CERTAIN IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR DECOMPOSING COMMON SALT, AND FOR CONDENSING AND MAKING USE OF THE GASEOUS PRODUCT OF SUCH DECOMPOSITION, ALSO CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MODE OF CONDUCTING THESE PROCESSES
Year: 1836

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
GoSSAGE, of Stoke Prior, in the County of Worcester, Chemist, send
greeting.
WHEREAS His late most Excellent Majesty King William the Fourth,
by His Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing
date at Westminster, the Twenty-fourth day of December, in the seventh year
of His reign, and in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and
thirty-six, did, for Himself, His heirs and successors, give and grant unto me,
the said William Gossage, His especial license, full power, sole privilege and
authority, that I, the said William Gossage, my executors, administrators,
and assigns, or such others as I, the said William Gossage, my executors,
administrators, or assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from
time to time and at all times during the term of years therein mentioned,
should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within England,
Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, my Invention of "CERTAIN
IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR DECOMPOSING COMMON SALT, AND FOR CONDENSING AND
MAKING USE OF THE GASEOUS PRODUCT OF SUCH DECOMPOSITION, ALSO CERTAIN
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MODE OF CONDUCTING THESE PROCESSES;" in which said.
Letters Patent is contained a proviso obliging me, the said William Gossage,
by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal, particularly to describe

page_text: and ascertain the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, and to cause the same to be inrolled in His Majesty's
High Court of Chancery within six calendar months next and immediately
after the date of the said in part recited Letters Patent, as in and by the
same, reference being thereunto had, will more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the
said William Gossage, do hereby declare that the nature of my said In-
vention, and the manner in which the same is to be performed, are particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following description thereof, reference
being had to the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the letters and figures
marked thereon (that is to say):-
I make use of sulphuric acid as the chemical agent for decomposing
common salt, being the same that is employed by other manufacturers who are
desirous of obtaining the sulphate of soda as a residual product of such decom-
position, muriatic acid being at the same time produced in a gaseous state. The
objects of my Invention are to construct such apparatus for effecting the
decomposition of common salt as enable me to produce sulphate of soda of good
quality, and at once to apply a certain portion of the muriatic acid gas evolved by
such decomposition to effect certain chemical actions without this portion of the
gas being previously condensed; also as enable me to cause a further portion of
the muriatic acid gas to be condensed and absorbed by water, and thereby
separated from its admixture with smoke, my improved apparatus being so
constructed that the decomposition of salt by sulphuric acid may be completed
in the same furnace in which it is commenced; also that the metallic parts of
such apparatus shall be sufficiently protected from the action of the muriatic
acid gas to prevent the production of hydrogen gas to an injurious extent by
such action.
My improved apparatus consists of,-
Firstly, an à improved construction of reverberatory decomposing furnace.
Secondly, the novel construction and adaptation of an hydraulic valve placed
in and forming part of the gas flue of such furnace.
Thirdly, a novel and improved construction of chamber for condensing and
applying to certain useful purposes a portion of the muriatic acid gas evolved
during the operation. And,
por-
Fourthly, a novel and improved construction of condensing apparatus for
condensing and absorbing by water, and separating from smoke, a further
tion of the muriatic acid gas, and thereby obtaining liquid muriatic acid.
My improved construction of reverberatory furnace has two flues or pas-
of those I call the cmakes Alus it hairce neancionally in

