IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF GAS
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Purves Wilson, of Asylum Road, Peckham, in the
County of Surrey, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS USED
IN THE MANUFACTURE OF GAS."
Sealed the 22nd September 1877, and dated the 24th March 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Purves Wilson at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 24th March 1877.
WILLIAM PURVES WILSON, of Asylum Road, Peckham, in the County of Surrey.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF GAS."
This Invention relates to improvements in the hydraulic main, and the dip pipes
connected therewith, and has for its objects the provision of means whereby the tar
may be carried away almost as quickly as it is formed, and so prevent it from
becoming thick or hard, and to relieve the retorts from all unnecessary pressure
when gas is being produced.
The improvements in the hydraulic main consist in inserting transverse division.
plates, which rise about two or three inches above the level of the liquid, and are
placed one between cach dip pipe. A longitudinal partition extending the whole
Jength of the hydraulic main, joined thereto at about the level of the liquid, and
extending downwards in an oblique direction to within about two inches from the
bottom, is fixed so as to form a conduit for conveying away the tar or other
liquid.
The improvements in the dip pipes consist,―
Firstly. In an arrangement whereby the pressure of gas in the retorts acts
automatically in unsealing or nearly unsealing the dip pipes, and the absence of
pressure causes the dip pipes to be sealed.
Secondly. In an arrangement whereby the pressure of gas or water from an inde-
pendent source is used as an auxiliary force.
In the first arrangement the dip pipe is constructed with an annular cup or lute
fixed at about the centre of its length, and of a depth equal to the maximum "back
pressure." The upper part of the dip pipe is increased in diameter, and forms a
hopper top, and immediately under it is fixed on opposite sides two snugs, by which
it is suspended upon a forked lever, balanced by another lever that carries or
Pasina 11

page_text: suspends an annular holder or bell, the inner ring of which dips into the cup or lute
fixed on the outside of the dip pipe. The outer ring of the bell dips into another
lute cast with the external casing which is attached to the hydraulic main.
The annular bell and the dip pipe being suspended by balanced levers, and thus
in a state of equilibrium, and the area of the bell being greater than that of the dip
pipe, the moment that the pressure of the gas from the retorts is equal to the pressure
in the hydraulic main the bell descends, and the dip pipe rises out of the liquor in
the hydraulic main, thus permitting a free passage for the gas without further
pressure on the retort than that in the hydraulic main. When the retort has ceased
to make gas, or the lid is opened, there being no pressure on the top of the bell, the
pressure in the hydraulic main acts on the under side of the bell, causing it to rise
and the dip pipe to descend into the liquor in the main, thus effectually sealing the
mouth of the dip pipe.
A modification of the foregoing consists in the attachment of a faced valve, which
is secured to the outside of the cup on the dip pipe, and a seat for the same fixed on
the inner surface of the internal ring of the cup forining part of the external casing,
so that when the dip pipe descends into the liquor in the hydraulic main this valve
rests upon its seat, and thus prevents the gas in the hydraulic main from passing
up into the annular bell, the object being to prevent an extreme back pressure
forcing the gas through either or both of the lutes into the retorts when out of
action.
One of the arrangements in which the pressure of gas from an independent source
is requisite is as follows:-It consists of a box placed under the present fixed dip
pipes in the hydraulic, main, and is divided into two compartments, an upper and a
lower, by a horizontal partition having in its centre a tapered pipe, the bottom of
which is of the same diameter as the dip pipe, extending to within an inch or more
of the bottom of the lower compartment. The bottom of the present fixed dip pipes
would in this case be level with the bottom of the upper compartment, and placed
immediately over the tapered pipe. In the lower compartment is fixed an overflow
pipe for carrying off the surplus tar and liquor, while it always leaves sufficient
liquor to fill the upper compartment and seal the dip pipe. This is effected by a
supply of gas from an independent source at a necessary pressure to force the liquor
from the lower to the upper compartment, the gas acting on the surface of the
liquor, and forcing it up the tapered pipe. This gas supply is regulated by a floating
bell in an upper independent compartment, the top of which is connected to the
arch or outside of the dip pipe by a small pipe, so that the pressure in the retort
.can be communicated to the top of the bell, and the inside of the bell communicates
through a small pipe with the pressure in the hydraulic main. From the centre of
the bell is suspended a rod that passes down to india-rubber pipes placed in a box
under the bell chamber, one tube being for the supply of gas from the independent
source, the other tube being an escape pipe to pennit the gas in the lower com-
partment to pass into the hydraulic main, when. the retort commences to make gas,
upon which the bell will descend, and a cross bar on the rod will press on the end
of the supply pipe, closing the same, and permitting the escape tube to open; thus,
the gas in the lower compartment will pass through the vertical pipe into the
hydraulic main, and permit the liquor that was in the upper compartment to return
to the lower and unscal the dip pipe. When the retort has ceased to produce gas,
or the lid is opened, the pressure on the top of the bell is removed, and the pressure
in the hydraulic main then acts on the under side of the bell, causing it to rise,
closing the escape pipe, and opening the supply pipe.
