IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TREAT- MENT AND UTILIZATION OF SEWAGE
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Watson, of Seaham, in the County of Durham,
Manufacturing Chemist, for the Invention of " IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TREAT-
MENT AND UTILIZATION OF SEWAGE."
Sealed the 27th April 1877, and dated the 30th October 1876.
"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Watson at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 30th October 1876.
JOHN WATSON, of Seaham, in the County of Durham, Manufacturing Chemist.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TREATMENT AND UTILIZATION OF SEWAGE."
My Invention consists in a method of treating sewage, whereby I precipitate
solid matters and leave the aqueous portion pure, or comparatively pure, so that it
may be allowed to flow into natural streams. For this purpose I apply to the said
sewage hydrochloric acid, the result being a precipitation of solid matter which may
be utilized as a valuable manure, and the liquid portion remains, as above stated,
nearly pure.
In carrying this Invention out practically I propose to add the aforesaid acid to
the sewage as it flows into a tank, and in which the precipitated matter may be
allowed to subside, or the whole may flow into a subsiding tank or tanks, and the
clear water being run off the solid matter may be removed to be applied as a manure
or for other purposes.
The aforesaid tank or tanks may be furnished with sluices to allow flood water to
nass off
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said John Watson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 30th April
1877.
JOHN WATSON, of Seaham, in the County of Durham, Manufacturing Chemist.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TREATMENT AND UTILIZATION OF SEWAGE."
My Invention consists in a method of treating sewage, whereby I precipitate
solid matters and leave the aqueous portion pure, or comparatively pure, so that it
Price 2d1

page_text: may be allowed to flow into natural streams or be used for other purposes, for
which impure water would be unsuitable. For this purpose I apply hydrochloric
acid to the said impure fluid, and the result is a precipitation of solid matters, and
all offensive and noxious exhalations are prevented, and it will be found that all
living organisms are destroyed and subside with the precipitate.
In carrying out my Invention the aforesaid treatment may be effected for the
double purpose of obtaining a manure constituted by the said precipitate, and
purifying the water before it reaches its natural stream, in which case a subsiding
tank or tanks of any ordinary construction may be employed, the said acid being
added as the fluid enters the same; or the hydrochloric acid may be added in any
desired manner to foul or offensive fluid, flowing or stagnant, the effect being
under any circumstances to destroy noxious and offensive vapours. With regard to
the quantity of acid to be used that must of course depend upon the character of
the fluid to be purified, for it will be obvious that in some cases minute quatities
will suffice, the proportions however will readily be ascertained by experience.
Having thus described and ascertained the nature of my said Invention and the
manner in which the same is to be performed, I desire it to be understood that I
claim as secured to me under the above in part recited Letters Patent and for the
purposes above set forth, the use of hydrochloric acid, substantially as described.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Watson, have hereunto set my hand and
seal, this Twenty-eighth day of April, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy-seven.
JOHN WATSON. (L.S.)