Improvements in the Manufacture, Distribution, and Use of Gas for Illumination, Heating and other Purposes, and in Apparatus therefor.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 5th Nov., 1894
Complete Specification Left, 5th Sept., 1895-Accepted, 26th Oct., 1895
PROVISIONAL
DE MULLICATION,
Improvements in the Manufacture, Distribution, and Use of Gas
for Illumination, Heating and other Purposes, and in Apparatus
therefor.
I, THOMAS Leopold Willson, of Number 19 West Thirty-eighth Street, in
the City of New York, United States of America, Electrical Engineer, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to the production and utilization of hydrocarbon gases
suitable for illuminating, heating and other purposes, and particularly to the
production and use of acetylene (H₂C₂).
I have invented a new means for the production of acetylene or like gases in large
quantities, and at very moderate cost, such as opens up commercial uses for such
gas which have been hitherto impracticable because of the great cost of its
production. My new process of manufacture consists, briefly, in first treating
calcium oxide or some other suitable metallic oxide or compound in the presence of
carbonaceous matter, such as carbon or hydrocarbon, to the intense heat generated
in an electric furnace, whereby the oxygen is withdrawn from the calcium and its
place taken by carbon, forming a calcium carbide; and second, combining water
with this calcium carbide thereby bringing about a mutual decomposition wherein
the hydrogen of the water unites with the carbon of the carbide to form dihydrogen
dicarbide, or acetylene, which escapes as gas. By this process the gas can be
produced with great economy.
I have discovered important new uses and properties for this gas, as well as the
means for cheaply producing it. I have discovered that when burned under proper
conditions it becomes a valuable and important substitute for the ordinary illuminating
gas; that it possesses extraordinary illuminating power; that it has the advantage
over other illuminating gases of being an absolutely fixed gas, so that when
transmitted through mains it suffers no condensation or loss of illuminating power,
and may be passed through mains under considerable pressure, so that small mains
may be used, its pressure being reduced by governors at or near the points of
consumption.
For ordinary purposes of illumination or heating it is desirable to mingle this gas
with oxygen, either pure or as obtained from the atmosphere, in order to effect
perfect combustion thereof.
I have discovered that this gas will not burn in an ordinary burner at ordinary
pressure satisfactorily in the atmosphere, its abundant carbon causing it to smoke
and to give but little light. Also, I have discovered that this gas in open burners
is capable of great sub-division, while, at the same time, giving greatly increased
results in illumination over any present practically distributed gas.
In order to construct and operate a practical gas plant under my invention,
nothing but water in addition to the calcium carbide is requisite. A practical,
operative gas plant requires, therefore, only a generating retort or reaction
chamber, and a suitable receptacle or gas holder for receiving and mingling the
generated gas.
I have discovered that under the conditions of the mingling of water and
calcium carbide the gas is produced under such pressure that no further pumping
into the holder or receptacle is required, as is ordinarily the case.
For producing a superior illuminating gas according to my invention I mix with
the acetylene a suitable proportion of air, preferably equal parts of air and gas,

page_text: although widely different proportions may be used. This mixture may be made
while generating the gas by allowing the gas to pass into the holder or reservoir
until the same is approximately half full, when the holder is raised in any suitable
way so as to extend it to its full capacity, while at the same time an air inlet is
opened, a mixture is made of one-half acetylene gas and one-half air, or, if desired,
the holder may be preliminarily one-half filled with air, and then completely filled
with the gas.
It is obvious that though I have spoken of the addition of atmospheric air to the
acetylene gas to aid in its combustion, other gases aiding in such combustion could
also be added. It is also possible to supply or add the oxygen or air required at
the burner by using what is known as an atmosphere burner. I prefer however, the
process herein before described as ensuring a determined and fixed relation of the
air to the gas. The gas in said holder is ordinarily burned therefrom in the usual
way; but it is obvious that if desired the gas in said holder may be placed in tanks
and burned elsewhere, as, for instance, on a moving vehicle.
The acetylene gas produced according to my invention has also an important
utilization as a means for enriching water gas so called, or producer gas, or any
other known illuminating gas, in order to impart to it the desired illuminating
properties. The proportion required can only be determined in each case by
experiment with different admixtures.
A further feature of my invention relates to a special mode and apparatus for
generating the acetylene gas from calcium carbide or other equivalent chemical.
According to this mode, I place a suitable quantity of the calcium carbide in a
closed chamber or retort which I call a reaction chamber, and which is provided
with a sprinkler through which water may be introduced in a spray or shower upon
the carbide, whereby the most perfect reaction is effected, and the operation is
under most complete control, since the volume of gas generated may be regulated
by controlling the flow or admission of water. I construct an apparatus on this
principle for generating gas stored in reservoirs under pressure with or without a
definite admixture with air. The reaction chamber has its outlet pipe connected
with a reservoir or strong cylinder of for example steel, into which preferably a
certain quantity of air is first admitted, or if necessary forced under pressure.
The reaction chamber is then charged with the required amount of calcium carbide,
and a water reservoir connected with the sprinkler thereof is filled with water. The
reaction chamber being securely closed, a valve is opened to permit the water to
flow to the sprinkler, and the generated gas then flows through a gas outlet pipe
to the reservoir, a check-valve being introduced to prevent any backflow.
introduce the same gaseous pressure on top of the column of water as beneath
it, a pipe admits the pressure of gas to the top of the water tank. The gas thus
generated and stored may be used as required by reducing it to a suitably low
pressure by means of a pressure regulating valve. To permit the introduction of
fresh carbide and the removal of the spent carbide, the reaction chamber is
constructed with one end or head removable, and this head or cap being preferably
formed with spirally inclined ribs engaging spirally inclined faces on overhanging
flanges on the exterior of the chamber, so that by a partial turn of the cap it is
drawn into tight contact with the end of the chamber.
