IMPROVEMENTS IN. TREATING: PYRITES AND: ORES CONTAINING SULPHUR, IN OBTAINING SULPHURETTED HYDROGEN, AND Donance Carinn
Year: 1855

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Manuel Perez Lozano, of Crutched Friars, in the
City of London, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN. TREATING: PYRITES
AND: ORES CONTAINING SULPHUR, IN OBTAINING SULPHURETTED HYDROGEN, AND
Donance Carinn"" + A
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Manuel Perez Lozano
at; the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
13th October 1855.
I, MANUEL PEREZ LOZANO, of Crutched Friars, in the City of London, do
hereby declare the nature of the Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN TREATING
PYRITES AND ORES CONTAINING SULPHUR, IN OBTAINING SULPHURETTED HYDROGEN;
AND IN 'PRECIPITATING COPPER FROM SOLUTIONS," to be as follows:-
This Invention has for its object improvements in treating pyrites and ores
containing sulphur; also, in obtaining sulphuretted hydrogen; and also, in
precipitating copper from solutions by sulphuretted hydrogen. In treating
pyrites and ores containing sulphur, the object is to obtain sulphur or sul-
phuretted hydrogen, according to the manner in which the apparatus forming
part of the Invention is worked.

page_text: The arrangement of furnace and apparatus for treating pyrites or ores con-
taining sulphur, according to the Invention, are constructed as follows:-There
is a chamber to contain fuel, which is closed at the top and at the sides so as
to prevent the passage of air in those directions. At the lower part of the
chamber there is a descending flue with fire bars at the bottom; into the space
just above the fire bars streams of atmospheric air are applied to the ignited
fuel; the products descend down through the fire bars and enter a flue, which
conveys them to the compartment of the apparatus wherein the pyrites or ores
are placed; heated atmospheric air is, however, supplied in jets or streams into
the flue just previous to where it joins the compartment containing the pyrites
or ores, and provision is made to adjust the quantity of air so introduced, and
for obtaining products from the fire in the furnace, by which means either
sulphur-or sulphuretted hydrogen may be obtained. At the lower part of the
compartment containing the pyrites or ores there is an angular ridge, perfo-
rated horizontally with holes or passages, which communicate with a descending
flue, into which the aeriform products pass from the compartment. The pyrites
or ores are introduced into the compartment through openings at the upper
part of the compartment; and there are inclined passages at the bottom through
which the resulting matters and refuse may be removed. Or, in place of this
apparatus, retorts may be used for obtaining sulphuretted hydrogen pyrites or
ores for the purpose of performing the part of the Invention hereafter described.
Or sulphuretted hydrogen may be obtained by employing retorts or vessels
containing coke or other porous matters, amongst which a constant stream of
melted sulphur is allowed to run or drop in such manner as to be acted on by
hydrogen or carburetted hydrogen supplied from any convenient source. Or
sulphuretted hydrogen is obtained for carrying out the part of the Invention,
hereafter mentioned, by decomposing sulphur together with fats or oils by heat.
And sulphuretted hydrogen is, according to part of this Invention, employed
in the following manner to separate copper from solutions: A suitable
chamber is used, which is kept constantly full of sulphuretted hydrogen, and a
solution of copper is caused to enter such chamber in a highly divided state, so
that the atmosphere of sulphuretted hydrogen may act thereon under the most
favorable circumstances.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Manuel Perez Lozano in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 9th April 1856.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, .MANUEL
PEREZ LOZANO, of Crutched Friars, in the City of London, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Thirteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, in the nineteenth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me,
the said Manuel Perez Lozano, Her special licence that I; the said Manuel
Perez Lozano, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others
as I, the said Manuel Perez Lozano, my executors, administrators, and
assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time
and at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and
lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Inven-
tion for "IMPROVEMENTS IN TREATING PYRITES AND ORES CONTAINING SULPHUR, IN
OBTAINING SULPHURETTED HYDROGEN, AND IN PRECIPITATING COPPER FROM SOLU-
TIONS," a communication, upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the
said Manuel Perez Lozano, my executors or administrators, by an instrument
in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals, should par-
ticularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what
manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in
the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately
after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Manuel Perez Lozano, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement thereof, that is to say:
The Invention of improvements in treating pyrites and ores containing
sulphur, applies to the extraction of sulphur from such minerals by means of
an apparatus of peculiar construction, which allows of the application of the
direct flame of. a gas furnace for the evaporation of sulphur from minerals
containing the same, instead of using closed vessels, such as retorts, muffets, or
tubes, as is generally done to evaporate sulphur.
I will first describe the apparatus I use for obtaining sulphur from pyrites
and ores containing sulphur, and whose peculiar construction may be seen.
from the annexed Drawings.

