IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTUre OF GAS FOR HEATING AND ILLUMINATING PURPOSES, AND IN THE MEANS AND APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Yarwood Attrill and William Farmer, both of the
City and County of New York, in the State of New York, one of the United
States of America, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTUre
OF GAS FOR HEATING AND ILLUMINATING PURPOSES, AND IN THE MEANS AND
APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH."
"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Yarwood Attrill and
William Farmer at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 10th
February 1880.
HENRY YARWOOD ATTRILL and WILLIAM FARMER, both of the City and County
of New York, in the State of New York, one of the United States of America.
'IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF GAS FOR HEATING AND ILLUMINATING
PURPOSES, AND IN THE MEANS AND APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH.”
In carrying out our Invention we can use any of the solid or liquid materials
from which heating and illuminating gases can be extracted, or in some cases we
can employ solid and liquid gas producing materials at the same time.
One of the most primitive modes of manufacturing gas from coal was to cause it
to descend slowly in a vertical retort, properly heated, supplying fresh material at
the top and taking away the coke at the bottom. We adopt that general plan.
But as heretofore worked the plan involved difficulties which our Invention avoids.
One was in the removal of the coke, which was only partially overcome by immersing
the entire lower end, the delivery end, in a tank of water, and consequently
saturating the coke by removing it through the water.
We will describe the operation as conducted with cannel coal.
By our method, as by other approved modes of manufacture, only a fraction, say,
from 20 to 25 per cent., of the material is consumed to produce the requisite heat
for the decomposition of the material employed.
We can, if preferred, remove the surplus in the form of coke, but in what we
consider the best manner of working we propose to carry the distillation much
further than has been usually practised, employing the poor or furnace gases for
heating purposes, while the richer gas given off at an earlier stage in the process is
taken away through another passage or passages to be used for illuminating
gas.
In other words, the residuum after the proper illuminating gas is taken off is

page_text: utilized in any desired manner; but we can take away the whole or a part in the
form of coke if preferred.
The perfection to which exhausters and their operation has been carried allows us
to maintain on any given pipe exactly the desired amount of pressure or of vacuum.
We maintain by a judicious operation of this well-known apparatus a pressure in
the retort so nearly that of the atmosphere that the upper end may be left entirely
open during the brief period requisite for charging.
By suitable means, such as a delicately adjustable valve controlling the passage
through a tall stack, we can regulate the draft of the fire so as to hold a neutral
line at or near a uniform level near the base of the retort, while allowing the retort
to pour its solid contents directly upon the grate where it is consumed.
The flue or flues leading from the fire space at the base of the retort convey what
we term the furnace or heating gas.
In addition to the ordinary products of combustion rising from the fire it is
largely loaded with poor gas from the latter portion of the distillation. Roughly,
the gases from our furnace contain 60 per cent. of inert nitrogen, 30 per cent. of
carbonic oxide capable of yielding much heat when properly consumed.
The superfluous gas from this source after being cooled and conducted to any
required point will be found highly valuable as a heating gas for any purposes in
the arts where great heat with little light is required.
The heat is applied to the extreme lower portion of the retort by its direct
contact with the fire into which the coke is being slowly delivered.
The heat is applied to the upper chamber which surrounds the retort through
the medium of gas.
The required proportion of the heating gas is taken there directly while retaining
its original heat. We provide for receiving and heating a quantity of pure air in
suitable flues adjacent to the fire, and for mingling this air in a proper manner with
the heated gases, thus producing a long and intense flame which bathes the entire
middle and upper portion of the retort.
In carrying out our Invention we prefer to form the exterior of the device of
masonry lined with fire clay. The grate may be of any ordinary construction.
Ordinary or suitable provisions allow access of air to feed the flame and facilities
for shaking the grate bars. It will be understood that the fuel supply is automatic
through the descent of the material from above. A little above the grate the
central vertical chamber is enlarged; a little higher it is slightly contracted.
Above this is a considerable length of straight, vertical, round, smooth retort, of
nearly uniform diameter, but gradually decreasing upward. The top is surmounted
by a casting, and may either have an ordinary well fitted lid or other suitable
provision for making an approximately gas tight joint.
In an enlargement above the grate bars near the bottom of the apparatus the
combustion is mainly effected; above this the material is subjected only to dis-
tillation. We provide for intensely heating the retort quite to the top by making
an annular chamber around the interior lining between this and the outer coating,
and circulating therein a current of heating gas received from below with a
sufficient supply of fresh air to induce complete combustion. Both the heating gas
and the air supplied thereto being previously heated, the resulting condition is a
very high temperature, so that the distillation of the coal commences in the top
and proceeds actively, and the coal becomes coked rapidly in its descent.
We prefer to employ a thick mass of masonry exterior to the fire brick, but
these matters of detail may evidently be modified within wide limits.
The gaseous material delivered from the fire in the lower part of the apparatus
is led outward through flues. Such portion as can be spared for other uses is there
taken directly away in its present condition, poor in illuminating but valuable in
its heating elements.
The remainder is led upward through continuations, and inward through a spacious
chamber which leads it to an annular space surrounding the entire upper portion
of the internal chamber.

page_text: The materia forming the upper part of the main internal chamber is by
preference made in the form of short lengths of tube, matched tightly together and
steadied in any required position by curved blocks resting on shoulders at the base,
and bracing their outer surfaces against the interior of the surrounding masonry.
