IM- PROVEMENTS IN PROCESSES AND APPARATUS FOR EXTRACTING THE NATURAL WAX OR FATTY MATTERS FROM WOOL, HAIR, OR OTHER ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE SUB- STANCES CONTAINING THE SAME, AND IN THE APPLICATION THEREOF, TO VARIOUS USEFUL PURPOSES
Year: 1862

page_text: ETTERS PATENT to John Garrett Tongue, of the Firm of Tongue and
Birkbeck, of 34, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, in the County
of Middlesex, Patent Agents and Engineers, for the Invention of "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN PROCESSES AND APPARATUS FOR EXTRACTING THE NATURAL WAX
OR FATTY MATTERS FROM WOOL, HAIR, OR OTHER ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE SUB-
STANCES CONTAINING THE SAME, AND IN THE APPLICATION THEREOF, TO VARIOUS
USEFUL PURPOSES."-A communication from abroad by Augustin Evrard,
Civil Engineer, of Paris, in the Empire of France.
Sealed the 13th February 1863, and dated the 20th August 1862.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Garrett Tongue
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
20th August 1862.
I, JOHN GARRETT TONGUE, of the Firm of Tongue and Birkbeck, of
34, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex,
Patent Agents and Engineers, 'do hereby declare the nature of the Inven-
tion for "IMPROVEMENTS IN PROCESSES AND APPARATUS FOR EXTRACTING THE
NATURAL WAX OR FATTY MATTERS FROM WOOL, HAIR, OR OTHER ANIMAL OB
VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES CONTAINING THE SAME, AND IN THE APPLICATION THEREOF TO
VARIOUS USEFUL PURPOSES," to be as follows:―
This Invention has for its object improvements in apparatus and processes
for separating certain fatty matters into two products, the one soluble and the

page_text: other insoluble in alcohol, and in the application of the soluble product to
various useful purposes, also for extracting and separating the fatty matters
contained in alkaline solutions, obtained or resulting from certain manufactures
wherein soap has not been employed. For extracting and separating the fatty
or greasy matters known as "suint" direct from wool or hair by means of
volatile solvents, and the utilization of the substances combined with the same.
For the dry distillation of the residuous tars resulting from the distillation of
certain fatty matters; and, lastly, for extracting the waxy material contained
in turf, peat, and other vegetable substances.
The wool and hair of animals is covered by nature with certain fatty or
waxy substances, which are doubtless intended as a protection against the
effects of exposure to heat and moisture. Unlike the fatty substances which
circulate in the interior organs, or are deposited therein, these fatty or waxy
substances are not liable to become rancid or oxydize. The natural varnish
with which flowers and the stalks of vegetables are coated, and the wax pro-
duced by bees and other insects, is similar in character to the natural wax or
fat obtained from wool or hair. These fatty matters, which may be termed
"wool fat or waxes," are distinguished by the name of "suint." Like wax
they yield to the dry distillation of paraffin, and of the light oils adapted for
lighting, such as schist, petroleum, or other similar oils, and when mixed as
hereafter described are very suitable for lubricating machinery. The wool
fats or grease known in commerce, and fatty acids which result from the
decomposition of soap in certain manufactures, together with the small
quantity of oil or grease which is added to wool in order the better to work it,
may be separated according to this Invention so as to obtain two valuable
products. This is accomplished by means of spirits of wine or pyroligneous
spirit, and the application of heat. The fatty matters to be treated are dissolved
in either of these spirits, and a fatty or waxy substance termed "suint" is
precipitated. The alcohol employed may be easily removed and restored by
distillation as hereafter described, together with the alcohol which. holds the
fatty acids in solution. The fatty acids may be employed alone or in combi-
nation with other fatty substances in the manufacture of soap. The "suint"
or wool wax is a substance more or less firm according to the nature of the
wool, hair, or other materials from which it is obtained. It is soluble in oils,
and increases their lubricating qualities, preventing them from drying. It
also reduces their acidity, for the oils containing it are longer in causing the
oxydation of copper when applied thereto. The "suint" dissolves in petro-
leum and other light producing oils, rendering them thick, and very suitable
for lubricating purposes.

