IMPROVE- MENTS IN AND RELATING TO CHEMICAL FIRE EXTINGUISHERS FOR SHIPS AND OTHER NAVIGABLE VESSELS AND OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1879

page_text: .LETTERS PATENT to Almon Mitchell Granger, of the City of New Orleans, in
the State of Louisiana, United States of America, but at present of 15, Water
Street, Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, for the Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN AND RELATING TO CHEMICAL FIRE EXTINGUISHERS FOR SHIPS AND
OTHER NAVIGABLE VESSELS AND OTHER PURPOSES."
Sealed the 3rd October 1879, and dated the 28th July 1879.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Almon Mitchell Granger at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 28th July 1879.
ALMON MITCHELL GRANGER, of the City of New Orleans, in the State of
Louisiana, United States of America, but at present of 15, Water Street, Liverpool,
in the County of Lancaster. "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO CHEMICAL
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS FOR SHIPS AND OTHER NAVIGABLE VESSELS AND OTHER
PURPOSES."
My Invention relates to certain improvements in chemical fire extinguishers,
designed more particularly for harbour fire protection, boats, and seagoing vessels,
but applicable also in most of its features to general use.
The general principle of the improvement rests in the direct use of the dry gaseous
carbonic acid in smothering volume, in contradistinction to the common use of a
limited quantity of the same dissolved in water under pressure.
The means for carrying out the Invention consist generally in the combination of
a set of capacious generators for containing bi-carbonate of soda, a set of superposed
acid vessels, a subjacent acid reservoir, and an air pump or equivalent forcing appa-
ratus for charging the acid vessels from the reservoir, the whole being combined by
means of cominunicating pipes controlled by valves or cocks, so that the acid may
be forced from the reservoir in the hold of the boat only when the effective power of
the gas
is required, and whereby accidental admixture of the chemicals is from the
motion of the vessel or from other causes completely avoided.
The Invention also consists in other details of construction and arrangement for
the best and most convenient use of the apparatus in charging or cleaning out as
well as the most effective manipulation of the gas.

page_text: I would state in relation to the merit of the dry gas that the great loss of life and
property at sea extended through a period of many centuries has proved the entire
inefficiency of water for the purpose of extinguishing fires of this class. This is so.
by reason of the fact that a quantity of water sufficient to completely extinguish
the fire when under full headway would help to sink the vessel, while the means
for throwing a sufficient quantity of water are necessarily limited. Moreover, if
water were found sufficient for the purpose, its application would not beyond the
saving of life be desirable, by reason of the danger to cargo; hence I have resorted
to a use of the carbonic acid gas, dry and under pressure, which although not
being capable of being projected a sufficient height to render it particularly desirable
on land, is nevertheless specially applicable on the sea, by reason of the confined
character of the vessel's compartments, and for the reason also that its own gravity
effects its distribution and its consequent passage to the parts needed, while its inert
chemicle character is such as to completely smother the fire, and yet prdouce no
deleterious effect upon the cargo.
In the carrying out of my Invention and the application thereof to a navigable
vessel, an apparatus is used consisting of generators which are in the nature of
copper cylinders tested to a pressure of about three hundred pounds, tinned upon
the inside to render them less susceptible to the action of the acid, and arranged
longitudinally in horizontal position below the deck, being suspended either from
the deck by means of straps or supported upon staunchions. These generators are
in number according to the efficiency of the apparatus required, and in dimension
preferably about twenty six inches diameter by nine feet length, giving to each of
them a capacity adapted to receive about four hundred and forty eight pounds of
the bi-carbonate of soda, which is mixed with water to the consistency of a paste,
and from which by the admixture of sulphuric or other equivalent acid the carbonic
acid gas is evolved.
With three of the generators having the capacity indicated the apparatus is made
sufficiently effective for the complete extinguishment of ordinary ships' fires, the
size and number permitting the renewal of the charge of one while the others are
operating, and without materially impairing the effective power of the same.
