Manufacturing Gas.
Year: 1886

page_text: Manufacturing Gas.
I BURDETT LOOMIS, of Hartford, State of Connecticut, United States of America,
Gas 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 the process and apparatus for manufacturing heating
and illuminating gas in a cupola generator in connection with superheating and
fixing chambers, by blasting bituminous coal or other fuel downward, and heating
up the superheating and fixing chambers, superheating steam and decomposing it
in contact with highly heated or incandescent fuel, and at the same time distilling
carbureted hydrogen from lump or powdered bituminous coal, heavy oils, tars, etc.,
then carbureting the resulting mixed gases if desired for illuminating purposes and
converting them into a fixed gas in the heated fixing chamber.
The object of the invention is to successfully coke bituminous coal directly in the
cupola furnace by a'downward' air blast, and heat such coked coal to a suitable
temperature to decompose steam, and to generate gas from lump or powdered
bituminous coal, heavy oils, tars, etc., in the cupola at the same time steam is being
decomposed.
Another object is to produce a more compact, convenient, and economically
operated apparatus than those now in use, and particularly to better utilize the
beat of the hot products of combustion and hot gas for heating air and super-
beating steam; also, to provide a simple and effective construction of the super-
heating and fixing chamber whereby gas or steam is subjected to more uniform
and prolonged heat and such chamber be readily cleaned of soot and ashes; also, to
provide means for distributing hot air in the superheater for burning the gaseous
products of the combustion from the generator; also; to provide means for heating
the hydrocarbon oil before admission to the vaporizer of the fixing chamber;
also, to provide for keeping the fuel chamber clear of clinker and ashes, whereby
the steam may be better decomposed, and to keep the ash-pit hot and thus prevent
condensation of steam therein; also, to provide means for heating up both the
steam superheating and fixing chambers simultaneously at the time the air blasts
are admitted to the fuel; also, to provide means for readily sealing and unsealing
the gas eduction pipes 'in the hydraulic seal box, whereby the pressure in either
fixing chamber may be quickly relieved so that gas may be made at a lower
pressure and the danger of producing lamp black by carbonization of the' oil thus'
prevented, and improved results secured,

page_text: Heretofore in manufacturing illuminating gas, an upward air blast has been
forced through the fuel in the generator; that is, the air has been forced from the
ash-pit up through the grate and coal resting upon it, but such operation is
objectionable, as the ashes and clinkers are prevented from passing freely down-
wards through the grate and thereby cause the latter to become clogged up and an
impaired combustion results in the generator; it is also objectionable as it will
cause the fuel, if bituminous coal is used, to cake and run together and prevent the
free passage of air and steam.
In my process I do just the reverse; that is, I use a downward draft in the
generator by forcing air from the top or sides thereof through the fuel and through
the spaces between the grate bars, by which I obtain perfect combustion of the
fuel, and successfully coke the upper portions thereof without causing it to run
together and mat; and the. ashes, clinkers, etc., that are not consumed are blown
downward and drop through the grate bar spaces into the ash-pit below. An
additional advantage of blasting downward through the fuel is that the generator.
is thereby made coolest at the top and can consequently be cleaned of clinker by
insertion of poking bars, and the coal charged in at the top without inconvenience
to the workmen.
To insure perfect combustion of gaseous products given off during the admission
of the air blasts, I, in some cases; use hollow grate bars, having suitable perforations,
through which air, previously heated, is forced out and coming into intimate contact
with the gaseous products will cause complete combustion thereof and consequently
produce increased heat in the ash-pit or combustion chamber below the grate. In
some cases the gaseous products are burned by means of hot air discharged from
perforated flues at different portions of the superheating and fixing chamber, for
uniformly heating such chamber.
The process, also the parts of the apparatus or combination of parts which con-
stitute my invention, will be defined in the claims.
I will now particularly describe my invention by reference to the accompanying
drawings in which Figure 1, represents a vertical longitudinal section of the
apparatus; Figure 2, represents a side elevation; Figure 3, represents a front
elevation; Figure 4, represents a top plan view of the generator and superheating
and fixing chambers; Figure 5, represents a horizontal or slightly inclined section
through the air heating flues and furnace walls just below the ash-pits and base of
superheaters; Figure 6, represents a horizontal section through the apparatus;
Figure 7, represents a vertical longitudinal section of the apparatus having the gas
outlet passage leading from the top of generator to top of superheater and adapted
for an up draft or blast; Figure 8, represents a vertical section of the generator,
with devices for feeding and distributing powdered coal, etc., to the bed of fuel;
Figure 9, represents a longitudinal vertical section of a modified form of the
apparatus; Figure 10, represents a horizontal section on line x-x, figure 9;
Figure 11, represents a horizontal section showing a modified construction of the
superheating and fixing chambers; Figure 12, represents a vertical cross section of
the generating chamber on line y-y, figure 11; Figure 13, represents a vertical
cross section through the hydraulic seal box; Figure 14, represents a longitudinal
vertical section of a modified form of apparatus; Figure 15, represents a horizontal
section of the same on line A, B, figure 14; Figure 16, represents a longitudinal
vertical section of another modified form of apparatus.
