IM- PROVEMENTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF COMBUSTIBLE GAS, AND IN THE ENRICHMENT THEREOF, FOR ILLUMINATING PURPOSES, AND APPARATUS THEREFOR
Year: 1878

page_text: Filed 1st November 1878.
In the Matter of Letters Patent granted to JAMES LIVESEY, of No. 9, Victoria
Chambers, in the City of Westminster, and JAMES KIDD, of Eglantine
Road, Wandsworth, in the County of Surrey, for the Invention of "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF COMBUSTIBLE GAS, AND IN THE
ENRICHMENT THEREOF, FOR ILLUMINATING PURPOSES, AND APPARATUS
THEREFOR," bearing date the 18th day of January, 1878, No. 244.
DISCLAIMER AND MEMORANDUM OF ALTERATION as proposed to be
entered by James Livesey, of No. 9, Victoria Chambers, in the City of West-
minster, and James Kidd, of Eglantine Road, Wandsworth, in the County of
Surrey, pursuant to the Statutes in that case made and provided.
WHEREAS Her Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters Patent under the
Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, bearing date the
18th day of January, 1878, did grant unto us, the said James Livesey and James
Kidd, our executors, administrators, and assigns, the sole privilege of making, using,
exercising and vending our Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF
COMBUSTIBLE GAS, AND IN THE ENRICHMENT THEREOF, FOR ILLUMINATING PURPOSES,
AND APPARATUS THEREFOR," within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man, during the term of fourteen
years thence next ensuing.
And whereas, in pursuance of a proviso in the said Letters Patent contained, the
said James Livesey, on behalf of himself and the said James Kidd, did within six
calendar months next after the date of the said Letters Patent, cause a Specification
or instrument in writing under his band and seal, purporting to describe and ascer-
tain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be per-
formed, to be duly filed in the Great Seal Patent Office.
And whereas since the filing of the said Specification we, the said James Livesey
and James Kidd, have ascertained that the second claim when read with certain
passages of the Specification might be understood to include matter that was not
new at the date of the said Letters Patent, and more than we desire or intend to
claim as our Invention:
of

page_text: And whereas we are desirous of defining the Invention intended to be claimed
under the said Letters Patent with greater precision :
We hereby disclaim and alter the said Specification in manner following, that is
to say, referring to the Queen's Printers' copy of the said Specification:-
In page 3, lines 17 and 18, we omit the words "it may however be used in its
ordinary granular form, but not so conveniently;" in page 4 we omit lines 22 to 30
inclusive; in page 4, line 32, after the word "performed" we insert the following
words" We would have it understood that we make no general claim to the use
"of naphthaline in its crude state or in solution for the purpose of enriching gas, but;"
in page 4, line 38, after " napthaline," we insert " prepared," and for "herein-
"
mentioned we substitute " of sticks, rods, or pellets."
And the said Specification, when so disclaimed, altered, and amended, will read as
follows:--
(Here follows the usual preamble to a final Specification.)
Our Invention relates to the production of combustible gas applicable for heating
or illuminating purposes, and to the enrichment, by means of solid naphthaline, of
the said gas or of such gases as are imperfectly luminous, and to apparatus employed
for these purposes.
the
A
For the production of combustible gas we employ apparatus of the following
description:A furnace or stove, preferably of cylindrical form, is surrounded or
partly surrounded by a water casing, forming a boiler, in which steam is generated.
Within the stove is a coiled pipe, through which steam passes, becoming super-
heated; there is also in the stove, and exposed to the direct action of the fire, a
retort or metallic vessel charged with coke, anthracite, or similar carbonaceous
matter. The superheated steam from the coil is caused to pass through the heated
material in this retort, and combustible gas, or a mixture of combustible gases, is
thereby produced, which is conducted by a pipe from the retort to be used for any
required heating or illuminating purpose.
ever,
The stove or furnace instead of being open may be constructed and worked as a
gas producer in any known manner, and the gas produced from it may if desired be
mixed with that generated in the retort. As the gas thus produced is deficient in
illuminating power we enrich it when it is to be so used for illumination by admixture
of the vapours of light hydrocarbon oils in any known manner. We prefer, how-
to use for the purpose of enrichment the solid hydrocarbon naphthaline, which
is generally treated as a waste product, and we apply it in the following manner :-
We heat or sublime the naphthaline so as to clear it of water and other impurities;
we then place the purified naphthaline in a vessel, through which we pass the com-
bustible gas on its way to the burner. Heat is employed in order to vaporize the
naphthaline. This we effect in a convenient manner by employing the flame of the
burner; or we obtain the required heat from an independent source in such a
manner as to fuze and vaporize the naphthaline. The vapour of the naphthaline
mingling with the gas gives it great illuminating power.
For convenience of applying naphthaline in this manner, we prepare it in the first
place by fusion, in the form of sticks, rods, or pellets, which can be readily intro-
duced into the vessel, which we term the carburetting vessel, through a hole pro-
vided with a cap or plug.
Naphthaline may be applied, as described above, for the purpose of enriching
ordinary coal gas or other combustible gases.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Fig. 1 represents a vertical section of apparatus according to this Invention for
prodncing combustiblegas.
A is a furnace or stove, having round it or partly round it a water casing C, con-
stituting a boiler for generating steam, which is conducted by a pipe F into the
lower part of a coiled pipe B surrounding the fire. The upper part of the coil B is
connected by a pipe f with a passage leading to the lower part of an iron vessel or