To
Another part of my invention relates to an improved mode of transmitting and
using acetylene or other similar gas for illuminating or heating purposes. To
avoid the possibility of an explosive mixture of gas and air being formed in the
storage reservoir or the distributing mains, I generate and transmit the acetylene
in a pure condition unmixed with any other gas. The gas generated in this
condition is raised to a high pressure as compared with the pressures at which gas
is ordinarily transmitted through mains. The gas may be generated at considerable
pressure, or if the pressure thus attained is insufficient, it may be raised to a
higher pressure by pumping. The pressure may vary from a pressure of several
inches of water up to any convenient limit, say approximately twenty pounds per
square inch. At such pressure the gas is transmitted through the mains or pipes

page_text: laid in the streets or elsewhere to the buildings or places where it is to be use.l.
Being a fixed gas it suffers no condensation in the pipes, and being free from
admixture with other gases, there is no liability of explosion. On arriving at the
place of use, say for example the building of a gas consumer, the gas is first
reduced in pressure by means of any suitable pressure reducing valve, from which
it emerges at a low pressure such as is suitable for supplying gas burners, say for
example from one to three inches of water; the gas is then mixed with air in
equal parts, or such other proportions as may be desired, which mixture is formed
as close as possible to the points of consumption of the gas.
For this purpose any
suitable known gas mixer may be employed, being conveniently constructed in
combination with a gas meter. The mixed gas is then passed through pipes to
the several burners.
A further part of my invention relates to the automatic control or regulation of
the production of gas. For this purpose the admission of water to the reaction
chamber is controlled by means of the variations in pressure of the gas.
When
the generated gas falls below a certain normal pressure, water is admitted to the
reaction chamber, and by reacting with the calcium carbide, generates a further
quantity of gas, and as the pressure of this gas rises above the normal it acts to
prevent the further admission of water. To this end the water may be admitted
to the reaction chamber under a definite hydrostatic pressure from an elevated
reservoir, so that whenever the gas pressure exceeds this hydrostatic pressure, the
water will automatically cease to enter, but when by the drawing off of the gas
the pressure falls, the water will again enter the chamber. Another mode of
regulation is by a float valve operating by the rise and fall of the level of water
in consequence of the varying ratio between the hydrostatic pressure and the gas
pressure. Another mode is by the use of a gas holder which rises and falls as the
volume of gas varies, with a valve in the water supply pipe arranged to be opened
by this holder when it descends to a certain point, and again closed when the
holder in ascending reaches a certain height. Or in the case of gas stored under
pressure in the reservoir, a diaphragm exposed to the gaseous pressure may by its
motion control the opening and closing of the water valve. In either case the
production of gas is automatically controlled and regulated in proportion to
the consumption, so long as any uncombined carbide remains in the reaction
chamber.
My invention may possibly be modified somewhat by the substitution of other
metallic compounds in place of calcium carbide. For example a calcium acetylide
may be employed, or a carbide or acetylide of other metals than calcium. Any
metallic carbide, acetylide, or other compound capable of mutual decomposition
with water, and by its decomposition generating acetylene or any other analogous
hydrocarbon gas capable of the same uses, constitutes an equivalent of calcium
carbide for the purposes of my present invention.
Dated the 3rd day of November 1894.
J. C. MEWBURN & ELLIS,
55 and 56 Chancery Lane, London, Patent Agents.
Improvements in the Manufacture, Distribution, and Use of Gas
for Illumination, Heating and other Purposes, and in Apparatus
therefor.
I, THOMAS LEOPOLD WILLSON, formerly of Number 19 West Thirty-eighth
Street, in the City of New York, United States of America, but now of Plaza
Hotel, New York, aforesaid, Electrical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of

page_text: the said invention and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to the production and utilization of hydrocarbon gases
suitable for illuminating, heating and other purposes, and particularly to the
production and use of acetylene (C₂H₂).
I have succeeded in producing acetylene or like gases in large quantities, and at
such very moderate cost, as opens up commercial uses for this gas which have been
hitherto impracticable because of the great cost of its production. The method of
manufacture consists, briefly, in first treating calcium oxide (or some other suitable
metallic oxide or compound) in the presence of carbonaceous matter, such as
carbon or hydrocarbon, to the intense heat generated in an electric furnace,
whereby the oxygen is withdrawn from the calcium and its place taken by carbon,
forming calcium carbide (CaC2); and second, combining water with this calcium
carbide thereby bringing about a mutual decomposition wherein the hydrogen of the
water unites with the carbon of the carbide to form dihydrogen dicarbide, or
acetylene, which escapes as gas. By this process the gas can be produced with
great economy.
It is well known that the ordinary illuminating gases heretofore used, such as
coal gas, are composed largely of condensible hydrocarbons, or hydrocarbon
vapors more or less fixed, and therefore that such gases are certain to deposit
condensed hydrocarbons in their progress through underground mains.
It follows
that such mains are necessarily provided with drips or receptacles for such
condensed hydrocarbon liquids. It is also a well known fact that owing to such
condensation a gas of a certain illuminating power at the works loses considerably
in illuminating power during transmission to a distance. It also follows that with
such gases any considerable pressure in the mains is impossible, because such
pressure would cause a still further rapid condensation of the illuminating hydro-
carbons, and a consequent greater impoverishment of the gas. Hence it has been
practically impossible to distribute illuminating gas in small mains under high
pressure, which would be highly advantageous if it could be practically done.
I have discovered that acetylene gas has important and valuable properties by
which when properly availed of the disadvantages inherent in the illuminating
gases heretofore used are wholly avoided. I have discovered that acetylene when
burned under proper conditions becomes a valuable and important substitute for
ordinary illuminating gas, that it possesses remarkably high illuminating power,
and that it has the advantage over all other illuminating gases of being an absolutely
fixed gas, so that when transmitted through mains it suffers no condensation or loss
of illuminating power, and so that it may be passed through mains under consider-
able pressure, such pressure being reduced by governors at or near the points of
consumption, whereby small mains may be used.
