IMPROVEMENTS IN METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING OIL FROM VEGETABLE AND OTHER MATTER, AND SEPARATING AND RECOVERING CHEMICALS EMPLOYED THEREFOR, AND IN THE MANUFActure of FLOUR, BEER, AND OTHER PRODUCTS OF THE MATERIAL TREATED
Year: 1871

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Benjamin Joseph Barnard Mills, of 35, South-
ampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, Patent Agent, for
the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR
REMOVING OIL FROM VEGETABLE AND OTHER MATTER, AND SEPARATING AND
RECOVERING CHEMICALS EMPLOYED THEREFOR, AND IN THE MANUFActure of
FLOUR, BEER, AND OTHER PRODUCTS OF THE MATERIAL TREATED."-A com-
munication from abroad by Elias Smith Hutchinson, of Baltimore,
in the State of Maryland, United States of America.
Sealed the 9th June 1871, and dated the 20th April 1871.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Benjamin Joseph Barnard
Mills at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his
Petition and Declaration, on the 20th April 1871, pursuant to the
9th Section of the Patent Law Amendment Act, 1852.

page_text: WHEREAS I am in possession of an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING OIL FROM VEGETABLE AND OTHER MATTER,
AND SEPARATING AND RECOVERING CHEMICALS EMPLOYED THEREFOR, AND IN THE
MANUFACTURE OF FLOUR, BEER, AND OTHER PRODUCTS OF THE MATERIAL TREATED,"
and have petitioned Her Majesty to grant unto me, my executors,
administrators, and assigns, Her Royal Letters Patent for the same, and
have made solemn Declaration that it is a communication to me from
abroad by Elias Smith Hutchinson, of Baltimore, in the State of Mary-
land, United States of America.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Benjamin Joseph Barnard Mills,
do hereby declare that the following Complete Specification under my
hand and seal fully describes and ascertains the nature of the said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, in and by
the following statement thereof, that is to say :-
This Invention relates primarily to the removal of oil from grain,
seeds, and other vegetable matter, as well as some minerals, by a
chemical agent, for which purpose the liquid bi-sulphide of carbon is
preferred, though the Invention is not restricted thereto.
The first part of the Invention consists in appliances for carrying on
the successive operations of removing the oil from the meal or other
material, separating the chemical from the oil and from the material
treated, and condensing the chemical within closed or connected
receptacles, without injury to the starch or other constituent of the
material, by the application of steam, or excessive heat, and without
exposure to the atmosphere until the work is completed.
The second part of the Invention consists in employing a plurality of
treating vats so connected with a still or separator that the contents
of said vats being discharged successively into the separator may keep
the latter in constant operation.
The third part of the Invention consists in connecting treating vats
together in pairs by means of suitable pipes, so that when the contents
of one vats are nearly divested of oil, the chemical employed to complete
the removal of oil therefrom may be passed through a fresh charge in
the other vat; and the first having been recharged may in like manner
receive the chemical from the second, as herein-after explained.
The fourth part of the Invention consists in combining with a number
of treating vats a screw or other mechanical conveyor to conduct the
material to the separator or to aid in the separation of the chemical.

page_text: The fifth part of the Invention consists in combining with screw or
other mechanical conveyor a strainer or a heating appliance, or both,
to aid in separating the chemical from the material treated.
The sixth part of the Invention consists in so constructing and
arranging the treating vats that a portion of the chemical can be dripped
or drained from the material treated, and the said material subsequently
dried in a separate vessel or chamber.
The seventh part of the Invention consists in separating the chemical
from the material treated or from the oil, or both, by the aid of a circulation
through the same of a forced current of air or other incondensible gas.
The eighth part of the Invention consists in circulating through the
materials as aforesaid gases which are heated before entering the
material, to aid in vaporizing the chemical, and cooled after their exit
for the purpose of condensing the chemical.
The ninth part of the Invention consists in combining with a vat or
chamber for containing the material to be treated, or the mingled oil
and chemical, a blower or pump of any form for forcing air or other
gas into the vat or chamber, and a condenser for recovering the
chemical which may be discharged therefrom.
The tenth part of the Invention consists in providing a vat, for
treating meal or other material to remove oil therefrom by a chemical
agent, with a perforated bottom, a drip pipe, and an arrangement for
discharging the contents without atmospheric exposure.
The eleventh part of the Invention consists in combining with such
discharge opening or openings a mechanical appliance for discharging
the treated material through the said opening or openings.
The twelfth part of the Invention consists in combining with the
treating vat a gate or valve for discharging therefrom the material
treated, and a hopper or conductor below, so constructed and applied as
to protect the said material from atmospheric exposure.
The thirteenth part of the Invention consists in providing such a gate
or sliding valve with springs which serve to prevent the entrance of the
meal or other material between the valve and its seat when the valve is
opened or closed.
The fourteenth part of the Invention consists in combining with the
aforesaid gate valve a cam or excentric arranged to hold it firmly against
its seat while it is to remain closed

