IMPROVEMENTS IN METHOD OR PROCESS OF TREATING SEWAGE, AND OTHER FŒCAL AND OTHER SUBSTANCES CONTAINING NITROGEN, FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBTAINING MANURE OR VARIOUS CHEMICAL PRODUCTS, AND IN MACHINERY AND APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED IN SUCH METHOD OR PROCESS
Year: 1882

page_text: „ETTERS PATENT to Edmund Edwards, of the firm of Edwards and Co:,
Patent Agents and Engineers, of 40, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lanc,
in the County of Middlesex for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
METHOD OR PROCESS OF TREATING SEWAGE, AND OTHER FŒCAL AND OTHER
SUBSTANCES CONTAINING NITROGEN, FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBTAINING MANURE
OR VARIOUS CHEMICAL PRODUCTS, AND IN MACHINERY AND APPARATUS TO BE
EMPLOYED IN SUCH METHOD OR PROCESS A communication to him from
abroad by Louis de Soulages, of Paris, in the Republic of France
"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Edmund Edwards at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 22nd June 1882.
EDMUND EDWARDS, of the firm of Edwards and Co:-, Patent Agents and
Engineers, of 40, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, in the County of
Middlesex "IMPROVEMENTS IN METHOD OR PROCESS OF TREATING SEWAGE, AND
OTHER FOCAL AND OTHER SUBSTANCES CONTAINING NITROGEN, FOR THE PURPOSE
OF OBTAINING MANURE OR VARIOUS CHEMICAL PRODUCTS, AND IN MACHINERY
AND APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED IN SUCH METHOD OR PROCESS [A com-
munication to him from abroad by Louis de Soulages, of Paris, in the Republic of
France]
"
This invention has for its objects a novel method of treating in closed vessels
and by a dry process all nitrogenous liquid or solid substances, in order to convert
them into manure mainly of carbon, all the offensive exhalations being avoided
which are ordinarily produced in such processes, the whole of the nitrogen being
preserved, the small quantity of air present being decomposed and its nitrogen
retained, and the ammoniacal salts being fixed in the manure by the absorbent
action of the carbon. Also improvements in the machinery and apparatus to be
employed in such novel method of treatment. Either liquid or dry nitrogoneous
matters may be treated by slightly modifying the apparatus.
Whero liquid matters such as the contents of coss-pools, urino, or the liquid

page_text: residues of various manufactures are to be treated, the apparatus consists of one or
more furnaces, the number of which may be varied according to the quantity of
the material to be treated. Each furnace is built of masonry lined with refractory
material, and contains four cylindrical vertical retorts, separated by flues through
which the flame of the furnace circulates. The retorts are of cast iron coated
inside and outside with a refractory cement, and of suitable size, made in two parts
bolted and cemented together, the upper part being of less thickness than the
lower one.
Each retort is provided with a horizontal passage at its lower end, the outer open
end of which has a moveable door through which the charcoal produced can be
withdrawn and allowed to fall into a hopper from which it falls into a vault or
chamber to hold the manure; the door also serving as a manhole for repairing the
interior of the retort, the upper part of which is fitted with a pipe to convey the
gases and vapours to a hydraulic valve above.
Each furnace and group of four retorts has arranged above it a tank presenting
a surface sufficient to condense the heavier vapours, which are admitted to it by
means of the hydraulic valves.
It also has at each end a pipe which conducts the gas and uncondensed vapours
to refrigerators or condensers, and two pipes dipping nearly to its bottom through
which it is kept filled and which also serve if necessary as safety pipes. Cocks are
also provided by which the tanks can be emptied, and a syphon pipe to maintain
the level of the water and to facilitate the flowing away of pyroligneous water and
oil. The hydraulic valves described above consist of a small sheet iron cover
inverted over the upper ends of the pipes from the retorts and of pipes which
doscend into the tank below, so that the gas and vapours can be directed into the
latter or can be shut off whilst the charcoal is being removed from the retort, so as
to prevent the entrance of air.