I have found that acetylene gas cannot be burned successfully under the same
conditions as ordinary illuminating gas, that is to say, in an ordinary gas burner at
the usual pressure, since its abundant carbon causes it to smoke and give but little
light. I have discovered that to successfully burn it, it must be brought into
intimate contact with an ample proportion of oxygen. To do this it must be
either commingled with oxygen before reaching the burner, or the burner must be
adapted to effect an exceptionally thorough exposure of the gas in the flame to the
oxygen of the atmosphere. The illuminating power of this gas, over 140 candle
power, is so much in excess of that of any other known illuminant, that it is best
burned in very small burners. In this way the gas is capable of great subdivision,
while giving greatly increased results in illumination over any other known
practically distributed gas. In an open burner, burning but one foot of the gas,
with an equal volume of air, this acetylene gas will produce an illumination
approximating fifty candle power; whereas in a similar burner ordinary illuminating
gas gives practically no valuable illumination whatever. 1 am thus able for a given
consumption of gas to subdivide the light into many more foci of illumination, and

page_text: thereby secure equality of illumination through considerable spaces, rather than
concentrating such illumination in a much smaller number of foci.
In order to operate a practical gas plant under my invention, nothing but water in
addition to the calcium carbide is requisite. A practical, operative gas plant
requires, therefore, only a generating retort or reaction chamber, and a suitable
receptacle or gas holder for receiving the generated gas and if desired for mingling
it with air.
I have discovered that under the conditions of the reaction of water with calcium
carbide the gas is produced under such pressure that no further pumping into the
holder or receptacle is required, as is ordinarily the case.
For producing a superior illuminating gas according to my invention I mix with
the acetylene a suitable proportion of air, preferably equal parts of air and gas,
although widely different proportions may be used. This mixture may be made
by allowing the generated gas to pass into the holder or reservoir until the same is
approximately half full, and then raising the holder in any suitable way so as to
extend it to its full capacity, while at the same time opening an air inlet, so that
a mixture is made of one-half acetylene gas and one-half air; or, if desired, the
holder may be preliminarily one-half filled with air, and then completely filled with
the gas.
It is obvious that though I have spoken of the addition of atmospheric air
to the acetylene gas to aid in its combustion, other gases aiding in such combustion
could also be added. It is also possible to supply or add the oxygen or air
required at the burner by using what is known as an atmosphere burner. I prefer,
however, the process herein before described as ensuring a determined and fixed
relation of the air to the gas. The gas in said holder is ordinarily burned
therefrom in the usual way; but it is obvious that if desired the gas in said
holder may be placed in tanks and burned elsewhere, as, for instance, on a moving
vehicle. This apparatus is shown in Sheets 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings,
wherein
Sheet Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the apparatus partly in vertical
mid-section; Fig. 1 shows a fragment of Fig. 1 under different conditions.
Sheet 2-Fig. 2 is a horizontal section of one end of the reaction chamber;
Fig. 3 is a side elevation thereof; Fig. 4 is an end view thereof; Figs. 5 and 6 are
sectional elevations of two modified constructions of reaction apparatus.
Referring to Fig. 1 (Sheet 1) let A designate the reservoir or receiver or
storage cylinder, capable of withstanding any suitable or required pressure.
Let B designate the generating or reaction chamber. C is an air pump.
D is a
reducing valve. The receiver A is fitted with a valve a and coupling b, to which
are coupled pipes c leading to the pump C, d leading to the generator B, and e leading
to the reducing valve D. From the latter a pipe leads to any point where the
gas is to be used, a series of jets or burners being shown. From the generator B
the generated gas may flow through the pipe d into the receiver A. In this pipe
is introduced a valve g, preferably a self-closing check-valve as shown, the purpose
of which is to prevent back flow of gas from A into B. From the pump C air
may be forced into the receiver through the pipe c. A valve is introduced
in this pipe to enable it to be shut off in case the pump is to be disconnected, which
may be done by unscrew wing the coupling i. From the receiver A the gas may
pass out through the valve a and pipe e to the pressure regulator D, the flow being
if desired controlled or restricted by adjusting a valve j. If necessary to
disconnect the pipe e, this can be done by uncoupling it at l.
From the pressure
regulator D the gas flows under reduced pressure through the pipe f to the place
of use, the flow being regulated if desired by adjusting a valve k in this pipe.
The reaction chamber B in the construction shown in Fig. 1, consists of a
horizontal cylinder into which the carbide or other chemical may be introduced at
one end, preferably by placing it in a pan or dish E, which may be an ordinary
the required quantity of the carbide being weighed or measured out and
placed in this pan and then slid into the chamber. To enable this to be done one
tin pan,

page_text: end of the chamber is constructed to open, being formed with a removable
cap B1
Above the chamber B is mounted a closed water reservoir F, from which a
discharge pipe or passage extends down into the chamber B, and terininates
preferably in a sprinkler or perforated pipe for introducing the water upon the
carbide subdivided into jets. In this communicating pipe or passage is a valve or
cock u.
For filling the water reservoir F, a hopper G is provided, the communi-
cating passage being closed by a three-way cock v.
In operation, if it is desired to produce a mixture of acetylene gas with air, the
desired quantity of air is first admitted to the reservoir A, or if necessary is
forced in under pressure by the pump C. The reaction chamber is then charged
with the required amount of calcium carbide, and the water reservoir connected
with the sprinkler thereof is filled with water. The reaction chamber being
securely closed, the valve u is opened to permit the water to flow to the sprinkler,
and the generated gas then flows through the gas outlet pipe d to the reservoir,
the check-valve 9 preventing any backflow. To introduce the same gaseous
pressure on top of the column of water as beneath it, a pipe w admits the pressure
of gas to the top of the water reservoir F. This pipe w preferably communicates
with the valve g so that it is closed when the valve is turned to the position shown
in Fig. 1A for refilling the reservoir F with water.
The generation of gas will continue until all the carbide and water have been
mutually decomposed, no further attention being necessary until the recharging of
the apparatus when gas is again required. The only residue left is a quantity
of lime resulting from the oxidation of the calcium carbide by the decomposition
of the water. The gas thus generated and stored may be used as required by
reducing it to a suitably low pressure by means of the pressure regulating
valve D.