Like letters and figures refer to similar parts in the several figures of the drawing.
Referring now more particularly to figures 1 to 8 inclusive: The fuel and
generating chambers A, A¹, and the superheating and fixing chambers B, B¹, are
preferably constructed in pairs and all enclosed in a single outer surrounding wall
of brick covered by a tight riveted jacket of plate or boiler iron. A partition
wall L, separates the generating chambers and a wall L¹ in line with wall L,
separates chambers B, B¹; and walls K, K', separate chambers A, A¹, from
chambers B, B¹; these walls are of brick with iron division plates extending
centrally through them and riveted to the outer. iron jacket by means of angle

page_text: irons, thus giving strength and durability to the structure and making the walls
tight. Chambers A, A¹ are connected at the top by pipe W, having valve w, and
they also have at the top the fuel and smoke passages a, a, provided with tightly
ciosing lids. An inclined grate d, separates the fuel chamber from the ash-pit D,
having its bottom inclined downward and outward to correspond to the grate, for
facilitating the removal of clinker and ashes through doors x, x; side doors y,
opening into the fuel chamber are also provided. Air blast pipes T¹, T2 having
valves v, v, connect with the main supply pipe T, and with the tops of
chambers A, A¹, to supply the air for a downward blast. Branch pipes o, o',
having valves t, t¹, connect blast pipe T, with transverse flues H, H¹, below the
ash-pits, as shown in figures 1 and 5; and longitudinal flues r, r¹, slightly inclined
in the direction of the ash-pit floor, connect flues H, H with transverse flues I, I':
Vertical air distributing flues h, h, in the side and partition walls, and having
perforated tile faces connect with flues I, I, and distribute hot air to the hot
gaseous products in the passages or throats d' and in different portions of the super-
heating and fixing chambers B, B1, for causing uniformn and complete combustion
of such gaseous products. The flues r, r, are made narrow and are separated
by brick walls or tile which support the floor of the ash-pit. A passage d¹, connects
the ash-pit of each fuel chamber with the superheating and fixing chambers B, B¹.
These chambers are divided by vertical transverse fire-brick, partitions b, b,
extending alternately from the top and bottom nearly the whole vertical diameter
of the chamber, so as to form flues and connecting passages alternately at top and
bottom as shown in figures 1, 7, and 9. By this construction and arrangement a
long connected passageway or series of connected flues is uniformly heated up by
hot products of combustion, the heat being stored in the brick partition walls, and
steam to be superheated and gas to be fixed are caused to pass more uniformly
through the chamber and be longer subjected to the influence of heat than in the
usual construction of heat storing chambers, and besides, in my construction, the
soot and ashes readily fall to the bottoms of the chambers, where they may be
removed through man or hand holes provided with covers or caps z, z, in the side
walls; such holes and caps are also provided in the walls at the tops of the flues
for the insertion of brushes or scrapers to remove soot or ashes attached to the
partition walls. The first two or three compartments of chamber B, are extended
down below the ash-pit, nearly to the foundation, forming ash traps or pockets in
which most of the soot and ashes will be collected and from which it may bé
removed at any convenient time through the large door in the side wall. The
letter N designates compartments or divisions of the superheating chambers at the
rear ends thereof, beyond that portion which is heated by products of combustion
and beyond the escape pipes for such products. The compartment N, commences
at the corner X, of the offset, and the escape pipes k, k¹,-one from each chamber-
opens just below X, and passing through the brickwork of the offset connect with
chamber M, which connects by passage m, with furnace chamber E, of steam
boiler C, just back of the bridge wall of such furnace. Pipes k, k¹, are curved
upward into chamber M, and have horizontal top edges and flanges for the slide
valves e, el, having handles i, i, passing out through the walls. Supports L, are
provided for the valves when drawn off from the mouths of the pipes. Doors q, q',
are provided at the ends of chamber M, for giving access to the valves. An air
passage p¹, is formed in the wall of chamber M, for supplying air to the products
of combustion as they pass into furnace E, for burning any remaining combustible
gas or particles of carbon. Oil vaporizing chambers g, g¹, are formed in walls K, K,
and open at top and bottom into chambers B, B₁. Hydrocarbon oil, previously
heated in the coils of pipe G, G, on top of the furnace, is supplied by pipe F, F¹;
having valves f, f¹, to the vaporizing chamber. Pipes F, F, having valves fil
and f, may also supply oil to the tops of the superheating and fixing chambers
so as to drop down into the flues, and meet the ascending currents of gas. A hand