When the gas from the independent source passes into the lower compartment
the liquor is forced into the upper, and the dip pipe is sealed. The rod is continued
beyond the escape and supply pipes, and terminates in a cone which fits into the
top of an overflow pipe in the lower compartiment, so that if the retort continues
out of action, the bell being fully up, this cone will have closed the mouth of the
overflow pipe, thereby retaining the liquor in both compartments until the retort is
again put in action.

page_text: used.
In place of the india-rubber tubes, equilibrium, slide, or other valves may bo
For the independent supply of gas to act in this arrangement I take the gas from
the discharge side of the gas exhauster, but in case the exhauster should be stopped,
and the whole pressure of the apparatus thrown back on the hydraulic main, I
employ a steam jet or other forcing means so regulated by a governor, which is
arranged to put the forcing apparatus into action when the pressure in the hydraulic
main is approaching the pressure taken from beyond the exhauster, that the pressure
for acting on the liquor in the lower compartment is always greater than that in
the hydraulic main, and will keep the liquor in the upper compartment and scal
the dip pipes.
Another arrangement, in which a head of water is the auxiliary force employed,
consists of a box divided into an upper and lower compartment; the lower one has
the dip pipe passing down to within two inches or more of the bottom, and on the
top, outside of the box, has a socket to receive the end of the arch pipo; the outlet
pipe connecting this compartment with the hydraulic main is placed at the side of
the dip pipe, rises to within three inches of the under side of the top, and at the
bottom is provided with a flange to join on to the hydraulic main. In the lower
compartment is fixed a syphon communicating with the hydraulic main. The
upper compartment contains a floating bell, and from its centre is suspended a
syphon, the centre tube of which terminates at the bottom with a valve, which fits
into a scat formed on the division plate between the two compartments, and is the
mouth of the pipe communicating with the dip pipe near the bottom. Between the
syphon and the outside ring of the bell in the upper chamber is fixed a pipe which
rises to the under side of the bell top, and terminates below the division plate
forming the bottom of the upper chamber, and level with the top of the syphon in
the lower compartment. At one side of the bell in the same compartment there is
a ball-cock attached to the water supply pipe, which supplies the water to the upper
compartment. The top of the bell compartment is connected by a small pipe to any
part of the arch pipe on the retort side of the dip.
The operation of this dip arrangement is as follows: -The gas from the retort
passes down to the mouth of the dip pipe, and causes the water in the lower com-
partment to rise sufficiently high to put in action the syphon, which empties the
lower compartment, and permits a free passage for the gas without any pressure.
When the charge in the retort has been carbonized a portion of the tar and liquor
will have been condensed in this compartment, so as just to seal the mouth of the
dip pipe. When the retort is opened to be re-charged the pressure will be removed
from the top of the bell, and the pressure in the lower compartment, which is the
same as that in the hydraulic main, passes up the small pipe communicating with
the interior of the bell, causes it to rise, puts its syphon into action, draws the water
off from the upper compartment into the lower, fills it to the level of the top of
the lower syphon, and thus seals the dip pipe; at the same time the small com-
municating pipe, with the bell, is also sealed, thus preventing it from further rising
until the operation is repeated.
A further arrangement having a head of water for an auxiliary force, and which
is similar to the previous one, consists in providing a communication by a two-inch
pipe, which is sealed in the liquor in the hydraulic main at its lower end, and at
the top terminates in a box, which receives such tar and liquor, and conveys them
direct to the hydraulic main, so that the congealed tarry matter shall not pass into
the sealing compartment below and clog the action of the syphon; also the water
supply chamber is separate, and at a greater elevation, and is provided with a simple
fixed syphon, the same as that in the lower compartment; the bell not being used in
this case, the syphon is put into action by the pressure in the hydraulic main upon
the surface of the water outside of the syphon.