To permit the introduction of fresh carbide and the removal of the spent
carbide or residual lime, the reaction chamber is constructed with one end or
head B removable, this head or cap being preferably formed with spirally inclined
ribs m m, engaging spirally inclined faces on flanges g g on the exterior of the
chamber, as shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4, Sheet 2, so that by a partial turning of the
cap it is drawn into tight contact with the end of the chamber, a packing or luting
ring being preferably applied and held by screwing on the terminal flanges on
which the lugs 9 are formed.
Fig. 5 (Sheet 2) shows a modified construction of gas generator B which differs
from that already described in being arranged vertically. The generating chamber
here lettered B2, is a vertical cylinder with a removable cap B³ screwing upon or
otherwise attached to its lower end. The carbide is placed in an open-topped
vessel E, which rests on the cap B³. The water chamber F is unchanged except
that the gas pipe w is omitted, this being possible since the valve lettered u¹ is
made a straight-way or gate-valve so as to afford when open a clear passage
vertically downward from the water chamber, so that the water may flow out as
from an inverted bottle, the gas ascending by the same passage.
In other respects
the apparatus is the same as already described.
Fig. 6 shows another modification in which the gas is generated in a vertical
chamber B having a lower head B' and an upper head B. To introduce the
carbide, the lower head B might be removed as in Fig. 5, or the upper head Be
may be removed. The water chamber F is formed integrally with the shell of
the bottom valve u², and beneath this is formed as a screw plug t¹ screwing into the
head B. For introducing carbide, the water vessel F may be unscrewed, whereby
a sufficient opening is formed for inserting the carbide, after which the water vessel
is screwed back into place. To fill the water vessel, the screw-plug v¹ is removed
from its top, and the water poured in, after which this screw-plug is replaced.
Then by opening the cock u² the water is permitted to descend. For cleaning out
the residue from the chamber B', the lower cap B³ may advantageously be
removed.

page_text: The gas apparatus thus described is well adapted for the lighting of railway
carriages, steam boats, steam ships, buoys, private residences, and in short for all
locations where what is called an isolated gas plant can be feasibly applied.
Another part of my invention relates to an improved mode of transmitting and
using acetylene or other similar gas for illuminating or heating purposes. To
avoid the possibility of an explosive mixture of gas and air being formed in the
storage reservoir or the distributing mains, I generate and transmit the acetylene
in a pure condition unmixed with any other gas. The gas generated in this
condition is raised to a high pressure as compared with the pressures at which
gas is ordinarily transmitted through mains. The gas may be generated at
considerable pressure, or if the pressure thus attained is insufficient, it may be
raised to a higher pressure by pumping. The pressure may vary from a pressure
of several inches of water up to any convenient limit, say approximately twenty
pounds per square inch. At such pressure the gas is transmitted through the
mains or pipes laid in the streets or elsewhere to the buildings or places where it is
to be used. Being a fixed gas it suffers no condensation in the pipes, and being
free from admixture with other gases, there is no liability of explosion. On
arriving at the place of use, say for example the building of a gas consumer, the
gas is first reduced in pressure by means of any suitable pressure reducing valve,
from which it emerges at a low pressure such as is suitable for supplying gas
burners, say for example from one to three inches of water; the gas is then if
desired mixed with air in equal parts, or such other proportion as may be desired,
which mixture is formed as close as possible to the points of consumption of the
gas. For this purpose any suitable known gas mixer may be employed, being
conveniently constructed in combination with a gas meter.
The mixed gas is
then passed through pipes to the several burners.
Fig. 7 (Sheet 3) of the accompanying drawings sufficiently illustrates this
improved system.
Let A designate the reaction chamber in which the gas is produced by the
reaction of water with calcium carbide the water being introduced through a water
pipe a under considerable pressure from a pump B. The generated gas passes off
through a pipe b past a check-valve c into a reservoir C, which is or may be a
steel tank capable of withstanding the highest pressure generated by the gas in
consequence of the reaction. If this pressure is higher than is desired in the
mains the gas may be passed from this tank through a reducing-valve D into a
storage tank E, from which it is discharged into the mains F, the flow being
controlled if desired by a valve d. But if the pressure generated in the tank C is
suitable the valve D and reservoir E may be omitted. The main F will be
extended underground as is usual with gas mains, differing therefrom only in two
respects, first, that it is a stronger pipe capable of withstanding a higher pressure,
and second, that it need not be nearly so large as ordinary gas mains, for two
reasons, (1) that the gas is of much higher illuminating power than ordinary street
gas, and (2) that it is conducted at much higher pressure. The difference in
illuminating power is approximately 10 to 1, and if the pressure be only ten times
greater than that at which illuminating gas is ordinarily transmitted the mains
would require theoretically only 100 of the area of gas mains as ordinarily
employed and of ten times the strength. Practically, however, a small pipe
(say inch) will be employed for ordinary street mains, being an iron pipe of a
thickness in proportion to the pressure, and of separate lengths united by screw
nipples or couplings applied with great care to make tight joints.
T
At the consumer's building a branch pipe f is taken off from the main in the
usual manner and leads to a pressure reducing valve G of any suitable con-
struction adapted to reduce from the high pressure of the mains to the low
pressure required at the gas burners, several suitable valves for this purpose being
already known. From the outlet of the reducer the gas passes by a pipe g to the
mixer H. As the construction of such mixers is well understood I have not shown
the construction in detail, it being only essential that the mixer shall be of such

page_text: known construction as shall be capable of mixing with the gas in its passage
through it an equal bulk of air or other determined proportion. Preferably the
mixer is constructed as a combined mixer and gas meter. From the mixer a
pipe leads and is divided into branches extending to the several gas burners, i i.
