IMPROVED PROCESSES FOR THE PREPARATION AND UTILIZATION OF MATERIALS FOR THE DISINFECTION OF FECAL AND OTHER LIKE MATTER, WHICH, WHEN DISINFECTED, MAY SERVE AS MANURE OR FUEL
Year: 1881

page_text: ETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
& Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for an Invention of
"IMPROVED PROCESSES FOR THE PREPARATION AND UTILIZATION OF
MATERIALS FOR THE DISINFECTION OF FECAL AND OTHER LIKE MATTER,
WHICH, WHEN DISINFECTED, MAY SERVE AS MANURE OR FUEL."
A com-
munication from abroad by Friedrich Petri, of Berlin, Germany, Doctor of
Philosophy.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 27th May 1881.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent
Agents, Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVED PROCESSES FOR THE PRE-
PARATION AND UTILIZATION OF MATERIALS FOR THE DISINFECTION OF FECAL
AND OTHER LIKE MATTER, WHICH, WHEN DISINFECTED, MAY SERVE AS MANURE
OR FUEL." [A communication from abroad by Friedrich Petri, of Berlin, Germany,
Doctor of Philosophy.]
The best method of disposing of the fecal materials or substances in cities and
large towns is a problem which has for a considerable time occupied the attention
of persons concerned in such matters. Each of the systems hitherto in use has
inherent faults or disadvantages which need not here be enlarged upon, as they are
well known.
The present Invention relates to improved processes for the preparation and
utilization of materials for the disinfection of fecal and like matter, and for
destroying the miasma thereof, so that even when considerable quantities of the
said material are allowed to remain piled up for some time, they will not be liable
injuriously to affect the health of the population of the neighbourhood. Such fecal
materials when treated by my Invention may, without artificially supplying heat,
be transformed into manure or fuel, the value of which will alter the estimates of
towns for sewerage and drainage to considerable advantage, and may, under certain
circumstances, even form an important source of income.

page_text: This process consists in the disinfection of the fecal materials or substances by
means of certain substances the disinfectant properties whereof are partially known,
but the combined effects of which have not as yet been applied for the purpose in
question, and by the use of the said substances the fecal masses attain such a
consistency as will make the same plastic, so that they can be operated upon by
machinery in the same manner as clay and the like.
For this purpose I produce from the materials, and in the manner presently to
be specified, a disinfectant which is poured over the fecal materials or mixed
therewith. I take thirty (30) litres of finely sifted organic matter, which I term
"filling-material" (peat-waste, waste from brown coal, or sawdust will serve best
for this purpose). This filling material I moisten with two (2) litres of a liquid
consisting of carbolic acid of from twenty to thirty per cent. (20-30°) and of one
per cent. (10%) of crude chloroform. The chloroform has for its purpose to destroy
the minute organisms, such a bacteria infusoriae, fungoid germs, and the like, which
either are already present in the fecal masses or are germinated under the action
of the atmosphere.
To the filling material thus moistened I add two (2) litres of a powdered
mixture of sulphate of iron with coke. Instead of the waste from pure coke I may
use the much cheaper cinders which pass through the grate where coal is used as
fuel, and from which cinders the ashes have been previously removed by sifting.
To this mixture I further add twenty five hundredth parts (0·25) of a litre of a
solution of nitrobenzol in alcohol, one part of nitrobenzol in a hundred (100) parts
of alcohol.
It is hardly possible, or altogether impossible, to make a fine powder from sulphate
of iron alone; I therefore pulverize it in a mill with a vertical runner together with
the waste coke. In this manner I fully utilize the well-known disinfecting
qualities of the sulphate of iron, which in the use of this substance as a disinfectant
as heretofore practised have been to a great extent wasted.
To prevent too rapid oxidation of the sulphate of iron, to which it is all the more
liable when pulverized, the alcohol is added, in which one per cent, of nitrobenzol
has been dissolved, the latter acting as a poison upon the minute organisms which
are already developed, and destroying them and also their germs, prevents
fermentation.
The whole of the mass so obtained is now thoroughly mixed or worked up, and
pulverized coke or cinders are added till the specific weight of the material is
raised to such an extent that one (1) hectolitre weighs fifty (50) kilogrammes.
With reference to the above given recipe or formula for preparing the disinfectant
powder, I have to observe that the proportions therein indicated are not absolute,
but are only given as those which I believe to be the best, slight alterations of the
proportions set forth may take place without departure from the principle of my
Invention. Where proportions are stated in numbers, cheapness has been considered
as well as expediency.
