IMPROVEMENTS IN GAS PRESSURE REGULATORS
Year: 1885

page_text: I, HERBERT JOHN HADDAN, of 67 Strand, in the City of Westminster, Civil
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of said invention for IMPROVEMENTS IN
GAS PRESSURE REGULATORS, a communication to me from abroad by Eugène
Derval, Civil Engineer, of Paris, France, to be as follows:-
The object of the present invention is to give a really practical application to
floating regulators in the various cases which may present themselves in gas-
lighting for public and private purposes.
The regulator in question is essentially composed of an annular float, surrounded
by a plunger, soldered to a cover which can be screwed to the external drum, so as
to form two vessels communicating with each other, one subject to the pressure
of the discharge gas, and the other to that of the atmosphere, which, in certain
cases, can be replaced by a variable pressure, as will be shown further on, when
reference is made to district regulators.
A plunger, worked by a hand wheel fixed to the extremity of a screw, permits
the pressure of the discharge-gas to be varied within certain limits, and this
pressure is evidently measured by a column of liquid, whose height equals the
difference between the levels of the liquid in the two communicating vessels:
Plugs are employed to regulate the level of the liquid which is introduced
through a funnel fixed to the extremity of a tube, which also allows the air to
have access to the annular vessel.
The inlet-gas enters by a pipe on which is screwed a nut ending in a worm, so
that the regulator can be screwed direct on to its nut.
Two valves are placed in a tube which is soldered to the aforesaid nut, and is
perforated at the side to allow the gas to escape.
A second tube, the upper part of which is closed, is screwed into the last-named
or external tube, and allows the upper valve to be placed in position, which is
moveable and rests simply on a small collar soldered to the interior of the external
tube.
The valves are traversed by a tube, so that the inlet-gas can enter above the
upper valve and counteract the pressure exercised on the lower valve.
The float is connected with the valves by means of a rod and a platinum wire,
passing through a small opening in the bottom of the inner tube above-mentioned.
D
017

page_text: A small slit gives passage to the platinum wire, and thus allows the float to be
easily withdrawn, after the screw has been loosened, and without removing the
valves.
The two tubes already named which contain the valves, are surrounded by a
third tube, soldered to the bottom of a regulator; this tube passes quite through
the float, the centre of which is formed by a tube supporting two regulating plates,
on the solid parts of which the discharge gas exercises a certain amount of pressure
tending to raise the float and, consequently, the valves, so that the pressure of the
discharge-gas is increased in proportion to the quantity of gas which has escaped.
Since the increase of pressure which must be continually imparted to the discharge
gas, is exactly proportional to the volume of gas consumed, it can be easily under-
stood that it is only necessary to regulate the relation existing between tho
openings and the solid parts of the regulating plates, in order to increase or
diminish the pressure automatically, and proportionately to the volume of gas
consumed and the losses in the conduits.
A self-acting regulator is formed very simply by means of the two regulating
plates already mentioned; the lower one being fixed, it is only necessary to turn
the moveable upper plate more or less, until the desired proportion is obtained
between the volume of gas which has escaped and the pressure of the discharge-gas.
Certain marks, traced on the regulating-plates, show, for each kind of regulator,
the respective positions which these plates should occupy, in order to produce
certain determined variations of pressure, so that it is only necessary to secure the
upper plate by tightening a screw, in order to control at once the action of the
regulator according to the state of the conduits and the amount of light required.
The cover of the regulator is also provided with two screw-threads, on which
could be screwed a manometer or a burner, which would serve to light the person
who has to attend to the regulation of the pressure.
A small orifice closed by a simple screw would serve to remove all pressure,
in the event of any serious derangement existing in the conduits, but, before
opening this orifice, it will be necessary to stop the feed tube with a wooden plug,
so that the gas cannot escape, and that the pressure may find its equilibrium in
the two communicating vessels, and thus the valves would be wide open.
The inlet and discharge tubes can be placed horizontally, as is often required for
manufacturing purposes. In this case, the pressure of the discharge-gas is
exercised on the outside of the plunger, by means of a tube and, as this pressure
acts also on the bottom of the cylinder, the float is not influenced by the
variations in the pressure of the inlet-gas, that is to say, if the valves have equal
sectional area.
By means of the cover, the air can enter the cylindrical plunger, the float can
be examined and liquid can be introduced at pleasure.
Instead of exercising its pressure on the exterior of the plunger, the discharge
could be made to act on the interior of this cylinder, by means of an orifice in the
upper part of the tube which traverses the float, and the double valve might be
replaced by another contrivance counteracting the pressure of the inlet-gas on the
upper valve.
"
The regulator above-mentioned might be converted into an eduction-regulator
with a return-pipe, that is to say, into a regulator, in which the pressure of the
discharge-gas depends on the pressure which the gas ought to have at a suitable
point of the system; it being only necessary to suppress the gas inlet-tube and to
convey the gas through a tubular neck; the pressure of the return-gas passing
through this neck will replace that of the discharge-gas, and will control the
opening of the valves, the play of which can be increased by means of suitable
levers.
If district-regulators are preferred giving a constant difference of pressure
between the inlet- and discharge-gas, it is only necessary to allow the inlet-gas
to communicate with the cylindrical space, or to let the air exercise its influence,
which presents no difficulty.

