Improvements in or connected with Electrolytic Cells.
Year: 1897

page_text: Improvements in or connected with Electrolytic Cells.
We, GEORGE BELL and GEORGE WILLIAM BELL, both of 97, Newsham Drive,
Newsham Park, Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, Engineers, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows;
-
This invention has reference to electrolytic apparatus for electrically decom-
posing alkaline salts in solution for the production of pure alkaline hydrate and
chlorine from alkaline chlorides, and for the decomposition of other salts of the
alkali metals, and similar substances for the production of other products; and
it has for its object to provide improvements in connection with apparatus of this
kind, by which electrolytic processes may be applied industrially with economy,
that is applied in a practical manner, and upon a large manufacturing scale.
This comprises the production of an apparatus which shall be capable of pro-
ducing a large output, and occupying a comparatively small area, and of producing
this apparatus, and the means of effecting the electrolytic or chemical electrical
operations with small expense; the class of electrolytic apparatus to which it
more particularly refers, is that in which mercury is used in connection with
the electrolyte, first, to form an amalgam with the base in an anode chamber
or vessel; and then to transfer the base to a cathode chamber thereof, in which it
is converted into another chemical body.
The invention, for convenience, will be described as applied to the electric
decomposition of an alkaline salt, say chloride of sodium, for the production of
chlorine, and a hydrate, namely caustic soda; it being understood at the same
time, that the apparatus or improvements can be applied to the decomposition
of other matters or substances in connection with which it is suitable
advantageous.
over
or
In the industrial application of the electrolytic methods in which mercury is
employed, and cells of the kind referred to are used, it is desirable and, practically,
necessary, in order to render the process a commercially practical thing, that
the quantity of mercury employed for a given output of material be very small,
that is, much or very considerably smaller than the quantity at present used in
systems in which mercury is employed. And, further, it is necessary, or most
desirable, that the apparatus employed for a given output should not
be extended
a large area, but should be
SO arranged that the
account
area occupied for the output should be reasonable, not only on
of the cost of land, but also, for the reason that a spread out, and
scattered, industrial works entails an exorbitant amount of labour and attention,
and, consequently, cost of manipulating and supervising. That is to say, the
whole apparatus and industry should be brought into a condition in which the
prime cost of appliances, plant, land, etcetera, and the cost of subsequent manipula-
tion, working, and management, is not inordinately large; and reduced to a state
in which the capital should be commensurate with the output, relatively with that
of corresponding alkali or chemical manufacture.

page_text: To these ends, the invention consists mainly or primarily in so constructing,
arranging, and operating the cells, that the mercury employed shall be in extremely
thin layers, so as to obtain a maximum of active area to the quantity of weight
employed; and furthermore, it consists in so constructing the apparatus, that,
within a single apparatus, there are comprised a large number of compartments
of cells while, in area, it is equal only to one of such compartments.
An electrolytic cell according to this invention, in which moving mercury
is employed, and transferred from one chamber to another for the purposes
specified, is entirely a static one, and the mercury is caused to flow to and fro
through or from the cathode, and anode chambers, alternately, by pressure created
by the gas generated in the cathode or anode chambers. Thus this cell is per-
fectly automatic, as its action depends directly upon the current supplied to it.
In one form of apparatus, this method of changing the mercury from one chamber
to another, is carried out in connection with an arrangement of triplicate chambers
for each cell; namely, a central anode chamber, and a cathode chamber on each
side, with comparatively large areas, the partitions between these chambers being
constructed to form lutes at their lower edges, under which the mercury is forced
or flows; and this actual lute portion of the partitions may consist of a thin metal
plate having a mercury amalgam surface, say in the cathode chamber side only.
Or, in lieu of this form of trap, viz., a lute, the other common form of trap, con-
sisting of dip tubes, may be used; and this remark applies to any of the con-
structions or modifications herein specified or included.
In action, according to one method, the mercury is forced from the anode
chamber to the cathode chamber, or cathode chamber to the anode chamber, by
closing the hydrogen outlet, and thereby creating in the cathode chamber a
pressure, which, acting upon the liquor, forces the mercury in the bottom into
and under the lute, into the anode chamber; and, in the case of a three-chambered
cell, simultaneously forces the mercury, then in the anode chamber, into the
other cathode chamber; and thus, by alternately stopping the escape of hydrogen,
from the alternate cells, say by a valve on the hydrogen mains connected with a
pile of these cells, the alternating action to and fro is effected through each cell
of the pile. The floors of the cathode chambers may be slightly inclined towards
the anode chambers say with a 4th to and of an inch; this will permit of
mercury to the depth of about 6th of an inch being used.
By causing the alternate action of the cells on each side of the pile to be simul-
taneous, by closing and opening the gas mains from the pile of cells, there is no
difference of pressure for the supply of liquid to contend with inflowing from
the higher cell to the lower one, in series.
The carbons of the anode chamber may be introduced from the end of the cell;
and the cells (which are preferably of iron) are piled one upon the other. That is
the anode or decomposing chambers and the oxidizing chambers will rest simply
one upon the other, and be suitably fastened together.
The regulation of the pressure of the gas for emptying or driving out of the
mercury, is controlled by the gas capacity above the liquor, and a timing arrange-
ment, such as a suitable mechanical device, driven at a certain rate, or a hydraulic
tumbling device of any known suitable kind, which opens the chambers in which
the pressures are created after they have been closed a certain time, or by an
electric device affected by the height or pressure of mercury in the cathode, or
anode chambers, or the lutes, or both; or by any equivalent means.
The mercury
lute will be of a proportional depth to the pressure used for expelling it, so that,
at the mixing pressure, it will not force or break the trap. To govern and regu-
late the timing device, according to the current passing through the cells, and
the rate of decomposing action going on, which is always proportional, a solenoid
governor actuated by the current may be used to vary the time of closing and
opening of the cells or chambers.
If the cell consists of two chambers, an anode and a cathode chamber, one
chamber may be higher than the other on the floor, to accelerate the action of Hg,