These burners may be of any usual construction except that for this gas, which is
much richer than ordinary illuminating gas, the burners should be much smaller,
a one foot burner affording the same degree of illumination with equal parts of
acetylene and air as is attained approximately by a five foot or larger burner
burning ordinary coal gas.
My improved system has the advantages, first, of greatly cheapening the laying
of gas mains, since a pipe so much smaller than that ordinarily required may be
used. Second, it avoids all danger of explosion. Third, it avoids all condensation
in the mains and the consequent necessity of providing vents or pockets for
tapping off the condensation from the mains. Fourth, it admits of supplying gas
at uniform pressure at the burners at any distance from the works however short
or however long that distance may be. Fifth, it admits of providing different
consumers with gas at different pressures to suit varying conditions, such as the
lighting of theatres or factories on the one hand and private dwellings on the
other. Sixth, it admits of serving different consumers with gas of different
richness, which may become advisable by reason of different conditions, as for
example, for use as illuminating gas in one instance or for the generation of heat
in another instance.
Instead of the reservoir E being a closed steel tank it might be any usual
gasometer.
When
A further part of my invention relates to the automatic control or regulation of
the production of gas. For this purpose the admission of water to the reaction
chamber is controlled by means of the variations in pressure of the gas.
the generated gas falls below a certain normal pressure, water is admitted to the
reaction chamber, and by reacting with the calcium carbide, generates a further
quantity of gas, and as the pressure of this gas rises above the normal it acts to
prevent the further admission of water. To this end according to a first mode of
regulation the water may be admitted to the reaction chamber under a definite
hydrostatic pressure from an elevated reservoir, so that whenever the gas pressure
exceeds this hydrostatic pressure, the water will automatically cease to enter, but
when by the drawing off of the gas the pressure falls, the water will again enter
the chamber. A second mode of regulation is by a float valve operating by the
rise and fall of the level of water in consequence of the varying ratio between the
hydrostatic pressure and the gas pressure. A third mode is by the use of a gas
holder which rises and falls as the volume of gas varies, with a valve in the water
supply pipe arranged to be opened by this holder when it descends to a certain
point, and again closed when the holder in ascending reaches a certain height.
Or by a further mode of regulation, applicable in the case of gas stored under
pressure in a reservoir, a diaphragm exposed to the gaseous pressure may by its
motion control the opening and closing of the water valve. In either case the
production of gas is automatically controlled and regulated in proportion to
the consumption, so long as any uncombined carbide remains in the reaction
chamber.
The first mode of regulation is shown by Fig. 1 (Sheet 4) of the drawing, which
is a vertical section of an apparatus designed more particularly for isolated gas
plants.
Referring to this figure, A designates as a whole the gas generator, B is a water
tank or source of supply elevated to a suitable height, C is a reducing valve, D is
a gas-holder, C' is another reducing valve or gas governor, and EE are the
distributing pipes for conducting the gas to the burners.
The generator A is constructed as a vessel of suitable shape, as for example an
upright cylinder. At its bottom it is connected by a pipe a with the water tank B.
This tank is supplied with water from a pipe b, the admission of the water into the

page_text: tank being controlled by a float valve c, as in ordinary service tanks for water
supply in houses. The tank should have a considerable capacity. above the normal
water level denoted at x.
The generator A is constructed with a foraminous or open grate or slatted false
bottom d dividing it into two chambers. The upper or reaction chamber contains
a magazine F for containing the calcium carbide, and. around this is a gas space e,
from which leads a gas outlet pipe f. The carbide magazine F has its side walls
constructed preferably as a truncated cone or inverted hopper. The walls of the
magazine should be perforated, or at least perforations should be made toward the
upper end thereof to permit the escape of the gas into the space e.
At the upper
end of this magazine it is closed by a valve or slide g separating it from a supply
chamber G above, and this supply chamber is in turn separated by a valve or slide h
from a filling hopper H. The valves g h may be ordinary gate valves packed in
any suitable way. The lower part of the generator A is provided with a cleaning
out door i, fastened hermetically in place against a suitable iuting by. means of
clamping screws jj. A foraminous partition is provided inside the generator to
prevent the choking by the residual lime of access to the water pipe a.
In starting the apparatus, the generator A is empty, the water being shut off
from it by a valve a' in the pipe a. The valves g h are opened, and the calcium
carbide is introduced through them into the magazine F, filling it to any desired
level, the valves g h being then closed. The valve a' is then opened to admit water
which flows from the tank B into the lower part of the generator, and as its level
rises therein, it in course of time comes into contact with the calcium carbide in the
magazine, and at once begins the generation of acetylene gas. The valve f¹ being
open, the generated gas flows through the system of pipes and expels the air, the
burners being left open until the acetylene gas appears of nearly full strength, when
they are closed. The apparatus is then ready for regular operation. As the
acetylene gas is rapidly given off by the decomposition of the carbide, it soon
generates a pressure within the apparatus, and as soon as this pressure exceeds the
hydrostatic pressure upon the column of water due to the height at which the
tank B is placed, some of the water begins to be expelled from the generator,
causing a backward current through the pipe a. The reducing valve C is preferably
made of small capacity, only sufficient to admit the flow of the maximum amount
of gas being consumed at any one time, so that the pressure in the generator is not
relieved by any sudden outflow of gas through said valve. This construction ensures
the advantage that the water is more quickly forced out of contact with the carbide,
it being understood that the generation of gas continues for a considerable time
after the water level has been depressed below the mass of carbide, since a little
water remains adhering to the surface of the lumps of carbide or caught in
depressions therein, so that the generation of gas is continued, although at a reduced
rate, after the body of water has been expelled. The accumulated pressure having
lowered the water level, the gas continues to pass out through the reducing valve
and is conducted through the pipes m n into the gas holder D, by which a con-
siderable reserve of gas can be stored. As the pressure is thus lowered, the water
level in the generator gradually rises, until finally it again comes in contact with
the carbide, and a renewed generation of gas occurs with a considerable increase in
its pressure and a consequent forcing down again of the water level. This
intermittent operation continues as long as the apparatus is in use.
