IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND IN THE METHOD OF WORKING FURNACES, THEIR ACCESSORIES AND APPLIANCES, ALSO IN THE MODE OF HEATING AND OF INTRODUCING SOLID AND FLUID SUBSTANCES INTO SUCH LIKE FURNACES DURING THE MANUFACTURE THEREIN OF MALLEABLE IRON AND STEEL.
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Joseph Burch of Adswood Grove Stockport in the
County of Chester Consulting Mechanician and Russell Allen, of Overbrook
Kersal, Manchester in the County of Lancaster Gentleman, for an Invention
of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND IN THE METHOD OF WORKING
FURNACES, THEIR ACCESSORIES AND APPLIANCES, ALSO IN THE MODE OF
HEATING AND OF INTRODUCING SOLID AND FLUID SUBSTANCES INTO SUCH
LIKE FURNACES DURING THE MANUFACTURE THEREIN OF MALLEABLE IRON
AND STEEL
.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Joseph Burch and Russell
Allen at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 8th July 1882.
•
JOSEPH BURCH of Adswood Grove Stockport in the County of Chester
consulting Mechanician and RUSSELL ALLEN of Overbrook Kersal Manchester in
the County of Lancaster Gentleman "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION
AND IN THE METHOD OF WORKING FURNACES, THEIR ACCESSORIES AND APPLIANCES,
ALSO IN THE MODE OF HEATING AND OF INTRODUCING SOLID AND FLUID
SUBSTANCES INTO SUCHLIKE FURNACES DURING THE MANUFACTURE THEREIN OF
MALLEABLE IRON AND STEEL.
"
The main object of our invention is the economical production in large quantities
of malleable iron and steel, in such a way, that the excellence of the metal made in
our furnaces does not depend upon any special amount of manual labour bestowed
on its production, as all that is required to produce successful results, consists in the
employment of trustworthy workmen to feed the furnace and attend to the
delivery of the metal, and others of skill and experience to superintend the
working, and by this means in relation to the comparative quantity produced by
other processes, we in addition to the above, save a large amount of both fuel and
labour. To this end our invention consists in, as follows:-
1st This part of our invention relates to the construction of our furnace and
apparatus, which comprise three sections (viz) A main fire grate or fire chamber;
A reverberatory or rocking hearth chamber; and, A balling section which rotates-
The main grate or fire chamber is very wide and spacious; it is arched over with
fire brick, lined with the same refractory material, and is furnished with feeding
doors and the usual appliances. It may be either stationary or made to rock

page_text: coincidently with the rocking movement of the hearth chamber, into which it
discharges direct, its fiery heat and flaming products of combustion, for which
purpose it is placed close to the fore end of the hearth chamber-This rever-
beratory or rocking hearth chamber as constructed, is of very unusual length, is
arched over with a fire brick roof waved or undulated internally to reveberate the
flames and fiery products, is lined with similar material to protect its sides and
floor which are of metal, and is provided with side doors and openings where
required. Into this rocking chamber at its fore end, close to the fire chamber is a
side opening, through which the metal to be treated is fed or introduced in a
molten state into the hearth chamber, in small charges or quantities of from about
1 cwt, to about 1 cwt cach, and these liquid charges are caused by the rocking
motion of the hearth chamber to follow each other and flow in a boiling state over
a series of narrow inclining hearths, closely arranged side by side crosswise
throughout the whole length of the hearth chamber, there being divisional ridges
or raised fences that separate the hearths and serve to prevent the successive
charges from mixing with those charges that either precede or follow them, the
hearths communicating in succession one with another alternately at the opposite
sides of the rocking chamber in the following manner, (viz) the after end of the
first hearth communicates with the fore end or, beginning of the second; the after
end of the second hearth with the beginning of the third; the after end of the
third with the beginning or fore end of the fourth hearth; and so on throughout
the whole series by means of short longitudinal junction passages, having sharply
inclining beds, down which the molten metal runs to the lowest part, which is
opposite to and is level with the fore end of the next hearth; over which it flows
when tho fore end of the latter is raised by the rocking motion of the chamber so
as to give the hearth the proper downward inclination-In this way the several
charges gravitate and flow simultaneously across the hearth chamber at the same
time and in the same direction, one charge on every alternate hearth, and flowing
over, the far or after ends of these hearths, they fall upon and run down the
inclining beds of the junction passages on that side of the chamber gravitating to
the lowest part, and ready to return by the next or intermediate hearths, when by
the raising of that side of the chamber these hearths in turn are brought to the
proper downward inclination so as to cause the metal to flow along or over them.
In this manner the separate metallic charges work their tortuous way through the
chamber over the several hearths in rotation always at each move flowing onwards,
and the hearth chamber each time it rocks over to the feeding side receives a fresh
charge of the crude molten metal, and a charge of the metal is delivered in a
purified state at the far or after end of the hearth chamber just before the nature of
the purified metal begins to change to a clammy or pasty condition the rocking
speed of the chamber being regulated accordingly.
