Liquid Hydro-carbons and in Apparatus therefor.
Year: 1886

page_text: Date of Application, 8th Dec., 1886
Complete Left, 6th Sept., 1887
Complete Accepted, 29th Nov., 1887
Liquid Hydro-carbons and in Apparatus therefor.
I BENJAMIN HOWARTH THWAITE of 37 Victoria Street Liverpool in the County of
Lancaster Civil Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
In one arrangement of my Invention I employ a vessel cylindrical or rectangular
in plan, and internally lined with firebrick or other equally refractory material.
This vessel I divide into two divisions-a lower and an upper one-the lower portion
1 utilise as a combustion chamber-such combustion being required to generate heat-
which I store up in the upper portion or division of the vessel, for the purpose of
volatilising the liquid hydrocarbons and for the purpose of converting the CO, pro-
duced by the said action of combustion-into CO, and also to produce the required
heat for the dissociation of the steam, which I use, to force or aspirate the liquid
hydrocarbon into the upper portion of the vessel.
The upper part of the vessel intended for the purpose described I preferably
construct to act as, an accumulator of heat-on the plan described by me in the
specification of my patent No. 15621-1886 and consists as follows, 1 use corrugated
refractory tiles placed edgeways and radiating from the centre of vessel to the side
thereof, the central edges forming when built together a vertical flue this flue I may
fill with sinall irregular pieces of firebrick, the latter can be easily removed by a cage
that can be lifted out of the vessel.
I utilise the angular pieces of refractory material in order to thoroughly mix the
steam and fluid hydro-carbon which are injected together, and to provide a means of
collecting the calcareous material, that may be deposited from the water vapour or
steam on its dissociation.
The steam and oil are forced together through the central flue to the base thereof,
from which they can escape into the annular heat accumulator cavities, formed by the
radiated tiles, and meet and comingle with the products of gaseous combustion at the
lower end of the vessel.
I provide a special cone shaped or pyramidical chamber at the bottom of vessel, the

page_text: apex of which chamber supports the central vertical flue, or I may cover the com-
bustion chamber with an arch, through which and equally through the side of
pyramidical chamber I may provide numerous holes to deliver the flame of combustion
into the annular heat accumulating chamber above.
In commencing operations I may use carbonaceous fuel, in the combustion chamber,
until a supply of combustible gas is obtained, I then utilise this gas for the generation
of the heat required in vessel, for the volatilisation of the oil, and fixing of the gas and
dissociation of steam.
I provide special sliding and air tight doors for combustion chamber, these I open
when using the carbonaceous fuel for initial combustion.
I utilise a forced pressure of air for the combustion of the gaseous hydrocarbon
for volatilisation purposes.
The gases produced are led off, by means of a valvular, outlet, and they may be
scrubbed and purified in in any well known manner.
I provide trial jets and pressure guages at the sides of vessel to test the gas
produced.
Instead of allowing the gases of the combustion required to store the heat necessary
for the volatilisation of the liquid hydrocarbons to be mixed with the combustible
gases generated, I may keep them separate in the following manner.
I provide two vessels either filled with checker work or filled with radiating refractory
tiles in the manner already described.
I alternately heat up the two vessels, to the temperature of volatilisation and to the
temperature necessary to fix or make the gases permanent. I utilise a series of revers-
ing valves of special construction which alternately reverse or close and open the air
blast, gas supply and chimney valve, gas valve of gas delivery main and the supply
of liquid hydrocarbon which is injected into a central chamber by means of a forced
air blast, a pressure of fluid hydrocarbon, or by means of steam jet pressure.
In a smaller modification of my arrangement 1 use a central vertical retort, which
I place in the centre of a refractory lined vessel, around and between the refractory
vessel lining and outside casing I provide an annular space provided with distributing
oil deflectors, into this cavity or annular space I allow the liquid hydrocarbon to fall
through needle lubricating vessels-fixed in a circular oil main, fed with oil from a
supply fixed at a considerable elevation, The oil in dropping into annular space is
volatilised and the resultant gas is led into the central retort which is filled with small
pieces of iron or with pieces of firebrick or limestone, surrounding a central escape
pipe from which the gas is led into the gas delivery main.
I feed the space between the lining of the vessel and retort with coke or other
carbonaceous fuel, the general construction of that part of the vessel in which I obtain
the heat for the distillation of the oil conforms to that of the ordinary cockle or
tortoise stove.
I use the following modification of my Invention when the combustion of the gas
is required in steam generator furnaces, especially marine.
