IMPROVE- MENTS IN APPARATUS FOR COKING AND DISTILLING COAL
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Louis Victor Semet and Ernest Solvay, both of Brussels,
in the Kingdom of Belgium, Manufacturers, for an Inventon of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN APPARATUS FOR COKING AND DISTILLING COAL".
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Louis Jictor Semet and
Ernest Solvay at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the
17th November 1880.
LOUIS VICTOR SEMET and ERNEST SOLVAY, both of Brussels, in the Kingdom
of Belgium, Manufacturers. "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS DE COKING AND
1
DISTILLING COAL."
Our Invention relates to that class of kilns or ovens in whic the body of the
kiln or oven is divided into compartments disposed alternatel, the one for tlio
passage of the flames and products of combustion and the othes for the reception
of the coal to be coked or distilled.
The walls forming the partitions in such kilns or ovens havchitherto been con-
structed of bricks of various shapes so arranged as to leave between them vacant
spaces forming horizontal or vertical flues for the passage of thefumes and products
of combustion.
This arrangement has the disadvantage of requiring numeous jefits, and to
prevent leakage and give the required stability to the walls they must be made
of considerable thickness, which impedes the passage and prevent the proper
utilisation of the heat.
The object of our Invention is to obviate these disadvantages, and ban improved
construction to allow of the thickness. of the walls or sides of, to flues being
considerably reduced, and at the same time to increase the athou of heating
surface or surface in contact with the flames, thus obtaining a bettertilisation of
the heat, and consequently electing the coking or the distillation obe coal in a
shorter time.
In constructing the flues or passages for the flames or products of mbustion in
such kilns or ovens we use bollow pieces of moulded fire clay rectangular
section, either closed at one end or not, and the dimensions of the Ith of which
are considerably greater than those of the sides.

page_text: "
The said hollow fire clay mouldings, which in some cases are divided internally
by a partition or partitions, form a sort of retort somewhat similar to the retorts
used in gas works, and for this reason we will hereinafter refer to them as
retorts," but as has already been stated instead of the coal to be coked or to be
distilled being placed in the said retorts and the flames being caused to circulate
round them as is usual, we cause the flames to pass through them, whilst the coal
to be coked or distilled is placed in the space between two rows of the said.
retorts.
The said retorts may be built up either horizontally or vertically; when disposed
.horizontally they are placed end to end so as to extend from one end of the kiln
or oven to the other end, and the required number of the said retorts are placed
one above the other to make up the required height, the retorts at tlie ends forming
a communication between the lower range of retorts and those immediately above
them, suitable grooves in the ends of the said retorts being filled in with mortar to
form the joints.
}
When the said retorts are disposed vertically, that, is to say, in an upright
position, the flues are made each of one piece, and are set side by side so as to
form several series of zig-zag vertical passages for the flames, the products of
combustion passing from each into a flue leading to the chimney; or the retorts
may be arranged vertically, so as to form a continuous zig-zag passage for the
products of combusion from one end to the other end of the in or oven, or the
said retorts may be disposed so as to form a series of pary al vertical passages
from an upper flue to a bottom flue leading to the chimney.
In order to prevent the air from entering and escaping through the doors of the
kiln or oven, instad of luting the doors with clay, as is usual, we use iron doors
mounted upon suiable frames, the said frames being fixed in the brickwork in
front of the kiln oven. The parts of the door and frames which come in contact
one with the othe, are suitably faced or ground, and when pressure is applied to
one or more parts of the door the said door is fastened tightly.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Louis Victor Semet and Ernest Solvay in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 14th May 1881.
LOUIS VICTOR SEMET and ERNEST SOLVAY, both of Brussels, in the Kingdom
of Belgium, Manufacturers. "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR COKING AND
DISTILLING COAL."
Our Invention relates to that class of kilns or ovens in which the body of the
kiln or oven is divided into compartments disposed alternately, the one for the
passage of the flames and products of combustion and the others for the reception
of the coal to be coked or distilled.
The walls forming the partitions in such kilns or ovens have hitherto been
constructed of bricks of various shapes so arranged as to leave between them
vacant spaces forming horizontal or vertical flues for the passage of the flames and
products of combustion.
This arrangement has the disadvantage of requiring numerous joints, and to
prevent leakage and give the required stability to the walls they must be made
of considerable thickness, which impedes the passage and prevents the proper
utilisation of the heat.
