IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF ACETIC ACID AND IN APPARATUS THEREFOR
Year: 1884

page_text: Apparatus therefor.
We, EDWIN CAVE ALLAN and FRANK MACKAY ALLAN, both of 5 Dixon Street,
Glasgow, in the county of Lanark, Manufacturing Chemists, do hereby declare the
nature of our invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF ACETIC
ACID AND IN APPARATUS THEREFOR," to be as follows:-
Our Invention relates to improvements in the process of distillation of acetic acid
from acetate of lime, acetate of soda, acetate of magnesia, or other acetates and in
apparatus to be used in carrying out such process, the object being to produce the
acid at a cheap rate and in a higher degree of purity.
According to our invention, we form a metal cylinder or boiler. surrounded by a
steam heating jacket, having suitable doors or covers witli. stuffing boxes fitted to
each end, through which a hollow steam pipe or solid spindle works driven by
suitable gearing. This spindle is preferably formed square inside of the cylinder or
boiler between the covers, and has fitted over the squares a series of paddles or
stirrers, one face of each paddle being formed parallel to the axis for agitating
or stirring the material under treatment, and one of the other sides obliquely, for
the purpose of screwing the material away from the feeding or inlet end of the
machine while charging, and for screwing out the charge through a hole or door at
the underside of the end cover or through the bottom of the cylinder after the acid
bas all been extracted. At the feeding end of the machine a few of the stirrers are
preferably formed with two oblique faces in order that in whatever direction they
are driven a screwing-out action is produced in the direction of the delivery end, so
that the feeding end of the machine is always kept clear. We reverse the spindle
for producing the simple agitating motion from the screwing-out motion by the
usual reversing wheel gear or cross and open belts or by using a reversible engine
when the machine is driven direct.
We form a dome at the feed end of the machine and through an opening in the
top we admit acetate of lime and vitriol, or instead of vitriol we use marine acid
or a mixture of both or any other acid which will decompose the lime. Upon the
machine being charged and heat applied acetic acid vapour, is formed in the
cylinder, which is led through a pipe taken preferably from top of dome and
carried down to near the bottom of what we term a "purifier." This purifier is a
vessel made of any convenient shape and partly filled with a liquor completely
sealing by a few inches, or more the mouth of the pipe which leads the vapour
from the dome of the machine. The liquor used for purifying must be such as
will absorb the sulphuric, muriatic, or other fumes or impurities, and is by prefer-
ence water or acetic acid to which is added a quantity of any of the carbonates,

page_text: acetates, or oxides of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, or lead. It is well
known that the heavy oils and paraffin make good solvents for tars, and these may
be added to our purifier and used with advantage for their removal. The vapour
by its pressure forces itself through the purifying liquor and passes from thence by
a pipe fixed to the top of the purifier-above and quite clear of the liquor-to a
condenser, from which it issues as acetic acid in a finished state. In order to keep
the liquor in the purifier boiling we insert a steam heating coil or pipe, or we supply
heat by means of a steam jacket, or if steam is not available by the use of an open
fire; and in order to ascertain the height of liquor in the purifier we fix on the
outside a glass gauge as an indicator. A cock is fixed at the underside for running
off the liquor when it has become spent and unfit for further purifying, and also
for running off part of the liquor should it at any time get too high in the purifier.
Instead of a steam heating jacketed boiler, the process may be conducted as above
described in a plain cylinder over an open fire.
In order to expedite the process of distillation we inject a jet or jets of steam at
the underside of the cylinder or boiler directly amongst the material from which
the acid is being distilled, in order that it may permeate the mass, and by its heat
and pressure remove and carry off the last portion of acetic acid remaining.
We also with great advantage for rapid distillation employ superheated steam
both in the jacket and jets, and we also employ the jets of superheated steam alone
when the acid to be obtained does not require to be of great strength. Should the
lime in the still be rendered very liquid the steam jets may be used instead of the
mechanical devices to effect agitation.
.
According to the purity of acid required one or more purifiers may be employed,.
the pipe from the top of the first entering to near the bottom of the second and
being quite sealed by the liquor, and a pipe again being taken from the top of the
second purifier to the. bottom of the third and so on for as many as may be
required.