page_text: so that when the mercury has been pushed over from the lower to the higher by
the pressure, after the pressure is relieved, it will flow back again, by gravity.
In the case of the chlorine gas being used to force the mercury backwards
and forwards through the lutes, the two outer chambers would be made anode
chambers, and the centre one the cathode chamber, which is provided with area
sufficient to allow of rapid oxidizing of the base from amalgam.
According to a modification of the automatic cell last described, the cell is
divided into three compartments luted from each other, and the central compart-
ment is divided into two, by a partition which hermetically separates them, and
each of which is a cathode chamber, while the other chambers are anode ones.
In this arrangement, the hydrogen gas is used as the propelling or mercury,
charging agent, and it-the mercury-is alternately forced from both these
central chambers into the end anode chambers. This form and arrangement of
cell affords an advantageous means of construction for introducing large anode
surface from the side. In this, and also in others, when suitable, the floors of
the cathode chambers may be of iron, amalgamated with mercury, by which
very thin layers of mercury may be used, as it will run freely over such surfaces.
In order that the working and behaviour of each cell can be at any time
determined, without stopping them, a transparent-say glass U tube or like
gauge is connected at the bottom with the lower portion of the mercury lute,
and each arm being respectively connected with the liquors in the cells on each
side of the diaphragm. The complete action of the mercury, the timing of
oscillations, and the chemical action, can therefore be determined.
As stated, the chambers or parts will, preferably, be made of cast iron, and the
parts subject to the corrosive action of the gases will be coated or lined with a
suitable protecting surface; while the anode chambers would be lined all round,
and on the bottom, where the liquor and mercury come in contact with them, so
as to prevent any escape of current, except by way of the normal flow through.
the mercury.
It is to be stated that the utilization of the back pressure of the gases generated
by the current from an electrolytic apparatus, and any of the improvements des-
cribed, or characteristics of the invention, can be used in or connected with
apparatus or cells of forms and types other than these particularly specified or
mentioned herein.
100%
Improvements in or connected with Electrolytic Cells.
We, GEORGE BELL and GEORGE WILLIAM BELL, both of 97, Newsham Drive,
Newsham Park, Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, Engineers, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:
This invention has reference to electrolytic apparatus for electrically decom.
osing alkaline salts in solution for the production of pure alkaline hydrate and
chlorine from alkaline chlorides, and for the decomposition of other salts of the
alkali metals, and similar substances for the production of other products; and
it has for its object to provide improvements in connection with apparatus of this
kind, by which electrolytic processes may be applied industrially with economy,

page_text: that is applied in a practical manner, and upon a large manufacturing scale.
This comprises the production of an apparatus which shall be capable of pro-
ducing a large output, and occupying a comparatively small area, and of producing
the apparatus itself, and the means of effecting the electrolytic or chemical electrical
operations, with small expense. The class of electrolytic apparatus to which it
more particularly refers, is that in which mercury is used in connection with
the electrolyte, first, to form an amalgam with the base in a decomposing chatuber
or vessel; and then to transfer the base to an oxidizing chamber thereof, in which
it is converted into another chemical body..
The invention, for convenience, will be described as applied to the electric
decomposition of an alkaline salt, say chloride of sodium, for the production of
chlorine, and a hydrate, namely caustic soda; it being understood at the same
time, that the apparatus or improvements can be applied to the decomposition
of other matters or substances in connection with which they are suitable or
advantageous.
In the industrial application of the electrolytic methods in which mercury is
employed, and cells of the kind referred to are used, it is desirable, and, practi-
cally, necessary, in order to render the process a commercially practical thing, that
the quantity of mercury employed for a given output of material should be small.
And, further, it is necessary, or most desirable, that the apparatus employed for
a given output should not be extended over a large area, but should be so arranged
that the area occupied for the output should be reasonable, not only on account
of the cost of land, but, also, for the reason that a spread out, and scattered
industrial works, entails an exorbitant amount of labour and attention, and,
consequently, cost of manipulating and supervising. That is to say, the whole
apparatus and industry should be brought into a condition in which the prime
cost of appliances, plant, land, etcetera, and the cost of subsequent manipulation,
working, and management, is not inordinately large; and reduced to a state
in which the capital should be commensurate with the output, relatively with that
of corresponding alkali or chemical manufacture.
To these ends, the cells are so constructed, arranged, and operated, that the
mercury employed shall be in extremely thin layers, so as to obtain a maximum
of active area to the quantity of weight employed; and furthermore, it consists
in so constructing the apparatus, that, within a single apparatus, there are com-
prised a large number of compartments of cells, while, in area, it is equal only
to one of such compartments.
According to this invention, moving mercury is employed, and transferred from
one chamber to another for the purposes specified, while the apparatus is entirely
a static one, and the mercury is caused to flow to and fro, through or from the
oxidizing, and decomposing chambers, alternately, by pressure created by the
gas generated in the oxidizing or decomposing chambers. Thus this cell is
perfectly automatic, as its action depends directly upon the current supplied to
it. In one form of apparatus, this method of changing the mercury from one
chamber to another, is carried out in connection with an arrangement of triplicate
chambers for each cell; namely, a central decomposing chamber, and an oxidizing
chamber on each side, with comparatively large areas, the partitions between
these chambers being constructed to form lutes at their lower edges, under which
the mercury is forced or flows; and this actual lute portion of the partitions may
consist of a thin metal plate having a mercury amalgam surfaces, say in the
oxidizing chamber side only. Or, in lieu of this form of trap, viz., a lute, the other
common form of trap, consisting of dip tubes, may be used; and this remark
applies to any of the constructions or modifications herein specified or included.
In action, according to one method, the mercury is forced from the decompos-
ing chamber to the oxidizing chamber by closing and opening the chlorine out-
let, or from the oxidizing chamber to the decomposing chamber, by closing the
hydrogen outlet; and thereby creating in the oxidizing or decomposing chamber
a pressure, which, acting upon the liquor, forces the mercury in the bottom into