These generators are each extended upwardly through the deck at one end about
thirty six inches to form domes, through which the chemicals are admitted to the
generators, and are also provided each with a longitudinal shaft carrying detacheable
spirally arranged agitators about four inches in width, and arranged at an angle of
about forty five degrees to each other. These agitators correspond in form to a
section of a propeller blade, and when the shaft is revolved serve to produce a
slowly moving current of the acid throughout the length of the generators to secure
the better mixture of the acid with the bicarbonate of soda, which materials it will
be seen are admitted through the dome at one end of the generator. This revolu-
tion of the shaft and agitation of the chemicals is effected through the instru-
mentality of a set of bevel gear wheels operated by a crank upon a verticle shaft
extending above the deck. In the place of these devices, however, an endless chain
with rag wheels may be used. The domes of the generators have each a removable
cover, through which the bicarbonate of soda is charged to the generators. These
covers are hinged to the dome, and when they are to be shut down and closed they
are folded over, turned beneath lugs upon the dome, and the cap proper is then
tightly adjusted to the orifice by the lever and screw. The domes are connected by
and provided with a horizontal supply pipe above the deck for the admission of
water to the generators, while the generators themselves are connected by and pro-
vided with a horizontal discharge or waste pipe located immediately beneath the
same. Both these pipes are provided with separate sets of valves for each of the
generators, whereby the admission of water to or the discharge from the same may
be together or separately controlled. Both these pipes furthermore communicate
with a common and general inlet water supply pipe, which admits the water either
to the domes for reduction of the bicarbonate of soda to the proper pasty consis-

page_text: tency in charging the generators, or which through a valve admits water to the
generators from the bottom for the purpose of breaking up and dissolving the caked
residuum of sulphate of soda and bicarbonate of soda before discharging the same
overboard. I prefer to use hot water.
An acid reservoir is located in the hold of the vessel beneath the generators upon
any suitable support, and rigidly held in place by stays. This reservoir is of a
capacity of about two hundred and thirteen gallons, or sufficient to serve the
repeated chargings of the apparatus which an emergency may render necessary.
This reservoir is constructed in the form of a cylinder of lead of about one fourth
inch in thickness, surrounded by an incasing and re enforcing shell of iron, the lead
being used by reason of its immunity from the action of the sulphuric acid, while
the shell of iron is to re enforce the feeble tensile strength of the lead and prevent.
rupture to the same, which might otherwise result from the pressure which in the
operation of my apparatus is applied to this receptacle.
In constructing this acid reservoir the closed leaden cylindrical case is first
formed, after which the iron shell is constructed of a little greater diameter and
length than said case, with open ends, and is slid longitudinally over the leaden
case, after which flanged end caps are fitted into the open ends of the iron shell in
contact with the ends of the leaden case, and are bolted to the projecting edges of
the iron shell. This arrangement permits the ready removal of the iron shell
and the repair of the leaden case when necessary, and is of simple and easy con-
struction.
In charging the reservoir, this is effected through a pipe leading to the deck, the
reservoir being preferably filled to its utmost capacity to prevent splashing from the
motion of the boat, in which condition it is permanently kept until the apparatus
is to be used. By running the pipe to the deck it will be seen that I am enabled to
transfer large quantities of acid to the reservoir in an expeditious manner and
without the danger attending.the lowering of the same into the hold.
Acid vessels or chargers are arranged above the domes of the generators, and
bolted to and supported upon angle irons fixed to a wall or partition of the boat.
These acid vessels are arranged above their respective generators, and correspond in
number to the same; they are constructed of copper with an interior lead lining,
and have at their tops removeable covers to give access to the interior either for
inspecting the same or charging with acid, which latter however is ordinarily
effected in a different way, as hereinafter described; these acid vessels are provided
with glass level gauges to indicate the height of the acid in the vessels, and have
also pendant pipes with valve connections, which pipes enter the domes, and when
the valves are turned open a communication between the acid vessels and the gene-
rators for the admixture of the chemicals.
For the filling of the acid vessel I have devised a special apparatus. It will be
remembered that the acid is permanently carried in a reservoir in the hold of the
ship out of the way, and where it will do but little harm in the event of its leakage,
which contingency of leakage is made remote by the structure of the reservoir.