I place an iron or fireclay retort, horizontally and in the centre and of almost the
length of the flue. In the centre of this retort I fix a tube through which the oil is
injected, along with steam to the end of the retort.
I fill the remaining space in the retort with pieces of firebrick or iron, through the
interstices of the pieces, the oil and steam are compelled to pass, returning to the
mouth of the retort which is near the furnace door end-deflector fireclay rings divert
the gas all round the edges of the retort end, and here I feed the air supply by
numerous jets, or one single annular jet, I preferably feed the air under pressure,
and heated by passing through a series of recuperative tubes placed in the smoke
stack.
The flame in its passage along the flue envelopes the retort which becomes intensely
heated, and the oil and steam in passing through it become volatilised and fixed-or
made into permanent gases.
I fix the retort along the centre of the furnace flue by means of checker fire brick-
work or by special radiating tiles, so placed as to obtain the greatest impact of the

page_text: molecules of gaseous combustion, with or the greatest heat transference, to the brick
linings of the flues, without too greatly interferring with the chimney draught.
By this arrangement I attain a perfect method of generating gas from liquid hydro-
carbons, and the effectual and economical combustion of the gases so produced.
For metallurgical purposes I utilise the heat of the furnace roofs for the purpose of
volatilising the fluid hydrocarbons, I place a series of corrugated iron sheets in an air
tight chamber lined with firebrick or other refractory-material, these iron sheets are
placed one over the other slightly inclined horizontally to each other, so that the oil
forced in at the top along with a jet of steam gradually gravitates to the ones below
it, and finally escapes as gas, first however passing into a chamber or chambers at the
end of the furnace, and which are so arranged as to become intensely heated by the
action of gaseous combustion.
The gas passes from this chamber into a port or flue where it meets heated air under
pressure, the air I prefer to heat by recuperation, applied in any well known manner,
but preferably in the form shewn in my patent numbered-11402-1885.
Instead of the corrugated sheets I may fill the volatilisation chamber over the roof
of the furnace, with small pieces of refractory material to enable the steam and oil to
thoroughly combine.
For ordinary regenerative Siemens furnaces I may take the gas produced in the
volatilisation chamber through the gas regenerator chambers. Or I may inject the
oil and steam into the gas regenerator chambers, providing valves to reverse the oil
and steam valves along with the reversal of the ordinary valves at present in use.
On the inside of the regenerator chambers I may build a smaller chamber filled with
small pieces of refractory material for the purpose of effecting a complete admixture
of the oil and steam before the volatilisation of the former.
Dated thi
100

page_text: Improvements in Methods of Producing Combustible Gases from
Liquid Hydro-carbons and in Apparatus therefor
I BENJAMIN HOWARTH THWAITE of 37 Victoria Street Liverpool in the County of
Lancaster Civil Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
My Invention relates to improved methods of producing combustible gases from
liquid hydrocarbons and in apparatus therefor, whereby important advantages are
derived, such as, economy in cost of production, more permanent character, and
wider industrial use of gas produced, a greater or more certain control over the
character of gas produced, the application of the gas generating apparatus to where
its combustion, or the heat therefrom is required, the generation of the gas by the
heat of the combustion of the gas produced. The action of production or generation
of the gas proceeds along with and is consequent on the combustion thereof. The
adaptation of my Invention to positions in which the combustion of the gas produced
can be effected without the loss of the sensible heat of the gases as they leave the gas
generating apparatus where they are produced.
In the application of my Invention to existing open hearth furnaces-the advantages
are, the appropriateness of the system of generation to the recuperative system of
combustion as effected in this class of furnace, and the small cost of application.
In the use of my Invention when I use steam along with oil, I effect the complete
dissociation of the former by which the steam in its nascent divided condition, can
combine with the elements of the liquid hydrocarbon.
I will now proceed to describe the 15 sheets of drawings that accompany and are
intended to form part of this specification-but before doing so, I wish it to be
understood that I do not desire to be confined to the exact details as shewn
therein, as they can easily be modified without departing from the nature of my
Invention.
Reference letters or numerals wherever repeated refer to the same or similar
respective parts.
Referring to Sheet 1 of drawings shewing my Invention as designed for supplying
gas from liquid hydrocarbons for small villages.
The method of generation is as follows; liquid hydrocarbon is injected or aspired
by steam into a vertical retort through which said oil and steam have to traverse and
retraverse several times, and in its passage it is consequently brought into intimate
contact with the highly heated sides thereof, and is thus volatilized.
