Improvements in the Manufacture of Acetylene Gas and in Apparatus therefor
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 30th Nov., 1896
Complete Specification Left, 27th Sept., 1897-Accepted, 30th Nov., 1897
"Improvements in the Manufacture of Acetylene Gas and in
Apparatus therefor."
I, ALBERT JOSEPH DE PIMENTEL HARGREAVES, of 14, Rue Balzac (Champs-Elysées),
Paris, in the French Republic, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to improvements in the production of acetylene gas from
calcium carbide, in the purification thereof, and in apparatus adapted for use in such
processes.
Apparatus adapted for carrying my invention into effect comprises a gas generator,
provided with means for feeding the same with the necessary material and with
means for cleansing, both of which may be automatic. I also employ a series of
purifiers through which the gas is caused to pass prior to its entering the gas-holder,
whence it is distributed by means of pipes to the various burners for consumption, or
into other gas-holders containing ordinary lighting gas, water gas, or any gas which
requires to be enriched, or to compressing pumps if liquid acetylene is required.
The generating apparatus consists of a hopper of any suitable form, but preferably
cylindrical and having a conical base; a gas-tight cover being applied with a
hydraulic joint. In this hopper is placed calcium carbide, the quantity thereof being
proportioned to the quantity of gas desired to be produced. To the conical base of
the hopper is attached a tube, fitted internally with an endless revolving screw,
capable of moving a determined quantity of the carbide with each revolution. This
endless screw gradually conveys the carbide to an intercepting or controlling device
consisting of one fixed plate of wrought or cast iron from which a segment is cut,
and one revolving plate from which a similar segment is cut; the latter being fast
upon the shaft which carries the endless screw. A screw, having the same pitch as
the endless screw, is also mounted upon the shaft. This arrangement of fixed and
revolving plates is repeated; and the two fixed plates,, the feed-screw and the two
revolving discs are so arranged that when the segments of the first pair are open to
permit of the passage of the carbide, under the propelling influence of the feed-screw,
the other pair of discs is, closed. Conversely, when the second pair of discs is open,
the first pair of discs is closed, and the feed-screw between the two pairs of discs
propels the carbide along the tube to another endless screw of like diameter and
pitch.
These double sets of fixed and revolving discs, adapted for operation in conjunction
with the feed-screw, I term "obturators."
The carbide, having passed the obturators, is conveyed by the second endless screw,
fitted inside the generator and in the centre thereof. This generator which is prefer-
ably cylindrical and may be constructed of sheet iron, is provided externally with a
water-jacket. The base of the generator is conical. A shaft arranged at right angles
to the shaft carrying the two endless screws on which the obturators are fixed is
placed in the centre of the generator. The horizontal shaft operates the vertical
shaft in the centre of the generator by means of two mitre wheels, that fixed upon

page_text: the horizontal shaft being larger than that carried by the vertical shaft. The latter
shaft runs centrally through a conical hopper fixed inside the generator; the said
hopper being perforated throughout its length and circumference, and being open at
the base so as to permit of the downward passage of the carbide. The apertures in
the sides of the hopper also permit the smaller pieces of carbide to drop out. The
generator is filled with water up to within a few inches of the base of the hopper
already described.
A few inches below the water-line is placed a revolving tray
secured to the vertical shaft, the periphery of the tray being furnished with a rim of
wire netting a few inches in height and of suitable mesh. The carbide thrown into
the hopper by the action of the revolving screw passes through the apertures of the
hopper, the larger pieces passing through the base thereof, and falls upon the
revolving disc carried by the vertical shaft. Directly the pieces of carbide come into
contact with the water, ebullition takes place, and impure acetylene gas, together
with vapour of water, is given off. These are together forced upwards through the
base and apertures of the carbide-hopper; and the watery vapour coming into contact
with the carbide in the hopper causes the liberation of fresh volumes of acetylene
gas, a portion of the watery vapour seeking to escape being thus utilised. All this
acetylene, practically free from particles of water, passes into the top of the generator
and is thence conveyed to the purifiers. Meanwhile, the carbide which has fallen
upon the revolving tray, having given off all the acetylene which it contained, has
become disintegrated and converted into lime. The centrifugal force generated by
the rotary action of the revolving tray propels this lime through the meshes of the
wire-netting, and it slowly subsides through the water upon the conical base of the
generator. The netting, however, prevents the escape of any portion of the carbide
which has not been thoroughly disintegrated. The rotary action at the same time
expedites disintegration.
