Process of and Apparatus for the Manufacture of Gas.
Year: 1891

page_text: COME DI SI MULTICATION.
[Communicated from abroad by THE ACME LIQUID FUEL COMPANY, of 146,
Broadway, New York, United States of America.]
Process of and Apparatus for the Manufacture of Gas.
I, WALLACE FAIRWEATHER, C.E., of 62 Saint Vincent Street in the City of
Glasgow, Chartered Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this
nvention and in what manner the same is to be performed (as communicated
to me) to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
This invention relates to the process of and apparatus for the manufacture of
heating and illuminating gas from hydrocarbons, from hydrocarbons and water, and
from hydrocarbons and hydrogen, which processes consist of certain steps or
methods of procedure, and in the apparatus necessary for carrying the same into
effect, all of which will be more fully described hereinafter, and pointed out in the
claims.
In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this Specification, and in which
like letters and numerals of reference refer to similar parts wherever found through-
out the several views,
Figure 1, is a side elevation of a furnace provided with this improved apparatus
for manufacturing gas, part of the side wall being removed, and portions of the
apparatus being broken away so as to show the interior construction, and portions
being shown in section;
Figure 2, is a front elevation looking in the direction of the arrow shown in
Figure 1, the furnace being shown only in outline, and portions of the vaporizers,
connecting pipes, retorts, &c., being shown in section;
Figure 3, is a vertical section on the line of Figure 1, showing the plan of
the furnace, the arrangement of the flues and air conduits, and the braces by which
the gas-retorts and steam-pipes used in the manufacture of the gas, are held in
place;
Figure 4, is a horizontal longitudinal section of the furnace on the line y-y of
Figure 1;
Figure 5, is a longitudinal vertical section of Figures 3 and 4, on the line -2,
one of the vaporizers being shown in dotted lines; and
Figures 6, 7, and 8, represent details in the construction and arrangement of the
retorts employed for superheating the vaporized hydrocarbons, and for mingling
superheated steam therewith.
The object of this invention is to produce a fixed gas of superior quality for heating
or illuminating purposes, from hydrocarbons, from hydrocarbons and water or steam,
or from hydrocarbons and hydrogen, by a simple and economical process and in an
apparatus cheaply constructed and readily understood and operated, and which may be
adapted to furnaces of ordinary construction, with but little if any modification, or
which may be used in connection with the improved form of furnace designed for
use in connection with this improved apparatus for the manufacture of gas, as herein-
after described and claimed.
Many attempts have been made to produce a fixed gas from hydrocarbons, or
from hydrocarbons and water or steam by various processes and forms of apparatus,
but so far as known, with only partial success, and this want of success has resulted
principally from defects in the apparatus employed, and in the methods pursued.
Under the process described and claimed herein, the gas may be formed from
hydrocarbons alone, after which atmospheric air may be mingled therewith, if
desired, in the well known manner in any desired quantity, or after the hydrocarbons
have been converted into a fixed gas, and while superheated to a high degree, gas

page_text: formed from highly superheated steam may be mingled with such superheated hydro-
carbon gas, thereby producing a gas possessing the necessary qualities for heating
or illuminating, as may be desired; or hydrogen, or a gas consisting largely of
hydrogen may be mingled with the vapor of the hydrocarbons and superheated
therewith as hereinafter described.
The purposes for which the gas is intended will govern to some extent the amount
of the steam employed in the process, or the amount of hydrogen or atmospheric
air which is used. When the gas is used for heating, the quantity of the steam
product, of the hydrogen, or of the air, employed, is increased or decreased as may
be desired, as the greater the steam product or the hydrogen, the greater the heat
produced, and the heat and light giving quantities of the gas may be regulated in
this manner, by simply increasing or diminishing the amount of the steam, hydrogen,
or air employed in its manufacture.
The process and apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons alone, will be
first described; then the modification of such process and apparatus, by which the
gas is produced from hydrocarbons and water or steam; and then the modification
of the process and apparatus by which hydrogen is mingled with the vapor of the
hydrocarbons, and superheated therewith.
The
Referring to the drawings, and the reference letters and numerals thereon,
A. Figure 1, designates a device for heating hydrocarbons, which consists of a
casing closed at the top and bottom, provided with a steam-coil 1, through which
steam from any source is passed, both the inlet and outlet thereof being controlled
by suitable valves of ordinary construction. Hydrocarbon is conducted to the heater
by means of a pipe 2, filling all the space not occupied by the steam-coil 1.
hydrocarbon is taken from a storage tank situated above the heater, and this tank
being kept filled at a uniform height by means of an automatic valve of well known
construction allows a steady and equal pressure of the liquid flowing into the
heater. The hydrocarbon thus brought into contact with the steam-coil, is raised to
a degree of heat which materially assists in its vaporization; and the temperature
of the hydrocarbon in the heater can be shown at all times by placing a thermometer
at some convenient point, as at 3. The hydrocarbon being thus heated is conducted
through a pipe 4, and regulating valve 5, through a sight glass 6, which enables the
operator to see at all times the flow therethrough, and assist in detecting instantly
any irregularity in the feed, and then passes into the vaporizer B, through the
pipe 6¹.