Thus locating the bulk of the acid has also for its object, in addition to that just
described, the avoidance of the corrosive action of the acid upon the acid vessels,
and the consequent prolongation of the life of the same, and, furthermore, the pre-
vention of the accidental or premature mixture of the chemicals, which where so
·large quantities are used as in my system might result in disastrous explosion, to
say nothing of the waste of chemicals. The said vessels therefore are only used
as intermediate and distributing receptacles, or charges for the acid to hold the
latter until the right time, and apportion the acid to their respective generators.
To fill these charges a pipe has its lower end open and located near the bottom of
the acid reservoir. This pipe extends upwardly and communicates through valves
with branch pipes, which open at their tops into their respective acid vessels. An
air pump is located in convenient position upon deck, and is made to communicate
through a pipe with the acid reservoir, which arrangement, it will be seen, permits

page_text: me to apply a sufficient pressure upon the surface of the acid to force the same up
the pipes to fill the vessels, the valves permitting the latter to be separately or
collectively filled as may be desired; thus it will be seen that I am enabled to
manipulate a large body of acid without exposure to the air, and without the
awkward and dangerous handling of the same.
As a modification of this feature of filling the acid vessels I may employ when
using the apparatus the effective power of the carbonic acid gas for the purpose of
forcing up the acid, and to do this I disconnect as many of the members of the appa-
ratus as are to be filled from the rest, and all the valves being closed I then open the
valve of the disconnected member or members, and open a valve in a pipe, when
the gas pressure in the other operating members will operate through pipes to force
the acid in the reservoir up to the acid vessel of the disconnected members or
members of the apparatus to be filled. After the vessel is thus filled with acid one
valve is closed and the other opened, which latter allows the pressure upon the
reservoir to be relieved, and permits the column of acid in the pipe to pass down
into the reservoir and regain its equilibrium.
As a further modification of the mode of filling the acid chargers from the reservoir
I may in the place of the pump or carbonic acid employ steam.
In the communication between the pump and the acid vessel I arrange a water
trap or seal, which prevents the fumes from the acid reservoir from injuriously
affecting the working parts of the pump.
The dome is connected with the top of the acid vessels by pipes, which pipes
serve to equalize the pressure in the two, and permit the free passage of the acid
down to the generator when the chemicals are to be mixed by preventing a vacuum
above the acid.
There is a horizontal diștributing pipe, with which each one of the domes com-
municates through a separate valve. This pipe is provided with vertical branches,
which conduct the generated carbonic acid gas to a gas holder or purifier. This
purifier or holder is a horizontal continuous cylindrical vessel provided with a par-
tition or diaphragm, which is imperforate at the points where the entering gas strikes
it in issueing from the pipes, and between these points is perforated to permit the
gas to pass through. The object of this partition is to eliminate the solid and liquid
particles which are mechanically carried up by the gas in the form of spray by
causing them to impunge against the imperforate portion of the diaphragms. As
the gas passes through the diaphragm it passes into the pipes, which open at the
top and form connections for the various flexible service pipes which may be
employed in the utilization of the gas.
As the gas holder or purifier in the course of time accumulates a quantity of the
collected impurities, it will be necessary at times to clean the same out, and for this
purpose a pipe provided with a valve leads from the bottom of the same to the
discharge pipe, which permits the introduction of water to the holder from the main
water supply, and also permits the water and impurities to be discharged through
the same pipe down to a given point, and thence overboard. This pipe also serves
as a drain pipe for any portion of the liquid contents of the generator which might
surge up into the holder from the evolution of gas, and thus operates as an
equalizing pipe to restore the liquid to the generators.
In introducing the gas into the burning vessel I have provided a special means
for doing the same without carrying a body of air therewith. It consists in con-
structing the nozzle with a tappered externally screw threaded swivelling sleeve,
provided with handles which is adapted to be screwed directly into a hole of any
size bored in the deck of the vessel, thus not only preventing an ingress of air with
the gas, and a consequent feeding of the flames, but dispensing also with the service
of a constant attendant for the nozzle.