page_text: Sheet 1 Figure 1 shows a side view; Figure 2, a vertical section, through
V, W; Figure 3, a horizontal section; and Figure 4, a vertical section,
through X, Y. A is the furnace, charged with the ore, and B. the gas
generator. This apparatus is constructed for wood, peat, and wood charcoal.
Sheet II. shows similar views of an apparatus constructed for coal. The
apparatus is charged with ore containing sulphur, by. the door a, and the
desulphurized ore is drawn out by the doors h, h. The ridge e, formed of fire
clay or iron plates, protects the holes f,f, communicating with the gas canal 9,
which leads the evaporated sulphur. to the condensing chambers, where the
vapour of sulphur is condensed by means of water into the state of a fino
powder, commonly known under the name of flowers of sulphur. The opening i,.
generally closed with bricks, serves to clean the gas canal g, in case the same
should be filled with condensed sulphur. The tubes c, c, consist either of clay,
brickwork, or iron, and serve to heat the blast by the waste heat of the furnace:
previous to its being introduced into the furnace through the canal d, and:
numerous small holes in the back of the: fire bridge b.: The blast introduced
into the furnace serves to consume the inflammable gases produced in the gas
generator, and passing the canal 7 on their way to the furnace. The gas
generator B produces inflammable gases from fuel, which is charged through
the charging hole à on the top of the generator; the charging hole can be closed
gas-tight. The blast to produce inflammable gases in the generator is intro-
duced through the tuyeres r,r. The grate o prevents the fuel from dropping:
into the ash-pit p, which is closed by dry sand, and easily accessible when it
wants cleaning from ashes and cinders.
The apparatus represented on Sheet II. is of quite a similar construction as:
the above described, and differs from the same only in the construction of the:
gas generator. The latter is charged with fuel by.the charging hole I, whilst
the blast for producing inflammable gases is introduced at the bottom of tho
back wall through the tuyeres r, r. The gas canal 7 leads the gases over the
fire bridge into the furnace, where they are consumed. The opening p, which
is generally closed with bricks; serves to clean the generator from cinders any
time it is necessary. The mode of working the apparatus is in general the
same as with any other gas furnace. The gas generator being charged with fuel;
and the blast introduced, the inflammable gases thus produced are forced into
the furnace and there consumed. The first inflammation of these gases in the
beginning of a new operation.must be done with caution. The quantity of
gases produced in a certain' time in the generator depends upon the quantity
of blast introduced through the tuyeres, which can be regulated by a valve or
cock in the wind pipes which lead the blast from the blowing machine to the.

page_text: generator, and the more or less complete consumption of the gas depends from
the quantity of blast introduced into the furnace over the fire bridge, which
can also be regulated by another valve or cock between the blowing machine
and the blast heating apparatus.
I here have to remark that instead of hot blast cold blast may be used,
though with less advantage. When I treat pyrites or other ores containing
sulphur in order to evaporate sulphur, I regulate the consumption of the
inflammable gases, that the same be as complete as practically possible, and
that this be done I judge from the appearance of the flame; the same must
then have a white colour, but not be too short, as this would indicate an excess
of blast.
The furnace is generally charged from two to four times in twenty-four
hours, each charge consisting of one to three tons of ore, which is introduced
when the desulphurized ore is withdrawn from the furnace. The gas generator
is generally filled once in two hours with fuel, and requires per charge from
80 to 160 lbs. of the same, according to its quality, and I find that coal,
wood, peat, and charcoal, either separate or mixed with each other in various
proportions, answer the purpose. The gases produced by the consumption
pass the pyrites or ore (charged into the furnace in pieces of from the size
of a man's fist to that of a walnut) on their way downwards through the
holes ff, to the gas canal g, where they heat the ore containing sulphur, and
cause the latter to pass with them in the gaseous state to the condensing
chambers, where the vapour is condensed, whilst the other gases escape into
the atmosphere. The condensed sulphur is then collected, dried, and can;
by melting and casting into moulds, be converted into cane sulphur or any
other shape.
Having herein-before described certain arrangements of apparatus, and the.
mode of working with the same pyrites and other ores containing sulphur; in
order to obtain sulphur, I will now describe the way which I follow to produce.
sulpuuretted hydrogen gas from iron pyrites or ores containing sulphur by.
means of the same apparatus.
The improvements in producing sulphuretted hydrogen gas from pyrites or:
ores consist in applying hydrogen gas or carburetted hydrogen gas produced.
from fuel in a gas generator to sulphur in the state of vapour, when the latter.
combines most energetically with the hydrogen to form sulphuretted hydrogen.
gas, thus decomposing. the carburetted hydrogen gas.. For the purpose of pro-
ducing sulphuretted hydrogen with the above-described apparatus, I prefer to use,
such fuel as will give out much hydrogen and carburetted hydrogen, such as coal,
wood, and peat, either alone or mixed with each other in various proportions, or;

