Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 22nd July, 1896
4007 Accented
27th Mar 1807
We LEOPOLDO VITTORIO PRATIS and PIETRO MARENGO both of 33 Via Principe
Tommaso Turin in the Kingdom of Italy Manufacturers do hereby declare the
nature of this invention to be as follows:-
In order to reduce the cost of production of pure hydrogen, and thereby to render
it practically available, we decompose water by bringing it into contact with waste
serap or other divided form of cast or other iron or other suitable metal such for
instance as filings turnings and the like in conjunction with an acid such as sulphuric
acid for example; the practical result attained by the process being twofold, zz.
(1) The production of pure hydrogen gas and
(2) The production of sulphate of protoxide of iron (FeOSO₁) or of the other
metal used or other similar salts.
The production of hydrogen gas by our process when iron and sulphuric acid are
used for example is founded upon the well known formula
FeSO, HO = FeOSO, + H;
(and similarly with other metals and acids) but with a view to facilitating the
development of the gas, we employ sulphuric acid at 50° Baumé; and in order to
cause the hydrogen gas to be evolved more rapidly, we add the water gradually, so as
to generate the heat necessary for a more or less rapid reaction.
Also by increasing the amount of iron beyond the proportion indicated by the
above formula the yield in bydrogen is increased, since by such means the surface of
the iron, presented for reaction, is extended.
The surplus of iron employed comes into operation as the, nearly anhydrous,
protoxide of iron sulphate is converted into hydrated or crystallized sulphate of
protoxide of iron.
By this process hydrogen gas is obtained most economically inasmuch as the value
of the sulphate of protoxide of iron (or of the other metal employed) produced
largely covers the cost of production of the hydrogen gas.
The utility of the invention mainly resides in the fact that, as protoxide of iron
sulphate (or other similar salt) is obtained by the process the cost of the hydrogen gas
proper is reduced to a minimum, or practically to zero.
Dated this 22nd day of July 1896.
JOHNSONS & WILLCOX,
47 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agents.

page_text: Improvements in the Production of Pure Hydrogen Gas.
We, LEOPOLDO VITTORIO PRATIS and PIETRO MARENGO, both of 33 Via Principe
Tommaso, Turin, in the Kingdom of Italy, Manufacturers, 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:-
The object of our invention is to reduce the cost of the production of pure hydrogen
so as to render it practically available for illuminating and industrial purposes.
According to our invention we decompose water by bringing it into contact
with iron, preferably in the form of waste scrap, or other divided form of cast or
other iron, such for instance as filings, turnings, or iron ores, and the like in
conjunction with sulphuric acid, the result being the production of pure hydrogen
gas, sulphate of protoxide of iron (FeOSO) being produced in the process.
The production of hydrogen gas according to our invention is founded upon the
well-known formula Fe + SOHO FeOSO, + H. To facilitate the development
of the gas we preferably employ sulphuric acid at 50° Beaumé and in order to cause
the hydrogen gas to be evolved more rapidly water may be added gradually so as to
generate the heat necessary for a more or less rapid reaction. By increasing the
amount of iron beyond the proportion indicated by the above formula the yield in
hydrogen is increased since the surface of the iron presented for reaction is extended,
and moreover the excess of iron employed comes into operation as the nearly
anhydrous protoxide of iron is converted into hydrated or crystallized sulphate of
protoxide of iron.
We will describe with reference to the accompanying drawings the manner in
which our invention may be performed and a plant adapted for the carrying out of
the process.
Instead of strictly adhering to the foregoing formula Fe + SO³HO=FeO.SO3 + H,
we use the components in the proportion of one third of each, viz., one part by weight
of sulphuric acid at 50° Beaune, one part of iron and one part of water, so that, at
the end of the reaction, in the course of which hydrogen gas is evolved, a paste of
sulphate of protoxide of iron forms, which may be very readily reluced to the
hydrated or crystallized form; or it may be treated so as to recover sulphuric acid
from such paste, previously dried, and to obtain Fe2O3 as a residue. By employing,
as aforesaid, the same amount, by weight, of each of the three components the
generation of hydrogen gas is assisted in consequence of the large surface of iron
presented to the reaction.