The object of our Invention is to obviate these disadvantages, and by an
improved construction to allow of the thickness of the walls or sides of the flues
being considerably reduced, and at the same time to increase the amount of heating
surface, or surface in contact with the flames, thus obtaining a better utilisation of
the heat, and consequently effecting the coking, or the distillation of the coal in a
shorter time. In constructing the flues or passages for the flames or products of
combustion in such kilns or ovens we use hollow pieces of moulded fire clay of
rectangular section, either closed at one end or not, and the dimensions of the
length of which are considerably greater than those of the sides. The said hollow
fire clay mouldings which in some cases are divided internally by a partition or
partitions, form a sort of retort somewhat similar to the retorts used in gas works,
and for this reason we will hereinafter refer to them as " retorts or tubular flues,
but, as has already been stated, instead of the coal to be coked or to be distilled
being placed in the said retorts, and the flames being caused to circulate round
them as is usual, we cause the flames to pass through them whilst the coal to be
coked or distilled is placed in the space between two rows of the said retorts.
"
The said retorts may be built up either horizontally or vertically; when disposed
horizontally they are placed end to end so as to extend from one end of the kiln
or oven to the other end, and the required number of the said retorts are placed
one above the other to make up the required height, the retorts at the ends forming
a communication between the lower range of retorts and those immediately above
then, suitable grooves in the ends of the said retorts being filled in with mortar
to form the joints.
When the said retorts are disposed vertically, that is to say, in an upright
position, the flues are made of one piece, and are set side by side so as to form
several series of zig-zag vertical passages for the flames, the products of combustion
passing from each into a flue leading to the chimney; or the retorts may be
arranged vertically, so as to form a continuous zig-zag passage for the products
of combustion from one end to the other end of the kiln or oven; or the said
retorts may be disposed so as to form a series of parallel vertical passages from an
upper flue to a bottom flue leading to the chimney.
In order to prevent the air from entering and escaping through the doors of the
kiln or oven, instead of luting the doors with clay, as is usual, we use iron doors

page_text: mounted upon suitable frames, said frames being fixed in the brickwork in front
of the kiln or oven. The parts of the door and frames which come in contact one
with the other are suitably faced or ground, and when pressure is applied to one or
more parts of the door, the said door is fastened tightly.
Having explained the nature of our Invention, we will proceed to describe, 5
with reference to the accompanying Drawings, the manner in which the same is to
he performed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figures 1, 2, and 3 represent an apparatus or oven for coking or distilling coal
constructed according to our Invention, in which the retorts are disposed vertically,
and the gas evolved is used to heat the oven after the tarry and ammoniacal pro-
ducts therefrom have been condensed. Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of the
said apparatus or oven partly through the line A, B, and partly through the line
C, D, Figure 2; Figure 2 represents partly a front elevation and partly a transverse
section of the same; Figure 3 represents partly a plan view and partly horizontal
sections through the lines GH, IJ, and KL of Figure 2. The same letters of
reference indicate like parts in Figures 1, 2, & 3.
A, A, A, represent the chambers or spaces for the reception of the coal to .be
coked or distilled, which is introduced through the apertures or ducts ; h, h, and
k, ke, k, k³, k, are the vertical retorts or tubular flues forming passages for the
products of combustion. The said retorts or tubular flues are mounted above the
passages m conducting to the chimney n; f is a fire place, of which there may be
as many as there are series of retorts. Above the fire places fare flues or passages gl
extending throughout the whole length of the apparatus under the soles g of the
coking or distilling chambers A, A. The said flues or passages gl conduct the
products of combustion from the fire places f to the retorts h, h, from which they
pass into the other retorts k, l, k², k³, l, through the distributing flues I, I, as
hereinafter more particularly described.
Z, Z, are galleries, hereinafter more particularly described, formed in the foun-
dations of the apparatus, opening into pipes d, to the vertical branches of which
are connected the annular tuyeres e which open into the flues g¹; a, a, are apertures
in the roof of the apparatus, communicating from the inside of the chambers A, A,
to the outside; b is a pipe conducting from the main pipe c to the flue or passage gl
through the tuyere c; y, y, are series of drainage or other pipes arranged in the
upper part of the oven or kiln for the purpose of preventing as much as possible
the radiation of heat by the interposition of a cushion of air.