page_text: The fifteenth part of the Invention consists in constructing and
arranging a treating vat or vats, as herein-after described, to adapt said
vat or vats to confine the meal or other material within a limited space
while the oil is removed, and afterward release and agitate it to remove
the chemical by evaporation.
The sixteenth part of the Invention consists in mounting such a
treating vat on two axes at right angles to each other for the purpose
of agitating or discharging the contents, as herein-after explained.
The seventeenth part of the Invention consists in providing a portable
vat with a cap or cover so constructed that it may confine the material
and the vapors of the chemical while the treatment is in progress, or
while the vat is conveyed from place to place; but may be readily
released or opened for the purpose of depositing or dumping the material
treated into a suitable hopper or receiver, and may then be withdrawn
with the vat from such hopper or receiver.
The eighteenth part of the Invention consists in adapting a vat or
vats employed for the treatment of meal or other material with a
chemical for removing oil in the manner herein-after described, to be
moved or manipulated by the aid of a derrick or windlass.
The nineteenth part of the Invention consists in constructing a hopper
to receive such a "dumping vat" and its contents in whole or in part,
and providing it with a screw or other mechanical conveyor to facilitate
the drying or removal of the material.
The twentieth part of the Invention consists in the combination with
one or more dumping vats, a hopper, and a conveyor arranged to operate
as aforesaid, of an evaporating and a condensing apparatus for separating
and recovering the chemical.
The twenty-first part of the Invention consists in combining with
an apparatus for the removal of oil from any oleaginous matter by a
chemical agent, an apparatus in which the materials so treated may be :
moved over heated surfaces to remove the chemical therefrom by
evaporation.
The twenty-second part of the Invention consists in constructing,
arranging, and adapting the aforesaid conveyor or conveyors to convey
the material along a fixed course and deliver it at the desired point
or points.

page_text: The twenty-third part of the Invention consists in arranging the
condensing apparatus by which the chemical is recovered chiefly or
wholly below the level of the separator or evaporator, so as to avoid any
pressure which might otherwise be caused within the said separator by
the density of the vapors.
The twenty-fourth part of the Invention consists in so constructing
and arranging a hopper or receiver into which the treated material is
discharged from the separator that air may be exhausted from said
hopper or receiver in order to prevent any ingress of air to the separator
when the material is discharged.
The twenty-fifth part of the Invention relates to an oil still or separator,
by which the chemical after mingling with the oil to remove it from the
meal or other material is discharged from the said oil and recovered for
future usc. The combined oil and chemical being introduced at top into
the separating chamber flow in succession over a number of shelves or
shallow pans arranged one below another, and in thus flowing are heated
to a moderate degree by hot water or steam pipes, which are coiled or
otherwise arranged upon or within the said shelves or pans. The
vaporized chemical passes off freely through the pipes at various heights,
which conduct it to a condenser, and the oil after flowing over the whole
series of pans or shelves is discharged at bottom through a suitable trap
which excludes air.
The twenty-sixth part of the Invention relates to the manufacture of
flour from wheat and other grains, and it consists in first grinding the
grain in any usual or suitable manner, then removing the oil from it by
a chemical agent, and. after it has been dried bolting it as usual or in
any proper way. The object in thus removing the oil after grinding and
previous to bolting is to liberate the starch and all the valuable parts of
the flour, so that they will be readily separated from the bran by the
bolting apparatus. This avoids the necessity of grinding the meal so
finely or with such severity as to pulverize the hull or injure the flour,
and also dispenses with the necessity of much of the rubbing action
which is otherwise requisite to remove the flour, and which under the
ordinary process still further pulverizes the bran and mixes the finer
particles thereof with the flour.
The twenty-seventh part of the Invention relates to the manufacture
of beer, ale, and other products, and is in part based on the discoveries
that in treating grain for the production of beer, the liberation of starch,

