A NEW OR IMPROVED HYDRAULIC PRESS FOR SEPARATING THE WATER AND OTHER LIQUIDS FROM SOLID MATTERS IN SUSPENSION THEREIN
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henri Adrien Bonneville, of the British and Foreign
Patent Offices, 18, Rue de la Chaussée d'Antin, Paris, France, and 6, Piccadilly,
in the County of Middlesex, Patent Agent, for the Invention of "A NEW OR
IMPROVED HYDRAULIC PRESS FOR SEPARATING THE WATER AND OTHER LIQUIDS
FROM SOLID MATTERS IN SUSPENSION THEREIN." A communication by Jules
Sébastien Boulouvard, of Marseilles, France, aforesaid.
Sealed the 29th September 1877, and dated the 4th April 1877.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Henri Adrien Bonneville at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 4th April 1877.
"
HENRI ADRIEN BONNEVILLE, of the British and Foreign Patent Offices, 18, Rue
de la Chaussée d'Antin, Paris, France, and 6, Piccadilly, in the County of Middlesex,
Patent Agent. "A NEW OR IMPROVED HYDRAULIC PRESS FOR SEPARATING THE
WATER AND OTHER LIQUIDS FROM SOLID MATTERS IN SUSPENSION THEREIN."
(A communication by Jules Sébastien Boulouvard, of Marseilles, France, aforesaid.)
The Invention consists in a new or improved three-cylinder hydraulic press for
filtering matters in suspension in the water, and principally the bicarbonate of
soda obtained in the manufacture of soda salt by ammonia.
It is well known that in the manufacture of soda salt by ammonia a large pre-
cipitate of bicarbonate of soda is obtained in suspension in a liquid charged with
different soluble salts from which the bicarbonate must be cleared as completely as
possible, in order that the soda salt obtained by the calcining of the bicarbonate
may be as pure as possible. For this purpose the bicarbonate is first separated by
filtration from the mother waters, and then it is clarified with a solution of pure
bicarbonate, which almost entirely removes the different salts which would impair
the purity of the product.
In order to effect these two operations centrifugal turbine was at first employed,
and then filtration in vacuo, but these two processes present numerous disadvan-
tages which are completely avoided by the press, of which I will now give the
description and method of working,
'

page_text: This apparatus, as may be seen at the first inspection of the accompanying
Drawing, consists substantially of three distinct parts; 1st, a cylinder A, in which
is performed the filtering and clearing of the bicarbonate; 2nd, a double hydraulic
press C, D, placed above it, the large piston C¹ of which directly operating the plate
or forcing piston P¹ produces the compulsory filtration of the liquid through the
filtering surface which covers the bottom P of the cylinder A, and the little piston
D of which raises the plate P₁ at the end of each operation; 3rd, a second
hydraulic press B situated below the cylinder A, and which raises and keeps in
position the filtering plate P during the entire length of the operation. These
three main parts are firmly connected together and held in their respective positions
by four iron columns E.
Having thus briefly explained the said Invention, I will now proceed to describe
more particularly and in detail the different parts of which the said press is con-
stituted.
Fig. 1 and 2 are vertical sections in two plan views perpendicular to each other,
and crossing the axis of the apparatus.
The lower body B of the press offers no particular novelty in its construction,
except that it is very short, and that its piston stroke is only about half an inch
(about 120 millimètres); the said body is provided with a water distributer cock
R, four arms b, b, to receive the columns, and two feet Q, Q, resting on the ground,
and supporting the whole apparatus. The plate P, which forms a bottom for the
cylinder A, bears directly upon the piston B' of the press. The said piston B₁
having to counterpoise the piston C¹ of the upper press C, and at the same time to
keep the cylinder A perfectly closed by means of the plate P, must be larger
than the piston C¹, the pressure of the water in the two presses B and C being the
same.
Upon the plate P is placed a perforated sheet-iron plate, and upon the latter a
filtering tissue. In order to allow the filtered liquid to flow off the upper surface
of the plate P is slightly concave, and is provided with radial ribs from the centre
to the circumference. The liquid re-assembles in the circular channel S, and from;
thence flows out through the pipe S', on which is fitted an india-rubber tube, not
shown in the Drawing, extending towards a reservoir. This latter will be able to
be made common to a series of presses, to which it will be connected by means of a
collecting pipe placed on the ground behind the presses.