. J
Instead of the series of purifiers we may use a tapering vessel formed with
purifying chambers as follows: the inside of the tapering vessel we cast or rivet
a circular plate or ring of some inches in depth and a few inches in diameter less
than the outside vessel. An inverted cup slightly larger in diameter than the ring
is let down to near the junction of the internal ring and the outside pipe. which
forms the "seal ".when filled with liquor to prevent vapour passing without forcing
itself through it. Above this is fixed another circular ring as large in diameter, as
will allow of the under cup being withdrawn for cleaning, and in the annular
space formed between the second ring and the outer one another. cup-shaped cover
is inserted, and when filled with liquor from another purifier, the vapour after
forcing itself through the bottom or first purifier or "trap," again forces itself
through the one above and so on for as many as may be added until passing out
through the top or last one it passes to the condenser. Each trap may be filled
with different liquors to remove the impurities in the acid-as may be required.
The tapering vessel may be heated by a steam jacket, or in any convenient way.
Indicator glasses are fixed for ascertaining the levels of the liquids, and also suitable
cocks for running in and out the liquors.
We arrange our distilling apparatus to work. horizontally or upright or at an
angle if necessary, and instead of stirrers on the screw principle, disintegrators,
scrapers or chains as carriers and agitators may be used..
In lieu of employing a stationary cylinder or boiler and moving stirrers or
agitators within it, we may arrange the cylinder or boiler to rotate while the
stirrers or agitators may be either stationary or movable.

page_text: Apparatus therefor.
We EDWIN CAVE ALLAN and FRANK MCKAY ALLAN both of 5 Dixon Street
Glasgow in the County of Lanark Manufacturing Chemists do hereby declare the
nature of our said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF ACETIC
ACID AND IN APPARATUS THEREFOR" and in what manner the same is to be
performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:
'
Our invention relates to improvements in the process of distillation of acetic acid
from acetate of lime acetate of soda acetate of magnesia or other acetates and in
apparatus to be used in carrying out such process the object being to produce the
acid at a cheap rate and in a higher degree of purity.
.
In the accompanying drawings which illustrate various modifications of the
apparatus we employ in carrying out our invention figure 1 is a longitudinal
vertical section and figure 2 is a transverse vertical section of one improved
arrangement of apparatus for use in the manufacture of acetic acid. Figures 3, 4, 5
and 6 are sections of different modifications of the improved apparatus hereinafter
more particularly referred to.
In the modification of the improved apparatus illustrated in figures 1 and 2 we
employ a metal cylinder A surrounded by a steam heating jacket B having suitable
doors or covers C. C. with stuffing boxes c fitted to each end through which
a hollow steam pipe or a solid spindle D works and is driven by suitable gearing E
The spindle D is preferably formed square inside of the cylinder or boiler A. between
the covers CC and has fitted over the squares a series of paddles or stirrers d one
face of each paddle being formed parallel to the axis for agitating or stirring the
material under treatment and one of the other sides obliquely for the purpose of
screwing the material away from the feeding or inlet end of the machine while
charging and for screwing out the charge through a hole or door c at the underside
of the end cover C or through the bottom of the cylinder after 'the acid has all
been extracted. At the feeding end of the machine a few of the stirrers dare
preferably formed with two oblique faces in order that in whatever direction they
are driven a screwing out action is produced in the direction of the delivery end so
that the feeding end of the machine is always kept clear. We reverse the spindle D
for producing the simple agitating motion from the screwing out motion by the
usual reversing wheel gear or cross and open belts or by using a reversible engine
when the machine is driven direct. We form a dome E' at the feed end of the
machine and through an opening F in the top we admit an acetate such as acetate
of lime and vitriol or instead of vitriol we use marine acid or a mixture of both or
any other acid which will decompose the acetate of lime. Upon the machine being
charged and heat applied acetic vapour is formed in the cylinder A which is led
through a pipe G taken preferably from the top of the dome Ę and carried down to
near the bottom of a vessel H which we term a "purifier."