The greater part of the iron employed is recovered when the aforesaid paste is
converted into hydrated iron, or when it is desired to regenerate sulphuric acid. The
same remark, in fact, may apply to the water employed; such water being intended
to promote reaction. The sulphuric acid may be brought into contact with the
water and iron, either by means of a tap or valve, controllable by hand; or
automatically by a gasometer arranged to be regulated in accordance with the
consumption of hydrogen gas; the gasometer being thus adapted to do duty as
a regulator of the sulphuric acid supply. It is this possibility of utilizing the residues
which makes the process economical; the fact being that, to whatsoever use the said
residues may be put, they will in all cases amply repay the cost of production of the
pure hydrogen gas.
In the accompanying drawings
Figure 1 is a diagram ilustrating the complete arrangement for the production of
bydrogen gas according to this invention; and in the other figures are given
elevations and sections of three of the apparatus forming part of the said arrangement
as hereinafter described.

page_text: In a boiler A (shewn also in Figures 3, 4 5 and 6) of wrought or cast iron, or of
copper internally lined with lead, there is added to each five litres of water, five
kilogrammes of filings, or other fragments of iron, wrought or cast, or of iron ore
(which may be either rich or poor, so long as it contains five kilogrammes or the
desired multiple of 5 kilogrammes of iron).
Water is admitted by turning on the tap 1 which connects the boiler A with the
reservoir B fitted with a level or gauge which indicates the number of litres. The
iron is charged direct through the upper opening 2. after which the boiler is closed.
Then, by turning on the tap 3 (preferably made of an alloy of parts of lead and
1 part of antimony) connection is made between the boiler A and the sulphuric acid
receiver C (the acid being at 50° Beauné), which receiver is likewise provided with a
gauge, indicating the amount of acid contained therein, in kilogrammes.
The reaction, and the consequent generation of hydrogen gas, now quickly set in.
To expel the air from the boiler the plug 4, fitted in the side of the boiler, at about
two thirds of its height, is slowly operated, until the gas within attains a sufficient
pressure to expel the air. The tap 3 is left open until a quantity of sulphuric acid
has passed equal, by weight, to the quantity of water introduced; the object being, to
produce the gas at one operation; and, therefore, a boiler of adequate size is required;
e. one the capacity of which is about double the volume of the iron, water, and acid.
But where the gas is not required to be produced so promptly, the tap 3 need only be
turned on from time to time, and left open for a space proportionate to the amount of
gas it is desired to obtain; it being borne in mind, that when the requisite amount of
acid-equal to that of the water used-has passed through, the operation is at an end.
The pipes 5 and 6 should be made of lead, and be formed with syphons of from
1 to 2 metres each, according to the level of the water in the washing chambers D and E.
These syphons are provided in order to enable acid and water to be supplied during
the reaction, so as to overcome the pressure developed in the boiler, which is equal
to the columns of washing water. When the gas has been evolved, the lower valve 7 of
the boiler is opened; when the protoxide of iron sulphate will be discharged into the
receiver F in the condition of a paste. Then after turning on the tap 1, the boiler is
thoroughly washed; after which the digester is closed again, and all is in readiness
for a fresh charge.
From the boiler the gas passes into the washing chamber D which contains water
and may be constructed either of iron, or of copper lined with lead. In this chamber
any acid which may have been carried away with the gas during the reaction; is
removed and the gas passes on to the other washing chamber E in which is a solution
of a salt of lead, so that any traces of hydrosulphuric acid or of arseniuretted or
phosphuretted hydrogen which may be contained in the gas are removed. The gas
then passes into the gasometer G, passing on its way, through a device at H (shewn
in Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10) containing sheets or dises a of closely woven wire gauze,
placed at predetermined distances apart, as shewn in the drawings.