The valves are fitted in a small water cistern and are operated by suitable
levers.
Each retort is provided with a closed receiver of sheet iron and masonry, of a
suitable size and situated by the side of the furnace; and each of these receivers
has a vertical revolving shaft or axis passing through it the upper end of which
has a bevilled toothed wheel driven by a corresponding wheel upon a horizontal
shaft, whilst its lower end is fitted with suitable agitating arms which prevent the
matters in the receiver from settling.
The vertical shaft has also a crank or excentric which operates a horizontal
connecting rod provided with two rings or pistons working in a cylinder which by
their movement backward and forward discharge into the retort at regular intervals
a certain regulated quantity of the mixed liquid and solid matter.
A passage above the receiver admits into the latter a regular determined quantity
of solid matter in powder to be mixed with the liquid, and an air pump driven by
a crank or excentric upon the horizontal driving shaft withdraws the air and vapour
in the upper part of the receiver and discharges them regularly and uniformly
through a pipe into the retort. The receivers are also provided with manholes and
covers, by means of which they can be cleaned, and also with small air holes in
their covers admitting a quantity of air proportioned to that removed by the air
pumps.
A masonry receptacle tightly closed and of a sufficient size to keep the recoivers
supplied, is arranged as near as possible to the furnace and receives by means of a
suitable passage and valve, nightsoil or other liquid matters from the vessels in
which they are brought to the factory. The passage is provided with a grating
and with a reservoir to separate and detain any solid substances above a certain
Bize.
Into the masonry receptacle are also supplied any solid matters in powder
which are to be mixed with the liquid, and it communicates by means of a lift
enclosed in a suitable pipe, with the receiver which it thus keeps always properly
supplied.

page_text: The air and vapour in the upper part of the receptacle pass in the same way into
the receivers whence they are pumped into the retorts by the air pumps already
described.
The tank first described communicates at its two ends with condensers or
refrigerating apparatus of which there is one to each two retorts.
Any suitable kind of condenser may be used, preferably a vessel of sheet iron
containing water constantly changing by means of admission and escape pipes, and
having inside worms or serpentine condensing pipes in which the ammoniacal
vapours are condensed.
The ends of these worms are attached to connecting pipes, one of which conducts
the vapours from the upper part of the tank, whilst the other conveys the con-
densed ammoniacal vapours to the manure vaults or chamber.
The pipes are provided with moveable doors for the purpose of cleaning them,
and ascending pipes from the worms collect any gas in the latter, which is led
through a suitable pipe to the furnace grate where it is burned and thus
economizes fuel.
Largo arched vaults or chambers are arranged below the receivers on each side
of the retorts, and into them the charcoal withdrawn from the latter falls through
hoppers, and the ammoniacal liquor from the condensers is also discharged into
them. From the upper part of these chambers pipes convey any gas which may
collect to the furnace, where it is burned.
The different parts of the apparatus described are connected together by pipes.
and cocks or valves where necessary.
Steam, water, or other convenient power may be used to operate the agitators
in the receivers, and the necessary air and water pumps.
Where the invention is to be applied to the manufacture of manure from solid
nitrogenous substances only, such as old leather, wool waste, feathers, old tan, or
sawdust, the retorts arranged as already described and of suitable size are preferably
cylindro-conical in shape being of less diameter at their upper ends and a sufficient
space is left above the charge of material to allow the disengagement of vapour
from it.
In the lower part of each retort is a horizontal passage provided with a
moveable cover, for withdrawing the charcoal produced. Into the upper part
of the retort is formed a lateral inclined passage provided with a valve and
terminating at its upper part in a hopper holding the material for one charge.
There is also, at the upper part, a vertical pipe which conveys the gas and vapour
to a hydraulic valve similar to that in the arrangement first described. The tank,
hydraulic valves, condensers, and manure chambers, are of the same description and
answer the same purposes as in the arrangement already described, but as no
receptacle nor receivers are used, motive power is not required.