In front of each of the said presses is placed a cock, which branches off from
the said pipe, and receives it at its other end, the india-rubber tube coming from
the plate P. The said cock allows of interrupting the communication between the
press and the reservoir of the filtered liquids, which, as will be herein-after seen, is
necessary every time the cylinder A is filled.
The perforated sheet-iron plate of about 1/so of an inch (about 3 millimètres)
in thickness is square, but the perforations are only made in the circular part cor-
responding to the cylinder A. The said plate not being fixed on the plate P would
not possess sufficient rigidity, if it were not rivetted on to an iron frame i, i. The
said frame has at its angles four small projections or pins e, e, by means of which it
rests on a kind of carriage O, O, when the plate P is at the bottom of its course,
Fig. 2.
The said carriage consists of two flat iron bands o, o, sliding between rollers g, g;
and connected together by two cross pieces. The rollers, four in number on each
side of the press, are mounted on two iron pieces V, V, fastened on the columns E.
Each of the bands o, o, has two forked guides n, in which are lodged the
pins e, which allows the perforated sheet-iron plate to follow the vertical motion of
the plate P without the possibility of any change in its position with regard to the
axis of the cylinder.
When the plate P is at the top of its course (Fig. 1) it must hermetically closo
the cylinder A. For this purpose a double joint is required, one between the said
plato and the perforated sheet-iron plate, and the other between the latter and the
Hange of the cylinder. The first joint is made of a leather band inserted in a

page_text: dovetailed slot in the flange of the plate at r, and the other joint is made of an
india-rubber washer sown on the filtering tissue.
The upper double body C, D, of the press is cast in a single picce with the
annular casingh and the four arms c, which fasten it on the columns; it is provided
with two hydraulic cocks R' and R2 to introduce the injection water alternately
into each of the cylinders C and D. For this purpose the rods of these cocks are
connected and operated simultaneously by means of the crank M, so that one
cannot be turned on without turning off the other. The mechanism for operating
these cocks is very simple, and consists of a small shaft a bent twice at an angle of
about 380°, and of two connecting rods m and m²; a cogged sector keyed on the
said shaft is operated by a pinion on the shaft of the crank M.
The two pistons C. and D', having always to move together, are connected by
means of the four-branched cross piece T, jointed on the piston D¹, and of four
rods t, the lower ends of which are fastened on the plate P'. Thus the whole
mechanism composed of the pistons C and D and of the plate P₁ will ascend or
descend, according as the injection water shall be introduced into the cylinder D or
the cylinder C.
It will be seen further on that it is very important for the pistons C and D' to
be able to remain stationary during a certain time when they have got to the end
of their stroke, although the injection pump continue to work. On this account it
is necessary to be able to stop the inlet of the water into the cylinder which receives
it without touching the crank M, the effect of which would be, as above stated, to
change the direction of the motion, the cocks R' and R² being connected, and only
able to give admittance to the water into the cylinders, or to produce its discharge
therefrom. It is besides necessary, in order to prevent the accidents which might
arise from the carelessness of workmen, for this stoppage to be produced auto-
matically.
The following is the arrangement to attain this result:-On the upper piston D¹
is mounted a rod F, on which are fixed two rings fand f' by means of adjusting screws
in positions corresponding with the two ends of the stroke of the pistons. The said
rings operate the lever M, the opposite end of which, connected with the connecting
rod K, sets in motion the rod of the hydraulic cock or distributer R. The stoppage
of the pistons is produced by this said distributer intercepting the flowing of the
injection water into either of the cocks R' and R2; it has an evenly-balanced rod,
and there is nothing specially remarkable in its construction; it receives the water
through the pipe L, which flows alternately into the cylinder C and D through the
pipes L' and L
The working of this distributer may easily be understood. When the piston C¹,
for instance, has arrived within a very short distance of the end of its stroke the
ring strikes against the lever H, the rod of the distributer R³ is raised, the com-
munication with the cock R¹ is cut off, and the water being no longer able to flow
into the cylinder C the piston C¹ is stopped. In rising the rod of the distributer R³
has not only cut off the flowing of the water into the cock R', but it has besides
re-established the communication with the cock R; but as the latter is turned off
the water cannot flow into the cylinder D, and the parts of the press are at rest in
the position shown in Fig. 2.