page_text: direct communication with a chimney, and at other times with my second con-
densing apparatus; and the other flue or passage I call the gas flue, and it is
connected with my first condensing apparatus. These flues or passages are
fitted with dampers, valves, or other contrivances, by which they may be
readily closed or opened, so as to cut off or change the communication
between the furnace and either of the two condensing apparatus as may be
required during the operation. Also my improved reverberatory furnace is
so constructed that it may be used as a distilling apparatus, and for this pur-
pose the opening through which the salt and sulphuric acid are introduced into
the furnace, and the openings for access to the fireplace and ashpit, are
furnished with lids or stoppers, which can be readily applied.
Figure 1 is a representation in perspective of one of my improved construc-
tions of furnaces complete. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal vertical section, and
Fig. 3 is a transverse vertical section of the same, taken in the dotted line a, b,
in Figures 2 and 4, the latter of which is a horizontal section of the furnace.
My improved construction of reverberatory furnace with its flues or passages is
also shewn in connection with my improved condensing apparatus in Figures 14
and 15, which Figures I shall also refer to hereafter in describing the operations
thereof. The same letters of reference are used for indicating similar parts in all
these Figures. A is the fireplace; B, the fire bars; C, the ashpit; D, the arch;
E, the bridge; and G, the bed or floor. All of these parts are similar to those
of common reverberatory furnaces used for decomposing salt, and need no
further description. K, K, is a complete casing of iron within which the fur-
naco is built; L, L, is a continuation of this casing inclosing the smoke flue;
and M, M, is a framing of iron for the fire and ashpit doors. This easing I
prefer to be made of cast-iron plates about one inch thick, securely bolted
together by screws and flanges, and I make the joints tight by means of proper
cement. The framing M is also of cast iron and has recesses with rebates or
shoulders for the reception of two iron plates N and O, which serve as stoppers
to the apertures of the fireplace and ashpit, and when placed in their framing,
as represented in Figures 2 and 4, are made close by the application of clay:
or some other suitable luting. To the side of the furnace is also properly:
bolted and cemented a cast-iron framing F (shewn in section in Figures 3 and 4);
and has a recess and rebate for the reception of a stopper, the stopper being
secured by a cross bar and screw, and is made close by clay or other luting.
I prefer making this stopper of stone with a circular hole made therein
to allow of the handle of a rake passing through it. Another hole is also made
therein for the introduction of sulphuric acid into the furnace after the stopper

page_text: is placed in its situation; these orifices are to be closed by means of clay or other
luting. P, P, is a space or chamber between the brickwork of the furnace and
flues and the iron casing, which space or chamber is filled with clay previously
dried and ground, or with very fine sand and other suitable material in a
powdered state, which material is to be well pressed into the said chamber or
space, for the purpose of forming a second casing around the furnace and flues,
and protecting the iron plates from the action of the muriatic acid gas. The
smoke flue H of my improved furnace is formed of brickwork R, R, set in
fire clay, and between this and the iron plates I, L, a chamber or space is
also formed for the reception of dry ground clay or other suitable material.
This space or chamber extends about two feet from the furnace, after which
the brickwork of the flue is set back next to the iron plate, as shewn in
Figures 2 and 15, so as to form a rebate or seat for a stopper or damper S,
for closing the passage of the smoke flue, clay or other luting being used to
make the closing perfect. This stopper is applied and removed through an
opening at Q, with an iron door adapted to it. Beyond the situation of the
damper or stopper S the smoke flue is divided into two flues, one of which, T,
leads to my second condensing chamber or tower, and is fitted into a damper
U, for opening or closing the passage; the other flue W leads direct to the
chimney, and is also fitted with a damper X for opening or closing the con-
munication. The dampers U and X are iron plates in frames. The flue T is
connected with a horizontal flue, which I prefer to be under ground, and from
this an upright flue is constructed to conduct the gases to the upper part of
my condensing apparatus or tower. The flue W is to be connected with a
chimney in any convenient manner. The gas flue Y is also constructed of
brickwork, iron casing, and protecting chamber, as before described in respect
of the smoke flue. The upper end of the gas flue is connected to a stone
channel Z (Figures 14 and 15), having a covering a made tight by proper
luting. This trough serves to convey the muriatic acid gas from its flue to
the hydraulic valve V (Figures 14 and 15), herein-after particularly described.
Figure 5 is a perspective representation of my improved hydraulic valve,
shewn detached from its connection with the trough, and Figure 6 is a longitudi-
nal vertical section of the same, the hydraulic valve being shewn adapted to the
flues in the other Figures. This valve is formed out of a solid block of such
kind of stone as is not injuriously acted upon by muriatic acid gas. The
construction of this valve will be readily understood by inspecting the Drawings.
The parts or projections b, c, stop the passage way or channel V, V, when
sufficient water is introduced therein, say to the level of the dotted line Y, Z