page_text: retort D which is covered by a removeable lid E that can be tightly secured by a
screw e. The retort D being charged with coke, anthracite, or similar carbonaceous
material, and the fire in A being kindled, steam generated in the boiler C flows
through the coil B, becoming superheated and entering the retort D through
numerous holes & at its bottom, passes through the heated carbonaceous matter in
the retort. Combustible gas is thus generated, and is led by the pipe H to
a gasometer, in which it can be stored for use, or it may be led directly to
a burner or other apparatus where it is burned for purposes of heating or illumi-
nation.
The stove A instead of being open, as shewn in the Drawing, may be made a
closed furnace supplied with a limited quantity of air so as to act as a gas producer,
and the gas produced from it may be mixed with that generated in the retort D,
and stored or used along with it.
The gas or mixture of gases produced by the apparatus described, though com-
bustible, is of a low illuminating power; it may be enriched by passing it over or
through volatile hydrocarbons, or mingling with it the vapour of hydrocarbons in
any known manner.
According to our Invention we employ the solid hydrocarbon naphthaline for
enriching the combustible gas produced as we have described, and our method of
employing this substance is applicable to the enrichment of combustible gases
otherwise produced, or of illuminating gases of low illuminating power. In pre-
paring naphthaline for this purpose we purify the crude naphthaline by heating or
sublimation in the usual way. We then fuse the purified naphthaline and cast it in
moulds in the form of sticks, rods, or pellets, in which form it is conveniently
portable and can be readily supplied to the enriching apparatus.
Fig. 2 represents a form of enriching apparatus suitable for a number of burners
grouped as in a sun burner, or extended in a row.
or gas
Combustible gas of low illuminating power supplied by the pipe H passes
through a vessel I, of which Fig. 3 represents a longitudinal section. This vessel,
conveniently made of cylindrical form, is charged with sticks or rods of naphthaline
N introduced through a hole in the end of the vessel, which after being charged is
closed by a screw plug n. The naphthaline in the vessel I is fused and slowly
vaporized, as we will presently describe, and the vapour mixes with the gas, and
passes with it by the pipe J or J to the burners ; or j', where the gaseous mixture
is consumed.
According to the arrangement shewn in Fig. 2 is conveyed to the naphthaline I
by a closed pipe K containing a little water, or it may be simply a conducting
metal bar subjected to the heat of a portion of the products of combustion at jas
regulated by a throttle valve or damper in the chimney pipe L.
To prevent condensation of naphthaline vapour on its way to the burners, the
pipe J conveying it mixed with the gas is kept hot by its passage through the
chimney, or when the burners are arranged in a row the pipe J' is kept hot by its
juxtaposition to their flames.
For enriching the gas supplied to a single burner, we employ the form of appa-
ratus shewn in transverse section at Fig. 4, in front view at Fig. 5, and in plan at
Fig. 6. In this case, heat is conducted to the naphthaline N in the vessel I by a
plate K extending over the flame. In order to regulate the amount of heat so
conducted, the plate K is made with another plate k pivotted on it, so that it can
be turned more or less round to catch more or less of the products of combustion as
they ascend from the flame.
Having thus described the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the
same is to be performed, we would have it understood that we make no general
claim to the use of of naphthaline in its crude state or in solution for the purpose of
enriching gas, but we claim,--
First. The use for producing combustible gas by the action of superheated steam
on heated carbonaceous matter of apparatus, consisting of a stove containing a
retort, and surrounded by a superheating coil, and a water casing serving as a

page_text: steam boiler, substantially as herein described with reference to Fig. 1 of the
accompanying Drawings.
Second. The use of solid naphthaline prepared in the forms of sticks, rods, or
pellets, for the enrichment of combustible gas, substantially as herein described.
In witness whereof, I, the said James Livesey, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Thirteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy-eight
i
JAMES LIVESEY. (L.S.)
In witness whereof, we, the said James Livesey and James Kidd, have here-
unto set our hands and seals, this Fourteenth day of September, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.
Witness,
CHAS. D. ABEL,
20, Southampton Buildings.
M
JAMES LIVESEY. (L.S.)
JAMES KIDD. (L.S.)
I hereby grant my fiat, giving leave to the above-named James Livesey and
James Kidd to file in the Great Seal Patent Office, with the Specification to which
the same relates, the above-written Disclaimer and Memorandum of Alteration.
HARDINGE GIFFARD,
Solicitor-General.