They are formed with liberal openings to allow the hot gas to rise freely.
Each section of the tube forming the internal chamber may for small retorts be
made in one piece. For larger ones we propose to make each in four or other
number of pieces, fitted together by preference with vertical joints.
The rich gas which is given off by the moderately heated coal at the extreme
upper portion of the apparatus flows downwards, and being compelled to pass
through the more intensely heated portion below becomes thoroughly fixed and
mixed with the products of a little later distillation, so as to deliver a practically
uniform quality of the best illuminating gas through the radial passages which are
formed by fire clay tubes, which traverse exterior chambers and deliver the gas
into mouth pieces, which are formed with any ordinary or suitable provisions,
leading the gas to an hydraulic main, and for allowing the coke to be withdrawn
through these passages if desired. When commercial coke is to be removed by
this means we propose to employ an endless screw with provisions for moving it in
and out as well as rotating it at proper intervals.
We provide deep narrow flues into which fresh air is admitted and caused to
return several times. From the upper convolution it is led outward and through a
passage, and mingles with the heating gas rising in the passage from the interior
chamber. The union of the fresh air already highly heated with the hot com-
bustible gas induces a long and lot flame which fills the annular chamber and
bathes the entire upper sections of the tubular structure.
Such portion of the heating gas flowing outward through the flue as is not
required to maintain the temperature for distillation is led away through the outlets,
from whence it may be conducted in any desired direction, and utilized in any
manner to impart heat for manufacturing purposes, or it may be carried through
pipes to distant points where heat and not light is required.
There are four principal zones in this furnace, retort, or cupola. The upper is
the drying and heating zone, the next is the carbonizing and illuminating gas zone,
from which the gas is drawn out by suitable passages and outlets; the next is the
neutral zone, which lies between the illuminating and heating gas outlets, and the
next or lowest is the furnace or heating gas zone.
In some cases we employ two or other number of coke vaults in combination
with the apparatus, according to its size and capacity.
According to this arrangement, as the hot coke moves down from the central or
neutral zone, it is divided into two or more portions, one of which descends into
the furnaces to be converted into heating gas, and the other descends into the coke
vaults, where it may be taken out from time to time when not required for heating
gas.
In this form of the apparatus, as in the first described, the heating gas which is
generated by the furnace is drawn up through the heating gas flues, where it mixes
with hot air just as it enters the combustion chamber which surrounds the cupola
or retreat.
This form of the apparatus can be worked so as to burn all the material and
make it all into either illuminating or heating gas. This may be done by either of
two plans, as follows:-
The coke vaults may be converted into furnaces similar to those on the opposite
side, or into one or more, according to the size and capacity of the generator. If
required all the division walls may be removed from the furnaces and coke vaults,
and the whole space may be converted into one furnace.
To allow for the using of the coke vaults as furnaces without any alteration we
provide the same with grates, but when such parts are used as vaults the said grates
or the doors leading thereto are closed so as to exclude air.
Another plan for burning all the coke is to simply allow the coke vault to clog

page_text: up by omitting to withdraw any coke therefrom, the stream of descending coke
moving necessarily all into the furnace part.
We propose to let in steam under the grates of the furnaces and coke vaults.
The steam which we let in under the furnace bars will soften the clinkers and keep
the ironwork cool. The steam which we let in under the grates of the coke vaults
will quench the lower part of the coke column, and thus prepare it for easy
removal.
The feeder which we employ on top of the generator consists of a cast iron
cylinder shaft and outer case. The inner cylinder revolves, and is made with
chambers or pockets, into which the coal or other material drops.
This cylinder fits the seat turned out in the outer case, and is made gas tight.
The inner cylinder is mounted on a shaft which may be driven by any suitable
power.
The coal or other material may be conveyed to the said feeder by elevators, cars,
conveyors, or by any other suitable machinery, and the feeder and the said machinery
may be driven by any suitable power.
The feeding arrangement may be placed immediately over the centre of the
generator, or it may be placed on one side of that point.
On the shaft of the feeder, or on any of the shafts that drive the feeder, an index
or register may be placed for the purpose of measuring the quantity of coal passed
through the generator in a certain period.
The cog wheel, which is loose on the shaft of the feeder, is tightened up to drive
the feeder by means of a friction plate which is keyed onto the shaft.
This device is for the purpose of allowing the feeder to stop automatically when-
ever any hard or foreign substance gets into the feeder so as to obstruct it.
Fixed or shaking grates may be employed. We however prefer to arrange our
grates so that one half of the grate bars are made to draw to and fro by means
of a crank for the purpose of working out the ashes and clinkers automatically.
Between each of the said movable grate bars we prefer to place a fixed grate
bar.
The movable bars may be worked by hand or other power.
Two or more sets of furnace-grates and doors may be employed, according to the
size and capacity of the generator.
Our apparatus can be employed for the manufacture of water gas either alone
or in combination with both the qualities of coal gas or oil gas before mentioned.
In the manufacture of water gas by this apparatus we introduce the steam which
is to be decomposed either at the bottom or top of our apparatus, and the action
that ensues is the same as in other water gas apparatus, the oxygen of the steam
combining with the carbon of the coal producing carbonic oxide, while the hydrogen
of the steam is left free, and the hydrogen and carbonic oxide issue mechanically
mingled.