page_text: and under the lute, into the other chamber; and thus, by alternately stopping
the escape of gas, from the cells, say by a valve on one of the gas mains connected
with a pile of these cells, the alternating action to and fro is effected through each
cell of the pile. The floors of one chamber may be slightly inclined towards
the other chamber, say with a 4th to and of an inch fall; this will permit
of mercury to the depth of about 16th of an inch being used.
By causing the alternate action of the cells which are in pile arrangement-
on each side of the pile to be simultaneous, by closing and opening the gas mains
from the pile of cells, there is no difference of pressure for the supply of liquid
to contend with in flowing from the higher cell to the lower one, in series.
The carbons of the decomposing chamber may be introduced from the ends of
the cells.
The regulation of the pressure of the gas for emptying or driving out of the
mercury, is controlled by the gas capacity above the liquor and a timing arrange-
ment, such as a suitable mechanical device, driven at a certain rate, or a hydraulic
tumbling device of any known suitable kind, which opens the chambers in which
the pressures are created after they have been closed a certain time, or by an
electric device affected by the height or pressure of mercury in the oxidizing, or
decomposing chambers, or the lutes, or both; or by any equivalent means. The
mercury lute will be of such a depth that the pressure used for expelling the
mercury, will not force or break the trap. To govern and regulate the timing
device, according to the current passing through the cells, and the rate of decom-
posing action going on, which is always proportional, a solenoid governor actuated
by the current may be used to vary the time of closing and opening of the cells
or chambers.
If the cell consist of two chambers, decomposing and an oxidizing chamber,
one chamber may be higher than the other on the floor, to accelerate the action
of Hg, so that when the mercury has been pushed over from the lower to the
higher by the pressure, after the pressure is relieved, it will flow back again by
gravity.
r
In the case of the chlorine gas being used to force the mercury backwards and
forwards through the lutes, the two outer chambers would be made decomposing
chambers, and the centre one the oxidizing chamber, which is provided with
area sufficient to allow of rapid oxidizing of the base from amalgam.
According to a modification of the automatic cell last described, the cell is
divided into three compartments luted from each other, and the central compart-
ment is divided into two, by a partition which hermetically separates them, and
each of which is an oxidizing chamber, while the other chambers are decompos-
ing ones. In this arrangement, the hydrogen gas is used as the propelling or
mercury charging agent, and it-the mercury is alternately forced from both
these central chambers into the end decomposing chambers. This form and
arrangement of cell affords an advantageous means of construction for introducing
large anode surface from the side. In this, and also in others when suitable,
the floors of the oxidizing chambers may be of iron, amalgamated with mercury,
by which very thin layers of mercury may be used, as it will run freely over
such surfaces.
'
In order that the working and behaviour of each cell can be at any time
determined, without stopping them, a transparent-say glass U tube, or like
gauge, is connected at the bottom with the lower portion of the mercury lute, and
each arm being respectively connected with the liquors in the cells on each side
of the diaphragm. The complete action of the mercury, the timing of oscilla-
tions, and the chemical action, can therefore be determined.
As stated, the chambers, or parts, may be made of cast iron, and the parts
subject to the corrosive action of the gases will be coated or lined with a suitable
protecting surface; while the decomposing chambers would be lined all round,
and on the bottom, where the liquor and mercury come in contact with them, so

page_text: as to prevent any escape of current, except by way of the normal flow through
the mercury.
It is to be stated that the utilization of the back pressure of the gases generated
by the current from an electrolytic apparatus, and any of the improvements
described, or characteristics of the invention, can be used in or connected with
apparatus or cells of forms and types other than these particularly specified or
mentioned herein.
The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying draw-
ings, of which Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of a complete cell or apparatus
according to this invention, and Figure 2 is a plan with the covers removed.
Figure 3 is an outside side elevation shewing a slight modification of the appa-
ratus shewn in Figures 1 and 2.
Figure 4 shews a detail.
Referring, in the first instance, to Figures 1 and 2, the apparatus therein shewn
is one in which each cell comprises three chambers, of which two are decomposing
chambers, and one an oxidizing chamber. These chambers are respectively
designated a and b. The two outside chambers a are arranged in multiple, in
pile, one over the other; and are separate structures from the chambers b, (which
may be disposed anywhere conveniently) but connected with them; these
chambers being similarly arranged in pile, and all supported on a suitable rigid
base c, to which they will be bolted down by common holding down bolts d.
With regard to the details of the apparatus, i are the anodes, which, say, are
carbon rods, they being passed through gland stuffing boxes a common to several
rods, fitted into the ends of the material of which the chambers a are formed;
current being conveyed to them in any known suitable way. The bottoms or
floors of these chambers are inclined towards the outlet part-the inner edge of
the chambers, where the communicating pipes e connect them with the chambers b;
and along this edge, there is a metal, say an iron bar j, the surface of which is
amalgamated with mercury, and which is let into a groove in the bottom of the
chamber; and this bar in each cell is coupled up with the return electrical con-
ductor in each cell. The current thus flows from the carbon anodes i, through
the mercury in each chamber a, to the amalgamated bars j, and away by the
conductors. The effect of this construction and arrangement is that all the
mercury, practically, will be caused to pass from each chamber a to b, in each
action; and that when it is nearly all gone, the resistance of the chamber will
be very considerably raised, with the result that the electrolytic action and gene-
ration of chlorine will be practically stopped, directly the mercury has, practically,
all been driven out of the chamber a; and therefore the breaking of the lute of
mercury in the conducting pipes e by forcing it out of them, is automatically
obviated, and the access of the liquor from a decomposing chamber to an oxidiz-
ing chamber, or vice versa, is prevented.
The method of producing the alternations of flow of the mercury, from and
back to the chambers a, consists in the alternate closing up of the chambers a,
thereby creating a rise of pressure by the accumulation of the gas given off
(chlorine in the case of the electrolyte being a chloride), which pressure, acting
upon the surface of the liquid, will force the mercury at the bottom of the
chambers a, through the connecting pipes e into the chambers b; and then by
the release of this gas under pressure, by opening the chambers a, the mercury
will flow back into a from 6, by the excess of head in b, thus exerted.
The opening and closing of the chambers a, and the consequent creation of pres-
sure, and its subsequent release, by the gas given off in the decomposition of the
electrolyte by the electric current, is conveniently effected by a valve or valves;
and under this invention, this is accomplished by the employment of a single
valve or valvular apparatus, for a whole pile of chambers. This end is advan-
tageously produced by the employment of a common chlorine or gas discharge
pipe f, for each pile of chambers a, and a single valve for opening and closing

