Drawings, to further and particularly describe and ascertain
in what manner the same is to be performed or carried out in practice, that is so
say :-
Drawing No. 1, Fig. 1, shews transverse section of hollow bearers for supporting
the grated flooring upon which the grain rests; Fig. 2, ground plan of ditto
showing the wind or air courses with the arrangement of valves or flaps leading into
each division or section; A, being one of the flaps shown open through which the
wind passes along the hollow bearer and openings in the side, and is either drawn
down through or forced up through the grated plates, and distributed through the
grain laid above; Fig. 3 shows longitudinal section of hollow bearer with wind
channel at end; Figs. 4 and 5 show longitudinal and transverse sections of the
upper transverse wind channel, containing the cooling and filtering media with the
arrangements for actuating the valves and controlling the wind and water supply;
Fig. 6 is ground plan of same showing levers, water pipes, and tap.
Drawing No. 2 shows ground plan and transverse section of upper wind conduit,
which is supplied with wind through longitudinal conduit A, the transverse conduit
which is moved to and fro as required by means of belts, ropes, or chains, the wind
being directed and controlled as described below; this travelling conduit may
either contain the filtering and cooling media, or the air may be attemperated in

page_text: The direction of the air in dis-
When the action is reversed as
any convenient manner before passing into it.
charging the wind is shown by the arrows.
described, the air is drawn through the holes shown and the direction of the arrows
reversed.
Drawing No. 3 shows the arrangement of my apparatus as described, as applied
to the drying of grain, hay, &c., and for the construction of malt kilns, A being a
sectional clevation of malt kiln or drying house; B, ground plan of drying
floor;
C shows the disposition of the hollow bearers and grated floor. The arrows
in D show the direction of the currents of heated or attemperated air with the
arrangements of levers for directing such currents; E shows transverse section of
hollow bearers with upcast pipes to carry away the steam.
Drawing No. 4 shows the application of my apparatus in a circular form, A being
elevation, and B, ground plan of kiln; C, section of cone over fire with driving
gear; D, longitudinal section showing cover to carry away the steam; E ground
plan of revolving conduit.
Drawing No. 5 shows the same arrangement as above, but adapted for the
application of attemperated air, gas, or other agent.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature and objects of my
said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed or put in practice,
I hereby declare that what I claim as novel and useful in my said Invention is as
follows:-
First. The substitution of hollow girders or bearers laid on ordinary and existing
floors, and covered by perforated plates, same being cheaper, more easily adapted,
and more effective than any other existing plan for effecting the purposes required,
saine being shewn in Drawings Nos. 1, 2, and 3.
Secondly. The uniform distribution by automatic means of cooling, filtering, and
attemperating the air or other fluids used in the processes named, same being
shewn in Drawings Nos. 1 and 2, and application thereof to malt kilns and drying
floors shown in Drawing No. 3.
Thirdly. Blowing the attemperated air up through the grain or other substance
to be operated on, when used in conjunction with the valve and flap arrangements,
shown in Drawing No. 1.
Fourthly. The adoption of a travelling upper conduit (Drawing No. 2) in
conjunction with or instead of fixed conduits (Drawing No. 1).
Fifthly. The adoption of the circular motion in conjunction with the other
arrangements as described, same being shown in Drawings Nos. 4 and 5. And
I further declare in regard to my said Invention that I do not confine myself to
the particular forms shown in the Drawings, but claim to modify same according to
requirements.
In witness whereof, I, the said Henry Wilson, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy nine.
5
Witness,
T. MORGAN,
Secretary,
Inventors' Patent Right Assª., Ld.,
21, Cockspur Street, S.W.
HENRY WILSON. (L.S.)