Improvements in Apparatus for Utilizing Liquid Hydrocarbon for Lighting and Heating Purposes.
Year: 1888

page_text: Date of Application, 6th Dec., 1888
Complete Specification Left, 5th Oct., 1889-Accepted, 9th Nov.. 1889
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus for Utilizing Liquid Hydrocarbon for
Lighting and Heating Purposes.
1, FREDERICK BARKER HILL, of 26 London Road, in the County of Surrey,
Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to apparatus for utilizing liquid hydrocarbon for lighting and
heating purposes, by volatilizing the said hydrocarbon and burning the vapour thereof
after the admixture of the same with air.
One important object of the said invention is to provide for obtaining greater
illuminating power than heretofore with the same consumption of hydrocarbon, or for
obtaining the same illuminating power as heretofore with a much less consumption of
hydrocarbon. For this purpose the apparatus is so constructed as to produce an
annular or tubular jet or flame and so that the said jet or flame will be directed down-
ward, and will rise after curving either inward or outward, the products of combustion
passing through a chimney or fine. By reason of the above described construction of
the apparatus, moreover, none of the parts need be arranged beneath the light,
therefore the apparatus can be so made that no shadow will be cast thereby ou the
ground or other surface to be illuminated.
Another feature of the said invention consists in mounting the vaporizing chamber
and the burner upon a pipe extending upward from a reservoir for containing the
liquid hydrocarbon, in such a manner that the said reservoir serves as the base of the
apparatus and the flame will surround the upper end of the said pipe. The said
reservoir is so constructed that air may be forced into the same until any desired
pressure is attained therein, and the air thus compressed will force the liquid from the
said reservoir into the vaporizing chamber. A suitable cock or valve is moreover,
provided for regulating or controlling either automatically or otherwise, the flow of
the liquid to the said chamber.
The volatilizing or vaporizing chamber is preferably of annular form and surrounds,
or is surrounded by, the passage for the vapour to the burner. This passage surrounds,
or is surrounded by, another passage for the supply of atmospheric air to the burner.
The chimney or flue either extends through the centre of the vaporizing chamber or
surrounds the said chamber. In the former case, when the said chamber and the burner
are mounted upon the supply pipe for the liquid hydrocarbon, the said pipe extends
upward within the chimney or flue and is connected, in any convenient manner, with
the said chamber or with another chamber communicating therewith and provided with
a float-valve or other suitable means for regulating or controlling the supply of liquid
hydrocarbon.
The passage for the supply of air to the burner to mix with the hydrocarbon vapour,
is so arranged that the air will be heated by the waste products of combustion.
A cup or vessel is provided for containing spirit or oil to be ignited for the purpose
of volatilizing the hydrocarbon in starting the apparatus. Or other convenient means
are employed for this purpose.
The beat produced by the burning of the mixture of hydrocarbon vapour and air is
caused to impinge against the surface of the vaporizing chamber for the purpose of
volatilizing the oil for continuing the supply of gas or vapor to the flame.
The gas or vapour obtained by the volatilization of the oil is, by reason of the con-
struction of the vaporizing chamber, rapidly produced, and at the same time there is
no danger of its becoming intermixed with oil-spray.
This gas is produced at any required pressure and is conducted to the burner by a suit-
able orifice or orifices. The gas passing through the said orifice or orifices with a velocity
due to the pressure at which it is generated, causes an induced current of atmospheric

page_text: air to mix with it, thus forming a mixture of the requisite proportions for combustion.
The apparatus is, in some instances, constructed for use with compressed air so that,
without generating the gas under pressure the supply thereof to the burner will he
effected or it is constructed for use with gas generated under pressure and with
compressed air as above specified. The said orifice or orifices are preferably made
adjustable to regulate the supply of gas and air to the flame and thus ensure the
mixture of gas and air in the proper proportions.
The apparatus is, according to another modification of the said invention, so con-
structed as to render a flexible tube the only necessary communication between the
vaporizing chamber and oil-reservoir, thus enabling the light to be moved into or slung
in any convenient position without moving the oil-reservoir.
To obtain a very brilliant light, an extra amount of oxygen is sometimes mixed with
the atmospheric air supplied for combustion, or pure oxygen is used in place of atmo-
spheric air. This oxygen is generated by the application of the heat produced by the
combustion of the gas to suitable materials. The flame is, in some instances,
projected upon carbon or other suitable material, thus forming an incandescent
light.