As the several charges of purified metal are discharged in succession from the
hearth chamber, they immediately flow down a delivery passage and fall. into the
receiver of the rotating balling section, the motion whereof is continuous and
timed to make one rotation for every charge it receives from the hearth chamber.
This balling section of the apparatus consists of a long cylindric metallic case,
suitably mounted on antifriction rollers or wheels, and lined with fire brick or
other suitable refractory material; the several charges being kept separate therein
are caused to advance and pass on by degrees to the far or after end of the cylinder
by means of a narrow helical projecting ridge, forming one continuous internal
thread within the cylinder, from its fore to its far or after end, the pitch or distance
apart of each turn or round being about 12 inches, more or less, and the height of
the threads is sufficient to confine the charges between them. As the metal
changes and assumes a pasty condition each charge as it progresses is rolled by the
rotations of the cylinder into the form of a puddle ball, in which state the balls are
delivered at the far end in succession one puddle ball rolling out each time the
cylinder rotates, is received on one of the small tapping wagons or small trucks
employed to quickly convey the puddle balls in succession to the shingling

page_text: hammers which beat them into ingots that are immediately conveyed to the rolling
machines employed to reduce them, before the metal has time to cool, in the usual
way to puddle bars.
Necessary openings with suitable doors and eye holes are made at the sides of
the hearth chamber respectively to facilitate the clearing out and thereby prevent
any appreciable accumulation of scoria on the hearths and passages, and to examine
the state of the metal and if necessary discharge it before the charges arrive at the
far end of the chamber, in case of the metal becoming clammy and refusing to
flow, which might happen if the rocking speed of the hearth chamber was set too
slow
2nd This part of our invention relates to the mechanism whereby the requisite.
rocking motion is imparted to the hearth chamber and the main fire grate
respectively, and also to the manner in which the balling cylinder is caused to
rotate. The hearth chamber is furnished at intervals throughout its whole length
with a series of rockers respectively fixed crosswise to its underside. These rockers
rest and rock on a corresponding series of horizontal planes or level surfaces coupled
together in pairs, that rest on two lines of rollers supported respectively on two
longitudinal lines of rails, so that when expansion or contraction lengthwise of the
hearth chamber takes place, each pair of surfaces is at liberty to accommodate
itself thereto. The surfaces are kept in place coincident with the rockers by strong
shrouded gearing so attached to the rockers, that when the hearth chamber rocks
to either side, the gearing engages with similar strong gearing attached to the
planes, and by this means a right line is preserved, and all tensile, torsional, or
deflective strain upon the hearth chamber is avoided. The required rocking motion
is obtained from two lines of shafting disposed longitudinally and resting in
bearings, the pedestals whereof we prefer to attach to the sleepers or foundations
that support the bottom rails. The sides of the hearth chamber are lifted alternately
by strong cans mounted on the two lines of shafting, the cams engaging with
strong rollers the axes whereof are suitably fixed either to the rockers or to the
underside of the hearth chamber. Other mechanical means may be employed to
rock the chamber, but we prefer to obtain the special irregular or fitful motion
we require from cams rather than by other means the cams being also made to
retard the motion when the chamber is overbalanced on either side, or after it is
lifted to its highest point on each side alternately. The two line shafts are caused
to rotate at a uniform speed by tooth wheels of corresponding size and in order
that the balling cylinder shall rotate in unison therewith, it is furnished outside
with annular gearing or toothed rings which embrace it and engage with .tooth
wheels of suitable size and so actuated by the motive power in connection with
the two lines of shafting that carry the cams that for every reciprocation of the
rocking motion of the hearth chamber the balling cylinder makes one revolution.