page_text: Another valuable application of the "suint" or wool, wax, or fat, not less
important than the foregoing, consists in employing it as a coating for ropes or
cordage in place of tar, causing them to remain flexible after long exposure
to the air, or immersion in water. The above application is rendered easier
by dissolving the "suint" or wool wax, or fat, in a volatile oil, obtained by
preference by the distillation of petroleum or schist oils.
Another application of "suint" or wool wax, or fat, consists in employing
it in combination with other materials as a paint for coating wood, stone, or
other materials; for this purpose it is mixed with linseed oil, volatile oils, and
resins.
The various and important uses to which "suint" is applicable have
suggested certain sources from which it may be advantageously obtained,
together with the processes and apparatus by which it may be extracted.
Alkaline waters which have been employed to remove the grease or "suint"
from wool without soap, contain a considerable quantity of this valuable
substance in a state of solution. The "suint" is extracted by acidifying the
alkaline waters, collecting the gelatinous substance, and then treating it with
a fixed or volatile oil, which dissolves the fatty matter or "suint," increases
its fluidity, and allows the foreign matters which are insoluble in water and in
oil to be precipitated. If it is desired to obtain the "suint" as pure as
possible, a volatile oil or sulphuret of carbon, obtained by distillation, is used
as a solvent. In order to obtain the fatty body or "suint" quite neutral it is
necessary to cleanse it in alcohol to remove by solution the fatty acids which
are combined with the fat or "suint" upon the woolly fibre. "Suint" or
wool wax is also obtained direct by washing the wool or hair with a volatile
oil or sulphuret of carbon under the action of gentle heat, the excess of the
solvent being removed from the wool or hair in vacuo. By successive washings
the solvent becomes charged with a considerable quantity of the "suint" the
wool only retaining a little soapy matter which may be easily removed by
pressing in water. "Suint" may also be obtained in the form of black tar
by distilling the grease or "suint" of commerce, the black residuum being
suitable for coating or varnishing painted articles or ropes when submitted to
the dry distillation of parraffin or similar oils. The apparatus which it is
preferred to employ according to this Invention for the purpose of extracting
and separating the fatty matters, herein termed "suint," consists of a boiler or
vessel heated by steam, hot water, or otherwise, in which the fatty matters are
first melted and from which they are allowed to flow by means of a pipe and
stop-cock into the mixing vessel, which is closed and surrounded by a-bath of
hot water heated by steam or otherwise. The alcohol or volatile spirit is

page_text: introduced through the same vessel and stop-cock into the mixing vessel,
which is provided with a plunger or agitator and also with a closed tube for
the introduction of a thermometer. The mixing vessel is connected below by
means of pipes having suitable stop-cocks with a vessel heated by steam or
otherwise for receiving the "suint" or wool wax when that body is precipitated
to the bottom of the mixing vessel, which is also connected by a pipe to another
closed vessel heated by steam or otherwise for receiving the alcholic solution
of the fatty acids. The upper part of this vessel is connected by a pipe with a
serpentine or worm in a condensing vessel placed above the mixing vessel
to which the worm is connected by a pipe and stop-cocks, so that the alcohol
as it is evaporated from the fatty acids can be reintroduced into the mixing
vessel for treating a fresh charge of the fatty matters from time to time as
required. It is preferred to combine in the mixing vessel about one part or
volume of alcohol with three parts of the fat or grease from which the "suint"
or wool fat, or wax, is to be extracted. The vessels for receiving the two
products from the mixing vessel are also connected by a pipe having a stop-
cock to admit of the alcohol remaining in the fatty body contained in the first
receiver being distilled over so as to pass away to the condenser.
That which has been previously stated in reference to the treatment of
certain fatty matters in order to extract the "suint" or wool wax, or fat of
animal fibre, is also applicable to the treatment of other organic substances
of the animal or vegetable kingdom, with which fatty or waxy substances,
herein called "suint" are combined, for example, turf or peat retains these
substances unchanged, which previously formed part of the external varnish or
polish of the plants from which it is derived.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said John Garrett Tongue in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 20th February 1863.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN
GARRETT TONGUE, of the Firm of Tongue & Birkbeck, of 34, Southampton &
Buildings, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Patent Agents &
Engineers, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twentieth day of August, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, in the twenty-sixth year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto

page_text: me, the said John Garrett Tongue, Her special licence that I, the said John
Garrett Tongue, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as
I, the said John Garrett Tongue, my executors, administrators, and assigns,
should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all
times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might
make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN PROCESSES AND APPARATUS FOR EXTRACTING THE NATURAL WAX OR
FATTY MATTERS FROM WOOL, HAIR, OR OTHER ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES
CONTAINING THE SAME, AND IN THE APPLICATION THEREOF TO VARIOUS USEFUL PUR-
POSES," a communication to me from abroad by Augustin Evrard, Civil Engi-
neer, of Paris, in the Empire of France, upon the condition (amongst others)
that I, the said John Garrett Tongue, my executors or administrators, by an
instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals,
should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention,
and in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to
be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and
immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent..
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said John Garrett Tongue, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement thereof, that is to say -
This Invention has for its object improvements in apparatus and processes
for separating certain fatty matters of commerce into two products, the one
soluble, and the other insoluble in alcohol, and in the application of the soluble
product to various useful purposes, also for extracting and separating the fatty
matters contained in alkaline solutions obtained or resulting from certain
manufactures wherein soap has not been employed. For extracting and
separating the fatty or greasy matters known as "suint" direct from wool or
hair by means of volatile solvents, and the utilization of the substances
combined with the same. For the dry distillation of the residuous tars resulting
from the distillation of certain fatty matters, and, lastly, for extracting the
waxy material contained in turf, peat, and other vegetable substances.
The wool and hair of animals is covered by nature with certain fatty or
waxy substances, which are doubtless intended as a protection against the
action of external agencies, such as the effects of exposure to rain, heat, and
moisture. Unlike the fatty substances which circulate in the interior organs
or are deposited therein, these fatty or waxy substances are not liable to'
become rancid or oxidize. The natural varnish with which flowers and the

page_text: stalks of vegetables are coated, and the wax produced by bees and other insects
resembles and is similar in character to the natural wax or fat obtained from
wool or hair. These fatty matters, which may be termed "wool fat or waxes,"
are for distinction called by the name of "suint." Like wax they become soft
in solutions of potash without forming soap, and yield to the dry distillation of
paraffin, and of the light oils adapted for lighting, such as schist, petroleum, or
other similar oils, and when mixed and prepared as hereafter described, are
very suitable for lubricating machinery. The wool fats or grease known in
commerce contain, besides the "suint," a certain quantity of fatty acids, which
result from the decomposition of soap used in certain manufactures, together
with the small quantity of oil or grease which is added to wool in order the
better to work it, and may be separated according to this Invention so as to
obtain products of considerable value. This is accomplished by means of
spirits of wine or alcohol of a high degree of strength, or pyroligneous spirit
and the application of heat. The fatty matters to be treated are dissolved in
either of these spirits, and a fatty or waxy substance, termed "suint," is
precipitated. The alcohol employed may be easily removed and restored by
distillation, as bereafter described, together with the alcohol which holds the
fatty acids in solution. The fatty acids may be employed alone or in com-
bination with other fatty substances in the manufacture of soap. The "suint"
or wool wax is a substance more or less firm, according to the nature of the
wool, hair, or other materials from which it is obtained. It is soluble in oils,
and increases their lubricating qualities, preventing them from drying; it also
reduces and destroys their acidity, for the oils containing it are longer in
causing the oxydation of copper when applied thereto. The "suint" dissolves
in petroleum and other light producing oils, rendering them thick and very
suitable for lubricating purposes. The oil is rendered much more suitable for
lubricating purposes by mixing with the "suint" fatty bodies of spherical
crystalization, such as margarine or stearine, and in the absence of these
ordinary oleine or animal fats which are rich in margarinė.
Another valuable application of the "suint" or wool wax or fat, not less
important than the foregoing, consists in employing it as a coating for ropes
or cordage in place of tar, causing them to remain flexible after long exposure
to the air or immersion in water.
The above application is rendered easier by dissolving the "suint" or wool
wax or fat in a volatile oil obtained, by preference, by the distillation of
petroleum or schist oils.
Another application of "suint" or wool wax or fat consists in employing it
in combination with other materials as a paint for coating wood, stone, or other