The gas issues from retort through an annular space or perforations at the base of
retort and here meets air under pressure, such pressure being effected by plenum or
vacuum action.
When I require a low quality of combustible gas, I supply just that volume of air

page_text: necessary to produce a temperature that will prevent the deposition in a solid form
of the liquid hydrocarbon in the annular space of the vessel surrounding the retort;
this annular space I fill with radial tiles of refractory bricks or with checker bricks
which become highly heated by the combustion of the gas produced.
This gas is
however more applicable for heating furnaces than for other purposes as it contains a
considerable percentage of the inert gas, nitrogen.
When I require a gas from the liquid hydrocarbon of a higher thermic quality, I
provide six or more vertical retorts surrounding the central one already described;
into these retorts I allow liquid hydrocarbon to gravitate or force it along with dry
or preferably superheated steam into the upper end of a pipe fixed centrally in retorts;
the oil (or oil and steam) pass to the lower end of pipe, and escapes into the lower
and closed end of retort it there ascends slowly and is maintained in its vertical
ascension in close contact with the internal side of retort, by which contact with
heated surface it is volatilized, such heated surface being partly derived from the
combustion of the gas generated from the liquid hydrocarbon and steam injected into
central retort. The gas escapes at the top into an annular collecting main, from
which it is collected and delivered to the main distributing pipe.
Referring to illustrations on Sheet 1 of drawings Figures 1-2-3 and 4 ; A is the
central retort with its inner and concentric retorts B fed with liquid hydrocarbon
either with or without steam by pipe C, and CA the inclined sides of air receiving
and distributing chamber D carry the central retort.
The air under pressure is delivered to air chamber D by means of the air main E
with its regulating valve F, the oil injector is shewn at FA
Air can be used for the injection of the oil by simply opening the valve G in air
connection H. The mains and valves are accessible and protected by means of a
walled pit or well J.
The air meets the gas at the point K, forming a column of flame and also
surrounding the other oil gas generating retorts L with flame. These latter retorts
are fed with oil (or with oil and steam) by means of a central supply pipe M provided
with a liquid seal N, and circular distributing pipes O from which the oil is fed to
of the several and concentrically localised retorts by means of a centrally placed
pipe P in which is fixed a coil of wire Q, that induces the oil to trickle or gravitate
down the sides of the inner pipe to the lower end of retort, the volatilised oil or
vapour ascends, but the flow of the gas is continually brought into contact with inner
sides of retort by means of a baffler corkscrew plate R or a ribbon of sheet iron
twisted in corkscrew fashion around central pipe.
The gases from the retorts escape by means of an annular pipe or collecting main S,
the gas leaving this main by the pipe T.
The products of combustion of the gas from central retort leaves the vessel which
is refractory lined by means of pipe U. Figure 1 is a vertical section.
Figure 2 is a plan in section through air and oil pipe pit.
Figure 3 is a plan of top generator and figure 4 is a plan in section through retorts.
Figure 5 is a plan in section of a generator vessel in which the combustion of the
gas generated in central retort is only partially affected, and the annular combustion
space is filled with refractory radiating tiles V. The gas produced from a generator
of this sectional form, is diluted with the products of combustion of the gas produced.
Instead of the concentrically arranged inner retorts or pipes in central retort I
may fill the latter with irregular pieces of refractory material.
Referring to Sheet 2 of drawings Figures 6 to 10 shew a Duplex arrangement of
my Invention. In this arrangement I prefer to use vessels rectangular or square in
plan; midway or in the centre of each vessel I construct a hollow division wall the
hollow part of which I utilise for distributing the oil by means of a series of drop
pipes, at the lower end of said division wall there are numerous through openings
that allow the gas to escape into other or heat accumulating part of vessel which
latter part I fill with checker brick work.
I connect the two vessels, similarly constructed in other respects by means of a
refractory lined connecting flue.

page_text: I provide an air distributing pipe or box along one side of each vessel fed by a
distributing air pipe in the centre of which is a reversing valve so that the air can be
turned alternately into one vessel and then into the other, the heated air meeting the
gas from the liquid hydrocarbon flowing from central division wall.
The reversal of the steam and oil valve is effected by the same actuation as the air
and gas escape valve. I fill the cavity in central division wall into which the oil is
fed, with broken pieces of refractory material.
Referring to figures 6. 7. 8 9 and 10
Figure 6 is a cross section of the two generating vessels. Figure 7 is a side
elevation of one vessel shewing the section of connecting main and gas distributing
valve.