The fire grate when not made stationary is rocked in the same way by cams
mounted on the extreme ends of the line shafts. It is furnished with one pair of
rockers that reciprocate on one pair of planes which like the hearth chamber are
carried by the bottom rails and being separate and independent of the hearth
chamber the fire grate may be withdrawn from contact therewith when required
3rd This part of our invention relates to the heating of the combined apparatus
or hearth chamber and balling cylinder for which purpose as before stated, we
place at the fore end of the hearth chamber a main or principal fire grate which
occupies the whole space contiguous to the front end of chamber, and in transverse
section is of similar form. We do not construct this grate or fire chamber in one
piece with the hearth chamber, but mount them separate on the same lines of
rollers and bottom rails for the purpose when required of withdrawing the grate,
which is easily effected when it is necessary to obtain admission to the hearth
chamber for repairs or otherwise, or, when it is desired to work the hearth chamber
in connection with a main stationary grate we in such case modify the form of the
opening through which the fiery products and flaming gases pass forward into the
hearth chamber

page_text: In addition to the main fire grate in order that the heat in the hearth chamber
may be maintained at an equable or suitable temperature throughout its whole
length we inject at proper intervals in fine streams by the inductive force of
compressed air or by the force of dry superheated steam or otherwise, good heating
gas that may be obtained from common coal at a cheap rate. The gas intimately
mixes with the air or steam whilst passing through passages made upwards through
the divisional ridges, whereon it burns as it enters the hearth chamber or the
combined fluid may be introduced through suitable orifices at the sides of the
chamber. When the inflammable fluid is not so introduced we attach to the outer
sides of the hearth chamber at the points required, a number of small auxiliar fire
grates, one grate at each point or place and in these small grates we burn either
solid fuel, the vapour of hydro carbons or gas judiciously aerated, and in order that
the heat at all parts of the chamber may be known and regulated by the
attendant, we place pyrometers at certain distances apart throughout its whole
length to indicate. The fire draft passes direct froin the after end of the
hearth chamber into the balling cylinder, the heat whereof may be regulated
to the required degree when too high by dampers or when too low by the
combustion of common heating gas or other inflammable fluid mixed with air or
otherwise
4th. This part of our invention relates to the feeding of the rocking hearth
chamber with a succession of charges of molten metal, which may be reduced to
that state either in air furnaces conveniently placed, in heating or blast furnaces,
or the molten metal may be received direct from a smelting furnace in the requisite
measured quantities weighed or otherwise and introduced into the receiver of the
hearth chamber, one charge every time the chamber rocks over to the feeding side
-The temperature of the several charges should be high and equable, so that the
metal may begin to boil upon the hearths soon after its introduction, and as it
flows over the narrow hearths and is constantly crossing and recrossing the
chamber, it becomes gradually decarbonized desulphurized and dephosphorated,
and freed from silicon and all impurities and by the time it arrives at the far end
of the chamber it is found to be in a highly purified state
5th. This part of our invention relates to the injection into the hearth chamber
of fine streams of compressed air heated or otherwise and charged or not with
either dry or superheated steam, pure oxide of iron in a finely powdered state, or
any of the numerous chemical and other substances known and used as purifying
and oxidizing agents, in furnaces during the manufacture of malleable iron and
steel. We prefer to cause the injection of such fluid comminuted or solid
substances through tuyeres slanting downwards and opening into the lowest part
of the junction passages either on one or at both sides of the hearth chamber in
.such a way that when the charges of boiling metal flow in succession down the
passages the air or fluid and other substances may be brought into intimate contact
therewith and be either blown through the metal when the product is intended
for steel or otherwise, or over its surface whilst flowing over the hearths and is
in a state of commotion
When steel is being made in the hearth chamber a certain quantity of
Spiegeleisen or other richly carburetted metallic substance in a molten state is
poured into the chamber through one of the side doors or openings near its far
end to mingle with each successive charge of the then purified metal which by this
means is again carbonized and then the charges which possess the quality of steel
are not allowed to enter the balling cylinder but are run off from the hearth
chamber at once into ingot moulds, where they can either be left to cool or as
soon as the metal is set in the mould, it may be taken from the mould whilst at a
red heat and subjected to the hammering process.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Joseph Burch and Russell Allen in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 6th January 1883.
JOSEPH BURCH, of Adswood Grove, Stockport, in the County of Chester,
Consulting Mechanician, and RUSSELL ALLEN, of Overbrook, Kersal; Manchester,
in the County of Lancaster, Gentleman, "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION
AND IN THE METHOD OF WORKING FURNACES, THEIR ACCESSORIES AND APPLIANCES,
ALSO IN THE MODE OF HEATING. AND OF INTRODUCING SOLID AND FLUID
SUBSTANCES INTO SUCH LIKE FURNACES DURING THE MANUFACTURE THEREIN. OF.
MALLEABLE IRON AND STEEL.'
"
The class of furnaces to which our invention relates are chiefly known as.
puddling furnaces or fineries, and our main object is the economical production in
large quantities of malleable iron and steel of uniform quality in such a way that
the excellence of the metal produced does not depend upon any special amount of
manual labour bestowed on its production, as all that is required to secure
successful results consists in the employment of trustworthy workmen to attend
to the feeding of the furnace and to the delivery of the metal, and others of skill
and experience to superintend the working, and by this means in addition to the
large quantity of refined metal produced in comparison with other processes, we
also save a large amount of both fuel and labour.
Our invention may be called the "Burch-Allen Furnace, or system of continuous.
puddling and refining metals." It consists in the first place of three primary
sections, (viz.) The main fire grate or fire chamber. The refinery or multiplex.
hoarth chamber to which a rocking motion is imparted, and The balling cylinder
which rotates.
