Improvements in or relating to the Generation of Gases known as Water-gas, Siemens Gas, and Producer Gas, and in Apparatus Connected therewith.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 1st May, 1889
Complete Specification Left, 12th Oct, 1889-Accepted, 18th Nov., 1889
PROVIDIONAL DI LUITICATION.
Improvements in or relating to the Generation of Gases known as
Water-gas, Siemens Gas, and Producer Gas, and in Apparatus
Connected therewith.
We, JOSEF VON LANGER, of 32 Park Row, Leeds, Yorkshire, Engineer, and
LEONARD COOPER, of the same address, Iron Merchant, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention to be as follows:-.
This invention relates in general, (1) to improve forms of Producers; (2) to an
improved manner of admitting air when heating up a Producer for making Water-gas;
(3) to improved valves, improved valve arrangements, and modes of actuating valves
in groups.
The objects of the invention are connected with simplifying and improving the
apparatus, lessening the cost, and time, of production, and preventing explosions
Our producer is of the vertical type and may be either round or square in the upper
part, but the lower part is preferably rectangular in plan At the usual point of
contraction the weight of the material in the furnace 1, partly borne or held up by
fire bars, so called,-which may extend across from side to side of the furnace for
this purpose. Two or four opposite sets of bars will be found most suitable for a
rectangular furnace; two opposite sets are sufficient.
In cross section each lower bar may project further inwards than its higher
neighbour and thus the support is formed & the furnace contracted at this point.
The sectional outline thus formed by the bars may be of any suitable shape and
the edges of the bars may be so formed as to further accommodate the shape
chosen. Between these bars an attendant is able to introduce his cleaning tools,
doors for this purpose being relatively arranged. In a line, preferably central,
directly under the furnace load a portion of the hearth rises up in the form of a
blunt wedge and has its apex on a level, or thereabouts, with the lowest fire-bars,
this also the workman can reach with his tools from the above mentioned, or other
suitable doors. Of course this apex of the hearth may be built up in other
shapes, for instance it might form part of a curved hearth. What we aim at 15
a support for the load in the furnace which shall impede as little as possible the
free descension of the ashes, and at the same time be within reach of the attendant's
tools. Another advantage arising, when only two sets of fire bars are used, from
this mid feather, formed by the hearth, is that it tends to make the steam pass
equally thro' either half of the fuel in its descent to the two outlets in the form of
water-gas.
The lower portions of the hearth slant away to either side and end in doors suitably
placed for the removal of ashes.
For making Water-gas, we arrange, on each side of one half of the producer below
the point of contraction and outside each of the sets of supporting bars, suitable outlets
for the Water-gas; and corresponding outlets for the "Siemens"
or other gas are
arranged in the other half of the furnace base Suitable valves are arranged in each
and every case When the outlet for the ordinary gas is at the base a suitable outlet
and funnel must also be arranged at the head of the producer to carry off these gases
at the top when necessary for cleaning purposes &c
When heating a Producer for making Water-gas the blast in some cases may be
admitted at the head as thereby a superior result is obtained, and by this means
bituminous coal is more economically consumed. The coal is admitted at the head as
usual, and also any hot gases when such are sent forward from other sources
steam, like the air, is also admitted at the top and forces its way down the fuel and
so out as water gas thro' the two openings near the base.
The

page_text: "
An additional improvement, applicable in cases in which it is desired to "blow a
furnace up to a great heat for Water-gas manufacture, is got by admitting blast,-
preferably hot, at a series of openings in different planes, or zones, in and amongst
the incandescent fuel; in this manner the CO gases are here consumed and burnt
into CO, without using any further apparatus.
Before admitting steam all these inlets must of course be closed and the necessary
means of doing this easily must be arranged
When thus admitting air the outlet for the consumed gases may be arranged either
at the head or foot.
In certain cases the gases may be led away from the top and a slanting portion of
the furnace, or a shelf, may first receive the newly charged material which afterwards
falls into the producer itself
Although our Producer, -as has been explained.- specially adaptable for
receiving the air blast at the top it may also be used with the blast at the foot either
by a divided blast or by specially arranging the hearth to suit.