Figure 8 is a plan in section on line A B of figure 6.-Figure 9 is a plan in section
on line CD of figure 7. Figure 10 is a part plan of gas generator and air valve.
X is the oil supply branches Y the steam valve that injects the oil on one side or
that into which the steam jet and oil is directed; the oil and steam are injected by
a distributing pipe and fall pipes X X into cavity in central division wall Z, partly
filled with small and irregular pieces of refractory material; the oil and steam in
passing through the interstices between the refractory substances become volatilized,
and converted into permanent gas, and on passing through the openings 2 at the
lower end meet with air highly heated by having passed through a nest of brickwork 3.
The air is supplied from an air supply main 4 that is fed by pipe 5 and reversing
valve, by which the air is forced into one or the other of the two vessels, the reversal
being affected when the temperature of the bricks by which the air is heated before
it meets the oil gas, has fallen too low.-The oil gas on meeting the air is ignited and
the combustion passes through the nest of checker brickwork and through refractory
lined connection 7 into the second chamber which is also filled with checker brickwork
and finished in a precisely similar manner.
While the central retort division 8 of second chamber is being fed with liquid
hydrocarbon or oil or oil and steam, the heat of combustion of the oil gas produced
in first chamber raises the temperature of the central hollow division to the degree
necessary for the volatilization of the oil, and the gas produced issues from the
openings at the base and comingles with the products of combustion of the oil gas,
generated in first chamber, the volume of gas generated in first chamber being only
sufficient to maintain the temperature in central division wall at volatilization height,
the gas produced in the duplex escapes by main and reversing butterfly valve 9 into
distributing main 10.-Tho cycle of operations described, is reversed in direction,
when the temperature of checker brickwork in chamber 3 is reduced too low; the
combustion of gas is then effected in other or second vessel, and flows over and heats
the first one.
Referring to sheet 3 of drawings, Figures 11. 12 and 13 shew arrangements of my
Invention when applied for small cottage installations.
Figure 11 is a vertical section of the apparatus, figure 12 a plan in section and
figure 13 shewing a detail of another arrangement of this modification of my
Invention.
The oil is fed by means of pipe 12 and oil seal 13 into a needle drop connection 14,
the oil gravitates to the bottom of pipe 15 and then flows by capillary attraction
around spiral wires 16 in central retort 17. The foreign and solid matter unvolatilized
is collected on grate 18, the refuse can be removed by means of the door 19, with
cross bar and screw. The oil gases evolved ascend outside central and inner retort
through the annular space between it and the outside or main retort 16^; the
volatilization or heating surface is much increased by means of the radial webs 19.
The gas escapes by means of the pipe 20 and can be purified in any well known
manner.
The retort may be heated with any solid carbonaceous fuel such as coke or breeze
or part of the oil may be fed into pieces of firebrick, limestone, pumice stone or
asbestos placed in the radial grates supported on segments on lower part of retort,
the oil thus applied can be ignited and will burn admirably. The air to support

page_text: combustion of the fuel just referred to or for the gasification of the oil-enters the
fuel through the wall by means of air cavities built in refractory linings 22 and
provided with air valves 23. The fuel is fed onto grates by means of hoppers 24.
In the arrangement shewn on figure 13 the oil is fed into an annular cavity 25
between outside casing and refractory lining-the oil in gravitating down the side
of vessel is partially vapourised and the vapour is then delivered into central
retort 16 and is thoroughly volatilized.
In order to prevent the oil from trickling too quickly down the sides of annular
cavity, I use wire or strips of metal 26 as shewn; this modification is applicable to
ordinary slow combustion stoves of the Cockle or Tortoise type.
Referring to sheet 4 of drawings, Figures 15. 16 and 17 shew the application of
my Invention when intended for providing gaseous fuel from liquid hydro-carbons
for the firing of steam generators; in this instance to one of the marine type.
I place the retort as near as convenient in the centre of the furnace flue, and inject
the liquid hydrocarbon or oil either by means of a jet of steam or air or steam and
air under pressure into the centre of such retort. The retort may be formed of cast
or wrought iron or of refractory material or of the two materials combined, and to
increase the heated or volatilization surfaces I may fill the retort internally with
small and irregular pieces of refractory material or with coils of tubes or of wire
or with several forward and return concentrically arranged tubes of varying diameters
so as to fit one inside the other-The oil and steam in passing backwards and
forwards through the concentrically arranged tubes or through the interstices in the
pieces of refractory material become, the latter or steam thoroughly superheated
and afterwards dissociated and the former or oil volatilized and rendered permanent
the gases return to the front end of retort where on leaving they strike against a
baffle or diverting plate and the gases partly by their own potential or pressure and
partly by the chimney draught and the aspiratory action of the air, are diverted in
annular ring form, surrounding the outside of retort with a hollow column of
combustible gases.