A reflector having the form of an inverted cone or of other suitable shape is
provided above and around the flame. The light is, moreover, in some instances,
enclosed by a globe. If, however, the apparatus is to be used for heating as well as
lighting purposes the globe is dispensed with.
In some instances, to prevent the formation or escape of oil-spray, an annular plate
is placed upon the surface of the liquid in the vaporizing chamber, and shot or other
small pieces of metal or other suitable material are placed upon the said plate. .
Dated this 6th day of December 1888.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.
Improvements in Apparatus for Utilizing Liquid Hydrocarbon for
Lighting and Heating Purposes.
1, FREDERICK BARKER HILL, of 27, Culmore Road, Peckham, in the County of
Surrey, Engineer, 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 apparatus for utilizing liquid hydrocarbon for lighting and
heating purposes, by volatilizing the said hydrocarbon and burning the vapour thereof
after the admixture of the same with air.
One important object of the said invention is to provide for obtaining greater
illuminating power than heretofore with the same consumption of hydrocarbon, or for
obtaining the same illuminating power as heretoforo with a much less consumption of
hydrocarbon. For this purpose the apparatus is so constructed that an annular or
tubular jet or flame will be directed downward from the burner and will rise after
curving either inward or outward, the products of combustion passing through a
chimney or flue forming a part of the apparatus. In an apparatus constructed in this
manner, none of the parts need be arranged beneath the light, therefore the apparatus
can be so made that it will cast no shadow on the ground or other surface to be
illuminated.
Another feature of the said invention consists in mounting the vaporizing chamber
and the burner upon a pipe extending upward from a reservoir for containing the
liquid hydrocarbon and through the burner, so that the said reservoir serves as the base
of the apparatus and the flame will surround the upper end of the said pipe. The
said reservoir is preferably so constructed that air may be forced into the same until
any desired pressure is attained therein, and the air thus compressed will force the
liquid from the said reservoir into the vaporizing-chamber. A suitable cock or valve

page_text: is, moreover, provided for regulating or controlling, either automatically or otherwise,
the flow of the liquid to the said chamber.
The volatilizing or vaporizing chamber is preferably of annular form and surrounds,
or is surrounded by the passage for the vapour to the burner. This passage, in some
cases, surrounds, or is surrounded by another passage for the supply of atmospheric
air to the burner to mix with the vapour issuing therefrom. The chimney or flue
either extends through the centre of the vaporizing chamber, or surrounds the said
chamber.
My said invention, moreover, comprises other improvements hereinafter set forth.
In the accompanying drawings I have shown how my said invention may be con-
veniently and advantageously carried into practice.
Figure 1 is a side elevation, partly in vertical central section, and
Figure 2 a plan, showing one form of my improved apparatus.
Figure 3 is a vertical central section, drawn to an enlarged scale, and
Figure 4a horizontal section on the line æ, æ, Figure 3, showing another form or
modification of the said apparatus.
Figure 5 is a side elevation, partly in vertical section, and
Figure 6 a vertical central section, drawn to an enlarged scale, showing a further
modification of my invention.
Figure 7 is a vertical central section of a cup baving sockets in which are placed
rods of carbon or similar material for the purpose hereinafter specified.
Like letters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, A is the tank or reservoir for the liquid hydrocarbon,
B is an air-pump for forcing air into the said tank to obtain the required pressure for
feeding the liquid hydrocarbon to the vaporizing-chamber, is a pressure-gauge.
and
a is a vertical pipe provided with a stop-cock or valve b. The pipe a communicates
at one extremity with the bottom of the tank or reservoir A through a dip-pipe
at the other extremity with an annular chamber or vaporizer d through a pipe e. fis
a guard or shield which covers and protects the pipe a, and which is provided upon
its lower extremity with a cup f', and is held in position upon the said pipe a by
means of a set-screw f2. and are casings or hoods enclosing annular spaces g', h²,
one (g) for the passage to the burner of the vapour or gas generated in the annular
chamber or vaporizer d, and the other (/) for the passage of atmospheric air to mix
with the said vapour. g, h² are baffle-plates or deflecting plates for directing or
guiding the currents of gas and air, and forming together with the lower end of the
casing or hood y the burner for the vaporized hydrocarbon. The baffle-plates g² are
preferably formed in sections and suitable means are provided for adjusting them so
as to vary the width of the aperture for the passage of the gas or vapour. 3, ³ are
stays for more effectually supporting the vaporizer and burner. a is a chinney or
flue which extends through the vaporizer and surrounds the pipe a, and through which
will pass the waste products of combustion. The casing his contracted at its upper
end so that the air entering the same will be heated by contact with the upper part of
the chimney or flue a¹. is a reflector.