To provide for the escape of superfluous gas an extra pipe with valve is connected
with another pipe, and is carried out to the air to prevent the escape of the gas into
the room through the safety valves.

page_text: The apparatus as thus described is provided with a separate safety valve upon
the domes of each one of the generators, and also a safety valve upon the purifying
gas holder, which is arranged to blow off into the atmosphere at a lower pressure
than those on the domes in order to prevent the escape of gas into the room, separate
safety valves being located upon each generator in order to provide a separate and
individual protection for each generator for its separate and individual use.
Pressure gauges are also arranged upon each of the generators to indicate the
pounds pressure per aquare inch, and a pressure gauge is also connected with a pipe
in order to indicate the pressure applied upon the acid in the reservoir.
The apparatus as thus described, it will be seen from the above description, is
with the greatest economy of structure made capable of a varied and extensive
method of manipulation, which renders it a perfect and effective apparatus in
function, with such attention to its details of construction as to render it a permanent
and durable apparatus, fully capable of fulfilling the purpose for which it is intended.
The efficiency of the apparatus moreover has been practically tested upon a large
scale, and the experiment has proved thoroughly satisfactory.
Although I have described the beforegoing in its application particularly to
navigable vessels, I would have it understood that a like arrangement of apparatus
can be constructed to run upon wheels or a carriage, and used either for harbour
protection from fire, or as a means of extinguishing fire in buildings.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Almon Mitchell Granger in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 27th
January 1880.
ALMON MITCHELL GRANGER, of the City of New Orleans, in the State of
Louisiana, United States of America, but at present of 15, Water Street, Liverpool,
in the County of Lancaster. "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO CHEMICAL
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS FOR SHIPS AND OTHER NAVIGABLE VESSELS AND OTHER
PURPOSES."
My Invention relates to a new and fully developed system of controlling and
extinguishing fires on board ship, or in any tightly constructed building or com-
partment.
The general principles of my improved system rests in the direct use of the dry
fumes of carbonic acid gas in smothering volume, in contra distinction to the use of
water impregnated with carbonic acid gas. By my system the ordinary atmospheric
air which surrounds a fire and supports combustion is entirely displaced by the
heavier carbonic acid gas poured or driven into the closed compartiment in which
the fire exists, and the fire is extinguished by suffocation, instead of being, as
commonly expressed, drowned out.
To carry out in a practical form this system I have invented an apparatus which
properly holds the quantity of chemicals from which at the moment needed the
carbonic acid gas can be rapidly evolved and controlled, so as to be conveyed free of
the liquids from which it has been generated to the point needed, and as near as
may be driven in to the seat of the fire without any admixture of atmospheric air,
and in sufficient volume to instantaneously prevent further spread of the fire and
extinguish all flame, and soon bring the compartment or hold to a condition in
which a fireman provided with a suitable smoke jacket or fire protecting dress can
enter the compartment and search out any smouldering overheated mass, and remove
the same, while the carbonic acid gas atmosphere is still in occupancy of the space
surrounding the seat of the fire.
The apparatus that I have invented is intended for the generation of carbonic
acid gas by the admixture of bicarbonate of soda and sulphuric acid, or any equiva-
lent carbonates and acids from which carbonic acid gas is evolved, and the apparatus
is so constructed as to hold the soluble bicarbonate in a dry state until the machine
is required for use. The bicarbonate is stored in a tight compartment in such a
manner that by the use of a tilting door or false bottom the charge of soda or other
bicarbonate is dropped into a space below, which previously at the proper time had
been filled with water or steam and water, this water being added for the purpose
of bringing the bicarbonate into a semi liquid consistency, in which the use of spiral
arms and blade doors would be kept in motion so as to bring fresh bicarbonate
solution constantly to the point at which a stream of sulphuric acid was being by its
own gravity poured in from an acid charger above. The acid charger is an entirely
separate vessel, having no communication with the generator except by means of
pipes which all enter the said acid charger from above, thereby preventing the
probability of contact of the two chemicals except by the appliances hereinafter
described.