In the front of the flue is a hollow chamber in which compressed air or that by
simply natural draught is stored, and delivered on to the annular ring of gas as it,
the latter, leaves the front end of retort-As the gas flows along the outside edge of
retort the latter if formed of iron, does not seriously affect the iron; owing to its
deoxidising tendency the flame does not of course wear away the shell of retort by
oxidation.
I generally prefer to use to support combustion air heated by recuperator tubes or
coils placed in chimney flue or chimney stack.
I occasionally make the deflector disc or plate opposite the gas escape end of retort
to act as a valve, working in a central spindle its movement forward or against the
end of the retort closing the supply of gas and increasing the supply of air and
vice versa, thus by simply turning a wheel handle the exact supply of air for
supporting combustion can be obtained.
The flame of the combustion of the oil gas passes along the annular space in flue
between the retort and the crown or flue plates so that the retort is subjected to the
radiant or contact heat of internal side of the hollow column of flame; and the boiler
flue is subjected to the radiant or contact heat of the outer side of column of flame.
1 fix the retort along the centre of the boiler furnace flue by means of checker-
brickwork through which I may lead the steam in order to thoroughly superheat it
before it joins the steam oil injector or I may support the retort by means of special
radiated and hollow lumps of fireclay that maintain the retort in the centre of
furnace flue.
Referring to sheet 4 of drawings. Figure 15 is a longitudinal section through a
marine steam generator flue and tubes thereof.
The retort 30, which may be of cast or wrought iron, but is shown in this instance
formed of some refractory material and is kept in position by means of hollow radial
blocks 31.
The steam pipe 32 may be led through one of the boiler tubes and enters the far

page_text: end of retort, as shewn at 33 by dotted lines, but I usually prefer to lead the steam
into the end of oil injector 34 direct, providing it with a valve 35, the oil pipe 36 is
shewn entering the injector from below but I usually prefer to lead it from above, in
this instance a branch 37 from air main with valve 38 is shewn for the purpose of
aspirating the oil when desired.
The air is forced by a Roots blower fan or by a Körting or other steam injector
through coils or return recuperative nest of pipes 40 or waste products of combustion
condenser placed in smoke stack (or flues), from which it is collected in'air receiver 41-
from which it escapes into the boiler flue by a circular line of holes 42 concentric to
deflector plate 43.
When starting I may employ a small auxiliary boiler to raise steam for injector
using the small injector 44 for the initial purpose of starting until central combustion
flue (which I line with perforated refractory linings) and the retort is heated up to
the requisite and proper temperature to ensure the volatilization of oil.
A detail of the auxiliary firing arrangement is shewn in figure 17 of which 45 is
the steam jet pipe, 46 the injector ring and 47 the oil pipe, a movable plate 47ª can
be used for closing the combustion tube 48 when required.
Figure 16 shews a half plan and section of the marine steam generator and my
arrangement for generating gaseous fuel from liquid hydro-carbon.—In this instance
49 is the central pipe or inner retort filled with small irregular pieces of refractory
material, the oil and the steam pass to the end of the retort to 50 and then return
through the annular spaces (where they are volatilized and made into gas) to the
front end of retort 51 where they are diverted or deflected, by a baffle plate or disc of
iron or of firebrick as shewn, the gas turns back around end of retort in an annular
ring at 52 part of the gas may escape from retort through the side openings 53-
The combustion is deflected on to retort and forms a perfect column of flame.
In Sheet 5 of drawings Figures 18, 19, 20 and 21 shew the modification of my
Invention when applied to the furnaces of Locomotives or multitubular boilers
whether land or marine.
Figure 18 shews a longitudinal section through furnace. Figure 19 is a cross
section of an arrangement of two retorts in furnace. Figure 20 is an end elevation
of furnace and figure 21 shews a section with retort placed therein.
In this arrangement the retort 55 is provided with numerous internal pipes or
retorts 56 with longitudinal flanges to keep them in position.
The steam jet 57 aspires the oil from the pipe 58 and both return to the end of
retort flowing backwards and forwards as indicated by arrows, finally escaping at the
end of retort 59 where it meets the air issuing from annular space 58, from air
receiver 59 supplied with air by pipes 60.
The central pipes of retort are maintained in position by means of webs cast on the
side thereof.