The lower extremity of the vertical shaft is mounted in a bracket at the base of the
cone-like bottom of the generator, and is fitted with curved arms or scrapers which
work against the inner surface of the conical bottom of the generator. The rotation
of these curved arms or scrapers prevents the adhesion or accumulation of the lime
upon the surface of the generator. After being gathered towards the centre, the
lime falls into a tube which is fitted with an endless screw of like diameter and pitch
to that already described in connection with the feed mechanism. This endless
screw gradually removes the lime and conveys it to another obturator such as already
described. By these means, at each revolution of a screw mounted upon a shaft
arranged at right angles to the vertical shaft and parallel to the feeding shaft, a
certain quantity of lime and water is removed from the generator and passed out
through a suitable channel to a decanting tank, whence, the lime having been allowed
to settle, the water may be drawn off and the lime collected and applied to any useful
purpose.
By means of a cam attached to either of the horizontal shafts and connected with a
water reservoir conveniently situated, a quantity of fresh water, equal in volume to
that of the water withdrawn at the bottom of the generator, is admitted at the top with
each revolution of the horizontal shaft, thus maintaining the water at a normal level
and insuring a continuous current of fresh cold water through the generator. This,
in conjunction with the water-jacket, effectually checks any undue rise of
temperature.
Above the water level in the generator, between it and the upper extremity of the
carbide hopper, and in communication with the pipe which conveys the acetylene
gas from the generator to the purifiers, is placed a tube furnished with a globe and
curved tube, forming a water-valve; so that, in the event of the pressure of the gas in
the generator becoming excessive (owing to the action of the vapour of water upon
the carbide in the hopper or to any unforeseen circumstance) the water in the water-
valve is forced into the globe and the gas is free to pass into the tube communicating
with the purifiers. Upon the pressure in the generator again becoming normal, the
water in the globe returns to its position in the curved tube and effectually bars the
escape of the gas by this channel.

page_text: The two horizontal shafts are actuated by two pulleys of like diameter in such a
manner that both the horizontal shafts, toge her with their endless screws and
obturators, revolve synchronously. To either of these horizontal shafts the driving
power may be applied, and from either of them may be worked a pump for returning
the waste water from the decanting tank to the feed-water tank, thereby obviating any.
undue waste of water. The said pump may also be rendered available for
maintaining the supply of water to the water-jacket.
The acetylene gas on leaving the generator by the uptake tube passes to the
purifiers, which are preferably four in number and may be alike in dimensions and
similar in construction. Each is fitted with a hydraulic-jointed cover. The gas
enters at the bottom of each vat, preferably at the centre, and passes out at the top;
the connecting tubes between one purifier and another being fitted with hydraulic-
jointed sleeves, so as to permit of the ready removal of each cover. Each of the first
three purifiers is provided with perforated trays on which are spread the various
purifying or absorbent materials; the trays and their contents being arranged in
such a nanner that the acetylene gas, during its passage through each vessel,
permeates and comes into intimate contact with the purifying agents.
In the first purifying vat, the trays are charged with sawdust, cocoa-nut fibre,
asbestos fibre, slag wool or similar material, impregnated with dilute sulphuric acid,
whereby any ammonia present in the acetylene gas is absorbed.
Upon the trays of the second purifying vat, thick layers of finely divided oxide of
iron are placed whereby any sulphuretted hydrogen which may be present in the gas
is absorbed.
The trays in the third vat are charged with thick layers of finely crushed sulphate
of copper and moist sawdust, whereby any phosphuretted hydrogen which may be
present is removed.