page_text: it; communication between the chambers and the pipe being by branches f¹,
which carry off the gases from the chamber above the electrolyte. 9 is the tap
or valve on each of these mains, and the two are operated, that is opened and
closed, by a double hydraulic tumbling basin h, charged with water from a supply
tap h, the taps or valves being so arranged that one is opened when the other
is closed, when the tumbling basin is on the one or other side of its oscillation.
The effect of this is, that when one set of chambers a is closed, and gas and
pressure are accumulating in them, the other set will be open; and the mercury
connected with one of the two sets will be receiving the alkaline base liberated
by electrolysis, and that connected with the other will be giving the base up to
the liquor in the oxidising chambers 6, by the oxidization of the amalgam formed
in a.
The flow of brine of full strength to the chambers a to be decomposed, is
supplied to them by a common main k, passing through valves on the main
branches leading to the respective piles of decomposing chambers, and which
valves are opened and closed, at the same time as the gas valves g, or a little before
by the tumbler h; the main having branches leading to each of the
chambers a; and each branch having regulating taps thereon, which will be
permanently set to give the required rate of feed. The level of the liquor is
maintained in a by the outlet branches f¹ connected with the main f; and the
overflow of electrolyte takes place by way of these branches; so that the mains f
serve both to carry off the gas given off in a, as well as the overflow of electro-
lyte. The electrolyte will, of course, be separated and drawn off from the pipe f
by any known suitable means.
The liquor used in the chambers 6 is passed in series through them, being
introduced at the uppermost chamber by a pipe l; and then the overflow from
this to the next chamber below is carried off by connecting pipes or loops ;
and so on throughout the pile. These pipes will maintain the level of liquor
in the chambers b; and the liquor, in its descent, will become stronger as it
passes through the pile. The hydrogen given off in these chambers b is carried
off by a main m, which communicate with the chambers by branches m¹. In
lieu of this mode of flow of the liquor, it may be caused to flow in parallel through
the pile of chambers b.
In lieu of the alternate opening and closing of the chamber a being effected by
the hydraulic timing device shewn and described, it may be accomplished by any
other equivalent timing means; as, for instance, an electricity motor-meter may
be adapted to open and close the valve for every unit of quantity decided upon
which passes through the meter; or, it may be effected by a solenoid acting upon
the valve, the current of which would be controlled by a time-keeping motor or
mechanism; or by other equivalent means.
The oxidizing chambers b may be of iron, or any other suitable material, and
the chambers a may be of glass, earthenware, or other suitable material, or com-
binations of material.
Figure 3 shews an outside side elevation of a pile of cells, in which the decom-
posing chambers, and the oxydizing chamber constituting a cell, are made in one
piece; whereas in the construction shewn in Figures 1 and 2 these chambers are
separate structures, but in other respects these cells are substantially identical
with those shewn in Figures 1 and 2. The shaded part at the top right hand
corner of this Figure 3, indicates what the appearance of a longitudinal section
of the cell would be. The two decomposing chambers at each end of each cell,
communicate with the central or intermediate oxidizing chamber by the pipes e.
similarly as shewn in the other figures of the drawing, and in other respects the
cell is in substance identical with that shewn in Figures 1 and 2, as indicated by
the letters denoting the different parts: the letters used in this figure to denote
the parts, being the same as those used in connection with the same parts in
Figures 1. 2, and 4.

page_text: The operation of the cells, generally, and of the mercury in particular, is
rendered visible by constituting the pipes e into indicators-see Figure 4; that
is, by making them of glass, and carrying up vertical portions e' connected with
the chambers a and b below and above the level of the liquor in them, by
branches e³, the movement of mercury and its levels, as well as the levels of
the liquors, can readily be directed and observed; and if the pipes e be placed,
as they are, below the level of the bottom of the chambers, by providing a vertical
pipe connected with e, through a tape, the mercury can be drawn off from
all the chambers of the pile, at any minute, and the vessels or chambers emptied
of mercury.
With regard to the shape of the cells or chambers a and b, these are in no
way restricted to those given in the drawings, as they may be circular, of annular
arrangement, as well as rectangular or polygonal; and moreover, they are not
restricted at all to the dispositions in the drawings, nor to their number.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is:
1. The herein described method of effecting the alternation of flow of mercury
to and from the decomposing and oxidization chambers of an electrolytic cell,
consisting in alternately raising and lowering the pressure on the mrecury in
one of said chambers.
2. The herein described method of effecting the alternation of flow of mercury
to and from the decomposing and oxidization chambers of an electrolytic cell,
consisting in alternately accumulating the gas given off in one of the chambers,
and raising the pressure thereby, and then releasing this gas, for the purposes
set forth.
3. The herein described method of effecting the alternation of flow of mercury
to and from the decomposing and oxidization chambers of an electrolyte cell,
consisting in alternately accumulating the gas given off in the decomposing
chamber of the cell, and raising the pressure therein, and then releasing said gas.
4. An electrolytic apparatus comprising the decomposing chamber a and an
oxidizing chamber b, in substantially parallel planes, connected with each other
at the lower part; having a valve on one of the gas discharge pipes from said
chambers, by which the closing and opening of one of the chambers is effected;
for the purposes specified.
5. In an electrolytic apparatus, a series of decomposing chambers arranged and
piled directly one on top of the other, and a series of oxidizing chambers arranged
in pile, directly one upon the other, the respective chambers in the two piles
being arranged in pairs, and communicating with each other by a lute adapted to
convey mercury backwards and forwards.
6. In an electrolytic apparatus, the arrangement and combination of a series
of decomposing chambers a in pile one directly upon the other, a series of oxidizing
chambers arranged in pile, one directly above the other; the valve g on a gas
escape pipe f; and an intermittently operating motor actuating device connected
with said valve for intermittently opening and closing same, by which the pressure
and accumulation of gas in said chambers is intermittently created and released;
for the purposes set forth.
7. In an electrolytic cell in which mercury is employed for the purposes
specified, a decomposing chamber and an oxidizing chamber substantially in the
same horizontal plane, having a pipe arranged and making communication be-
tween the lower parts of the two chambers, by which the flow and action of
mercury and liquors in the chambers are indicated; substantially as set forth.
8. In an electrolytic apparatus of the kind herein referred to, the arrange-
ments of multiple cell chambers and pipes connecting them, and through which
the fluids flow; substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

page_text: 9. The improved constructions and arrangements of cells, and parts of same,
as set forth with reference to and shewn in the different figures, or sets of figures,
of the drawings.
Dated this 6th day of August 1898.
CHEESBROUGH & ROYSTON,
Applicants' Patent Agents, 15, Water Street, Liverpool.