page_text: and the formation of sugar, are seriously retarded by the presence of oil
in the grain, and further, that certain grains are rendered unfit for the
manufacture of beer, and other grains are rendered less valuable than
they otherwise might be for this purpose by the presence of oils, which
in many instances would impart an undesirable flavor to the beer.
The improvement in the manufacture of beer, ale, and other products
consists in removing the oil from the grain or meal by a chemical agent
previous to mashing, in order to facilitate the liberation, saccharification,
and fermentation of the starch.
Figure 1 is a vertical section of an apparatus illustrating the inven-
tion, two only of the oil removing vats being shown; Figure 2 is a
horizontal section of one of the vats at a, x, Figure 1.
Figures 3 and 4 are vertical sections on a larger scale of the dis-
charging apparatus of one of the vats, the plane of section in Figure 3
being coincident with that in Figure 1, and the plane of section in
Figure 4 at right angles thereto.
Figure 5 is a horizontal section of the separating tank at y, y, Figure 1 ;
Figure 6 is a horizontal section of the same at =,=, Figure 1.
Figure 7 is a vertical section illustrating modifications in the con-
struction of the separating apparatus.
Figure is a vertical longitudinal section of the apparatus in a
modified form, showing a pair of vats, a receiving tank, an elevator and
screw conveyor, an' evaporator or still, and a discharging hopper. The
condenser is here omitted.
Figure 9 is a plan of the paired vats above referred to with their
covers removed.
axes,
Figure 10 is a vertical section at x, x, Figure 11, of another form of
the treating vat, showing it mounted on longitudinal and transverse
and provided with a moveable diaphragm to confine the meal or
other material within a smaller space for removing the oil, and after-
ward release it for agitation and drying without atmospheric exposure;
Figure 11 is a transverse section of the same at y, y, Figure 10; Figure 12

page_text: is a vertical longitudinal section of the same showing the moveable
diaphragm retracted and the vat turned into its horizontal position for
drying the meal or other matter.
Figure 13 is a vertical section of a portable treating vat and of the
upper part of a secondary or receiving vat illustrating a modification in
the manner of carrying out this part of the Invention.
Figure 14 is a vertical section of a portable and invertible vat as
arranged for "treating," and an oil still or separator, together with a
pipe employed to connect them.
Figure 15 is a vertical section of a similar vat inverted to discharge
into a hopper, which is shown connected with a common mash tub.
Figures 16 and 17 are axial sections representing modifications in the
apparatus herein-after described.
I will now proceed to give a general description of the apparatus
shown at Figures 1 to 7, inclusive, and the mode of operating therewith.
The lower
A, A', represent two oil-extracting vats, of which any desirable number
may be used in connection with one separating apparatus. The supply
pipe a for the chemical overflow pipe b for the mingled chemical and
oil, the upper perforated diaphragm e, and the charging tubes d, one or
more, with their inner perforated covers e¹ in the diaphragm, and outer
tight covers fin the vat top may be constructed and arranged as here
represented, or admit of various modifications. a¹ is a cock to permit
the influx of chemical to the vat from a reservoir, and a² a cock to open,
for the purpose of draining the chemical from the vat.
perforated diaphragm c is attached to a shaft B adapted to be rotated
when required by clutch gearing D, or other means, the said diaphragm
being made with radial slots c, as seen in Figure 2, or any openings
which will cause the rotation of the diaphragm to gradually discharge
the meal through it when the treatment of the meal in the vat is com-
pleted. Beneath the diaphragm C are a series of plows or oblique
wings C¹ to carry the meal to the central discharge orifice. The lower
end of the shaft B carries a screw E to forward the meal downward
through the discharge tube or hopper F. This discharge tube or hopper
is guarded by a sliding or gate valve G, the construction of which is
best shown in Figures 3 and 4. It is opened and closed by a screw H,
and is fitted to slide in guides I, I, which are supported by springs J, J,
to hold the gate in contact with its seat while it is being opened or

page_text: closed. While it remains shut and the meal is being treated the gate is
held rigidly up to its scat by an excentric K operated by a lever shaft L.
M represents a screw conveyor working in a tube N, both of which are
made of a length to accommodate any desired number of the vats A, A'.
Two are shown for the purpose of illustration, but a much larger number
will be used in practice.
The separator into which the meal is discharged from the vats consists
of a tight shell or casing O; which may be made of a number of
rings or sections bolted together through their flanges, and containing a
large number of heated shelves P, as shown in Figure 1, or it may be
constructed with but a single shelf or floor, as illustrated in Figure 7,
in which caso a sufficient number of oil-extracting vats A, A', may bo
placed directly on the separator without the interposition of a con-
veyor M, N. The shelf or shelves P are warmed by water contained in
the chambers p within them, and supplied by the condensation of steam
which is introduced through the branches q of the main steam pipe Q.
The requisite degree of heat is thus constantly maintained, and the
surplus water overflows through the branches 1 into the water discharge
pipe R.
11
In the illustrations given in Figures 1, 5, and 6, the shelves P are
provided with apertures p' and p*, alternately located at the centre and
circumference. S is an axial shaft to be driven continuously, carrying
at its lower end a discharging screw 8, and above each of the shelves P
onc, two, or more horizontal arms T, in which are mounted left and
right hand plows or oblique wings and, the plows being adapted
to move the material in a regular and gradual manner inwardly toward
the central openings p', and the plows to move it outwardly toward
the openings p at the circumference. The discharge spout U is guarded
by a sliding gate u or other suitable valve, and is surrounded with a
hot-water jacket supplied from the branch steam pipe q', and provided
with an overflow pipe ¹, through which surplus water is allowed to
escape. The chemical vapors evolved within the separator are carried
off through branch pipes 7, 7, at various heights connected with the
main vapor pipe V which leads to the condenser. The condenser may
be constructed with a worm W placed within a cold-water chamber 10,
or in any other efficient manner, and is located below the level of the
separator, so that the vapors, which are quite heavy, may flow freely to
the condenser, and not collect with any pressure within the separator.