The action of the apparatus as first described, and used for liquid material, is as
follows the receivers being supplied with the liquid matter, the retorts are
heated to about 700°, and the driving shaft being set in revolution, a determined
quantity of mixed solid and liquid matter is projected at regular intervals into
each retort and is decomposed before it reaches the bottom of the latter. At the
same time the air and vapours in the upper part of the receivers are pumped out
into the retorts where they also are decomposed.
As the materials are thus projected into the retorts and decomposed into their
elements, they become recombined under the form of new products which aro
deposited, the charcoal and mineral salts in the retorts whence they are removed
at intervals and discharged into the manure chambers below; the tar water, and
oily products, in the tank above; the ammoniacal vapours and gas in the con-
densers, whence the former dissolved in a certain quantity of water flow into
the manure chambers, whilst the latter is conveyed away and burned in the
furnace.
In the apparatus where solid material is used, when the retorts are redhot they
receive a first charge of material in quantity proportioned to their sizo.
-

page_text: Decomposition begins almost immediately, and every one or two hours according
to the character and weight of the charge the resulting charcoal is withdrawn and
discharged into the manure chambers, and the discharge opening having been closed,
a fresh charge is introduced, and so on continually.
During the process of charging, the hydraulic valve should be closed to prevent
the entrance of air.
Of the vapours produced by the decomposition the heavier consisting of a
considerable proportion of steam, and the oily and tarry parts collect in the
tank; the lighter or ammoniacal vapours condense in the condensers, and dissolved
in a certain quantity of water also pass into the manure chambers; and tho
inflammable gases are carried off and burned in the furnace, thus economizing fuel.
The charcoal and mineral salts in the retorts are removed and passed into the
manure chambers every one or two hours.
The following are the re-actions resulting from these decompositions.
1 At the temperature in the retorts, four per cent of the water contained in
the materials is decomposed into hydrogen and oxygen. 2nd The whole of the
nitrogen combines with the hydrogen to form ammonia. 3rd Part of this ammonia
combines with carbonic acid and forms carbonato of ammonia. 4 The remainder
of the ammonia combines with the phosphoric acid present and forms phosphate
of ammonia. These two last named salts dissolved together in a certain quantity
of water form liquid ammoniacal salts, which pass into the manure chambers.
5th At the expense of the carbon and by the aid of part of the hydrogen and
oxygen obtained by the decomposition of the water, bi-carburet of hydrogen,
carburet of hydrogen, carbonic oxide, and carbonic acid, are formed.
There results, a manure consisting of the carbon and mineral salts left in the
retorts, oily and pyroligneous matters from the tank, ammoniacal salts dissolved
in water from the condensers, and a certain quantity of gas which is burned in
the furnace and aids in economizing fuel.
By the use of this invention the whole of the nitrogenous liquid or solid matter
is utilized in the formation of a manure having a base of carbon and of very great
value for agricultural purposes; no nitrogen is lost by evaporation, through the
exposure of the materials to the air before, during, or after their manufacture,
but the whole of the nitrogen is utilized and in some cases increased by the
decomposition of the injected air; the process is carried on without smell, so that
manure factories, slaughter houses, deposits of fecal matter, and places of the
like kind, which are the frequent sources of ill-health in their neighbourhood, can
be turned into harmless, and inoffensive factories. All matters brought to such
factories are at once converted into an inoffensive manure; and the manufacture
is easy, simple, requiring no expensive plant, and capable of being very profitably
worked.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Edmund Edwards in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
22nd December 1882.