The reducing valve C may be set to deliver gas on the eduction side to whatever
pressure is required at the burners, say for example two inches of water, in which
case the second reducing valve C¹ need not be used. It is preferable, however, to
employ both valves, setting the valve C to reduce the pressure from the high and
variable pressure in the gas generator to a considerably lower pressure, which shall
be maintained in the gas-holder D, say for example a pressure of eight inches of
water; and this pressure is in turn reduced by the more sensitive reducing valve or
gas governor C, which delivers the gas at the exact pressure desired at the burners.
By this means great uniformity of pressure can be attained in the delivery pipes
H

page_text: leading to the burners, whereby the gas is burned under the most uniform and
desirable conditions. As the gas passes from the valve C at any greater rate than
it is needed for consumption, the excess is stored in the gas holder, lifting the latter
until when it is full it is stopped by any suitable means, as for example in the
particular construction shown by the abutting of its guide rollers q against stops r
formed on the upright guides, whereby the further ascent of the gas holder is
prevented, and the entering gas quickly accumulates a pressure sufficient to close
the valve C and prevent the passage of any further gas from the generator.
this instant, whatever further gas is generated in the generator acts to displace the
water, forcing it back more or less into the tank B as already described.
From
The decomposition of the carbide leaves lime as a residuum, and this lime is
washed out by the water as it rises and falls, the water being converted into lime
water, and any excess of lime accumulating on the bottom of the generator. As
the lime is thus washed out, the charge of carbide continually settles down in the
magazine F. More carbide can be added from time to time by first opening the
valve and introducing the carbide through the hopper H into the supply chamber G
until the latter is nearly full, then closing the valve and opening the valve g,
whereby the introduced carbide is dropped into the magazine, after which the
slide g is again closed. When so much lime has accumulated in the lower part of
the generator as to require to be removed, the inflow of water may be arrested
by closing the valve a, the valve f¹ may be closed to prevent backflow of the gas,
and if desired a putap may be provided to draw out of the generator what gas it
contains and force it into the gas holder D (the connection of such a pump being
indicated in dotted lines at J). Then by opening a valve p¹ in a pipe p, the water
in the generator may be run off into the sewer, carrying with it what lime is in
suspension. To vent the apparatus, the valves g h may be opened slightly to admit
air. The additional lime may be shovelled out by opening the door i. The
apparatus has then to be closed and recharged as at the outset. The proportions
should be such that the lower part of the generator will hold a large accumulation
of lime, and the magazine F will hold an ample charge of carbide, in order to avoid
the necessity of having to clean out and recharge the generator at too frequent
intervals.
The second and third modes of regulation (as well as the first) are shown by
Fig. 1 (Sheet 5) of the drawings, which also is a vertical section, but showing an
apparatus which may be applicable to either large or small gas plants.
In this figure let A designate the reaction chamber, which is shown as of the
same construction as the chamber B in Fig. 1 of Sheet 1. By removing its hood
or cover A, the tray a containing calcium carbide may be introduced. The
chamber A is provided with a water inlet arranged in any suitable way to admit
water in contact with the carbide. I have shown this water inlet as consisting of
a pipe c leading from an elevated water tank B. This pipe con entering chamber A
extends upwardly in the form of an enlarged vessel d from which the water over-
flows by a spoute into the funnel shaped top of a tube b'leading down to a sprinkler 6
for discharging the water upon the carbide. The vessel d extends up into an
upward extension or dome of the chamber A, and the gas outlet extends from the
top of this dome. From this outlet the gas is conducted by a pipe C into the gas
holder D, from which the gas is discharged through a pipe E controlled by a
valve g.
On admitting water through the sprinkler b upon the carbide, a reaction at once
takes place whereby acetylene gas is generated in large quantities. This gas
passes out through the pipe C into the gas holder D, which latter is displaced or
raised by the entering gas. The generation of gas is in proportion approximately
to the amount of water introduced to the carbide, until all of the carbide has been
reduced. Accordingly if the shower of water were continued, and the consumption
of gas through the pipe E were to occur at a less rate than the rate of generation
of the gas, the latter will accumulate to such extent as to lift.the gas holder D to
its highest position. Before this point is reached, however, the' generation of gas

page_text: should be stopped, and to do this the inflow of water is arrested. The simplest
means for doing this is by only that apparatus thus far described, which involves
the first mode of regulation referred to. The open-topped tube or stand-pipe d
from which the entering water overflows, being arranged within the reaction
chamber, receives upon the surface of the column of water the downward pressure
of the generated gas.
As long as this pressure is less than the hydrostatic pressure
due to the head upon the column of water, the water will continue to enter and
overflow from the stand-pipe into the pipe b¹; but as soon as the pressure of gas
becomes sufficient to balance the hydrostatic pressure, the flow of water will be
arrested and the column of water in the stand-pipe d will be held in equilibrium, or
by a further increase in the gas pressure will be forced downward in the stand-pipe.
By this simple means the regulation may be effected, the inflow of water and
consequently the generation of gas being arrested whenever the gas reaches a
predetermined pressure, the height of the tank B being such as to supply a
hydrostatic pressure upon the column of water equalling such predetermined
gas pressure.
But in case of a rapid increase in the pressure of gas, the column of water
might be forced entirely out of the stand-pipe d, and some gas might escape through
the pipe c.
To prevent this, I have according to the second mode of regulation
referred to, introduced a simple construction of float valve, as shown in Fig. 1,
Sheet 5, by suspending a float i within the stand-pipe, connecting it by a suitable
stem or rod with a valvej adapted to seat itself within the upper end of the stand-
pipe. When the water is flowing normally, the float holds the valve j above its
seat; but in case the gaseous pressure becomes excessive so as to force the column
of water downward in the stand-pipe the float i falls and drops the valve j upon its
seat, thereby closing the top of the stand-pipe and preventing further flow.