page_text: In Figure 7 the conveying screw X working within a pipe Y, which
is surrounded with a hot-water jacket X', constitutes a separator which
may be used in connection with or instead of that shown in the upper
part of same Figure. The screw and the jacketed tube within which it
works may
be made of any required length, so that the meal entering
from the vat or vats at or near one end of the tube will pass gradually
along its whole length and be discharged in a perfectly dry state at the
other end, while the evolved vapor passes off in the other direction to
the condenser W.
The vats A, A¹, being filled with meal or other material to be treated,
bi-sulphide of carbon or other suitable chemical is introduced at a, and
rising through the perforated bottom C permeates the entire mass of
meal, completely removing therefrom its contained oil. The combined
chemical and oil rising through the diaphragm e overflow through the
pipe b to the oil separator, which may be constructed as represented in
Figure 1. As soon as the chemical comes over without oil, indicating
that the oil is all removed, the influx of chemical is stopped by closing
the cock a¹, and that remaining within the vat is drained off as com-
pletely as practicable by opening the cock a², or separate pipes may,
if preferred, be used for introducing the chemical and draining it off.
When the dripping of the chemical through the cock a² is done the
excentric K is retracted and the gate G opened. The shaft B is then
rotated to turn the perforated bottom C, causing the meal to descend
through the slots c to the action of the plows C¹ and screw E. The
entire contents of the vat are thus discharged into the conducting tube
or hopper F, and by this conveyed to the separator, through which they
are passed with a gradual movement over surfaces heated to a moderate
degree, and are discharged continuously in a perfectly dry state, ready
for any use for which they may be designed, either as food, or for
brewing, distillation, or any manufacturing purpose. The vat being
emptied the cap f, e¹, is removed and a new charge introduced, when
the work proceeds as before.
In Figure 1 the vat A is shown opened below as for the discharge of
meal which has been divested of its oil, and the vat A' closed as when
the work of removing the oil is in progress. It is the intention to
discharge the vats, successively employing a sufficient number of vats to
keep up a constant supply of meal to the separator, and thus make the
operation continuous, as before stated.

page_text: In the illustration given in Figures 8 and 9 the vats A, A', aro
connected two or more together through pipes b', b², so that when the
chemical is first introduced into the vat A and permeating the meal
therein carries off the bulk of the oil therefrom, the said oil and chemical
pass through a pipe b to the oil separator, but when the chemical flowing
from the vat ceases to be fully charged with oil the pipe b is closed and
the pipe b' opened, causing the chemical which completes the removal
of the oil from the meal in the first vat A to flow into the lower part of
the vat A', and begin the removal of oil from the contents thereof.
When the treating in the vat A is finished the connecting pipe b' is shut
and a direct supply of chemical is admitted to the vat A' through the
pipe a', while the contents of the first vat A are drained and then
discharged into the receiver below by opening the gate or valve G. The
vat A being then recharged the chemical flowing from the vat A' is
turned into the vat A through the pipe until the treating in the vat A'
is completed, when the matter contained in the latter is dripped and
discharged, the vat A meanwhile taking its supply of chemical directly
through the pipe a, as first described. The work may thus be carried on
continuously. The meal discharged from the vats is by means of a
bucket clevator E and screw conveyor M or other suitable appliances
conveyed without atmospheric exposure to the separator O, which may
be as shown in Figure 1, or may as in the present illustration have
simple horizontal arms or stirrers T to agitate the material on the heated
shelves P, and cause it to descend through openings or conductors p' to
the successive shelves below. On reaching the lowest shelf it may be
discharged at intervals by means of gates a' into an air-tight hopper or
reservoir U, which may before cach discharge be exhausted through a
pipe to prevent any influx of air to the separating chamber O. Under
the screw conveyor M is a strainer m permitting any drainings of liquid
to flow back into the receiver C³ without evaporation. c represents an
overflow pipe guarded by a strainer through which this chemical may be
conducted in liquid form to its reservoir for re-use.
In the illustration given in Figures 10, 11, & 12 the upper perforated
diaphragm e is made moveable, and is lowered and raised by means of a
screw stem e and nut (to which a hand wheel e³ may be attached) so as
to confine the material for treating and release it for drying within the
same chamber. This vat is provided at its ends with hollow journals
B', B, by which it is adapted to be rotated within a frame A³, and the