EDMUND EDWARDS, of the firm of Edwards and Co:-, Patent Agents and
Engineers, of 40 Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, in the County of
Middlesex "IMPROVEMENTS IN METHOD OR PROCESS OF TREATING SEWAGE AND
OTHER FOECAL AND OTHER SUBSTANCES CONTAINING NITROGEN FOR THE PURPOSE
OF OBTAINING MANURE OR VARIOUS CHEMICAL PRODUCTS, AND IN MACHINERY
AND APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED IN SUCH METHOD OR PROCESS
A com-
munication to me from abroad by Louis de Soulages, of Paris, in the Republia
of Franco
"
This invention has for its objects a novel method of treating in closed vessels
and by a dry process all nitrogenous liquid or solid substances, in order to convert
them into manure mainly of carbon, all the offensive exhalations being avoided
which are ordinarily produced in such processes, the whole of the nitrogen being
preserved, the small quantity of air present being decomposed and its nitrogen
retained, and the ammoniacal salts being fixed in the manure by the absorbent
action of the carbon. Also improvements in the machinery and apparatus to be
employed in such novel method of treatment. Either liquid or dry nitrogenous
matters may be treated by slightly modifying the apparatus.
The accompanying drawing is in illustration of the invention, Figure 1 being a
longitudinal section through an apparatus used for liquid matter, and figure 2 a
longitudinal section through an apparatus used for dry substances.
Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are detailed views of different parts of the apparatus.
Where liquid matter, such as the contents of cess-pools, urine, or the liquid
residues of various manufactures are to be treated, the apparatus (shewn in
figure 1) consists of one or more furnaces B, B, the number of which may be varied
according to the quantity of the material to be treated. Each furnace is built of
masonry C, C, lined with refractory material, and contains four cylindrical vertical
retorts 1, 2, 3, 4, separated by flues through which the flame of the furnace cir-
culates. The bodies A, A, of the retorts are of cast iron coated inside and outside
with a refractory cement, and of suitable size, made in two parts bolted and
cemented together, the upper part being of less thickness than the lower one.
Each retort is provided with a horizontal passage D, D, at its lower end, the outer
open end of which has a moveable door through which the charcoal produced can
bo withdrawn and allowed to fall into a hopper E, E, from which it falls into a
vault or chamber R, R¹, to hold the manure; the door also serving as a manhole
for repairing the interior of the retort, the upper part of which is fitted with a
pipe F, F to convey the gases and vapours to a hydraulic valve above.
Each furnace and group of four retorts has arranged abovo it a tank M
presenting a surface sufficient to condense the heavier vapours, which are admitted
to it by means of the hydraulic valves N, N. It also has at each end a pipe P, P,
which conducts the gas and uncondensed vapours to refrigerators or condensers,
and these pipes M, M', dipping nearly to its bottom through which it is kept
filled and which also serve if necessary as safety pipes. Cocks M", y are also
provided by which the tank can be emptied, and a syphon pipe to maintain the
level of the water and to facilitate the flowing away of pyroligneous water
and oil.
The hydraulic valves described above consist of a small sheet iron inverted
cover N', N¹, with an internal division inverted over the upper ends of the pipes
F, F, from the retorts, and of pipes F', F', which descend into the tank M below,

page_text: so that the gas and vapours can be directed into the latter or can be shut off whilst
the charcoal is being removed from the retort, so as to prevent the entrance of air.
The valves N', N¹, are fitted in a small water cistern and are operated by suitable
levers N N as illustrated on a larger scale in figure 3.
Each retort is provided with a closed receiver G, G, of sheet iron and masonry, of
a suitable size and situated by the side of the furnace; and each of these receivers
has a vertical revolving shaft or axis G, G", (as illustrated in figures 4 and 5)
passing through it the upper end of which has a bevilled toothed wheel driven by
a corresponding wheel at G, G, upon a horizontal shaft S, whilst its lower
end is fitted with suitable agitating arms G which prevent the matter in the
receiver from settling.
The vertical shaft has also a crank or excentric which operates a horizontal con-
necting rod G¹, G', provided with two rings or pistons working in a cylinder
which by their movement backward and forward discharge into the retort at
regular intervals a certain regulated quantity of the mixed liquid and solid matter.
A passage above the receiver admits into the latter a regular determined
quantity of solid matter in powder to be mixed with the liquid, and an air pump
H, H, driven by a crank or excentric upon the horizontal driving shaft S, with-
draws the air and vapour in the upper part of the receiver and discharges them
regularly and uniformly through a pipe I, I, into the retort. The receivers are
also provided with manholes and covers, by means of which they can be cleansed,
and also with small air holes in their covers admitting a quantity of air proportioned
to that removed by the air pumps.