hole and cap, is provided for cleaning chamber g, the oil in passing through
coils G, G¹, absorbs heat that would otherwise be radiated and lost and the oil is

page_text: heated to such a temperature that it immediately flashes into vapor in chambers g, g,
and carburets the water gas, part of which will pass up through chambers g, g,
and keep them clear of carbonaceous and tarry matter. The gas eduction pipes 0,0¹,
lead from the last flue of compartment N, of chambers B, B¹, and dip into a scal
box P, preferably such as shown in figure 13, located on top of the boiler furnace;
and take-off pipe P¹, leads to the purifier and holder. The furnace E, is provided
with a grate for maintaining an auxiliary fire for heating the steam boiler if
required in addition to the hot products of combustion passing from the generating
apparatus. Steam supply pipes n, having valves connect with each of the pipes O, O,
and an opening and cap o", is provided in the bends of said pipe O, O¹, for
cleaning them if required. Steam supply pipes should also connect with the oil
supply pipes near their connections with the furnace, to act as injectors for oil, or
to supply steam separately when required; steam pipes may also be connected
directly with the ash-pit and with the tops of the generators A, A³, for passing
steam directly into the fuel, either up or down, as shown at n¹¹, n¹¹ in figures 14
and 16, so that steam may be decomposed by passing it down through the fuel, in
which case valve w, of connecting pipe W, should be closed. The generators may
have self-feeders for powdered fuel or coal dust, similar to those marked b¹, in
figure 14, or they may have grates or perforated plates like those shown at all, in
figure 8, and provided. with sliding grates or registers e¹¹, having handles extending
outside of the furnace for supporting and distributing powdered bituminous coal.
Instead of the grates and registers, pivoted turning slats 8 may be used. Of
course the grates or slats must be partially open when charged with coal dust, to
permit the passage of gas, and may be fully opened when it is desired to dump the
charge from one to the other, or down on to the bed of fuel below. The powdered
coal may be charged on to the lower grate first and those above charged successively
from below upward, then as the lower charge is first distilled, the resulting coke iş
first dumped upon the bed of fuel below, and the charge of the grate above is
dumped on to the lower grate and so on to the top. The hot water gas passing up
through the coal on the grates will carry off the rich carbureted hydrogen gas and
vapors which will materially aid in enriching the water gas and thus lessen the
quantity of oil required for such purpose. In figure 7, the construction is slightly
modified by placing the gas passage d', connecting the generator, with the super-
heating chamber at the top, and providing a number of blast pipes extending
downward and inward. through the walls a short distance above the middle of the
chamber, so that downward air blasts may be forced into the fuel. A steam supply
pipe should connect with the ash-pit or base of the fuel chamber. The hot air
pipe I, connecting with the perforated flues h, is placed in the roof of chamber B.
This apparatus may be built and operated singly rather than in pairs.
The operation of the, apparatus shown in figures 1 to 6 inclusive:
Valves e, e¹, in chamber M are both opened and a fire is kindled on the grates in
each chamber A, A¹, being supplied by a down draft, for which purpose valves v, v¹,
of blast pipes T1, T2, are opened admitting blasts of air to the tops of chambers A, A¹:
valvest, t¹, are also opened admitting air to the flues below the ash-pits. The air.
passes down through the fuel, causing active combustion and producing high heat
and thereby coking the charges of bituminous coal which are cast on top of the
heated fuel by self feeding apparatus or otherwise. The resulting hot gaseous
products containing carbonic oxide and other combustible gas from the coal, pass
into the ash-pit heating the air flues below, and thence through passage d', into
chambers B, B1, where they meet the currents of hot air from vertical flues h, at
different points in two or more of the flues, between partitions b, resulting in the
complete combustion of such gaseous products and the generation of high heat,
which is imparted to the brickwork forming the flues. The hot products of
combustion finally pass from chambers B, B1, through pipes k, k¹, and into
chamber M, and thence into furnace E, under the steam boiler, for generating
steam. The blasts are continued till deep beds of incandescent fuel are formed in
chambers A, A', and chambers B, B¹, are heated to the required temperature, then

page_text: all the air valves are closed, valves 6, e¹, are closed and steam is admitted into
one of the superheating chambers as chamber B, through pipés n ando and
highly superheated by passage through the heated' flues, and is then passed
up through the incandescent fuel in chamber A, where it is decomposed,
resulting in the formation of hydrogen, carbonic oxide and a small per cent.