An additional modification is arranged as follows:-It consists of an oblong box
having a flanged pipe cast on the bottom to fit the opening of the top of the hydraulic
main where the ordinary dip pipes are usually attached. In this box is a cast-iron

page_text: oblong trough, supported on two pivots or bearings, and balanced. The dip pipe is
carried to the bottom of this trough at one end, and at the other end a small guard
is cast on the bottom. Immediately over this is a float connected by a vertical
spindle provided with a spring to an equilibrium valve. This valve is attached to
the top of the oblong box for the purpose of admitting water into the trough when
required to seal the dip pipe.
In this arrangement the following is a description of the action:-The trough is
charged with water through the equilibrium valve, and when full the float shuts
the valve, the retort is charged, and the gas passes to the mouth of the dip pipe,
and forces the trough down, discharging the greater part of the water, but leaving
the remainder immediately under the dip pipe, and a clear passage for the gas to
pass into the hydraulic main at the pressure existing there, and while the trough is
at this angle the guard at the other end of the trough keeps the float up, and the
valve closed. This trough is balanced in favor of closing, so that when the gas
ceases to come over, or the lid of the retort is opened, the said trough rises until it
is again level, and the small quantity of water which was in the trough when down
is sufficient to keep the dip sealed under the momentary action of rising until level,
which is assisted by the pressure in the hydraulic main acting on the mouth of the
dip while the float is descending and opening the valve, which again fills the
trough.
In either of the foregoing arrangements of dip pipes the ordinary hydraulic main
may be dispensed with, and a conducting main only substituted.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Purves Wilson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 22nd
September 1877.
WILLIAM PURVES WILSON, of Asylum Road, Peckham, in the County of Surrey.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF Gas."
This Invention relates to improvements in the hydraulic main, and the dip pipes
connected therewith, and has for its objects the provision of means whereby the tar
may be carried away almost as quickly as it is formed, and so prevent it from
becoming thick or hard, and to relieve the retorts from all unnecessary pressure
when gas is being produced.
The improvements in the hydraulic main consist in inserting transverse division
plates A, Fig. 1 (and A, A, Fig. 2, which is a part section through B, C, Fig. 1),
which rise about two or three inches above the level of the liquid, and are placed
one between each dip pipe D. A longitudinal partition F, extending the whole
length of the hydraulic main, joined thereto at about the level of the liquid, and
extending downwards in an oblique direction to within about two inches from
the bottom, is fixed so as to form a conduit G for conveying away the tar or other
liquid.
"
The improvements in the dip pipes consist,—
Firstly. In an arrangement whereby the pressure of gas in the retorts acts
automatically in unsealing or nearly unsealing the dip pipes, and the absence of
pressure causes the dip pipes to be sealed.
Secondly. In an arrangement whereby the pressure of gas or water from an
independent source is used as an auxiliary force.
و"
In the first arrangement the dip pipe D is constructed with an annular cup or
lute H, fixed at about the centre of its length, and of a depth equal to the maximum
"back pressure."
The upper part of the dip pipe is increased in diameter, and
forms a hopper top, as at I, and immediately under it is fixed on opposite sides two
snugs J, by which it is suspended upon a forked lever K, balanced by another lever
L that carries or suspends an annular holder or bell M, the inner ring of which dips

page_text: into the cup or lute fixed on the outside of the dip pipe. The outer ring of the bell
dips into another lute N, cast with the external casing O, which is attached to the
hydraulic main.
The annular bell M and the dip pipe D being suspended by balanced levers, and
thus in a state of equilibrium, and the area of the bell being greater than that of
the dip pipe, the moment that the pressure of the gas from the retorts is equal to
the pressure in the hydraulic main the bell descends, and the dip pipe rises out of
the liquor in the hydraulic main, thus permitting a free passage for the gas without
further pressure on the retort than that in the hydraulic main. When the retort
has ceased to make gas, or the lid is opened, there being no pressure on the top of
the bell, the pressure in the hydraulic main acts on the under side of the bell, causing
it to rise, and the dip pipe to descend into the liquor in the main, thus effectually
sealing the mouth of the dip pipe.