The operation of the apparatus is as follows, viz.: The cup f¹is filled with spirit or with
oil, preferably of a lighter and more spirituous nature than that employed in the tank
or reservoir A, and the said oil or spirit is ignited to start the apparatus. The cock
or valve being opened, liquid hydrocarbon from the tank or receptacle A is forced up
the dip-pipe c and through the pipes a and e into the annular chainber or vaporizer d, the
supply to the said annular chamber being regulated, in accordance with the consump-
tion, by means of the said cock or valve b. The heat generated by the consumption
of the oil or spirit in the cup' vaporizes the oil in the annular chamber or vaporizer d,
and the vapour or gas passes out in the direction indicated by the arrows through the
space g' and mixing with the air passing through the space h', as indicated by the
arrows, is ignited by contact with the flame from the cup f¹. The flame from
the burner curves inward and the waste products of combustion pass up the flue
or passage a. When the apparatus is once started, the heat of the said waste products

page_text: of combustion passing up through the passage a¹ and impinging against the walls of
the latter, heat and vaporize the oil contained in the annular chamber or vaporizer d.
Moreover the heated products of combustion passing in contact with the walls of the
flue a' at the upper part thereof will raise the temperature of the air supplied to the
burner through the space h¹.
In the modification illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, there is a
casing or chamber j
and pipes k, k¹ through which the liquid hydrocarbon forced up the pipe a will pass.
The pipe extends upward centrally into the heating chamber or vaporizer d.
Another pipe of smaller diameter extends through the pipes k, k¹. One extremity of
the pipe is connected to a hollow bridge or cross-piece m provided in the casing or
chamber i, and the other extremity thereof communicates with the upper portion of the
heating chamber or vaporizer d. m³, m¹ are apertures for permitting the passage of
the vapour or gas from the said cross piece m. m², m² are baffle-plates for spreading
the said vapour or gas.
A casing or hood h surrounds the heating chamber or
vaporizer da space ³ being left between the said casing and chamber for the passage
of the heated products of combustion, which circulate around and impinge against
the outer walls of the said chamber so as to heat and vaporize the liquid hydro-
carbon contained therein. n, n are screw-plugs which can be removed for convenience
of cleaning out the pipe and the hollow bridge or cross-piece m.
Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a modification wherein the tank or reservoir A is placed
above the light. o is a flexible pipe or tube which passes over a grooved wheel
or pulley p supported in suitable bearings in a bracket p', and is connected at one
extremity to a pipe g extending into the heating chamber or vaporizer d (Figure 6),
and at the other extremity to a piper connected to the tank A. is a cock or valve
for regulating the flow of liquid hydrocarbon from the tank A to the heating
chamber or vaporizer d. The vapour or gas is, in this instance, delivered from the
heating chamber or vaporizer d through a pipe one extremity of which com-
municates with the upper portion of the said heating chamber or vaporizer, and
the other with a burner consisting of a hollow cross-piece or tee-piece m having dis-
charge apertures m³ and deflecting plates m². t is a perforated plate secured to the pipe s
and supporting a mass of small metal balls or shot through which the vapour
from the heated liquid must pass, so that any of the liquid which might otherwise
pass away with the said vapour is arrested. The flame from the burner curves
outward and the waste products of combustion pass up the space between the
casing or hood h and the vaporizing chamber d, and circulating around the outer wall
of the latter, heat and vaporize the liquid contained therein.
In this modification of my invention, a flexible tube is the only connection necessary
between the vaporizing chamber and the oil-reservoir; the light can, therefore, be
moved into or slung in any convenient position without moving the oil-reservoir.
The flame is, in some instances, projected upon carbon or other suitable refractory
material, thus forming an incandescent light.
In Figure 7, the cup for holding the oil or spirit for starting the apparatus is
shown formed with sockets for holding rods. u of carbon or similar material against
which the flame from the burner will impinge and which will thus be rendered
incandescent.