Now if a turn is given to the crank M the cock R¹ will be turned off and the
cock R turned on, the result of which will be that the water contained in tho
cylinder C will be able to flow out, whilst the water forced in by the pump will
flow into the cylinder D, and the parts will be set in motion from top to bottom
until the ring being brought to press upon the lover H the rod of the distributer R³
again resumes its original position. The communication between the inlet pipe L
and the cock R2 being then cut off, the piston D₁ will be stopped, and the press
will be again at rest, but in a reverse position to the preceding one.
The forcing piston P¹ consists of two plates 2 and 2, the diameter of which is
exactly the same as that of the cylinder A, and they are connected together by four
pins. On the circumference of the plate p is cut an annular groove u, in which is

page_text: lodged a strong india-rubber washer, in square section, on which bears the flange x
of the upper plate 2. When the press operates, the said india-rubber washer being
compressed between the two plates composing the piston P¹ forms a packing for the
latter, which is all the more perfect in proportion as the pressure increases, and
consequently as the escape of the liquids in the cylinder A becomes more likely.
The lower side of the plate p is furrowed over with a large number of small
circular and radiating grooves, in the centre of which is terminated a pipe K in the
thickness of the casting. The other end of this pipe terminates over the plate p'
in a nozzle N in the shape of a clyster pipe. Lastly, on the lower side of the
plate is fixed by means of screws a perforated sheet-iron plate covered with a
filtering tissue.
The hydraulic cylinder D is surrounded, as above stated, by a cylinder h, which
forms all round it an annular chamber, closed at the upper part by a bolted lid.
The said chamber is intended to receive the dissolution of bicarbonate of soda,
which serves to wash the cake of bicarbonate in the cylinder A. For this purpose
it is provided with a four-way cock X on the lid and a two-way cock U on tho
lower part.
The latter is connected with the nozzle N by means of an india-rubber
and linen tube, not shown in the Drawing, capable of resisting a strong pressure
without interfering with the motion of the piston P¹.. The cock X is connected
through its lateral nozzle by means of pipes, not shown in the Drawing, with the
reservoir of the clarified bicarbonate on one side, and on the other with a reservoir
of compressed air, the upper nozzle serves for the flowing of the air. The keys of
the two said cocks are connected by a rod, which allows of operating them
together.
Beforo explaining the general working of the press there only remains to make
known the method of filling the cylinder A.
The liquid to be filtered is introduced by suction by means of the valve G. The
said valve fixed on the lowest point at the back of the cylinder consists of a box G,
in which slides a rod q, having at its end a rectangular piece q which is lodged
exactly in an aperture of the same shape in the thickness of the cylinder: The
corresponding aperture of the box G being a little smaller presents all around a flange
of about 2 millimètres, against which leans the piece q', being sollicited by the coun-
terpoise fixed to the end of the bent lever Y. The communication with the reservoir
containing the liquids to be filtered is established by means of a pipe fixed on the
nozzle in the middle of the box G. When it is desired to open the said valve the
lever Y¹ is pulled, and when the latter is let go, the valve closes automatically.
The cylinder A filling by suction whilst the piston P¹ re-ascends must have no
communication with the atmosphere.. For this purpose, as above explained, a cock
has been placed on the collecting pipe of the filtered liquids. The said cock having to
be turned on when the piston C acts, and turned off when the piston D' acts, must
be operated at the same time as the hydraulic cocks R1 and R2; for this purpose it is
connected with them by means of a rod and a cogged sector, acted upon by the
shaft of the crank M.
The injector pumps are in no way different to the ordinary hydraulic press
pumps, they are as usual provided with an apparatus called a pressure regulator,
which keeps the suction valve raised when the water can no longer make its way
into the cylinder. One single pump is necessary for each press. The maximum
pressure does not exceed fifty times that of the atmosphere.