A modification of the foregoing is shown in Fig. 3, and consists in the attachment
of a faced valve P, which is secured to the outside of the cup on the dip pipe, and a
seat Q for the same fixed on the inner surface of the internal ring of the cup forming
part of the external casing, so that when the dip pipe descends into the liquor in
the hydraulic main, this valve rests upon its scat, and thus prevents the gas in the
bydraulic main from passing up into the annular bell, the object being to prevent
an extreme back pressure forcing the gas through either or both of the lutes into
the retorts when out of action. The means of suspending the dip is the same as
shown in Fig. 1, but is omitted here to avoid complication.
One of the arrangements, in which the pressure of gas from an independent source
is requisite, is exhibited at Fig. 4, and is as follows:-It consists of a box R placed
under the present fixed dip pipes in the hydraulic main, and is divided into two
compartiments, an upper and a lower, by a horizontal partition S, having in its
centre a tapered pipe T, the bottom of which is of the same diameter as the dip
pipe, extending to within an inch or more of the bottom of the lower compartment.
The bottom of the present fixed dip pipes would in this case be level with the
bottom of the upper compartment, and placed immediately over the tapered pipe.
In the lower compartment is fixed an overflow pipe U for carrying off the surplus
tar and liquor, while it always leaves sufficient liquor to fill the upper compartment,
and seal the dip pipe. This is effected by a supply of gas from an independent
source at a necessary pressure to force the liquor from the lower to the upper com-
partment, the gas acting on the surface of the liquor, and forcing it up the tapered
pipe. This gas supply is regulated by a floating bell V in an upper independent
compartment, the top of which is connected to the arch or outside of the dip pipe
by a small pipe W, so that the pressure in the retort can be communicated to
the top of the bell, and the inside of the bell communicates through a small
pipe X with the pressure in the hydraulic main. From the centre of the bell is
suspended a rod that passes down to india-rubber pipes placed in a box under the
bell chamber, one tube Y being for the supply of gas from the independent source,
the other tube Z being an escape pipe, to permit the gas in the lower compartment
to pass into the hydraulic main when the retort commences to make gas, upon
which the bell will descend, and a cross har u on the rod will press on the end of
the supply pipe, closing the same, and permitting the escape tube to open; thus,
the gas in the lower compartment will pass through the vertical pipe into the
hydraulic main, and permit the liquor that was in the upper compartment to return
to the lower, and unseal the dip pipe. When the retort has ceased to produce gas,
or the lid is opened, the pressure on the top of the bell is removed, and the pressure
in the hydraulic main then acts on the under side of the bell, causing it to rise,
closing the escape pipe, and opening the supply pipe.
When the gas from the independent source passes into the lower compartment
the liquor is forced into the upper, and the dip pipe is sealed. The rod is continued
beyond the escape and supply pipes, and terminates in a cone b, which fits into the
top of the overflow pipe in the lower compartment, so that if the retort continues

page_text: out of action, the bell being fully up, this cone will have closed the mouth of the
overflow pipe, thereby retaining the liquor in both compartments until the retort is
again put in action.
In place of the india-rubber tubes, equilibrium, slide, or other valves may be used.
For the independent supply of gas to act in this arrangement I take the gas from
the discharge side of the gas exhauster, but in case the exhauster should be stopped,
and the whole pressure of the apparatus thrown back on the hydraulic main, I
employ a steam jet or other forcing means, so regulated by a governor which is
arranged to put the forcing apparatus into action when the pressure in the hydraulic
main is approaching the pressure taken from beyond the exhauster, that the pressure
for acting on the liquor in the lower compartment is always greater than that in the
hydraulic main, and will keep the liquor in the upper compartment, and seal the
dip pipos.
Another arrangement, in which a head of water is the auxiliary force employed,
is depicted in Fig. 5, and consists of a box c, divided into an upper and lower
compartment by a partition d; the lower one has the dip pipe passing down to
within two inches or more of the bottom of the box, and on the top, outside of the
box, has a socket e to receive the end of the arch pipe; the outlet pipe c¹, connecting
this compartment with the hydraulic main, is placed at the side of the dip pipe c,
rises to within three inches of the under side of the top, and at the bottom is provided
with a flange to join on to the hydraulic main. In the lower compartment is fixed
a syphon f, communicating with the hydraulic main. The upper compartment con-
tains a floating bell g, and from its centre is suspended a syphon h, the centre tube of
which terminates at the bottom with the valve i, which fits into a seat formed on the
division plate between the two compartments, and is the mouth of the pipe com-
municating with the dip pipe near the bottom. Between the syphon and the outside
ring of the bell in the upper chamber is fixed a pipe j, which rises to the under side
of the bell top, and terminates below the division plate forming the bottom of the
upper chamber, and level with the top of the syphon in the lower compartment. At
one side of the bell in the same compartment there is a ball-cock attached to the
water supply pipe k, which supplies the water to the upper compartment. The top
of the bell compartment is connected by a small pipe to any part of the arch pipe
on the retort side of the dip.
