IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF SULPHUROUS ACID GAS
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Edward Beanes, of the White House, North Dulwich, in
the County of Surrey, Gentleman, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE MANUFACTURE OF SULPHUROUS ACID GAS."
Sealed the 30th September 1876, and dated the 27th April 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Edward Beanes at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 27th April 1876.
EDWARD BEANES, of the White House, North Dulwich, in the County of Surrey,
Gentleman. IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF SULPHUROUS ACID
GAS."
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My improvements in the manufacture of sulphurous acid gas consist in burning
sulphur or compounds containing sulphur in a closed vessel or vessels by means of
the mixture of oxygen and sulphurous acid gas, which is formed when sulphuric
acid is decomposed in a retort or other suitable vessel containing fragments of fire-
brick at a red heat.
The sulphurous acid gas so formed may be employed in the manufacture of
sulphites, bisulphites, and for many other useful purposes.
When the sulphurous acid gas for the manufacture of sulphites or bisulphites is
produced on a manufacturing scale by burning sulphur or compounds containing
sulphur in a vessel to which air has access, the sulphurous acid gas produced is
mixed with a large proportion of nitrogen.
When sulphurous acid gas is produced by the decomposition of sulphuric acid
with charcoal or sawdust it is mixed with a large proportion of carbonic acid gas
produced by either of these means if brought into contact with a base to form
sulphites or bisulphites. On arrival at or near the saturating point a large quantity
of the sulphurous acid gas is carried off mechanically by the nitrogen or the carbonic
acid gas, as the case may be, and there is consequently a considerable loss of
sulphurous acid gas.
By my improved process, besides other advantages, this loss is avoided, as the gas
produced being pure sulphurous acid may be wholly or almost wholly absorbed by
a base.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Edward Beanes in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 26th October
1876.
EDWARD BEANES, of the White House, North Dulwich, in the County of Surrey,
Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF SULPHUROUS ACID GAS."
My improvements in the manufacture of sulphurous acid gas consist in burning
sulphur or compounds containing sulphur in a closed vessel or vessels by means of
the mixture of oxygen and sulphurous acid gas, which is formed when sulphuric
acid is decomposed in a retort or other suitable vessel containing fragments of fire-
brick at a red heat.
And I would here remark that I have found that besides or instead of fire-brick,
any other substance capable of resisting the action of sulphuric acid at a red
heat can be put in the retort or other vessel, and will answer the same purpose.
The sulphurous acid gas so formed may be employed in the manufacture of
sulphites, bisulphites, and for many other useful purposes.
When the sulphurous acid gas for the manufacture of sulphites or bisulphites is
produced on a manufacturing scale by burning sulphur or compounds containing
sulphur in a vessel to which air has access, the sulphurous acid gas produced is
mixed with a large proportion of nitrogen.
When sulphurous acid gas is produced by the decomposition of sulphuric acid
with charcoal or sawdust it is mixed with a large proportion of carbonic acid gas.
Produced by either of these means if brought into contact with a base to form
sulphites or bisulphites, on arrival at near the saturating point, a large quantity
of the sulphurous acid gas is carried off mechanically by the nitrogen or the carbonic
acid gas, as the case may be, and there is consequently a considerable loss of
sulphurous acid gas. By my improved process, besides other advantages, this loss
is avoided, as the gas produced being pure sulphurous acid may be wholly or almost
wholly absorbed by a base.
The mode of operation in carrying my Invention into practice is as follows:-
When sulphuric acid is run into the lower part of a retort containing broken fire-
brick or other suitable material at a red heat the sulphuric acid is decomposed, and
sulphurous acid, oxygen, and water are formed. The water in the form of vapour
is condensed by passing it through a worm immersed in cold water. I convey the
two gases thus produced to a closed vessel containing sulphur (or compounds
containing sulphur), the sulphur is ignited, and the combustion maintained by the
oxygen present in the mixture of gases. The oxygen combining with the vapours
of sulphur forms a further portion of sulphurous acid. After passing through
water for the removal of any sulphuric acid that may be present it is passed into
the solution or otherwise of the base required to form the sulphite or bisulphite.
If only hydrated sulphurous acid is required the gas is passed into water.
Having now described the 'nature and object of my said Invention, together
with the manner in which the same.is to be or may be performed or carried into
practical effect, I would remark in conclusion that I do not claim the decomposing
of sulphuric acid by heat, but what I do claim is, the improved manufacture or
production of sulphurous acid gas by burning the oxygen contained in a mixture
of oxygen and sulphurous acid gas in a closed vessel containing ignited sulphur (or
compounds containing sulphur) in the manner and for the purposes, substantially as
herein described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Edward Beancs, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Twentieth day of October, in the year of our Lord One
EDW. BEANES. (L.S.)