The working of the apparatus is as follows:-Coal having been charged into the
chambers A, A, through the apertures x, and a fire having been lighted on the fire-
place f, the gas given off by the coal in the chambers A, A, passes out from the said
chambers through the apertures a situated in the top of the apparatus, or in any
other suitable part of it, and having been condensed and purified by well known
means, not represented in the Drawings, the gas is conducted to the main pipe c,
and passing from thence through the branch pipes b, enters the flue or passage g¹
through the tuyere e. Air, heated by circulating through the galleries Z in the
foundations of the apparatus, passes therefrom through the pipes d and tuyeres e,
where it mixes with the gases from the pipes b, and ignites over the fire place f
and the ignited gases from the tuyeres e follow the direction of the arrows, first
passing through the flues g¹ under the soles g, and then passing up through the
vertical retorts h, h, at the end of the apparatus opposite to the fire places; they
then pass into the upper distributing flues I, I, from which they pass up and down
through the vertical.retorts k, l, 2, 3, 4, as is shewn by the arrows.
The feed into the retorts k is regulated by dampers J, J, J. By slightly
modifying the arrangement, the flames may be made to pass down in a parallel
direction through all the vertical retorts k, l, k², 3, 4, or the flames may be made to
pass up and down throughout the whole length of the apparatus in a single current

page_text: instead of their being divided into three currents, as shown in the Drawing. After
passing through the vertical retorts k, l, k², le³, k, the residue of the burnt gases
pass out therefrom through the openings l, l, into the lower collecting flue m, from
which they proceed to the chimney n. In their travel to the chimney a part
of the said gases may be utilized for the production of steam or for heating
purposes.
The chambers A, A, are charged and emptied in the ordinary way.
The fire place ƒ may in some cases be dispensed with, for instance, when the
loading and unloading of the apparatus is alternated so as to yield a sufficiently
regular production of gas.
Figures 4 and 5 represent longitudinal and transverse sections of an apparatus
for coking or distilling coal, constructed according to our Invention, in which
horizontal retorts or tubular flues are used.
Figure 4 is a longitudinal section, partly through the line A, B, and partly
through the line C, D, Figure 5; and Figure 5 is a transverse section of parts of
Figure 4. The same letters of reference indicate like parts in Figures 4 and 5.
A, A, are the chambers or spaces for the reception of the coal to be coked or
distilled, and a, a, are the soles; the horizontal flues are composed of several retorts
or tubular flues n, n, fitted end to end so as to extend from one end to the other
of the kiln or oven.
In the Drawing three rows of the said retorts e, d, c, are shown, placed one above
the other, but there may be any suitable number of rows.
The air spaces to
prevent the radiation of heat are composed of passages y, y, formed in the top of
the apparatus. The working of the apparatus is similar to what is herein before
described in reference to Figures 1, 2, and 3. The ignited gases from above the fire
place pass through the flues a², under the soles a, then rise through the vertical
Hues b, at the back end of the apparatus; they then pass through the upper
horizontal Blue C, and then through the middle horizontal flue d, and returning
through the lower horizontal flue e, pass off to the chimney f.
Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9, represent in detail some of the forms of retorts or tubular
flues which we use in the construction of our apparatus.
Figure 6 represents an elevation, section, and plan of a bottomless retort such
as may be used for the circulation of the flames in the apparatus represented in
Figures 1, 2, and 3.
a, a, indicate the passages of the flames from one retort to another. Figure 7
represents an elevation, section, and plan of a double retort divided by an inner
partition so as to cause the flames to pass up and down in the said retort; the said
partition may be moulded with the retort or form a separate piece secured thereto.
By the use of this form of retort many of the joints may be dispensed with.
Figure 8 represents in longitudinal section and plan a simple bottomless retort
such as may be used in the arrangement represented in Figures 1, 2, and 3, when
the flames are caused to descend in parallel directions through the retorts
k, k², k³, k³, k
Figure 9 represents an elevation and longitudinal and horizontal sections of a
simple form of retort which may be used in the construction of the apparatus
represented in Figures 4 and 5 when the retorts are disposed horizontally.
Figures 10, 11, 12, represent a modification of the arrangement represented in
Figures 1, 2, and 3, for the purpose of giving additional strength to the structure,
and preventing its being necessary, when the retorts have to be repaired or replaced,
to demolish the upper part of the kiln or oven, which in the arrangement
represented in Figures 1, 2, and 3, rests upon the retorts; Figure 10 represents
partly a front elevation and partly a transverse section through the lines K, L, and
M, N, Figure 12, of a kiln or oven constructed according to this modification of
our Invention; Figure 11 is a longitudinal section of the same through the axis of
of the retorts, and Figure 12 is a horizontal section of the same through the
line O, P, Q, R, Figure 10.

page_text: .
According to this modification the walls A, A, are first constructed and connected
together by the vaults B, B, which support the superstructure of brickwork C when
it is required to repair or remove the retorts. The retorts or tubular flues E, E, are
then introduced and mounted in position in the space between the walls A, A, as
shown in Figures 10, 11, & 12; K, K, are the fire-places, and D the soles of the
coal chambers.
