Improvements in the Manufacture of Phosphorus and in Apparatus therefor.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 22nd Mar., 1898
Complete Specification Left, 22nd Dec., 1898-Accepted, 25th Feb.,
1899
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Manufacture of Phosphorus and in Apparatus
therefor.
I, LOUIS LUCIEN BILLAUDOT, of La Compagnie Electrique du Phosphore
Billaudot & Cie., of 16, Avenue Victoria, Paris, Manufacturer, do hereby declare
the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to a method of condensing and collecting phosphorus,
produced in a vaporous state by any suitable method, and whether mixed with
gases or not. My invention also relates to plant and apparatus embodying the
invention and for carrying out the said method.
Most of the methods employed for the manufacture of phosphorus supply the
same in a vaporous state and more or less diluted with gases, chiefly oxide of
carbon.
Such are the methods, for instance, which consist in reducing phosphoric acid
by means of carbon, or in treating the tricalcic phosphate by means of carbon
and silica, or by treating tricalcic phosphate by means of carbon in electrio
crucibles, calcium carbide being thus formed.
Heretofore, the condensation of the phosphorus thus mixed with gases has
been effected by causing the mixture to impinge upon or to be agitated with
water. There are various objections to this method. The use of water causes
more or less loss of the condensed phosphorus; and in fact, in the presence of
water, the phosphorus, being in a state of very fine division, partially reacts, and
the reaction is increased to a very large extent when several other products,
carried along during the process, become added to the water, the quantity of free
phosphorus being diminished to a corresponding extent.
The use of water also renders inconvenient the collection of the condensed
phosphorus because the phosphorus, being contaminated or mixed with several
products or substances treated and carried along during the operation, and more
especially when the latter proceeds rapidly, cannot be obtained by filtering
without loss (the extraneous substances still retaining some of the phosphorus).
Nor can it be obtained by other methods, all of which are either difficult or also
cause more or less loss of phosphorus.
My invention has for its object the condensation and collection of phosphorus
by an improved method and also to provide apparatus for carrying out said
method, and which allows of collecting the greater part of the phosphorus pro-
duced by the apparatus, the objections above referred to being thereby avoided.
Contrary to the method now in use. my method, which may be termed the
"Dry method of condensation." is based on the complete absence of water in the
condensing apparatus.
It consists essentially in receiving the mixture of vaporous phosphorus and
gases in receptacles affording sufficient surface for the cooling process and large

page_text: According to one method of carrying my invention into effect the plant that
I prefer to employ comprises essentially:-
1. An electrical crucible;
2. A condensing apparatus;
3. A series of condensing towers;
4. A collecting apparatus.
-:
The Electrical Crucible.-This may be of the common type, but modified in
such a manner as to make it absolutely gas-tight to prevent any escape of the
mixture of phosphorus vapours and gases, and also to prevent the ingress of air,
means being provided for conducting the said mixture into the condensing
apparatus.
The Condensing Apparatus.-The condensing apparatus, is connected to the
electrical crucible by a vertical pipe provided at its upper part with a device
comprising a chain winding on a drum and moving vertically in the said pipe
and carrying wings or blades, the object of which is to prevent the obstruction
of the said pipe by the substances carried out of the crucible.
At the entry of the condenser is a suitable valve, for instance a fan or disc
valve, by means of which the condenser can be cut off from the crucible.
The condensing apparatus comprises two inclined tubes of the same area in
cross-section and connected together by a series of vertical tubes the cross-section
of which at their junction with the inclined tubes is so calculated as to give a
total area equal to that of one of the inclined tubes, in order that the gases may
move at the same velocity in each of the vertical tubes. Moreover, the upper
tube being exactly similar to the lower tube, but with the outlet of the former
opposite the inlet of the latter, the result is that the gases move a distance which
is constant and thus move regularly into a conduit, whence they pass through
a second fan or valve by which the part of the condenser already described can
be cut off from the succeeding devices.