page_text: (Figure 6), but when this water is withdrawn these ways or channels are open.
d is a covering of stone to close the opening required in forming the interior
of the valve, and is made tight by luting. e is a syphon for withdrawing the
water; it enters through a perforation made in the solid part of the side of the
valve at f, which perforation communicates with the chamber of the valve by
the small well g, which will at all times contain sufficient water to close tho
aperture of communication, and thus prevent the escape of gas through the
perforation f; this perforation also serves for the introduction of water to close
the valve. The syphon has a funnel k, Z, for supplying it with water, by
which it is quickly brought into action when in its situation, and thus secures
the rapid opening of the valve. The parts h and i of the valve are formed to
admit of luting being applied to secure the juncture of the valve to the stone
channels Z and j, (Figures 14 and 15) the latter of which is a perforated stone,
which is sometimes required in adapting the hydraulic valve to the first
condensing apparatus. My first condensing apparatus or chamber is con-
structed of such materials as are not acted upon to an injurious extent by
muriatic acid in a gaseous or liqui: state, and into this apparatus I intro-
duce such substances as I wish to submit to the direct action of muriatic
acid gas as it is evolved from the furnace when used as a distilling apparatus.
The muriatic acid gas is introduced at the upper part of this condensing
apparatus, and an arrangement is made at the lower part of it by which the
liquid product of the action is caused to flow off through one channel, and the
gaseous product is caused to pass through a distinct passage, and as this
improved construction of condensing apparatus is susceptible of some modi-
fication, I have shown in the Drawings two different constructions, which
are the same in principle though somewhat varied in detail.
Figure 7 is a transverse vertical section; Figure 8 a horizontal section, and
Figure 9 a longitudinal vertical section of one of my improved apparatus for
condensing and making use of muriatic acid gas. These Figures are repre-
sentations of the modification of apparatus I prefer when used to expose
substances in lumps or fragments to the action of muriatic acid gas. It
consists of an external wall k, k, of brick or stone work, and a lining 7, which
I prefer to be made of stones. Between the wall and lining there is a space
or chamber m, m, which is filled with puddled clay to prevent the escape
of gas.
At the bottom of the apparatus I place a stone trough n, filled with
large siliceous pebbles, to receive the liquid products of condensation. At one
end of this trough, which is thicker than the other end, I make an inclined
perforation, as o, which permits the liquid to run off without allowing the gas

page_text: to escape.
A channel p, for the passage of the gas, is formed of stones
surround by clay, m", m*. This channel p communicates with the condensing
apparatus, the gas passing under the stone q. The bottom of this condensing
chamber is formed of stones r, r, placed in a position inclining towards the
trough n, and are supported by piers, as shewn in the Drawings. The space
or chamber m, m, is continued from the sides and ends of the condensing
chamber, under the bottom thereof, and the clay is well rammed or puddled
against the trough n, and all other parts, to prevent the escape of gas.
The upper part of the condenser is covered with stones 8, 8, the joints
of which are made tight with luting, and through these stones I intro-
duce the pipes of several funnels, as at t (Figure 7), which are so con-
structed as to allow of water being run into the condenser, and yet form
of themselves hydraulic valves to prevent the escape of gas; this con-
struction will be readily understood by inspecting the Figures. I also
introduce through the covering of this condensing chamber a pipe u for sup-
plying steam as required. The muriatic acid gas passes from the furnace to
the condensing apparatus by the perforated stone j, which is connected to the
chamber at the upper part, but I sometimes introduce the gas at the sides
close to the upper part. I generally connect two or more decomposing fur-
naces with one condensing chamber, so that I may have at one time a furnace
acting as a distilling apparatus and supplying gas to the condenser, whilst
another furnace is being employed for completing the decomposition of the
salt.
Figure 10 is a vertical section, and Figure 11 a horizontal section of
another modification of my first condensing apparatus, which I prefer when
the substance to be exposed to the direct action of muriatic acid gas is in a
powdery state. In this modification the condensing apparatus is of a circular
or oval shape; the external wall k is of brickwork, and may be strengthened
by iron hoops or buttresses. The lining is formed of well burnt bricks set
in clay, and the space m, m, is filled with clay, and the diameter of the bottom
part of the chamber is reduced to a convenient size for the trough n, which is
properly supported, as it has to uphold the lining of the condensing apparatus.
The trough n has a projection v, v, dipping into another stone trough w, and a
perforation x is made through this projection to permit the escape of fluid from
the chamber, but the passage of gas therefrom is prevented by the fluid in the
lower trough. The passage p for the gas is constructed of stones, and is
surrounded by clay, which is also continued under the trough n, and is well
rammed or puddled to prevent the escape of gas. The external wall k with