In such automatic apparatus it is desirable to provide for the contingency that
the apparatus may get out of order or fail to work with the desired smoothness or
freedom. To this end I have provided an auxiliary means for controlling the water
supply, embodying the third mode of regulation referred to, which is preferably
used in connection with the mechanism already described, but it may be used as a
substitute therefor. This means consists of a valve F in the water pipe c, operated
through a lever k by the gas holder D. When the gas holder rises to where it is
nearly full, some portion of it, or some part connected to it, strikes the lever k and
moves it from the open position shown in full lines in Fig. 1, to the closed position
shown in dotted lines, thereby closing the valve F and positively cutting off the
flow of water. The generation of gas is thereby interrupted, and will not be
resumed until the valve F is again opened. For this purpose the descent of the gas
holder as the gas is drawn from it is utilized to move the lever k in the opposite
direction, this being readily accomplished by means of a chain or other connection
between the gas holder and lever, so that when the gas holder descends to its lowest
position it pulls on this chain, and thereby pulls down the lever k from the closed
to the open position of the valve. This auxiliary mechanism is constructed and
adapted to operate under more extreme conditions than the governor first described,
in order that if the primary governor fails to operate within its normal range. of
operation, then upon a greater accumulation of gas the auxiliary valve or governor
will operate and ensure the stoppage of the generation of gas.
The fourth mode of regulation is shown in Fig. 2 (Sheet 6) of the drawings,
which is a side elevation partly in vertical section.
The reaction chamber A and water tank are of the same construction already
described. The water pipe (here lettered c¹) however, enters directly into the
reaction chamber and connects immediately with the sprinkler b. From the reaction
chamber a pipe C¹ leads to the gas reservoir D', which is shown as being a steel
tank or vessel capable of withstanding a heavy pressure. Any backflow of gas is
prevented by a check-valve m. From, the reservoir a gas outlet-pipe. E provided
with a valve g leads for delivering the gas. In connection with the reservoir D'
or gas inlet pipe C¹, is arranged a diaphragm governor consisting of a diaphragm

page_text: chamber n in communication with the reservoir or gas pipe so as to receive the gas
pressure, a diaphragm G forming one side of this chamber so as to receive the
pressure of gas on one side against the contrary pressure of a springs on the other
side, so that the diaphragm is deflected and the spring compressed more or less as.
the gas pressure varies. The movements of the diaphragm are communicated
through a rod p to a lever q, and from this lever through a link or other connector »
to a lever ¹ operating a valve F1 in the water pipe c'. The operation is as follows:
By opening the valve F¹ water flows to the sprinkler, and is sprinkled upon the
calcium carbide, and the generated gas flows out through the reaction chamber A
past the valve m through the pipe C₁ into the reservoir D'. This continues until
it accumulates sufficient pressure to deflect upwardly the diaphragm G, thereby
moving up the lever q and through the link moving the lever and closing the
valve F, thus shutting off the supply of water and checking the generation of gas.
As long as the same pressure is maintained no more gas will be generated, but
when sufficient gas has been delivered through the pipe E to reduce the pressure
enough to permit the springs to force down the diaphragm, the levers 7 and ¹ are
moved back, thereby opening the valve F¹ and permitting a new flow of water and
causing a renewed generation of gas.
1
I have referred to my discovery that under the conditions of the. reaction of
water with calcium carbide, the gas is produced under such pressure that no further
pumping into the holder or receptacle is required. The apparatus shown in Fig. 1
will serve to illustrate the practical application of this discovery. Without any
use of the pump C the generated gas may be forced into the receiver A by its
own pressure of generation. Either the pure acetylene gas, or the gas mixed with
air, may be thus stored under pressure in the receiver. If it is desired to transport
the gas, it is only necessary to close the valve a and uncouple the coupling b,
whereupon the receiver or tank may be shipped to any desired place. To use the
gas, it has only to be coupled to a reducing valve such as D, by which its pressure
is lowered before it is conducted to the burners. The pressure that can be attained
by the generation of the gas is very great; I have myself compressed it by these
means to about thirty atmospheres, and by cooling the compressed gas by means of
a mixture of ice and common salt have liquefied it under this pressure. Acetylene
gas at 32 degrees Fahrenheit liquefies under a pressure of 21 atmospheres. In
compressing the gas to high pressures, it is important that efficient means should
be provided for keeping it cool, since it is found that if it becomes highly heated
by compression, an explosion is liable to result.
My invention may possibly be modified somewhat by the substitution of other
metallic compounds in place of calcium carbide. For example, it is possible that
a calcium acetylide may be employed, or a carbide or acetylide of other metals
than calcium. Any metallic carbide, acetylide, or other compound capable of
mutual decomposition with water, and by its decomposition generating acetyléne
or any other, analogous hydrocarbon gas capable of the same uses, constitutes, an
equivalent of calcium carbide for the purposes. of my present invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inyeu-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, 1 declare that what I
claim is :-
1. The improved mode of illumination consisting in combining water and a
metallic carbide decomposable thereby to produce acetylene gas, collecting and
storing such gas, and finally burning the same under the conditions described so as
to effect a complete combination of the gas with atmospheric oxygen, substantially
as herein before specified.
2. The improved manufacture of gas for illumination, heating, and other
purposes, consisting in bringing a metallic carbide decomposable by water int
contact with water in a closed chamber, thereby generating acetylene gas under
pressure essentially in the manner specified.
3. The improved manufacture of gas for illumination, heating, and other

page_text: purposes, consisting in bringing a metallic carbide decomposable by water into
contact with water, thereby generating acetylene gas, and commingling said gas
with air substantially in the manner specified.
4. The improved manufacture of gas consisting in bringing a metallic carbide
decomposable by water into contact with water in a closed chamber, and admitting
the acetylene gas thereby generated into a chamber or passage containing air
to effect a mixture of the acetylene and air in any desired proportions, substantially
in the manner specified.
5. The improved manufacture of gas consisting in bringing a metallic carbide
decomposable by water into contact with water in a closed chamber, thereby
generating acetylene under pressure, conducting the compressed acetylene into a
portable tank, confining it in the latter and transporting it therein to the place of
use, substantially in the manner specified.