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James Livesey of N° 9 Victoria Chainbers in the
City of Westminster and James Kidd of Eglantine Road Wandsworth in the
County of Surrey, for an Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRODUCTION
OF COMBUSTIBLE GAS AND IN THE ENRICHMENT THEREOF FOR ILLUMINATING
PURPOSES, AND APPARATUS THEREFOR
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James Livesey and James
Kidd at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 18th January
1878.
JAMES LIVESEY of N° 9 Victoria Chambers in the City of Westminster and
JAMES KIDD of Eglantine Road Wandsworth in the County of Surrey " IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF COMBUSTIBLE GAS AND IN THE ENRICHMENT
THEREOF FOR ILLUMINATING PURPOSES, AND APPARATUS THEREFOR"
Our invention relates to the production of combustible gas applicable for heating
or illumination and to the enrichment by means of solid Napthaline of the said
gas or of such gases as are imperfectly luminous, and to apparatus for these
purposes.
For the production of combustible gas we employ apparatus of the following
description. A furnace or stove, preferably of cylindrical form is surrounded or
partly surrounded by a water casing forming a boiler in which steam is generated.
Within the stove is a coiled pipe through which the steam passes becoming
superheated. There is also in the stove and exposed to the direct action of the fire
a retort or metallic vessel charged with coke, anthracite or similar carbonaceous
matter. The superheated steam from the coil is caused to pass through the heated
material in this retort, and combustible gas or a mixture of combustible gases is
thereby produced, which is conducted by a pipe from the retort to be used for any
required heating or illuminating purpose.
The stove or furnace instead of being open, may be constructed and worked as a.
gas producer in any known manner, and the gas produced from it may if desired

page_text: be mixed with that generated in the retort.
As the gas thus produced is different
in illuminating power we enrich it when it is to be used for illumination by
admixture of the vapours of light hydrocarbon oils in any known manner. We
prefer however to use for the purpose of enrichment the solid hydrocarbon Nap-
thaline, which is generally treated as a waste product, applying it in the following
manner. We beat or sublime the Napthaline so as to clear it of water and other
impurities and charge with it a vessel through which we pass the combustible gas
on its way to the burner. We heat this vessel by the flame of the burner
where convenient, or from an independent source of heat, so as to fuse and vaporise
therein the Napthaline, the vapour of which mingling with the gas gives it great
illuminating power.
For convenience of applying Napthaline in this manner we prepare it in the first
place by fusion in the form of sticks, rods or pellets which can be readily intro-
duced in the carburetting vessel through a hole provided with a cap or plug. It
may however be used in its ordinary granular form, but not so conveniently.
Napthaline may be applied as described above to the enrichment of ordinary coal
gas or other combustible gases.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed,
by the said James Livesey and James Kidd in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 16th July 1878.
JAMES LIVESEY of N° 9 Victoria Chambers in the City of Westminster and
JAMES KIDD of Eglantine Road Wandsworth in the County of Surrey IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF COMBUSTIBLE GAS AND IN THE ENRICHMENT
THEREOF FOR ILLUMINATING PURPOSES AND APPARATUS THEREFOR
Our invention relates to the production of combustible gas applicable for heating
or illuminating purposes and to the enrichment by means of solid Naphthaline of
the said gas or of such gases as are imperfectly luminous, and to apparatus employed
for these purposes.
For the production of combustible gas we employ apparatus of the following
description. A furnace or stove, preferably of cylindrical form is surrounded or
partly surrounded by a water casing forming a boiler in which steam is generated.
Within the stove is a coiled pipe through which the steam passes becoming.
superheated. There is also in the stove and exposed to the direct action of the fire
a retort or metallic vessel charged with coke, anthracite or similar carbonaceous
matter. The superheated steam from the coil is caused to pass through the heated
material in this retort, and combustible gas or a mixture of combustible gases is
thereby produced, which is conducted by a pipe from the retort, to be used for any
required heating or illuminating purpose.
"
The stove or furnace instead of being open, may be constructed and worked as a
gas producer in any known manner, and the gas produced from it may if desired