We also to meet the views of those iron-masters who might object to the use of
a finery or hearth chamber of very unusual length, have, in order to meet such and
other objections, introduced a modification consisting of a peculiar combination.
of furnaces with multiplex hearths, the construction and working whereof is herein
after fully described.
In the following description letters and numbers are used to denote the several
parts and details, and the same letters and numbers are marked on the corre-
sponding parts and details exhibited on the drawings hereto annexed.
On Sheet 1, Fig. 1 exhibits an end view of our refinery or puddling furnace.
Fig. 2, a transverse section. Fig. 3 a section showing the hearths in a tilted
position. Fig. 4, a transverse section of the balling cylinder. Fig. 5, a side view
of an injecting apparatus and Fig. 6 a section of the same.
On Sheet 2 is exhibited a side view cut in parts of our puddling furnace,
comprising the fire grate or chamber, the multiplex hearth chamber, and the
balling cylinder, parts of the hearth chamber and of the balling cylinder being
shown in section.
On Sheet 3, we show a plan of the fire grate, hearth chamber, and the balling
cylinder, portions of the cut parts of this drawing are also shown in section.
On Sheet 4, our modification is shown on a reduced scale. It comprises a series
of short furnaces or fineries, all arranged in combination to act in mutual concert.
Fig. 1 is an end view, Fig. 2 is a plan, and Fig. 3 shows the side view of one of
the furnaces.
First. This part of our invention relates to the construction of our furnace and
its appliances, and to the method of introducing in a molten state the separate
charges of metal in constant succession, following each other from hearth to hearth
as indicated by the arrows on sheet 3, over all the numerous sections of the

page_text: multiplex hearth chamber, and flowing thence from the last hearth, still in a
molten state, one after another into the balling cylinder, in passing through which,
they change to a pasty condition and are gradually rolled up into plastic masses,
which in regular rotation are discharged at the furthermost end of the cylinder as
puddle balls. The charges of molten metal, each weighing from about one to one
and a half hundred weight are caused to work their tortuous course separately
from hearth to hearth by the rocking motion that is imparted to the multiplex
hearth chamber in combination with the peculiar constructional configuration of
its floor, which as before stated comprises a long series of hearths or transverse
channels, alternately communicating at the sides of the chamber by means of
junction inclines, each hearth being about from 9 to 12 inches wide, and 7 or
8 feet long, the hearths respectively being kept separate throughout their length
by divisional ridges or fences. The working of the furnace is more particularly
described hereafter.
A marks the main fire grate or chamber, which is very wide and spacious;
it is arched over and lined with fire brick or other suitable refractory material
marked A¹, and is furnished with one or more openings A* for the purpose of
introducing the fuel and regulating the fire. A³ denotes the grate bars, which are
supported by bearers in the usual way. A is the fire bridge, consisting of a
Q-shaped metal tube open at both ends and protected by a covering of fire brick.
Although we have shown the main fire grate as resting on its own rockers A* and
the means whereby we cause it to rock concurrently with the hearth chamber, we
in some cases propose to mount it without rockers in a fixed position on an
expansion carriage, so that it may remain stationary while the hearth chamber
rocks, and this may be easily effected as the fire grate is not made in one piece
with the hearth chamber, but when required to gain access to the chamber is
capable of separation therefrom. A are the tie beams. B marks the metal casing
of the multiplex hearth chamber; B¹ indicates its fire brick lining, and B' denotes
its arched roof. B shows the metal floor plates and B. the plain transverse
rockers which are attached to the underside of the hearth chamber, there being
also intermediate rockers marked B which are furnished with strong shrouded
teeth that engage with similar teeth C¹ formed on the rocker planes of the
expansion carriages C. These carriages support the whole weight of the furnace,
and adjust themselves to the longitudinal expansion which occurs when the hearths
are heated, and to the contraction which takes place whenever they are allowed
to cool. Be marks the series of side openings through which accumulations of dust
or scoria are easily removed, also access may be gained to the interior of the hearth
chamber when necessary, and the flues, the oxidizing and refining agents, and other
matters employed to facilitate the process, are by means of suitable injecting
apparatus attached to the doors or covers and hereafter described, conveyed into
the chamber to commingle with the molten metal as it flows upon the hearths.
The doors or covers in which eye-holes may be made to examine the state of the
metal, and which close the side openings when the furnace is in operation, are
marked B7, each being lined with fire brick or other suitable material. B³ marks the
tie beams that extend crosswise over the roof of the hearth chamber, their ends
respectively being securely bolted to the strong metal castings which form the
sides..
The expansion carriages C, severally consist of two outside transverse girders C
whereon the plain rockers B rest, and one central transverse girder C₁ which is
furnished with shrouded teeth that engage with the teeth of the central rockers B³,
the upper edge or surface of the girders respectively forming the planes whereon
the hearth chamber rocks; by this means a right line is preserved, and all tensile,
torsional, or deflective strain upon the bearth chamber is avoided, and no lateral
slipping of the rockers on the girder planes can possibly take place. The ends of
the girders of each carriage are bolted to the side frames C which are mounted
respectively on a separate series of anti-friction rollers C that rest and are free to
roll on the foundation side rails C³.

