Manufacture, Distillation, and Concentration of Alcohol, Hydro Carbons, and Acetic Acids.
Year: 1885

page_text: Manufacture, Distillation, and Concentration of Alcohol,
Hydro Carbons, and Acetic Acids.
.
I DONALD DANIEL CATTANACH, a subject of the Queen of Great Britain, residing
at Providence in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island, in the
United States of America, gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of my
invention for IMPROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR THE
MANUFACTURE, DISTILLATION AND CONCENTRATION OF ALCOHOL, HYDRO CARBONS
AND ACETIC ACIDS and in what manner the same is to be performed to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
My invention relates to a process of, and apparatus for the manufacture, and
distillation, and concentration of Alcohol, hydro-carbons, and Acetic acids, and of
rectifying and aging liquors, and consists in the several steps of operation and.
construction and arrangement of the apparatus, hereinafter particularly described
and pointed out in the claims.
Heretofore alcohol, and other spirits, have been distilled by the action of heat,
by steam, and by steam and air commingled, in apparatuses constructed, arranged,
and adapted especially for and to each of said methods or processes. Said processes,
and the apparatus therewith employed, have been but partially successful in
accomplishing desired results, for various reasons, are expensive, and do not and
cannot produce such quantities of alcohols, and other spirits, as are required for
many purposes.
The object of my invention is to provide a process and apparatus by which
alcohols and other spirits, of any required degree of purity, may be cheaply
produced, and hydro-carbons purified, at any and all times, with an apparatus
simple in construction, easy of management, readily understood, economical in use,
and certain in its results.
The essential feature of my invention, is the use of pure, dry, heated air, in
closed vessels in contact with the vapor arising from the materials to be distilled,
which vapors are generated by the heat conveyed to said vessels by said heated
air, and thereby imparted to said materials or fluids.
In carrying out my process, I first pass atmospheric air through a vessel filled
with lumps of pumice stone, previously saturated with sulphuric acid, thence to a
heating box, where it is raised to the required degree of temperature, and thence to
and through the distilling apparatus proper. By so doing it will be seen I obtain
an agent for heating the material or fluid to be distilled, and for separating the
spirits therefrom, cleansed of all impurities, and freed from all deleterious and
noxious substances and odors, quick, penetrating, and efficient in its action.
Where heat is applied directly to the distilling apparatus, or through the medium
of steam and air commingled, the deleterious substances and noxious odors resident

page_text: in, or arising from the materials or fluids treated, to some extent, are necessarily
imparted to the spirits distilled therefrom.
By the process herein described, I have found that such substances and odors are
entirely removed from the spirits distilled.
By employing heated air only in my process, the apparatus used is greatly
simplified, and the cost of distillation consequently materially reduced.
In carrying out my process I use the apparatus illustrated in the accompanying
drawings forming a part of this specification, wherein like letters of reference
indicate similar parts in the several views, and in which :---
Figure 1. is an elevation of the air heating apparatus and its suction fan,
together with the distilling and rectifying apparatus which appears in sectional
elevation.
Figure 2. is a plan view of the heating apparatus.
Figure 3. is a detail section of the lower portion of the rectifying cylinder taken
on the line x. x. of Figure 1. and
Figure 4. is a detail perspective view of the fret work shelves.
The air which may have been previously washed is sucked into a pipe A. having
a bell mouth c. In this bell mouth is secured a gause covering, which precludes
the entrance of all larger bodies of foreign matter which might enter into said
pipe A.
This pipe is connected with and extends into the central lower portion of a
cylinder B. having a dome B¹.. This cylinder is filled with lumps of pumice stone,
which are saturated with sulphuric acid, so that the air in passing through the
mass of pumice stone, becomes dried and purified. In the bottom of this
cylinder B. is secured a pipe b. having a valve b¹ for the purpose of drawing
off any of the sulphuric acid which by gravity may have collected in the bottom
of said cylinder.
From the top of dome B¹ a pipe C. extends to a heating chamber E. thus taking
the purified air and passing it directly into contact with a heating surface. This
heating chamber E. is provided with a coil of pipe E', which is supported by and
passes through holes or apertures cut in a series of vertical plates E3 arranged
alternately, so that the air entering from pipe C. will pass down under the edge of
one and up over the edge of the other, and so continue to circulate over these plates
until the whole series will have been traversed. Lying between, and resting on
the sections of the coil of pipes E' is a series of copper wire nets e. through which
the air passes, thereby acquiring a greater amount of heat in a given time.