The following is a full, clear, and exact description of my Invention, and of the
detail necessary to enable my Invention to be practically carried into operation,
and the accompanying seven Sheets of Drawings illustrate apparatus and mechanisin
according to my Invention. The Drawings are marked with letters and figures of
reference corresponding with those in the following explanation, like letters and
figures being mostly used to denote the same or corresponding parts throughout the
various views and Figures.

page_text: Figure 5 is a modification of Figure 1.
Figure 6 is a section through C, D, Figure 5.
Figure 7 is an elevation of an apparatus 'designed for the carrying out of my
Invention for use on board ship, especially as a harbour fire extinguisher.
Figure 8 is an end elevation of Figure 7 shown partly in section.
Figure 9 is a sectional elevation of an apparatus constructed, according to my
Invention, in a portable form, and designed for land use, for harbour protection, or
for docks, or general use.
Figure 10 is an end elevation of Figure 9.
Figure 11 is a section through E, F, Figure 9.
Figure 12 is a plan of Figure 9.
Upon reference to the Drawings it will be seen that the means for carrying out
my Invention consist generally in the combination of a capacious generator or
generators A for containing bicarbonate of soda, a superposed acid vessel or vessels
B, a subjacent acid reservoir C, and an air pump or equivalent forcing apparatus D
for charging the acid vessel or vessels B from the reservoir C, the whole being
combined by means of communicating pipes controlled by valves or cocks, so that
the acid may be forced from the reservoir C only when the effective power of
the gas is required, and whereby accidental admixture of the chemicals from the
motion of the vessel, breaking off of the pipes, or from other causes is completely
avoided. My Invention also consists in other details of constructions and arrange-
ment for the most profitable generation of carbonic acid gas from chemicals soluble
in water, and the best and most convenient use of the apparatus in charging or
cleaning out, as well as the most effective manipulation of the gas, which details
will be hereinafter more fully described.
Before proceeding to a description of the accompanying Drawings, I would state
in relation to the merit of the dry gas fumes, that the great loss of life and property
at sea, extended through a period of many centuries, has proven the entire insuf-
ficiency of water for the purpose of extinguishing fires of this class.
This is so by
reason of the fact that a quantity of water sufficient to completely extinguish the fire
when under full headway would help to sink the vessel, while the means for throwing
a sufficient quantity of water are necessarily limited. Moreover, if water were
found sufficient for the purpose, its application would not, beyond the saving of life,
be desirable, by reason of the damage to cargo; hence I have resorted to a use of
the carbonic acid gas dry and under pressure, which although not being capable of
being projected a sufficient height to render it particularly desirable on land, is, never-
theless, specially applicable on the sea, by reason of the confined character of the
vessel's compartments, and for the reason also that its own gravity effects its
distribution and its consequent passage to the parts needed, while its inert chemical
character is such as to completely smother the fire and yet produce no deleterious
effect upon the cargo.
In the Drawings, Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, the generator A is shown of cast iron,
formed in one casting with the superposed acid vessels B, B, and a subjacent acid
reservoir C. The generator A is of a capacity adapted to receive about sixteen
hundred pounds of bicarbonate of soda; which is held in the upper part of the air
tight generator, upon a moveable platform formed of the plates E, Ê, E, E, which
are arranged to be rotated by the geared wheels F through manual power applied
by the crank handles G, Figure 2. The bottom of the generator A. is filled with
water, by preference hot water, to about the point A¹. H, H, H, are a series of
detachable spirally arranged agitators arranged to be rotated in the bottom of the
generator A by their carrying shaft I, and by the crank handles and gear J. These
agitators are about four inches'in width, and arranged at an angle of about forty

page_text: five degrees to each other, and correspond in form to a propeller blade, and when
the shaft I is revolved by the crank handles J serve to produce a slowly moving
current in the liquid in the bottom of the generator A so as to thoroughly mix the
bicarbonate of soda so as to form an even solution with the water, and afterwards
when the acid is admitted from the acid vessel B to create a gradual admixture of
the acid with the bicarbonate of soda paste or solution, so that the gas will be
generated evenly and in proportion to the mixture of acid with the bicarbonate of
soda, the rotation of the blade doors E facilitating the circulation. The acid vessels
B are provided with syphon pipes K, provided with stop cocks L, which are worked
by a suitable handle from the outside of the apparatus. The acid vessels B are
supplied with sulphuric or other acid from the subjacent acid reservoir C, through
the supply pipes a, the propelling power being supplied by an air pump or
equivalent forcing apparatus in the first instance, and by pressure of gas from the
generator A when the apparatus is working if desired. The acid vessels B are in
all instances lined with lead, or some other suitable substance, to resist the corrosive
action of the acid they contain, as likewise is the acid reservoir C.