page_text: D denotes the multiplex hearth chamber, its floor consisting of a large number
of narrow hearths or channels, alternately inclining in opposite directions. These
hearths are arranged across the chamber side by side, and they collectively form a
long series, extending from the fore to the after end of the hearth chamber, there
being between the hearths severally, divisional ridges or fences (marked D³) for
the purpose of preventing the overflow of the metal when by the alternate tilting
of the chamber, all the charges are simultaneously made to run from side to side.
The hearths are marked in pairs (viz.) D' on which the charges of molten metal
flow from the left to the right side of the chamber, and D³ marks the hearths
wherein the metal flows in the contrary direction or from the right side to the left.
D' marks a series of junction inclines on the right side of the hearth chamber, and
D a similar series of junction inclines on the left side, whereon in succession the
charges of metal fall from over the ends of the hearths marked x and run down
the inclines into the pools. De marks the pools on the right side of the chamber
and D7 those on the left side. D³ denotes the delivery spout or gutter along
which the metal runs in a longitudinal direction off the last hearth of the series
through the fixed flue passage E which occupies the intermediate space, into the
balling cylinder, the fore end E of the flue passage abutting against the extreme
after end of the hearth chamber, and the after end E of the flue passage closes
against the fore end of the balling cylinder F, silicate cotton or asbestos rope E³
being used as a packing to prevent the ingress of cold air. E³ marks an opening
whereby to gain access to the flue passage, and E* denotes its fire brick lining.
The balling cylinder F is a metallic tube of considerable length, and is caused
to make one complete rotation, during the time that the hearth chamber rocks once
to each side, the rotary motion of the cylinder being continuous. The cylinder is
furnished at intervals externally with strong rings F that embrace the cylinder
and rest upon the rollers F* which are mounted on suitable pedestals and are made
broader than the rings to admit of the longitudinal expansion or contraction of the
cylinder F, which is lined throughout with fire brick or other suitable refractory
material marked F. Formed within the balling cylinder from end to end is a
narrow helical ridge marked F that projects from the lining of the cylinder in the
direction of its axis, and forms throughout the whole length of the cylinder, one
continuous internal spiral thread of uniform height, the pitch or distance apart of
each turn or round being about 12 inches more or less according to the weight or
size respectively of the several charges worked. F³ marks a self-closing trap door
which is opened by the weight of the puddle balls when they in succession roll
upon it, and falling through are received upon the small trucks or wagons in use
for conveying them to the shingling hammers to be treated in the usual way.
F marks an annular wall plate that receives the end of the balling cylinder, and
is fixed in front of the chimney or otherwise.
Second. This part of our invention relates to the mechanism whereby the
requisite rocking motion is imparted to a long multiplex hearth chamber and main
fire grate respectively when the latter is also intended to rock, and to the
mechanism arranged for causing a long balling cylinder to rotate.
G and G¹ mark two longitudinal cam shafts whereon the lifting cams G³ and G
are mounted to revolve in the intervening spaces between the expansion carriages C.
The special form of these cams is seen in Figs 1, 2 and 3 Sheet 1, there being certain
portions of their respective peripheries concentric with the axes of the shafts G and G³,
Whilst revolving, the cams on the two shafts operate in succession on the rollers G³
and G6 the axes whereof are mounted in bosses G7 cast on the rockers Bt. By these
means the alternate lifting of the sides of the hearth chamber is effected, so as to
cause it to tilt first over to one side, and next over to the other, and the move-
ments of the hearth chamber being intermittent for the purpose hereafter
explained, its motion ceases at the extreme end of its action on either side, during
the time the concentric portions of the periphery of the cams are passing round in
contact with the rollers. Upon the fore ends of the shafts G and G' are mounted³
two spur wheels marked GB and G which by engaging with each other, cause the

page_text: shafts to rotate at one uniform speed, one of the wheels G³ being in gear with the
driving pinion Go which is actuated by the motive power. Fixed on the far end
of the shaft G, is a small spur wheel H in gear with H' which marks another
wheel of corresponding size, and is fixed upon the shaft marked H³ that sets the
balling cylinder in motion by means of the spur wheel H³ which is fixed upon the
shaft in a position to engage with the annular gearing Hthat surrounds the balling
cylinder, and by this means the latter is caused to make one rotation whilst the
hearth chamber rocks over once to each side; and (note) that according to the
length respectively of the hearth chamber and of the balling cylinder, so in pro-
portion will be required a greater or lesser number of lifting cams, and as regards
the balling cylinder, two or more sets of the annular gearing, H' and spur wheels
will be necessary, and the shaft H must be lengthened to correspond.