Situated at a suitable distance from the said heating chamber, is a furnace F.
for the purpose of heating the air which is drawn into the coil in said furnace, by
means of the suction fan H. through the pipe 1. The air is heated at this point in
the coil F¹ as said coil is situated over a furnace F2 of suitable construction, and is
then carried by pipe 2. from the top of furnace F. to the coil of pipe E¹ in the
heating chamber E.
To ascertain when a sufficient current under pressure has been established in
these coils, the valve h. is opened, and when it is found that a sufficient pressure
has been established it is immediately closed, and also the valve through which the
external air is sucked.
The purified air entering the chamber E. through the pipe C. is circulated
through the said heating chamber, and allowed to become heated sufficiently, when
the air is sucked or drawn through pipe G. into the suction fan J. through which
it passes and out through the short pipe I. until it meets a branch pipe M. where
it is divided, a portion of the current passing to the top of a rectifier N. and a
portion through the pipe L. to the lower part of said rectifier. The portion passing
through pipe M. enters the rectifier near its top, and passes into a chamber formed
by the outer jacket. The portion passing through pipe L. enters the lower part of
the rectifier by means of two pipes 1, 1, branching from pipe L. said branches
connecting with the pipes P3 P3 which enter the bottom of the rectifier and into
two deflectors 1 1 which are curved and have closed ends, as illustrated in

page_text: Figure 3., and after passing through these deflectors, impinges downwardly against
the bottom sides of the rectifier, and there meets the paddles of the fans 7 and 8,
which are revolved at a high rate of speed by suitable means, thus producing a
rapid circulation of the heated air, for purposes which will be hereafter described.
If the air leaving the chamber E. Fig. 1, is found to be of too high a temperature,
through the medium of the thermometer K. situated on the pipe I, leading from
the fan J. the valve 4. of pipe D. which leads from, the top of the air purifying
cylinder B. is opened and allows the cold purified air to be drawn in by fan J. and
meets the heated current passing through pipe G. reducing its temperature to the
required degree.
The fan H. is kept in continuous motion while the process of distillation is going
on, so that the air may be continuously circulated in the coils in the furnace and
heating chamber, thereby restoring the amount of caloric that has been taken up by
the cold air passing through the pipe C. and that portion which has not been
absorbed by the mash in the rectifier N. is returned by pipe o. from the jacket of
the rectifier to the heating chamber E.
By having the furnace and the heating chamber separated one from the other,
any leakage which may occur in the coil of pipe in the furnace, is prevented froin
entering the heating chamber. and avoids the contamination of the purified air
therein by any foreign vapors which might escape into the heating furnace, which
vapors are confined in the chamber and escape through the flue thereof.
The pipes entering the rectifier have suitable valves y¹y and y³ which may be
used when necessary to regulate the flow from or towards the rectifier N.
This rectifier N. may be constructed of any suitable material, with a metal lining
suitably coated with a metal which will not be deleterious to the process of
rectification.
The bottom of the rectifier is provided with the two fans 7 and 8, which are
revolved at a high rate of speed by power applied on the outside of the rectifier,
these fans taking the air which comes in through the deflectors 1' 1' and throw it
into a high state of circulation, the one fan revolving downwards, and the other
in the reverse direction. This rectifier is provided with a series of fret work
shelves, which in this instance are constructed of thin sheets of tinned copper n'
Fig. 4, being supported by small T-girders n² and the whole series being supported
in the rectifier by suitable extensions n³ from the sides thereof, which are so
arranged as not to interfere with the upward flow of the heated current of air, or
the downward flow of the material undergoing the process of distillation.
Situated at a suitable distance is a receiving vat X. Fig. 2, which is constructed
of such material as is customarily used.. This vat has a coil of pipe therein, which
is traversed by a current of heated air under pressure, which enters the said coil by
means of the pipe L. which connects with pipe P. P. which enters one branch 1. of
the said pipe L. running into the rectifier N. the supply to the coil in the vat being
regulated by suitable valves. In the upper portion near the top of this vat X. is
placed a wire gause sieve C¹ on which the mash falls before entering the main body
of the vat. The object of this sieve is to free the mash from any fibrous substances
or solids. This sieve can be taken out and cleansed, being arranged-in vertical
slides.