This purifier, H is made any convenient shape and partly filled with a liquor
completely sealing by a few inches or more the mouth of the pipe G which, leads the
vapour from the dome E of the machine A. The liquor used for purifying must be

page_text: such as will absorb the sulphuric muriatic or other fumes or impurities and is by
preference water or acetic acid to which is added a quantity of any of the carbonates
acetates or oxides of sodium potassium magnesium calcium or lead. It is well
known that the heavy oils and paraffin make good solvents for tars and these may
be added to our purifier and used with advantage for the removal of the tar. The t
acetic vapour by its pressure forces itself through the purifying liquor in the
vessel H and passes from thence by a pipe I fixed to the top of the purifier above
and quite clear of the liquor to a condenser J from which it issues as acetic acid in
a finished state. In order to keep the liquor in the purifier boiling we insert
a steam heating coil or pipe or we supply heat by means of a steam jacket h or if
steam is not available by the use of an open fire and in order to ascertain the height
of liquor in the purifier H we fix on the outside a glass gauge h¹ as an indicator.
A cock h² is fixed at the underside for running off the liquor when it has become
spent and unfit for further purifying and also for running off part of the liquor
should it at any time get too high in the purifier H.
In order to expedite the process of distillation we inject a jet or jets of steam at
the under side of the cylinder or boiler A directly amongst the material from which
the acid is being distilled in order that it may permeate the mass and by its heat
and pressure remove and carry off the last portion of acetic acid remaining. The
jet orifices are. closed by means of valves K in a connecting branch from steam
pipe K¹.
We also with great advantage for rapid distillation employ superheated steam
both in the jacket and in jets and we also employ the jets of superheated steam
alone when the acid to be obtained does not require to be of great strength:
Should the acetate of lime in the still be rendered very liquid the steam jets may
be used instead of the mechanical devices described to effect agitation.
According to the purity of acid required one or more purifiers may be employed
the pipe from the top of the first entering to near the bottom of the second and
being quite sealed by the liquor and a pipe again being taken from the top of the
second purifier to the bottom of the third and so on for as many as may be
required.
Instead of using a steam beating jacketed boiler the process may be conducted as
above described in a plain cylinder or boiler over an open fire or furnace-Figure 3
illustrates such an arrangement. The boiler A is built in over a furnace L and is
provided with an eduction pipe G which conveys the acetic vapour to the purifier H
similar to that described with reference to figures 1 and 2. In this example the
acetic vapour is led by a pipe G¹ to and through a second purifier H¹ of similar
construction but which as is shown may be heated by a steam coil H³ instead of by
a steam jacket. From the purifier H' the acetic vapours pass by a pipe I to the
condenser J. The boiler A has fitted in it a perforated tube or tubes or an internal
perforated steam jacket A¹ through which superheated steam is blown in jets into
the mixture within the boiler the steam being supplied by a pipe K¹ provided with
a valve.
Figure 4 illustrates a modification of a purifying chamber or trap H in which
à series of vertical divisions M are so fitted that the acetic vapour which passes
through the vessel in the direction indicated by the arrows is caused' to pass
through the purifying liquids contained in the several compartments.
Figure 5 illustrates a further modification of a purifying chamber in which the
acetic vapour is led as indicated by the arrows through the purifying liquid contained
in an inclined tube or vessel H in which is fitted a steam pipe. h for heating the
'purifying liquid. The steam enters at the bottom of the pipe and as it condenses
it trickles down the pipe to an outlet h¹. The acetic vapour is led off by an outlet
pipe to a condenser of any suitable kind.
Instead of the purifiers or series of purifiers described we may use a tapering
vessel formed with purifying chambers as illustrated in figure 6 the boiler or
treating vessel A being either of the forin shown or of any of the forms already
described.

page_text: The vessel A is in this example heated by steam passing through a coil L and
by tube heated jets of steam injected through orifices in an annular pipe A¹.
A changing door is fitted in the top and a door for discharging the spent material
is filled in the bottom of the vessel A. The purifying chamber is fitted over an
opening in the top and consists of a tapering vessel H fitted with chambers as
follows:-
On the inside of the tapering vessel H we cast, rivet or otherwise attach a circular
plate or ring r of some inches in depth and a few inches in diameter less than the
outside vessel H. An inverted cup S slightly larger in diameter than the ring ris
let down to near the junction of the internal ring and the outside pipe which forms
the "seal" when filled with purifying liquor to prevent vapour passing without
forcing itself through it.