We will now describe our modification, which differs materially from our primary
arrangement (as shown on Sheet 4) although the effect on the metal is in all
respects the same. It consists in so combining a number or series of short furnaces
each being furnished with a multiplex arrangement of hearths, that all shall act in
concert on the charges of metal, which severally are caused in succession to pass from
furnace to furnace throughout the whole series.. Each furnace of the combined
arrangement shown contains 13 hearths but not necessarily, as either a greater or a
lesser number may be employed, from 11 to 21 is recommended but not more as no
auxiliary heating apparatus or appliance is contemplated, each furnace being
provided with a main fire grate made capable either of moving on its own rockers
or otherwise..
Also no special arrangement of under carriages will be needed to provide for the
general expansion.
The hearths in pairs, (viz.) D' and D³, the divisional fences D³, the. junction
inclines D* and D, and the pools D and D' are arranged in the manner already
described with reference to our 'primary arrangement in a long furnace, the chief
difference consisting in the manner in which the separate charges of metal in a
boiling state are in succession transferred or caused to flow from the after end of
the first furnace into the fore end of the second, from the after end of the second
furnace into the fore end of the third, from the third furnace into the fourth, and
80 on throughout the whole series, and to effect this the right hand end marked K
of the last, or (according to the drawing) the thirteenth hearth of each furnace is
lengthened, so as to project a short distance outside in the form of a delivery
spout, and each furnace (after the first) on the left side at its fore end, is provided
with a receiver.J¹, the principal receiver J at the left side of the fore end of the
first furnace, being fed like the long furnace, in measured quantities or charges of
molten metal, either from air furnaces, from melting cupolas, or from smelting
furnaces. The girder planes marked L and L' on which the hearth chambers and
fire grates respectively rock without friction and which carry the whole weight,
are fixed to the foundation, those marked L having shrouded teeth to engage with
the teeth of the geared rockers B³, and thereby prevent all lateral slipping of the
rockers on the planes when the lifting cams G³ and G are acting. The girder
planes L' carry L which marks the bearings of the cam shafts G and G³, and by
the aid of the spur wheels G³ and Gº the speed of the cam shafts is made uniform,
one of the wheels (GB) being actuated by the driving pinion. This description
applies separately to all the furnaces of a series, which are made simultaneously to
rock reciprocally with alternate mutual action by means of the diagonal shaft M,
which obtains motion from the motive power and by the aid of the bevel wheels M¹,
uniform motion is simultaneously communicated to the pinion shaft N, and by
this means all the furnaces are made to rock in concert, alternately receiving a
charge each time they are severally tilted to the left, and delivering from the
spouts K a charge into the next furnace on the right hand every time they are
tilted in that direction. The separate charges of metal divested of all impurities,
and in a refined state, are delivered in the same order from the after end of the
last furnace of the series, either into a balling cylinder or into ingot moulds, the

page_text: spent gases and products of combustion from each furnace being conveyed direct
into Ŏ, which marks the entrances to underground flues leading to one chimney
common to all, or they may be further utilized in the heating of steam boilers or
otherwise.
We will now more particularly describe the mode of working, and the way in
which the charges of molten metal are by the rocking of the furnace caused to
flow in regular succession over the hearths, either of a long furnace or of a
combined series of short ones. It will be seen in Fig. 2 Sheet 1, that when the
furnace is at rest in a level position, the hearths D1 and D2 incline upwards from
the pools, which are marked De on the right side of the furnace and D7 on the left,
and that the hearths alternately become downward inclines when the furnace is
tilted either to the right side or to the left, as seen in Fig. 3 Sheet 1. It must
also be noted that when the charges of metal flow in succession once over the
rectangular ends of the hearths marked x, and severally fall upon the junction
inclines, they cannot return, but must gravitate into the pools, and thence are
drained out and caused to flow along the next hearths, and so on when the furnace
is tilted to the other side, and this constitutes one of the main features of our
invention.
The rocking speed of all multiplex bearth furnaces, whether in one long length or
divided into a combined series of short furnaces, must be regulated by the number
of hearths they contain, as in all cases the refined metal must always leave the
last hearth in a fluid state, just before it falls or "comes to nature," therefore
according to the length and consequent speed, so in proportion will a greater or
lesser quantity of metal be produced; for example, a long furnace with 30 pairs of
hearths, or a series of short furnaces collectively containing the same number and
rocking to each side to and fro every minute and receiving a fresh charge when
inclining to the left, of one hundred weight, would deliver 3 tons of refined
metal per hour, or in a day of 24 hours the quantity produced would be 72 tons,
but the speed of a long single furnace or of a series of short furnaces containing
60 pairs of hearths, must be regulated to rock to and fro twice per minute, and in
such case the daily production would be. 144 tons; and if heavier charges of
1/2 cwt were worked, then the number of tons produced daily would amount
to 216.