The Producer fire bars may be of iron or steel; solid, or tubular with water or
steam passing thro' to cool then; or of other such refractory material; or they may
be formed of blocks of fire brick provided with holes for admitting cleaning tools; or
they may be built up in blocks of fire brick with the same end in view They may be
permanently fixed, or only temporarily fixed, so that they may be easily changed, or
they may be loose according to circumstances. The fire bars, or, what is equivalent,-
the openings, may be arranged at any angle, either to suit the egress of the ashes or
the positions of the cleaning out doors.
Supposing it is desired to work all valves vertically,-Then when Blast is admitted
at the base of the furnace a compound vertical-acting Water-cooled valve, with two
ports only, can be used to cut off the Blast and afterwards to open the connection with
the Water-gas outlet
When blast is laid at the top, separate vertical valves, at the head and foot, may
be similarly used.
When Blast is also to be admitted into the furnace at several positions and heights,
certain valve-boxes may encircle certain vertical air-tubes, and a simple vertical move-
ment cuts off the whole at once In like manner the steam, and also any other gas
inlets or outlets may be arranged and worked.
Our mode of actuating consists in arranging and fixing all the valves or their seats
in lines parallel with the central axis of the Producer, and, then, by one movement of
the Producer itselt, or an equivalent, we cut off, or open, all at one stroke.
When the movement is a vertical one an Hydraulic Cylinder may be placed below
the whole Producer-bed and thus all can be easily raised and lowered
We do not however limit ourselves to a vertical movement, as a complete set of
valves might be arranged for another movement; or a vertical or other movement
might be otherwise imparted to all the valves on their seats and the furnace remain at
rest.
Another improved gas-valve of ours consists in vertically moving a water-cooled
valve-box off or on a suitable seat, at the same time arranging that a pipe in
connection with this valve-box may rise out of, or fall into, a water-seal.
Dated 02 1
WM SNOWDON,
9, Beckett's Bank Chambers, Leeds, Yorkshire, Agent for the Applicants.

page_text: Improvements in or relating to the Generation of Gases known as
Water-gas, Siemens Gas, and Producer Gas, and in Apparatus
Connected therewith.
We, JOSEF VON LANGER, Engineer, and LEONARD COOPER, Iron Merchant, both
of 32, Park Row, Leeds, Yorkshire, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement :—
This invention relates to improved forms of producers or gas generators, to the
admission of air to the producer, and to improved valves and their arrangements, and
mode of actuating valves in groups.
Our producer is of the vertical type, round or square in the upper part, and preferably
rectangular in plan in the lower part; but in some cases, the producer may be of the
same external form and diameter from top to bottom. The weight of the fuel is borne
by fire bars, sometimes assisted by a central hearth; the fire bars being stepped
inwardly towards the centre, and arranged to facilitate the cleaning of the fire. They
are made of fire bricks, or of solid or tubular metal In the latter case, we pass water
or steam through the bars to keep them cool
In our Specification No. 6659, bearing date 18th day of April, 1889, we describe and
show a producer having a belt pipe at the lower or rectangular portion, which
is adapted to carry off the gases as generated within the producer We also described
our method of admitting the air blast, (required to blow the fuel into an incandescent
state), at the top instead of at the bottom, as is usual This form of producer, and
method of admitting the air blast, 18 well adapted for use with some of the improve-
ments referred to herein; but we may apply certain of the said improvements to other
forms of producers, or to producers in which the air is admitted at the bottom.
In our present invention, we may dispense with the belt pipe described in our before
named specification, while still providing separate outlets for the water-gas, and for
the Siemens or producer gas, generated in the producer, suitable valves being provided
for controlling the said outlets. When the outlet for the producer gas is at the base,
a controlled outlet or funnel must be provided at the upper part of the producer to
furnish draft and carry off the products of combustion when lighting up or cleaning
the fire.
When heating or blowing through a producer, for making water-gas, the blast may
be admitted at the top of the producer, and thereby a superior result is obtained, and
bituminous coal may be used for fuel. The fuel is fed to the producer at the head,
and also any hot gases, when the latter are supplied from other sources. The steam is
also admitted at the top, and forces its way downward through the fuel and out-as
water-gas-through an outlet or outlets near the base
An important part of our invention is the admission of the air blast (preferably
heated) to the producer, through a series of openings at different points and planes
of the circumference thereof, throughout space occupied by the fuel. In this manner,
the CO generated 18 consumed and burnt into CO, without using any further
apparatus. When thus admitting air to the producer, the outlet for the generated
gases may be arranged either at the head or foot of the same
In some cases, we may admit air at the foot of the producer (as previously men-
tioned), either by a divided blast, or centrally through the bearth or fre bars.