of carbonic acid; these gases pass through pipe W, the valve w. of which is
open, into chamber A³, and down through the bed of fuel therein, carrying with
them the carbureted hydrogen gases distilled from the coal, which add. to the
illuminating power of the gas, and in this second bed of fuel the carbonic acid
is converted into carbonic oxide. All tarry matters or vapors distilled from the
upper layers of coal, are converted into fixed gas or deposited while passing
down through the bed of incandescent fuel below. The water gas and coal gas
pass into chamber B¹, where they are carbureted to the desired candle power by
hydrocarbon vapor, generated in chamber g¹, oil being supplied by pipe F¹. The
carbureted gas is then fixed by passage through fixing chamber B¹. The hot gas in
passing through compartment N, or heat restorer of chamber B¹, heats the brick-
work forming the flues thereof and passes thence to the hydraulic box P, from
which it goes to the scrubber or condenser and purifiers. The manufacture of .gas
is thus continued till the fuel is reduced below the proper decomposing temperature,
and chambers B, B¹, are cooled down. The steam and oil are then shut off and the
apparatus is heated up as above described, except that chamber B', through which
the gas was last passed, need not be specially heated as it is left hot by the hot
gas. The fuel in chamber A¹, is also left comparatively hot, since the steam was
passed directly into chamber A, which would be first cooled, and only hot gas was
passed into chamber A', which would be little cooled. The blast is therefore
applied principally or wholly to fuel chamber A and fixing chamber B. The
apparatus having been suitably re-heated, the blast is shut off and steam is now
admitted, first into heat restorer N, of chamber B¹, which was previously heated
by the out-going hot gas and is passed on through chamber B¹ where it is super-
heated It is decomposed in chambers A¹ and A, and is carbureted and fixed in
chamber B; and in passing out, heats compartment N, beyond the point where
products of combustion have been passed as such products were passed out belów X
through pipe k. Steam passed through the chamber through which gas was last
passed, cleans it of carbonaceous matter which may have been deposited therein.
As above indicated, fresh bituminous coal, either in quantity or with self feeders,
ground, fine, may be charged into the beds of incandescent fuel when ready to
make gas, and the superheated steam or gases resulting from its decomposition, in
passing up through the fresh coal, will carry off its hydrocarbons, forming a gas of
several candles' power and less oil will thus be required for carbureting the gas.
I may also admit crude oils or tar, or liquid asphaltum by pipes S, S¹, connecting
with pipe W, into the hot gases as they are passing over from one chamber to the
other, whereby such oils, tar or asphaltum, are rapidly vaporized and converted into
fixed gas by passage down through the bed of fuel. The oils and tar may also be
admitted to the ash-pit and the vapors passed up through the coal. The gas may
be further enriched by oil admitted into the fixing chamber. A superior quality of
heating gas is made by the above operation, omitting the hydrocarbon oil supply in
the fixing chamber:
I can make in this apparatus what is called generator gas, but with greater
economy than in other generators, since waste heat is by my process and apparatus
used in heating the air and steam. For making a cheap heating gas, air and steam are
both passed into the rear end of one of the superbeating and fixing chambers and thence
into the fuel, and the resulting gas is passed out through the other superheating
chamber. When the steam and air heater becomes cool, the direction of the current
is reversed, the air and steain now being passed into the chamber through which the
hot gas was last passed, and thus be heated by the waste heat. The operation
of making this quality of gas by the use of air and steam, is practically continuous,

page_text: as a sufficient proportion of air is used to support combustion of the fuel and keep
it at the proper temperature for decomposing steam.
To successfully burn and coke bituminous coal in the apparatus shown in figure 7,
the outlet valve e, from superheater is opened, and a fire built on the grate, the
blast pipe below the grate being opened, and the fire well started, the lower blast
pipe is closed and the upper one opened. The blast is forced down into the coal
through the inclined blast pipes T₁, and the ashes are blown into the ash-pit, while
the products of combustion will rise up in the center and pass out through passage d',
and mix with jets of air from the perforated flues h which cause complete
combustion and thus heat chamber B. Gas may now be generated by passing
steam into the ash-pit and up through the fuel, where it is decomposed, and the
resulting gas may be enriched and fixed in chamber B, and passed therefrom into
the seal box or steam may be admitted, by pipe n, into pipe Ọ, and superheated
in chamber B, then decomposed by passage down through the fuel, and the resulting
gas passed off through a pipe leading from the ash-pit.
I will now describe the peculiarities of the modified form of apparatus shown in
figures 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13. The apparatus is made double, that is, with two
generating chambers and two regenerators or superheating and fixing chambers,
and the generators are so constructed that the air blasts may be forced horizontally
through the fuel; a tubular air heater is provided from which hot air is drawn
and forced by the blower, into the fuel and regenerating chambers, and special
means are provided for sealing and unsealing the gas eduction pipes in the
hydraulic seal box. The fuel chambers are separated at their lower portions by a
high bridge wall while they communicate freely at the top, as shown in figures 9
and 12. Passages a at the tops of the chambers, having tight fitting lids, serve for
charging in fuel and for the insertion of clinker bars, to clean the walls if necessary.