On the top of the tank or vat X. is placed a condenser or trap, having a suitable
cock c. and having a bell 'mouthed pipe extending into the upper part of the vat.
This pipe allows the spirits which may arise from the mash to be condensed, and
fall back again into the mash. When the drawing off of the mash from the vat X.
begins, the cock in the condenser or trap on the top of said vat, is opened to allow
the air to flow. in. To the bottom of the tank X. a pipe H2 is connected, which
has a valve said pipe connecting with another pipe H³ which runs into the
bottom of a chamber 12, this pipe also having a valve h³.
'As many chambers like chamber 12, may be used, as are necessary to the more
perfect distillation of the material operated upon, but in the drawings forming a
part of this specification, only three chambers are shown. The chamber 12, may

page_text: be constructed of any suitable material, and has an internal chamber V. The
chamber 12, is cylindrical in form, and has a suitable guage y* on one side and a
thermometer y on the other, so that the height of the fluid and the temperature of
the chamber, may be readily ascertained during the process of distillation. This
cylinder 12, is provided with a suitable cap or dome, to which the top of cylinder V.
is secured, the bottom of said cylinder V. being held in position by a pipe y. which
connects with a condenser V₁. A pipe W. connects with the top of the inside
chamber V. which leads to a refrigerating condenser Z. said pipe W. having suitable
cocks and cut off valves. To the top of chamber V. a second pipe U. is connected,
which runs to the next chamber 11, of the series of these chambers. To the upper-
most part of the top of the outside cylinder 12, a pipe I' having a valve i. is
connected, which runs to a small condensing chamber I³. To the opposite side of
this chamber 12, a pipe H having a valve is connected, but below the connection
of the pipe I. This pipe extends downward and connects with a pipe X2 having a
valve which runs from the lowermost part of chamber 12, to the next chamber 11,
of the series, entering the bottom thereof. The chambers 11, and 10, next in order
as represented, have guages y and y' and thermometers y' and y situated on
opposite sides of the chambers, pipes I and 1° having valves and i are connected,
which run to small condensing chambers 15 and 17. These chambers 11, and 10,
are also provided with flow pipes H and H having valves ho and h. These pipes
connect with pipes X3 and X having valves ³ and 2' extending from the bottoms
of the said chainbers, the pipes H³ and He connecting with pipes X3 and X* just
ahead of the valves ³ and x*. The pipe X³ connects the bottoms of the chambers 11,
and 10, together, but the pipe X with nozzle 6, runs into the top portion P. of the
rectifier N. allowing the mash passing through the cylinders and their connecting
pipes to be released by the pipe X and to come in contact with the top of the fret
work of shelves. The chambers 11, and 10, are also provided with distinct
internal chambers T. and R. the chamber T. being connected with chamber R. by
the pipe S. and the chamber R. with the top of the flue P. of the rectifier N. by the
pipe Q. The bottoms of these chambers T. and R. are connected with small con-
densing chambers T¹ and R' by means of pipes t. and r. In these pipes y. t. and r.
are situated suitable gauges V T and R' which designate the height of the
condensed spirit or aqueous fluid remaining in the bottoms of said chambers, so that
the fluid which remains does not rise to a level with the bell mouths u. 8. and q.
of the pipes U. S. and Q. which extend down to near the bottoms of these chambers.
The top portions of these inside chambers, are provided with small thermometers u¹
and q by which the temperature of the said internal chambers is ascertained.
As heretofore described, the chamber T. is connected with the chamber V. by
pipe U. and this chamber V. has also a pipe W. having a suitable test cock w.
connected there with which runs to a refrigerating condensing chamber Z. connecting
with a condensing flue Z¹ situated therein. This flue is constructed with a series
of inclined plates, joined at their edges, and is surrounded by any suitable cooling
mixture, which will produce a rapid condensation of the heated spirits passing
through the same.