page_text: -
To sum up the said improvements are especially characterised by the following
points:
1. The employment of perforated regulating-plates, arranged in such a manner
that the pressure exercised by the discharge-gas on the surface of these plates
tends to open the valves when the consumption increases, and to close them when
it diminishes, so that the pressure of the discharge-gas can be varied in proportion
to the volume of gas which has escaped, and the losses in the conduits.
2. The employment of one or more plungers, by means of which it is easy to
vary the level of the liquid in the apparatus, and, consequently, the pressure of the
discharge-gas.
3. The employment of two valves fixed on a tube, through which passes the
gas on its way to the upper discharge orifice.
4. The contrivance for counteracting the disturbing influence by the inlet-gas
on the valve of regulators made as described and furnished with only one valve.
5. The lowering of the centre of gravity of the float by the very weight of the
valves, which, contrary to what has hitherto been the case with hydrostatic
regulators, are always placed below the float.
6. The employment of a small orifice of communication, closed by a screw,
which, when open, allows the gas to pass with full pressure, establishing a uniform
pressure in the two communicating vessels.

page_text: diminish, the reverse action takes place the float rises and lifts the valve so as to
allow the gas to enter more freely. If more burners be lighted a momentary fall
in pressure takes place within the regulator the liquid flows from the outer to the
inner compartment, the float rises, the valve S S¹ is opened and an increased flow
of gas takes place. This increased flow tends still further to lift the valve.for it
collects in the chamber formed by the plate R¹ and wall g faster than it can escape
by the openings in the plates R R and thus exerts a pressure upward lifting the
float F to a certain extent out of the liquid and opening the valve S S₁ to a
corresponding extent. Equilibrium is established when the difference in pressure
between the inside and outside of the collecting chamber is balanced, by the weight
of the float and valve which has been lifted by the superior pressure inside. The
pressure in the outlet pipe C will be higher than it would be except for the action
of the collecting chamber in opening the valve and thus a larger quantity of gas
will be forced through the pipes without lowering the pressure at the burners.
The increase in pressure will moreover be proportionate to the flow. The amount
of the increase can be regulated by adjusting the valve plate R so as to check the
flow from the collecting chamber more or less, as required. The more the flow is
checked the greater will be the difference in pressure between the inside and
outside of said chamber and the greater the lifting force tending to open the valve.
It will of course be understood that the openings should not be made so small
that a full supply of gas will not pass through them. To facilitate the adjustment
one or both plates may be provided with graduations or marks as shewn at e
Figure 4.
When burners are turned off and the consumption of gas diminished the pressure
in the regulator increases, the level of the liquid inside the partition I is depressed
the float descends and the valve is partly closed. At the same time the flow being
less the difference in pressure between the inside and outside of the collecting
chamber is less and the float sinks deeper in the liquid and closes the valve S S¹ to
a corresponding degree.
Sometimes it may be desirable to use the full head of, pressure in the inlet
pipe B. In such case the pipe U is plugged and the screw b is raised so as to put
the compartments in free cominunication through the hole d in partition I. The
level of the liquid will then be the same in both compartments.
t
Of course the regulation due to the rise and fall of the valve under the action of
the pressure in the collecting chamber could be had under these conditions, if
desired.
The apparatus shown is mainly designed for the use of private gas consumers;
but the same or a similar one could also be used in gas works or wherever else its
use may be desired.
Forms, proportions, dimensions, materials, and other details can be varied without
departing froin the spirit of the invention and parts of the invention may be used
separately.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
Invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I clain is
First. A fluid pressure regulator comprising in combination with the regulator
valve and a movable device connected with said valve for opening it when the
pressure in the regulator diminishes and closing it when it increases, a collecting
chamber provided with openings for the escape of the fluid into the outlet or
distributing pipe, and a movable body acted upon in opposite directions by the 5
pressure inside and outside said collecting chamber and connected with said valve,
so that an excess of pressure inside tends to open the valve substantially as
described.
Second. The combination with the regulator valve the collecting chamber
provided with escape openings and the movable body acted upon in opposite 5
directions by the pressure of the fluid before and after it has passed through said