From the gasometer G, the gas passes through an insulating water valve I; then
through an elastic case or chamber L; then it traverses another device M similar to
the one at H and lastly passes off by the branch pipes N O P to the place of
utilization.
The water valve I and the elastic case L, are provided as additional means of
precaution, but they may be dispensed with if preferred.
If the production of hydrogen gas is to take place automatically, there may be
substituted, for the hand-operated tap 3, an automatic cock or valve at R (shewn
in side elevation and sectional plan in Figures 2 and 2) which is operated from the
gasometer during its descent, and is hereinafter described.
By this means the supply of sulphuric acid may be kept up automatically until a
given quantity of acid has completed its gas generating reaction, in conjunction with
the iron and water contained in the generator; for gas being no longer evolved the
gasometer descends, and causes the cock or valve R to close."
Hydrogen gas may also be obtained gradually by means of automatic arrangements

page_text: acting upon water iron and acid, there being used, in all cases, receivers lined with
lead, placed right into the gasometer.
Should it he desired to generate high pressure hydrogen gas, say at a pressure of
from 10 to 50 atmospheres, it is only necessary to construct generators capable of
resisting the desired pressures; to complete the changes beforehand, or (if preferred)
to use pressure regulating supply reservoirs for the purpose: and to transfer the gases,
alter washing, into suitable collectors.
Hydrogen gas may, by the aforesaid means, be obtained at very high pressures;
and, as it may be preserved in such a state of compression, and consequently in a
very compact form, it may be readily carried or forwarded from place to place.
The hereinbefore mentioned automatic cock or valve for the introduction of the acid
may be made as follows:-
Upon the plug of a cock which is preferably made of an alloy of four parts of lead
and one of antimony there is placed a square (or hell crank lever) B, weighted with
a counterweight S, which maintains the said plug in its normal or closed position;
and on to the other end of the said square or bell-crank lever there is placed a
second square D, similarly weighted at E; this weight also tending to retain its
square D in the normal or closed position; a joint being formed at F so as to enable
the square to turn from G to H, though it cannot descend beyond its normal
position. As the projection S from the gasometer bell descends (see Figure 1) it
bears upon and depresses the square D; the square B, being thereby actuated,
causes the plug of the cock A to turn and open the inlet orifice for the admission of
sulphuric acid into the apparatus.
As gas is produced, the bell and projection 8 rise and the cock closes again. When
the hydrogen gas production ceases, the projection 8 by descending to the extreme
limit of its downward stroke, relea-es the square D), so that the parts return to their
normal position, in which the supply of acid is cut off. The movement of the
second square from G to H, serves to afford a free passage for the projection 8
during the first ascent of the gasometer. To commence generating gas, the weight S
should be turned by hand from M to N.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is
1. The manufacture of pure hydrogen gas by the decomposition of water by
means of iron in the presence of sulphuric acid as hereinbefore explained.
2. The manufacture of pure hydrogen by the gradual addition of water to iron
in excess and in a divided condition and sulphuric acid as herein before described.
Dated this 19th day of January 1897.
JOHNSONS & WILLCOX,
47 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agents.

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
The Utilization of Hydrogen Gas for the Obtainment of Light, Heat,
and Power.
We LEOPOLDO VITTORIO PRATIS and PIETRO MARENGO both of 33 Via
Principe Tommaso, Turin in the Kingdom of Italy, Manufacturers, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
Hydrogen gas, it is well known, in itself possesses no illuminating power and the
attempts which have been made to impart such power to it by means of lime have
led to po results of any practical value for general use.
We have after a long series of experiments succeeded in rendering hydrogen gas
capable of being utilized for illuminating purposes through the agency of mantles
or cages such as those of Auer, Cosmos and the like or of platinum gauze netting
or fabric or of mixed mineral and metallic matter or of the oxides of metallic
earths according to the place where the gas is utilized or with the amount of
light that is wanted. By such means we utilize hydrogen for obtaining light but
we apply also hydrogen to the obtainment of heat and power such gas being
capable of producing a greater amount of heat thau can be produced by any
other gas.