The object of the vaporizer B, is to vaporize the hydrocarbon rapidly, perfectly
and with the greatest economy. It consists of a cylindrical pipe or casing 7,
inclosing a pipe or casing 8, the outer casing being closed, and the inner one open
at the top and bottom. The smaller or enclosed pipe or casing 8, is so arranged as
to serve as an escape flue, for a short distance, of the heated gases or products of
combustion, in such a manner as to make a large portion of the heat of such gases
or escaping products of combustion, available for the purpose of vaporizing the
hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons being admitted into the chamber between the outer
and inner casings or pipes, near the top and preferably against the surface of the
inner pipe or casing 8, are more or less fully vaporized according to the degree of
heat attained by such pipe. To increase this heat and radiate it as much as possible,
conical projections are cast or otherwise formed on the surface of this pipe 8, and
to still further assist in the process of vaporization this pipe is creased or grooved
spirally from top to bottom, and in this groove is wound or coiled a pipe 9, preferably
of copper or iron, which fits snugly within the said groove, sinking about half its
diameter therein. Through this pipe 9, is passed superheated steam, taken
preferably from steam pipes arranged within the furnace, as hereinafter described.
This superheated steam may be caused to enter the coiled pipe 9, at the top by
means of pipes 10, as shown in Figure 2, or it may if preferred be introduced at the
bottom by means of pipes 11, as shown in dotted lines in said Figure 2.
The hydrocarbons in a heated condition passes into the vaporizer at the top, as
shown, and impinging upon the surface of the inner pipe 8, strikes the steam-coil 9,

page_text: ;
and follows around it traversing the whole length thereof from top to bottom. If
from any cause particles of hydrocarbon leave the coil and drop, they are at once
caught either on the surface of or the projections on the pipe S, or on the lower
coils of the pipe 9 and the result is to vaporize all, or nearly all of the hydrocarbon
before it reaches the bottom of the chamber. If for any reason a portion of the
hydrocarbon is not vaporized it is allowed to run off through a pipe 12, at the
bottom of the vaporizer, and thence to a scal where it is caught and saved for
future use.
As fast as vapor is formed it is allowed to escape through a pipe 13, which com-.
municates with the vaporizer as shown in Figures 1 and 2, by which it is conveyed
into one branch C, of a retort located within the furnace, and passing through this
branch of the retort and returning through the return branch D, each of said
branches being heated to a high degree, it is converted into a fixed gas, and emerges
from the return branch of the retort D, through the pipes 14 and 15, as shown in
Figure 2. These pipes 14 and 15 in the form of apparatus illustrated, in which
three vaporizers are employed in connection with one furnace, after passing around
the end of the upper branch of the retort C, unite and pass through a small or
central vaporizer E, which in internal construction is identical with that of the
large vaporizers B; it having a central pipe or fluc 8, grooved and covered with
conical projections, and having a steam-pipe 9, wound or coiled around it, through
which superheated steam is passed, and against all of which hydrocarbon is thrown
for the purpose of vaporization, as herein before described.
The vapor formed in the central vaporizer E, passes through pipes 16, as shown
in Figure 2, which communicate with the pipes 13, which convey the vapor from
the large vaporizers, and thus all the vapor formed from the vaporizers is admitted
to the upper branch C, of the retort. The hot fixed gas which passes through the
inner pipe 8, of the central vaporizer necessarily throws off a large amount of heat
which is utilized as shown for vaporizing, hydrocarbons, exactly as the escaping
products of combustion are utilized in the main vaporizers B. It will be seen that
all the gas formed from the hydrocarbon, from hydrocarbon and steam or from
hydrocarbon and hydrogen as hereinafter described, by the apparatus illustrated,
passes through the inner pipe 8; of the central vaporizer. It is then cooled to the
required degree, if necessary, by any of the well known methods, after which it may
be reduced to the required candle-power by the admission of atmospheric air,
and is conveyed into a gas-holder in the usual manner, by an exhauster such as in
ordinary use.