Third. This part of our invention relates to the heating of a long furnace
containing a multiplex arrangement of hearths in combination with a balling
cylinder, for which purpose as before stated we place at the fore end of the hearth
chamber of the furnace a main or principal fire grate. We do not construct this
fire grate or chamber in one piece with the hearth chamber, but mount it on its
own rockers independently on a separate expansion carriage resting on a series of
antifriction rollers free to move on the lines of bottom rails, so that when required
it may be readily withdrawn in order to gain admission to the hearth chamber
for repairs or otherwise; but when it is desired to work the hearth chamber in
connection with a main stationary grate, we in such case modify the form of the
opening through which the flaming gases and fiery products pass forward over the
hearths.
In addition to the main fire grate, in order that the heat may be maintained at
an equable or suitable temperature throughout the whole length of the furnace, we
inject at proper intervals either in fine or in copious streams by the inductive
force of jets of compressed air or superheated steam separately or mixed or other-
wise good heating gas that may be obtained from ordinary coal at a cheap rate.
The gas intimately mixes with the air or steam whilst passing through the passages
marked P made upwards through the divisional ridges, and ignites and burns
within the furnace along their upper edge in rows of flame; the gas may also if
necessary be injected and burnt along the sides. When the inflammable fluid is
not so introduced, we attach to the furnace at any of the side openings small
auxiliary fire grates, one grate at each point or place where the temperature is
too low, and in these small grates we sometimes burn solid fuel, but. preferably the

page_text: vapour of hydrocarbons or gas judiciously aerated, and in order that the heat at
all parts of the chamber may be known and regulated by the attendant, we place
pyrometers at certain distances apart throughout its whole length to indicate.
The whole volume of the fire draught and gas flames passes direct from the after
end of the furnace through the fixed flue passage into the balling cylinder, the heat
whereof may be regulated by dampers when too high or when too low by the
further combustion of heating gas or other inflammable fluid, and mixed with air
or otherwise, by means of Q which denotes an annular arrangement of burners at
the fore end.
Fourth. This part of our invention relates to the constant feeding of the rocking
hearth chamber with a succession of charges of molten metal, which as before
stated, may be reduced to that state either in air furnaces conveniently placed,
in melting cupolas, or direct from a smelting furnace or furnaces, in measured
quantities or charges, weighed or otherwise, and introduced into the receiver J of
the hearth chamber, one charge every time it rocks over to the feeding side.
In order to secure good results the temperature of the several charges should be
high and equable, so that the metal may begin to boil upon the hearths soon after
its introduction, and as it flows along the narrow hearths in succession and is
constantly crossing and recrossing the chamber, it gradually becomes decarbonized,
desulphurized, dephosphorated and freed from silicon and all impurities, and by the
time it arrives at the far end of the chamber, it is found to be in a highly purified
state.
Fifth. This part of our invention relates to the injection of the fluxes into the
hearth chamber at the proper time or times by means of fine streams of compressed
air heated or otherwise and charged or not with superheated steam. We also
introduce at the same time and by the same means in a dry powdered state, pure
oxide of iron, or any of the numerous chemical and other substances known and
used in furnaces as purifying and oxidizing agents during the manufacture
therein of malleable iron and steel. On Sheet 1 Figs 5 and 6 we show a suitable
injecting apparatus applicable to this purpose, in which R marks a hopper, wherein
is placed in a finely powdered and dry state the fluxes, and the oxidizing agents
and other substances.
:
The bottom of the hopper communicates with a passage R¹ in which is located R³,
that marks a sliding bolt, the length of action whereof is adjustable. By means of
a bell-crank lever R³ the bolt is pressed forward every time the furnace rocks, and
it is caused to retreat by the reaction of the spring R. The compressed air or
fluid in the form of a jet finds admission through the nozzle S and a portion of the
pulverulent contents of the hopper having fallen into the passage R' when the bolt
retreated, is pushed forward when the bolt again advances, and falling upon the
surface T is swept off and carried into the furnace by the force of the jet of com-
pressed air. This injecting apparatus may be adapted to any of the doors or
covers Be of the side openings, and two, three or more of them may be employed,
some containing the fluxes and others the oxidizing and purifying agents, and
being respectively in fixed positions, they inject a limited and regulated portion of
their contents upon each of the several charges in succession at regular intervals
from the time the charges in rotation are fed or poured into the receiver J, and
therefore assuming that the rocking speed of the furnace be regular, and the heat
maintained at an equable temperature, the greatest uniformity in the quality of
the refined metal will be insured.