page_text: the clay is supported above the trough w by a strong stone or brick arch at y.
The muriatic acid gas may be introduced at the top or through the side walls,
close to the top. The chamber is covered with strong stones s, through which
the pipes of one or more funnels t are introduced. I prefer these funnels to
be made of stone, fitted with stone stoppers. By this means I introduce the
mixture of powdery substance and water intended to be submitted to the action
of muriatic acid gas, and to facilitate the action by causing this mixture to be
spread over a great number of surfaces. I fill this apparatus almost to the top
with siliceous pebbles or other suitable materials not acted upon by muriatic
acid, placing the larged sized pebbles in the trough n, and other pebbles of
smaller size above these. Steam may also be introduced into the chamber
when required by the pipe u.
My second improved construction of condensing apparatus, or that which
I use for separating muriatic acid gas from its admixture with smoke, is
also formed of materials capable of resisting the action of muriatic acid, and
is constructed in the form of a hollow tower or shaft, the interior of which
is nearly filled with siliceous pebbles or other suitable materials not acted
upon injuriously by muriatic acid, and which will afford extensive surfaces,
and I cause these surfaces to be kept constantly moistened by the passage of
water down this improved condensing tower. The mixture of smoke and
muriatic acid gas as it is evolved from the reverberatory furnace is introduced
into this tower at the upper part, and as the only aperture for its escape is
at the bottom, it traverses through the interstices between the pebbles, and is
consequently brought continually into contact with their moistened surfaces. The
passage of the gas and smoke is assisted by the exit aperture being connected
with a chimney, whereby a strong draft or current is occasioned from the upper
to the lower part. The liquid product of the condensation is run off by a passage
distinct from that leading to the chimney. Fig. 12 is a vertical section of my
second condensing apparatus or tower; it is constructed of a circular or other
shape, about ten feet inside diameter at the bottom, about eight feet diameter
at the top, and about thirty feet high, an apparatus of these dimensions being
applicable to two of my improved furnaces. The external wall A, A, is
formed of brick or stone work, strengthened by means of iron hoops or
buttresses. The lining B, B, is formed of well-burned bricks, and is built
with the bricks radiating from its centre, they being laid in a mixture of clay
and sand instead of mortar. The space C, C, between the wall and lining is
filled with well-puddled clay to prevent the escape of gas. The foundation of
this condensing tower is on the ground, and the bottom is constructed in the