Tho
The apparatus works in the following manner :-The different parts being in the
position shown, Fig. 2, the cock R (Fig. 1) is first turned on, in order that the
plate P, being raised by the piston B', may hermetically close the cylinder A.
piston P' is then caused to rise by giving a turn to the crank M, and as soon as it
has travelled a distance of about 1 inch (about 3 centimètres) the valve G is opened
by means of the lever Y¹; the liquid charged with bicarbonate is drawn up into
the vacuum cylinder H, and fills it as the piston P¹ rises. When the latter has
reached the top of its stroke, the lover Y' is let go, so that the valve G may again
close, and the crank M is again operated, but in the opposite direction to the first

page_text: time; the piston P¹ is then immediately set in motion from top to bottom, and
the filtration begins. The said filtration is terminated when the pressure regulator
of the pump rises and remains stationary, and then the operation of clearing is per-
formed.
For this purpose the rod connecting the cocks X and U is operated, so as
to make them describe a quarter of a turn in the line of the arrow. Thus the
compressed air then forced into the annular chamber h causes the liquid contained
therein to flow out through the cock U, the india-rubber pipe, not shown, and the
pipe K.
The clarified solution flows into the grooves in the lower side of the piston P¹,
passes through the perforated sheet-iron plate, the tissue with which it is covered,
and, lastly, the cake of bi-carbonate of soda, which is thus freed from all soluble
extraneous matters. When all the clarified solution in the chamber h has been fil-
tered, the compressed air is allowed to pass for two or three minutes through the
cake in order to dry it. This is, properly speaking, a second clarification by the
air. Lastly, the keys of the cocks X and U are replaced in their original position
and the chamber his filled anew for the following operation. The cake of bi-
carbonate is then withdrawn from the cylinder A.
turned off, the water in the cylinder B flows into the pump cistern, and the piston
For this purpose the cock R is
B' as well as the plato P fall. On the other hand, the piston P₁, no longer stopped
by the plate P, is set in motion and pushes before it the cake of bicarbonate which
is brought to rest on the perforated sheet-iron plate, from which it is easily removed
after sliding the carriage out of the press.
Having thus fully described the nature of the said Invention and the manner of
carrying the samo into effect, I would have it understood that I do not confine
myself to the precise details above enumerated, as these may obviously be modified
without departing from the principle of the Invention; but what I claim is, a new
or improved three-cylinder hydraulic press, for filtering matters in suspension in the
water, and principally the bicarbonate of soda obtained in the manufacture of
soda-salt by ammonia, constructed and operating substantially as above described
and represented in the accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, J, the said Henri Adrien Bonneville, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Fifth day of March, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven.
H. BONNEVILLE. (L.S.)

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henri Adrien Bonneville, of the British and Foreign
Patent Offices, 18, Rue de la Chaussée d'Antin, Paris, France, and 6, Piccadilly,
in the County of Middlesex, Patent Agent, for the Invention of "A NEW OR
IMPROVED HYDRAULIC PRESS FOR SEPARATING THE WATER AND OTHER LIQUIDS
FROM SOLID MATTERS IN SUSPENSION THEREIN." A communication by Jules
Sébastien Boulouvard, of Marseilles, France, aforesaid.
led the 29th September 1877, and dated the 4th April 1877.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Henri Adrien Bonneville at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 4th April 1877.
HENRI ADRIEN BONNEVILLE, of the British and Foreign Patent Offices, 18, Rue
de la Chaussée d'Antin, Paris, France, and 6, Piccadilly, in the County of Middlesex,
Patent Agent. "A NEW OR IMPROVED HYDRAULIC PRESS FOR SEPARATING THE
WATER AND OTHER LIQUIDS FROM SOLID MATTERS IN SUSPENSION THEREIN."
(A communication by Jules Sébastien Boulouvard, of Marseilles, France, aforesaid.)
The Invention consists in a new or improved three-cylinder hydraulic press for
filtering matters in suspension in the water, and principally the bicarbonate of
soda obtained in the manufacture of soda salt by ammonia.
It is well known that in the manufacture of soda salt by ammonia a large pre-
cipitate of bicarbonate of soda is obtained in suspension in a liquid charged with
different soluble salts from which the bicarbonate must be cleared as completely as
possible, in order that the soda salt obtained by the calcining of the bicarbonate
may be as pure as possible. For this purpose the bicarbonate is first separated by
filtration from the mother waters, and then it is clarified with a solution of pure
bicarbonate, which almost entirely removes the different salts which would impair
the purity of the product.
In order to effect these two operations centrifugal turbine was at first employed,
and then filtration in vacuo, but these two processes present numerous disadvan
tages which are completely avoided by the press, of which I will now give the
description and method of working.