Above this is fixed another circular ring r¹ as large in diameter as will allow of
the under cup S being withdrawn for cleaning and in the annular space formed
between the second ring r¹ and the outer vessel H another cup shaped cover S¹ is
inserted and when filled with liquor forms another purifier the vapour after forcing
itself through the bottom or first purifier or "trap "r. 8 again forces itself through
the one above and so on for as many as may be added until passing out through
the top or last one which consists of a cup or cover S2 dipping into an annular
channel it passes to the condenser J by the pipe I. Each trap may be filled with
different liquors to remove the impurities in the acid as may be required. The
tapering vessel H may be heated by a steam jacket or in any convenient way.
Indicator glasses may be provided for ascertaining the levels of the liquids and also
suitable cocks for running in and out the liquors.
Our distilling apparatus may be worked horizontally or upright or at an angle if
necessary and instead of stirrers on the screw principle disintegrators scrapers or
chains as carriers and agitators may be used.
In lieu of employing a stationary cylinder or boiler and moving stirrers or
agitators within it we may arrange the cylinder or boiler to rotate while the stirrers
or agitators may be either stationary or movable.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what
we claim is
First. The manufacture of acetic acid in the improved manner and by means of
apparatus arranged substantially as herein described.
Second. The arrangement or combination substantially as herein described of
distilling apparatus, purifiers and condensers under the several modifications
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Third. The combination of parts forming the improved acid distilling vessel or
apparatus illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.
Fourth. The improved arrangements of purifying vessels for use in acetic
acid manufacture substantially as described and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
Fifth. The use of superheated steam in the manufacture of acetic acid from any
of the acetates as and for the purpose herein set forth.

page_text: The decision of the Comptroller-General, of the 31st day of July 1893,
allowed, under Section 18 of the Patents, &c. Act, 1883, an Amendment
of this Suanifiantion
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Manufacture of Acetic Acid and in
Apparatus therefor.
We, EDWIN CAVE ALLAN and FRANK MACKAY ALLAN, both of 5 Dixon
Street, Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, Manufacturing Chemists, do hereby
declare the nature of our invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE
OF ACETIC ACID AND IN APPARATUS THEREFOR," to be as follows:-
Our Invention relates to improvements in the process of distillation of acetic
acid from acetate of lime, acetate of soda; acetate of magnesia, or other acetates
and in apparatus to be used in carrying out such process, the object being to produce
the acid at a cheap rate and in a higher degree of purity.
According to our invention, we form a metal cylinder or boiler surrounded by a
steam heating jacket, having suitable doors' or covers with stuffing boxes fitted to
each end, through which a hollow steam pipe "or solid spindle works driven by
suitable gearing. This spindle is preferably formed' square inside of the cylinder
or boiler between the covers, and has fitted over the squares a series of paddles or
stirrers, one face of each paddle being formed parallel to the axis for agitating or
stirring the material 'under treatment, and one of the other sides obliquely, for the
purpose of screwing the material 'away from the feeding or inlet end of the
machine while charging, and for screwing out the charge through a hole or door at
the underside of the end cover or tlirough the bottom of the cylinder after the
acid has all be extracted. At the feeding end of the 'inachine a few of the stirrers
are preferably formed with two oblique'faces in order that in whatever direction
'they are driven a screwing-out action is produced in the direction of the delivery
end, so that the feeding end of the machine is always kept clear. We reverse the
'spindle for producing the simple agitating motion from the screwing-out' motion by
the usual reversing wheel gear or cross and open belts or by using a reversible
engine when the machine is driven 'direct.