A series of small pipes are connected to the inclined and vertical tubes com-
prising the condenser, the said small pipes having devices extending inwards to
the centre of the said main tubes. By means of these small pipes a jet of gas,
moving in the line of direction of the gases, can be sent through the lower
inclined tube and downwards through the vertical and upper tubes. Said small
pipes are connected at the outside to pipes which are divided into sections by
stop cocks. Each of the pipes of the lower tube is provided with a cock; each
series of pipes of each of the vertical tubes as well as each of the pipes placed
above each of said tubes in the upper tube are controlled by one and the same
cock.
Each of the said cocks is in communication with a main pipe connected to a
receptacle which is in communication, in its turn, with the compressing appar-
atus hereinafter described.
The Series of Condensing Towers.--The second mentioned valve affords com-
munication on the other side with a series of, say, three towers provided with
baffling plates, in the interior.
are then conducted either to a suction device, or a compressing device, or to an
The gases move through the said towers, and
escape chimney.
At the end of the lower tube of the condenser is another fan valve, similar to
those above referred to, so that by means of the three valves the group of con-
densing tubes can be cut off from the rest of the apparatus.
The Collecting Apparatus, -Beyond this last mentioned valve is a distributing

page_text: box in communication with two distilling receptacles. The said box is provided
at its upper part with two devices similar to the device herein before referred
to at the outlet of the electrical crucible, and also with two fan valves, by means
of which communication can be established with either of the distilling recep-
tacles through an upper pipe.
The disting receptacles are enclosed in masonry comprising a heating
apparatus designed to consume the gas coming from the suction device. The said
receptacles are provided with a man-hole at the top, and with a pipe by means
of which they are put in communication with a tank for collecting the distilled
phosphorus. The said tank is composed of a casing lined with lead, having an
inclined bottom, and provided at the lowermost part, with a delivery-cock. The
said tank contains a second tank or casing reversed and having interior baffles
which second tank rests in a water bath in the first casing. The second casing
at the part opposite to the pipe communicating with the distilling receptacles,
is provided with a gas discharge pipe, and also with a safety pipe, in an inter-
mediate compartment.
OPERATION.
1. The Crucible.-The materials to be treated are introduced into the electrical
crucible at the upper part of the same; the reaction is effected under the action
of the electric arc, and the phosphorus vapours are given off mixed with oxide
of carbon. T'he several solid materials carried off are partly deposited at the top
of the crucible, but those which are deposited in the vertical pipe and which
might, in the end, obstruct the same, are, at intervals, detached by the aforesaid
winged device, which is operated by means of a hand wheel, pulley or other
device placed at the outside on an extension of the shaft of the drum.
2. Condenser. The phosphorous vapours and the gases, moving on, pass through
the first valve which is open in the lower tube of the condensing apparatus and
then enter the vertical tubes coming together again in the upper tube whence
they pass on to the second valve, also open. During the above movements, the
vapour of phosphorus becomes condensed by cooling and the more or less small
drops, mixed with the solid materials carried along, are deposited on the inner
walls of the condenser and remain in the liquid state for the reason that the said
inner walls are maintained at a temperature of over 122° F. The said mixture,
more or less liquid, flows by gravity towards the third valve. As sometimes the
consistency of the said mixture of phosphorus and extraneous substances might
reach a point preventing its easy flow, this flow is assisted now and then by sending
rapid discharges of oxide of carbon under pressure through the smaller pipes
opening into the condensing tubes.
3. Condensing Towers.--The gases, from which the greater part of the phos-
phorus vapours have been separated, that is to say composed almost exclusively
of oxide of carbon holding in suspension infinitesimally small particles of phos-
phorus, pass through the second valve and into the towers where they come in
contact, on a very large surface, with a solution of a salt of copper which absorbs
almost completely the last traces of phosphorus by forming phosphide of copper
which is a product used in the arts."
On leaving the towers the gases consisting almost entirely of oxide of carbon
are sent, at will, either to the escape chimney, or, through the suction device under
the different devices for supplying heat by means of the combustion of monoxide
which devices are used in my improved plant; or the said gases are compressed
by means of the compressing apparatus, connected with the main pipe for sending
the rapid discharges referred to in connection with the condenser.