page_text: Date of Application, 8th Nov., 1897
Complete Specification Left, 8th Aug., 1898-Accepted, 8th Nov., 1898
Improvements in or connected with Electrolytic Cens
We, GEORGE BELL and GEORGE WILLIAM BELL, both of 97, Newsham Drive,
Newsham Park, Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, Engineers, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention has reference to electrolytic apparatus for electrically decom-
posing alkaline salts in solution for the production of pure alkaline hydrate and
chlorine from alkaline chlorides, and for the decomposition of other salts of the
alkali metals, and similar substances for the production of other products; and
it has for its object to provide improvements in connection with apparatus of this
kind, by which electrolytic processes may be applied industrially with economy,
that is applied in a practical manner, and upon a large manufacturing scale.
This comprises the production of au apparatus which shall be capable of pro-
ducing a large output, and occupying a comparatively small area, and of producing
this apparatus, and the means of effecting the electrolytic or chemical electrical
operations with small expense; the class of electrolytic apparatus to which it
more particularly refers, is that in which mercury is used in connection with
the electrolyte, first, to form an amalgam with the base in an anode chamber
or vessel; and then to transfer the base to a cathode chamber thereof, in which it
is converted into another chemical body.
The invention, for convenience, will be described as applied to the electric
decomposition of an alkaline salt, say chloride of sodium, for the production of
chlorine, and a hydrate, namely caustic soda; it being understood at the same
time, that the apparatus or improvements can be applied to the decomposition
of other matters or substances in connection with which it is suitable or
advantageous.
d
In the industrial application of the electrolytic methods in which mercury is
employed, and cells of the kind referred to are used, it is desirable and, practically,
necessary, in order to render the process a commercially practical thing, that
the quantity of mercury employed for a given output of material be very small,
that is, much or very considerably smaller than the quantity at present used in
systems in which mercury is employed. And, further, it is necessary, or most
desirable, that the apparatus employed for given output should not
be extended over a large area, but should be so arranged that the
area occupied for the output should be reasonable, not only on account
of the cost of land, but also, for the
a spread out, and
scattered, industrial works entails an exorbitant amount of labour and attention,
and, consequently, cost of manipulating and supervising. That is to say, the
whole apparatus and industry should be brought into a condition in which the
prime cost of appliances, plant, land, etcetera, and the cost of subsequent manipula-
tion, working, and management, is not inordinately large; and reduced to a state
in which the capital should be commensurate with the output, relatively with that
of corresponding alkali or chemical manufacture.
reason that

page_text: To these ends, the invention consists mainly or primarily in so constructing,
arranging, and operating the cells, that the mercury employed shall be in extremely
thin layers, so as to obtain a maximum of active area to the quantity of weight
employed; and furthermore, it consists in so constructing the apparatus, that,
within a single apparatus, there are comprised a large number of compartments
of cells while, in area, it is equal only to one of such compartments.
An electrolytic cell according to this invention, in which moving mercury
is employed, and transferred froin one chamber to another for the purposes
specified, is entirely a static one, and the mercury is caused to flow to and fro
through or from the cathode, and anode chambers, alternately, by pressure created
by the gas generated in the cathode or anode chambers. Thus this cell is per-
fectly automatic, as its action depends directly upon the current supplied to it.
In one form of apparatus, this method of changing the mercury from one chamber
to another, is carried out in connection with an arrangement of triplicate chambers
for each cell; namely, a central anode chamber, and a cathode chamber on each
side, with comparatively large areas, the partitions between these chambers being
constructed to form lutes at their lower edges, under which the mercury is forced
or flows; and this actual lute portion of the partitions may consist of a thin metal
plate having a mercury amalgam surface, say in the cathode chamber side only.
Or, in lieu of this form of trap, viz., a lute, the other common form of trap, con-
sisting of dip tubes, may be used; and this remark applies to any of the con-
structions or modifications herein specified or included.
In action, according to one method, the inercury is forced from the anode
chamber to the cathode chamber, or cathode chamber to the anode chamber, by
closing the hydrogen outlet, and thereby creating in the cathode chamber a
pressure, which, acting upon the liquor, forces the mercury in the bottom into
and under the lute, into the anode chamber; and, in the case of a three-chambered
cell, simultaneously forces the mercury, then in the anode chamber, into the
other cathode chamber; and thus, by alternately stopping the escape of hydrogen,
from the alternate cells, say by a valve on the hydrogen mains connected with a
pile of these cells, the alternating action to and fro is effected through each cell
of the pile. The floors of the cathode chambers may be slightly inclined towards
the anode chambers say with a 4th to a ½nd of an inch; this will permit of
mercury to the depth of about 11th of an inch being used.
By causing the alternate action of the cells on each side of the pile to be simul-
taneous, by closing and opening the gas mains from the pile of cells, there is no
difference of pressure for the supply of liquid to contend with inflowing from
the higher cell to the lower one, in series.
The carbons of the anode chamber may be introduced from the end of the cell;
and the cells (which are preferably of iron) are piled one upon the other. That is
the anode or decomposing chambers and the oxidizing chambers will rest simply
one upon the other, and be suitably fastened together.
The mercury
The regulation of the pressure of the gas for emptying or driving out of the
mercury, is controlled by the gas capacity above the liquor, and a timing arrange-
ment, such as a suitable mechanical device, driven at a certain rate, or a hydraulic
tumbling device of any known suitable kind, which opens the chambers in which
the pressures are created after they have been closed a certain time, or by an
electric device affected by the height or pressure of mercury in the cathode, or
anode chambers, or the lutes, or both; or by any equivalent means.
Inte will be of a proportional depth to the pressure use for expelling it, so that,
at the mixing pressure, it will not force or break the trap. To govern and regu-
late the timing device, according to the current passing through the cells, and
the rate of decomposing action going on, which is always proportional, a solenoid
governor actuated by the current may be used to vary the time of closing and
opening of the cells or chambers.
If the cell consists of two chambers, an anode and a cathode chamber, one
chamber may be higher than the other on the floor, to accelerate the action of Ig