page_text: said frame is mounted by trunnions a³, a³, on suitable bearings A', A',
to adapt it to be turned on an axis at right angles to that of the rotation
first referred to. The vat being placed in the horizontal position shown
in Figure 12, and turned so as to bring the man-head or capf on the
upper side, the said man-head or cap is removed and meal or other
material to be treated is introduced through the opening thus formed
until the vat is about two-thirds full, when the man-head is replaced.
The vat is then turned into the vertical position shown in Figure 10, and
the perforated diaphragm e is screwed down until it reaches the surface
of the material. The chemical is then introduced through the pipe a
and permeating the mass of meal or other material carries the oil upward
through the diaphragm e, the mingled liquids overflowing through the
pipe b. When the oil is all removed the influx of chemical is stopped,
and that in the meal is allowed to drain out as completely as it will.
The diaphragm e is then elevated and the vat turned again into its
horizontal position, as shown in Figure 12, the clbow pipe V entering the
water seat V' closes tightly over the stationary pipe W. The axial
pipe q having then been coupled to the pipe Q the cocks q' and q² arc
opened to admit steam within the jacket a³, and the vat being at the
same time rotated on its axis the heat and agitation together quickly
vaporize all the remaining chemical, which is conducted through the
pipe V to the condenser. The cock q³ may then be opened and closed
instantaneously to admit a dash of steam within the vat, which will
remove all taint of the chemical without injuring the meal. The main
steam cock q' having been closed the water cock q* is opened, passing
a current of cold water through the jacket to cool the apparatus, the
water being allowed to overflow through the pipe ». The water cock q*
being then closed and the air cock q³ and connection cock q³ opened a
current of air is driven through the vat while the meal is still agitated,
so as to complete the drying and ventilation of the meal. The capƒ
being then taken off the meal is discharged and a new charge
introduced.
11
annamatus
illustrated in Figure 13 the sama

page_text: charged with mcal. The chemical is then passed through it until the
oil is removed from the contents thereof, after which the vat is carried to
the secondary vat A, and the cock a being opened the bulk of the
chemical will immediately flow out freely, earrying with it a portion of
the meal. The vat A' is then turned horizontally, and lifted in that
position to a water bath, in which it is immersed and supported by its
axial trunnions in suitable bearings. The rotation of the vat after its
partial depletion as before explained agitates the meal until it is dry,
when a dash of steam is introduced as before and the vat removed to a
cold bath where the cooling and ventilating operations are performed.
One of the secondary vats A' may serve for use with four or more of the
vats A', because the meal is not "treated" in the said secondary vnts,
and the quantity discharged into them from each of the vats A¹ is less
than what remains in the latter. After the meal has been left to drain
for a short time in the vat A* the drying, cooling, and ventilating :
operations are performed by the aid of the crane and the hot and cold
water baths in the same manner as with the vat A'. a' represent eyes
by means of which the vat is lifted by the crane when in a vertical
position, and a cyes for lifting it when in a horizontal position.
Portable vats made as illustrated in Figures 14 and 15 may be used
twenty or more in number to a single separating apparatus of any
suitable construction. The vats may be successively filled with meal or
other material to their proper capacity at the place where said material is
stored. The vat being covered tightly with the cap A³ and the upper
perforated diaphragm e, which may be permanently attached together as 2
illustrated in Figure 14, is then swung or carried by means of its
handle A to the place where the treating with chemical is to bo
performed. The chemical is admitted, as in the other illustrations,
through the pipe a bencath the lower perforated diaphragm C, and rising
through the meal and carrying the oil with it passes through the upper 3
perforated diaphragm e and overflows into the annular trough &³ which
surrounds the margin of the vat but is covered by the external cap A³.
From the trough the combined oil and chemical pass through a pipe &*
to the oil separator O, which is constructed with a number of shelves or
shallow pans P, having apertures alternately at the centre and the 3
circumference so that the liquids may overflow from one shelf or pan to
another, spreading over cach in succession until reaching the bottom of
the series. The marginal flanges of the shelves or pans are of sufficient