When thus manufacturing water gas we can maintain the heat of the solid matter
to a good degree by the means already described; but we propose in addition to
heat the solid matter by working the apparatus with alternate periods, generating
water gas for a period during which the temperature will be somewhat lowered,
and then stopping the manufacture of gas for a period, and restoring the heat by
inducing combustion of a small portion of the solid carbon.
This latter may be done as in the ordinary water gas apparatus by allowing
fresh air to flow through the mass of coal..
Our apparatus allows a unique and peculiarly effective method of restoring the
heat with little or no actual combustion of the solid carbon by simply opening a
flue at the top for the escape of the products of combustion, and temporarily
shutting off the ordinary escape, causing the whole mass of intensely hot products
of combustion to move upward for a period through the interstices between the
freshly charged material in the top.
When using the apparatus for water gas alone we propose to charge coke or
anthracite, but we can make water gas to a liberal extent in connection with the

page_text: manufacture of coal or oil gas, receiving the heat from the outside, as first
described.
We propose to provide a gas holder for the heating gas with a liberal passage
therefrom through which to supply the stored gas to invigorate the fire at any
moment when, through inattention or any cause, the heat from the ordinary sources
has become temporarily deficient.
The retorts or cupolas may be oval, square, circular, or oblong in shape, and a
series of them may be set over the same furnace.
The retorts or cupolas may also be set either vertically or in an angle between
45° and 90°
They can be worked largely by steam power.
The upper or illuminating gases will be drawn out through flues at the proper
height in the vertical retort by means of an exhauster or steam jet, or other means
of inducing a partial vacuum, and conveyed through the necessary dips, condensers,
and purifying apparatuses to a gas holder.
The lower or furnace gases and hot air may be drawn up into the combustion
chamber which surrounds the vertical retort by means of a chimney to which the
outlet flues on the top of the apparatus are connected; or when all the residuum
which descends from the retort is to be converted into furnace or heating gas, then
the superfluous gas, or that portion which is not required in the combustion
chamber, will be drawn out through the passages by means of an exhauster or
steam jet, and conveyed through the necessary dips, condensers, and purifying
apparatuses to a gas holder, from which it may be distributed for heating purposes.
It will be understood that after making and taking out of the same apparatus
a rich gas for illuminating and heating purposes, and also a poor or furnace gas for
heating purposes, the two are conveyed to separate holders for distribution.
Some of the advantages of our Invention may be realized without operating
continuously. An ordinary bench of horizontal retorts, with the furnace a little
lower and further forward than usual, may receive all the coke from the retorts
and burn it all, giving ample heat to the retorts while burning with a limited
supply of air so as to make poor gas and carbonic oxide instead of carbonic acid.
The poor gas and oxide may be cooled and purified and stored in a separate gas
holder to be used for heating purposes, and thus the simultaneous productions of
the two kinds of gas be effected by a sort of intermittent working, which though.
less desirable than our preferable plan may be of great advantage in some
situations.
The clearing of the fire is largely effected by the shaking grate, for which purpose
the grate bars are notched or toothed, the teeth being formed with unequal sides or
bevelled in one direction, so that the shaking of the movable bars by reciprocating
them to and fro between the stationary ones works the clinkers and ashes to the
front of the grate and induces their discharge.
This avoids the necessity for admitting air in excess by the wide opening of the
loors.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Henry Yarwood Attrill and William Farmer in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 6th July 1880.
HENRY YARWOOD ATTRILL and WILLIAM FARMER, both of the City and County
of New York, in the State of New York, one of the United States of America.
" IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF GAS FOR HEATING AND ILLUMINATING
PURPOSES, AND IN THE MEANS AND APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH."
"
One of the best modes of manufacturing gas from coal is to cause it to descend
slowly in a vertical retort, properly heated, supplying fresh material at the top, and
taking away the coke at the bottom; we adopt that general plan.
We propose to carry the distillation much further than has been usually practiced,
employing for heating purposes the poor hydrocarbon gas, which is distilled off at
the later stages, mingled with products of combustion peculiarly worked so as to
produce a combustible gas known as carbonic-oxide.
In what we consider the best manner of working we consume all or a large portion
of the coke immediately in the same apparatus. In short, we utilize some or all of
the residuum from the manufacture of illuminating gas in the production of a
different and inferior kind of gas instead of removing it as coke.
In carrying out our Invention we can use as the material a suitable quality of
coal or other solid gas-producing material, or we can use petroleum or other fluid
having the requisite gas-producing qualities by using with the latter a sufficient
quantity of solid material to support it, and cause it to work down slowly with the
solid matter. We will describe the operation as conducted with good gas-
producing coal, slowly descending and changing to coke in a smooth vertical
chamber, which we will term the retort. We provide for intensely heating the
retort quite to the top by making an annular chamber around an interior lining
between the retort and the outer masonry, and circulating therein a current of
heating gas received from below, with a sufficient supply of hot fresh air to induce
combustion at the point where it is needed. Both the heating gas and the air
supplied thereto being previously heated, the resulting condition is a very high
temperature, so that the distillation of the coal commences in the top, and proceeds
actively, and the coal becomes coked rapidly in its descent.
We divide the gas, taking the earlier and richer into one receptacle, and the later
and poorer for immediate use into another receptacle.
The delivery or exit for the rich gas is at a higher point in the retort than the
exit for the poorer gas and for the products of combustion.