This refrigerator Z. is connected with a receiving tank A. by a pipe . which in
turn is connected with a tank Bª containing distilled water. This receiving
tank A. and distilled water tank B2 have suitable drain cocks a. and b² tank B*
also being provided with an escape pipe C³. To the lower portion of the side of
the refrigerator Z. a pipe Z' having a valve connects, whereby the cooling con-
densers I³ VI T¹ I and R' form a continuous series being connected by the
pipes as illustrated, the said pipes connecting the top of one chamber with
the bottom of the other and so on until the whole series are joined. In the last of
these series of small condensers, an outlet pipe 2 may be placed to convey the
surplus cooling fluid to some suitable trap or receptacle. By this connection of the
series as just described, a continuous flow of the cooling mixture is kept up,
surrounding the small coils situated in said condensers. To the bottom of each of
the condensers a pipe connects, running to the small coil in each condenser, said

page_text: pipes containing cocks 5ª and valves 27. The whole series of these pipes is connected
to a pipe 14, which eventually runs into a receiving tank F³ said tank being
supplied with a small condensing trap f² and a cock f. Into the top of this tank
also runs pipes A* and J³ having valves a¹ and ³ respectively. The pipe A³
connects with the receiving tank A' and the pipe J with the bottom of the
rectifier N. the said pipe J³ having a cock situated at its extreme end. From
the bottom of the rectifier N. a pipe Ja having a valve j³ connects with the tank E
which has a suitable drain cock e².
From the bottom of this tank E' a pipe E' having a valve e runs to a pump D'
where it is connected to a pipe G which runs back and enters the top of vat X.
From the bottom of the tank F³ a pipe F having a valve f* connects also with
the pump D where it connects with a pipe K which runs to the top of a second
vat L' which is also provided with sieves and a trap B. This vat is connected
with pipe H3 having a valve h³ which connects with the bottom portion of the
chamber 12, by a pipe L³ having a valve 13. The pipes E and F running to
pump D2 connect with passages in the said pump by means which are well known
in the art, the contents of one of the said pipes being pumped into its vat to which
its branch leads, at one operation, the valves in the one or the other of the pipes
being closed when found desirable. Oxygen or ozonized air may be used in
connection with any of the rectifying or acidifying processes herein described and
when it is used a connection is made with the valve s¹ in pipe P¹ from a gas bag
or reservoir under pressure.
The oxygen enters P and is sucked in by fan P2 passing through said fan, into
the pipe P3 which connects with both of the deflectors 11 1' of the rectifier N.
When the oxygen reaches this point it may pass into the rectifier through the
deflectors in a pure state, or it may be commingled with the pure heated air
entering through the pipe L.
Having described the manner of generating the heated current air under pressure,
and its course through the chambers, my improved process will be as follows:―
The current of pure heated air under pressure having been forced up through the
rectifier, and through the inside chambers R. T. V. by connecting pipes thereof,
will pass into the inner chambers and out through the valve w. all other sources of
exit being previously cut off. By this means the chambers 10, 11, and 12, become
of almost equal temperature no cooling material having been brought in contact
therewith. The mash having been previously placed in the vat X. by suitable
means, runs down through pipe H2 the valve having been opened in said pipe,
into pipe H³ through the valve h³ in through the bottom of the chamber 12, around
the inner chamber V. and is allowed to continue to flow into chamber 12, until it
reaches a level above the point where pipe H enters said chamber when valve h³
is closed. When this charge of the mash has become heated to a suitable degree,
allowing what spirituous and aqueous vapors may rise, to escape through the
pipe I into a condenser, the valve ² of pipe X2 is opened, and the mash is allowed
to flow through the bottom of the second chamber until it reaches an equal level
in both chambers, when the valve 2 is closed, and valve h³ again opened and the
mash flowing in through said valve again raises the liquid to a level above the
mouth of pipe H4 when valve h³ is again closed. When this second charge has
been sufficiently heated, the valve x is again opened and a portion of the heated
mash in chamber 12, is again allowed to flow into chamber 11, said valve being
closed when a sufficient amount of the mash has flowed into said chamber Valve h³
is now opened again raising the mash already in the chamber 12, to the level before
stated. The chambers 12, and 11, will now both contain quantities of the mash
undergoing the heating process. The valve ³ is now opened and a quantity of
the heated mash in chamber 11, runs into chamber 10, when the valve x³ is closed,
and valve x is opened, allowing the chamber 11, to be again supplied with the
mash from chamber 12, and when a quantity of the material bas run from this
chamber into chamber 11, the valve x is closed and chamber 12, again charged
with another supply of the mash, by opening the valve h³ after which said valve is

page_text: closed. Valve ³ is again opened allowing part of the charge in chamber 11, to
flow into chamber 10, when said valve is again closed.