The increase of the specific weight of the disinfectant powder has for its object
to prevent the same remaining on the surface of the fecal masses which are
sprinkled therewith, and to cause the same (it being a body of superior gravity)
entirely to penetrate such masses so as to become fully effective; thereby the
formation of particular beds or spots of fermentation in the treatment of large
quantities is obviated without the necessity for any mechanical treatment beyoud
that hereinafter set forth.
If the excrement is worked up when fresh, or is disinfected with the powder
prepared according to the directions above given immediately when produced, more
of the organic filling material may be added, whereby the disinfection is rendered
less expensive than it would otherwise be.
The quantity of powder to be added to the excrements depends upon the
consistency of the latter; in all cases however the addition is to be sufficient to
transform the whole into a moist kneadable mass.
The fecal matters act when the mass is dried as a powerful adhesive substance

page_text: for the organic filling material, so that the product when ready will form a
consistent material not requiring to be packed for transportation.
When however excrementitious matter has to be treated, which has lain by for
some time, and has commenced to ferment, it has after being worked up with the
disinfecting powder to be subjected to sprinkling with a disinfecting liquid
compounded from the materials, and in the manner hereinafter set forth, that is to
say, I take a petroleum-barrel of the ordinary size or a vessel of similar capacity, and
pour into the same five (5) litres of water. Into this water I pour ten (10) litres
of dry chloride of lime of good quality, and four (4) litres of alcohol, and mix the.
whole till it becomes a pulp or paste. By these means chloroform (also other
chlorides, all possessing disinfectant properties) is produced, which is dissolved in
the pulp or paste or mixed therewith. The chloroform acts as has already been
stated with reference to the preparation of the disinfecting powder very destruc-
tively upon the ferments, but if it were to be used pure, as a separate substance, it
would be too expensive for the present purpose. Moreover chloroform as such
could not be recommended for public use as it might too easily be abused.
To the pulp or paste thus prepared and containing chloroform, I add from five to
ten (5-10) litres of water and twenty (20) litres of crude chloride of calcium. The
liquid, which has a smell like fresh fruit, becomes considerably heated. I then add
as much water as is required to fill the cask to about one third of its capacity, and
allow the mixture to stand for half an hour. I then stir thoroughly and completely
fill the cask with water. After an hour's time I add yet one (1) litre of alcohol
containing 1% of nitrobenzol, which acts destructively upon the minute organisms,
as hereinbefore stated. The addition of chloride of calcium serves to impart a
higher specific gravity to the liquid; it moreover possesses disinfectant qualities of
its own.
°
The chloride of calcium acts upon the organic masses very slowly and gradually,
destroying them by being transformed into carbonate of calcium; moreover, hydro-
chloric acid is thereby set free, which forms organic chlorides with the fecal
materials, and thus promotes the result sought to be obtained.
The mixture produced, as just described, I allow to stand all night, and next day
decant the clear liquid by means of syphons or otherwise.
The sediment is caustic lime which might be used for disinfecting, but which is
not only useless in the utilization as manure or fuel of fecal matters treated there-
with, but would even act injuriously. If the produce is to be used as manure, then
the caustic lime having expelled the nitrogen as ammonia has deprived the manure
of a valuable component part, whilst if the product is to be burnt the lime will
increase the proportion of ashes; it is therefore for both objects necessary to
eliminate the caustic lime from the disinfecting liquid, and this can be effected
without expense by simply allowing it to settle.
The clear liquid obtained, as set forth, must be kept in closed glass vessels. It
may be used not only for the processes herein described, but also for disinfecting
sewage waters, putrid urine, and kitchen-wash, or waste waters, likewise for
sprinkling in sick-rooms and lazarettos where epidemic diseases prevail.
For this disinfecting liquid, as for the powder above described, the proportions
given are those that are relatively the best and not absolute, and I may vary the
same within certain limits.
The excrementitious matters disinfected by one or the other of the above
described processes or by both combined, are then taken to the place where they
are to be worked up, and are stored in covered pits or sheds till the quantities
sufficient for the subsequent mechanical treatment are collected. Materials that
have not yet been disinfected may be transported to the place where they are to be
worked up and may there be disinfected.
Fecal matters treated as above described may remain stored for years without
undergoing any change, they are perfectly inodorous, and an accumulation thereof
will not be dangerous to the inhabitants of the neighbouring localities.