Air chambers c, c, are formed in the front walls C¹ C¹, and are separated from the
fuel chamber by cellular walls CC, formed of firebrick and having numerous
passages for air, up about half the height of the wall. Air blast pipes I¹¹, having
valves t', connect with chambers c; and blast pipes o, having valves t, connect with
the grates which are preferably composed of hollow perforated bars. Pipe T
connects with blower K¹, and supplies air to the vertical pipe T T', with which
pipes I and o connect. Pipes extend from pipe T, and connect with
chambers B, B', just in front of the gratings D' to supply air to burn the gaseous
products from the generator. Air to supply the blower is passed through the gas
cooler and air heater H and flows therefrom through pipe I, to the blower K'.
The brick partitions or check walls in the superheating and fixing chambers, are
perforated or made cellular near their free ends, as shown, so as to divide up the
currents of gas or steam, and provide a more extended heating surface. One or
more of the check walls, near the front of each chamber B, B', is formed with an
oil vaporizing passage g, having perforations opening into the tortuous channel b.
An oil supply pipe F, having valve f, connects with passage g. The channels b, at
the rear ends of chambers B, B1, extend up through the roofs and are provided
with dampers ', for the escape of products of combustion which may be conducted
to a steam boiler furnace. Gas escape pipes O, O¹, lead from chambers B, B1, into
hydraulic seal box P (See figure 13) into which they dip nearly to its bottom, and
pipe P¹, connects box P, with chamber V, at the base of the gas cooler H2, which
may contain a water seal or not as preferred. Seal box P, is provided with a
transverse partition w¹, separating the two inlet pipes and forming two chambers j, j',
each of which has a water supply pipe m¹, having valve c¹, and a discharge pipe g¹,
having valve cl whereby either chamber may be flushed or emptied, or nearly so,
as desired. Overflow pipe u¹ and u¹¹, connect box P, with tar trap U, having
outlet u. The gas cooler and air heater H2 is provided with tubes for the passage
of gas and has, connecting with the chamber through which the tubes pass, the air
inlet tubes h¹, h³, and the outlet pipe 1', connecting with the blower. The gas
discharge pipe P*, leads from the upper chamber to purifier or scrubber, from which

page_text: the gas goes to the holder. A steam supply pipe n³ having a valve, connects
with the upper part. of the fuel chamber. The check walls in figure 11, are
arranged to extend transversely from the side and partition walls, so as to form
tortuous channels passing back and forth from side to side through the chambers...
This form of apparatus can be operated to produce either illuminating or heating
gas. For manufacturing illuminating gas, the operation is as follows:-
After the fires are kindled on both grates, by natural draft, the doors x, and lid
or covers at top of the generators are closed, dampers 1, opened and the air blasts
admitted from the blower through pipe I, or o, or both, into the fuel chamber, and
through pipes I and h, to chambers B, B¹, for burning the gaseous products
passing off from the fuel chamber, and the blasts are continued till a sufficient
depth of fuel is raised to incandescence, and chamber B, B¹, are heated to the
desired temperature, then they are shut off, and dampers L' are closed. Steam is
now admitted into one of the chambers, as B₁, through pipe n¹, and is highly
superheated by passing through the tortuous channel around the check walls and
is decomposed by passage through the fuel the resulting water gas passes through
grating D¹, into chamber B, where it is carbureted by the admission of hydro-
carbon oil into the passage or chamber in one of the check walls, the oil being
vaporized and the vapor flowing out through the perforations into the water gas.
The carbureted gas is fixed in its passage through the tortuous channel in contact
with the heated refractory check walls, and flows through pipe O, into the
exhausted or nearly empty chamber j¹, of the seal box. At the time steam is
admitted into the chamber B, and gas discharged from chamber B, into chamber j,.
of the seal box as above described, pipe O¹, is sealed by the admission of water
into chamber j, of the seal box through pipe m¹, and water is drawn off from
chamber, down to near the lower end of pipe O, by opening valve cl, in pipe g¹,
so that steam is prevented from flowing through pipe O¹, into the seal box, and so
that the pressure usually caused by a deep fluid seal is removed from the generator
and fixing chamber, and the danger of forming carbon and lamp black deposits in
the fixing chamber thereby prevented. Instead of the arrangement shown in
figure 13, for sealing and unsealing the dip pipes, such pipes may have at their
lower ends, valves or cups, containing a sealing liquid, and such valves or cups be
provided with rods passing up through the pipes and connected on the outside
with pivoted levers, for raising or lowering the valves or cups for closing or
opening the pipes.