Before admitting steam to the interior of the producer, all these air inlets must be
closed by suitable means. In certain case, the gases may be conducted from the
producer at the top, and a slanting portion thereof, or shelf, 13 adapted to receive newly
charged fuel, which afterwards falls into the body of the producer.
We also arrange to work the valves employed-in the required manner and order-
by a movement of the producer itself, and this movement may be in a vertical or
circular direction When the movement is a vertical one, (which is a convenient
arrangement), an hydraulic cylinder and ram are placed below the producer and
'

page_text: adapted to raise or lower the same. In this case, the valves or their seats are preferably
formed and arranged so as to work upon lines parallel with the axial line of motion of
the producer, if their planes of working are straight lines. If the valves have circular
working planes, the rotary motion is effected by the vertical movement of the ram
acting upon the valves through the intervention of levers and cranks
When a circular motion is imparted to the producer it is conveniently produced by
a suitable screw (rotated in bearings by hand or other motive power), engaging with
a worm wheel secured to the producer. In this case, the valves and their seats would
be formed with concentric working planes, or else be circula, and actuated as above
stated through the intervention of levers and cranks. In this manner, any movement
of the producer is caused to act simultaneously upon all the valves or their seats, to
close, open, or change the position of the same, in their correct order, according to the
cycle of operations adopted
If the blast is admitted at the base of the furnace or producer, a compound
valve, having two pirts, can be used to cut off the blast and to open the connection with
the water-gas outlets. When the blast is admitted at the top, separate valves at the
head and foot, may be used.
When the blast is admitted to the furnace at several points, and it is required to
open and close the controlling valves simultaneously, as before stated, valve boxes with
passages leading to the furnace are secured to the producer and formed to encircle the
blast pipes. These pipes are provided with ports, so that by a movement of the producer
the air is admitted to, or cut off from, the furnace, as the case may be. Likewise the
steam pipe, or any inlet or outlet pipe may be opened or closed in a similar or
equivalent manner
We do not limit ourselves to the opening or closing of the respective valves by a
movement of the producer, as in some cases we may connect the valves or their seats
to a ring or drum to which the requisite motion is imparted, while producer itself
18 at rest.
An improved gas valve is also provided, which consists of a water cooled valve box
movable on and off suitable seats formed on the gas pipe, or their connections The
pipes and valve box are provided with water receptacles into which tubular extensions
dip and form water seals against the e-cape of gas
In the accompanying drawings, A indicates the producer, B the fire bars, C the fire
cleaning doors, D the hearth, E the ash doors; F is an outlet for the water-gas, and G a
corresponding outlet for Siemens or producer ga. At the top of the producer (in
some cases) an outlet H is provided to carry off the products of combustion when
lighting up or cleaning the fire, and is closed by a suitable valve.
Fig. 1 is a vertical section, through a producer similar to that shown and described
on our before named Specification No. 6659, bearing date 18th day of April 1889.
To this, however, we have applied our system of adinitting air to the fuel in the
producer through a series of openings I, I, at different planes in the circumference,
controlled by suitable valves J, J. A special or main supply of the air blast is
indicated by K, entering beneath the green fuel and controlled by a suitable
valve K¹, placed in the blast pipe By this means a high state of incandescence
of the fuel is produced, and the CO generated in the producer is consumed and
burnt into CO₂ as far as practicable, without using additional apparatus. The main
blast K, nowever, may be admitted at the top of the fuel. In the figure the action
of blowing air downward through the fuel is assumed, the producer gas generated
finding an outlet through the openings G, G, at the base. When the air is shut
off, and the steam is turned on at L, water-gas is likewise generated in passing
downward, and finds an outlet at openings F, F, (not shown in this figure) at
opposite points to G, G.