page_text: To sum up the said improvements are especially characterised by the following
points:
1. The employment of perforated regulating-plates, arranged in such a manner
that the pressure exercised by the discharge-gas on the surface of these plates
tends to open the valves when the consumption increases, and to close them when
it diminishes, so that the pressure of the discharge-gas can be varied in proportion
to the volume of gas which has escaped, and the losses in the conduits.
2. The employment of one or more plungers, by means of which it is easy to
vary the level of the liquid in the apparatus, and, consequently, the pressure of the
discharge-gas.
3. The employment of two valves fixed on a tube, through which passes the
gas on its way to the upper discharge orifice.
4. The contrivance for counteracting the disturbing influence by the inlet-gas
on the valve of regulators made as described and furnished with only one valve.
5. The lowering of the centre of gravity of the float by the very weight of the
valves, which, contrary to what has hitherto been the case with hydrostatic
regulators, are always placed below the float.
6. The employment of a small orifice of communication, closed by a screw,
which, when open, allows the gas to pass with full pressure, establishing a uniform
pressure in the two communicating vessels.

page_text: Improvements in Gas Pressure Regulators.
I HERBERT JOHN HADDAN of 67 Strand in the City of Westminster Civil
Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this Invention which has been com-
municated to me from abroad by Eugène Derval of Paris in the Republic of
France Civil Engineer and in what manner the same is to be performed to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement that is
to say-
This Invention although not wholly limited thereto, relates more particularly to
that class of regulators for controlling the pressure of illuminating gas in which a
float is used to vary the position of the regulator valve. In these regulators an
increase of pressure on the consumption side of the valve lowers the level of the
liquid in which the float is placed and allows it to descend and by partially closing
the valve checks the flow into the pressure-chamber until equilibrium is established.
On a diminution of the pressure the level of the liquid rises the float is raised and
the valve opened to such an extent as to restore the equilibrium. In the other
ordinary forms of regulator which commonly have a diaphragm or a bell for the
body movable under variations of pressure instead of a liquid the general operation
is the same.
The regulation is however imperfect where there is considerable
variation in the gas consumption because where a larger quantity of gas is to be
forced through the pipes it is necessary in order to have a uniform supply at the
burners or points of consumption that the pressure at the regulator should be
increased whereas with the ordinary regulators the pressure is kept constant under
all conditions of use or if any change occurs in pressure it is diminished with an
increase in consumption.
To effect automatically a variation in the pressure proportionate to the rate of
consumption while maintaining what may be called a constant normal or average
pressure is the principal object of the Invention. To this end the gas after passing
the regulator valve enters a collecting chamber and escapes thence into the dis-
tributing pipes or a chamber connected therewith through an opening or openings
of such size as to check the flow somewhat. Thus there is a difference of pressure
inside and outside of said chamber which difference is proportional to the flow, and
is utilized to open the regulator valve to a corresponding extent by connecting said
valve with a movable body (such as a diaphragm or partition) arranged to be
acted upon in opposite directions by the pressure of the gas inside and outside of
said chamber. The valve is also connected with a movable body which as in
ordinary regulators is acted upon by the gas pressure either inside or outside of
said chamber or both in such manner that the valve is closed more or less as the
pressure increases. Thus the valve comes into equilibrium under the action of two
forces namely, the pressure at the regulator on the consumption side of the valve
tending to close the valve as it increases and the difference in pressure inside and
outside of the collecting chamber due to the flow or rate of consumption, tending to
open the valve as it becomes greater. In order to regulate this difference of
pressure means are provided for varying the size of the escape openings of the
collecting chamber so that the flow of gas may be checked more or less as desired.