Instead of the firebars 62 I may use a floor of fireclay provided with holes 63 by
which air can enter and become heated when the locomotive is in motion, I may place
said tiles on upper surface of firebars I may support the retort on hollow arch or
wedge shaped lumps of fireclay as shewn.
I may occasionally use two retorts as shewn in figure 19. I may form the centre
of two side walls of refractory tiles placed edgways and filled in between with
refractory lumps of fireclay 1 may use wedge S and retorts in situ by hollow wedges 64
as shewn.
Instead of making the retort the full length of central flue I may make it so as to
only project for a length equivalent to the length of the zone of hydro-oxidation of
the gases (produced) when in a state of combustion.
Figures 22 and 23, sheet 6 of drawings, shew this arrangement of my Invention.
Figure 22 is a section through centre of retort and figure 23 is a longitudinal
section.
In this arrangement the retort 65 is only as long as the zone of hydro-oxidation of
combustion and is preferably cone shaped in section.
There are two internal return tubes 66 placed centrally.

page_text: The oil is injected by the steam into the pipe 67 in the centre of one of the two
inner cone tubes.
The battle or deflector plate 68 can be moved forward towards, or backward from,
end of retort by means of the handle and screw 69 working on boss 70 formed in
centre of front plate of air receiver 71--which can be hinged to boiler front.
The air receiver is supplied by means of the air pipe 72.
The oil injector 73 is provided with a special shaped nozzle 74 and needle or spindle
auxiliary regulating valve 75.
76 is the oil pipe and 78 the steam pipe. An air deflector ring of cast iron or
firebrick is formed at 79 to deflect air on to gas, as it issues from retort―This annular
firebrick ring 80 is placed at a proper distance from end of retort-to induce the
developement of the retort with the flame of combustion.
In sheet 7 of drawings figures 24 and 25 shew an arrangement for regulating
supply of gas issuing from end of retorts.
Figure 24 is a longitudinal section of part of a boiler flue, and retort and figure 25
is a front elevation. In this arrangement 81 is part of the retort; the steam from
supply pipe 82 aspires oil from oil pipe 83 and forces it along central pipe 84 in the
usual way. The gas issuing from end of retort is deflected by means of movable
deflector disc 844 which, by a screwed shank 85, working on boss of front plate of air
receiver and handle 89 can be moved backwards or forwards.
The inner plate 86 of air receiver is provided with a circular ring air regulating
slide that can be actuated by pins 87 and covers or uncovers circularly arranged
air holes 88 as desired.
Figure 25 is a front elevation shewing deflector moving handle.
In Sheet 8 of drawings Figures 26. 27. 28 and 29 shew the adaptation of my
Invention to steam generators of the Lancashire or Cornish type.
In this arrangement the steam and oil is shewn led from back end of retorts and
merely passes once through the latter (which however may be filled with perforated
tiles of fireclay or small irregular pieces of the same material). The front end of
retort may be solid (in this application of my Invention the retorts are made in
segments) and openings through the side of retort near the front or combustion end
are provided.
The steam along with the oil is led backwards and forwards through flue (under
crown plate of flue) by means of a return pipe that traverses the length of the flue,
before it enters the retort.
Figure 26 is a longitudinal section of a Lancashire Boiler and figure 27 is a cross
section through two flues.
Figure 28 is a plan in section and figure 29 is a front elevation.
91 is one segment of retort, the steain and oil pipe 92 passes and repasses through
flue and enters the end of retort 93 and passes through it striking against deflector
disc 94, which forms the middle plate of air receiver 95, with its air supply pipe 96-
attached to Blower 95ª.
In figure 28 the front end of retort is shewn solid and is provided with holes 97
for the escape of the gas.
In Sheet Figures 30. 31 and 32 shew respectively a cross section, a longitudinal
section and front elevation of my Invention, applied to the ordinary furnace of a set
of 3 gas retorts, and is especially adapted for that kind of liquid hydro-carbon known
as gas tar. 1 fix the retort 98 in the place usually occupied by the fire and close to
the ashpit 99 thereof by a door 100.
The retort is supported by blocks 101 placed on the incline and on firebars.
The tar from hydraulic main or any other source, is supplied by pipe 102 from
which it trickles into funnel 103 and passes into steam injector 104 by which it is
fixed or aspirated into retort 98.
The other features in this modification are similar to those in other application
already described.
In Sheet 10 of drawings Figures 33, 34, 35 and 36 shew the application of my
Invention to the furnace of any description of heating apparatus. Figure 33 is a
R

page_text: plan in section figure 34 is a cross section, figure 35 is a longitudinal section and
figure 36 is a front elevation shewing this application.