For disinfecting considerable quantities of waste-water or sewage with which
.

page_text: farm lands have hitherto been irrigated, I use the disinfecting powder, prepared as
hereinabove set forth, which I mix with from 10 to 20 times (and sometimes more)
its volume of peat-waste or other filling material. With this mixture ditches and
pits can be filled, and the said liquids allowed to pass therethrough. The disin-
fectant then absorbs all the organic constituents of the liquid and the water flows
off clear and pure.
The disinfecting material charged with the organic matters is from time to time
removed and treated by the mechanical process, hereinafter set forth, after having
also been dried by exposure to the atmosphere.
The fecal inasses after having been subjected to the preparatory drying are
treated by means of the well known machines commonly used for making mortar,
which not being a part of this Invention, do not require to be here described. I may
also use that class of peat or brick pressing machines which mix and propel the
materials charged into the same by means of oblique knives mounted on a rotating
axle. In the latter class of machines however the nozzle has to be taken off so as
to allow the material to be discharged through a wide aperture.
The mass after being thus treated is so deposited in a lofty place protected
against rain that it offers as large a surface as practicable to the drying air, so as
to expel the greater part of the moisture. This drying process is promoted by the
property possessed by the disinfectants of which I make use of reducing the bulk
of the fecal masses; the astringent effect of the former drives the water to the
surface of the mass where it very rapidly evaporates.
After the mass is deprived of the greater part of its moisture, but when it still
has sufficient plasticity, a press of any suitable construction is used to form the
same into bricks which are piled up and thoroughly dried, this taking from 2 to 3
weeks according to the season.
The bricks so produced are a valuable fuel for which there is ample use both for
domestic and industrial purposes.
In places where coal is cheap manure is more valuable; it will therefore be
advantageous not to press the disinfected fecal material into bricks, but to turn
the same with the spade and to put up heaps of loose lumps or pieces thereof till
they are perfectly dry, and then to pulverize them by any suitable means, so that
the material may be strewn on the farmland like guano, superphosphate, or other
artificial manures.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
26th November 1881.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent
Agents, Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVED PROCESSES FOR THE PRE-
PARATION AND UTILIZATION OF MATERIALS FOR THE DISINFECTION OF FECAL AND
OTHER LIKE MATTER, WHICH, WHEN DISINFECTED, MAY SERVE AS MANURE OR
FUEL." A communication from abroad by Friedrich Petri, of Berlin, Germany,
Doctor of Philosophy.
The best method of disposing of the fecal materials or substances in cities and
large towns is a problem which has for a considerable time occupied the attention
of persons concerned in such matters. Each of the systems hitherto in use has
inherent faults or disadvantages which need not here be enlarged upon as they are
well known.
The present Invention relates to improved processes for the preparation and
utilization of materials for the disinfection of fecal and other like matters, and for
destroying the miasma thereof, so that even when considerable quantities of the
said material are allowed to remain piled up for some time they will not be liable
injuriously to affect the health of the population of the neighbourhood. The fecal
materials treated by my Invention may, without artificially supplying heat, be
transformed into manure or fuel, the value of which will alter the estimates of
towns for sewerage and drainage to considerable advantage, and may under certain
circumstances even form an important source of income.
This process consists in the disinfection of the fecal materials or substances by
means of certain substances, the disinfectant properties whereof are partially
known, but the combined effects of which have not as yet been applied for the
purpose in question, and by the use of the said substances the fecal masses attain
such a consistency as will make the same plastic, so that they can be operated
upon by machinery in the same manner as clay and the like.
"f
For this purpose I produce from the materials, and in the manner presently to
be specified, a disinfectant which is poured over the fecal materials or mixed
therewith. I take fifty (50) litres of finely sifted organic matter, which I term
filling-material;" peat waste, waste from brown coal, or sawdust will serve best
for this purpose. This filling material I moisten with two (2) litres of a liquid
consisting of carbolic acid of from twenty to thirty per cent. (20%-30%), and of
one per cent. (1%) of crude chloroform. The chloroform has for its purpose to
destroy the minute organisms, such as bacteria infusoriãe, fungoid germs, and the
like, which either are already present in the fecal masses, or are germinated under
the action of the atmosphere. To the filling material thus moistened I add two (2)
litres of a powdered mixture of sulphate of iron (green copperas) with coke. Instead
of the waste from pure coke I may use the much cheaper cinders which pass through
the grate where coal is used as fuel, and from which cinders the ashes have been
previously removed by sifting. To this mixture I further add one fourth of a litre
of a solution of nitro-benzol in alcohol, consisting of one part of nitro-benzol in a
hundred (100) parts of alcohol.