page_text: producing combustible gas.
A is a furnace or stove having round it or partly round it a water casing C,
constituting a boiler for generating steam which is conducted by a pipe F into the
lower part of a coiled pipe B surrounding the fire. The upper part of the coil B is.
connected by a pipe f with a passage leading to the lower part of an iron vessel or
retort D which is covered by a removeable lid E that can be tightly secured by a
screw c. The retort D being charged with coke, anthracite or similar carbonaceous
material, and the fire in A being kindled, steam generated in the boiler C flows.
through the coil B becoming superheated, and entering the retort D through
numerous holes dat its bottom passes through the heated carbonaceous matter in
the retort. Combustible gas is thus generated and is led by the pipe H to a
gasometer in which it can be stored for use, or it may be led directly to a burner
or other apparatus where it is burned for purposes of heating or illumination.
The stove A instead of being open as shewn in the drawing may be made a
closed furnace supplied with a limited quantity of air so as to act as a gas producer,
and the gas produced from it may be mixed with that generated in the retort D
and stored or used along with it.
The gas or mixture of gases produced by the apparatus above described, though
combustible, is of a low illuminating power. It may be enriched by passing it over
or through volatile hydrocarbons or mingling with it the vapour of hydrocarbons in
any known manner.
According to our invention, we employ the solid hydrocarbon Naphthaline for
enriching the combustible gas produced as we have described and our method. of
employing this substance is applicable to the enrichment of combustible guses
otherwise produced or of illuminating gases of low illuminating power. In pre-
paring Naphthaline for this purpose we purify the crude Naphthaline by heating or
sublimation in the usual way. We then fuse the purified Naphthaline and cast it
in moulds in the form of sticks, rods or pellets, in which form it is conveniently
portable and can be readily supplied to the enriching apparatus.
Fig. 2 represents a form of enriching apparatus suitable for a number of burners
grouped as in a sun-burner or extended in a row.
Combustible gas or gas of low illuminating power supplied by the pipe H passes
through & vessel I, of which Fig 3 represents a longitudinal section. This vessel,

page_text: conveniently made of cylindrical form, is charged with sticks or rods of Naph-
thaline N introduced through a hole in the end of the vessel which after being
charged is closed by a screw plug n. The Naphthaline in the vessel I is fused and
slowly vaporised as we will presently describe and the vapour mixes with the gas
and passes with it by the pipe J or J' to the burners ; or 3 where the gaseous
mixture is consumed.
According to the arrangement shewn in Fig 2 heat is conveyed to the Naph-
tbaline in I by a closed pipe K containing a little water or it may be simply a
conducting metal bar subjected to the heat of a portion of the products of com-
bustion at j as regulated by a throttle valve or damper in the chimney pipe L.
To prevent condensation of the Naphthaline vapour on its way to the burners the
pipe J conveying it mixed with the gas, is kept hot by its passage through the
chimney, or when the burners are arranged in a row the pipe J₁ is kept hot by its
juxtaposition to their flames.
For enriching the gas supplied to a single burner we employ the form of appa-
ratus shewn in transverse section at Fig 4, in front view at Fig 5 and in plan at
Fig. 6.
In this case heat is conducted to the Naphthaline N in the vessel I by a
plate K extending over the flame. In order to regulate the amount of heat so
conducted the plate K is made with another plate k pivotted on it so that it can
be turned more or less round to catch more or less of the products of combustion as
they ascend from the flame.
Although we have mentioned Naphthaline as the material which we prefer to
employ on account of its cheapness and the uniform character of its composition,
other solid hydrocarbons, such for example as camphor, might in like manner be
put into the convenient form of sticks rods or pellets and applied as
we have
described for the enrichment of illuminating gas. Also Naphthaline in its granular
condition might be employed for enriching gas, but as in that condition it is incon-
venient to transport or handle the substance, it is in all cases advantageous to cast
it as described into pieces of convenient shape for packing and feeding into the
vaporising vessels.
Having thus described the nature of the said invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed, we claim :-
First. The use for producing combustible gas by the action of superheated steam
on heated carbonaceous matter, of apparatus consisting of a stove containing a
retort and surrounded by a superheating coil and a water casing serving as a steam
boiler, substantially as herein described with reference to Fig. 1 of the accom-
panying Drawings.
Second. The use of solid Naphthaline in the forms herein mentioned for the
enrichment of combustible gas, substantially as herein described.
In Witness whereof I the said James Livesey have hereunto set my hand and
seal this Thirteenth day of July in the year of our Lord One thousand eight
hundred and seventy eight.
JAMES LIVESEY (L.S.).