In Fig. 2 the main air blast enters the bottom of the producer at K, (controlled by
the valve K') and passes upward through H (controlled by the valve H') while air is
also admitted to the fuel at several points I, I, upon different planes of the circum-
ference, as in Fig. 1. The fuel is fed through a suitable hopper M at the top, as
q-ual, but in this case it drops upon an inclined shelf from which it falls gradually into

page_text: the body of the producer A. The steam is admitted at L, through the controlling
valve L, and the water-gas outlet is at F, controlled by the valve F¹.
Fig. 3 is a vertical section of a producer A mounted upon the ram O of an
hydraulic press P, and adapted to move up and down in a vertical line
The con-
nections for steam, air and gas are arranged upon vertical lines parallel with the
axial line of the rain, so that any movement of the latter will actuate or open and
close the respective valves simultaneously and in the order required for the process
followed. In the figure, the ram O and producer A are at the lower extremity
of the stroke, and steam is assumed to be passing from a valve box L¹ through
the pipe and inlet L to the incandescent fuel and downward to the water-gas out-
let at F. A special valve box N is secured to the producer A at one end, and
formed to slide accurately upon the turned pipe F, which has a division piece n
cast therein The lower division of the pipe F communicates with the producer
through a port at one end, and with a conduit F1 leading to the scrubber at the
other end The upper portion K of the pipe receives the air blast, which-as
shown is now cut off from the producer. The vertical pipes K, K, on each side
of the producer (constructed as shown in Fig. 6) and working in valve boxes K¹, K¹,
are also connected to the air blast pipe which is likewise cut off from the
openings I, I, while the producer is down. The producer gas outlet G is also
closed upon the seat g, further secured by the dip pipe g₁, and water seal g².
When the ram O is raised it carries the valve box N with the producer, and in doing
so the communicating port in F is closed, while a corresponding port in K is put
in communication with the passage through N into the producer A A similar
action takes place with respect to the vertical pipes K, K, sliding in their valve
boxes K³, K, and in the opening of the producer gas outlet G to its connected recep-
tacle. At the same time, the steam pipe L is raised in the valve box L³, so that the
steam and water-gas outlet is shut off, while the air blast through K at the foot,
and through the openings I, I, in the body of the furnace are turned on, simul-
taneously with the opening of the producer gas outlet G.
Fig. 4 is an elevation (partly in section) of a producer A, likewise mounted
upon a ram of the press, P, and worked in like manner to that last described.
In this case, however, the air blast enters at the top of the producer, there are
no openings into the body of the furnace, and the producer gas outlet is at
the base. In this figure, the producer and ram are at the lowest point, and steam
is entering the furnace through the pipe L, from the valve box L', (regulated in
amount by the valve L²), while the water-gas formed is passing out at the base
through the pipe F, on its way to the scrubber Subsequently the producer is
raised by the ram O, carrying with it the steam pipe L and the valve boxes F¹,
G¹ and K. This action respectively shuts off the steam and the water-gas outlet F',
and opens the inlet for the air blast through K and the producer gas outlet
through G; the gas thereby generated being conveyed to a suitable receptacle.
When the fuel has been brought to the required state of incandescence, the ram O
18 allowed to fall, the air inlet and producer gas outlet are closed, steam is re-
admitted to generate water-gas and conveyed away as already described. It will
be understood that special guide rails may he used, in addition to the valves and
pipes shown, to guide or support the producer; and provision made in the con-
nections for expansion and contraction. Also that a suitable gland and packing
is provided in the valve box L' for the steam pipe L, to keep the same tight
when sliding up and down therein The valves F, G, and K are constructed with
water receptacles for cooling and sealing the same.
Fig. 5 is a plan, partly in section, of a producer A which is adapted to turn in a
circular direction upon an axial bearing, and in doing so, to open or close the inlets for
steam and air, and outlets for the gases in a corresponding manner to that described
in reference to Figs 3 and 4. A worm wheel and engaging worm shaft,p, worked
by hand or power, serves to give the required circular motion to the producer, and,
the respective reference letters sufficiently indicate the function and corresponding.
action of the valves and their connections.