The gas, now freed from ammonia, sulphuretted and phosphuretted hydrogen,
passes into a fourth purifier, the inlet orifice being fitted with a wire-netting dome
inside the vat. This purifier need not be provided with trays, but may be simply
filled with calcium carbide. As the acetylene gas passes through this material, any
water or watery vapour present becomes absorbed, and the gas is finally delivered, not
only in a purified, but in a dry state.
This drying chamber is not required if the gas is to be collected and stored in a
gas-holder over water.
"Improvements in the Manufacture of Acetylene Gas and
and in
Apparatus therefor."
I, ALBERT JOSEPH DE PIMENTEL HARGREAVES, of 14, Rue Balzac (Champs-Elysées),
Paris, in the French Republic, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
This invention relates to improvements in the production of acetylene gas from
calcium carbide, in the purification thereof, and in apparatus adapted for use in such
processes.
In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 is a view partly in elevation and partly in
section showing apparatus for manufacturing acetylene gas according to my

page_text: invention; Fig. 2 being a corresponding plan. Figs. 3, 4 and 5 are enlarged views
of the intercepting or controlling device; Fig. 3 being a vertical section, and
Figs. 4 and 5 being views looking at the left and right hand ends respectively.
Apparatus adapted for enrrying my invention into effect comprises a gas gener-
ator A, provided with means for feeding the same with the necessary material and with
means for cleansing both of which may be automatic. I also employ a series of
purifiers B, B, B, B, through which the gas is caused to pass prior to its entering
the gas-holder, whence it is distributed by means of pipes to the various burners for
consumption, or into other gas-holders containing ordinary lighting gas, water-gas,
or any gas which requires to be enriched, or to compressing pumps if liquid acetylene
is required.
The generating apparatus consists of a hopper a of any suitable form, but preferably
cylindrical and having a conical base al; a gas-tight cover a being applied by means
of a water-seal. In this hopper is placed a quantity of calcium carbide proportioned
to the volume of gas desired to be produced. To the base of the hopper is attached
a tube a³, enclosing an endless revolving screw a capable of moving a determined
quantity of the carbide at each revolution; the carbide being gradually conveyed by
the said screw to an intercepting or controlling device C consisting of one fixed plate
or disc c of wrought or cast iron from which a segment is cut, and one revolving
plate or dise c¹ from which a sirailar segment is cut; the latter being fast upon the shafta
which carries the endless screw. A screw a, having the same pitch as the endless
screw a, is mounted upon the shaft a° next to the plate c, and the arrangement of
fixed and revolving plates c c is repeated. The two fixed plates c c, the feed-
screw a a, and the two revolving plates c c are so arranged that when the
segments of the first pair are open, thereby permitting the passage of the carbide,
the other pair of discs is closed. Conversely, when the second pair of plates is
open, the first pair of discs is closed (see Fig. 5) and the feed-screw a between the
two pairs of plates propels the carbide along the tube a³ and through the opening
in the second pair of plates to another endless screw as, of like diameter and pitch,
which revolves over a plate or trough a inside the generator. The two sets of
fixed and revolving plates, adapted for operation in conjunction with the feed-screw,
I term "obturators."
The carbide, having passed the obturators, is conveyed, by the endless screw a",
to the centre of the generator A, where it is deposited in the hopper D. The
generator which is preferably cylindrical and may be constructed of sheet iron, is
provided externally with a water-jacket A. The base of the generator is conical.
In the centre of the generator and at right-angles to the shaft a" is arranged a
shaft . The horizontal shaft a° operates the vertical shaft eo by means of the mitre
wheels ax and ex, the one *, carried by the shaft a, being larger than the one ex
carried by the shaft e". The latter shaft runs centrally through the conical hopper D
which is perforated throughout its length and circumference, and is open at the
base so as to permit of the downward passage of the carbide. The apertures in the
sides of the hopper also permit the smaller pieces of carbide to drop ont.