The generator
A, the acid vessels B, and the acid reservoir C are all provided with manholes and
doors respectively indicated by the letters M, N, O. P, P¹, are glass liquid gauges
to indicate the level of liquid (acid) in the acid vessels B and in the syphon pipes
K; Qare safety valves in connection with the generator A for the escape of surplus
gas should the pressure increase too rapidly; and R are the nozzles for attaching
the hose pipes through which the gas is discharged.
In the modification shown in Figures 5 and 6, the generator A is provided with
the grating E, which is substituted for the plates E in Figure 1. E' is an india rubber
apron arranged to cover the grating E, or be rolled on the roller E" as required. In lieu
of the spiral agitators H, H, H, in Figure 1, there is substituted the endless chains H
revolving with the drums I and driven by the crank handle and gear J. The chains H
are provided with paddles H³ which serve to mix and agitate the solution when
required. Upon reference to Figures 7 and 8, it will be seen that my Invention is shown
applied to a vessel of which only the deck Z is shown. A, A, A, are the generators
which are in the nature of copper cylinders tinned upon the inside and arranged in
horizontal position below the deck suspended by means of straps a¹. These
generators A are in number according to the efficiency of the apparatus required
and in dimension about twenty six inches in diameter by nine feet in length, each
having a capacity to receive about four hundred pounds of bicarbonate of soda,
which is mixed with water to the consistency of a paste, and from which by the
admixture of sulphuric or other equivalent acid the carbonic acid gas is evolved.
With three of the generators such as A, having the capacity indicated, the apparatus
is made sufficiently effective for the complete extinguishment of fires on board ship,
the size and number of the generators A permitting the renewal of the charge of
one while the others are operating without impairing the effectiveness of the
apparatus. The generators A are provided with domes A having suitable opening
covers through which they are charged with bicarbonate of soda. The generators A
are also provided with spiral agitators H, driven or rotated by the chain gear and
handles J. The domes of the generator A are provided with and connected by the
horizontal supply pipe h for the admission of water to the generators A, while the
*generators themselves are provided with the horizontal discharge or waste pipe h¹
located immediately beneath the generators A. The pipes h, h', are provided with
separate sets of valves e, f, respectively for each of the generators, whereby the admis-
sion of water to the generators A or the discharge from the same may be together or
separately controlled. Both these pipes h, h', communicate with a common inlet
water supply pipe X which admits the water either to the domes A¹¹ through the
pipe h for the reduction of the bicarbonate of soda to the proper pasty consistency
for charging the generators, or which through a valve f¹ admits water to the
generators A from the bottom for the purpose of breaking up and dissolving the
caked residuum of sulphate of soda and bicarbonate of soda, before discharging the

page_text: same through the waste pipe h". The acid reservoir C is located in the hold of the
vessel beneath the generators A upon any suitable support, and rigidly held in
place by stays. This reservoir C is of a capacity of about two hundred gallons,
being sufficient to serve the repeated chargings of the apparatus which an
emergency may render necessary. The acid reservoir is constructed of an iron
cylinder lined with lead. In charging the reservoir C the pipe q is used, the
reservoir being preferably filled to its utmost capacity to prevent spashing from the
motion of the boat. B, B, B, are the acid vessels or chargers, which are arranged
above the domes of the generators A and bolted to and supported upon angle irons ¿
affixed to a wall or partition, and correspond in number to to the same. They are
constructed of copper with an interior lead lining, and have at their tops removable
covers to give access to the interior, either for inspecting the sane or charging with
acid, which latter however is ordinarily effected in a different way as hereinafter
described. These acid vessels are provided with glass level gauges ; to indicate the
height of the acid in the vessels, and also have pendant pipes with valve
connections, which pipes enter the domes, and when the valves are turned, open a
communication between the acid vessels and the generators A for the admixture of
the chemicals. Pressure gauges S are also arranged on each of the generators A
to indicate the pounds pressure per square inch, and a pressure gauge S" is also
connected to the pipe communicating with the acid reservoir C, so as to indicate the
pressure applied upon the acid in the reservoir.