We form a dome at the feed end of the machine and through an opening in the
top we admit acetate of lime and 'vitriol, or- instead of vitriol we use "marine acid
or a mixture of both or any other acid which will 'decompose' the lime. Upon the
machine being charged and heat applied acetic acid vapour is formed in the
cylinder, which is led through a' pipe "taken preferably from top of dome and
carried down to near the bottom of what we term 'a."purifier." This purifier is a
vessel made of any convenient shape and partly filled with a liquor completely
sealing by a few inches or more the mouth of the pipe which leads the vapour from
the dome of the machine. The liquor used for purifying must be such as will

page_text: absorb the sulphuric, muriatic, or other fumes or impurities, and is by preference
water or acetic acid to which is added a quantity of any of the carbonates, acetates,
or oxides of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, or lead. It is well known
that the heavy oils and paraffin make good solvents for tars, and these may be
added to our purifier and used with advantage for their removal.
The vapour by
its pressure forces itself through the purifying liquor and passes from thence by a
pipe fixed to the top of the purifier-above and quite clear of the liquor to a
condenser, from which it issues as acetic acid in a finished state. In order to keep
the liquor in the purifier boiling we insert a steam heating coil or pipe, or we supply
heat by means of a steam jacket, or if steam is not available by the use of an open
fire; and in order to ascertain the height of liquor in the purifier we fix on the
outside a glass gauge as an indicator. A cock is fixed at the underside for running
off the liquor when it has become spent and unfit for further purifying, and also for
running off part of the liquor should it at any time get too high in the purifier.
Instead of a steam heating jacketed boiler, the process may be conducted as above.
described in a plain cylinder over an open fire.
In order to expedite the process of distillation we inject a jet or jets of steam at
the underside of the cylinder or boiler directly amongst the material from which the
acid is being distilled, in order that it may permeate the mass, and by its heat and
pressure remove and carry off the last portion of acetic acid remaining.
We also with great advantage for rapid distillation employ superheated steam
both in the jacket and jets, and we also employ the jets of superheated steam alone
when the acid to be obtained does not require to be of great strength. Should the
lime in the still be rendered very liquid the steam jets may be used instead of the
mechanical devices to effect agitation.
According to the purity of acid required one or more purifiers may be employed,
the pipe from the top of the first entering to near the bottom of the second and
being quite sealed by the liquor, and a pipe again being taken from the top of the
second purifier to the bottom of the third and so on for as many as may be
required.
Instead of the series of purifiers we may use a tapering vessel formed with
purifying chambers as follows: the inside of the tapering vessel we cast or rivet
a circular plate or ring of some inches in depth and a few inches in diameter less
than the outside-vessel. An inverted cup slightly larger in diameter than the ring
is let down to near the junction of the internal ring and the outside pipe which
forms the "seal" when filled with liquor to prevent vapour passing without forcing
itself through it. Above this is fixed another circular ring as large in diameter as
will allow of the under cup being withdrawn for cleaning, and in the annular
space formed between the second ring and the outer one another cup-shaped cover
is inserted, and when filled with liquor from another purifier, the vapour after
forcing itself through the bottom or first purifier or
trap," again forces itself
through the one above and so on for as many as may be added until passing out
through the top or last one it passes to the condenser. Each trap may be filled
with different liquors to remove the impurities in the acid as may be required.
The tapering vessel may be heated by a steam jacket, or in any convenient way.
Indicator glasses are fixed for ascertaining the levels of the liquids, and also suitable
cocks for running in and out the liquors.
66
We arrange our distilling apparatus to work horizontally or upright or at an
angle if necessary, and instead of stirrers on the screw principle, disintegrators,
scrapers or chains as carriers and agitators may be used.
In lieu of employing a stationary cylinder or boiler and moving stirrers or
agitators within it, we may arrange the cylinder or boiler to rotate while the
stirrers or agitators may be either stationary or movable.
Dated this Eighteenth day of December 1884.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (AMENDED).
Improvements in the Manufacture of Acetic Acid and in
Apparatus therefor.
We EDWIN CAVE ALLAN and FRANK MCKAY ALLAN both of 5 Dixon Street
Glasgow in the County of Lanark Manufacturing Chemists do hereby declare the
nature of our said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF
ACETIC ACID AND IN APPARATUS THEREFOR and in what manner the same
is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement:-
•
"
Our invention relates to improvements in the process of distillation of acetic acid
from acetate of lime acetate of soda acetate of magnesia or other acetates and in
apparatus to be used in carrying out such process the object being to produce the
acid at a cheap rate and in a higher degree of purity.