page_text: height to cause the oil to cover the heating coils q, which are supplied
with a current of steam or hot water through branches of the pipe Q,
and discharge through branches into the exit pipe R. The heating
effect of the coils q causes the chemical to be completely driven from
the oil before the latter reaches the bottom of the separator. The vapor
is carried off through a number of branch pipes vat different altitudes in
order to provide for a perfectly free exhaust, and is conducted through
the main discharge pipe V to the condenser. The body of the still or
separator and of the shelves or pans P may be constructed of wood lined
with lead, and the coils 9 are made of the same metal, because the said
metal is not liable to be acted on by the chemical employed and docs
not colour the oil. When the oil is all removed from the contents of one.
vat the said vat is removed to the place where the material is to bo
discharged and dried. The cap is made of a central part attached to the
vat and two flaps hinged to the said central part, and secured by spring
fastenings a (Figure. 15), or else a three part cap A' without the per-
forated diaphragm is quickly substituted for the cap A³ as soon as the oil
is removed. The vat being then carried to the place of discharge is
inverted, as shown in Figure 15, into a deep hopper U large enough to
contain an entire charge. The spring catches a' being then released by
means of a cord or other contrivance the contents of the vat will instantly
be discharged into the hopper, from which it may be conducted by a
screw or other mechanical appliance as before explained.
In the illustration given in Figure 15 the screw M is shown as arranged
to discharge into a brewers' mash tub O, tightly closed by a cap, and
having a discharge pipe v, through which the chemical which is evolved
in vapor form is conducted to the condenser, the meal being freed
from the chemical during the progress of the mashing. This screw may
discharge into any kind of a separator. O' shows the discharge opening
for the mash. The portable vats herein described may be conveniently
raised and lowered and moved from place to place by means of a crane
mounted on wheels or on a truck of any proper form.
Figures 16 and 17 represent modified forms of an apparatus by which
bisulphide of carbon or other chemical used for removing oil from any
material may be recovered from the said material or from the oil or both,
without exposing either the material treated or the oil to the atmosphere
until the chemical has been removed. The drying and ventilation of the:
material may by this process be performed within the vat A into which

page_text: •
it is first introduced for treatment, and the separation of the chemical
from the oil may be performed in a vat of similar construction connected
with the first. These vats A may be made of quite large size, capable of
holding five hundred or one thousand bushels of meal. They can be
constructed of either wood or iron and covered with a bell-shaped cap A³,
the lower edge of which enters an annular chamber a supplied with
water, oil, or other liquid to make an air-tight joint. The weight of
the cover A is sustained by a counterbalance a' through a cord a³, so
that the pressure within the vat A will not exceed that of the atmosphere.
The upper perforated diaphragm e is removable, has a central aperture
fitting over a central discharge pipe b, and rests on an open frame e, the
arms of which may be grooved on top, as indicated by dotted lines, to
conduct oil to the discharge pipe. The vat being supplied with meal or
other material and the upper diaphragm c and cover A³ replaced, chemical
is admitted through the pipe a, rising through the lower diaphragm C
and the contents of the vat and overflowing with the oil through the
central pipe and the pipes and b² to a receiver which may be con-
structed similarly to the vat A with the exception of the diaphragms,
these being dispensed with in the vat where the chemical is to be
separated from the oil, as hercin-after explained. During this treatment
of the meal the cocks 1 and 2 are open and the cocks 3, 4, and 5 closed.
As soon as the oil is removed from the meal the cocks 1 and 2 are closed
and the cock 3 opened, the effect of which is to drain the chemical from
the meal and allow it to flow through the pipe a into the reservoir for
the liquid chemical. The dripping being done the cock 3 is closed and
the cocks 4 and 5 opened. A blower X of any suitable construction is
then set in motion, causing a forced circulation of air through the con-
nected pipes V, W, Y, b, y¹. The chemical contained in the meal is thus
quickly vaporized, and passing into the condenser to is precipitated in
liquid form, flowing down the inclined pipe or worm W within the
condensing chamber into a pipe w' in Figure 17 or b' in Figure 16, by
which it is conducted to the chemical reservoir. Gases not easily con-
densible are carried through the blower X, and passing through the
heating jacket y are delivered in a hot state within the vat, again passing
through the material therein, and by their heat as well as by their
circulation aiding the vaporization of the chemical. As soon as the meal
is thus dried the cocks 4 and 6 may be closed and the cock 7 opened to
admit air from without to the blower, which air being blown through the
mcal completely ventilates it and removes all elluvia therefrom, the