The arrangement is essentially similar to the other application of my Invention
already described except that the air receiver 103 extends to an annular cavity
surrounding inner refractory lining of furnace 104.
The second air cavity delivers air to support complete combustion at the point 105
where the bridge wall opening 106 allows the oil gas partially consumed to enter
furnace hearth 107. By this arrangement the flame of partial combustion surrounding
the retort heats the air to support complete combustion on the furnace hearth.
In sheet 11 of drawings I employ a retort square in section and make it the floor
of hearth of heating chamber. The flame of the combustion of the oil gas passes
over and under the retort and thus supplies to the retort the heat of volatilization, the
retort which is divided by temporary, longitudinal and horizontal divisions the oil
passes into the lower half of retort and passes and re-passes through it finally escaping
at the back or front end as desired into the initial combustion chamber between the
bridge wall and end of furnace where it meets the air passing through an intermediate
retort.
Figures 37. 38. 39 and 40 shew this arrangement of my Invention; figure 37 is a
cross section, Figure 38 is a longitudinal section, Figure 39 a front elevation and
figure 40 a part plan in section through retort and heating chamber.
108 is the retort divided into longitudinal horizontal divisions by closely packed
refractory insertions 109. The oil and steam passing and repassing through retort
which may be also filled with refractory materials and which is heated by the flame
passing above and below it, are converted into permanent gas and escape into the
combustion chamber 110 through opening 111 at the upper end of retort.
The gas is met here by the air which has been heated by another retort 112 placed
between the two oil retorts and through which the air is forced. The flame of com-
bustion passes over the bridge 113 of heating chamber 114 and the products of
combustion escape from heating chamber by two side flues and descend to a lower
chamber 115 under the retorts, filled with checkerbrickwork.
The steain injects the oil into retort by a flat spray injector 116. The air is supplied
to central air retort by means of branch pipes 117.
In the application of my Invention to an ordinary Regenerative or Recuperative
furnaces, whether of the Siemens or other type, I proceed as follows.
In the existing gas recuperator chambers of these furnaces I construct centrally
across them a hollow division wall in the manner described for the modification of my
Invention shewn in figures.
I construct the two side walls of central division wall very carefully and cover the
hollow space with rebated covering tiles; about a foot from top I form a separate
cavity connected to the lower openings by several narrow slit like openings arranged
lengthways.
Into the upper cavity in the central division and between the two walls the oil is
injected by the steam, the oil becomes vapourized in passing through and between the
two walls to the lower end thereof and escapes through narrow openings before
mentioned into the recuperator chamber filled with checker brickwork.
The vapourized oil and the steam in passing through the highly heated checker
brickwork becomes thoroughly volatilized and converted into permanent gas and
passes into the ports of open-hearth or other furnace where it meets the air issuing
from the other air recuperative chamber.
The waste gases of the products of combustion pass through open hearth chamber
into the other gas and air chambers heating both chambers and with them the central
division wall in gas recuperative chamber up to a high temperature; when this
temperature has been attained the valves are reversed and the steam injects the oil into
the newly heated chamber and diverts or arrests the oil and steam passing to the
other.
The action of reversing the air and chimney valves reverses the direction of the
supply of the oil and the steam to the recuperative chambers.

page_text: Referring to Sheet 12 of drawings
Figure 41 is a longitudinal section through a Siemens type of furnace. Figure 42
is a cross section and Figure 43 is a plan in section thereof. The steam from pipe 118
injects oil from pipe 119 into a reversing valve 120 where it is directed into one of
the two gas recuperative chambers of a Siemens furnace.
The reversal of the ordinary butterfly valve 121 throws over the steam and oil
valve 120 simultaneously, by a simple mechanical arrangement 122. The oil and
steam enter into upper cavity 123 of central division wall 124 and pass through
cavities 125 into lower part of central cross wall, in continual contact with the heated
sides thereof and becomes vapourized.
The oil and steam in ascending through the heated checkerbrickwork in recuperator
becomes converted into permanent gas and its combustion is effected in the hearth of
steel furnace in the usual system as soon as the temperature absorbed by the volatiliza-
tion of the oil in the heated chamber, has fallen tou low, the oil gas and air and
chimney valves are reversed and the oil and steam are directed into the other chamber
now highly heated the range of time between periods of reversal depending upon the
quality of the oil or liquid hydrocarbon, and upon the nature of the materials which
absorb the heat in the furnace.