In the accompanying drawings which illustrate various modifications of the
apparatus we employ in carrying out our invention figure 1. is a longitudinal
vertical section and figure 2 is a transverse vertical section of one improved
arrangement of apparatus for use in the manufacture of acetic acid. Figures 3, 4, 5
and 6 are sections of different modifications of the improved apparatus hereinafter
more particularly referred to.
In the modification of the improved apparatus illustrated in figures 1 and 2 we
employ a metal cylinder A. surrounded by a steam heating jacket B having suitable
doors or covers C. C. with stuffing boxes c fitted to each end through which a
hollow steam pipe or a solid spindle D works and is driven by suitable gearing E.
The spindle D is preferably formed square inside of the cylinder or boiler A between
the covers CC.and has fitted over the squares a series of paddles or stirrers done
face of each paddle being formed parallel to the axis for agitating or stirring the
material under treatment and one of the other sides obliquely for the purpose of
screwing the material away from the feeding or inlet end of the machine while
charging and for screwing out the charge through a hole or door c at the underside
of the end cover C or through the bottom of the cylinder after the acid has all
been extracted. At the feeding end of the machine a few of the stirrers d are
preferably formed with two oblique faces in order that in whatever direction they
are driven a screwing out action is produced in the direction of the delivery end so
that the feeding end of the machine is always kept clear. We reverse the spindle D
for producing the simple agitating motion from the screwing out motion by the
usual reversing wheel gear or cross and open belts or by using a reversible engine
when the machine is driven direct. We form a dome E' at the feed end of the
machine and through an opening F in the top we admit an acetate such as acetate
of lime and vitriol or instead of vitriol we use marine acid or a mixture of both or
any other suitable acid which will decompose the acetate of lime or other original
acetate. Upon the machine being charged and heat applied acetic vapour is formed
in the cylinder A which is led through a pipe G taken preferably from the top of
the dome E and carried down to near the bottom of a vessel H which we terin a
"purifier."
This purifier H is made any convenient shape and partly filled with a liquor
completely sealing by a few inches or more the mouth of the pipe G which leads the
vapour from the dome E of the machine A. The liquor used for purifying 'inust be
such as will absorb the sulphuric muriatic or other fumes or impurities and is by
preference water or acetic acid to which is added a quantity of any of the carbonates
acetates or oxides of sodium potassium magnesium calcium or lead. It is well
known that the heavy oils and paraffin-make-good solvents for tars and these may
be added to our purifier and used with-advantage for the removal of the tar. The
acetic vapour by its pressure forces itself through the purifying liquor in the
vessel H and passes 'from thence by a pipe I fixed to the top of the purifier above

page_text: and quite clear of the liquor to a condenser J from which it issues as acetic acid in
a finished state. In order to keep the liquor in the purifier boiling we insert
a steam heating coil or pipe or we supply heat by means of a steam jacket / or if
steam is not available by the use of an open fire and in order to ascertain the height
of liquor in the purifier H we fix on the outside a glass gauge / as an indicator.
A cock h² is fixed at the underside for running off the liquor when it has become
spent and unfit for further purifying and also for running off part of the liquor
should it at any time get too high in the purifier H.
In order to expedite the process of distillation we inject a jet or jets of steam at
the under side of the cylinder or boiler A directly amongst the material from which
the acid is being distilled in order that it may permeate the mass and by its heat
and pressure remove and carry off the last portion of acetic acid remaining. The
jet orifices are closed by means of valves K in a connecting branch from steam
pipe K
We also with great-advantage-for-rapid distillation employ superheated-steam
both in the jacket and in jets and we also-employ the jets of superheated-steam
alone-when--the neid to be obtained-does-not-require to be of great-strength.
Should the acetate-of-lime-in-the-still be rendered very liquid the steam jets-may
be-used instead of the mechanical-devices-described to effect agitation.
According to the purity of acid required one or more purifiers may be employed
the pipe from the top of the first entering to near the bottom of the second and
being quite sealed by the liquor and a pipe again being taken from the top of the
second purifier to the bottom of the third and so on for as many as may be
required.