The perfection to which the construction and operation of the well known
devices termed exhausters has been carried allows us to maintain on each delivery
pipe exactly the desired amount of pressure or vacuum. By a judicious operation
of one exhauster we maintain a pressure in the upper part of the retort so nearly
that of the atmosphere that the top may, with soine success, be left entirely open
for charging. And by another exhauster, or by a carefully adjusted valve, or other
suitable means, we control the passage from the fire at the base of our retort through
the flues to a suitable tall chimney, and thus regulate the pressure or draft so as to
maintain a neutral zone between the two levels of delivery, keeping it at as near an
uniform level as is practicable. The coal while above that zone delivers its rich
into
gas
the upper delivery passage. After descending below that zone the coal, now nearly
reduced to coke, delivers its last instalments of gas into the lower delivery passage.
The coal, or we will now call it coke, continues to descend, being now near the base
of the retort in the part which we term the "furnace." As it approaches the grate
which forms the bottom of the furnace, it begins to find atmospheric air rising up
through the interstices, and consequently begins to burn. As this proceeds the
material instead of any longer absorbing heat, as in the act of being distilled to give

page_text: off gas, now begins to produce heat by burning, and may be ultimately all consumed
upon the grate.
We propose by blowing to force the fresh air up through the dense mass of coke, if
it shall be required, or to restrain the flow of air if it shall enter too freely in any
case, so as to always afford the proper limited supply of air to produce carbonic
oxide, the carbon of the coke having assumed the gaseous form while receiving only
half the oxygen required for complete combustion.
Roughly estimated the gas from our furnace contains about ten (10) per cent. of
gas, largely hydrogen from the last of the volatile matter in the coal, thirty (30)
per cent. of carbonic oxide resulting from the union of oxygen of the admitted air
with the carbon of the coke, and the remainder inert nitrogen. This mixture we
term "furnace gas"; it is capable of burning, and is valuable as a fuel or heating
gas for any purposes in the art where heat with little light is required.
By our method, as by other approved modes of manufacture, a quantity of fuel
equal to from 20 to 25 per cent. of the coke produced is required to be burned to
produce the requisite heat for the development of the volatile matter in the gaseous
form. It will be seen that in our apparatus the heat required to extract or distil
off the gas from the material at the last stages is derived directly from the fire
produced by the burning of the solid material just below it. In other words the
fire into which it is moving heats it intensely, and drives out the last remaining
gas.
The heat to drive out or distil off the gas at the earlier stages must be applied
near the top of the retort. It is produced by burning around it some of the
furnace gas produced below. The proportion of furnace gas required for this
purpose is taken there and burned without losing its original heat. The remainder
of the furnace gas is, like the illuminating gas, conducted away in a separate pipe,
and cooled and stored away for other uses, or for the same use at a subsequent
period.
We provide for receiving and heating the air which is required for the burning
of the furnace gas. The air is heated by leading it through flues adjacent to the
furnace. The admission of the hot air to the hot combustible furnace gas produces
a long and intense flame, which we cause to heat the entire middle and upper
portion of the retort.
The material lining the upper part is by preference fire clay made in the form of
short lengths of tube matched tightly together, and steadied in the required
position by curved blocks or chocks resting on shoulders, and bracing their outer
surfaces against the interior of the surrounding masonry. These chocks are formed
with liberal openings to allow the hot gas to rise freely.
Each section of the tube forming the internal chamber may for small retorts be
made in one piece. For larger ones we propose to make each in four or other
number of pieces fitted together; the grate may be of any ordinary construction.
We provide facilities for shaking the grate bars.
In one form of the apparatus the central vertical chamber is enlarged a little
above the grate. In this place the partial combustion, the manufacture of the
carbonic oxide, is mainly effected; a little higher it is slightly contracted. Above
this is a considerable length of straight vertical round smooth retort gradually
decreasing upwards. The top is surmounted by a casting, and has by preference
the feeder described further on, but it may have an ordinary well-fitting lid or any
other suitable provision for making an approximately gas tight joint, to be opened
at short intervals to add more coal as the mass sinks. The top may with proper
care be allowed to remain open, as above stated. We prefer to employ a thick
mass of masonry exterior to the fire brick to well retain the heat and prevent its
escape by radiation,
Such portion of the furnace gas as can be spared for other uses is subtracted
and led away. The remainder flows upward into a chamber where it combines
with the hot air supplied, and is thereby completely burned. The intense flame

page_text: flows up through the annular space surrounding the upper portion of the retort,
and supplies heat liberally thereto, to distil off the rich gas.
The volatile matter which is given off by the freshly charged coal thus heated
at the extreme upper portion of the apparatus is, by the action of the exhauster,
drawn gently downwards, and being compelled to pass through the more intensely
heated portion below becomes thoroughly fixed, and mixed with the products of a
later distillation so as to deliver the best illuminating gas of a practically uniform
quality. This flows out through the radial passages, formed by suitable fire clay
tubes traversing the combustion chambers, and is delivered into pipes not shown,
by which it may be conducted away to an hydraulic main, and subjected to any
ordinary or suitable provisions for condensing, purifying, distilling, etc., and be
stored for use in lighting factories, towns, etc., being in all respects like other good
illuminating gas. We provide for allowing a portion of the coke to be withdrawn
by means of the passages through which the illuminating gas is delivered, employing
an endless screw, with provisions for moving it in and out, as well as rotating it
at proper intervals. But when much coke is to be removed we prefer the modifi-
cation of the apparatus described further on.