We intend to accomplish the distribution of hydrogen and its utilization for the
obtainment of heat and power through the ordinary means employed for other gas;
that is it may be distributed by means of the usual system of main and branch
pipes and utilized by means of the ordinary heaters, furnaces, kitchen ranges,
engines, and the like.
It being possible to compress hydrogen gas to a very high pressure, and to keep
it at such high pressure we propose to use the said gas for the illumination of trains
wagons, vehicles, and in general in all cases where the illuminating gas has to be
forced into and carried in a small space from place to place.
Dated this 2nd day of September 1896.
JOHNSONS & WILLCOX,
47 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agents.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
The Utilization of Hydrogen Gas for the Obtainment of Light, Heat,
and Power.
We, LEOPOLDO VITTORIO PRATIS and PIETRO MARENGO, both of 33 Via
Principe Tommaso, Turin, in the Kingdom of Italy, Manufacturers 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:-
Hydrogen gas, it is well known, in itself possesses no illuminating power and

page_text: <
the attempts which have been made to impart such power to it by means of lime
have led to no results of any practical value for general use.
We have, after a long series of experiments, succeeded in rendering hydrogen gas
capable of being utilized for illuminating purposes through the agency of mantles,
or cages, such as those of Auer, Cosmos, and the like, or of platinum gauze,
netting, or fabric, or of mixed mineral and metallic matter, or of the oxides of
metallic earths, according to the place where the gas is utilized, or with the amount
of light that is wanted.
By such means we utilize hydrogen for obtaining light, but we apply also
hydrogen to the obtainment of heat and power, such gas being capable of
producing a greater amount of heat than can be produced by any other gas.
We may accomplish the distribution of hydrogen and its utilization for the
obtainment of heat and power through the ordinary means employed for other gas;
that is, it may be distributed by means of the usual system of main and branch
pipes and utilized by means of the ordinary heaters, furnaces, kitchen ranges, engines
and the like.
It being possible to compress hydrogen gas to a very high pressure and to keep
it at such high pressure, we propose to use the said gas for the illumination of trains,
wagons, vehicles, and in general in all cases where the illuminating gas has to be
forced into, and carried in, a small space from place to place.
We will describe with reference to the accompanying drawings means by which
our invention can be carried into practical effect.
In Figure 1 is shewn in elevation a burner suitable for burning hydrogen gas
according to our invention. It consists as follows:-A small central tube (shewn
in part section and part elevation in Figure 2 and in plan in Figure 3) is provided
for the admission of gas. Over this tube is fitted a tubular piece (shewn in part
section and part elevation in Figure 4 and in plan in Figure 5) in which there are
a number of perforations (say four) for the admission of air and preferably of a
cross-sectional area of 6 millimétres each. The cover or casing (shewn in part
elevation and part section in Figure 6 and in plan in Figure 7) has also a number
of perforations or vents, say four, for the admission of air, but it is rotatable by
means of the handles shewn, so that the air-supply can, at will, be turned on,
increased, reduced, or cut off altogether. The slut A therein, working over a
screw B in the tubular piece Figures 4 and 5 serving to control this rotary motion
of the case. The mantle holder, shewn in section in Figure 8 and in plan in
Figure 9 is secured onto the tubular piece, Figures 4 and 5 it being screwed to a
washer C screwed on previously, and serving as a counter nut. In this mantle
holder there are arranged, at equal distances apart, three small dises a of close
woven wire-gauze, which assist the proper distribution of the gas through all the
outlets, and also serves to protect the flame from direct action of the hydrogen
gas issuing from the tube Figures 2 and 3. The outer case Figures 6 and 7
serves to prevent the admission of air while the hydrogen gas is being ignited, the
object being to avoid the formation of any explosive mixture within the mantle
which, if made of a mineral substance, would burst were an explosion to occur.