'
Instead of using a steam heating jacketed boiler the process may be conducted as
above described in a plain cylinder or boiler over an open fire or furnace-Figure 3
illustrates such an arrangement. The boiler A is built in over a furnace L and is
provided with an eduction pipe G which conveys the acetic vapour to the purifier H
similar to that described with reference to figures 1 and 2. In this example the
acetic vapour is led by a pipe G³ to and through a second purifier H' of similar
construction but which as is shown may be heated by a steam coil H² instead of by
a steam jacket. From the purifier H the acctic vapours pass by a pipe I to the
condenser J. The boiler A has fitted in it a perforated tube or tubes, or an internal
perforated steam jacket A' through which superheated steam is blown in jets into.
the mixture within the boiler the steam being supplied by a pipe K' provided with
a valve.
Figure 4 illustrates a modification of a purifying chamber or trap H in which
a series of vertical divisions M are so fitted that the acetic vapour which passes
through the vessel in the direction indicated by the arrows is caused to pass
through the purifying liquids contained in the several compartments.
Figure 5 illustrates a further modification of a purifying chamber in which the
acetic vapour is led as indicated by the arrows through the purifying liquid contained
in an inclined tube or vessel H in which is fitted a steam pipe for heating the
purifying liquid. The steam enters at the bottom of the pipe and as it condenses
it trickles down the pipe to an outlet h. The acetic vapour is led off by an outlet
pipe to a condenser of any suitable kind.
Instead of the purifiers or series of purifiers described we may use a tapering
vessel formed with purifying chambers as illustrated in figure 6 the boiler or
treating vessel A being either of the form shown or of any of the forms already
described.
The vessel A is in this example heated by steam passing through a coil L and
by tube heated jets of steam injected through orifices in an annular pipe A¹.
A changing door is fitted in the top and a door for discharging the spent material
is filled in the bottom of the vessel A. The purifying chamber is fitted over an
opening in the top and consists of a tapering vessel H fitted with chambers as
follows:-
On the inside of the tapering vessel H we cast, rivet or otherwise attach a

page_text: circular plate or ring r of some inches in depth and a few inches in diameter less
than the outside vessel H. An inverted cup S slightly larger in diameter than the
ring r is let down to near the junction of the internal ring and the outside pipe
which forms the "seal" when filled with purifying liquor to prevent vapour passing
without forcing itself through it.
Above this is fixed another circular ring r¹ as large in diameter as will allow of
the under cup S being withdrawn for cleaning and in the annular space formed
between the second ring r¹ and the outer vessel H another cup shaped cover S' is
inserted and when filled with liquor forms another purifier the vapour after forcing
itself through the bottom or first purifier or
<< trap r. s again forces itself through
the one above and so on for as many as may be added until passing out through
the top or last one which consists of a cup or cover S² dipping into an annular
channel it passes to the condenser J by the pipe I. Each trap may be filled with
different liquors to remove the impurities in the acid as may be required. The
tapering vessel H may be heated by a steam jacket or in any convenient way.
Indicator glasses may be provided for ascertaining the levels of the liquids and also
suitable cocks for running in and out the liquors.
Our distilling apparatus may be worked horizontally or upright or at an angle if
necessary and instead of stirrers on the screw principle disintegrators scrapers or
chains as carriers and agitators may be used.
In lieu of employing a stationary cylinder or boiler and moving stirrers or
agitators within it we may arrange the cylinder or boiler to rotate while the stirrers
or agitators may be either stationary or movable.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what
we claim is
First. The manufacture of acetic acid in the improved manner and by means of
apparatus arranged substantially as herein described.
Second. The arrangement or combination substantially as berein described of
distilling apparatus, purifiers and condensers under the several modifications
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Third. The combination of parts forming the improved neid distilling vessel or
apparatus-illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 of the necompanying drawings.
Fourth. Third. The improved arrangements of purifying vessels for use in acetic
acid manufacture substantially as described and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
Fifth. The use of superheated-steam-in-the-manufacture-of-ncetic-acid from any
of the acetates us and for the purpose herein set forth.
Dated this 17th day of September 1885.
W. R. M. THOMSON & Co.,
Agents.