The operation of this dip arrangement is as follows:-The gas from the retort
passes down to the mouth of the dip pipe, and causes the water in the lower com-
partment to rise sufficiently high to put in action the syphon, which empties the
lower compartment, and permits a free passage for the gas without any pressure.
When the charge in the retort has been carbonized a portion of the tar and liquor
will have been condensed in this compartment, so as just to seal the mouth of the
dip pipe. When the retort is opened, to be re-charged, the pressure will be removed
from the top of the bell, and the pressure in the lower compartment, which is the
same as that in the hydraulic main, passes up the small pipe communicating with
the interior of the bell, causes it to rise, puts its syphon into action, draws the water
off from the upper compartment into the lower, fills it to the level of the top of the
lower syphon, and thus seals the dip pipe; at the same time the small communicating
pipe, with the bell, is also sealed, thus preventing it from further rising until the
operation is repeated.
In Fig. 6, which is a side sectional elevation, Fig. 7 a front sectional elevation,
and Fig. 8.a side elevation and part section, a further arrangement having a head of
water for an auxiliary force, and which is similar to the previous one, is shown, and
consists in providing a communication by a two-inch pipe m, which is sealed in
the liquor in the hydraulic main at its lower end, and at the top terminates
in a box n, which receives such tar and liquor, and conveys them direct to the
hydraulic main o, so that the congealed tarry matter shall not pass into the sealing
compartment below, and clog the action of the syphon; also the water supply
chamber p is separate, and at a greater elevation, and is provided with a simple

page_text: fixed syphon q, the same as that in the lower compartment, the bell not being used
in this case; the syphon is put into action by the pressure in the hydraulic main
upon the surface of the water outside of the syphon.
An additional modification is arranged as follows:-It consists of an oblong box r
having a flanged pipes cast on the bottom to fit the opening on the top of the
hydraulic main where the ordinary dip pipes are usually attached. In this box is
a cast-iron oblong trough t, supported on two pivots or bearings, shown on the
Drawing in dotted lines at u, and balanced. The dip pipe is carried to the bottom
of this trough at one end, and at the other end a small projection is cast on the
inside of the bottom. Immediately over this projection is a float w connected by a
vertical spindle, provided with a spring, to an equilibrium valve ; this valve is
attached to the top of the oblong box for the purpose of admitting water into the
trough when required to seal the dip pipe.
In this arrangement the following is a description of the action-The trough is
charged with water from the water supply pipe y through the equilibriuṁ valve,
and when full the float shuts the valve; the retort is charged, and the gas passes to
the mouth of the dip pipe, and forces the trough down, discharging the greater part
of the water, but leaving the remainder immediately under the dip pipe, and a clear
passage for the gas to pass into the hydraulic main at the pressure existing there,
and while the trough is at this angle the projection at the other end of the trough
keeps the float up and the valve closed. This trough is balanced in favour of
closing, so that when the gas ceases to come over, or the lid of the retort is opened,
the said trough rises until it is again level, and the small quantity of water which
was in the trough when down is sufficient to keep the dip sealed under the momentary
action of rising until level, which is assisted by the pressure in the hydraulic main
acting on the mouth of the dip, while the float is descending and opening the valve,
which again fills the trough.
In either of the foregoing arrangements of dip pipes the ordinary hydraulic main
may be dispensed with, and a conducting main only substituted.
Having now described and particularly set forth the nature of this Invention, and
the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into effect, I would
observe in conclusion that I no not confine or restrict myself to the precise details
or arrangements which I have described or referred to, as variations may be made
therefrom without deviating from the principles or main features of this Invention,
but what I consider to be novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention
secured to me by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is,―
Firstly. The construction of the hydraulic main with a longitudinal division
plate, and partitions between each dip pipe, as herein described and shown on the
Drawings.
And, Secondly. In the construction of dip pipes, and the appliances connected
therewith, for rendering their action automatic, as herein-before described and shown
on the Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Purves Wilson, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Nineteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven.