Sulphur Compounds by which the Sulphur is Recovered.
Year: 1886

page_text: This Specification was, upon the 21st day of December 1887, amended under
Sections 18 to 21 of the Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks Act, 1883.
from Sulphur Compounds by which the Sulphur is Recovered.
We CHARLES ESTCOURT of 20 Albert Square Manchester in the county of
Lancaster, Analyst, HARRISON VEEVERS of the Lakes, Dukinfield in the county
of Chester, Gas Engineer, and MAURICE SCHWAB of 96 Deansgate, Manchester in
the county of Lancaster, Gas Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows:-
This invention has for its object a certain improved continuous process for the
purification of coal gas from sulphur compounds by which the sulphur is recovered.
According to the improved process for the purpose of purifying crude coal gas from
sulphur compounds and at the same time obtaining the sulphur present in the gas,
mainly in the form of sulphuretted hydrogen we pass the crude gas through an
aqueous solution containing sulphurous acid alone or together with varying proportions
of any or all the following compounds, viz., Chloride of barium, strontium, inagnesium
calcium, sodium, potassium, ammonium, Sulphates of calcium, magnesium, sodium,
potassium, ammonium, Carbonate of potassium, sodium, ammonium, Hydrochloric
acid, and salts containing sulphurous acid, or the crude gas may be mixed with
sulphurous acid gas, and the mixture passed through a solution of any or all of the
above compounds or mixtures thereof.
When sulphuretted hydrogen acts upon sulphurous acid alone a comparatively
small proportion of the sulphur is precipitated, when however the sulphurous acid gas
alone or dissolved in water is mixed with some or any of the before named compounds
and gas containing sulphuretted hydrogen is passed through the solution practically
the whole of the sulphur is precipitated.
In order to carry out the operation it is necessary that each atom of gas should be
brought in contact with sulphurous acid gas or the liquid as described, and we find
that this is best effected by passing the gas through the solution in a closed vessel
which may consist of a chamber or number of chambers commonly known as tower
scrubbers, or washers, or washer scrubbers, in which a series of blades; brushes or
D
07

page_text: balls of suitable materials contained in drums or other vessels are kept in motion in
the solution and the gas is forced to pass in contact with these blades, brushes, balls,
drums etc. The bottom and sides of this vessel or tower scrubber, or washer, or
washer scrubber, are so arranged that the precipitated sulphur can be extracted from
time to time with the aid of a scoop or ladle or other mechanical appliance. At the
outlet of the purified gas we connect a catch box or boxes containing lime or oxide of
iron in order to obviate the possibility of temporary escape of sulphuretted hydrogen
In the process of purification practically all the sulphur is precipitated and the
solution only requires re-charging with sulphurous acid. For this purpose we
generate sulphurous acid gas by burning a portion of sulphur mixed with asbestos in
a small furnace, or we burn sulphuretted hydrogen generated in the manufacture of
sulphate of ammonia or other processes in the said furnace, and absorb the gas in a
scrubber, in which the solution is made to descend over the scrubbing material. The
solution is then ready for use again and is carried over by suitable appliances into the
tower scrubber, or washer, or washer scrubber, to be used as specified.
Dated this Eighteenth day of November 1886.
J. C. CHAPMAN,
70, Chancery Lane, W.C.,
Agent for Applicants.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (AMENDED).
An Improved Continuous Process and Apparatus for the Purification
of Coal Gas from Sulphur Compounds by which the Sulphur is
Recovered.
We CHARLES ESTCOURT of 20 Albert Square Manchester in the county of
Lancaster, Analyst, HARRISON VEEVERS of the Lakes, Dukinfield in the county
of Chester, Gas Engineer, and MAURICE SCHWAB, of 96 Deansgate Manchester in
the county of Lancaster, Gas Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement:—
This invention has for its object a certain improved continuous process and
apparatus for the purification of coal gas from sulphur compounds by which the
sulphur is recovered.
According to the improved process for the purpose of purifying crude coal gas
from sulphur compounds and at the same time obtaining the sulphur present in the
gas, mainly in the form of sulphuretted hydrogen, we pass the crude gas through or
in contact with an aqueous solution of sulphurous acid either alone, or together with
varying proportions of any or all of the following compounds, viz.; Chlorides of barium,
strontium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, ammonium Sulphates of calcium
magnesium, sodium, potassium, ammonium; Carbonates of potassium, ammonium,

page_text: sodium, Hydrochloric acid and salts containing sulphurous acid: or, the crude gas
may be mixed with sulphurous acid gas and the mixture passed through a solution of
any or all of the above compounds or mixtures thereof.
When sulphuretted hydrogen acts upon sulphurous acid alone a comparatively
small proportion of the sulphur is precipitated, when however the sulphurous acid gas
alone or dissolved in water is mixed with any of the before named compounds and
gas containing sulphuretted hydrogen is passed through the solution practically the
whole of the sulphur is precipitated.
The strength of the solution and the proportion of each or any of the chemical
substances enumerated may be calculated from its individual atomic weight and
molecular composition. For example we have found when the coal gas does not
contain an excessive quantity of sulphuretted hydrogen that 111 lbs. of Calcium
Chloride dissolved in 100 gallons of water is a good solution for the purpose, but we
do not bind ourselves to this proportion or to the chemical mentioned as we use one
chemical equivalent in pounds weight per 100 gallons of water in a proportion
varying according to the ascertained quantity of sulphur in the gas to be purified.
In order to carry out the operation it is necessary that each atom of gas should be
brought in contact with sulphurous acid gas or the liquid as described, and we find
that this may be efficiently and advantageously effected by the use of an apparatus
arranged substantially as illustrated in the accompanying diagrams.
The aqueous solution composed as hereinbefore specified is contained in a closed
tank A from which it is pumped up rising pipe a to a second closed tank A² provided
with the usual overflow, from this tank the liquid gravitates through pipe a³ to a
third closed tank A³ from which it escapes through pipe and nozzle a into a coke or
other scrubber S of usual construction. The liquid after percolating through the coke
in scrubber S flows into a fourth tank A* and then through feed pipe a into the
closed vessel B from which it passes again by exit pipe a to the first tank A. The
exit pipe as is preferably left open to facilitate inspection and so forth, and discharges
into a syphon a' leading to tank A; by this arrangement a continuous circulation
from tank A through tanks A2 A3 A4, scrubber S and vessel B is secured.
The coal gas to be purified enters at inlet pipe P into the closed vessel B. This
vessel is preferably of the form and construction shown, or we may use the apparatus
commonly known as tower scrubbers or washers or washer scrubbers; the gas passes
out at the pipe P₁. The vessel B illustrated is divided into any suitable number of
separate chambers bb6 by the partitions bb having suitable apertures 62 63 62 for
the passage of the liquid; passages 63 63 63 are also provided for the gas but these are
not placed lineable with the inlet and outlet pipes P P¹ but as it were "break joint
both horizontally and vertically as shown best in figures 1 and 3, so that the gas in its
passage through the vessel B is compelled to take a serpentine or tortuous course as
indicated by the arrows.
وو
In each chamber b a series of blades, or brushes, or a drum containing balls of
suitable material, CC, is mounted on a revolving shaft c driven by suitable power.
The diameter of these revolving devices is such that they are partly submerged in the
solution and extend nearly to the casing. They may be also provided at intervals
around their peripheries with flaps or stripes of felt, rubber, or suitable material c¹³ c¹
so that on revolution the casing will be thoroughly wetted and the gas more perfectly
brought in contact with the liquid. The vessel B is provided with movable lids or
doors and it is also advantageous to provide a blow of cock of ordinary construction
as shown at b figure 2 for purposes hereinafter explained.
We add the required sulphurous acid to the aqueous solution during its solution
circulation as described by burning sulphur or sulphur compound such as pyrites in
furnace G, or we may burn sulphuretted hydrogen generated in the manufacture of
sulphate of ammonia or other chemical process, in the said furnace. In both cases the
products of combustion (being sulphurous acid gases) pass up pipe g and enter a worm
pipe or coil g placed in the said solution in circulating tank A3 and are thereby con-
densed, or they may be condensed by other suitable arrangements. The said solution
passing through nozzle a draws down with it these condensed acids and acid gases

page_text: and to assist this action we find it advantageous to provide an air tight or vacuum
chamber such as g³ below the tank A³. The aqueous solution to which sulphurous
acid is now added passing as described into vessel B in which the drums C or
equivalents are revolving comes in complete contact with and thoroughly washes the
gas and the sulphur is precipitated to the bottom of the different chambers bb from
which it may be recovered by removal of the lids 6' or by the blow out tap as described,
and the gas passes out at pipe P¹ free from sulphur. It is then preferably passed
through a catch box H of ordinary construction filled with lime, oxide, or other
purifying material before entering the gas holder. The solution runs slower through
vessel B than the rest of the system and in order to keep circulation and strength of
the liquid solution constant we fix an external overflow pipe K of large diameter from
tank A delivering direct into tank A. The vessels and tanks are all closed except the
pipe a as described and suitable valves, syphon traps, and overflows are provided
where necessary. We find it convenient to fix a small engine and pump at X to
circulate the liquid, and drive the shaft C as illustrated.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what we claim is :-
1. The herein before described process for the purification of coal gas from sulphur
compounds, consisting in causing the gas to come in contact with and be thoroughly
washed by an aqueous solution of sulphurous acid alone or mixed with one or any of
the chemical equivalents specified in proportions determinable as setforth whereby
the sulphur is precipitated.
2. The hereinbefore described process for the purification of coal gas from sulphur
compounds consisting in mixing the said gas with sulphurous acid gas and causing
the mixture to come in contact with and be thoroughly washed by an aqueous
solution of one or any chemical equivalents specified in proportions determinable as
setforth, whereby the sulphur is precipitated.
3. For the purification of coal gas from sulphur compounds and the recovery of the
said sulphur the combination of parts forming the improved apparatus all constructed
and arranged substantially in the manner described and illustrated by the accom-
panying figures.
Dated this Seventeenth day of August 1887.

page_text: Date of Application, 18th Nov., 1886.
Complete Left, 18th Aug., 1887.
Complete Accepted, 20th Sept., 1887.
An Improved Continuous Process for the Purincation of Coal Gas
from Sulphur Compounds by which the Sulphur is Recovered.
We CHARLES ESTCOURT of 20 Albert Square Manchester in the county of
Lancaster, Analyst, HARRISON VEEVERS of The Lakes, Dukinfield in the county
of Chester, Gas Engineer, and MAURICE SCHWAB of 96 Deansgate, Manchester in
the county of Lancaster, Gas Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows:-
This invention has for its object a certain improved continuous process for the
purification of coal gas from sulphur compounds by which the sulphur is recovered.
According to the improved process for the purpose of purifying crude coal gas from
sulphur compounds and at the same time obtaining the sulphur present in the gas,
mainly in the form of sulphuretted hydrogen we pass the crude gas through an
aqueous solution containing sulphurous acid alone or together with varying proportions
of any or all the following compounds, viz., Chloride of barium, strontium, magnesium
calcium, sodium, potassium, ainmonium, Sulphates of calcium, magnesium, sodium,
potassium, ammonium, Carbonate of potassium, sodium, ammonium, Hydrochloric
acid, and salts containing sulphurous acid, or the crude gas may be mixed with
sulphurous acid gas, and the mixture passed through a solution of any or all of the
above compounds or mixtures thereof.
When sulphuretted hydrogen acts upon sulphurous acid alone a comparatively
small proportion of the sulphur is precipitated, when however the sulphurous acid gas
alone or dissolved in water is mixed with some or any of the before named compounds
and gas containing sulphuretted hydrogen is passed through the solution practically
the whole of the sulphur is precipitated.
In order to carry out the operation it is necessary that each atom of gas should be
brought in contact with sulphurous acid gas or the liquid as described, and we find
that this is best effected by passing the gas through the solution in a closed vessel.
which may consist of a chamber or number of chambers commonly known as tower
scrubbers, or washers, or washer scrubbers, in which a series of blades, brushes or

page_text: balls of suitable materials contained in drums or other vessels are kept in motion in
the solution and the gas is forced to pass in contact with these blades, brushes, halls,
drums etc. The bottom and sides of this vessel or tower scrubber, or washer, or
washer scrubber, are so arranged that the precipitated sulphur can be extracted from
time to time with the aid of a scoop or ladle or other mechanical appliance. At the
outlet of the purified gas we connect a catch box or boxes containing lime or oxide of
iron in order to obviate the possibility of temporary escape of sulphuretted hydrogen
In the process of purification practically all the sulphur is precipitated and the
solution only requires re-charging with sulphurous acid. For this purpose we
generate sulphurous acid gas by burning a portion of sulphur mixed with asbestos in
a small furnace, or we burn sulphuretted hydrogen generated in the manufacture of
sulphate of ammonia or other processes in the said furnace, and absorb the gas in a
scrubber, in which the solution is made to descend over the scrubbing material. The
solution is then ready for use again and is carried over by suitable appliances into the
tower scrubber, or washer, or washer scrubber, to be used as specified.
Dated this Eighteenth day of November 1886.
J. C. CHAPMAN,
70, Chancery Lane, W.C.,
Agent for Applicants.
An Improved Continuous Process for the Purification of Coal Gas
from Sulphur Compounds by which the Sulphur is Recovered.
We CHARLES ESTCOURT of 20 Albert Square Manchester in the county of
Lancaster, Analyst, HARRISON VEEVERS of The Lakes, Dukinfield in the county
of Chester, Gas Engineer, and MAURICE SCHWAB, of 96 Deansgate Manchester in
'the county of Lancaster, Gas Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention has for its object a certain improved continuous process and
apparatus for the purification of coal gas from sulphur compounds by which the
sulphur is recovered.
According to the improved process for the purpose of purifying crude coal gas
from sulphur compounds and at the same time obtaining the sulphur present in the
gas, mainly in the form of sulphuretted hydrogen, we pass the crude gas through or
in contact with an aqueous solution of sulphurous acid either alone, or together with
varying proportions of any or all the following compounds, viz., Chlorides of barium,
strontium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, ammonium; Sulphates of calcium
magnesium, sodium, potassium, ammonium; Carbonates of potassium, ammonium,

page_text: soarum, nyarochloric acid and salts containing sulphurous acid or the crude gas
may be mixed with sulphurous acid gas and the mixture passed through a solution of
any or all of the above compounds or mixtures thereof.
When sulphuretted hydrogen acts upon sulphurous acid alone a comparatively
small proportion of the sulphur is precipitated, when however the sulphurous acid gas
alone or dissolved in water is mixed with any of the before named compounds and
gas containing sulphuretted hydrogen is passed through the solution practically the
whole of the sulphur is precipitated.
The strength of the solution and the proportion of each or any of the chemical
substances enumerated may be calculated from its individual atomic weight and
molecular composition. For example we have found when the coal gas does not
contain an excessive quantity of sulphuretted hydrogen that 111 lbs. of Calcium
Chloride dissolved in 100 gallons of water is a good solution for the purpose, but we
do not bind ourselves to this proportion or to the chemical mentioned as we use one
chemical equivalent in pounds weight per 100 gallons of water in a proportion
varying according to the ascertained quantity of sulphur in the gas to be purified.
In order to carry out the operation it is necessary that each atom of gas should be
brought in contact with sulphurous acid gas or the liquid as described, and we find
that this may be efficiently and advantageously effected by the use of an apparatus
arranged substantially as illustrated in the accompanying diagrams.
The aqueous solution composed as hereinbefore specified is contained in a closed
tank A from which it is pumped up rising pipe a to a second closed tank A* provided
with the usual overflow, from this tank the liquid gravitates through pipe a to a
third closed tank A³ from which it escapes through pipe and nozzle a into a coke or
other scrubber S of usual construction. The liquid after percolating through the coke
in scrubber S flows into a fourth tank A and then through feed pipe a into the
closed vessel B from which it passes again by exit pipe as to the first tank A. The
exit pipe a is preferably left open to facilitate inspection and so forth, and discharges
into a syphon a' leading to tank A; by this arrangement a continuous circulation
from tank A through tanks A* A* A*, scrubber S and vessel B is secured.
The coal gas to be purified enters at inlet pipe P into the closed vessel B. This
vessel is preferably of the form and construction shown, or we may use the apparatus
commonly known as tower scrubbers or washers or washer scrubbers; the gas passes
out at the pipe P¹. The vessel B illustrated is divided into any suitable number of
separate chambers bbb by the partitions 61 61 61 having suitable apertures 63 63 6³ for
the passage of the liquid; passages ³ ³ ³ are also provided for the gas but these are
not placed lineable with the inlet and outlet pipes P P¹ but as it were "break joint
both horizontally and vertically as shown best in figures 1 and 3, so that the gas in its
passage through the vessel B is compelled to take a serpentine or tortuous course as
indicated by the arrows.
"
In each chamber 6 a series of blades, or brushes, or a drum containing balls of
suitable material, CC, is mounted on a revolving shaft c driven by suitable power.
The diameter of these revolving devices is such that they are partly submerged in the
solution and extend nearly to the casing. The may be also provided at intervals
around their peripheries with flaps or stripes of felt, rubber, or suitable material c¹ c¹
so that on revolution the casing will be thoroughly wetted and the gas more perfectly
brought in contact with the liquid. The vessel B is provided with movable lids or
doors 6 and it is also advantageous to provide a blow of cock of ordinary construction
as shown at 6 figure 2 for purposes hereinafter explained.
We add the required sulphurous acid to the aqueous solution during its solution as
described by burning sulphur or sulphur compound such as pyrites in furnace G, or
we may burn sulphuretted hydrogen generated in the manufacture of sulphate of
ammonia or other chemical process, in the said furnace. In both cases the products
of combustion (being sulphurous acid gases) pass up pipe 9 and enter a worm pipe or
coil g' placed in the said solution in circulating tank A' and are thereby condensed,
or they may be condensed by other suitable arrangements. The said solution passing
through nozzle a draws down with it these condensed acids and acid gases and to

page_text: assist this action we find it advantageous to provide an air tight or vacuum chamber
such as g below the tank A. The aqueous solution to which sulphurous acid is now
added passing as described into vessel B in which the drums C or equivalents are
revolving comes in complete contact with and thoroughly washes the gas and the
sulphur is precipitated to the bottom of the different chambers bb from which it may
be recovered by removal of the lids or by the blow out tap as described, and the
gas passes out at pipe P¹ free from sulphur. It is then preferably passed through a
catch box H of ordinary construction filled with lime, oxide, or other purifying
material before entering the gas holder. The solution runs slower through vessel B
than the rest of the system and in order to keep circulation and strength of the liquid
solution constant we fix an external overflow pipe K of large diameter from tank A₁
delivering direct into tank A. The vessels and tanks are all closed except the pipe a
as described and suitable valves, syphon traps, and overflows are provided where
necessary. We find it convenient to fix a small engine and pump at X to circulate
the liquid, and drive the shaft () as illustrated.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what we claim is :-
1. The hereinbefore described process for the purification of coal gas from sulphur
compounds, consisting in causing the gas to come in contact with and be thoroughly
washed by an aqueous solution of sulphurous acid alone or mixed with one or any of
the chemical equivalents specified in proportions determinable as setforth whereby
the sulphur is precipitated.
2. The herein before described process for the purification of coal gas from sulphur
compounds consisting in mixing the said gas with sulphurous acid gas and causing
the mixture to come in contact with and be thoroughly washed by an aqueous
solution of one or any chemical equivalents specified in proportions determinable as
setforth, whereby the sulphur is precipitated.
3. For the purification of coal gas from sulphur compounds and the recovery of the
said sulphur the combination of parts forming the improved apparatus all constructed
and arranged substantially in the manner described and illustrated by the accom-
panying figures.