The flames and products of combustion from the fire-places K, K, following the
direction of the arrows (and dotted arrows in Figure 11) pass to the back end of
the apparatus, where they ascend through the end retort E to the upper flue g,
where they divide into several currents descending through the vertical retorts E to
the horizontal flue g¹ from which they pass on to the chimney through the flue g³,
the opening to which is regulated by the damper G.
The retorts may, if preferred, be disposed as represented in Figures 1, 2, and 3, so
as to cause the flames and products of combustion to pass up and down throughout
the length of the kiln or oven, or the said retorts may be disposed horizontally, as
represented in Figures 13, 14, 15, and 16; Figure 13 is a transverse section of the
kiln or oven partly through the line A, B, and partly through the line C, D,
Figure 16.
Figure 14 is a horizontal section of the same through the line E, F, G. H,
Figure 13 Figure 15 is a longitudinal section of the same through the axis of the
retorts; and Figure 16 is a longitudinal section of the same through the axis of the
kiln or oven.
In the arrangement represented in Figures 13, 14, 15, and 16, A, A, represent
the side walls; B, B, the arches or vaults supporting the superstructure of brick-
work C; D are the soles of the coal spaces D', D'; E, E, are the retorts disposed
horizontally as shown, and K, K, are the fire places. The flames and products of
combustion from the said fire places K, K, following the direction of the arrows
pass through the retorts E, E, E, and finally escape to the chimney through the
passage g, the entrance to which is regulated by the dampers G.
Figure 17 represents in transverse section a modification of the arrangement
represented in Figures 13, 14, 15, and 16. In the said modification, instead of
using retorts of the kind represented in Figures 13, 14, 15, and 16, sections of
retorts E, E, E, are used, the said sections being embedded or not in grooves or
depressions formed in the side walls A, A, to receive them. Figure 18 represents
in horizontal section, the application of the said segmental retorts E, E, to kilns or
ovens with vertical retorts, such as are represented in Figures 10, 11, and 12, such
segmental retorts being embedded or not in the walls A.
Figures 19, 20, and 21, represent the construction of the foundations of our
improved kilns or ovens, showing the arrangement for heating the air for effecting
the combustion of the gases entering the apparatus through the tuyeres e, Figures 1
and 2 of the Drawings.
Figure 19 is a transverse section of parts of the said foundations through the
line A, B, Figure 20; Figure 20 is a horizontal section of the same through the
line E, F, Figure 19, and Figure 21 is a longitudinal section of the same through
the line C, D, Figure 20. The object of the arrangement of the foundations
represented in Figures 19, 20, and 21, is to heat the air for the combustion of the
gases, and at the same time to cool as regularly as possible the brickwork under
the soles. Cold air is introduced at A and A¹ in the middle of the kiln or oven,
that is to say, at the hottest point; the air circulates through the different zig-zag
passages X, X, as indicated by the arrows, approaching gradually the front and back
ends of the kiln or oven.
The air entering at A advances to the back of the kiln or oven; it then returns
through the passage B to the front gallery C, where it mixes with the air which
has entered at A¹ and followed the direction of the arrows to the said gallery C.
From thence the heated air passes into the internal flues or passages 0, 0, 0,
represented in Figure 21, or through the external flues or passages d, Figures 1

page_text: and 2, which conduct it to the tuyere c, Figures 1, 2, and 16, where it mixes with
the gases entering the kiln or oven. Any suitable number of the galleries X, X,
may be used.
Having now described the nature of our said Invention, and the manner of
performing the same, we wish it to be well understood that we do not confine
ourselves to the precise details herein before described and illustrated in the
accompanying Drawings, as the same may be varied without departing from the
nature of our said Invention.
But we claim as our said Invention,―
Firstly, the combination, adaptation, and general arrangement of the parts of
kilns, ovens, or apparatus for coking or distilling coal, substantially as hereinbefore
described and illustrated in the accompanying Drawings.
H
Secondly. In the construction of kilns, ovens, or apparatus for coking or distilling
coal, the application of retorts or tubular flues of the kind herein before described
and illustrated in the accompanying Drawings, such retorts or tubular flues being
made of fire clay of rectangular section externally, and arranged so that the flames
and products of combustion passing through them effect the coking or distillation
of the coal charged into chambers or spaces, of which the said retorts or tubular
flues form the sides, substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in the
accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, we the said Louis Victor Semet and Ernest Solvay,
have hereunto set our hands and seals, this Seventh day of May, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and cighty one.