This process continues, the mash gravitating from one chamber to the other, and
so on throughout the series of chambers, until they are all filled above the level of
the top flow pipes H H and H which will be indicated by the gauges on the sides
of the chambers. The temperature of the mash in the last chamber 10, may be of
an even temperature with the heated current of air in and ascending up. through
the rectifier. But if at this stage of the process the mash in chamber 10, is found
not to be of such temperature it can be raised by suitably regulating the current of
heated air. By this intermittent process of filling the chambers as described,
I attain the temperature proper in each chamber, before any material has been
admitted into the rectifier, and brought into contact with the hot air. During this
process of gravitating the liquid from one chamber to the other, the spirit from the
mash, as it becomes warmer, will be generated and allowed to flow out of the top
of the chambers into the pipes which lead to condensers, where it will be collected.
When the temperature is found to be regulated to the proper degree the valve h° is
opened, as are also valves h³ h and allowing a regulated continuous flow of the
mash from the vat X. through the chambers, and out into the rectifier, the flow
into the said chambers being equal to the outflow of the mash into the said
rectifier. The material or mash contained in the last chamber flows out through
pipe I into a branch pipe or nozzle 6, and from thence on to the top surface of
the series of fret-work shelves in the rectifier N.
The spirit which may arise from the mash, which is now continuously flowing
through the chambers 12, 11, and 10, ascends and enters the pipes which lead to
the supplementary condensing chambers, where it is liquified and remains and is
afterwards collected. The mash flowing out of pipe 0, as stated above, comes in
contact with the plates of the fret-work of shelves in the rectifier N. and with a
current of heated air, and as said mash strikes the top of said shelves, more or less
spirit will be distilled from the mash in consequence of the regulated degree of
temperature, of said shelves and air, and be carried up the flue P. of the rectifier.
The mash then flow through said shelves, as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 4. and
the spirit which may arise from the same, is taken up by and ascends with the high
pressure current of air, which presses upon, and passes through the descending
mash. The mash continues to descend the shelves, until it reaches the last of the
series of the same where it falls down into contact with the blades of the oppositely
revolving fans, and dashed into spray and mingled thoroughly with the hot air.
The spirit which may be still he left in the mash is taken up by the ascending
current of hot air into the Que P. of the rectifier.
The heavier or remaining portion of the mash falls into the bottom of the
rectifier from whence, if it is found to still contain any spirituous vapors, it is
drawn off by the pipe J² into a tank E³ from whence it can be run into a pump D²
by pipe E' and pumped up through pipe G₁ into the vat X. and again go through
the distilling chambers. Should the residuum be found to contain no more spirits,
through the medium of the test pipe J³ and cock it is drawn off at this point and
allowed to run into a suitable waste receptacle. The spirits which have been
collected by the heated current of purified air, will now be distilled by fractional
distillation, and taken up the flue pipe P. of the rectifier N. passing up through
said flue, in a pipe Q. connected with the top of said flue, and flowing through said
pipe down through the central portion of the inside of the heating chamber R. said
current being impinged against the bottom and sides of said chamber R. by flared
mouth q. of the pipe Q. On striking this bottom surface a portion of the aqueous
and spirituous vapors is condensed. The current then passes upward out through
pipe S. connected to the top of chamber R. allowing the current to flow through
said pipe into chamber T. being there also impinged against its bottom by a flared
or bell mouthed pipe S. This last chamber is of a lower degree of temperature and
more of the spirituous vapor will be condensed and remain in its bottom. The
current continues to flow on through suitable pipes connecting a series of these

page_text: heating chambers until it will have reached the last of said series, being allowed to
flow by the pipe U. as represented in the drawing, and enters this last chamber
in the same manner as those above described, depositing the spirits which may be
condensed. The temperature of these chambers may range from 165 to 195 Fab.,
the said temperature being ascertained by the small thermometers at the top of
the inner chambers. When the current of heated air which is still forced onwards
and depositing, by condensation, a portion of the spirits in each inner heating
chamber, reaches the last of the series of chambers, the portion which has not been
thus far condensed, ascends again to the top of the last chamber, and entering
pipe W. connecting with said chamber passes in through the coil in vat X. into a
refrigerating condenser Z.