There are five principal zones in this retort or stack. The upper is the charging
and heating zone, the next is the distilling zone for distilling off illuminating gas,
which is drawn out through suitable passages; the third is the neutral zone
where the gas being distilled off divides, all above going with the illuminating
gas, and all below going with the heating or furnace gas; the fourth is the
distilling zone for poor hydro-carbon gas immediately above the fire; and the last
and lowest is the partially oxydising zone, where the remaining material is burned
into carbonic oxide.
The accompanying Drawings represent what we consider the simplest means of
carrying out the Invention.
Fig. 1 is a front elevation.
Fig. 2 is a central vertical section.
Fig. 3 is a vertical section in a plane at right angles to that in Fig. 2.
Figs. 4 and 5 are horizontal sections in planes marked in Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 is on line p-p.
Fig. 5 is on line q-q.
Similar letters of reference indicate like parts in all the Figures.
Referring to these Figures, A is outer masonry, and M a tubular lining of fire
brick material of considerably less diameter than the interior of A, and held
annularly by chocks N so as to leave a space ca for flame to heat the lining M and
the material in the interior of the latter, which we term the retort m. The lining M
extends up from about the mid-height to the top. The lower end of the stack or
retort serves as a furnace to burn all the coke allowed to descend into it. This
part is marked b, and is provided with a sliding door B controlled by a chain, and
capable of nice adjustment by any suitable feeding means not shown. This is
worked so as to produce carbonic oxide.
Fresh air is admitted in liberal quantities through the tortuous flues g, which are
so placed as to highly heat the air rising through them.
The products of combustion, with the poor gas last distilled, the mixture being
termed for convenience furnace gas or furnace gases, are drawn out through the
passage c and led up through the passage c¹. The hot fresh air from g is allowed
to mingle therewith by flowing through the aperture g¹. The intense flame rises
through the chamber c², and thence into the annular space before referred to.
In this latter it performs the important function of communicating its heat through
the thin tube-sections M to the freshly charged gas-yielding material enclosed in
the latter, and flows out at the top, to be led to a chimney, either directly or
through an exhauster not shown. It will be understood that the furnace gas thus
serving is of two principal kinds, both derived from the material in or near the
furnace b. One part is poor hydro-carbon gas, mainly hydrogen, derived from the

page_text: coal in the last part of its distillation, the highest point from whence this gas is
derived being the neutral zone, which latter may be supposed to shift slightly
according to circumstances, but ordinarily to lie only a little above the level of the
exits c. The other, and in most cases the larger part, is derived from the partial.
burning of the coke, the valuable part of which is carbonic oxide. Most of this
comes from the near vicinity to the grate a.
The passages e are the exits for the rich illuminating gas. This takes none of
the products of combustion but receives all the gas distilled off from the material
lying above the neutral zone. The gas distilled from the coal near the top descends
through the interstices between the hotter or riper material below to find these
exits e.
Any excess of carbon in that gas is remedied by mingling with gas later
formed and poorer. Any vapors given off are thoroughly decomposed by being
subjected to high heat under these conditions.
Figs. 6 to 17 show a modification in which we allow a longer time for the
expulsion of the gas from the coke which is to be removed, and provide more
conveniently for its removal. In this form of the apparatus the retort is divided
in the lower portion into two gradually diverging branches, each of which branches
may be, and preferably is, again further divided. As the material descends, one
portion passes into a branch or branches, where it is supplied with air and is burned
into the feebly illuminating but highly heating furnace gas, while another portion
descends into a branch where it gets no air, and is cooled and drawn out. We
furnish both branches with grates, and provisions for use as furnaces when it is
desired to burn all the coke that descends into both branches, so that with th
apparatus, as with the form of apparatus first described, all the material can b
converted into heating gas, if desired, after the first and richest gas has been
separately taken away above.
The accompanying Drawings represent what we consider the best means to carry
out our Invention.
Fig. 6 is a front elevation of our modified apparatus.
Fig. 7 is a vertical section of the same.
Fig. 8 is a section on the line - in Fig. 7.
Fig. 9 is a plan view of the top of the apparatus.
Fig. 10 is a horizontal section on the line 8-8 in Fig. 7.
Fig. 11 is a horizontal section through half the apparatus on the line t-t in
Fig. 7.
Fig. 12 is a horizontal section through half of the apparatus on the line u―u in
Fig. 7.
Fig. 13 is a horizontal section on the line v-v.
Fig. 14 is a section on the line w―w. When these are only through half of the
apparatus the other half at that level is similar.
Fig. 15 is a vertical section on the line x-x in Fig. 8. This shows the fresh
air flues.
Fig. 16 is a vertical section on the line y-y in Fig. 7. This shows the passage
through which the illuminating gas is taken away, and
Fig. 17 is a vertical section parallel to the last, but a little further inward. Its
plane is represented by the line - in Fig. 7. Similar letters of reference
indicate corresponding parts to those already described.
A is substantial masonry enclosing a central upright passage m, which we term
the stack or retort. It is lined with a continuous tight wall of thin refractory
material, as fire brick, formed as a continuous tube in large or small sections,
properly joined, as may be preferred. A space between the lining and the outer
masonry serves as an annular flue to conduct the burning gases from below and
supply heat to the contents at the top.