The gas passes from the seal box through pipe P₁, and up through the tubes of
the gas cooler H' and thence by pipe P2 to the purifiers on its way to the holder
not shown. After the apparatus has been reheated, the direction of the steam and
gas through the chambers B, B', may be reversed, at which time chamber j¹, of the
seal box, is flushed, and chamber j, exhausted of water down to outlet pipe g¹,
or if valves or cups are used, pipe O is closed and pipe O¹ opened.
When using the apparatus to make water gas for heating purposes only, air for
supporting combustion of the fuel, may be passed through one of the chambers B, B',
through which the hot water gas was last passed for taking up the heat, while the
other chamber is being highly heated for subsequently superheating steam.
Referring now to figures 14, 15, and 16, the distinguishing features and parts
will be described: The generator A, has hollow perforated grate bars d, which
separate the fuel chamber from the ash-pit D, and a branch air blast pipe o, having
valve t, connects with the hollow perforated grate.. Another blast pipe o, having
valve t connects with the side of chamber A, and the main blast pipe T¹, having
valve v, connects with the top of the generator. A blast pipe T connects blower K¹,
with passage d, leading into the superheating and fixing chamber B, commonly
called the regenerator. Hot air is supplied to the blower through pipe I¹, from the
gas
cooler and air heater H² as heretofore explained.. Self feeding fuel hoppers b¹,
having rotary stirrers and feeders 6, and tight fitting covers 6111 connect bycon-.
tracted passages with the top of the fuel chamber. A gas outlet pipe W, having.
valve. w, for fuel gas, connects with the top of the generator.. A branch steam,
4

page_text: supply pipe connects with the top of the generator, and branch pipe 111 connects
with the side of the generator, a short distance above the grate: the branch
steam pipes lead from the pipe n', which connects with steam dome c* of boiler C,
and all the pipes have controlling valves. The regenerator B, serving to superheat
steam and fix gases, is constructed as heretofore described with check walls
projecting älternately from opposite sides, and the two front check walls are formed;
with oil vaporizing passages g; supplied by pipes F, having valves f. The regenerator
is readily cleaned by removing the bricks or stoppers z, z, and inserting scrapers
for removing soot and ashes. The outlet pipe O, having valve o connects the
regenerator with the seal chamber P, at the base of gas cooler and air heater H
The flow of illuminating gas to the seal chamber is controlled by valve o* while
the flow of products of combustion froin the regenerator into the passage k, of
boiler C, is controlled by damper or valve e. The steam boiler is tubular and may
be placed horizontally as in figure 14, or vertically as in figure 16; it has a steam
dome from which extends pipe n' supplying the pipes leading into the
generator, and pipe n, leading into the rear of the regenerator.. A feed water
heater is placed above the boiler, and from it extends the smoke stack L. In
figure 16, 1 have arranged the check walls in two sets; one above the other, for
saving room and making the apparatus more compact. An independent furnace or
fire pot E is located adjacent to the boiler and connected therewith by a passage
controlled by damper or valve es. This furnace may also be connected with the
horizontal boiler shown in figure 14. By ineans of furnace E, steam can be raised
in the boiler before fire is kindled in the generator, or when the fire is low and
the waste heat therefroin is not sufficient to generate the required volume of steam;
in such case I close damper e, and open damper e³, and make a fire in furnace E
and allow the flame and hot products of combustion to pass through the tubes of
the boiler.
-
In the practical working of my improved gas apparatus, I find that by forcing
air downwards through the coal, the ashes are blown downwards through the grate
bar spaces into the ash-pit, leaving the whole mass of coal quite porous and
practically free from clinker. At this stage of the operation, I prefer to add either
carbon, in the form of coal dust, or pulverized fuel by feeding the same with the
air from the blower through the blast pipes to the upper, central, or lower part of
the generator; and in this way, I am able to utilize a large portion of cheap fuel
which may be fed by air blast or steam jets, or by the self-feeding hoppers as
desired: I can use to advantage any kind of fuel, such as coal, lignite, wood,
sawdust, shavings; in fact, anything that will burn.. Bituminous coal.cokes readily
and the tar runs down without making a thick coating over the top of the fuel as
is the case where an upward air blast is used.
I
In operating the apparatus, the fire is blown by a down blast, and the products
are burned in the ash-pit and regenerator and finally passed through the boiler,
damper e for such purpose being open; and valve o being closed. After the fuel
and decomposing chamber. and the regenerator have been heated to the desired
temperature, the air blasts are shut off, damper e is closed, and valve o* is opened,
and a current of steam is passed from the boiler through pipe n into and through
the incandescent fuel in the generator where it is decomposed, forming hydrogen
and carbonic oxide which passes into the regenerator: Liquid hydrocarbon is
admitted into the vaporizers g, in one or more of the check walls, where it is quickly
vaporized and the vapor combines with the hydrogen and carbonic oxide coming
from the generator, forming an illuminating gas, which, as it passes through the
heated regenerator is fixed, and it passes thence through the hydraulic seal, scrubber,
and purifier on its way to the holder.