4. Collecting Devices.-As herein before described, the condensed phosphorus
mixed with the extraneous substances flows in the lower tube to the open valve
through which it passes to the distributing box whence the mixture is sent to
either of the distilling receptacles by opening the corresponding valve. In order
to facilitate the filling of the distilling receptacle a cylindrical weight having
a suitably shaped end is operated by means of a drum winding device placed in

page_text: the box and analogous to the device provided in the pipe at the outlet of the
electrical crucible herein before referred to. A hand wheel is used in the above
operation.
When the first receptacle is considered sufficiently full, the corresponding valve
is closed, and the condensed mixture is directed into the second receptacle opera-
ting in the same way. During the filling of the said second receptacle, distilla-
tion in the first receptacle is proceeded with.
For that purpose the burners of carbon mon-oxide are lighted, the said burners
being placed under the said receptacle. The gases of combustion circulate round
the receptacle and allow of raising the temperature to the required degree for
distilling the phosphorus. The said gases finally escape through suitable flues
and a chimney.
The issue of the phosphorus vapours is facilitated by means of a slight current
of oxide of carbon or, if necessary, of carbonic acid.
The distilled phosphorus is collected in the tank under water, the temperature
of which is maintained above the melting point of phosphorus.
The phosphorus extracted from the tank will if necessary, be passed through
a filter, to separate the small quantity of red phosphorus which may have been
formed. The phosphorus is then sent to the moulding and packing rooms.
As the mixture subjected to distillation is composed of phosphorus, which
alone is capable of distillation, and of solid matter which remains in the recep-
tacle after distillation, the said solid matter is withdrawn through the man hole
at the upper part of the distilling receptacle.
The operation is continued by distilling the product contained in the second
receptacle proceeding in the same way, and in directing the phosphorus coming
from the condenser again to the other receptacle.
.
Therefore, the operation is only interrupted during the time necessary to clear
the electrical crucible, the valves being at that time closed.
The above described plant, herein described as comprising an electrical cru-
cible as a generator of phosphorus vapor, is applicable to any other generator of
phosphorus whether electrical or not, or to crucibles producing phosphorus in
a vaporous state whether mixed or not with other gases and whatever may be
the reaction used for literating the phosphorus.
The condenser may be formed of any combination of pipes or receptacles what-
ever giving the same result in the matter of condensation and deposit. It may,
for example, be formed of several groups of receptacles or of only one receptacle,
either simple or compound, and tubular, for instance. The temperature of the
condenser is maintained above the melting point of phosphorus by using the heat
of the gases which pass into the condenser, and if that is not sufficient the loss
of heat by radiation may be prevented by surrounding the walls with non-
conducting material, or by using an external source of heat as for example hot
water or hot gases. The special devices for preventing obstruction and for facili-
tating the flow of the products in the interior of the condenser may be replaced
by any other devices giving the same result, such as scrapers, screws, chains or
the like.
The condensing towers will be so arranged as to establish the most perfect
contact possible, and on the largest surface possible, between the gases and the
absorbing liquid. The towers may be filled with materials, such as porous or
hollow bricks, coke, plates, perforated or not, or any other baffling device. The
towers may be replaced by casings having horizontal shelves or bafflings, or by
agitators. The absorbing substance may be a solution of a copper, tin, or iron
salt, or an alkaline solution such as soda or potash, or the same substances in a
solid state, or other substances, either solid or in solution, capable of answering
the same purpose, which is to attract or absorb the very last traces of phosphorus.
The collecting apparatus may be composed of one or several receptacles of
varying form. The collected product may be distilled directly from the said
receptacle, distillation being effected by isolating the condenser from the dis-

page_text: tilling receptacle, or without interrupting the communication with the condenser,
the phosphorus coming to the condenser continuing to flow into the receptacle
during distillation. The product may also be put into other receptacles to be
distilled or to be extracted by some other method, as for example by a solvent.
For distillation, the receptacles may be heated by means of the carbon mon-oxide
produced in the operation or by any other method of heating, such as by a coal-
furnace, by gas, by electricity or otherwise.