page_text: The Invention also has for its object to simplify and perfect the construction of
gas regulators, and to this end comprises certain special constructions, combinations
and arrangements of parts as hereinafter set forth.
And in order that the said Invention may be fully understood I shall now
proceed more particularly to describe the same and for that purpose shall refer to
the several figures on the annexed sheet of Drawings the same letters of reference
indicating corresponding parts in all the figures.
Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings represents a vertical section of a gas
pressure regulator constructed according to this Invention.
Figure 2 is a corresponding plan and
Figures 3 and 4 are details hereinafter referred to.
The body or casing T of the regulator is divided into two parts by the cylindrical
partition I, which is hermetically joined to the cover G and extends nearly to the
bottom. In the inner compartment is the annular float F which is connected with
the regulator valve S S¹ so that the rise of the float opens and the fall of the same
closes the valve. The float F is supported by the liquid with which the regulator
is filled to the proper depth. The liquid is introduced by the funnel Q and pipe U.
and can be withdrawn more or less by removing the screws 61 61. A plunger P
partly immersed in the liquid is engaged by the screw V which is provided with a
milled head or hand wheel X for turning so that said plunger can be raised or
depressed in order to submerge it more or less, and thereby raise or lower the level
of the liquid. By these changes of level the valve S S¹ is adjusted to maintain the
desired pressure in the pipes.
The exterior compartment is or may be open to the air through the tube U.
The valve S S¹ is hollow and is made in two parts screwed together so that they
can be readily separated. The seats for the two parts are formed in the discs c c¹.
A space above the disc c is closed by the cap N the interior of which is in free
communication with the inlet pipe B through the hollow of the valve. The
pressure in the cap N evidently tends to close the valve while that in the inlet
pipe B tends to open it. As the pressure per square inch in the cap N will usually
be less than that in pipe B the upper part S of the valve is made a little larger
than the lower so that the valve will be practically balanced. In the drawings the
upper part is so much larger that the lower part S¹ will slip through the upper
valve seat, c. The cap N is screwed to the pipe M which is screwed or otherwise
fastened to the coupling A and is provided with openings for the free passage of
the gas after it has passed through the valve S S¹. The latter is suspended from
the Hoat F by means of the plate R¹ the screw a the fine platinum wire ƒ (which
passes through a small hole in the cap N) and the cross bar n. The screw a is
tapped into the plate R¹, figure 3. The valve can be removed after unscrewing the
screw a by moving the wire f through the slit t (see Figure 4) so as to bring the
screw opposite one of the large holes in plate R¹ which is of sufficient size for
the screw to pass through it.
It will be observed that the centre of gravity of the float and its suspended parts
is very low which is not the case with hydrostatic regulators heretofore made.
The plate R¹ in connection with the inner wall g of the float forms a collecting
chamber which is in communication with the compartment formed by partition I
and the distributing or outlet pipe C through the holes in the plate R¹. In order
to regulate the size of these holes a similar adjustable plate R is placed on the
plate R¹ and is retained in position by the screw a. By turning the plate R the
size of the openings can be regulated. Practically it forms a valve for controlling
the flow from the collecting chamber.
Assuming that the gas is being consumed and the valve S S¹ open to the proper
extent to give the desired pressure inside the partition I the operation is as
follows: If the pressure rise in the inlet pipe B a momentary increase of pressure
will take place inside the regulator the liquid level inside the partition I will be
depressed the float F will fall and the valve S S' close sufficiently to compensate
for the increase of pressure. On the other hand if the pressure in the inlet pipe B