page_text: so that when the mercury has been pushed over from the lower to the higher by
the pressure, after the pressure is relieved, it will flow back again, by gravity.
In the case of the chlorine gas being used to force the mercury backwards
and forwards through the lutes, the two outer chambers would be made anode
chambers, and the centre one the cathode chamber, which is provided with area
sufficient to allow of rapid oxidizing of the base from amalgam.
According to a modification of the automatic cell last described, the cell is
divided into three compartments luted from each other, and the central compart-
ment is divided into two, by a partition which hermetically separates them, and
each of which is a cathode chamber, while the other chambers are anode ones.
In this arrangement, the hydrogen gas is used as the propelling or mercury
charging agent, and it-the mercury-is alternately forced from both these
central chambers into the end anode chambers. This form and arrangement of
cell affords an advantageous means of construction for introducing large anode
surface from the side. In this, and also in others, when suitable, the floors of
the cathode chambers may be of iron, amalgamated with mercury, by whichi
very thin layers of mercury may be used, as it will run freely over such surfaces.
In order that the working and behaviour of each cell can be at any time
determined, without stopping them, a transparent-say glass-U tube or like
gauge is connected at the bottom with the lower portion of the mercury lute,
and each arm being respectively connected with the liquors in the cells on each
side of the diaphragm. The complete action of the mercury, the timing of
oscillations, and the chemical action, can therefore be determined.
As stated, the chambers or parts will, preferably, be made of cast iron, and the
parts subject to the corrosive action of the gases will be coated or lined with a
suitable protecting surface; while the anode chambers would be lined all round,
and on the bottom, where the liquor and mercury come in contact with them, so
as to prevent any escape of current, except by way of the normal flow through
the mercury.
It is to be stated that the utilization of the back pressure of the gases generated
by the current from an electrolytic apparatus, and any of the improvements des-
or connected with
cribed, or characteristics of the invention, can be used in
apparatus or cells of forms and types other than these particularly specified or
mentioned herein.
1000
Improvements in or connected with Electrolytic Cells.
We, GEORGE BELL and GEORGE WILLIAM BELL, both of 97, Newsham Drive,
Newsham Park, Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, Engineers, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
This invention has reference to electrolytic apparatus for electrically decom-
posing alkaline salts in solution for the production of pure alkaline hydrate and
chlorine from alkaline chlorides, and for the decomposition of other salts of the
alkali metals, and similar substances for the production of other products; and
it has for its object to provide improvements in connection with apparatus of this
kind, by which electrolytic processes may be applied industrially with economy,

page_text: that is applied in a practical manner, and upon a large manufacturing scale.
This comprises the production of an apparatus which shall be capable of pro-
ducing a large output, and occupying a comparatively small area, and of producing
the apparatus itself, and the means of effecting the electrolytic or chemical electrical
operations, with small expense. The class of electrolytic apparatus to which it
more particularly refers, is that in which mercury is used in connection with
the electrolyte, first, to form an amalgam with the base in a decomposing chamber
or vessel; and then to transfer the base to an oxidizing chamber thereof, in which
it is converted into another chemical body.
The invention, for convenience, will be described as applied to the electric
decomposition of an alkaline salt, say chloride of sodium, for the production of
chlorine, and a hydrate, namely caustic soda; it being understood at the same
time, that the apparatus or improvements can be applied to the decomposition
of other matters or substances in connection with which they are suitable or
advantageous.
In the industrial application of the electrolytic methods in which mercury is
employed, and cells of the kind referred to are used, it is desirable, and, practi-
cally, necessary, in order to render the process a commercially practical thing, that
the quantity of mercury employed for a given output of material should be sinall.
And, further, it is necessary, or most desirable, that the apparatus employed for
a given output should not be extended over a large area, but should be so arranged
that the area occupied for the output should be reasonable, not only on account
of the cost of land, but, also, for the reason that a spread out, and scattered
industrial works, entails an exorbitant amount of labour and attention, and,
consequently, cost of manipulating and supervising. That is to say, the whole
apparatus and industry should be brought into a condition in which the prime
cost of appliances, plant, land, etcetera, and the cost of subsequent manipulation,
working, and management, is not inordinately large; and reduced to a state
in which the capital should be commensurate with the output, relatively with that
of corresponding alkali or chemical manufacture.
To these ends, the cells are so constructed, arranged, and operated, that the
mercury employed shall be in extremely thin layers, so as to obtain a maximum
of active area to the quantity of weight employed; and furthermore, it consists
in so constructing the apparatus, that, within a single apparatus, there are com-
prised a large number of compartments of cells, while, in area, it is equal only
to one of such compartments.
According to this invention, moving mercury is employed, and transferred from
one chamber to another for the purposes specified, while the apparatus is entirely
a static one, and the mercury is caused to flow to and fro, through or from the
oxidizing, and decomposing chambers, alternately, by pressure created by the
gas generated in the oxidizing or decomposing chambers. Thus this cell is
perfectly automatic, as its action depends directly upon the current supplied to
it.
In one form of apparatus, this method of changing the mercury from one
chamber to another, is carried out in connection with an arrangement of triplicate
chambers for each cell; namely, a central decomposing chamber, and an oxidizing
chamber on each side, with comparatively large areas, the partitions between
these chambers being constructed to form lutes at their lower edges, under which
the mercury is forced or flows; and this actual lute portion of the partitions may
consist of a thin metal plate having a mercury amalgam surfaces, say in the
oxidizing chamber side only. Or, in lieu of this form of trap, viz., a lute, the other
common form of trap, consisting of dip tubes, may be used; and this remark
applies to any of the constructions or modifications herein specified or included.
In action, according to one method, the mercury is forced from the decompos-
ing chamber to the oxidizing chamber by closing and opening the chlorine out-
let, or from the oxidizing chamber to the decomposing chamber, by closing the
hydrogen outlet; and thereby creating in the oxidizing or decomposing chamber
a pressure, which, acting upon the liquor, forces the mercury in the bottom into