The distilled phosphorus may be received on issuing from the receptacle in a
series of casings or tanks placed in water, or in any other apparatus allowing
the condensation of the phosphorus out of contact with the air.
Dated this 22nd day of March 1898
HASELTINE, LAKE, & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.
Improvements in the Manufacture of Phosphorus and in Apparatus
therefor.
I, LOUIS LUCIEN BILLAUDOT, of La Compagnie Electrique du Phosphore
Billaudot & Cie., of 18, Avenue Victoria, Paris, Manufacturer, 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:-
My invention relates to a method for the condensation and collection of phos
phorus; the phosphorus being produced, by means of any suitable process, in
the state of vapour, either mixed with gases or not. The invention also relates
to the installation and apparatus of which it is composed for carrying out the
said method.
The greater part of the processes employed for the manufacture of phosphorus,
furnish the phosphorus in the state of vapour more or less diluted with gases,
principally oxide of carbon.
Such are, for example, the processes which consist in reducing phosphoric
acid by means of carbon, or in treating tricalcic phosphate by means of carbon
and silica, or again in treating tricalcic phosphate by means of electrical furnace
carbon with formation of carbide of calcium.
Hitherto, the condensation of the phosphorus thus mixed with the gases has
been effected by causing the mixture to pass over water or by washing it in this
liquid. This process presents various inconveniences; the use of water causes
more or less considerable losses of condensed phosphorus. In fact, in the presence
of water, the phosphorus in a very finely divided condition reacts partially, such
reaction being increased greatly when various products arising during the oper-
ation are added to the water; by this means the quantity of free phosphorus is
diminished by a similar amount.
Water is also an obstacle to the collection of condensed phosphorus, as the
phosphorus is contaminated by various products or substances treated introduced
during the operation, principally when it is conducted rapidly, and it can only
be obtained by means of filtration and this cannot be effected without loss (the
foreign substances invariably retaining some phosphorus) or by means of other
processes which are either difficult of execution or which likewise occasion a
more or less considerable loss of phosphorus.
The subject of my invention is a method of condensation and collection and

page_text: also the apparatus for effecting this, enabling the greater portion of the phos-
phorus liberated by the producing apparatus to be collected, whilst avoiding the
defects which have been referred to.
Contrary to what obtains in the process hitherto employed, my improved
method (which may be termed The dry condensation process") is based upon
the absolute absence of water in the condensing appliances.
The process consists essentially in receiving the mixture of phosphorus in a
state of vapour and gases in vessels presenting a sufficient surface for effecting
the necessary cooling, and a volume such that the particles of condensed phos-
phorus have sufficient time to become deposited upon the walls, this deposit
being assisted by the special form of vessels provided with baffles for imparting
varying directions to the gaseous current.
In order to collect the condensed phosphorus, the dry mixture of phosphorus
and of foreign substances is then distilled in these same vessels, or in other
special vessels provided for that purpose.
In the accompanying drawing, I have shown by way of example, a complete
installation of the appliances by means of which the process forming the subject
of this invention is carried into practice.
Figure 1 is a general view of the installation, partly in external elevation and
partly in section.
Figure 2 is a corresponding plan view.
Figure 3 is a plan of one of the baffle plates hereinafter referred to taken on
the line 3-3 of Figure 1 and
Figure 4 is a section on the line 4-4 of Figure 2 of the collecting trough here-
inafter referred to.
This installation comprises essentially: An electrical furnace; a condensation
apparatus; a series of condensation towers, and a collector. The electrical fur-
nace F comprised in the installation is given by way of example and is of a
known type. It, however, comprises the modifications necessary to impart to it
absolute tightness for dealing with the mixture of phosphorus vapours and gas
and avoiding, the admission of air whilst enabling this mixture to be finally con-
ducted into the condensing appliances.
The condensing apparatus is in communication with the furnace F by means
of a vertical pipe a provided at its upper portion with a device b consisting of a
chain which is wound upon a drum and enables the vertical displacement of a
mass b provided with wings or ribs within the pipe a the object being to prevent
the obstiuction of the pipe by the substances drawn out of the furnace.