page_text: This apparatus, as may be seen at the first inspection of the accompanying
Drawing, consists substantially of three distinct parts; 1st, a cylinder A, in which
is performed the filtering and clearing of the bicarbonate; 2nd, a double hydraulic
press C, D, placed above it, the large piston C₁ of which directly operating the plate
or foreing piston P¹ produces the compulsory filtration of the liquid through the
filtering surface which covers the bottom P of the cylinder A, and the little piston
D of which raises the plate P₁ at the end of each operation; 3rd, a second
hydraulic press B situated below the cylinder A, and which raises and keeps in
position the filtering plate P during the entire length of the operation. These
three main parts are firmly connected together and held in their respective positions
by four iron columns E.
Having thus briefly explained the said Invention, I will now proceed to describe
more particularly and in detail the different parts of which the said press is con-
stituted.
Fig. 1 and 2 are vertical sections in two plan views perpendicular to each other,
and crossing the axis of the apparatus.
The lower body B of the press offers no particular novelty in its construction,
except that it is very short, and that its piston stroke is only about half an inch
(about 120 millimètres); the said body is provided with a water distributer cock
R, four arms, b, b, to receive the columns, and two feet Q, Q, resting on the ground,
and supporting the whole apparatus. The plate P, which forms a bottom for the
cylinder A, bears directly upon the piston B¹ of the press. The said piston B
having to counterpoise the piston C₁ of the upper press C, and at the same time to
keep the cylinder A perfectly closed by means of the plato P, must be larger
than the piston C, the pressure of the water in the two presses B and C being the
same.
Upon the plate P is placed a perforated sheet-iron plate, and upon the latter a
filtering tissue. In order to allow the filtered liquid to flow off the upper surface
of the plate l' is slightly concave, and is provided with radial ribs from the centre
to the circumference. The liquid re-assembles in the circular channel S, and from
thence flows out through the pipe S', on which is fitted an india-rubber tube, not
shown in the Drawing, extending towards a reservoir. This latter will be able to
be made common to a series of presses, to which it will be connected by means of a
collecting pipe placed on the ground behind the presses.
In front of each of the said presses is placed a cock, which branches off from
the said pipe, and receives it at its other end, the india-rubber tube coming from
the plate P. The said cock allows of interrupting the communication between the
press and the reservoir of the filtered liquids, which, as will be herein-after seen, is
necessary every time the cylinder A is filled.
The perforated sheet-iron plate of about 10 of an inch (about 3 millimètres)
in thickness is square, but the perforations are only made in the circular part cor-
responding to the cylinder. A. The said plate not being fixed on the plate P would
not possess sufficient rigidity, if it were not rivetted on to an iron frame i, i. The
said frame has at its angles four small projections or pins e, e, by means of which it
rests on a kind of carriage O, O, when the plate P is at the bottom of its course,
Fig. 2.
The said carriage consists of two flat iron bands o, o, sliding between rollers 9, 9I,
and connected together by two cross pieces. The rollers, four in number on each
side of the press, are mounted on two iron pieces V, V, fastened on the columns E.
Each of the bands o, o, has two forked guides n, in which are lodged the
pins e, which allows the perforated sheet-iron plate to follow the vertical motion of
the plate P without the possibility of any change in its position with regard to the
axis of the cylinder.
When the plate P is at the top of its course (Fig. 1) it must hermetically close
the cylinder A. For this purpose a double joint is required, one between the said
plate and the perforated sheet-iron plate, and the other between the latter and the
flange of the cylinder. The first joint is made of a leather band inserted in a

page_text: dovetailed slot in the flange of the plate at r, and the other joint is made of an
india-rubber washer sown on the filtering tissue.
The upper double body C, D, of the press is cast in a single piece with the
annular casingh and the four arms c, which fasten it on the columns; it is provided
with two hydraulic cocks R' and R2 to introduce the injection water alternately
into each of the cylinders C and D. For this purpose the rods of these cocks are
connected and operated simultaneously by means of the crank M, so that one
cannot be turned on without turning off the other. The mechanism for operating
these cocks is very simple, and consists of a small shaft & bent twice at an angle of
about 380°, and of two connecting rods mi and m¹; a cogged sector keyed on the
said shaft is operated by a pinion on the shaft of the crank M.