The air carrying the aqueous and spirituous vapors on passing through the
flue Z of this condenser, the remaining spirit will be condensed and pass into a
receiving tank A. the air passing out of this tank A. down to a tank B² of
distilled water, where if any spirituous vapors should still be carried along with
the air, it is taken up or absorbed by the distilled water, the air escaping through
a pipe in the top of the tank C. All of the mash to be distilled having been
passed through the series of chambers around the inner heating chamber, and the
heated air having carried the vapor back, causing them to be condensed in the
condensers described, said condensed spirits may be collected separately from
the supplementary condensing chambers situated under and connected with the
distilling chambers by means of cocks attached to pipes running from the bottom
of the several condensers.
But to rectify the spirits, it is all allowed to run into a pipe 14, which connects
with the tank F³. The condensed spirit in receiving tank A. is also run into
tank F through pipe A' connecting these tanks. When all of the condensed
spirits have been collected in this tank for the purpose of rectification, it is run
into a pump D³ through a pipe F* and from this pump is drawn up through the
pipe K into the vat L2 passing through a series of sieves into the bottom of said
vat. When all of the distilled spirits have been pumped into the vat L by a
pipe K it is allowed to run into the distilling chambers 12, 11, and 10, and on to
the surface of the fret-work shelves, in the rectifier, and the finer spirits taken back
into the inner heating chambers, and condensed, and eventually into the refrige-
rating condenser Z. The process of rectifying is accomplished in the same manner
as when the mash is first distilled, except that the distillate passes uninterruptedly
through the chambers, whose valves have all been opened, the same being again
collected and pumped into the vat L³ the same operation being again pursued, and
separated as often as it is necessary to do so, until the spirits shall have attained a
highly rectified state, and rendered free from all impurities and imperfections.
In the distillation or refining of Hydro-carbons, the crude oil is first placed in a
vat X. and goes through the distilling chambers in a manner similar to the
distilling of alcohol, above described. As the refined oil is condensed in the
heating chambers R. T. V. it is collected into the small condensers, and also that
part of the refined vapors which ascends through the top of the outside cylinders
10, 11, and 12, into the condensing chambers or traps connected therewith. The
condensed vapor in the supplementary condensors, as also that which has passed
through the refrigerating condenser into its receiving tank, is run into the tank F³
where it runs into the pump D' and is forced back to the vat X. whereby it may
undergo the same process, this process being repeated until the crude oil has been
highly refined, and fractionally collected.
In the manufacture of Acetic Acid, dilute alcohol is run into the vat X. and the
valves x¹ h³ h h h in fact all the valves connecting these chambers 12, 11, and 10,
except valve are thrown open, when the dilute alcohol will rapidly fill said
chambers, and passing through them will flow out through the pipes H6 into
branch pipe 6, into the rectifier N.
On flowing into the rectifier, the fluid strikes the top portion of the fret-work of
shelves, passing down said shelves, and while flowing downwards, is met by a

page_text: current of air at a regular temperature, the air being brought into active motion
by the revolving fans 7 and 8, and ascends upwards as described the fluid after
leaving the shelves, meeting the action of the blades, and is converted into minute
particles of spray, thereby being brought into a more minute division and mingled
with the air, and the oxidation commences and is continued until all of the fluid is
converted into acid. While the dilute alcohol has been passing through the
chambers, which are heated by means heretofore described, the aqueous and
spirituous vapors which may have risen, are carried into the condensers connected
with the outside chambers.
The aqueous and spirituous vapors formed in the rectifier, which are carried
along by and in contact with the current of air at a regulated temperature and
under pressure are passed up through flue P. and are partially condensed in the
inner chambers R. T. V. the uncondensed portion passing along into pipe W. in
through the coil of pipe in the vat X. by pipe W₁ from thence passes through
pipe y. to the condenser Z. into tank A. from whence they run into the tank F³ by
the pipe A. The current of air continues through the top of tank A¹ into the
tank B² which has been supplied with a charge of distilled or pure water kept at
a low temperature, the said water absorbing any alcoholic vapors which may be
still carried by the current of air, and the air itself escaping through the pipe Ca
thereof. The alcoholic fluid that falls to the bottom of the rectifier N. is permitted
to flow to the tank F³ as are also the condensed vapors which are in the
supplementary condensers connected to the inner chambers R. T. and V. and to
the outer chambers 12, 11, and 10.