At the entrance to the condenser is arranged an obturating door e enabling the
condenser to be isolated from the furnace.
The condensing apparatus consists of two inclined pipes D and E of the same
cross-section, connected one with the other by means of a series of vertical
pipes T, the cross section of which at their junction with the pipes D and E is
so determined as to give a total surface equal to that of the pipe 1 or E, in order
that the gases may have the same velocity in each of the vertical pipes; in addi-
tion to this, the upper device being the same as the lower one, but with the out-
let from the pipe E opposite to the entrance to the pipe 1), it follows that the
gases traverse a constant length and thus reach the pipe f uniformly. Thence the
gases pass through a second door g which is identical with the door c, and which
enables the portion of the condenser described to be isolated from the following
appliances.
A number of small pipes are distributed in the pipes DTE comprising the
condenser they terminate in nozzles which extend within the pipes as far as
the axis of the same. By means of these pipes ta jet of gas may be introduced
in the direction of travel of the gases for the pipe 1) and downwardly as regards
the other vertical pipes T and the pipe E. These pipes are connected externally
with a system of pipes which is provided with a stop cock upon each section.
Each pipe of the tube D is provided with a cock; each series of pipes of each of

page_text: the tubes T, and also the pipes which are situated above each tube T in the
tube E, are controlled by means of the same cock.
Each of these cocks is arranged upon a general conduit k which is connected
with the vessel R which in turn communicates with the compresser B herein-
after referred to.
After the door y is arranged a series of three towers G provided internally with
baffle plates. Figure 3 represents one of these in horizontal section taken upon
the line 3-3 of Figure 1; these towers are traversed by the gases, which upon
leaving them are either conducted into a suction device A or into a compressor B,
or finally into an exhaust pipe or chimney C.
At the extremity of the pipe I) is likewise provided a door similar to the
doors c and g, in such a manner that these doors c, and h enable the assemblage
of condensing tubes to be completely isolated from the other appliances.
Referring now to the collecting appliances--Beyond the door of the con-
denser above referred to is arranged a distributing box i which is in communi-
cation with two distillation vessels H H. This box is provided at its upper
portion with two appliances similar to the appliance at the outlet from the
furnace, and with two doors enabling communication to be established with one
or other of the distillation vessels H H by means of an
upper pipe v.
The vessels H H are enclosed in a mass of masonry comprising a gas-combus-
tion appliance utilising the gas provided by the forcing action of the suction
device A. These vessels H are each provided at their upper portion with a man-
hole and a pipe m placing the said vessels in communication with a trough L in
which the distilled phosphorus is collected. This trough L (which is shewn in
Figure 4 in a vertical section taken upon the line 44 of Figure 2)
consists of a casing lined with lead and having an inclined bottom, at
its lower portion it is provided with a drain cock. This trough contains a second
and inverted trough provided with internal baffles, and resting in the water
contained in the first named trough. This second trough is provided, at its por-
tion opposite to the pipe m, with a gas exhaust pipe; it also comprises, in an
intermediate compartment a safety tube.
OPERATION.
Furnace. The substances to be treated are introduced into the electric fur-
nace at its upper portion; under the influence of the electric arc the reaction
takes place and the phosphorus vapours are liberated mixed with oxide of car-
bon. The various solid substances which accompany this mixture are partially
deposited at the upper part of the furnace, but those which are deposited in the
exhaust tube a, and which might eventually obstruct it, are removed from time
to time by the displacement of the weight provided with wings which is
effected by means of a hand wheel arranged outside the apparatus upon a con-
tinuation of the axis of the drum b.
Condenser. The phosphorus vapours and the gases produced along their path
pass through the door c which is open, into the pipe D, and then become dis-
tributed in the vertical pipes T, again uniting in the pipe E and then proceeding
to the door g, which is likewise open. During this passage, the phosphorus
vapour condenses by cooling and the drops of greater or less fineness, mixed
with the solid matter present, are deposited upon the walls of the condenser,
remaining in a liquid state, as these walls are maintained at a temperature ex-
ceeding 50° C. This mixture, which is more or less liquid, flows under the
influence of gravity towards the door ; as the consistency attained by this mix-
ture of phosphorus and foreign matter is sometimes such as to cause it to flow
with difficulty, the flow may be assisted from time to time by means of rapid
blasts of oxide of carbon under pressure through the nozzles upon the pipes t.