page_text: with coke and charcoal. The gas generator producing thus inflammable gases
containing much hydrogen and carburetted hydrogen, is worked in a similar
manner to that above described, and requires for an apparatus of the dimensions
shown upon the Drawings per charge 60 to 80 lbs. of coal, or 140 to 150 lbs:
of a mixture consisting of one-third charcoal and two-thirds dry wood, or 230
to 250 lbs. dry peat, of good quality; however, the quantity of fuel required
depends necessarily from its quality. The furnace being charged with from
onc to two tons pyrites or ore in twelve hours, I regulate the blast introduced
into the furnace, so that the consumption of the inflammable gases remains
imperfect, and I judge this from the appearance of the flame. In this case
the flame is red, dark, and smoky, and the gases of combustion charged with
unburnt hydrogen gas and carburetted hydrogen gas pass the hot pyrites or
ore on their way to the gas canal g, when they are for some time in the most
intimate contact with vapour of sulphur deriving from the pyrites. The result
is, by combination of sulphur with hydrogen and decomposition of the car-
buretted hydrogen, a mixture of gases charged with sulphuretted hydrogen gas;
applicable for many chemical purposes.
I have now described the method of obtaining sulphuretted hydrogen from
pyrites or ore containing sulphur by means of the described apparatus, and
will now proceed to explain another way of producing the said gas. This
mode consists in the application of sulphur instead of pyrites or ore by means
of a retort apparatus, as herein-after described.
The retort apparatus consists of two parts, namely, the retorts for producing
bydrogen and carburetted hydrogen, and these where the named gases in con-
tact with sulphur produce sulphuretted hydrogen gas.. The first part consists
of two iron or clay retorts, of size and shape as common gas retorts, which
serve alternately to produce hydrogen gas and carburetted hydrogen gas from
fuel or other substance containing these gases by the so-called process of dry
distillation. In order to execute, this process, the retorts are filled with the
substance from which the hydrogen and carburetted hydrogen is to be extracted,
then closed and heated from outside. The heating of the retorts is continued
until the gases escaping from the same show when lighted a blue flame, which
colour indicates that all the carburetted hydrogen and hydrogen is developed,
when the retorts are discharged and filled again with fresh material. The
working of both retorts might be so regulated that one is at full work when
the other is discharged and re-filled. The second part of the retort apparatus
consists of a furnace, provided with fire-place, and four to six retorts of similar
shape and size as the above; they are so arranged as to be heated all over as
equally as possible, and are so connected with each other by bent tubes that