When a flame has been kindled, the casing, Figures 6 and 7, is turned, and air is
admitted to the hydrogen, so that oxy-hydrogen gas is produced, and both the
heating and illuminating power of the flame are greatly increased.
We have found the illuminating power to be equal to about 200 candles with a
consumption of 125 litres of hydrogen gas per hour. To a burner like that shewn
in Figure we have fitted a mantle, only 30 millimetres high and for the tube
shewn in Figures 2 and 3 we have provided one with one gas inlet orifice about
1 square millimetre wide; and have supplied a mantle carrier (Figures 8 and 9)
with an outer diameter of 21 millimetres. The intensity of the light we obtain by
such means equals 50 candle power, with consumption of hydrogen gas not
exceeding 40 litres per hour. Figures 10 and 11 shew the gallery or chimney
holder.
In the burner, constructed as herein before described, we obviate internal ignition,

page_text: which is unavoidable if one of Auer von Welsbach's burners be used in connection
with our pure hydrogen gas.
The mantle, shewn in elevation and plan in Figures 12 and 13, consists of
platinum wire, varying between 1 and 2 of a millimetre in diameter. Its meshes
are formed either by interweaving like a warp and weft fabric, or looped, as by
knitting, or in any other manner, provided the fabric offers a great number of
points for producing incandescence. Its weight may vary from 04 to 2 grammes
per mantle. The central support, shewn in elevation and plan in Figures 14
and 15, is made of porous porcelain or steatite. It is shaped with facets and
re-entering or inwardly bent angles, so as to enable it to utilize the maximum
amount of heat, relatively to the extent of its surface of exposure. The burner
holder D is "cupped" at E to fit the said central support.
The small lamp which is shewn complete in Figure 16 is particularly fitted for
use as a suspension lamp, where the object is to direct the light downwards; and
it is also intended to be used in those cases where the lamp, being liable to sudden
movements, shocks, or jerks, cannot have an ordinary mantle of mineral material
applied to it.
In order to derive full advantage from the use of hydrogen gas in driving gas
engines of any type or construction, it is necessary to provide inlet ports for the
hydrogen gas and air, that for the air being of a sectional area of, or about,
18 times that for the hydrogen gas, by which means there will be obtained an
explosive mixture calculated to ensure perfect combustion and the obtainment of
considerable power amounting to about double that hitherto obtained in even the
most improved gas engines.
As the oxy-hydrogen flame, obtained from hydrogen gas, possesses a great many
units of heat, or very great heating power, we have applied to cooking ranges and
gas stoves, the same principle on which is based the construction of our burner for
purposes of illumination, for which purpose we combine with an air fan or suction
device an arrangement such as is shewn in part elevation in Figure 17 and in
sectional plan of underside in Figure 18. The diaphragm A operated by a
lever B covers and uncovers perforations in a funnel C. The flame may thus be
controlled, so as to increase or diminish the intensity of heat at will, and avoid the
formation of explosive mixtures at the time of ignition. The hydrogen gas supply
is regulated by slight movements imparted to the tap D, shewn in elevation iu
Figure 19, and the admission of air is controlled by means of the lever B. Unless
the currents of gas and air, respectively, are properly regulated, the hydrogen
would become ignited at the very orifice E. The amount of heat secured by
means of our burner using pure hydrogen gas is double the amount hitherto
obtained in the most improved cooking stoves heated by ordinary illuminating gas.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
1. The obtainment of light by burning hydrogen gas in contact with hoods, or
mantles, of platinum gauze netting, or fabric, or of oxides of the metallic
earths, or of mixed mineral and metallic matter, substantially as hereinbefore
described.
2. The utilization of hydrogen gas for the obtainment of heat or power,
substantially as herein before described.
3. The utilization of hydrogen by compressing it into containers and its applica-
tion to the illumination of trains, or other vehicles, substantially as hereinbefore
described.
Dated this 10th dow of Inmunu 1907
JOHNSONS & WILLCOX,
47 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agents.