In Figures 1, 2 and 3, is shown the system of pipes by which steam is super-
heated and used in the process of vaporization, and in Figure 6, the means by
which steam, after being converted into a fixed gas, is mingled with the fixed gas
formned from the hydrocarbon, and a resultant fixed gas composed of these two
products produced. Figure 1, shows a system of these pipes for superheating the
stean after it comes from the generator. These pipes are arranged longitudinally
on the braces which support the separate branches of the retort. They preferably
consist of separate coils arranged on each side of the retort, and from one coil is
taken superheated steam for one of the large vaporizers and for the central or
small vaporizer, and from the other superheated steam for the other large
vaporizer. As shown, steam enters these coils at 17, (Figures 1 and 2), and
emerges at 18, and is conducted thence by pipes 10, to the top of one of the large
vaporizers B, and to the central vaporizer E. After passing through these
vaporizers it again enters the superheating coils at 171, and emerges at 181, from
which point it passes to the other large vaporizer through the pipe 10¹, and is then
preferably conducted to a water-heater, and utilized for the purpose of heating
water before it is supplied to the boiler, and thus the same steam is used over and
over again, thus greatly economizing in the amount of fresh steam taken from the
boiler. It is evident that the exact arrangement of pipes above described need
not be followed closely in practice, as in some instances it might probably be

page_text: preferable to connect the steam supply with the bottom of the vaporizers, by means
of pipes 11, as shown in dotted lines, and it is not designed to limit the construction
to any particular arrangement of these pipes, other than such a form thereof as
will conduct the superheated steam from the coils within the furnaces, through the
coils 9, arranged within the vaporizers, for the purposes set forth herein. It is also
evident that only a single vaporizer may be used in connection with the retort, or
that the number may be increased beyond that herein described and shown, without
departing from the scope of this invention, the arrangement of steam pipes and
other details of construction being such, in all cases, as may be rendered necessary
by the number of vaporizers employed.
The braces 18", for sustaining and holding in place the retort and steam pipes,
within the furnace, may be constructed in any desired manner but it is preferable
to have them set in the brickwork when the furnace is built, and so arranged that
the retort and steam pipes may be put in after the brickwork is finished, or removed
at any time, without disturbing the same, or injuring the retort or pipes. The
position and construction of these braces is shown in Figure 3; the central openings
being designed to receive the separate branches C and D, of the retort, the end
couplings of the steam coils being shown at 19, and the entrance and exit ends of
the same being shown as immediately above and below said couplings at 20. The
other two openings 211, on the right and left at the bottom, are for the admission
of pipes connected with a mixer for supplying gas, to aid combustion. This latter
feature of construction, however, forms no part of the invention claimed herein.
In Figure 6, is shown the means employed for retarding the flow of vapor or gas
through the retort, and compelling it to pass in contact with the heated walls or
surfaces thereof, and also the means for mingling superheated steam, or a fixed gas
formed therefrom, with the gas formed from hydrocarbon, The first consist of
segmental diaphragms or plates 21, which are preferably of such shape and size as
to occupy the greater portion of the area of the retorts, in cross-section, arranged
alternately as shown, and held in position by any means desired, but preferably by
being placed, or strung, upon a rod, 22, as shown. The object of this construction
is to retard the flow of the gas through the retort, and to compel it to pass in
contact with the walls of the retort in order that it may be heated to the required
degree. These diaphragms or plates are preferably arranged in the upper branch
of the retort, or the one into which the vapor first enters, or if more than two
branches be employed, or the retort be composed of a series of tubes, as shown in
Figures 7 and 8, they may be arranged in all the tubes or branches thereof, except
the last, or the one from which the gas leaves the retort.
The means for mingling the gas formed from hydrocarbons with that formed
from steam, are arranged in the return or lower branch of the retort, and consist
of a tube 23, preferably of copper, placed within the branch D, of the retort, and
flanged or enlarged at the inner end so as to fit tightly the inner wall of the retort,
thus compelling the gas to pass through the inner tube. This pipe or tube 23, as
shown, does not extend the entire length of the retort. Within the annular space
between the inner walls of the retort and the inner tube 23, is placed a steam-
pipe 24.
This pipe enters the retort preferably at or near the outer end and runs
back to a point at or near the junction of the pipe 23, with the retort. The inner
end of the pipe 24, is left open, and steam preferably from the superheated coils
within the furnace, is admitted at some convenient point, as 25, and escapes from
the inner open end of the pipe and surrounds the tube 23. This steam being
superheated to a high degree is decomposed, the product is a fixed gas, and the
constituent elements thereof, largely hydrogen, unite with the fixed gas passing
through the tube 23, formed from hydrocarbons, at the open end of said tube, and
a fixed gas of greater body and heat giving power, than that produced from either
hydrocarbons or steam, separately, is produced. A result to some extent similar
may be produced without the employment of tube 23, but the form of construction
herein described and illustrated will be found preferable. By this construction the

page_text: vapor from the hydrocarbons is kept separate from that of the steam till both are
decomposed, and formed into fixed gases, and this is requisite in order to produce
a perfect fixed gas by a combination of these substances.
Instead of forming the retort with but two branches as hereinbefore described, a
number of branches or coils may be employed as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the
former being a transverse section showing the plan of the arrangement of the
separate branches or coils of the retort. In this case however, the means for
mixing the gases formed from hydrocarbons and steam should be located in the
return branch D, as hereinbefore described.