6. The improved manufacture of gas consisting in placing a metallic carbide
decomposable by water in a closed chamber, introducing water into said chamber
in contact therewith to generate acetylene, and as a pressure is thereby generated
continuing the introduction of the water by forcing it in under a superior pressure,
substantially in the manner specified.
7. The improved system of distribution of gas for illumination, heating, and
other purposes, which consists in forcing acetylene gas from the place of production
into the mains at high pressure, distributing it through the mains at such pressure
to the points of consumption, and there reducing it to the low or normal pressure
at which it is supplied to the burners, substantially as described.
8. The improved system of distribution of combustible gas which consists in
forcing acetylene gas from the place of production into the mains at high pressure,
distributing it through the mains at such pressure to the points of consumption,
and there reducing it to the low or normal pressure for supplying the burners,
mixing the gas with a suitable proportion of air for properly diluting it, and then
conducting it to the burners, substantially as described.
9. The improved manufacture of gas for automatically controlling the production
thereof in proportion to the demand, consisting in placing a metallic carbide
decomposable by water in a closed chamber and admitting water to said chamber
under a definite hydrostatic pressure so that whenever the pressure of generated
acetylene gas exceeds this hydrostatic pressure the water will automatically cease
to enter, but when by the drawing off of the gas the pressure falls below such
hydrostatic pressure the water will again enter the chamber into contact with the
carbide, substantially as described.
10. The improved manufacture of gas for automatically controlling the production
thereof according to the demand, consisting in placing a metallic carbide
decomposable by water in a closed chamber and admitting water to said chamber
under pressure, into contact with said carbide to generate acetylene gas, with means
for checking the inflow of water whenever a maximum volume or pressure of gas is
generated, and for re-establishing such flow upon a determined diminution in
volume or pressure of gas, in essentially the manner specified.
11. The improved apparatus for generating acetylene gas under pressure
comprising a closed reaction chamber having a removable portion for opening it to
introduce carbide, a source of water and a pipe for introducing into said chamber
water under pressure and preferably in the form of jets or a spray, and a valved
gas outlet pipe leading therefrom, substantially as described.
12. The described apparatus for generating acetylene gas shown in Fig. 1, Sheet 1,
comprising the combination of reaction chamber B, removable cap B¹, water
vessel F, valved water inlet, and valved gas outlet, substantially as hereinbefore
described, and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
13. The improved apparatus for gas distribution consisting of means for generating
acetylene gas, means for forcing the same at high pressure into the mains, the said
mains leading to the points of consumption, a pressure reducing valve at each such
point, and a pipe leading thence to the burners, substantially as specified.

page_text: 14. The improved apparatus for gas generation and distribution consisting of a
closed reaction chamber in which water and a metallic carbide can be brought into
contact to generate acetylene gas under pressure, an outlet pipe conducting such gas
to a reducing valve, such reducing valve, a storage tank for holding the gas under
the reduced pressure delivered by said valve, high pressure mains receiving the gas
at such reduced but still high pressure and conducting it to the points of consumption,
a secondary reducing valve at each such point for further reducing the gas to low
or normal pressure for burning, and a pipe leading from the latter valve to the
burners, substantially as specified with reference particularly to Fig. 7 on Sheet 3
of the drawings.
15. The improved apparatus for generating acetylene gas, substantially as shown
in Fig. 1, Sheet. 4, comprising a gas generator A consisting of a chamber having
a receptacle for carbide, a gas outlet from the upper part thereof, an elevated
water tank B, and a pipe a leading from said tank and communicating with the
lower part of the generator, the whole adapted for automatic operation, substantially
in the manner described.
16. The improved apparatus for generating acetylene gas, substantially as shown
in Fig. 1, Sheet 4, comprising a gas generator A consisting of a chamber provided
transversely by a grating or foraminous partition d, an inlet for water in the lower
part of said chamber, a source of water under pressure connected to said inlet, and
a gas outlet from the upper part of said chamber, adapted for automatic operation
substantially as described.
17. The improved apparatus for generating acetylene gas, comprising in
combination a closed reaction chamber for containing a metallic carbide, means for
introducing water thereinto into contact with said carbide, whereby gas is generated
under pressure, a gas outlet from said chamber, a pressure reducing valve applied
to reduce the pressure of said gas, a gas storage tank receiving the gas under such
reduced pressure, and a second pressure reducing vaive applied in the pipe through
which gas is discharged from said tank to the points of consumption, substantially
as specified with reference particularly to Fig. 1. of Sheet 4.
18. The improved apparatus for generating acetylene gas, substantially as shown
in Fig. 1, Sheet 5, comprising a gas generating chamber A, a source of water under
definite hydrostatic pressure, a water inlet therefrom into said chamber adapted to
introduce the water into contact with carbide placed therein, and a float valve
adapted to close said water inlet when the gaseous pressure in said chamber exceeds
the hydrostatic pressure, adapted for operation essentially as described.
19. The improved apparatus for generating acetylene gas, substantially as shown
in Fig. 1, Sheet 5, comprising a gas generating chamber A, a source of water
admitted thereto under pressure through a pipe c, a valve F in said pipe, a gas
holder D receiving the gas from said chamber, and mechanical connections between
said holder and valve F for operating the latter by the rise and fall of the holder
in substantially the manner described.
20. The improved apparatus for generating acetylene gas, substantially as shown
in Fig. 2, Sheet 6, comprising a gas generating chamber A, a source of water under
pressure admitted thereto through a pipe c', a valve F¹ in said pipe, a tank D' for
holding compressed gas connected to receive the gas from said chamber, and a
movable part as the diaphragm G, or its equivalent, receiving the pressure of gas
against a definite tension and movable thereby to open or close said valve in
substantially the manner described.
Dated this 4th day of September 1895.
J. C. MEWBURN & ELLIS,
55 & 56 Chancery Lane, London, Chartered Patent Agents.