It is hardly possible or altogether impossible to make a fine powder from
sulphate of iron alone; I therefore pulverize it in a mill with a vertical runner,
together with the waste coke. In this manner I fully utilize the well known
disinfecting qualities of sulphate of iron, which, in the use of this substance as a
disinfectant as heretofore practised, have been to a great extent wasted.
To prevent too rapid oxidation of the sulphate of iron by the action of the air,,

page_text: to which it is all the more liable when pulverized, the alcohol is added in which
one per cent. of nitrobenzol has been dissolved, the latter acting as a poison upon
the minute organisms which are already developed, and destroying them and also
their germs, prevents fermentation.
The whole of the mass so obtained is now thoroughly mixed or worked up, and
pulverized coke-cinders are added till the specific weight of the material is raised
to such an extent that one (1) hectolitre weighs fifty (50) kilogrammes.
With reference to the above given recipe or formula for preparing the disin-
fecting powder, I wish it to be understood that the proportions therein indicated
are not absolute, but are only given as those which I believe to be the best, as
slight alterations of the proportions set forth may take place without departure
from the principle of my Invention. Where proportions are stated in numbers
cheapness has been considered as well as expediency.
The increase of the specific weight of the disinfectant powder has for its object
to prevent the same remaining on the surface of the fecal masses which are sprinkled
therewith, and to cause the same (it being a body of superior gravity) entirely to
penetrate such masses so as to become fully effective, whereby the formation of
particular beds or spots of fermentation in the treatment of large quantities is
obviated without the necessity for any mechanical treatment beyond that herein-
after set forth.
If the excrement is worked up when fresh, or is disinfected with the powder
prepared according to the directions above given immediately when produced,
more of the organic filling material may be added, whereby the disinfection is
rendered less expensive than it would otherwise be. The quantity of powder
to be added to the excrement depends upon the consistency of the latter;
in all cases however the addition is to be sufficient to transform the whole into a
moist kneadable mass. The fecal matters act when the mass is dried as a powerful
adhesive substance for the organic filling material, so that the product when ready
will form a consistent material not requiring to be packed for transportation.
When however excrementitious matter has to be treated which has lain by for
some time, and has commenced to ferment, it has after being worked up with the
disinfecting powder to be subjected to sprinkling with a disinfecting fluid com-
pounded from the materials and in the manner hereinafter set forth, that is to say,
I take a petroleum-barrel of the ordinary size, or a vessel of similar capacity, and
pour into the same five (5) litres of water. Into this water I pour ten (10) litres
of dry chloride of lime of good quality and four (4) litres of alcohol, and mix the
whole till it becomes a pulp or paste. By these means chloroform (also other
alcoholic chlorides, all possessing disinfecting properties) is produced, which is
dissolved in the pulp or paste or mixed therewith. The chloroform acts, as has
already been stated with reference to the preparation of the disinfecting powder,
very destructively upon the ferments, but if it were to be used pure, as a separate
substance, it would be too expensive for the present purpose; moreover chloroform
as such could not be recommended for public use, as it might too easily be abused.
To the pulp or paste thus prepared, and containing chloroform, I add from five to
ten (5-10) litres of water and twenty (20) litres of crude chloride of calcium.
The liquid, which has a smell like fresh fruit, becomes considerably heated; I then
add as much water as is required to fill the cask to about one third of its capacity,
and allow the mixture to stand for half an hour. I then stir thoroughly, and
completely fill the cask with water. After an hour's time I add one (1) litre of
alcohol containing 1% of nitrobenzol, which acts destructively upon the minute
organisms, as hereinbefore stated. The addition of chloride of calcium serves to
impart a higher specific gravity to the liquid; it morcover possesses disinfecting
qualities of its own. The chloride of calcium acts upon the organic masses very
slowly, and gradually destroying them by being transformed into carbonate of
calcium. Moreover hydrochloric acid is thereby set free, which forms organic
chlorides with the fecal materials, and thus promotes the result sought to be
obtained.