This alcoholic fluid which is accumulated from the rectifier and the various
condensing chambers, is allowed to remain in the tank F³ until all of the first
charge of dilute alcohol has flowed out of the vat X. When the last portion of
the first charge has left the vat X. the valve x is thrown open, and at the same.
time the pump D2 is set in motion, and allowed to force up into vat X. the
accumulated alcoholic fluid in tank F³ which flows down behind the first charge
into the first chamber 12, this operation of pumping and re-charging the vat X.
being now continuous until the whole charge is converted into acid. The con-
nections of the condensers are all thrown open so as to connect the same with the
pipes leading to tank F³ as is also the valve in the bottom of the rectifier.
This process continues uninterruptedly until all of the aqueous and spirituous
vapors have been carried off by the heated current of air under pressure, and the
portion of the same which are condensed being carried back to the tank F³ by the
pipes connecting said condensers and the said tank.
In concentrating this fluid after the oxidation is complete the chambers_arc
filled with the Acetic Acid in a manner heretofore described, the outflowing valves
being closed, and a current of heated air passed through the inner chambers, and
out through pipe W. and through cock w. into the air, or through suitable
connections back to the heating chamber E. This acid remains in these chambers,
and becomes heated so that vapors will pass therefrom and be condensed by the
small condensers attached to said chambers, and collected separately.
Thus the Acetic Acid is concentrated and its aqueous parts and the per cent of
acid carried by them are allowed to pass off and are collected in the supplementary
condensers, from whence they may be drawn off and utilized in a subsequent
process. When free oxygen is used the pipe 8¹ is connected with a gas tank
containing the oxygen. The valve y¹ is closed to prevent the entrance of air, and
the valve y' in pipe P¹ is opened to permit the passage of the oxygen to the
rectifier. The valve x is opened to permit the passage of oxygen, and the valve
is closed to prevent the escape of the same. The valve w. in pipe W, 1³ in pipe L³
and Jare closed. The closing of the valves necessary for the change for the use
of air to that of oxygen having been effected, the process will be as follows:--
The alcoholic fluid which has been placed in the vat X. is permitted to flow
down and fill the outer chambers 12, 11, and 10, as heretofore described. The
fans 7 and 8, and the fan P2 are set in motion. The valve s¹ is opened and the

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oxygen allowed in under pressure. It is forced by the action of the fan P2 and
the fans 7 and 8, through the rectifier N. and from thence through the chambers
R. T. and V, and then to the condenser Z. and other parts of the apparatus through
their connections, returning to the rectifier N. by way of the pipe P.
When a current has been established, the valves 1 is opened, and the fluid is
allowed to pass to the rectifier N. through the pipe 6, where it comes in contact
with the current of oxygen. The fluid passes down over the fret-work of shelves
in contact with the oxygen in motion, meeting as it descends the action of the
fans 7 and 8, by which it is brought into a state of minute division and mingled
thoroughly with the oxygen. The fluid then passes out from the bottom of the
rectifier N. through pipe Js thence into the tank F³ thence by the action of the
pump D which is kept in motion back to the vat X. thence into the chambers 12,
11, and 10, as before. If at any time the heat generated by the action of the
oxygen upon the alcoholic fluid becomes too great, the valve y³ of pipe M. is
opened and a current of cold air is forced through the jacket of the rectifier N. to
reduce the temperature to the required.degree, the, condenser Z. and supplementary
condensers aiding in reducing the said temperature.
This process continues until a perfect acidification of the alcoholic fluid is
obtained, when said acid will be drawn off by suitable means.
Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure
by Letters Patent is
1. The herein described process of distilling spirits which consists in subjecting
the material to be distilled, to a current of hot air in a nearly closed vessel in a
finely divided state, and then condensing the vapors generated, substantially as
described.
2. The herein described process of distilling alcoholic and other spirits, which
consists in passing the material to be distilled, through a series of closed chambers
into which a current of hot air is conveyed separate and apart from the material
to be distilled, then subjecting said material in a finely divided state, to a current
of hot air in a nearly closed vessel, and finally condensing the vapors generated,
by passing the same through condensers, substantially as described.