When steel or steely iron is being made in the hearth chamber, compressed air
heated or otherwise is also blown through the metal by means of U, which marks
a series of tuyeres slanting downwards into the several pools whilst the charges are
therein, and a regulated quantity of spiegeleisen or other richly carburetted metallic
substance in a molten state is poured into one of the pools near the far end to
mingle with each successive charge of the then purified metal every time the
chamber inclines to that side, and by this means the metal is again carbonized, and
then the charges which possess the quality of steel, are not allowed to enter the
"

page_text: balling cylinder, but are run off through a suitable tap-hole separately into ingot
moulds, either arranged radially on a turntable or disposed side by side on a
travelling platform where they can either he left to cool, or as soon as the metal is
set in the moulds, it may be taken therefrom whilst at a red heat and subjected to
the hammering process. Melted scrap may also in regulated quantities be added
to the charges respectively near the end of the process to improve the quality of
malleable iron.
We propose forming the hearths, divisional ridges, junction inclines, pools, etc,
by means of moulded blocks of the most refractory and highly indestructible
material that can be obtained, and such as will be capable of. bearing the intense
hent of the furnace without disintegration. Currents of water may be made to flow
through those parts exposed to the greatest heat, and we further protect the
moulded blocks by a coating or lining of a plastic mass composed of the brown iron
ore known as bauxite which contains from 50 to 60 per cent of alumina, from 30 to
40 per cent of peroxide of iron and 3 or 4 per cent of silica, rendered coherent by a
small addition of silicate of soda or clay and about 6 per cent of graphite which
makes it infusible, and it will become under the action of strong heat, intensely
hard, and we believe capable of resisting the continuous attrition of the flowing
metal.
Having now fully described the object, use and advantages of our invention and
exhibited on the drawings the several parts in combination, and having also
explained its construction, action and mode of operating, we wish it understood;
that we do not confine ourselves to any special form, material or dimensions, nor to
the precise disposition of the several parts so long as they are kept in combination
and within the scope and limits of our patent rights, and therefore what we claim
as new consists in as follows, that is to say.
First. We claim the construction and use of a long rocking refinery furnace
containing a multiplex arrangement or series of narrow hearths disposed crosswise
side by side, communicating by junction inclines and mounted on rockers that rest
on the transverse planes of expansion carriages or other equivalents, the furnace
being moved mechanically, and fed with separate charges of molten motal which is
operated and discharged in the manner and for such like purposes as we have
described.
Second. We claim the construction and use of a rotating balling cylinder having
an internal spiral projection that extends from the fore to the after end, and causing
such cylinder to rotate on rollers and work in concert of action and in combination
with a long rocking retinery furnace or with a combined series of short rocking
furnaces respectively operated after the manner and for suchlike purposes as we
have exhibited and described.
Third. We claim the construction and so arranging and actuating a series of
short rocking refinery furnaces severally containing a number of narrow hearths
placed side by side, that all such furnaces rock in mutual concert of action, the
metal in separate charges being received or fed in a molten state into the first
furnace of the series, and passing through it is delivered automatically into the
second furnace, which delivers it to the third, the third to the fourth and so on to
the last of the series, whence it is either transferred to a balling cylinder or into
ingot moulds, all after the manner and for suchlike purposes as we have exhibited
and described.
Fourth. We claim the mounting of a long multiplex hearth furnace on rockers
that rest on a series of separate expansion carriages after the manner and for the
purposes herein described.
Fifth. We claim the giving rocking motion to a long multiplex hearth furnace
by means of revolving cams and so regulating the motion of the furnace that
it works in concert of time and action with a rotating balling cylinder, all after
the manner described.
Sixth. We claim the heating of a long rocking multiplex hearth furnace in
the manner described.

page_text: Seventh. We claim the feeding of long rocking multiplex hearth furnaces, and
also a series of short furnaces with separate charges of molten metal, in the
manner and for the purposes described.
'
Eighth. We claim the injecting into a long rocking multiplex hearth furnace,
of suitable fluxes and also all approved kinds of oxidizing and refining agents by
means of jets of compressed air or other fluid under pressure, after the manner and
for the purposes described.
Ninth. We claim blowing through charges of molten metal by means of a series
of tuyeres, streams of compressed air or vapour whilst the several charges of metal
lie in the pools of multiplex hearth furnaces, after the manner and for the purposes
described.
Tenth. We claim the formation of a multiplex series of hearths in refinery
furnaces by means of moulded blocks of refractory material, and protecting
them by a coating of a plastic mass consisting as nearly as possible of the several
materials herein described, or of any other materials found to be indestructible
by heat.
"
In witness whereof we the said Joseph Burch and Russell Allen have
hereunto set our hands and seals this fourth day of January in the year
of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty three.
In presence of
I. H. BUXTON
Cashier
Guardian Office,
3, Cross St.
Manchester,
JOSE DURUN
(L.B.)
RUSSELL ALLEN (L.S.)