Improvements in Refining Linseed Oil.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 25th Jan., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 25th Nov., 1890-Accepted. 24th Jan.. 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Refining Linseed Oil.
I, THOMAS HENRY GRAY, of 42, Fort Road, Bermondsey, Oil Refiner, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention is designed to effect the refining or clarification of linseed oil by
removing the grease and other undesirable constituents which are objectionable for
certain purposes. This is effected in the following manner.
In order to refine or clarify 8 lbs. of the oil, I take one-eighth of a gill of caustic
potash at 20 specific gravity to which I add five eighths of a gill of water which
when thoroughly mixed I throw into the vessel containing the oil. The vessel is
then agitated for about an hour. I then take half a pint of salt water containing
three-quarters of an ounce of rough salt such as is used for salting, which I throw
into the vessel containing the oil and potash which is again agitated for an hour or
more as required. The whole is then left to settle.
The potash eliminates all the grease known as oleine. The salt water cleanses
the oil, unites with the grease, and then falls to the bottom leaving the refined oil
at the top.
A larger quantity of oil can be similarly treated by increasing the respective
quantities in proportion.
Dated this 5th dat
1000
S. S. BROMHEAD,
97, Newgate Street, London, E.C., Agent for Applicants.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Refining Linseed Oil.
I, THOMAS HENRY GRAY, of 42, Fort Road, Bermondsey, in the County of
Surrey, Oil Refiner, 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 :-
The object of this invention is to remove the fatty matters contained in linseed
oil, whereby the oil is rendered quick-drying, and more suitable, than when treated
by the well known methods, for use in those manufactures for which linseed oil is
generally employed, such as varnish making, the manufacture of linoleum, and the
preparation of oxydised oil for vulcanising and other purposes, and the invention
consists in treating the oil, in a cold state, with cold solutions of caustic alkali and
common salt.
In describing the process I shall give certain proportions of the ingredients which
I have found to produce the required results, but I wish it to be understood that
these proportions are only relative to the quantity of oil treated, and also that I do
not wish to confine myself to the exact proportions given.
In carrying out my invention, say, for the treatment of 160 gallons of crude
linseed oil, I place the oil in a suitable vessel or tank supplied with convenient
means for agitating the contents of the tank.
In a separate vessel, a solution of caustic alkali is prepared. The solution is
formed of 23 lbs. of caustic potash or soda, and five pints of hot or cold water,
which are well stirred together for a sufficient period of time. The mixture is then
allowed to stand until it clears itself by precipitation from the impurities contained
in the caustic alkali.
This solution, which should not exceed sp. gr. 30 Twaddell, is poured into the

page_text: oil, and the whole is agitated for from 2 to 3 hours, the effect being to loosen or
separate the fatty matters contained in the oil, which precipitate partially, their
complete precipitation being effected by a subsequent operation.
In another vessel, a saline solution is produced, consisting of chloride of sodium
or common salt, 24 lbs., and water 12 gallons. This solution is added to the pre-
viously treated oil, and the mass is subjected to agitation for, say, two hours, after
which it is allowed to stand for about three days.
The action of the solution of salt is to cause the fatty matters separated by the
caustic solution to completely precipitate, an operation which in general will be
effected in the three days before mentioned.
After standing about 12 hours, the surface of the oil may be slightly agitated,
to break up any Hoating particles of fatty matter, which will then sink down through
the oil.
After three days, the clear supernatant liquid (oil) is drawn off into a suitable
vessel for use in manufactures. I prefer, however, to subject the oil to heat, to drive
off the moisture contained therein, the effect being the bleaching and brightening of
the oil. When the temperature has been raised to 600° Fahr., the oil will be found
to be bright, and what is termed water-white in color.
Oil refined in the above described manner will be found to be a quick-drying oil,
which is an important feature for many commercial purposes.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what 1
claim is :-
1. The process for refining linseed oil in a cold state, and consisting of loosening
or separating the fatty matters by means of a cold solution of caustic alkali, and
precipitating the loosened fatty matters by means of a cold solution of common
salt, in both cases with agitation; finally heating the oil to a high temperature to
remove moisture, and thereby bleach and brighten the oil, all as set forth.
2. The process of refining linseed oil in a cold state, consisting in separating the
fatty matters by means of a solution of caustic alkali, and precipitating the same
with a solution of common salt, both with agitation, as herein described.
Dated this 25th day of November 1890.
NEWTON & SON,
Agents for the Applicant.