page_text: form of an inverted arch, as shewn in the Figure, and the bottom of the lining
is of a corresponding form, being supported by piers, spaces being left round
them for the reception of clay. In the centre of the bottom of the tower
is a stone block E, E, made cup shaped, and having a perforation F through
it for the passage of the liquid products of condensation into a stone trough G,
which conducts it from the condensing tower. In filling the tower with the
pebbles or other materials, I place the larger pieces at the bottom part and
diminish the size towards the upper part. The water for moistening the
surfaces of these condensing materials is delivered from the cistern H through
pipes I, I. The top of this tower is covered with stones, the joints being made
tight with luting. The cistern is properly supported by beams or rafters, and
has a number of lead pipes I, I, in its bottom, their lower extremities being
stopped, the water passing through being delivered on to the pebbles by small
holes in their sides. The upper ends of these pipes are coverted with inverted
cups to prevent the escape of gas. The mixture of smoke and muriatic acid
gas enters the tower by the flue K, which is connected with the horizontal
passage leading from the smoke flue T, Fig. 15, and the smoke leaves the
tower by the flue L, which is in direct communication with the chimney, and
thereby a draft or current is determined through the tower.
Having particularly described the construction of my improved apparatus,
I will proceed to describe the arrangement of the whole, and the manner of
conducting the processes in carrying my improvements into effect, at the same
time referring to the two sectional Figures 14 and 15, in which my improved
construction of reverberatory furnace is shewn in connection with my first
improved construction of condensing changer; Fig. 15 being a vertical section
taken through the furnace and smoke flues with their stoppers or dampers,
the hydraulic valve of the gas flue being also shewn in section, and Fig. 14
being another vertical section taken through the furnace and the gas flue and
the valve and condensing chamber. The mode of operation is as follows:-
The interior brickwork of my improved reverberatory furnace being heated to
a suitable degree for the operation, as herein-after described, I then draw
out the fire and close the apertures of the fireplace and ashpit with their
stoppers and luting; I then introduce into the furnace a proper charge
of salt and introduce the sulphuric acid, after closing the charging aperture,
the passage of the smoke flue at the same time being closed, and that of
the gas flue, which communicates from the furnace to my first condensing
apparatus, at the same time being opened. The action of the sulphuric acid
on the salt is assisted by the heated brickwork, and causes the liberation of a

page_text: quantity of muriatic acid gas, which passes from the furnace through the gas
flue and hydraulic valve to my first condensing apparatus or chamber, and the
furnace is during this period employed as a closed distilling apparatus, the
mixture of sulphuric acid and salt being occasionally stirred by the attendant
with a rake, introduced as before mentioned. The extrication of muriatic acid
gas nearly ceases in about an hour. The communication between the furnace
and my first condensing apparatus is then to be closed and the stopper or
doors removed from the fireplace, ashpit, and charging apertures, and the
passage of the smoke flue, and also the communication from the smoke flue to
my second improved condensing apparatus should be opened, and the direct
passage from the smoke flue to the chimney closed. I then replace the fire
whereby increased heat is communicated to the charge of salt and acid, and
causes the disengagement of a further quantity of muriatic acid gas, which
passes off mixed with the smoke produced from the combustion of the fuel, and
these are conducted into my second condensing apparatus or tower, where a
considerable portion of the muriatic acid gas is absorbed by the moisture on
the surfaces of the pebbles or other matters, and runs off in the state of liquid
muriatic acid. The mixture of gas and smoke is allowed to pass from the
furnace to my condensing tower until the charge of salt and sulphuric acid has
become quite dry, when the direct passage W from the smoke flue to the
chimney is to be opened, and the communication T with my second condensing
apparatus or tower closed, by these means a direct draught is established from
the furnace to the chimney, which causes a rapid combustion of the fuel, and
the increased heat thus applied expels the last portions of muriatic acid gas
from the sulphate of soda, the furnace at this time being used as a common
reverberatory furnace. It is during this part of the operation that the interior
brickwork of my improved furnace becomes sufficiently heated for the recep-
tion of another charge of salt and sulphuric acid, to be introduced immediately
after the finished sulphate of soda is taken out, and the subsequent operations
are conducted in the manner above stated. In condensing and making use of
the muriatic acid gas evolved from the furnace when acting as a distilling
apparatus, the operation of condensing is to be varied according to the sub-
stances in which it is wished to produce a chemical action, and the products to
be obtained therefrom. When I am desirous that the muriatic acid gas
should be made use of to produce carbonic acid gas, I charge my first con-
densing apparatus with chalk or limestone in lumps, and I moisten these, with
cold water passed over their surfaces, the muriatic acid gas coming in contact
therewith becomes condeused and acts on the chalk or limestone, thereby pro