page_text: The mixture produced as just described I allow to stand all night, and the next
day decant the clear liquid by means of syphons or otherwise. The sediment
remaining is caustic lime which might be used for disinfecting, but which is not
only useless in the utilization as manure or fuel or fecal matters treated therewith,
but would even act injuriously. If the produce is to be used as manure then the
caustic lime having expelled the nitrogen as ammonia has deprived the manure of
a valuable component part, whilst if the product is to be burnt, the lime will
increase the proportion of ashes; it is therefore necessary for both objects to
eliminate the caustic lime from the disinfecting liquid, and this can be effected
without expense by simply allowing it to settle.
The clear liquid obtained as above set forth must be kept in closed glass vessels.
It may be used not only for the processes herein described, but also with advantage
for disinfecting sewage waters, putrid urine, and kitchen-wash or waste waters,
likewise for sprinkling in sick-rooms and lazarettos where epidemic diseases
prevail.
For this disinfecting liquid as for the powder above described, the proportions
given are those that are relatively the best and not absolute, and I may vary the
same within certain limits.
The excrementitious matters disinfected by one or the other of the above described
processes, or by both combined, are then taken to the place where they are to be
worked up, and are stored in covered pits or sheds till the quantities sufficient for
the subsequent mechanical treatment are collected. Materials that have not yet
been disinfected may be transported to the place where they are to be worked up,
and may there be disinfected.
Fecal matters treated as above described may remain stored for years without
undergoing any change; they are perfectly inodorous, and an accumulation
thereof will not be dangerous to the inhabitants of the neighbouring localities.
For disinfecting considerable quanties of waste-water or sewage with which farm
lands have hitherto been irrigated, I use the disinfecting powder prepared as
hereinabove set forth, which I mix with from 10 to 20 times (and sometimes more)
its volume of peat-waste or other filling material. With this mixture ditches and
pits can be filled, and the said liquids allowed to pass therethrough. The dis-
infectant then absorbs all the organic constituents of the liquid, and the water
flows off clear and pure. The disinfecting material charged with the organic
matters is from time to time removed and treated by the mechanical process
hereinafter set forth, after having been dried by exposure to the atmosphere.
The fecal masses after having been subjected to the preparatory drying are
treated by means of the well known machines commonly used for making mortar,
which not being a part of this Invention do not require to be here described. I
may also use that class of peat or brick pressing machines which mix and propel
the materials charged into the same by means of oblique knives mounted on a
rotating axle. In the latter class of machines however the nozzle has to be
taken off so as to allow the material to be discharged through a wide aperture.
The mass after being thus treated is so deposited in a lofty place protected
against rain, that it offers as large a surface as practicable to the drying action of
air, so as to expel the greater part of the moisture. This drying process is promoted
by the property possessed by the disinfectants of which I make use reducing the
bulk of the fecal masses, the astringent effect of the former drives the water to the
surface of the mass, where it very rapidly evaporates.
After the mass is deprived of the greater part of its moisture, but when it still
has sufficient plasticity, a press of any suitable construction is used to form the
same into bricks, which are filed up and thoroughly dried, this taking from 2 to 3
weeks, according to the season. The bricks so produced are a valuable fuel, for
which there is ample use both for domestic and industrial purposes.
In places where coal is cheap, manure is more valuable, and it will therefore be
advantageous not to press the disinfected fecal material into bricks, but to turn the
same with the spade and make heaps of loose lumps or pieces thereof, till they are

page_text: perfectly dry, and then to pulverize them by any suitable means, so that the
material may be strewn on the farm land like guano, superphosphate, or other
artificial manures.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it understood
that I claim,
First. The process of disinfecting fecal matters, waste-waters, and sewage by
means of the disinfecting powder compounded and manufactured as above set
forth.
Second. In the manufacture of the disinfecting powder, the pulverization of the
sulphate of iron when mixed with coke waste, as above set forth.
Third. In the manufacture of the disinfecting powder, the prevention of the
oxidation of the thus produced pulverized mixture of sulphate of iron and coke-dust
by the treatment thereof with alcohol containing 1% of nitrobenzol, as above set
forth.
Fourth. The second mode of disinfection by means of a disinfecting liquid
manufactured as above set forth.
Fifth. In the manufacture of the disinfecting liquid, the production therein of
organic chlorides by the reaction of the chloride of lime upon the alcohol.
Sixth. The process of manufacturing a disinfecting liquid from the substances
named as above set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-sixth day of November, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and eighty one.
WM
PORT LAKE (Tα)