The generator is filled with water up to within a few inches of the base of the
hopper D. A few inches below the water-line is placed a revolving tray or disc E
secured to the vertical shaft e, the periphery of the tray being furnished with a rim e
of wire-netting a few inches in height and of suitable mesh. The carhide conveyed to
the hopper D by the revolving screw (a) passes partly through the apertures
of the hopper and partly through the base thereof, and falls upon the
revolving tray E. Directly the pieces of carbide come into contact with
the water, ebullition takes place, and impure acetylene gas, together with
vapour of water, is given off. These are together forced upwards through the base
and apertures of the carbide-hopper D; and the watery vapour coming into contact
with the carbide in the hopper causes the liberation of fresh volumes of acetylene
gas, a portion of the watery vapour seeking to escape being thus utilized. All this
acetylene, practically free from particles of water, passes into the space A¹ at the top
of the generator A and is thence conveyed by means of the pipe b to the

page_text: purifiers B, B, etc. Meanwhile, the carbide which has fallen upon the revolving
tray E, having given off all the acetylene of which it was capable, has become
disintegrated and converted into lime; the latter being propelled by centrifugal force
through the meshes of the wire-netting e, and slowly subsiding through the water
upon the conical base of the generator A. The rim e, however, prevents the escape
of any portion of the carbide which has not been thoroughly disintegrated, and at
the same time the rotary action of the tray expedites disintegration.
The lower extremnity of the shaft eo is mounted in a bracket e¹ at the base of the
cone-like bottom of the generator, and is fitted with arms or scrapes E¹ which may
be curved, and which by working against the inner surface of the conical bottom of
the generator, prevent the adhesion or accumulation of line upon the said surface.
After heing gathered towards the centre, the lime falls into a tube F which is fitted
with an endless revolving screw f of like diameter and pitch to the screw a and
mounted on a shaft f. This endless screw f gradually removes the lime and
conveys it to an obturator C such as already described consisting of a fixed
plate c and a revolving plate c¹. By these means, at each revolution of the screw f,
a certain quantity of lime and water is removed from the generator and caused to
pass through a suitable channel, such as G, to a decanting tank, whence, the lime.
having been allowed to settle, the water may be drawn off and the lime collected
applied to any useful purpose.
By means of a suitable controlling device, such as a cam h on the shaft a°, a valve h¹
in the pipe h2 is opened and closed at determined intervals and a quantity of fresh
water from a reservoir H, equal in volume to that of the water withdrawn at the
bottom of the generator, is admitted at the top; thus maintaining the water at a
normal level and insuring a continuous current of fresh cold water through the
generator. This, in conjunction with the water-jacket, effectually checks any undue
rise of the temperature.
Above the water level in the generator, hetween it and the upper extremity of the
carbide hopper D, and in communication with the space A and pipe b is placed a
tube I, furnished with a globe and curved tube i¹, forming a water-valve; so that,
in the event of the pressure of the gas in the generator becoming excessive (owing
to the hopper becoming more or less choked or to any unforeseen circumstance), the
water in the water-valve is forced into the globe i and the gas is free to pass from
above the water-level in the generator into the space A¹ and thence to the pipe b
communicating with the purifiers. Upon the pressure in the generator again be-
coming normal, the water in the globe i returns into the curved tube ¹ and
effectually prevents the escape of gas by this channel.
The respective shafts do and with their endless screws and obturators are
actuated synchronously by the pulleys K and L. The driving power may be applied
to either of these shafts, and from either of them may be worked a pump for return-
ing the waste water from the decanting tank to the feed-water tank H, thereby
obviating any undue waste of water. The said pump may also be rendered available
for maintaining the supply of water to the water-jacket.
The acetylene gas on leaving the generator A passes by way of the pipe b to the
purifiers, preferably four, B, B1, B2, B3, which may be alike in dimensions and similar
in construction. Each purifier is fitted with a cover dipping into an annular trough
containing water whereby the purifying chamber is sealed. The gas enters at the
bottom of the chamber, preferably at the centre, and passes out at the top; the
connecting tubes b¹ between one purifier and another being furnished with water-
seals 62, so as to permit of the ready removal of each cover. Each of the purifiers, B,
B, B, is provided with perforated trays on which are spread the various purify-
ing or absorbent materials; the trays and their contents being arranged in such a
manner that the acetylene gas, during its passage through each vessel or chamber,
permeates, and comes into intimate contact with the purifying agent.
