Method for Improving the Colour of Raw Jute Fibre.
Year: 1896

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Method for Improving the Colour of Raw Jute Fibre.
We, CHARLES O'BRIEN of 22 Erskine Street, Bleacher, and JAMES SHEARER, of
Kinnaul Cottage, Maryfield, Works Manager, both of Dundee, do hereby declare
the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to a method for improving the colour of raw jute fibre.
I take the raw jute fibre and immerse it in diluted sulphuric acid. The fibre
is then dried to the required extent by placing it in a hydro-extractor or by means
of steam or other heated cylinders or by other convenient means.
The required treatment is rapidly effected by the said process; the treatment is
effected cheaply; and by improving the colour the value of the fibre is much
enhanced.
In lieu of sulphuric acid, phosphoric or oxalic acid, or the like, may be
employed.
Dated this 18th day of September 1896
JOHNSONS,
115 St. Vincent Street, Glasgow, Petitioners' Agents.
We, CHARLES O'BRIEN of 22 Erskine Street, Bleacher, and JAMES SHEARER, of
Kinnoul Cottage, Maryfield, Works Manager, both of Dundee, 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 a process for improving the colour of jute fibre,
whereby the colour is made lighter and purer.
We take the jute and immerse it, in phosphoric acid which has been diluted to
the required extent. The jute is then dried to the required extent by any
convenient means.
In lieu of diluted phosphoric acid we may employ diluted oxalic, sulphuric,
muriatic or hydrochloric acids, or any diluted combination of these acids, or any
diluted combination of these acids with phosphoric acid.
The improving of the colour of the jute by our said invention is rapidly and
cheaply effected and by the improvement in the colour by our said process the
value of the jute is enhanced.
The phosphoric acid used may be in the ordinary commercial form, that is to

page_text: say, carried in any agent such as oil and such an oil as mineral shale oil would be
suitable carrying agent.
The phosphoric acid may be of 50% strength, that is to say, 50% acid and
50% carrying agent and this may be used in the proportion of one part (by
weight) to 250 parts (by weight) of water.
The sulphuric acid may be of ordinary strength, say 150 degrees "Tw." at
60 degrees Fahr. and it may be used in the proportion of one part (by weight) to
300 parts (by weight) of water.
The oxalic acid may be used in the proportion of one part (by weight) to
300 parts (by weight) of water.
The muriatic or hydrochloric acid may be used in the proportion of one part (by
weight) to 300 parts (by weight) of water.
Time of immersion of the fibre for all the acids, one minute.
Acids of greater or lesser strength than the above may be used or the dilutions
may be stronger or weaker than the above or the time of immersion of the fibre
may be lengthened or shortened but we prefer to proceed as stated.
If the fibre is to be spun soon after being treated it may be only partially dried
and may contain 10 to 25% of moisture. If it is not to be spun at once it should
be thoroughly dried.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is:-
Improving the colour of the jute fibre by immersing it in diluted phosphoric
acid or in the other diluted acids or in any combination thereof, as set forth.
Dated this 20th dow of Tul, 1907
JOHNSONS,
115 St. Vincent Street, Glasgow, l'etitioners' Agents.