page_text: materials. For this purpose it is mixed with linseed oil, volatile oils, resins,
and varnishes.
The various and important uses to which "suint" is applicable have
suggested certain sources from which it may be advantageously obtained,
together with the processes and apparatus by which it may be extracted.
Alkaline waters which have been employed to remove the grease or "suint"
from wool without soap contain a considerable quantity of this valuable
substance in a state of solution. The "suint" is extracted by acidifying the
alkaline waters, collecting the gelatinous substance, and then treating it with
a fixed or volatile oil, which dissolves the fatty matter or "suint," increases its
fluidity, and allows the foreign matters, which are insoluble in water and in
oil, to be precipitated. If it be desired to obtain the "suint" as pure as
possible, a volatile oil or sulphuret of carbon, which is driven off by distillation,
is used as a solvent; or if a solution of the "suint" only is required, the latter
is employed direct. In order to obtain the fatty body or "suint" quite
neutral, it is necessary to cleanse it in alcohol, to remove by solution the fatty
acids which are combined with the fat or "suint" upon the woolly fibre.
"Suint" or wool wax is also obtained direct by washing the wool or hair with
a volatile oil or sulphuret of carbon under the action of gentle heat, the excess
of the solvent being removed from the wool or hair in vacuo. By successive
washings the solvent becomes charged with a considerable quantity of the
"suint," the wool only retaining a little soapy matter, which may be easily
removed by passing through water. "Suint" may also be obtained in the
form of black tar by distilling the grease or "suint" of commerce, the black
residuum extracted by distillation being suitable for coating or varnishing
painted articles or ropes when submitted to the dry distillation of paraffin or
similar oils. The gelatinous substances obtained by the decomposition of the
waters used for separating fatty matters from wool by means of acids
or alkalies, furnish by dry distillation similar products.
:
The apparatus which it is preferred to employ according to this Invention;
for the purpose of extracting and separating the fatty matters herein termed
"suint," is shown in the accompanying Drawings, and consists of a boiler or
vessel G heated by steam, hot water, or otherwise, in which the fatty matters
are first melted, and from which they are allowed to flow by means of a pipe
and stop-cock (1) into the mixing vessel M, which is closed and surrounded
by a bath of hot water-heated-by steam or otherwise. The alcohol or other
volatile spirit is first introduced through the same vessel and stop-cock (1)
into the mixing vessel M, which is provided with a plunger or agitator A, and
also with a closed tube T for the introduction of a thermometer. The mixing