page_text: and under the lute, into the other chamber; and thus, by alternately stopping
the escape of gas, from the cells, say by a valve on one of the gas mains connected
with a pile of these cells, the alternating action to and fro is effected through each
cell of the pile. The floors of one chamber may be slightly inclined towards
the other chamber, say with a 4th to and of an inch fall; this will permit
of mercury to the depth of about 1/16th of an inch being used.
1/
By causing the alternate action of the cells-which are in pile arrangement―
on each side of the pile to be simultaneous, by closing and opening the gas mains
from the pile of cells, there is no difference of pressure for the supply of liquid
to contend with in flowing from the higher cell to the lower one, in series.
The carbons of the decomposing chamber may be introduced from the ends of
the cells.
The regulation of the pressure of the gas for emptying or driving out of the
mercury, is controlled by the gas capacity above the liquor and a timing arrange-
ment, such as a suitable mechanical device, driven at a certain rate, or a hydraulic
tumbling device of any known suitable kind, which opens the chambers in which
the pressures are created after they have been closed a certain time, or by an
electric device affected by the height or pressure of mercury in the oxidizing, or
decomposing chambers, or the lutes, or both; or by any equivalent means.
mercury lute will be of such a depth that the pressure used for expelling the
mercury, will not force or break the trap. To govern and regulate the timing
device, according to the current passing through the cells, and the rate of decom-
posing action going on, which is always proportional, a solenoid governor actuated
by the current may be used to vary the time of closing and opening of the cells
or chambers.
The
If the cell consist of two chambers, decomposing and an oxidizing chamber,
one chamber may be higher than the other on the floor, to accelerate the action
of Hg, so that when the mercury has been pushed over from the lower to the
higher by the pressure, after the pressure is relieved, it will flow back again by
gravity.
In the case of the chlorine gas being used to force the mercury backwards and
forwards through the lutes, the two outer chambers would be made decomposing
chambers, and the centre oue the oxidizing chamber, which is provided with
area sufficient to allow of rapid oxidizing of the base from amalgam.
According to a inodification of the automatic cell last described, the cell is
divided into three compartments luted from each other, and the central compart-
ment is divided into two, by a partition which hermetically separates them, and
each of which is an oxidizing chamber, while the other chambers are decompos-
ing ones. In this arrangement, the hydrogen gas is used as the propelling or
mercury charging agent, and it-the mercury-is alternately forced from both
these central chainbers into the end decomposing chambers. This form and
arrangement of cell affords an advantageous means of construction for introducing
large anode surface from the side. In this, and also in others when suitable,
the floors of the oxidizing chambers may be of iron, almalgamated with inercury,
by which very thin layers of mercury may be used, as it will run freely over
such surfaces.
In order that the working and behaviour of each cell can be at any time
determined, without stopping them, a transparent-say glass-U tube, or like
gauge, is connected at the bottom with the lower portion of the mercury lute, and
each arm being respectively connected, with the liquors in the cells on each side
of the diaphragin. The complete action of the mercury, the timing of oscilla-
tions, and the chemical action, can therefore be determined.
As stated, the chambers, or paris, may be made of cast iron, and the parts
subject to the corrosive action of the gases will be coated or lined with a suitable
protecting surface; while the decomposing chambers would be lined all round,
and on the bottom, where the liquor and mercury come in contact with them, so

page_text: as to prevent any escape of current, except by way of the normal flow through
the inercury.
It is to be stated that the utilization of the back pressure of the gases generated
by the current from an electrolytic apparatus, and any of the improvements
described, or characteristics of the invention, can be used in or connected with
apparatus or cells of forms and types other than these particularly specified or
mentioned herein.
The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying draw-
ings, of which Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of a complete cell or apparatus
according to this invention, and Figure 2 is a plan with the covers removed.
Figure 3 is an outside side elevation shewing a slight modification of the appa-
ratus shewn in Figures 1 and 2.
Figure 4 shews a detail.
Referring, in the first instance, to Figures 1 and 2, the apparatus therein shewn
is one in which each cell comprises three chambers, of which two are decomposing
chambers, and one an oxidizing chamber. These chambers are respectively
designated a and b. The two outside chambers a are arranged in multiple, in
pile, one over the other, and are separate structures from the chambers b, (which
may be disposed anywhere conveniently) but connected with them;
chambers being similarly arranged in pile, and all supported on a suitable rigid
base c, to which they will be bolted down by common holding down bolts d.
these
With regard to the details of the apparatus, i are the anodes, which, say, are
carbon rods, they being passed through gland stuffing boxes ¹ common to several
rods, fitted into the ends of the material of which the chambers a are formed;
current being conveyed to them in any known suitable way. The bottoms or
floors of these chambers are inclined towards the outlet part-the inner edge of
the chambers, where the communicating pipes e connect them with the chambers b;
and along this edge, there is a metal, say an iron bar j, the surface of which is
amalgamated with mercury, and which is let into a groove in the bottom of the
chamber and this bar in each cell is coupled up with the return electrical con-
ductor in each cell. The current thus flows from the carbon anodes i, through
the mercury in each chamber a, to the amalgamated bars j, and away by the
conductors j¹. The effect of this construction and arrangement is that all the
mercury, practically, will be caused to pass from each chamber a to b, in each
action; and that when it is nearly all gone, the resistance of the chamber will
be very considerably raised, with the result that the electrolytic action and gene-
ration of chlorine will be practically stopped, directly the mercury has, practically,
all been driven out of the chamber a; and therefore the breaking of the lute of
mercury in the conducting pipes e by forcing it out of them, is automatically
obviated, and the access of the liquor from a decomposing chamber to an oxidiz-
ing chamber, or vice versa, is prevented.
The method of producing the alternations of flow of the mercury, from and
back to the chambers a, consists in the alternate closing up of the chambers a,
thereby creating a rise of pressure by the accumulation of the gas given off
(chlorine in the case of the electrolyte being a chloride), which pressure, acting
upon the surface of the liquid, will force the mercury at the bottom of the
chambers a, through the connecting pipes e into the chambers b; and then by
the release of this gas under pressure, by opening the chambers a, the mercury
will flow back into a from b, by the excess of head in b, thus exerted.
The opening and closing of the chambers a, and the consequent creation of pres-
sure, and its subsequent release, by the gas given off in the decomposition of the
electrolyte by the electric current, is conveniently effected by a valve or valves;
and under this invention, this is accomplished by the employment of a single
This end is advan
valve or valvular apparatus, for a whole pile of chambers.
tageously produced by the employment of a common chlorine or gas discharge
pipe for each pile of chambers a, and a single valve for opening and closing