In the first purifying vat B, the trays are charged with sawdust, cocoa-nut fibre,
asbestos fibre, slag wool or similar material, impregnated with dilute sulphuric acid,
whereby any ammonia present in the acetylene gas is absorbed

page_text: Upon the trays of the second purifying vat B1, thick layers of finely divided oxide
of iron are placed whereby any sulphuretted bydrogen which may be present in the
gas is absorbed.
The trays 63 in the third vat B2 are charged with thick layers of finely crushed
sulphate of copper and moist sawdust, whereby any phosphuretted hydrogen which
may be present is removed.
The gas now freed from ammonia, sulphuretted and phosphuretted hydrogen,
passes into a fourth purifier B3, the inlet orifice being fitted with a wire-netting
dome b. This purifier need not be provided with trays, but may be simply fitted
with calcium carbide. As the acetylene gas passes through this material, any water
or watery vapour present becomes absorbed, and the gas is finally delivered, not only in
a purified, but in a dry state. This drying chamber B3 is not required if the gas is
to be collected and stored in a gas-holder over water.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, I claim:—
1. The herein described method of manufacturing acetylene gas, consisting in
feeding a regulated quantity of calcium carbide through a sieve-like receptacle or
hopper arranged over a body of water contained in a closed vessel or generator,
to a revolving tray immersed a short distance beneath the surface of the water,
removing a regulated quantity of the lime thrown down as the result of decomposition
and simultaneously introducing a regulated supply of fresh water to compensate for
that which escapes with the gas or with the lime.
2. The improved apparatus for use in the manufacture of acetylene gas arranged
or operating substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings,
same comprising a carbide-hopper, a feeding device provided with means for
intercepting the flow of the carbide and regulating the quantity thereof supplied to
the generator, a sieve-like receptacle in said generator, a tray below said receptacle and
immersed a short distance beneath the surface of the water, arms or scrapes for
cleansing the bottom of the generator, means for rotating the tray and the arms
or scrapes, and means for removing a limited quantity of the water and lime or
deposit and simultaneously replenishing the generator with a regulated supply of
fresh water.
3. In apparatus for generating acetylene gas, the employment of a revolving tray
immersed a short distance under water and arranged beneath a basket-like hopper,
the calcium carbide in the course of decomposition passing from the hopper to the
tray the latter being furnished with a rim of wire-netting for checking the too
rapid escape and precipitation of the material.
4. In apparatus for use in the manufacture of acetylene gas, the employment of
endless screws, a, f, enclosed in tubular casings, a³, F, in conjunction with fixed and
revolving plates such as c, c¹; whereby the carbide is conveyed to the generator in
regulated quantities and the simultaneous discharge of the waste products from the
generator is effected, substantially as described.
5. For use with feeding and discharging mechanism, such as referred to in the
preceding claiming clause, the herein described means for simultaneously replenishing
the water in the generator, whereby a continual flow of fresh cold water is maintained
through the generator, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
6. For obviating or relieving excessive pressure of gas in the generator, the
employment of a water-valve, such as I, whereby, on the pressure in and about
the carbide-holder (D) becoming excessive, the pressure of the gas displaces the
water in the tube 2, and the excess of gas escapes by way of the bulb i into the
space A¹.
7. The improved means for purifying acetylene gas consisting in passing the same
successively through a series of vessels containing various purifying or absorbent
material, one vessel containing sawdust, cocoa-nut fibre, asbestos fibre, slag wool or
similar material impregnated with dilute sulphuric acid, another vessel finely divided
oxide of iron, and a further vessel finely crushed sulphate of copper and moist

page_text: sawdust-whereby the gas becomes freed from ammonia, sulphuretted and
phosphuretted hydrogen-and finally passing the gas through a vessel charged with
calcium carbide, whereby the last traces of water or watery vapour are removed,
substantially as described.
8. In the purification or drying of acetylene gas by passing the same through
calcium carbide, the employment of a vessel whereof the cover is provided with a
water-seal and the inlet for the gas is furnished with a wire-gauge shield, substantially
as and for the purpose specified.