page_text: ducing liquid muriate of lime and carbonic acid gas, which passing off by
distinct channels, may be collected separately. When the muriatic acid gas
is to be applied to the production of chlorine gas and muriate of manganese
by its action on unground native oxide of manganese, I charge my first
condensing apparatus or chamber with the oxide, and mix with it such a
quantity of siliceous pebbles or other matters as will secure a ready passage for
the gas into the interstices of such mixture of oxide and other matters; and I
introduce steam or hot water, or both, into the condensing chamber, at the
upper part thereof, in sufficient quantity to dissolve all the muriate of man-
ganese formed by the action of the muriatic acid, and also to keep the solution
of muriate of manganese at a sufficiently high temperature to prevent its
absorbing chlorine gas. The liquid muriate and the chlorine gas pass off from
this apparatus by different channels, and may be collected and made use of
separately.
In the above methods of operating with my first condensing apparatus, 1
have supposed the substance submitted to the action of the muriatic acid gas
to be in the state of lumps or fragments; but when I wish to cause the gas to
act upon substances in a state of powder, I charge my first condensing chamber
with siliceous pebbles, or other suitable material capable of resisting the action
of muriatic acid, and furnishing extensive surfaces for condensation; and I
mix the powdery substance with water, and cause the mixture to be injected
into the condensing chamber so as to be distributed over the upper surface of
the bed of pebbles or other materials, which mixture percolates through the
interstices thereof, whereby the mixture is continually exposed to the action of
the muriatic acid gas, and, when required, steam is to be introduced to produce
an elevated temperature.
Having now particularly described the construction, arrangement, and
operation of my improved apparatus, and the manner or mode of operating
therewith and carrying my improvements into effect, in conclusion I would
remark, that I do not claim as my Invention the production of any particular
liquids or gases by the action of muriatic acid gas on the substances sub-
mitted thereto, as all these products have been heretofore obtained by chemists,
and various methods of producing them are described in works on chemistry;
but I claim as my Invention,-
Firstly, the novel and improved construction of reverberatory furnace and
flues, consisting of a furnace and flues built within a tight casing of iron, which
surrounds the brickwork thereof, and which iron casing is protected from the
action of the muriatic acid gas by dry ground clay, or other material, placed

page_text: in a space or chamber formed between the casing and the brickwork, as
described in this my Specification.
Secondly, the novel construction and adaptation of an bydraulic valve
formed of stone, applied to the purpose of opening and closing the communi-
cation between my said improved furnace and my first condensing apparatus
or chamber.
Thirdly, the novel constructions and adaptation, of my first condensing
apparatus, formed of stone or brickwork made tight by a casing of clay applied
as before described, and which construction provides for the introduction of the
muriatic acid gas at the upper part thereof, and for its descending amongst the
materials exposed to its action, and also for separating the liquid product of
such action from the gaseous product, the former being received in a stone
vessel or trough constructed as an hydraulic valve for the purpose of allowing
the liquid to pass through it, whilst the gaseous product is conducted off by a
separate channel.
Fourthly, the construction and adaptation of these my improved furnace
flues, valves, and first condensing apparatus, as providing for effecting the
decomposition of salt in a reverberatory furnace, and for condensing and
immediately making use of a portion of the muriatic acid gas evolved during
such decomposition, without permitting such muriatic acid gas to act on the
metallic parts of the apparatus so as to liberate hydrogen gas to an injurious
extent.
Fifthly, the improved construction and adaptation of condensing apparatus
or tower for separating muriatic acid gas from smoke, which improved appa-
ratus may be made use of either with my improved furnace or with a common
reverberatory furnace, my improvements under this head consisting in the
application of a deep bed of materials furnishing extensive surfaces, over which
water is caused to pass in the same direction as the smoke and gas. And,
Lastly, I claim the improved mode or method of conducting the operations
for effecting the decomposition of common salt, and condensing and making
use of the gaseous products of such decomposition, by means of my improved
apparatus, or by means of any such parts thereof as I have claimed as my
Invention.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Gossage, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-fourth day of June, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven.
WILLIAM (L.S.) GOSSAGE.

page_text: AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Twenty-fourth day of June,
in the first year of the reign of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, the said William
Gossage came before our said Lady the Queen in Her Chancery, and acknow-
ledged the Instrument aforesaid, and all and every thing therein contained
and specified, in form above written. And also the Instrument aforesaid 5
was stamped according to the tenor of the Statute made in the fifty-fifth
year of the reign of His late Majesty King George the Third.
Inrolled the Twenty-fourth day of June, One thousand eight hundred
and thirty-seven.