In making fuel or heating gas, the apparatus is heated up as above described,
and when properly heated; steam is admitted at the rear end of the regenerator
through pipe n, after daniper e; and valve o' and the air valves are closed. The
steam, in passing through the regenerator; is highly superheated; and is then passed
upward through the incandescent fuel-in the generator, where it is fully decomposed

page_text: and the resulting fuel gas is conducted off through outlet pipe W, to the cooler and
purifier, as usual. By passing the air blast down through.the fuel, and causing
combustion of the gaseous, products below the grate, the ash-pit is kept hot.80
that no condensation can take place there, as occurs when the air blast is admitted
through the ash-pit into the fuel,
· Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed I 'declare that what
I claim is
1. The process of manufacturing heating gas which consists in heating two bodies
of fuel by downward blasts of air, heating two superheating and fixing chambers
by burning the resulting gaseous products, then superheating steam by passing
through one of the superheating chambers, decomposing it by passing it through
one body of heated fuel, then passing the resulting gases through the other body,
of heated fuel for converting the carbonic acid into carbonic oxide.
2. The process of manufacturing illuminating gas, which consists in heating two
bodies of fuel by downward blasts of air, heating two superheating and fixing
chambers by burning the resulting gaseous products, then superheating steam by
passing it through one of the superheating chambers, decomposing it by passing it
through one body of heated fuel, then passing the resulting gases through the
other body of heated fuel for converting the carbonic acid into carbonic oxide, then
carbureting the water gas and fixing it by passing it through the heated fixing
chamber..
}
3. The process of generating gas which consists in passing superheated steam up
through a body of incandescent fuel for decomposing it, then admitting crude oil,
tar, or liquid asphaltum into the resulting hot gas, and passing it down through a
second body of heated fuel for converting such oil, tar, or asphaltum into gas, then
carbureting the gas or not, as required, and fixing it by passing it through the
heated fixing chamber.
4. In the manufacture of gas the process of coking bituminous coal and heating
such coked coal to incandescence for decomposing steam, which consists in passing
the air blast or draft down through the ignited fuel and periodically charging fresh
bituminous coal on top of the fuel body, whereby the ashes and dust are blown
down into the ash-pit, leaving the body of coal porous for the passage of steam
and preventing the formation of clinker, and whereby the formation of a tarry
coating on top of the fuel is prevented, and improved results secured.
5. The process of manufacturing gas which consists in coking bituminous coul
and heating such coked coal by passing the air blast or, draft down through it for,
keeping it clear of ash and clinker, adding fresh bituminous coal as required, and
decomposing steam by passing through the heated fuel and distilling coal, whereby,
a mixture of water gas and carbureted hydrogen is produced.
6. The process of making illuminating gas by forcing air downward into and
through the fuel, thereby better coking it and heating it, to the decomposing
temperature for steam, burning the resulting gaseous products, and thereby heating.
the regenerator and boiler, then decomposing steam by passing it downward
through the fuel and conducting the resulting water gas through the ash-pit into
the regenerator or fixing chamber, there adding hydrocarbon liquid or vapor and
then fixing the gas by passing it in contact with heated refractory material.
7. The two generating chambers connected at the top in combination with two
superheating and fixing chambers connecting with the bases of the generating
chambers as and for the purpose described.
8. In combination with the fuel and generating chamber of a gas apparatus,
having an air blast pipe connecting with its tops the connected air flues below the
ash-pit for heating the air as described.
.9. In combination with the generating chamber of a gas apparatus, having an
outlet passage for gases leading from the, ash-pit, the system of air heating, Hues
arranged below the ash-pit and the connecting blast pipe substantially as described;

page_text: 10. In combination with the superheating and fixing chamber, the air flues
arranged in its walls and opening into different portions of such chamber by
perforations, for causing a better distribution of air, and causing more uniform and
complete combustion of gaseous products for heating such chamber.
11. The combination of the generating chamber, the superheating and fixing
chamber, the air heating. flues arranged below the ash-pit and the connected
perforated flues opening into different portions of the superheating and fixing
chamber.
12. In combination with the superheating and fixing chamber, the oil vaporizing
chamber located in the wall K, and open at top and bottom for the purpose
described.
13. The combination of the oil vaporizing chamber, the superheating and fixing
chamber and the oil heating coil placed on top of the superheating and fixing
chamber.
14. The superheating and fixing chamber having a compartment heated by the
combustion of gaseous products and an escape pipe for products of combustion
leading therefrom, and a second compartment heated by fixed gas and a gas
eduction pipe leading therefrom, for the purpose described.
15. The combination of the superheating and fixing chamber M, pipe k, leading
from the former to the latter, a slide valve in chamber M, for closing the pipe and
the connected steam boiler furnace.