At or near the radial passages e, which conduct away the rich illuminating gas,
the descending material divides. One portion descends into the furnace b and is
burned with a limited supply of air, making heating gas in the bottom of the
apparatus, all the solid matter moving down into this branch being burned, always

page_text: excepting ashes and clinker, which may be removed as usual. Another portion of
portion of the coke descends into the other portion of the branched passage, which
we will term the coke vault, from whence it is withdrawn for subsequent use.
We can make the proportion thus conducted down into the coke vault greater or
less by varying the rapidity or frequency of its removal from the latter. If much
is removed from the coke vault a large proportion will descend therein. If little is
removed from that chamber a larger proportion will go down into the furnace. If
none at all is removed from the coke vault, it will stand idle filled with dead coke
and will be of no effect, the whole of the descending stream of coke being led
necessarily into the other, the furnace, and be consumed.
In the Drawings we have shown two coke vaults f divided by a wall A³ at right
angles to the main dividing wall A¹. We can thus divide each coke vault and
each furnace into any desired number of subdivisions. Each coke vault is provided
with inclined grates f¹ which guide the coke down to the door when the coke is
removed, or which allow the coke vault to be employed as a furnace whenever it is
desired to so work the apparatus, that is to say, burning all the coke with a
limited supply of air in both or all the chambers. It will be understood that the
air-flow to and through the grate f' is controlled by tightly fitting doors; F are the
doors of the coke vault through which coke is removed for use. Means not shown
may be employed for cooling the coke either before or after its removal from the
vault.
We propose to let in a little steam under the grates. In the furnace bit is
applied under the grate, and cools it and softens the clinkers. In the coke vault f
it may be introduced below the grate f¹ or at any other convenient point, and will
aid to quench the coke and prepare it for removal.
The feeder consists of a cast iron cylinder I formed with pockets and mounted
on a shaft i, with which it revolves in gas-tight contact with an outer case J by
power received through the gear wheel K. The gear wheel K is capable of turning
loosely on the shaft but engages by friction, thereby allowing for the presence
without mischief of an occasional mass too hard to be passed through. The friction
plate L can be tightened or released by any convenient means to regulate the
frictional force.
The feeder I, J, may be mounted as shown exactly over the center of the retort,
or it may be set considerably to one side. The latter may be preferable in many
cases, for the reason amongst others that it better allows operating from the top to
clear the material in case of a jam or obstruction.
The coal or other material may be conveyed to the feeder I, J, by hand, or by
elevators, cars, or other machinery. The feeder may be driven by any suitable
power, and revolved continuously and slowly or intermittently as convenience may
decide.
An index or register on the shaft i of the feeder or its connections may aid in
determining the quantity of material consumed in any given time.
We have shaking grates in the furnace. A similar device may be employed also
on the inclined grates of the coke vault. Alternate bars of the grates are moved to
and fro by means of arms H¹ fixed on a rocking shaft H worked by any suitable
force. Between each pair of movable grate-bars we have a stationary bar.
The clearing of the fire is largely affected by the shaking grate. Both sets of
bars those moved by the arms H¹ and those which are stationary between them are
notched or toothed, the teeth being formed with unequal sides, as shown, so that
the shaking of the grate by working the shaft H works the clinkers and ashes to
the front of the grate, where a small narrow passage will allow their discharge.
The device in this combination serves the important end of avoiding the necessity
for opening the doors wide, and allowing free access of the air as would be required
for ordinary stoking.
We can use this apparatus to manufacture water gas. For thus working we can
introduce the steam through one or more pipes, not shown, either at the bottom or
top, and the action that ensues when the apparatus is filled with coke or analogous

page_text: material is similar to that in other water gas apparatus; the oxygen of the steam
combines with the carbon producing carbonic oxide, and the hydrogen of the steam
being set free the whole issues mechanically mingled in good condition for use with
or without subsequent treatment. In such case we can revive the heat from time to
time by shutting off the steam and by opening suitable passages, allowing fresh air
to move through the mass of glowing coke inducing ordinary combustion, and
passing the gases then produced to the chimney to be discharged.
We propose sometimes to use the apparatus for making water gas simultaneously
with the manufacture of the two kinds of gas. from coal. This may be done by
admitting the steam in moderate quantities, preferably at or near the bottom, and
taking care not to so far cool the inaterial as to destroy its decomposing power.
In other words the burning goes on in the lower portion of the apparatus, with
limited supply of air, and with sufficient steam admitted below the grate as before
suggested, or otherwise to materially contribute by its decomposition to the
quantity of heating gas.
We believe we can successfully impart the heat from the flue c³, so as to
decompose a small quantity of steam admitted at the top of the apparatus, and
caused to mingle with the rich gas. In other words we can make water gas in a
certain proportion at the same time with either or both kinds of gas made by our
apparatus worked with gas coal or analogous gas producing material.
Other modifications may be made without departing from the principle or
sacrificing the advantages of the Invention. We can use some parts or features of
the Invention without the others.
We can manufacture gas by our method from petroleum or other gas-producing
fluids, by introducing with such a sufficient quantity of solid matter of any kind,
adapted to endure the heat, and either burning the solid matter in the furnace or
extracting it from the vault. The solid matter may be gas-producing, as
bituminous coal, or it may be non gas-producing as coke or charcoal.