page_text: they form a serpentine. These retorts are filled with porous matters, such as
calcined pyrites, ore, or coke, and supplied with a constant stream of melted
sulphur, which, flowing slowly over the porous matters, comes in intimate con-
tact with the hydrogen gas and carburetted hydrogen gas produced from fuel or
other substances, and conducted in a continuous serpentine line course through
these retorts. The result is the developement of sulphuretted hydrogen, produced
by combination of sulphur with hydrogen and decomposition of carburetted
hydrogen. Instead of using fuel for producing carburetted hydrogen and
hydrogen in the retort apparatus, I also apply other organic matters, such as
tar, pitch, resins, stearine, or fatty oils, in the same way as is well known in the
manufacture of gas for illuminating purposes, from such organic matters. The
sulphuretted hydrogen gas thus produced in the retort apparatus is, of much
greater strength and purity, that is to say, not mixed with other gases in such
a proportion as the gas obtained by means of the apparatus before described,
and is therefore preferable for many purposes.
Having herein-before explained the modes of obtaining sulphuretted hydrogen
gas, by causing an intimate contact of hydrogen gas and carburetted hydrogen
gas, either with vapour of sulphur or sulphur in the. liquid. state .at .a:high
temperature, I might add that I do not confine myself to these modes,..but that
I also use the carburetted hydrogen in its liquid state, so as contained in tar,
pitch, resin, stearine, oils, or other fatty animal or vegetable substances, for
obtaining sulphuretted hydrogen.
The mode of treating such matters with sulphur for producing sulphuretted
hydrogen is this: In a cast-iron retort, of such shape and construction as is
generally used in distilleries for spirits of wine, I charge the organic matter
with a surplus of -sulphur, so that the retort is about half filled; I then begin
slowly to heat the retort until the sulphur and the organic substance melt;
raising the heat slowly.to the boiling point of these organic; animal, or vegetable
substances, being themselves or containing carburetted hydrogen.. The result
of the action of the sulphur upon the carburetted hydrogen in liquid state is
the decomposition of the latter, the formation of sulphuretted, hydrogen, and
the deposition of carbon. The developement of the sulphuretted hydrogen is
in the beginning generally very strong, and requires therefore the usual caution;
after some time the same decreases, and the heat must be slowly raised to the
evaporating temperature of the sulphur. The operation is with this degree of
heat finished. All the carburetted hydrogen is decomposed, and in the retort,
remains only carbon mixed with some sulphur; the retorts.are then discharged
and ready again for a new operation. The sulphuretted hydrogen; thus pro-
duced is generally very pure, chiefly after having passed it through a vessel

page_text: filled with water, and is applicable for many purposes where the same gas or
the sulphides of sodium and potassium have been hitherto used.
.
. Having thus explained the methods which I adopt for producing sulphur
and sulphuretted hydrogen; I will now proceed to describe the last part of the
Invention, that is, the application of sulphuretted hydrogen for the extraction
of copper from copper ores.
The ore containing copper in the state of sulphide is calcined in common
calcining furnaces, or in heaps in the open air, as is well understood; the
object of the calcining operation being to convert the sulphide of copper
into: sulphate of copper or blue vitriol, which, as is well known, is very
soluble in water. After the calcination is completely done, I lixiviate the
calcined ore with hot or cold water upon water-tight platforms, or in tanks
or basins, to dissolve out from the calcined ore all the copper which is in a
soluble state. The result of the lixiviating process is a solution containing
chiefly sulphates of copper and iron, from which I precipitate the copper in
the state of sulphide of copper by means of sulphuretted hydrogen gas. The
precipitating apparatus which I use for this purpose consists of a system of
gas and water-tight chambers, filled with pieces of wood, and communicating
with each other. The gas stream containing the sulphuretted hydrogen gas is
introduced into the apparatus, and passes several times up and down, circu-
lating in a serpentine line, before it; reaches the atmosphere. The top of the
precipitating chambers is covered with a tank whose bottom is pierced with
numerous holes, which allow the copper solution pumped up into this tank to
fall down into the chambers as a fine rain, when the copper coming thus into
the most intimate contact with the sulphuretted hydrogen gas forced into the
chambers, is precipitated in the state of sulphide of copper. This process of
precipitating the copper from the solution is continued until all the copper
formerly in the state of sulphate is converted into sulphide. That this be
completely done I judge from the smell of the solution, which indicates when
it contains free sulphuretted hydrogen, when the precipitation is finished. The
whole liquid is then drawn upon filters, where the precipitated sulphide of
copper remains, whilst the clear solution free of copper runs away. The pre-
cipitate is then washed, pressed, dried, and smelted into rich regulus, which
may be worked for fine copper by any one of the well-known methods.
Having now described the nature of the Invention, and the best modes I
am acquainted with to carry the same into effect, I would have it understood
that I claim as the Invention, the peculiar arrangement of apparatus, as above
described, and shown by the annexed Drawings, for producing sulphur and
sulphuretted hydrogen from pyrites or ores containing. sulphur; the methods

page_text: of obtaining sulphuretted hydrogen, using hydrogen gas for carburetted
hydrogen gas, produced from fuel or certain fother animal or vegetable
substances, with sulphur, either in the gaseous or liquid state, and treating
carburetted hydrogen in the liquid state, as contained in certain animal or
vegetable substances, with sulphur, as above described; the mode of appli-
cation of sulphuretted hydrogen gas for precipitating copper solutions containing
the same.
In witness whereof, I, the said Manuel Perez Lozano, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Twenty-eighth day of March, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-six.
Witness,
Juny will
MANUEL PEREZ LOZANO. (L.S.)