In the method of producing gas from hydrocarbons and hydrogen, it is preferable
to mingle the hydrogen with the hydrocarbon after the latter has been vaporized,
and to then superheat such mixture, as in the process hereinhefore described with
relation to the hydrocarbon vapor alone. For this purpose a tight box or casing 35,
(Figures 1 and 2) is provided, which constitutes a receptacle for the hydrogen,
which may be produced in any desired manner. and may even contain a smalĺ
percentage of other gases than hydrogen, without detriment although pure hydrogen
is preferable. This box or receptacle 35, may be of any desired shape or size, and
is provided with a pipe 36, in communication with the hydrogen supply. Within
this box 35, is a steam-coil 37, and above the steam-coil is a pipe 38, connected
with the pipe 36, within the box. Communicating with the interior of the box 35,
are one or more pipes 39, each having a valve 40, and these pipes 39, are also in
communication with the vaporizers B, through the pipe 12, as shown. Connected
also with the box 35, at some convenient point, preferably at or near the bottom is
a pipe 42. This pipe 42, leads to a box or catch basin 43, where it is sealed.
Another pipe 44, communicates with the box 35, at or near the top thereof, and
with the pipe 42, between a valve 45, therein and the seal.
Hydrogen is admitted to the box 35, through the pipe 36, which communicates
with the pipe 38, preferably closed at the ends and perforated as shown, by which
means the hydrogen is uniformly distributed. Steam, preferably superheated, is
admitted to coil 37, through valve 46, and traversing the coil leaves it through
outlet 47.
By opening valves 40, any hydrocarbon not vaporized in the vaporizer B, will
flow into the box 35, through pipes 39, and will come in contact with the steam-
coil located therein. The steam-coil will reduce some of the hydrocarbon to vapor,
and this vapor will find its way with the hydrogen up through the pipes 39, and 12,
into the vaporizers B, and thence into the retort. The hydrogen will also pick up
certain quantities of the unvaporized hydrocarbon in the pipes 39, and thus all the
hydrocarbon capable of being vaporized, will be converted into a vapor, and thence
into a fixed gas, in the retort.
The impurities and foreign matter in the hydrocarbon, which will not vaporize,
and therefore cannot be converted into gas, will remain in the box 35, and can be
drawn off at any time through the pipe 42, by opening valve 45, and collected in
the seal 43. If allowed to remain in the box until it is filled to the point where
the pipe 44, is attached they will flow out into the seal 43, if the valve 48, is left
open. To thoroughly cleanse the box 35, at any time, steam is admitted through
valve 49, valves 40 and 45, being closed and valve 48 left open.
The above described operation of the box 35, and its attachments, and the
hydrogen which enters the same, in vaporizing the hydrocarbon which escapes
from the vaporizers B, and returning the same to the vaporizers, and thence to the
retort, is only incidental, and while forming one feature of this method of producing
gas; is secondary to the main idea thereof, which involves the mingling of hydrogen
or a gas composed mainly of hydrogen, with the vapor of hydrocarbons, and the
superheating of the product. As herein described, it will be seen that the mingled
hydrogen and hydrocarbon vapor pass from the vaporizers B, into the retcrt CD.
where they are superheated and converted into a fixed gas.
t
As before stated, in this process any method of mingling the hydrogen with the

page_text: hydrocarbon vapor may be used, that is convenient, and if desired steam may be
mingled with the hydrogen and hydrocarbon vapor when in the retort, in the same
manner as with the hydrocarbon vapor alone, as hereinbefore described.
Sectional views of the improved form of furnace which it is preferable to use in
the methods of producing gas herein before set out, are shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5,
of the drawings and the following is a description thereof.
on all the
Figure 3, shows an opening which extends from front to rear of the furnace, the
form of the lower part thereof in cross-section being shown in full lines, and that
of the upper portion partly in full and partly in dotted lines. The upper and
lower parts of this opening are designated by the letters G and H, respectively,
and in the upper opening. G, are placed the retort and superheating steam pipes
hereinbefore described, the burners or heating apparatus being located in the
lower division or part H, of the combustion chamber. This opening is closed,
preferably, with iron plates backed with brick after the walls are all built and
the pipes, retorts, burners &c., put in position. The upper part G, is provided at
the rear with a door through which the steam pipes may be removed, or other
repairs made; and the lower part is also preferably provided at the rear with a
sight opening and means for admitting air, if air be required. The burners extend
when in position, from one end of the chamber H, to the other, and preferably,
almost to the top thereof. The flames rising in the chamber G, impinge
pipes therein and the contraction of the side walls near the upper part of chamber G,
as shown in dotted lines in Figure 3, compel the flames and heated gases of
combustion strike the upper pipe of the retort, and the upper coils of the steam
pipes, thus keeping both the upper and lower pipes equally hot. Small diving
flues 26, are constructed at intervals along the side walls near the top of
chamber G, which carry the products of combustion into flues 27, arranged
longitudinally in either side wall, and these flues return at the rear, as shown in
Figure 5, and pass forward, downward and upward, through the vaporizer B, and
pipes 28, to the chimney. The flues 29, with which the flues 27 communicate,
connect directly with the chimney, and by opening dampers 30 and 31 (sec
Figures 1 and 5) the escaping products of combustion will pass directly through
flue 29, into the chimney; or by closing damper 31, and leaving 30, open the
draught will pass through both branches of the fluc 27, and up through flue 29 to
the chimney. By closing damper 30, the draught is compelled to pass through the
lower part of flue 29, and the lower return portion of flue 27, and up through the
vaporizers B, to the chimney. And by closing both of the dampers 30 and 31,
the draught is compelled to pass through the entire length of flue 27, and up
through the vaporizers B, into the chimney.