Referring to sheet 13 of drawings figures 43 to 51 shew my Invention applied to a
small rivet or bar forge furnace.
Figures 44. 45. and 46 are respectively a cross section a sectional plan through
retort and tuyeres of one arrangement and figures 47 48 and 49 are respectively a
cross section, a part elevation and section-the other figures are details of the retort
and oil injector.
Referring to figures 44 to 46 the retort is marked 126, the injector 127 which may
be fed with oil from a closed oil tank 128 placed either immediately over the roof of
forge furnace or at some convenient distance.
The steam and oil are blown into the centre of retort through pipe 129 and escape
in a gaseous condition through annular space 130. The air is forced through hollow
pipes forming the floor of forge into an air receiver chamber 132, by a fan or blower,
and meets the gas and is deflected thereon in an annular ring 133. Part of the heat
of the combustion of the oil is thus utilized for volatilizing the oil, the remainder of
the flame passes into hearth 134 and upper flue 135 to chimney 136.
In figures 47 to 51 the retort 137 is placed vertically and the air heated by passing
through recuperator tubes 138 is blown in an annular ring meeting the oil gas as
it is deflected by deflector disc 139 and the flame flows in fan like form over the
hearth 140.
Figure 49 is a detail of my Invention, 141 is the steam pipe and 142 the oil pipe,
the air receiver 143 is fed with air by pipe 144 from recuperator tubes 138--the air
flows through openings 145 in side of air receiver and is collected in an annular
cavity 146 just above gas deflector disc 139.
The oil and steam pass into the base of retort 137 by steam pipe 141, then ascend
and escape through upper end of retort and strike against deflector disc plate 139 and
here meet the air; the flame of combustion passing through cone sectional cavity 147.
Figure 50 is a sectional plan of retort and figure 51 is a detail of the steam and
oil injector thereof.
Sheet 14 of drawings shews by figures 52 to 57 the arrangement of my Invention
applied to tubular steam generators. Over the retort 148 I place a perforated
firebrick arch 149. I superheat the steam before I lead it to oil injector by leading
the steam pipe 150 through furnace flue.
The general arrangement of this application of my Invention conforms to that
shewn in figures.
Referring to Sheet 15 of drawings, Figures 58 to 63 shew my Invention so that
the apparatus therefor can be hung on pivots and opened radially, this arrangement
allows my Invention to be used in combination with an ordinary solid fuel fire or
separately and independently thereof.
151 is the steam pipe working on a pivota 152 which said pivot is attached to

page_text: boiler front, 153 is the ordinary injector, attached to front air receiver plate 154, the
latter is hinged at 155.
The air blast pipe 156 works on an identical centre 157. The retort 158 is attached
to the air receiver plate 159 the entire apparatus thus swings open or round together
and radially.
The retort is firmly attached to air receiver plate and in such a manner as to permit
the movement of the air regulator 160.
The oil pipe 161 is fixed above the oil funnel on injector 162.
Figures 59 and 61 shew respectively an elevation and section of my Invention in
its application to ordinary furnace door frames, in this arrangement the lower half of
flue front is provided with a movable and hinged plate 163.-I may use to form
retort a tubulous coil as shewn in figure 63 through which the oil and steam are
injected and pass finally escaping at the end of retort in the manner described in the
other modifications of my Invention. 164 is the coil terminating at 165, the coil
retort terminates in an end plate 166.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said Invention
and in what manner the same may be performed, I declare that what I claim is
First. The methods of generating gaseous fuel or combustible gases from liquid
hydrocarbons, and in apparatus therefor substantially as shewn and described in
figures 1 to 10.
Second. The arrangement of the ordinary slow combustion stove for the purpose of
generating gas from liquid hydrocarbons substantially as shewn and described in
figures 11 to 13.
Third. The method of generating gaseous fuel from liquid hydrocarbons in its
application to steam generators, heating and other furnaces substantially as shewn
and described in figures 14 to 63.
Fourth. The method of generating gaseous fuel from liquid hydrocarbons by
means of a hollow cylinder or column shape of flame from the combustion of the
gas generated in a retort placed in the centre of such column of flame, such flow of
combustion around the retort being in the direction of the flow of steam and oil
entering such retort.
Fifth. The arrangement by which a hollow column shape of flame for generating
gas from liquid hydrocarbons is effected around a retort, in its various modifications
substantially as herein shewn and described.
Sixth. The hinged or radially movable arrangement of retort, air receiver and air
supply pipe, steam jet and oil injector substantially as herein shewn and described in
figures 58 to 63.