5

page_text: In the case of admitting air at several points to the producer, as already explained,
a suitable controlling valve and box for one of such openings is shown by the detail
Fection Fig 6. In this figure a vertical air blast tube K is enclosed by a valve box K¹.
hored out to accurately fit the tube K which is adapted for sliding in the said valve
hox K¹. An opening or port k in the tube K and a passage in the valve box K¹,
leading to the producer, are so arranged that when relative inotion between the tube K
and its box K¹ takes place to the extent of bringing the port k and the passage k³ in
line, then the air blast passes into the producer A at the openings I, I. Conversely.
when relative motion between the tube and the valve box returns the former to the
position shown in Fig. 6, the air blast is cut off. It will be seen that one pipe K may
be used to supply several openings in as many valve boxes, and by making the pipes K
and boxes K' sufficiently long, (the latter being preferably provided with an expansion
joint) they may serve as guide rails in restraining the vertical movement of the
producer.
A suitable water-gas valve is shown by the detailed section Fig. 7, in which F, F,
are two passages that serve to convey the water-gas as generated from the producer to
a scrubber, or any other point required. These two passages are at right angles to
each other and forined as short lengths of piping connected by a base, one being vertical,
the other horizontal, and are placed in communication with each other through a bent
passage in a valve box F¹. The upper end of the vertical portion F 18 surrounded by
a socketed portion f of the valve box F¹ which is adapted to slide up and down the
vertical portion of F and to close the upper end thereof by an inverted seat f¹. The
rocketed portion of F' is open at the top and formed as a receptacle for water which
serves to keep the inverted seat f¹, and other parts, cool At the bottom of the
socketed portion is fitted a tubular extension f°, slightly larger than the extension of
the vertical pipe F and enclosing the same. A socket 18 also formed or cast upon
the lower portion of the vertical pipe F, and adapted to hold water, into which the
tubular extension f* dips and forms a water seal, to prevent escape of gas from the
Pipe F.
The other end of the socketed valve box F is formed as a pipe, having a straight
portion at the lower end and this is also adapted to work in a socket F*, formed upon
the horizontal pipe F, and likewise carrying water for cooling purposes. The lower
end of F is adapted to close down upon a seat f5 within the horizontal pipe F, and a
tubular extension fo fitted to the pope F1 also provides a water seal for the socket fo
A flange 17, at the erd of the horizontal pipe F, serves to attach the latter to the
producer. The water-gas, as generated, passes from the produce through the
horizontal pipe F up through the bent passage Fi and down through the vertical
pipe F, and thence is conducted to the scrubber or to any other point required by a
suitable conduit This action takes place when the parts are in the relative positions
shown in Fig. 7. If it is required to clore the water-gas outlet, then the valve box F1
has relative motion upon the fitted parts F, which causes the upper end of the vertical
pipe to come to a close bearing upon the inverted seat fand the lower part of the
hent pipe F¹ upon the sent f³, thus closing the outlet simultaneously at two points.
It will be understood that all the working parts and seats are accurately turned, bored
and fitted to make close joints for the purpose required; and further, that the vertical
movement required to open or close the gas passages may he imparted either to the
parts F by the action of the producer, or to the valve box F1 by an independent hand
In the latter case, the force may be applied through the rod f*,
or power movement.
secured to a convenient part of the valve box.
Having now particularly described and ascertamed the nature of our said Inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is
1. A movable producer for generating gases constructed and operating to simul-
taneously open and close its inlets and outlets respectively as required by the reversals
of the process followed; substantially as described.
2. A producer for generating water-gas and producer gas constructed and arranged

page_text: to admit an air blast through orifices situated at various points and planes in the body
of the furnace, combined with a main blast admitted at the top or at the bottom
thereof, substantially as and for the purpose described.
3. A tubular gas or air valve and valve box therefor, the said valve having one or
more ports adapted to communicate with a corresponding opening in the valve box on
a relative sliding or circumferential motion between the two; substantially as and for
the purpose described.
4 A double water sealed and double seated gas valve, constructed and operating
substantially as and for the purpose described
5. The combination of a steam inlet valve with a water-gas valve, and an air inlet
valve with a producer gas outlet valve, all attached to a gas producer, and each pair
respectively constructed and adapted to simultaneously operate reversely to the other
pair by a single actuating movement, substantially as and for the purpose described.
Dated this 12th day of October 1889
FAIRFAX & WETTER,
433, Strand, London, Agents for the Applicants.