To obtain a very brilliant light, an extra amount of oxygen is sometimes mixed
with the atmospheric air supplied for combustion, or pure oxygen is used in place
of atmospheric air. This oxygen is generated by the application of the heat pro-
duced by the combustion of the gas to suitable materials for the production of
oxygen, a suitable casing for containing such materials being, for this purpose, arranged
around the hood for example.
The gas or vapour obtained by the volatilization of the liquid hydrocarbon is, by
reason of the construction of the vaporizing-chamber, rapidly produced, and at the
same time there is no danger of its becoming intermixed with oil spray. The said
vapour or gas is produced at any required, pressure and, issuing from the burner with
a velocity due to such pressure, causes an induced current of atmospheric air to mix

page_text: with it, thus forming a mixture of the requisite proportions for combustion. The
apparatus is, in some instances, constructed for use with compressed air so that, with-
out generating the gas under pressure, the supply thereof to the burner will be
effected or it is constructed for use with gas generated under pressure and with com-
pressed air. The orifice or orifices of the burner and of the air passage are preferably
made adjustable to regulate the supply of gas and air to the flame and thus ensure the
mixture of gas and air in the proper proportions.
I sometimes provide the pipe for the supply of liquid hydrocarbon to the vaporizer,
with a float-valve or other suitable means for regulating or controlling the supply of
the said liquid.
Instead of the cup or vessel above described for containing spirit or oil, I sometimes
provide other convenient means for volatilizing the hydrocarbon in starting the
apparatus.
The light is, in some instances, enclosed by a globe. If however the apparatus is
be used for heating as well as lighting purposes, the globe is dispensed with.
When used for heating steam-boilers, for example, the apparatus may be placed in
the combustion-chamber of the boiler, the external chimney being removed so that the
heat may act directly upon the sides or walls and top of the said combustion-
chamber.
By the improved construction above described, I am enabled to draw off, from time
to time, through a cock provided for the purpose in the lower end of the vaporizing-
chamber, the heavy hydrocarbons which are unconsumed, thus obviating the incon-
veniences arising from the carbonization of such heavy hydrocarbons in apparatus
heretofore constructed for burning liquid hydrocarbons.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I wish it understood that I
claim
First. An apparatus for vaporizing and burning liquid hydrocarbon, so constructed
that, when it is in operation, an annular or tubular flame will be produced beneath the
burner, for the purposes above specified.
Second. An apparatus for vaporizing and burning liquid hydrocarbon, so constructed
that the vapour will be discharged in a downward direction and will then, while
burning, move in a curvilinear path and ascend through the apparatus, substantially
as, and for the purposes, above specified.
-
Third. The combination of an annular vaporizing-chamber, a casing surrounding
the same and provided at its lower end with a contracted annular opening or series of
openings for the egress of the vapour, and a chimney or flue extending through the
said vaporizing-chamber, with or without the casing for the supply of air to the flame,
all substantially as, and for the purposes, set forth.
Fourth. The combination, with the vaporizing-chamber, of a tube extending into
the same for the introduction of the liquid hydrocarbon, a tube extending downward
from the said chamber to the burner for the egress of the vapour and a casing sur-
rounding the said chamber and serving as a chimney or flue, substantially as, and
for the purpose, set forth.
Fifth. The vaporizing-chamber and the annular flame burner mounted upon a pipe
extending upward from a reservoir for containing liquid hydrocarbon and compressed
air, in such a manner that the flame from the said burner will surround the said pipe,
substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Sixth. The provision of suitable means for heating the air supplied to the flame of
my improved burner, by means of the waste products of combustion from the said
burner, substantially as described.
Seventh. The combination, with the vaporizing-chamber, of a perforated plate
arranged above the surface of the liquid in the said chamber, and a mass of shot or
small pieces of metal or other suitable material placed upon the said plate, substantially
as, and for the purpose, set forth.

page_text: Eighth. An apparatus for vaporizing and burning liquid hydrocarbon, provided
with rods or other pieces of carbon or similar material so arranged that they will
be rendered incandescent by the flame from the burner, for the purpose above
specified.
Ninth. The provision of suitable means for generating oxygen by the heat of the
flame from the burner and for supplying such oxygen to the said flame, for the purpose
above specified.
Tenth. The improved apparatus constructed substantially as described with reference
to either of the forms or modifications illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and
operating as, and for the purposes, above specified.
A GUTS JEA day of October 2003.
Haseltine, Lake & Co.,
F. B. HILL.
45, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.