The two pistons and D', having always to move together, are connected by
means of the four-branched cross piece T, jointed on the piston D³, and of four
rods, the lower ends of which are fastened on the plate P¹. Thus the whole.
mechanism composed of the pistons C and D and of the plate P₁ will ascend or
descend, according as the injection water shall be introduced into the cylinder Dor
the cylinder C.
It will be seen further on that it is very important for the pistons and D¹ to
be able to remain stationary during a certain time when they have got to the end
of their stroke, although the injection pump continue to work. On this account it
is necessary to be able to stop the inlet of the water into the cylinder which receives
it without touching the crank M, the effect of which would be, as above stated, to
change the direction of the motion, the cocks R' and R2 being connected, and only
able to give admittance to the water into the cylinders, or to produce its discharge
therefrom. It is besides necessary, in order to prevent the accidents which might
arise from the earelessness of workmen, for this stoppage to be produced auto-
matically.
The following is the arrangement to attain this result-On the upper piston Dr
is mounted a rod F, on which are fixed two rings fand by means of adjusting screws
in positions corresponding with the two ends of the stroke of the pistons. The said
rings operate the lever M, the opposite end of which, connected with the connecting
rod K, sets in motion the rod of the hydraulic cock or distributer R³. The stoppage
of the pistons is produced by this said distributer intercepting the flowing of the
injection water into either of the cocks R and R2; it has an evenly-balanced rod,
and there is nothing specially remarkable in its construction; it receives the water
through the pipe L, which flows alternately into the cylinder C and D through the
pipes L' and L².
The working of this distributer may easily be understood. When the piston C',
for instance, has arrived within a very short distance of the end of its stroke the
ring strikes against the lever H, the rod of the distributer R³ is raised, the com-
munication with the cock R is cut off, and the water being no longer able to flow
into the cylinder C the piston C is stopped. In rising the rod of the distributer R³
has not only cut off the flowing of the water into the cock R, but it has besides
re-established the communication with the cock R2; but as the latter is turned off
the water cannot flow into the cylinder D, and the parts of the press are at rest in
the position shown in Fig. 2.
Now if a turn is given to the crank M the cock R¹ will be turned off and the
cock R2 turned on, the result of which will be that the water contained in the
cylinder C will be able to flow out, whilst the water forced in by the pump will
flow into the cylinder D, and the parts will be set in motion from top to bottom
until the ring being brought to press upon the lever H the rod of the distributer R³
again resumes its original position. The communication between the inlet pipe L
and the cock I being then cut off, the piston D' will be stopped, and the press
will be again at rest, but in a reverse position to the preceding one.
The forcing piston Pl consists of two plates p and p', the diameter of which is
exactly the same as that of the cylinder A, and they are connected together by four
pins. On the circumference of the plate p is cut an annular groove u, in which is

page_text: lodged a strong india-rubber washer, in square section, on which bears the flange
of the upper plate p'. When the press operates, the said india-rubber washer being
compressed between the two plates composing the piston P' forms a packing for the
latter, which is all the more perfect in proportion as the pressure increases, and
consequently as the escape of the liquids in the cylinder A becomes more likely.
The lower side of the plate is furrowed over with a large number of small
circular and radiating grooves, in the centre of which is terminated a pipe K in the
thickness of the casting. The other end of this pipe terminates over the plate p¹
in a nozzle N in the shape of a clyster pipe. Lastly, on the lower side of the
plate is fixed by means of screws a perforated sheet-iron plate covered with a
filtering tissue.
The hydraulic cylinder D is surrounded, as above stated, by a cylinder h, which
forms all round it an annular chamber, closed at the upper part by a bolted lid.
The said chamber is intended to receive the dissolution of bicarbonate of soda,
which serves to wash the cake of bicarbonate in the cylinder A.
For this purpose
it is provided with a four-way cock X on the lid and a two-way cock U on the
lower part. The latter is connected with the nozzle N by means of an india-rubber
and linen tube, not shown in the Drawing, capable of resisting a strong pressure
without interfering with the motion of the piston P'. The cock X is connected
through its lateral nozzle by means of pipes, not shown in the Drawing, with the
reservoir of the clarified bicarbonate on one side, and on the other with a reservoir
of compressed air, the upper nozzle serves for the flowing of the air. The keys of
the two said cocks are connected by a r.d, which allows of operating them
together.