As before
For the filling of the acid vessels B I have devised a special means.
stated, the acid is permanently carried in the reservoir C out of the way, and where
it will do but little harm in the event of leakage. The acid vessels B are only used
as intermediate and distributing receptacles to hold the charges of acid and apportion
the acid to the respective generators A. To charge the vessels B, a pipe has its
lower end open and located near the bottom of the acid reservoir C. This pipe
extends upwardly and communicates through the valves k with the branch
pipes,,, which open at their tops into their respective acid vessels B. An air
pump g is located in a convenient position and communicates through the pipe "
with the acid reservoir C. By this arrangement I apply a sufficient air pressure to
the surface of the acid in the reservoir C to force the acid up the pipes 7, 1, to fill
the vessels B, the valves permitting the vessels B to be separately or collectively
filled as may be desired. It will thus be seen that I am enabled to manipulate a
large body of acid without exposure to the air, and without the awkward and
dangerous handling of the same.
.
As another method of filling the acid vessels B; I employ when using the
apparatus the effective power of the carbonic acid gas for the purpose of forcing up
the acid from the reservoir C to the vessels B. To do this I disconnect as many of
the members A, B, as are to be filled from the others, and all the valves being
closed, I open the valve K of the disconnected member, and open a valve n in the
pipe n when the gas pressure in the other operating members will operate to force
the acid from the reservoir C to the acid vessels B required to be charged. After the
vessel B is thus charged the valve n is closed and the valve n¹¹ opened, which latter
allows the same in the reservoir C to be releived, and permits the column of acid
in the pipes to pass down into the reservoir C and regain its equilibrium.
As a further modification of filling the acid vessels B from the reservoir C, I may
in the place of air or gas pressure employ steam pressure through the pipe 1111
When syphon pipes such as k are used for distributing the acid from the vessels
B to the generators A, as in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, and 12, I provide a pipe
K above the syphon pipe communicating from the acid vessel B to the generator
A. I also provide a holder K which contains a bottle full of bicarbonate of soda;
this holder and bottle K is placed in a convenient part of the acid vessel B, and is
arranged so that the bottle or its equivalent may be broken or opened from the
outside of the apparatus, so that the bicarbonate of soda will fall into the acid and
generate a sufficient quantity of gas to bring the syphon K into operation, the cock
L of which is previously opened. To ensure the stream through the syphon being

page_text: kept up the cock in the pipe K" is opened, so that the gas pressure in the generator
A may act upon the acid in the vessel B.
In further reference to Figures 7 and 8, in the communications between pump g,
the acid vessel C, I arrange a water trap or seal m, which prevents the fumes from
the acid reservoir C from injuriously affecting the working parts of the pump. K
are pipes connecting the domes of the generators A with the top of the acid vessels
B, which pipes serve to equalize the pressure in both vessels and permit the free
passage of the acid from from the vessel B to the generator A, when the acid is being
mixed with the bicarbonate of soda. S is a horizontal distributing pipe, with which
each of the domes of the generators A communicate through a separate valve o ;
this pipe S is provided with vertical branches S1 which conduct the generated
carbonic acid gas to a gas holder or purifier T. This purifier or holder is a horizontal
continuous cylindrical vessel provided with a partition or diaphragm t, which is
imperforate at the points where the entering gas strikes it in issuing from the pipes
Si, and between these points it is perforated to permit the gas to pass through.