The feeder, shaking grate, etc., may be used with the simple form of the apparatus
shown in Figures 1 to 5, if preferred.
It will be understood that we use exhausters or other devices to keep the exactly
required pressure on all parts of the interior of the apparatus. We draw out the
gas from the lower part of the material through the passages c for heating purposes,
and through the apertures e for illuminating purposes, at such rates that there
shall be a neutral zone at a slightly varying level between them where the current
of gas in the interstices between the lumps of coal or coke divides, that is to say, all
above that zone moves upward to the rich gas exit e, and all below that zone
moves downward to the poor gas exit C.
Having thus described our Invention, we would have it understood that we do
not confine ourselves to the exact details as shown and described, but what we
claim as our Invention is,-
First. In the manufacture of gas, the method of keeping separate the different
grades of gas generated in the same retort or stack, which consists in maintaining
between the points of withdrawal of the different grades a neutral zone, sub-
stantially as described..
Second. The within described method of manufacturing gas of two or more
grades by causing the gas-producing material to traverse through a heated chamber
from a feeding aperture to a fire, and conducting away a rich gas through one or
more apertures on the way, and also conducting away a poor gas through one or
more apertures at a later stage than the other, all substantially as and adapted to
serve the purposes herein set forth.
Third. In the manufacture of gas, first the manufacture of an illuminating gas;
second, the further distillation of the solid material to produce a poor gas; third,
the burning of the solid residuum; fourth, the mingling of the products of com-
bustion with the poor gas to be subsequently employed for heating purposes, as
herein specified.
Fourth. The within described process for the manufacture of gas, consisting in

page_text: causing the gas producing material to traverse slowly through a generator, and be
subjected to a continuous or increasing high temperature, and distilled to different
degrees, and drawing off and conducting away independently different grades of
gas at different points in the generator, as herein specified.
Fifth. The within described mode of operation to produce gases of different
grades, consisting in first causing the gas-producing material to slowly traverse the
generating chamber; second, admitting air and maintaining the residuum of said
material in a state of partial combustion; third, heating thereby a current of air
for subsequent application to the gas; fourth, withdrawing the poor gas mixed with
the carbonic oxide resulting from the partial combustion of the residuum; fifth,
separating and conducting away a portion of the mixed gases; sixth, admitting the
heated air to the remainder of the mixed gases and burning them; seventh, beating
thereby the part of the chamber in which fresh material is introduced; eighth,
distilling by such heat the gases and vapors from the freshly introduced charges;
ninth, passing said vapours and gases through partially distilled and coked portions
which have a higher temperature; and tenth, withdrawing the illuminating gas
without admixture with the poor gas, the two gases being kept separate, as herein
specified.
Sixth. The combination of the chamber or stack m having a combustion chamber
at the bottom or with the independent pipes e and c, for withdrawing the gases of
different grades without admixture, substantially as described.
Seventh. The combination of the chamber m having a combustion chamber at
the bottom and the flue c³ surrounding its upper part, with the independent pipes e
and c, the latter communicating with the flues c³, substantially as described.
Eighth. The apparatus described having in combination the upright retort m,
surrounding flue c³, fire-grate a, provisions e for taking away the illuminating gas,
provisions c, c¹, c², c³, for taking away and utilizing the poor or heating gas, and
passages g, gl, for supplying heated air to mingle with the products of combustion
and supply heat to the material at the early stages of its distillation, substantially
as herein specified.
Ninth. In the manufacture of gas the method of keeping separate the different
grades of gas generated in the same retort or stack, which consists in maintaining
between the points of withdrawal of the different grades a neutral zone, substantially
as described.
Tenth. In the manufacture of gas, first, the manufacture of illuminating gas;
second, the further distillation of the solid material to produce a poor gas; third,
the burning of the solid residuum; fourth, the mingling of the products of combustion
with the poor gas, to be subsequently employed for heating purposes, as herein
specified.
Eleventh. In the manufacture of gas the method of insuring the even good
quality of illuminating gas in combination with the manufacture of poor gas
generated in the same chamber or stack, which consists in passing the gases and
vapours distilled from the fresh portions of the charges through partially distilled
and coked portions which have a higher temperature, and withdrawing the gas
from the chamber or stack at a point distant from the outlet for the poor gas to
. prevent admixture with the latter therewith, substantially as described.
Twelfth. In the manufacture of gas, the continuous process of producing
illuminating gas by the aid of combustible gases generated in the chamber or stack
from the same fuel as the illuminating gas, which consists in feeding into the stack
from time to time solid or partly solid material, causing the latter to gradually
traverse the chamber or stack, maintaining coke or the residuum of said material in
a state of partial combustion at the further or lower end of the stack, withdrawing
and burning the combustible gas generated at that stage, heating thereby the
chamber or stack near the point of feeding in the aforesaid material, and thus
distilling the said material, and withdrawing the illuminating gas without permitting
it to become mixed with the products of combustion from the further or lower end
of the chamber or stack, substantially as described.

page_text: Thirteenth. In the manufacture of gas the method of facilitating and increasing
the production of illuminating gas by the aid of combustible gases generated in the
same chamber or stack, which consists in maintaining a partial combustion at the
further end or bottom of the chamber or stack, withdrawing the gases therefrom,
heating a current of air by said combustion, mixing said air with the combustible
gases and burning them, heating thereby the upper part of the chamber or stack to
distil and produce the illuminating gas, which is withdrawn without permitting a
mixture of the combustible gases aforesaid therewith, substantially as described.