page_text: diminish, the reverse action takes place the float rises and lifts the valve so as to
allow the gas to enter more freely. If more burners be lighted a momentary fall
in pressure takes place within the regulator the liquid flows from the outer to the
inner compartment, the float rises, the valve S S¹ is opened and an increased flow
of gas takes place. This increased flow tends still further to lift the valve for it
collects in the chamber formed by the plate R¹ and wall g faster than it can escape
by the openings in the plates R R¹ and thus exerts a pressure upward lifting the
float F to a certain extent out of the liquid and opening the valve S S₁ to a
corresponding extent. Equilibrium is established when the difference in pressure
between the inside and outside of the collecting chamber is balanced, by the weight
of the float and valve which has been lifted by the superior pressure inside. The
pressure in the outlet pipe C will be higher than it would be except for the action
of the collecting chamber in opening the valve and thus a larger quantity of gas
will be forced through the pipes without lowering the pressure at the burners.
The increase in pressure will moreover be proportionate to the flow. The amount
of the increase can be regulated by adjusting the valve plate R.so as to check the
flow from the collecting chamber more or less, as required. The more the flow is
checked the greater will be the difference in pressure between the inside and
outside of said chamber and the greater the lifting force tending to open the valve.
It will of course be understood that the openings should not be made so small
that a full supply of gas will not pass through them. To facilitate the adjustment
one or both plates may be provided with graduations or marks as shewn at e
Figure 4.
When burners are turned off and the consumption of gas diminished the pressure
in the regulator increases, the level of the liquid inside the partition I is depressed
the float descends and the valve is partly closed. At the same time the flow being
less the difference in pressure between the 'inside and outside of the collecting
chamber is less and the float sinks deeper in the liquid and closes the valve S S¹ to
a corresponding degree.
Sometimes it may be desirable to use the full head of, pressure in the inlet
pipe B. In such case the pipe U is plugged and the screw b is raised so as to put
the compartments in free communication through the hole d in partition I. The
level of the liquid will then be the same in both compartments.
1
Of course the regulation due to the rise and fall of the valve under the action of
the pressure in the collecting chamber could be had under these conditions, if
desired.
The apparatus shown is mainly designed for the use of private gas consumers;
but the same or a similar one could also be used in gas works or wherever else its
use may be desired.
Forms, proportions, dimensions, materials, and other details can be varied without
departing from the spirit of the invention and parts of the invention may be used
separately.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
Invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is
First. A fluid pressure regulator comprising in combination with the regulator
valve and a movable device connected with said valve for opening it when the
pressure in the regulator diminishes and closing it when it increases, a collecting
chamber provided with openings for the escape of the fluid into the outlet or
distributing pipe, and a movable body acted upon in opposite directions by the..
pressure inside and outside said collecting chamber and connected with said valve,
so that an excess of pressure inside tends to open the valve substantially as
described.
Second. The combination with the regulator valve the collecting chamber
provided with escape openings and the movable body acted upon in opposite
directions by the pressure of the fluid before and after it has passed through said

page_text: openings of the adjustable plate or valve for adjusting the size of said openings
substantially as described.
Third. The combination of the float the regulator valve and the collecting
chamber forming part of the said float and provided with escape openings said
parts being arranged as explained so that the valve opens on the rise and closes on
the fall of the float, substantially as described.
Fourth. The combination of the float, the regulator valve, the collecting
chamber forming part of said float and provided with escape openings and the
valve or adjustable plate for regulating the size of said openings substantially as
described.
Fifth. The combination with the float or movable device in a pressure regulator
of the two part hollow balanced valve and the double valve seat substantially as
described.
Sixth. The combination with the body or casing divided into two compartments
communicating at the bottom, of the float in one of said compartments and the
regulator valve suspended from said float said valve being arranged to close the
inlet opening on the fall and open it on the rise of said float substantially as
described.
Seventh. The combination with the body or casing the partition depending
from the top and dividing it into two compartments communicating at the bottoin
the float in one compartment and the regulator valve connected with said float, of
the movable plug closing an opening at the top of the partition for enabling the
two compartments to be put in communication at the top also substantially as
described.
Eighth. The combination of the annular float, the perforated plates forming a
collecting chamber in the middle of said float and one of them being adjustable
and the regulator valve connected with said float substantially as described.
Ninth. The combination with the two part hollow valve of the double seat and
the cap forming a closed chamber above the upper seat substantially as described.
Dated this 14th day of January 1886.