page_text: tainted air being discharged through a pipe 8 in the illustration shown in
Figure 17, and through the top of the vat cover in the illustration given
in Figure 16. In the latter example it will be understood that the air
forced in by the blower when there is no outlet through the condenser
immediately causes an increase of pressure within the vat. This raises
the cover until the projecting end of a tubular valve 9 is brought
in contact with an adjustable nozzle 10. This opens the tubular valve
and conducts the gases discharged through it to a pipe 11, by which they
are conducted through the roof of the apartment. The parts are so pro-
portioned and adjusted that when the adjustable nozzle 10 is swung
around on its pivotted arm 12 so as to avoid the valve 9 the cover will be
allowed to rise sufficiently to expose the top of the vat and permit the
removal of the diaphragm for emptying and recharging the vat. For
the purpose of separating the chemical from the meal it is preferred to
circulate the gases in the direction shown by the arrows in Figure 17,
causing the gas to pass downward through the meal. The clevated
position of the condenser w here shown for illustration is not essential
to the Invention.
For separating chemical from oil the gas should be passed in at
bottom, as illustrated in Figure 16. The modifications of various parts
here represented will readily suggest others, and will indicate that the
Invention is not limited to any specific form of apparatus. For large
operations bucket, screw, or other suitable forms of mechanical elevators
can be used with good effect for emptying these stationary vats. Vats
for separating chemical from oil may be made to operate on the same
principle, but the diaphragms may be dispensed with; and to insure a
uniform distribution of the heated gases throughout the oil in order to
vaporize and carry off the bisulphide the air induction pipe y¹ will be
passed within the lower part of the vat, and there perforated and coiled
to any necessary extent.
In manufacturing flour it is a common practice to grind and bolt
repeatedly in order that the smallest possible part of the flour may be
lost by adhering to the bran. The flour which passes the first bolting
is the highest grade, because the bran is not so pulverized by the first
grinding as to pass through the bolt. Subsequent grindings pulverize
the bran, so that it will pass the bolt and impart a dark colour to the
flour. Furthermore, the starch adheres so tenaciously to the bran that
it is only released by the finest grinding, and this causes a proportionate

page_text: mixing of the pulverized bran with the flour. The great difficulty in
removing the starch and other parts of the flour from the bran is owing
to the presence of oil in the grain.
In carrying out this Invention as applied to the manufacture of flour
the grain is first ground to a sufficient extent to enable the chemical
subsequently applied to permeate all parts of the meal, but not so finely
as is necessary with the customary process. The meal is then placed in
a suitable vat, and the liquid bisulphide of carbon or other suitable
chemical is applied until all the oil is removed, after which the meal is
dried preparatory to bolting, and the chemical is evaporated from the
oil, and together with that evaporated from the meal is recondensed for
future use. By thoroughly removing the oil by means of the bisulphido
of carbon or other suitable chemical agent from meal which has been
ground not so as to pulverize the hull, but sufficiently to expose the
starch globules to the action of the chemical, and subsequently drying
the meal as above described, the particles of flour are liberated from each
other, the bond of union between them being entirely removed. A
simple bolting of the meal will then effect a perfect separation of the
flour, so that it is almost all saved as first grade.
The general mode of carrying out the Invention as applied to the
manufacture of beer will be understood from the foregoing description.
The grain is ground or crushed sufficiently to enable the chemical which
is to be subsequently applied to reach and remove all the oil therefrom.
By thus removing the oil all the starch is exposed, so that the sacchari-
fication and the subsequent vinous fermentation are accomplished with
much greater rapidity, uniformity, and thoroughness than under the
ordinary mode of operation.
The application of the Invention to the manufacture of beer effects
several important results. It utilizes for brewing some descriptions of
grain which though well adapted therefor in, other respects have here-
tofore been valueless for this use by reason of the flavor imparted to
the beer by oil contained in such grain. It enables the brewer to obtain
the full strength of the material, whereas under the ordinary process
much is lost by imperfect saccharification. Better results are obtained
by reason also of the uniformity of the process enabling the operator to
regulate it with precision. The process also effects great economy in
time, and thus increases the capacity of a given apparatus within a
certain period.