The object of this diaphragmn is to eliminate the solid and liquid particles which are
mechanically carried up by the gas in the form of spray, by causing them to impinge
against the imperforate portions of the diaphragm. As the gas passes through the
perforations of the diaphragm it passes into the pipes S₁, which open at the top
and form connections for the various flexible service pipes which may be employed
in the utilization of the gas.
As the gas holder or purifier T accumulates a quantity of the collected impurities
it will be necessary at times to clean out the purifier, and for this purpose a pipe
provided with a valve leads from the bottom of the purifier to the discharge pipe
h, and thence overboard. This pipe also serves as a drain pipe for any portion
of the liquid contents of the generator which might surge up into the holder or
purifier.
For introducing the gas into the burning vessel I have provided a special means
for doing the same without carrying a body of air therewith. It consists in con-
structing the nozzle Y with a tapered externally screw threaded swivelling sleeve
X, provided with handles and adapted to be screwed directly into a hole of suitable
size bored in the deck of the vessel. This not only prevents an ingress of air with
the gas, and the consequent feeding of the flames, but dispenses with the services of
a constant attendant for the nozzle. To provide for the escape of superfluous gas a
waste pipe V is provided. Each generator is also provided with a separate safety
valve, as likewise is the holder or purifier.
Upon reference to Figures.9, 10, 11, and 12, it will be seen that my Invention, as
herein before described, may be constructed in a portable form to run on wheels.
The acid reservoir C is preferred to be in the form of an independent wheeled tank,
which also may be utilized as a cart for conveying the store of bicarbonate of soda.
When required for use the bicarbonate of soda is shovelled into the generator A
through a manhole, and the acid vessel B discharges its acid, the apparatus working
in manner similar to the apparatus described at Figure 1.
Having now described and ascertained the nature of my Invention, and explained
the construction and method of working the apparatus, it will be seen that the
apparatus is with the greatest economy of structure made capable of a varied and
extensive method of manipulation, which renders it a perfect and effective apparatus
in function, with such attention to its details of construction as to render it a
permanent and durable apparatus fully capable of fulfilling the purpose for which it
is intended.
Having thus described my Invention, what I claim is,-
First. An apparatus for generating dry carbonic acid gas for the extinguishment
of fires on shipboard and elsewhere, consisting of a generator or generators and
acid vessels having intermediate communication controlled by cocks or valves,
and combined with an acid reservoir having communication with the acid vessels
and a generator or generators, substantially as herein described and shown in the
Drawings hereto annexed.

page_text: Second. The combinations of parts respectively constituting an apparatus wherein
my improved system of working is used, substantially as herein described and
illustrated at Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying Drawings.
Third. The combination of parts respectively constituting an apparatus wherein
my improved system of working is used, substantially as herein described and
illustrated at Figures 5 and 6 of the accompanying Drawings.
Fourth. The combination of parts respectively constituting an apparatus wherein
my improved system of working is used, substantially as herein described and
illustrated at Figures 7 and 8 of the accompanying Drawings.
Fifth. The combination of parts respectively constituting an apparatus wherein
my improved system of working is used, substantially as herein described and
illustrated at Figures 9 to 12 of the accompanying Drawings.
Sixth. The generator A arranged with a moveable false floor such as E, E, E, E, and
dome such as A", through which the chemicals are delivered to the said generator,
in combination with a revolving shaft carrying spirally arranged agitators, substan-
tially as and for the purpose specified.
Seventh. The combination of the syphon pipe K with the acid vessel B and the
generator A, for discharging the acid from the vessel B upon the bicarbonate of soda
in the generator A, substantially in the manner and for the purposes described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Almon Mitchell Granger, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty sixth day of January, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and eighty.
ALMON MITCHELL GRANGER. (L.S.)