Before explaining the general working of the press there only remains to make
known the method of filling the cylinder A.
The liquid to be filtered is introduced by suction by means of the valve G. The
said valve fixed on the lowest point at the back of the cylinder consists of a box G,
in which slides a rod y, having at its end a rectangular piece which is lodged
exactly in an aperture of the same shape in the thickness of the cylinder. The
corresponding aperture of the box G being a little smaller presents all around a flange
of above 2 millimètres, against which leans the piece q', being sollicited by the coun-
terpoise fixed to the end of the bent lever Y. The communication with the reservoir
containing the liquids to be filtered is established by means of a pipe fixed on the
nozzle in the middle of the box G. When it is desired to open the said valve the
lever Y' is pulled, and when the latter is let go, the valve closes automatically.
The cylinder A filling by suction whilst the piston P¹ re-ascends must have no
communication with the atmosphere. For this purpose, as above explained, a cock
has been placed on the collecting pipe of the filtered liquids. The said cock having to
be turned on when the piston Cacts, and turned off when the piston D' acts, must
be operated at the same time as the hydraulic cocks R' and R2; for this purpose it is
connected with them by means of a rod and a cogged sector, acted upon by the
shaft of the crank M.
The injector pumps are in no way different to the ordinary hydraulic press
pumps, they are as usual provided with an apparatus called a pressure regulator,
which keeps the suction valve raised when the water can no longer make its way
into the cylinder. One single pump is necessary for each press. The maximuin
pressure does not exceed fifty times that of the atmosphere.
The apparatus works in the following manner :-The different parts being in the
position shown, Fig. 2, the cock R (Fig. 1) is first turned on, in order that the
plate P, being raised by the piston B, may hermetically close the cylinder A. The
piston P¹ is then caused to rise by giving a turn to the crank M, and as soon as it
has travelled a distance of about 1 inch (about 3 centimètres) the valve G is opened
by means of the lever ; the liquid charged with bicarbonate is drawn up into
the vacuum cylinder H, and fills it as the piston P¹ rises. When the latter has
reached the top of its stroke, the lover Y' is let go, so that the valve G may again
close, and the crank M is again operated, but in the opposite direction to the first

page_text: time; the piston P is then immediately set in motion from top to bottom, and
the filtration begins. The said filtration is terminated when the pressure regulator
of the pump rises and remains stationary, and then the operation of clearing is per-
formed. For this purpose the rod connecting the cocks X and U is operated, so as
Thus the
to make them describe a quarter of a turn in the line of the arrow.
compressed air then forced into the annular chamber h causes the liquid contained
therein to flow out through the cock U, the india-rubber pipe, not shown, and the
pipe K.
The clarified solution flows into the grooves in the lower side of the piston PI,
passes through the perforated sheet-iron plate, the tissue with which it is covered,
and, lastly, the cake of bi-carbonate of soda, which is thus freed from all soluble
extraneous matters. When all the clarified solution in the chamber has been fil-
tered, the compressed air is allowed to pass for two or three minutes through the
cake in order to dry it. This is, properly speaking, a second clarification by the
air. Lastly, the keys of the cocks X and U are replaced in their original position
and the chamber is filled anew for the following operation. The cake of bi-
carbonate is then withdrawn from the cylinder A. For this purpose the cock R is
turned off, the water in the cylinder B flows into the pump cistern, and the piston
B' as well as the plate P fall. On the other hand, the piston P₁, no longer stopped
by the plate l', is set in motion and pushes before it the cake of bicarbonate which
is brought to rest on the perforated sheet-iron plate, from which it is easily removed
after sliding the carriage out of the press.
Having thus fully described the nature of the said Invention and the manner of
carrying the same into effect, I would have it understood that I do not confine
myself to the precise details above enumerated, as these may obviously be modified
without departing from the principle of the Invention; but what I claim is, a new
or improved three-cylinder hydraulic press, for filtering matters in suspension in the
water, and principally the bicarbonate of soda obtained in the manufacture of
soda-salt by ammonia, constructed and operating substantially as above described
and represented in the accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, 1, the said Henri Adrien Bonneville, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Fifth day of March, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven.
H. BONNEVILLE. (L.S.)