page_text: vessel is connected below by means of pipes, having suitable stop-cocks, with
a vessel C, heated by steam or otherwise, for receiving the "suint"
or wool
wax when that body is precipitated to the bottom of the mixing vessel, which
is also connected by a pipe to another closed vessel N beated by steam or
otherwise, for receiving the alcoholic solution of the fatty acids. The upper
part of this vessel is connected by a pipe with a serpentine pipe or worm in a
condensing vessel S placed above the mixing vessel, to which the worm is con-
nected by a pipe and stop-cocks 18 and 7, so that the alcohol as it is
evaporated from the fatty acids can be re-introduced into the mixing vessel M
for treating a fresh charge of the fatty matters from time to time as required.
It is preferred to combine in the mixing vessel about one part or volume of
alcohol with three parts of the fat or grease from which the "suint" or wool
fat or wax is to be extracted. The vessels C and N for receiving the two
products from the mixing vessel M, are also connected by a pipe having a
stop-cock 8 tó admit of the alcohol remaining in the fatty body contained in
the first receiver C being distilled over, so as to pass away to the condenser.
One part or volume of fat and three parts or volumes of alcohol having been
introduced into the vessel M, the beat of the water in the bath surrounding it
is raised by admitting steam through the stop-cock (12). The contents of the
vessel M are stirred or agitated by raising and depressing the handle A of the
agitator. When the temperature has been raised to 70° or thereabouts
(8° or 10° below the boiling point of the alcohol which is employed) the
cock (12) is closed. In about an hour the "suint" is deposited at the
bottom of the reservoir. The cock (2) is now turned, and then the cock (8)
very gently. As the liquid is seen to flow through the glass tube V it can
easily be seen by its colour and transparency when the alcoholic solution
succeeds to the first liquid. The cock (3) is then closed, and the cock (4) is
opened, and at the same time the warm-water cock (5) is turned on a little,
and also the communicating cock (8), in order to evaporate the alcohol of the
"suint," and cause it to pass in the form of vapour into the vessel N, into the
lower part of which it is conducted by the dip tube, as shown. As soon as
the vessel M is empty the cock (4) is closed, and the steam-cock (6) is opened
in order to effect the distillation of the alcohol contained in the vessel N. At the
same time the cock (5) is turned on more, and the cock (7) full on to conduct
the condensed alcohol from the worm and condensing vessel S back into the
vessel or receiver M. A fresh charge of melted fatty matter is then allowed
to flow from the boiler G into the vessel M. It should be remarked that the
distillation of the alcohol in the "suint" contained in the vessel C may be
observed by opening the cock (16), and turning off very gently the cock (8)

page_text: a small barometer or pressure guage showing whether the pressure increases,
the cock (8) being turned quickly on again to continue the distillation. By
continuing to heat the vessel N by the steam cock (6) the alcohol therein is
completely driven off, and may be heard to fall through the cock (7) into the
vessel M. It may also be ascertained when no more alcohol will distil over
by opening the lateral cock (18) which conducts the products into another
vessel by means of a tube. When the distillation is finished, the cock (13)
must not supply any condensed liquid. In order to remove any residue of the
alcohol, the cocks (18), (8), (6), (5), and (11) are turned on; the steam
from the latter is conducted by a dip-tube into the "suint" in the vessel c,
then by another dip tube into the fatty acids in the vessel N, thus carrying off
all the alcoholic vapours, which finally flow away by the cock (13). At each
operation a small quantity of rarefied alcohol is obtained, which is replaced by
an equal quantity of strong alcohol. Whenever the hot water and steam
cocks (5), (6), and (0) are turned on, then the escape cocks (10), (9), and
(01) must be opened; (17) is a blow-off cock for the condensed water, and it
is necessary to open it before letting in steam by the cock (11). The
matters contained in the vessels N and C are discharged therefrom by opening
the cocks (14) and (15), aided by the pressure of the steam therein. The
several vessels shown and described being by preference of cylindrical form,
with their axes in the same vertical plane, the section shown will enable a
competent workman to understand the construction of the apparatus.
"
That which has been previously stated in reference to the treatment of
certain fatty matters in order to extract the "suint" or wool-wax, or fat of
animal fibre, is also applicable to the treatment of other organic substances
of the animal or vegetable kingdom with which fatty or waxy substances,
herein called "suint," are combined; for example, turf or peat retains these
substances unchanged, which previously formed part of the external varnish
or polish of the plants from which it is derived. Treated methodically with the
volatile oils, or the sulphuret of carbon, as previously described, it furnishes a
solution of wax which is easily separated by distillation.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Garrett Tongue, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Twentieth day of February, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-three.
JOHN G. TONGUE. (L.s.)