page_text: Having thus described the nature of the said Invention, and the modo
in which the same is carried into effect, I would have it understood that
what I claim is,―
First. A combined apparatus for removing oil from any oleaginous
material by a chemical agent separating the chemical from the oil and
from the material treated, and recovering the chemical without such
application of steam or heat as to injure the starch or other constituent
of the material, and without exposing the chemical to the open air
during the progress of the operation.
Second. A plurality of treating vats arranged above or in connection
with a receiving tank or separator, so that the contents of the respective
vats may be discharged successively into the said separator, and may
keep the latter in constant operation.
Third.. The treating vats connected in pairs by pipes, substantially as
represented in Figure 8, to conduct the chemical from one to another
alternately for the purpose set forth.
Fourth. A screw or other mechanical conveyor employed to aid in
transferring thic meal or other material from the treating vat or vats to a
separator..
Fifth. A strainer or heating appliance, or both, employed in com-
bination with a screw or other mechanical conveyor to aid in separating
the chemical from the material treated.
Sixth. In combination with a separator for evaporating the chemical
from the material treated and a condenser for receiving the chemical a
treating vat arranged to allow a portion of the chemical to be drained
or dripped before the contents are discharged or dried.
Seventh. An apparatus for recovering chemical used for removing oil
from vegetable and other matter constructed to allow the circulation of
air and other gases not casily condensible through the material treated
after the oil has been removed, or through mixed oil and chemical, for
the purpose of heating and evaporating the chemical.
Eighth. In connection with a vat for separating oil from any matter
by the use of a chemical agent an inlet pipe having arrangements for

page_text: heating the gases passing in and an outlet pipe having arrangements
for cooling the gases and condensing the chemical.
Ninth. A treating vat having a blower or pump of any description to
cause a circulation of air or other gases for the purpose of vaporizing
tho chemical cither by heat or by the mingling of the gases in com- 5
bination with a condenser to receive the chemical.
Tenth. A treating vat for the purpose stated having a perforated
false bottom, a drip pipe for the chemical, and any arrangement for
discharging the material treated without exposure to the air.
Eleventh. A treating vat having in connection with a discharge 1
opening or openings at or near the bottom a rake, screw, or other
mechanical appliance for discharging the treated material through the
said opening or openings.
Twelfth. A gate or valve for discharging the treated material from
the vat in combination with a hopper or conductor constructed, con- 1
nected, and arranged to protect the said material from atmospheric
exposure.
Thirteenth. The gate valve or any substantially equivalent valve kept
to its seat by springs to prevent the entrance of meal or other material
between the valve and its scat.
Fourteenth. The cam or eccentric employed in combination with the
aforesaid valve to hold it rigidly to its seat when required.
Fifteenth. An apparatus for separating oil from vegetable and other
matters adapted to confine the material while the oil is removed, and
afterward release and agitate it for drying either wholly within the same
chamber or by discharging a portion into another chamber or chambers.
Sixteenth. A vat for removing oil from vegetable and other matters
adapted to be turned or tipped on two axes, substantially as and for the
purposes set forth.
Seventeenth. A portable "dumping vat" provided with a cap or cover
adapted to be opened sufficiently to permit a free discharge of the
meal or other material into a hopper or receiver, and to be withdrawu
therefrom with the vat.

page_text: Eighteenth. The vat having perforated diaphragms at bottom and top
and inlet and outlet pipes constructed to be moved with a derrick or
windlass, substantially as shown.
Nineteenth. The hopper constructed to receive the contents of the
vat, or a greater or less portion thereof, and having a screw conveyor,
substantially as set forth.
Twentieth. In combination with the apparatus herein described, or
with other apparatus for separating chemical from vegetable or other
matter by evaporation, and afterward recovering it by condensation, onc
or more vats arranged to be upset into a receptacle provided with a scrow
conveyor or its equivalent to feed it into a separator.
Twenty-first. In combination with the vats herein described, or with
other arrangement of vats or receptacles for treating vegetable or other
matter with a chemical for removing oil, an apparatus for separating the
chemical by evaporation, having stirrers for moving the meal over heated
surfaces without atmospheric exposure.
Twenty-second. An apparatus by which the meal is conveyed over a
heated surface by a mechanical contrivance such as will move the meal
along a fixed course and discharge it at a desired point or points in
combination with oil extracting vats and vapor condenser of any
suitable form.
Twenty-third. The relative arrangement of the separator and condenser
substantially as described, with the latter chiefly or wholly below the
level of the former for the purposes explained.
Twenty-fourth. The receiving chamber or hopper constructed and
arranged to permit the exhaustion of air, so as to prevent the ingress of
air to the vat at the time when the latter is discharged.
Twenty-fifth. The oil still or separator constructed and arranged to
operate substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
Twenty-sixth. As an improvement in the manufacture of flour from
wheat or any grain removing the oil from the meal by a chemical agent
after grinding and prior to bolting, substantially as explained.
Twenty-seventh. As an improvement in the manufacture of beer
treating ground or crushed grain with a chemical agent for the pur-

page_text: pose of removing the oil prior to saccharification and fermentation,
substantially as explained.
In witness whereof, I, the said Benjamin Joseph Barnard Mills,
have hereunto set my hand and seal, this Twentieth day of
April, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and.
seventy-one.
Witness,
FRED
HARRIS,
Patent Agent,
35, Southampton Buildings,
London.
B. J. B. MILLS. (L.S.)