Fourteenth. In the manufacture of gas the process of producing in the same
chamber or stack from the same material, and delivering in different directions gases
of different grades, which consists in distilling an illuminating gas from the material
when first introduced, withdrawing the said gas, maintaining a partial combustion
of the material after withdrawal of the illuminating gas, and withdrawing the poor
gas thus produced without permitting admixture thereof with the illuminating gas,
substantially as described.
Fifteenth. In the manufacture of gas the process of producing in the same chamber
or stack from the same material, and delivering in different directions, an illumi-
nating gas of even good quality, and a poor gas adapted to heating purposes, the
same consisting in distilling gases and vapors from the material when freshly
charged, passing said gases and vapors through a portion of the charge of higher
temperature, from which the rich gases and vapors have been previously distilled,
withdrawing the illuminating gas thus produced, causing a partial combustion of
the whole or a portion of the coke remaining from former operations, withdrawing
the poor gas thus produced at a point distant from that for the illuminating gas,
burning a part of the poor gas to furnish the heat requisite for producing the
illuminating gas, and conveying away the remainder of the heating gas, substan-
tially as described.
Sixteenth. The continuous process of manufacturing in the same chamber or
stack from the same material, and by means of heat furnished by said material,
gases of different grades, one an illuminating gas of uniform good quality, and the
other a poor gas adapted to heating purposes, the said process consisting in (1)
feeding into the stack or chamber from time to time, or uniformly, solid or partially
solid material; (2), causing the latter to gradually traverse the chamber or stack;
(3), maintaining coke or the residuum of said material in a state of partial com-
bustion at the further or lower end of said stack or chamber; (4), withdrawing the
gas thus generated; (5), separating and carrying off a portion; (6), heating a
current of air by said combustion; (7), mixing said air with the remainder of the
gas from the coinbustion and burning it; (8), heating thereby the upper portion of
the chamber or stack; (9), distilling by such heat the gases and vapors from the
charge when freshly introduced; (10), passing said gases and vapors through
partially distilled and coked portions which have a higher temperature; and (11),
withdrawing the illuminating gas without admixture with the poor gas, the two
gases being kept separate by maintaining between their points of withdrawal a
neutral zone, substantially as described.
Seventeenth. The combination of the chamber or stack m, having a combustion
chamber at the bottom, with the pipe e connected with said chamber, and provided
with an outlet or opening for gas, and adapted also to permit the withdrawal of
coke through its outer end, substantially as described.
Eighteenth. The combination of the chamber or stack m, having a combustion
chamber at the bottom, with the independent pipes or passages e and c for with-
drawing the gases of different grades without admixture, aubstantially as
described.
Nineteenth. The combination of the chamber m, having a combustion chamber
at the bottom, and the flue c³ surrounding its upper part, with the independent
pipes e and c, the latter communicating with the flue c³, substantially as described.
Twentieth. The apparatus described, having the upright vertical retort m, sur-
rounding flue c, fixed grate a, provisions e for taking away the illuminating gas

page_text: provisions c, c¹, c², c³, for taking away and utilizing the poor or heating gas, and
passages g, g¹, for supplying heated air to mingle with the products of combustion
and supply heat to the material at the early stages of its distillation, substantially
as herein specified.
Twenty-first. An apparatus for the manufacture of gas composed of the following
elements in combination :-(1), a chamber or stack having a combustion chamber
at the bottom; (2), a flue surrounding the upper part of said chamber or stack;
(3), a hot air flue near the combustion chamber, and communicating with the first
named flue; (4), a pipe for the withdrawal of the gas generated in said combustion
chamber communicating therewith, and also with said first named flue; and (5), a
pipe for the withdrawal of gas distilled in the upper part of the chamber or stack,
communicating with the interior thereof above the last named pipe, and adapted
also to permit the withdrawal of coke, substantially as described.
Twenty-second. The vertical retort described branched near the base, equipped
one branch with provisions for burning, and the other with provisions for extracting
the solid matter descending therein, as herein specified.
Twenty-third. The upright retort branched as described, in combination with the
inclined grate f¹ in one of the branches adapted to serve at will either for the
extraction or combustion of the solid matter received in that branch, as herein
specified.
Twenty-fourth. In combination with a gas retort adapted for continuous operation
the revolving feed cylinder or drum I formed with pockets, and revolved within a
close fitting case J, as and for the purposes herein specified.
ras
Twenty-fifth. In combination with the upright gas retort m, operating continuously
as specified, and the automatic revolving feeder I, J, adapted to supply th
producing material without allowing the passage of air or gas, the friction coupling
L, K, adapted to allow the feeder to stop with too great resistance, as specified.
Twenty-sixth. In combination with an upright gas retort arranged for continuous
operation the shaking grate a having inclined teeth, and the rocking device H, H¹,
adapted for both agitating and carrying away the unconsumed matter, as herein
specified.
In witness whereof, we, the said Henry Yarwood Attrill and William Farmer,
have hereunto; set our hands and seals, this Fourteenth day of May, in the
year of our Lord 1880.
Witnesses,
THOMAS DREW STETSON,
Patent Solicitor,
New York City, U.S.
WILLIAM COLBORNE BROOKES.
HENRY YARWOOD ATTRILL. (LS.)
WILLIAM FARMER.
(LS)