Condensation Towers.-The gases which have been deprived to a great extent
of the phosphorus vapours and of the solid matter, that is to say which are com-
posed almost exclusively of oxide of carbon holding in suspension infinitely

page_text: alternated particles of phosphorus, pass through the open door g and into the
towers G, where they come in contact with a solution of copper salt spread
over a very large surface which retains almost completely the last traces of phos-
phorus forming a phosphuret of copper, which is an industrial product.
Upon leaving the towers G, the gases, which then consist almost entirely of
oxide of carbon, are either conducted towards the exhaust chimney Cor, by means
of the suction device A, beneath the various appliances for heating by combus-
tion of oxide of carbon which are employed in my installation, or compressed by
means of the compresser B in a vessel R in communication with the pipes k
enabling the blasts which are mentioned in connection with the condensation
apparatus to be given.
Collectors. As previously stated, the condensed phosphorus mixed with the
foreign substances flows along the pipe 1) and reaches the door h; this door
being open, the phosphorus passes through it and enters the distillation box i.
From there the mixture is directed into one or other of the distillation vessels H
by opening the corresponding door .. In order to facilitate the filling of the
vessel H, a pointed-cylindrical weight is displaced from time to time by means
of a device p arranged in the box and similar to the device 6 of the pipe a at
the outlet from the furnace F, above described. The displacement of the weight
is effected by operating the handle p
When the first vessel H is judged to be sufficiently filled, the corresponding
door is closed and the condensed mixture is directed into the second vessel H
in the manner already described. Whilst this second vessel is filling, the con-
tents of the first are distilled. In order to effect this the oxide of carbon burners
which are arranged 'beneath this vessel are ignited; the combustion gases circu-
late around the vessel and enable the temperature to be raised to a sufficient
extent to effect the distillation of the phosphorus. These gases finally escape
through the flues C2 of the chimney C¹.
The issue of the phosphorus vapours is facilitated by means of a slight current
of oxide of carbon, or if necessary by means of a current of carbonic acid.
The distilled phosphorus is collected in the trough L, beneath the water, the
temperature of which is maintained above the fusion point of phosphorus.
The phosphorus extracted from the trough is, if necessary, passed through a
filter for the purpose of separating the small quantity of red phosphorus which
may have been formed: it is then ready for the moulding and packing room.
The mixture submitted to distillation being composed of phosphorus (which
alone is distillable) and of solid matter which remains in the vessel after distil-
lation, this solid matter is withdrawn through the upper man-hole of the dis-
tillation vessel II.
The operation is continued by distilling the product contained in the second
vessel II, proceeding in the same manner, and the phosphorus which comes from
the condenser is again directed to the other vessel, which is now vacant.
The operation is only interrupted during the time necessary for clearing the
electric furnace, during which time the doors cgh should remain closed.
The installation which we have described, comprising an electric furnace as
generator of phosphorus vapour, is applicable to any other generator of phos-
phorus, whether having an electric furnace or not, or retorts giving off phos-
phorus in a state of vapour either mixed with gases or otherwise whatever the
reaction employed for liberating the phosphorus may be.
The condenser may be formed of any combinations of tubes or vessels giving
the same results as regards condensation and deposit. It may be formed, for
example, of various groups of vessels or of a single vessel either simple or com-
posite (tubular for example). The temperature of the condenser is maintained
above the fusion point of phosphorus, by utilising the heat of the gases, which
pass into the condenser themselves, and if this is not sufficient, loss of heat by
radiation may be prevented by surrounding the walls with insulating material.
or by employing an external source of heat, such as hot water or hot gases, for

page_text: example. The special arrangements for preventing obstructions and for facili-
tating the flow of the products within the condenser may be replaced by any
other suitable appliances giving the same result, such as scrapers, screws, chains
with scrapers, and so forth.