3. The herein described process of distilling alcoholic and other spirits, which
consists in passing the material to be distilled, through a series of chambers heated
to the desired degree by a current of hot air introduced into vessels enclosed in
each of said chambers, and finally subjecting said material in a finely divided
state, to a current of hot air in a nearly closed vessel, and then condensing the
vapor, substantially as described.
4. The herein described process of rectifying and aging alcoholic and other
spirits, which consists in passing the same through a series of closed chambers into
which a current of hot air is conveyed, separate and apart from said spirits, then
subjecting the same to a current of hot air in a nearly closed vessel in a finely
divided state, and finally condensing the vapor by passing the same through
condensers, substantially as described.
5. The herein described process of distilling and manufacturing Acetic acid,
which consists in subjecting dilute alcohol to a current of hot air in a closed vessel,
condensing the vapors arising therefrom by passing the same through suitable
condensers, and combining the condensed portion with the unvaporized portion in
a common receptacle, substantially as described.
6. The herein described process of concentrating Acetic acid, which consists in
vaporizing the aqueous fluid therein, by passing said acid through a series of
chambers heated to the desired degree by a current of hot air conveyed into
vessels enclosed in each of said chambers, and then condensing said aqueous
vapors, substantially as described.
7. In a distilling apparatus, the combination of an air purifying cylinder, a
heating chamber connected therewith, furnace for heating said chamber, and a fan

page_text: for sucking the air from the heating chamber, and forcing it in a divided current
into the upper and lower portions of a rectifier, substantially as described.
8. In a distilling apparatus, the combination of a purifying cylinder containing
pumice stone saturated with sulphuric acid, a heating chamber connected with the
said cylinder containing a coil of pipe, the furnace for heating said chamber
separate and apart therefrom, a fan to cause the air to circulate through the
heating chamber and the furnace, suitable connections for these several parts, and
a fan for sucking the heated air from said heating chamber, and forcing it in a
divided current into the upper and lower portions of a rectifier, substantially as
described.
9. In a distilling apparatus the combination with an air purifying cylinder, and
a furnace having a suitable fan, of a heating chamber having a coil of pipe therein,
alternate vertical partitions extending partially across the chamber, and supporting
the pipe composing the coil, and horizontal layers of gauze lying between the
pipes, whereby the air can be thoroughly heated, substantially as described.
10. In a distilling apparatus, the combination with an air purifying cylinder
and heating furnace, of a heating chamber containing a coil of pipe, and connected
to the heating furnace, a pipe leading from the said heating chamber, and
connecting with a cold air pipe regulated by a suitable valve, and a fan for
sucking and forcing the ameliorated air in a divided current into the upper and
lower portions of a rectifier, substantially as described.
11. In a distilling apparatus the combination with an air purifying cylinder,
the heating chamber, and a furnace, of a rectifier suitably connected to said
heating chamber, curved deflectors in the bottom thereof, and a series of fret-work
shelves surrounded by a suitable casing, substantially as described.
12. In a distilling apparatus, the combination of a rectifier, a series of chambers
containing inner chambers, supplementary condensers, connected with said inner
and outer chambers a main condenser, pipes and valves connecting said parts, and
feeding vats and receiving tanks, arranged substantially as described, and for the
purposes specified.
13. In a distilling apparatus, the combination of a series of cylindrical chambers,
having inner fractional distilling chambers, distinct from said outer chambers, a
rectifier connected with said inner and outer chambers, and suitable air heating and
pressure mechanism, connected with the rectifier, whereby the air under pressure
is forced through the rectifier and the inner chambers, substantially as described,
and for the purpose specified.
14. In a distilling apparatus, the combination with a series of inner and outer
chambers, of the supplementary condensing chambers connected to said inner and
outer chambers as set forth, having suitable cocks and valves, a main condenser,
having a condensing flue therein, and suitable connecting pipes and valves attached
to said parts, whereby the condensed vapors are collected separately, substantially
as described.
15. In a distilling apparatus, the combination with a series of distilling chambers,
provided with level gauges and thermometers, of inflow pipes connected to the
bottoms of said chambers, and out flow pipes connected to the upper portion
thereof, pipes connecting the inner chambers, with the rectifier and main con-
densing chamber, the supplementary condensers attached to said chambers, and
the receiving tanks which collect the condensed vapors, substantially as described.
Dated this 22nd day of September 1885.