page_text: it; communication between the chambers and the pipe being by branches f¹,
which carry off the gases from the chamber above the electrolyte. is the tap
or valve on each of these mains, and the two are operated, that is opened and
closed, by a double hydraulic tumbling basin, charged with water from a supply
tap h, the taps or valves being so arranged that one is opened when the other
is closed, when the tumbling basin is on the one or other side of its oscillation.
The effect of this is, that when one set of chambers a is closed, and gas and
pressure are accumulating in them, the other set will be open; and the mercury
connected with one of the two sets will be receiving the alkaline base liberated.
by electrolysis, and that connected with the other will be giving the base up to
the liquor in the oxidising chambers b, by the oxidization of the amalgam formed
in a.
The flow of brine of full strength to the chambers a to be decomposed, is
supplied to them by a common main k, passing through valves on the main
branches leading to the respective piles of decomposing chainbers, and which
valves are opened and closed, at the same tine as the gas valves g, or a little before.
by the tumbler ; the main having branches leading to each of the
chambers a; and each branch having regulating taps thereon, which will be
permanently set to give the required rate of feed. The level of the liquor is
maintained in a by the outlet branches f' connected with the main ; and the
overflow of electrolyte takes place by way of these branches; so that the mains f
serve both to carry off the gas given off in a, as well as the overflow of electro-
lyte. The electrolyte will, of course, be separated and drawn off from the pipe f
by any known suitable means.
The liquor used in the chambers b'is passed in series through them, being
introduced at the uppermost chamber by a pipe ; and then the overflow from
this to the next chamber below is carried off by connecting pipes or loops ;
and so on throughout the pile. These pipes will maintain the level of liquor
in the chambers b; and the liquor, in its descent, will become stronger as it
passes through the pile. The hydrogen given off in these chambers is carried
off by a main m, which communicate with the chambers by branches m¹. In.
lieu of this mode of flow of the liquor, it may be caused to flow in parallel through
the pile of chambers b.
In lieu of the alternate opening and closing of the chamber a being effected by
the hydraulic timing device shewn and described, it may be accomplished by any
other equivalent timing means; as, for instance, an electricity motor-meter may.
be adapted to open and close the valve for every unit of quantity decided upon
which passes through the meter; or, it may be effected by a solenoid acting upon
the valve, the current of which would be controlled by a time-keeping motor or
mechanism or by other equivalent means.
The oxidizing chambers b may be of iron, or any other suitable material, and
the chambers a may be of glass, earthenware, or other suitable material, or com-
binations of material.
Figure 3 shews an outside side elevation of a pile of cells, in which the decom-
posing chambers, and the oxydizing chamber constituting a cell, are made in one
piece; whereas in the construction shewn in Figures 1 and 2 these chambers are
separate structures, but in other respects these cells are substantially identical
with those shewn in Figures 1 and 2. The shaded part at the top right hand
corner of this Figure 3, indicates what the appearance of a longitudinal section
of the cell would be. The two decomposing chambers at each end of each cell,
communicate with the central or intermediate oxidizing chamber by the pipes e,
similarly as shewn in the other figures of the drawing, and in other respects the
cell is in substance identical with that shewn in Figures 1 and 2, as indicated by.
the letters denoting the different parts; the letters used in this figure to denote
the parts, being the same as those used in connection with the same parts in
Figures 1, 2, and 4.

page_text: The operation of the cells, generally, and of the mercury in particular, is
rendered visible by constituting the pipes e into indicators-see Figure 4; that
is, by making them of glass, and carrying up vertical portions e¹ connected with
the chambers a and b below and above the level of the liquor in them, by
branches e e³, the movement of mercury and its levels, as well as the levels of
the liquors, can readily be directed and observed; and if the pipes e be placed,
as they are, below the level of the bottom of the chambers, by providing a vertical
pipe connected with e, through a tap e, the mercury can be drawn off from
all the chambers of the pile, at any minute, and the vessels or chambers emptied
of mercury.
With regard to the shape of the cells or chambers a and b, these are in no
way restricted to those given in the drawings, as they may be circular, of annular
arrangement, as well as rectangular or polygonal; and moreover, they are not
restricted at all to the dispositions in the drawings, nor to their number.
ascertained the nature ot this
Having now particularly described and
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is :-
1. The herein described method of effecting the alternation of flow of mercury
to and from the decomposing and oxidization chambers of an electrolytic cell,
consisting in alternately raising and lowering the pressure on the mercury in
one of said chambers.
2. The herein described method of effecting the alternation of flow of mercury.
to and from the decomposing and oxidization chambers of an electrolytic cell,
one of the chambers,
consisting in alternately accumulating the gas given off in
and raising the pressure thereby, and then releasing this gas, for the purposes
set forth.
3. The herein described method of effecting the alternation of flow of mercury
to and from the decomposing and oxidization chambers of an electrolyte cell,
consisting in alternately accumulating the gas given off in the decomposing
chamber of the cell, and raising the pressure therein, and then releasing said gas.
4. An electrolytic apparatus comprising the decomposing chamber a and an
oxidizing chamber b, in substantially parallel planes, connected with each other
at the lower part; having a valve on one of the gas discharge pipes from said
chambers, by which the closing and opening of one of the chambers is effected;
for the purposes specified.
5. In an electrolytic apparatus, a series of decomposing chambers arranged and
piled directly one on top of the other, and a series of oxidizing chambers arranged
in pile, directly one upon the other, the respective chambers in the two piles
being arranged in pairs, and communicating with each other by a lute adapted to
convey mercury backwards and forwards.
61n an electrolytic apparatus, the arrangement and combination of a series
of decomposing chambers a in pile one directly upon the other, a series of oxidizing
chambers barranged in pile, one directly above the other; the valve g on a gas
escape pipe f; and an intermittently operating motor actuating device connected
with said valve for intermittently opening and closing same, by which the pressure
and accumulation of gas in said chambers is intermittently created and released;
for the purposes set forth.
7. In an electrolytic cell in which mercury is employed for the purposes
specified, a decomposing chamber and an oxidixing chamber substantially in the
same horizontal plane, having a pipe arranged and making communication be
tween the lower parts of the two chambers, by which the flow and action of
mercury and liquors in the chambers are indicated; substantially as set forth.
8. In an electrolytic apparatus of the kind herein referred to, the arrange-
ments of multiple cell chambers and pipes connecting them, and through which
the fluids flow; substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

page_text: 9. The improved constructions and arrangements of cells, and parts of same,
as set forth with reference to and shewn in the different figures, or sets of figures,
of the drawings.
Dated this 6th day of Ananst 1808
CHEESBROUGH & ROYSTON,
Applicants' Patent Agents, 15, Water Street, Liverpool.