A masonry receptacle (illustrated in figures 6 and 7) tightly closed and of a
sufficient size to keep the receivers supplied, is arranged as near as possible to the
furnace, and receives by means of a suitable passage yl and valve y¹¹, nightsoil or
other liquid matters from the vessels in which they are brought to the factory. The
passage is provided with a grating and with a reservoir to separate and detain any
solid substances above a certain size. Into the masonry receptacle are also supplied
any.solid matters in powder which are to be mixed with the liquid, and it commu-
nicates by means of a lift or endless chains enclosed in a suitable pipe or case, with
the receivers which it thus keeps always properly supplied. The air and vapour
in the upper part of the receptacle pass in the same way into the receivers whence
they are pumped into the retorts by the air pumps already described.
The tank first described communicates at its two ends with condensers or
refrigerating apparatus X X of which there is one to each two retorts. Any
suitable kind of condenser may be used, preferably a vessel of sheet iron containing
water constantly changing by means of admission and escape pipes Z Z' and
having inside worms or serpentine condensing pipes P, 1', in which the ammoniacal
vapours are condensed.
The ends of these worms are attached to connecting pipes P1, P1, one of which Pl
conducts the vapours from the upper part of the tank, whilst the other P¹ conveys
the condensed ammoniacal vapours to the manure vault or chamber R' R'. The
pipes are provided with moveable doors for the purpose of cleaning them, and
nscending pipes T, T, from the worms collect any gas in the latter, which is led
through a suitable pipe T', T", and L, to the furnace grate U, where it is burned
and thus economizes fuel. Large arched vaults or chambers R', R', are arranged
below the receivers on each side of the retorts, and into them the charcoal
withdrawn from the latter falls through hoppers E, E, and the ammoniacal liquor,
from the condensers is also discharged into them through the pipes P, P. From
the upper part of these chambers pipes K, K, convey any gas which may collect
to the furnaco U, where it is burned.
The different parts of the apparatus described are connected together by pipes
and cocks or valves where necessary. Steam, water, or other convenient power
may bo used to operate the agitators in the receivers, and the necessary air and
water pumps.
s
Where the invention is to be applied to the manufacture of manure from solid

page_text: nitrogenous substances only, such as old leather, wool wasto, feathers, old tan, or
Baw dust, the retorts arranged as already described and of suitable size are preferably
cylindro-conical in shape as illustrated in figure 2 at A, A, being of less diameter
at their upper ends and a sufficient space is left above the charge of material to
allow the disengagement of vapour from it.
In the lower part of each retort is a horizontal passage B, provided with a
moveable cover, for withdrawing the charcoal produced. Into the upper part of
the retort is formed a lateral inclined passage provided with a valvo Sil, Si, and
terminating at its upper part in a hopper S" S" holding the material for one
charge. There is also, at the upper part, a vertical pipe F F which conveys the
gas and vapour to a hydraulic valve N¹ similar to that in the arrangement first
described. The tank, hydraulic valves, condensers, and manure chambers, are of
the same description and answer the same purposes as in the arrangement already
described; but as no receptacle nor receivers are used, motive power is not required.
The action of the apparatus as first described, and used for liquid material, is as
follows: the receivers G, G, being supplied with the liquid matter, the retorts A, A,
are heated to about 700°, and the driving shaft S, being then set in revolution, a
determined quantity of mixed solid and liquid matter is projected at regular
intervals by the feeders G', G', into each retort and is decomposed before it reaches
the bottom of the latter. At the same time the air and vapours in the upper part of
the receivers are pumped out by the air pumps H, H, through the pipes I, I, into
the retorts where they also are decomposed. As the materials are thus projected
into the retorts and decomposed into their elements, they become recombined under
the form of new products which are deposited, the charcoal and mineral salts in the
retorts whence they are removed at intervals and discharged through D, D,
into the manure chambers R' below, the tar water, and oily products, in the tank
above M, the ammoniacal vapours and gas in the condensers ✗, whenco the former
dissolved in a certain quantity of water flow into the manure chambers R', R¹,
whilst the latter is conveyed away by the pipes T, L, and burnod in the furnace U.