In Figure 5, is shown the air supply flue by means of which air is heated to aid
in combustion, this flue being similar in form to flue 27, passing downward and
forward, as shown. One of these flues 32, is arranged on each side of the furnace,
and entirely enclosed in the side walls thereof. The air is admitted at 33, through
the side wall of the furnace, and passing backward as indicated by the arrows,
returns through the lower branch of the flue, and enters the fire-box or combustion
chamber, through small openings or perforations 34. These openings are preferably
formed by perforating the bricks, and these bricks becoming highly heated, also
aid in heating the air to a high degree. This hot air enters the chamber H,
preferably at a point just above the burners, as shown at 34, Figure 3, and
immediately unites with the burning gases. The amount of air admitted to the air
flue may be regulated at 33 in any desired manner.
Instead of the flue 32, for heating the air to aid in combustion, a single chamber
to which air may be admitted and heated before entering the combustion chamber,
may be employed and many other changes in the construction, and combinations of
the various portions of the apparatus herein described may be made without
departing from the scope of this invention. But one pipe would be sufficient to
connect the retort with the central tube of the central vaporizer, shown in Figure 2,

page_text: and it is possible to convert the hydrocarbon into vapor in the vaporizers B, by
means of superheated steam alone, the coil 9, being so arranged as to accomplish
this object without the aid of the escaping products of combustion.
The advantages gained by this method of and apparatus for producing a fixed
gas from hydrocarbons, from hydrocarbons and steam or from hydrocarbons and
hydrogen are many. By putting all the hydrocarbon into the retort in the form of
a vapor the possibility of "coking" in the retort, from any cause, is absolutely
avoided. The amount of hydrocarbon converted into a fixed gas in a given time is
materially increased, since the work of fixing the gas is half accomplished before the
vapor is admitted into the retort. The cost of vaporizing the hydrocarbon, is
reduced to a minimum, as the heat required to keep the retort in proper condition
for "fixing the gas, is sufficient to superheat the steam necessary in the process
of vaporization, and the escaping products of combustion also materially aid therein,
the heat therefrom being otherwise thrown away. The hot gas is cooled somewhat
by yielding its heat to the central vaporizer, thus making this vaporizer doubly
beneficial.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me,
I declare that what I claim is :-
1. The method of producing a fixed gas from hydrocarbons, which consists in
heating the hydrocarbons, conveying the heated hydrocarbons in small jets or
quantities from the heater and converting it into vapor, and then superheating the
vapor, substantially as shown and described.
2. The method of producing a fixed gas from hydrocarbons and steam, which
consists in first heating the hydrocarbons, conveying the same in small jets or
quantities from the heater and converting it into vapor, and then superheating the
vapor, whereby the vapor is converted into a fixed gas, converting the steam into a
fixed gas by superheating it, and then uniting the fixed gas formed from the steam
with that formed from the hydrocarbon, substantially as shown and described.
3. The method of producing gas from hydrocarbons and hydrogen, which consists
in: First, heating the hydrocarbons; Second converting the heated hydrocarbons
into vapor Third, mingling hydrogen with the vapor of the hydrocarbons, and
Fourth, superheating the product, substantially as shown and described.
4. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination with a
hydrocarbon heater, of a vaporizer in communication therewith, and a retort in
communication with the vaporizer above the bottom thereof, substantially as shown
and described.
5. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination with a
hydrocarbon heater, of a vaporizer in communication therewith, a retort in
communication with the vaporizer above the bottom thereof, and a pipe communica-
ting with the vaporizer at or near the bottom thereof for carrying away the
residuum or substances that cannot be vaporized, substantially as shown and
described.
6. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination with a
furnace, of a retort located therein, a vaporizer in combination therewith by means
of a pipe as 13, and a hydrocarbon supply and heater, also in communication with
the vaporizer by means of a small jet-pipe substantially as shown and described.
7. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination with a
retort furnace and retort located therein, of a hydrocarbon supply, a vaporizer
having an inner and an outer tube or casing, and an annular space between said
tubes or casings closed at the top and bottom, the inner tube or casing being open
at the top and bottom, and the annular space being in communication with the
hydrocarbon supply and with the retort, substantially as shown and described.
8. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination, with
a retort furnace, and hydrocarbon supply, of a vaporizer consisting of an inner and an
outer tube or casing, and having an annular space closed at the top and bottoni

page_text: between said tubes or casings, a steam coil-within said space, and means for
conducting the products of combustion from the furnace through the central tube
or casing, substantially as shown and described.
9. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination, with a
retort furnace, of a vaporizer having an inner and an outer tube or casing, and an
annular space between said tubes or casings, closed at the top and bottom, the
inner tube being open at the top and bottom, and grooved or corrugated, and
provided with projections on its outer surface, and means for conducting the
products of combustion from the retort furnace through the inner tube of the
vaporizer, substantially as shown and described.
10. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination with
a furnace, of a vaporizer having an inner and an outer casing, and an annular
chamber between said casings, a retort located within the furnace in communication
with the annular chamber, and escape flues communicating with the furnace, and
with the inner casing of the vaporizer, substantially as shown and described.
11. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination with
a furnace, of a vaporizer having an inner and an outer casing, and an annular
chamber between said casings, a retort within the furnace communicating with the
annular chamber, escape flues communicating with the furnace, and with the inner
casing of the vaporizer, and means for heating air to aid in combustion, substantially
as shown and described.
12. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination with
a furnace, of a vaporizer having an inner and an outer casing and an annular
chamber between said casings, a retort within the furnace communicating with said
annular chamber, a steam-coil located in said annular chamber and a steam-coil
within the furnace in communication therewith, substantially as shown and described.
13. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination with
a furnace, of a vaporizer having an inner and an outer casing, and an annular
chamber between said casings, a retort within the furnace communicating with the
annular chamber, a steam-coil arranged within said chamber, in communication
with a steam-coil within the retort furnace, and means for conducting the products
of combustion from the retort furnace through the central casing of the vaporizer,
substantially as shown and described.
14. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination with
a furnace, of a vaporizer consisting of an inner and an outer tube, and having an
annular chamber between said tubes, a steam-coil arranged within said chamber,
hydrocarbon supply and heater communicating with said chamber, a retort within
the furnace in communication with said chamber, steam-coils arranged within the
furnace, and communicating with the steam-coil within the annular chamber of
the vaporizer, and means for conducting the hot gases of combustion through the
central tube of the vaporizer, substantially as shown and described.
15. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination with
a furnace having a retort located therein, of a vaporizer, having a steam-coil
located therein, and a hydrocarbon supply and heater communicating with the
vaporizer, the vaporizer being located outside of the furnace and in communication
with the retort, the construction being such that the hydrocarbon is admitted to the
vaporizer in small jets or quantities, substantially as shown and described.
16. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination with
a furnace, of a vaporizer having a steam-coil arranged therein in communication
with a steam-coil arranged within the furnace, a retort within the furnace also in
communication with the vaporizer, and a hydrocarbon supply and heater in
communication with the vaporizer, substantially as shown and described.
17. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination with
a furnace and retort, of a vaporizer consisting of an inner and an outer casing and
having an annular chamber between said casings in communication with the retort,
a steam-coil located in said chamber, and a hydrocarbon supply and a heater
communicating with said annular chamber, substantially as shown and described.

page_text: 18. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons; the combination with
a retort, consisting of a U shaped pipe, of a series of vaporizers in communication
with one branch of the retort, another vaporizer consisting of an inner and an
outer tube or casing forming an annular chamber also in communication with the
same branch of the retort, and means for connecting the retort with the inner tube
or casing of the last mentioned vaporizer, substantially as shown and described.
19. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination of
two or more raporizers, one of which consists of an inner and an outer tube or
casing, forming an annular chamber, a gas retort in communication with said
vaporizers, and means for conducting the heated gases from the retort through the
inner tube or casing of one of said vaporizers, whereby the heated gases from
the retort are caused to assist in the process of vaporization, substantially as shown
and described.
20. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination of
two or more vaporizers, one of which consists of an inner and an outer tube or
casing, forming an annular chamber between said tubes or casings, a steam-coil
arranged in said annular chamber, a gas-retort in communication with each of
said vaporizers, and means for conducting the heated gases from the retort through
the inner tube of the vaporizer having the inner and the outer tube or casing,
substantially as shown and described.
21. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination with
a vaporizer consisting of an inner and an outer tube or casing and an annular
chamber between the same, of a gas retort having a series of branches, one of
which is in communication with the annular chamber of the vaporizer, and one
of which is in communication with the inner tube or casing, substantially a
shown and described.
22. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination with a
furnace, of a series of vaporizers provided with steam-coils in communication with
steam coils arranged within the furnace, a retort within the furnace, and means for
conducting the heated gases from the retort through one of said vaporizers,
substantially as shown and described.
23. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination, with
a furnace, of a series of vaporizers consisting of an inner and an outer tube or
casing, and an annular chamber between the same, steam-coils arranged within the
furnace, a gas-retort in communication with the annular chamber in each of said
vaporizers, and means for conducting the heated gases from the retort through
the inner tube or casing of one of said vaporizers, substantially as shown and
described.
24. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination with
a furnace, of a series of vaporizers each of which is provided with a steam-coil in
communication with a steam-coil or coils arranged within the furnace, and a
retort within the furnace in communication with each of the vaporizers, substan-
tially, as shown and described.
25. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination with
a retort furnace, of a series of vaporizers each of which is provided with a steam-
coil in communication with a steam-coil or coils within the furnace, a retort within
the furnace in communication with each of said vaporizers, and means for con-
ducting the products of combustion from the furnace through one or more of said
vaporizers, substantially as shown and described.
26. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination with
a furnace and retort located therein of a series of vaporizers, each of which is in
communication with the retort, one or more of said vaporizers being provided with
a steam-coil in communication with a steam-coil arranged within the furnace, and
means for conducting the heated gases from the retort through one of said
vaporizers, whereby said heated gases are caused to assist the steam in the process
of vaporization, substantially as shown and described.
27. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination with
13

page_text: a retort furnace, of a series of vaporizers provided with steam-coils arranged
therein in communication with steam-coils arranged within the furnace, each of said
vaporizers being in communication with the gas-retort located within the furnace,
flues or passages by which the products of combustion are conducted from the
furnace through one or more of said vaporizers, and means for conducting the
heated gases from the retort through one of said vaporizers, whereby the products
of combustion and the hot gas from the retort are each caused to assist the steam
in the process of vaporization, substantially as shown and described.
28. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination with
a furnace, of a vaporizer, a retort within the furnace in communication therewith,
in which the vapor is superheated, a steam-supply, and means for superheating the
steam, and a pipe, as 24, in communication therewith, for conducting the super-
heated steam into the gas retort, and mingling the same with the superheated gas
formed from the hydrocarbons, substantially as shown and described.
29. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination with
a furnace, of a retort located therein, a vaporizer in communication therewith by
means of a pipe, as 13, and a hydrocarbon supply and heater in communication with
the vaporizer by means of a small jet-pipe, the vapor being superheated and reduced
to a fixed gas within the retort, a steam supply and superheated in which the
steam is reduced to a fixed gas, and means for mingling the fixed gas formed from
the steam with that formed from the hydrocarbons, substantially as shown and
described.
30. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination with
a furnace, of a vaporizer, a heater in communication therewith, a retort within the
furnace consisting of a series of pipes, one of which is in communication with the
vaporizer, and a steam-supply and superheater in communication with one pipe of
said retort, by means of a pipe, as 24, substantially as shown and described.
31. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination with
a furnace, of a retort, a vaporizer in communication, therewith, the retort being
provided with an inner inclosed tube, as 23, an annular space closed at one end being
formed between the walls of the retort and said tube, and a superheated steam-
supply pipe communicating with said annular space, substantially as shown and
described.
32. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, a retort consisting of
two or more pipes, one of which is provided with diaphragms or plates, at 21, and
the other with a tube, as 23, forming an annular space within the retort closed at
one end, and a superheated steam-supply pipe, as 24, communicating with said
annular space, substantially as shown and described.
33. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination with
a furnace, of a retort arranged therein, a vaporizer outside of said furnace, and in
communication with the retort, the furnace being provided with a central longi-
tudinal opening or chamber G, H, and flues or passages in communication therewith,
and with the vaporizer, whereby the escaping products of combustion are conducted
through the vaporizer, substantially as shown and described.
34. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination of a
furnace and vaporizer, the furnace having the longitudinal opening or chamber G, H,
the flues 26, in communication with the chamber G, H, the flues 27, in com-
munication with the flues 26, and the flues 29, in communication with the flues 27,
the flues 27, being also in communication with the vaporizer, substantially as shown
and described.
35. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, a furnace having the
centrai longitudinal opening or chamber G, H, the flues 26, in communication there-
with, the flues 27, in communication with the flues 26, and the flues 29, in com-
munication with the flues 27, in combination with a retort and vaporizer, and means
for conveying the products of combustion through the vaporizer, substantially as
shown and described.
36. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, a retort furnace

page_text: having the central longitudinal opening or chamber G, H, the diving-flues 26, com-
municating with said chamber G, H, the flues 27, communicating with said flues 26,
and extending backward, downward and forward, and the flues 29, communicating
with each end of the flues 27, substantially as shown and described.
37. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, a retort furnace
provided with the central longitudinal chamber G, H, the diving-flues 26, com-
municating with the top of said chamber, the flues 27, extending backward, down-
ward and forward, and in communication with the flues 20, the flues 29, in
communication with the flues 27, and the hot air chambers or flues 32 extending
backward, downward and forward, in communication with the chamber G, H, by
means of the passages 34, substantially as shown and described.
38. A vaporizer consisting of an inner and an outer tube or casing, an annular
space closed at the top and bottom between said tubes or casings, the inner tube
being grooved and provided with a steam-coil, substantially as shown and
described.
39. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination of a
vaporizer, a gas retort consisting of two or more tubes, one of which is in com-
munication with the vaporizer, and a second vaporizer consisting of an inner and
an outer casing forming an annular chamber, also in communication with the same
tube of the retort, the inner casing being open at both ends, and a pipe or pipes
forming a communication between another tube of the retort, and the said central
casing of the vaporizer, substantially as shown and described.
40. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination of a
vaporizer having an inner and an outer tube or casing, a gas retort, one end of
which is in communication with the space between said casings, and a pipe or pipes
connecting the other end of the retort with the central tube or casing of the
vaporizer, whereby the heated gases from the retort are caused to assist in the
process of vaporization, substantially as shown and described.
41. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination of a
vaporizer, and a retort consisting of the pipes or branches C, D, one of which is in
communication therewith, the other branch of the retort being provided with an
inclosed tube, as 23, one end of which is enlarged or flanged so as to fit tightly the
inner wall of the retort, and a superheated steam-pipe in communication with the
annular space between the walls of the retort and the inner tube 23, substantially
as shown and described.
42. The combination, in an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, of a
hydrocarbon heater in communication with a hydrocarbon supply, a vaporizer in
communication with the heater by means of a pipe, a hydrogen box or receptacle
in communication with a hydrogen supply and with the vaporizer by means of
pipes, and a retort also in communication with the vaporizer above the bottom
thereof, substantially as shown and described.
43. The combination in an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, of a
hydrocarbon heater in communication with a hydrocarbon supply, a vaporizer in
communication with the heater, a hydrogen box or receptacle in communication
with a hydrogen supply, with the vaporizer and with a seal, and a retort also in
communication with the vaporizer above the botton thereof, the construction being
such that the residuum, or substances that cannot be vaporized, is discharged
from the vaporizer through the hydrogen box, substantially as shown and
described.
44. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination with
a hydrocarbon vaporizer and means for supplying hydrocarbons thereto, of a
hydrogen box or receptacle in communication therewith, and with a hydrogen
supply, and provided with a steam-coil located therein, substantially as shown and
described.
45. The combination in an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, of a
hydrocarbon vaporizer in communication with a hydrocarbon supply, a hydrogen
box or receptacle in communication therewith, and with a hydrogen supply, the

page_text: hydrogen box or receptacle being also provided with a steam-coil located therein
communication with a steam supply, the hydrogen supply being in communication
with a perforated tube or pipe located within the box or receptacle, substantially as
shown and described.
46. The combination with the vaporizer B, of the hydrogen supply receptacle in
communication therewith, provided with a pipe 42, in communication with the
receptacle near the bottom thereof, and with a seal 43, and the pipe 44, in com-
munication with the receptacle near the top thereof, and with the pipe 42,
substantially as shown and described.
47. The combination with the hydrocarbon vaporizer B, in communication with
a hydrocarbon supply, of a hydrogen box or receptacle in communication therewith
near the bottom thereof, and also in communication with a hydrogen supply, a seal
connected with the receptacle by means of a pipe which communicates therewith
near the bottom thereof, and with a pipe which communicates therewith near the
top thereof, substantially as shown and described.
48. The combination with a vaporizer B, of a hydrogen receptacle, as 35, in
communication therewith, the receptacle being provided with a steam supply 49,
and with a discharge pipe 42, substantially as shown and described.
49. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination with
a series of vaporizers in communication with a hydrocarbon supply, of a hydrogen
receptacle in communication with each of the vaporizers and with a hydrogen
supply, and a seal in communication with the hydrogen receptacle by means of
communicating pipes, one of which communicates with said receptacle at or near
the bottom thereof, and the other at or near the top thereof, substantially as shown
and described.
50. In an apparatus for producing gas from hydrocarbons, the combination with
a series of vaporizers each of which is in communication with a hydrocarbon
supply, of a hydrogen receptacle in communication with a hydrogen supply and
with each of the vaporizers, near the bottom thereof, and a seal in communication
with the hydrogen box or receptacle, the receptacle being also provided with means
whereby the residium or substances that cannot be evaporized are discharged from
the vaporizer through the hydrogen box or receptacle into the seal, substantially as
shown and described.
Dated this Fourteenth day of December 1891.
CRUIKSHANK & FAIRWEATHER,
62, St. Vincent Street, Glasgow, Agents.