16. The combination of two generating chambers, two superheating and fixing
chambers, a chamber M, two pipes for products of combustion opening into
chamber M, and having valves, and the connected steam boiler furnace for the
purpose described.
17. The combination of a fuel and decomposing chamber with two adjacent
superheating chambers, containing refractory material.
18. The combination of a fuel and steam decomposing chamber, with two super-
heating chambers, both of which are connected directly by passages through a
division wall with the fuel chamber, whereby both may be heated up at the same
time.
19. The fuel chamber having a grating in its front wall a grating in the opposite
side wall, in combination with two superheating chambers connected directly with
the fuel chamber through the perforated side wall.
20. The fuel chamber having the cellular of perforated front wall, an air chamber
outside thereof, and a connecting air blast pipe, and a perforated rear wall in
combination with the two superheating chambers, both connected with the fuel
chamber through the perforated rear wall.
21. The combination of a fuel and decomposing chamber with a superheating
chamber, constructed with vertical check walls extending alternately from the top
and bottom of the chamber nearly its whole diameter and forming a tortuous
passage through the chamber.
22. The superheating chamber of a gas generator, having a filling of perforated
vertical check walls extending alternately from opposite sides of the chamber so as
to form a tortuous channel, for the purpose described.
23. In combination with a gas generator, a seal box, a connecting gas pipe
projecting down into the box, and a water supply pipe and discharge pipe arranged
for flushing the box or drawing off the water, for sealing or unsealing the gas pipe
as described.
24. The combination of a generating chamber, two superheating chambers con-
necting therewith, a seal box having two chambers, two gas pipes connecting the
superheating chamber with the chambers of the seal box, and water supply and
discharge pipes arranged to flush and draw off water from either box, for sealing
or unsealing either connecting gas pipe at will, for the purpose described.
25. In a gas apparatus the generator having the air blast pipe and steam supply
pipe connecting with its top in combination with the regenerator for fixing gas or
superheating steam, connected with said generator by means of the ash-pit or

page_text: combustion chamber below the grate, and a blast pipe connected to supply air
between the fuel and regenerator, for the purpose set forth.
26. The fuel and generating chamber having an air blast pipe connecting with
its upper portion, in combination with the horizontally, arranged regenerator
connecting with said generating chamber below the grate, and containing the
vertical check walls extending alternately from opposite side walls of the chamber,
and an escape flue for the products of combustion from the rear end of the
regenerator, for the purpose set forth.
27. The combination of the generator with the regenerator or superheater,
connecting with such generator at its base and having a series of vertical check
walls made of firebrick or other refractory material, projecting alternately from
opposite sides of said regenerator, so as to form the tortuous passage and such
regenerator having cleaning openings and closing devices in its side walls, for the
purpose described.
28. In combination with the gas generator, the regenerator B, having a series of
check walls projecting alternately from opposite side walls, one or more of such
check walls being made hollow and open at the inner end, to form oil vaporizers,
and the connecting oil supply pipes for the purpose described.
29. In a gas apparatus the fuel and generating chamber A, having one or more.
self-feeders and one or more blast pipes connecting with its top in combination
with the hollow perforated grate bars and connecting blast pipe, the ash-pit or
combustion chamber d, and the connected regenerator B, with its check walls, for
the purpose described.
30. In a gas apparatus the generator A, and superheater B,. in combination with
the steam generator C, connected to the exit end of the regenerator, the auxiliary
fire pot or furnace connected with the tubes of the boiler, and the cut-off
dampers e, es, arranged as described.
31. In a gas apparatus the combination of generator A regenerator B, boiler C,
air heater H², a flue having a cut-off damper, connecting the regenerator with the
boiler, and a gas take-off pipe having a valve connecting the regenerator with the
air heater, for the purpose 'described.
32. A down blast generator, having an air blast pipe connecting with its top, in
combination with a regenerator for fixing gas or superheating steam, provided with
check walls extending alternately from opposite walls of the chamber, so as to form
a tortuous passage.
33. A down blast generator having an air blast pipe connecting with its top in
combination with a regenerator for fixing gas or superheating steam, connected
with its bottom, and provided with check walls and steam supply pipe for the
purpose described.
34. The fuel and generating chamber having a fuel supply opening and a blast
pipe connecting with its top, in combination with the hollow perforated grate bars
and connecting blast pipe, and a connecting regenerator.
35. A fuel and generating chamber, having one or more self fuel feeders, one or
more air blast pipes, and a gas exit pipe connecting with its top and a steam
supply pipe connecting with its bottom, for the purpose described.
36. A fuel and generating chamber having a self fuel feeder, a blast pipe and a
gas exit pipe, connecting with its top in combination with a regenerator connecting
with its bottom, and having a steam supply pipe, for the purpose described.
Dated thin 20th day of Muh 1006
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.