The condensation towers should be arranged in such a manner as to establish
the most perfect contact possible, and upon the greatest practicable extent of
surface, between the gases and the absorbent liquid. The towers may be filled
with substances, such as hollow bricks, coke, perforated or non-perforated plates
or any other stepped or baffle arrangement. The towers may be replaced by
boxes having horizontal stages or baffles or by scrubbers. The absorbent product
may be a solution of salt of copper, tin or iron, or an alkaline lye of soda or of
potash; or the same solid products, or other products either solid or in solution
capable of fulfilling the same purpose, which is to take up the last traces of
phosphorus.
The collecting apparatus may consist of one or more vessels of variable form.
The product collected may be distilled directly from these vessels, the distilla-
tion being effected either by isolating the condenser from the distilling vessel,
or without interrupting communication with the condenser, the phosphorus
coming from the condenser continuing to flow into the vessel during the distilla-
tion the product may also be transferred into other vessels with a view to
another method of distillation or extraction by means of a solvent for example.
For the distillation, the vessels may be heated by the oxide of carbon from the
operation or by any other means of heating, such as coal, gas or electrical furnace.
The phosphorus distilled may be received on issuing from the distillation
vessel, in an assemblage of boxes or troughs forming a water bath or in any other
apparatus permitting of the condensation of the phosphorus whilst protecting
it from the atmosphere.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is: -
1. A process for the condensation and collection of phosphorus, the phosphorus
being produced by any suitable process, in the state of vapour either mingled
with gases or not, this process consisting in receiving the phosphorus vapour
coming from the generator, of any kind, in an arrangement of condensing ap-
paratus and of condensing towers for the purpose of effecting its condensation
whilst protecting it from any contact with water, the condensed phosphorus being
collected in vessels from which it is withdrawn, the whole as above described.
2. An installation for the condensation and collection of phosphorus in accord-
ance with the process described in Claim 1, which comprises: a tight
electric furnace for dealing with the mixture of phosphorus vapours
and gas and avoiding the admission of air: a condensation apparatus
connected with the phosphorus vapour generator and formed by two
inclined pipes arranged one above the other and connected by meaus
of a series of vertical pipes, the sum of the surfaces of the sections of
which at their junction with the inclined pipes is equal to the surface of the
section of each of the said inclined pipes, in order that the vapours and gases
may be uniformly distributed and travel with a similar velocity throughout their
path; a series of condensation towers in which the gases composed almost exclu-
sively of oxide of carbon are freed from the attenuated particles of phosphorus
which they may still contain in suspension and which are retained by a solution
of salt of copper or other metal: a suction device at the outlet from the towers
which draws in the oxide of carbon for the purpose of forcing it beneath the
heating appliances of the installation, and a compressor which accumulates the
oxide of carbon in a vessel; distillation vessels brought into operation alternately
and which receive the condensed phosphorus from the condenser; filters for elim-
inating the small quantity of red phosphorus formed; the whole combined as

page_text: above described for the purpose of obtaining continuity in the operations of con-
densation and recuperation.
3. In the installation for the condensation and collection of phosphorus in
accordance with Claim 2, obstructing doors enabling the condenser to be com-
pletely isclated from the electric furnace, the condensation towers and the col-
lectors, substantially as above described.
4. In the installation for the condensation and collection of phosphorus in
accordance with Claim 2, a vessel for storing the oxide of carbon under pressure,
and in connection with the constructive portions of the condenser by means of a
system of pipes provided with nozzles entering the said constructive portions.
for the purpose of enabling intermittent injections, which prevent obstruction
and facilitate the flow of the products to the interior of the condenser, substan-
tially as above described.
5. In the installation for the condensation and collection of phosphorus in
accordance with Claims 2, 3 and 4 the use instead of an electric furnace of any
other suitable generator of phosphorus vapour, substantially as above described.
6. In the installation for the condensation and collection of phosphorus in
accordance with Claims and 2, the employment of the appliances indicated as
modifications in substitution for the appliances described and represented, sub-
stantially as above described.
Did thin oond day of Docomhov 1808
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.