In the apparatus (figure 2) where solid material is used, when the retorts are
redhot they receive a first charge of material in quantity proportioned to their
size. Decomposition begins almost immediately, and every one or two hours
according to the character and weight of the charge the resulting charcoal is with-
drawn through D, D, and discharged through the funnels E, E, into the manure
chambers R, R, and the discharge opening Bч B" having been closed, a fresh
charge is introduced, and so on continually.
During the process of charging and discharging, the hydraulic valve should be
closed to prevent the entrance of air. Of the vapours produced by the decompo-
sition the heavier consisting of a considerable proportion of steam, and the oily and
tarry parts, collect in the tank M; the lighter or ammoniacal vapours condense in
the condensers X, and dissolved in a certain quantity of water also pass into the
manure chambers R' R' and the inflammable gases are carried off by the pipes T, L,
and burned in the furnace U, thus economizing fuel. The charcoal and mineral
salts in the retorts are removed and passed into the manure chambers R¹, R', every
one or two hours.
The following are the reactions resulting from these decompositions.
1 At the temperature in the retorts, four per cent of the water contained in
the materials is decomposed into hydrogen and oxygen. 24 The whole of the
nitrogen combines with the hydrogen to form ammonia. 3 Part of this ammonia
combines with carbonic acid and forms carbonate of ammonia. 4th The remainder
of the ammonia combines with the phosphoric acid present and forms phosphate of
ammonia. These two last named salts dissolved together in a certain quantity of
water for liquid ammoniacal salts, which pass into the manure chambers. 5th At
the expense of the carbon and by the aid of part of the hydrogen and oxygen
obtained by the decomposition of the water, bi-carburet of hydrogen, carburet of
hydrogen, carbonic oxide, and carbonic acid, are formed.
There results, a manure consisting of the carbon and mineral salts left in the

page_text: retorts, oily and pyroligneous matters from the tank, ammoniacal salts dissolved in
water from the condensers, and a certain quantity of gas which is burned in the
furnace and aids in economizing fuel.
By the use of this invention the whole of the nitrogenous liquid or solid matter
is utilized in tho formation of a manure having a base of carbon and of very great
value for agricultural purposes; No nitrogen is lost by evaporation, through the
exposure of the materials to the air before, during, or after their manufacture, but
the wholo of the nitrogen is utilized and in some cases increased by the decompo-
sition of the injected air; The process is carried on without smell, so that manuro
factories, slaughter houses, deposits of faccal matter, and places of the like kind,
which are the frequent sources of illhealth in the neighbourhood, can be turned into
harmless and inoffensive factories; All matters brought to such factories are at
once converted into an inoffensive manure and the manufacturo is easy, simple,
requiring no expensive plant and capable of being very profitably worked.
I do not confine myself to the precise form and arrangement and proportions of
the several parts of the apparatus which may be modified and varied to suit the
varying circumstances and conditions in which it is to be used; but having
described the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed, I claim :-
First, the method and process, substantially as described and shewn, of treating at
a high temperature in closo vessols all kinds of nitrogenized liquid or solid matters
for the manufacture of manure having carbon as its base, or other chemical products.
Second, the method and process, substantially as described and shewn, of
treating the materials so that the whole of their nitrogen is retained, and also
where nitrogenized vapours are present of utilizing the nitrogen of air injected into
the apparatus for the formation of additional ammonia. Third, The method of
constructing, arranging, and operating the apparatus, substantially as and for the
purposes described and shewn,
In witness whereof, I, the said Edmund Edwards, havo hereunto set my hand
and seal this 22nd day of December in the year of our Lord 1882
גוזגזזות
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