IMPROVE- MENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF PEAT AND PEAT TAB FOR THE PRODUCTION OR MANUFACTURE OF VARIOUS PRODUCTS, AND IN APPARATUS FOR THE SAME
Year: 1862

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Clark, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County
of Middlesex, Engineer and Patent Agent, for the Invention of " IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF PEAT AND PEAT TAB FOR THE PRODUCTION OR
MANUFACTURE OF VARIOUS PRODUCTS, AND IN APPARATUS FOR THE SAME."— A
communication from abroad by Mr. Leopold Eugèno Lavigne, of 29,
Boulevart St. Martin, Paris, Civil Engineer.
Sealed the 11th March 1863, and dated the 16th September 1862.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Clark at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 16th
September 1862.
I, WILLIAM CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex,
Engineer and Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF PEAT AND PEAT TAR FOR THE PRO-
DUCTION OR MANUFACTURE OF VARIOUS PRODUCTS, AND IN APPARATUS FOR THE SAME,"
to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to obtaining sub-products (ordinarily produced from
coal tar) from peat tar, which is also termed azoted tar, and also to the manu-
facture or transformation of said tar into sub-products, especially those herein
enumerated, viz., benzine for cleaning purposes, or that used for the manufac-
ture of nitro-benzine, petroleum, and naptha for lighting purposes, phenic acid
and its azoted derivatives, creosote, methylated alcohol, paraffine, as also the
organic bases capable of being transformed into coloring matters, of which
aniline is the type, and generally of all azoted or oxygenized hydrocarburets

page_text: derived from the series of protocarbonates C'H³, or bi-carbonates C'H. The
extreme porosity of peat charcoal resulting from its carbonization, has the
disadvantage of producing gaseous hydrocarburets C'H' and C'H' mixed,
instead of producing liquid hydrocarburets. To obviate this, I modify the
apparatus ordinarily used and also the method of carbonization, so as to obtain
a maximum amount of liquid bydrocarburets. In order to obtain this result,
I, 1st, raise the temperature gradually from a dull to a bright red heat;
2ndly, I facilitate the separation of the vapours either by means of a peculiar
arrangement of the retorts herein-after described, or by a blowing apparatus,
or ventilator; 3rdly, I keep the vessels perfectly closed, in order to obtain a
maximum of azote. The tar being thus obtained with a maximum of carbon
and azote, I proceed in the following manner:-A preliminary simple distil-
lation of the raw tar classes the sub-products in the order of their volatilization,
but not, however, in that of density, as in fact the first products show by
Beaumé's arcometer a density of 86 to 92 degrees, the operations imme-
diately succeeding 92 to 98 and 100 degrees, and the last 95 to 98 degrees.
Graphite is the only substance which remains in the alembic which becomes
disengaged at the commencement of the operation in considerable quantities
from the methylated alcohol. A large quantity of ammonia and gaseous
hydrocarburets remain after the distillation resulting from the decomposition
of the oils in the presence of the porous graphites, heated to a deep red
heat.
The first series is considered as a light oil, suitable for the manufacture of
benzines; these are subjected to a primary transformation under the action of
an energetic concentrated acid (hydracid or oxacid) three subdivisions are
offected; 1st, a matter rests at the bottom, which is a combination of acid
with an organic base; 2ndly, a neutral matter consisting of a raw oil; 3rdly,
a light matter, which is benzine. The rectification of this latter is made
under the successive action of sulphuric acid at from 50 to 80 degrees (the
action of which is increased by means of oxydizing agents, particularly the
bichromate of potash), and more or less concentrated caustic solutions,
according to the state of advancement of the rectification; the matters are
then distilled either dry or with steam, the result being the production of
hydrocarburets, termed benzine, and producing under the action of mono-
hydrated azotic acid about thirty ounces of nitro-benzine per quart of oil,
marking 83 degrees of the areometer. The tar matters separated under the
action of the sulphuric acid during the rectification contain little or no basic
substances, being chiefly carbonized tar, which is seldom used for any purpose.
The matters precipitated by the action of the steam or dry distillation consists

page_text: of neutral matters, which are added to those produced in succeeding operations.
The matters separated by the action of the caustic agents consist of combina-
tions formed by the acid employed in the rectification and an organic acid
(phenic acid), which matters are combined for special treatment. The neutral
matters obtained by the action of the concentrated acids or by the different
rectifications are again distilled with raw azoted tar, and subdivided afresh
under the action of heat and azote in the manner above described; in this
manner, which constitutes a chief feature of this Invention, the tars are
successively transformed into sub-products without any residue, with the
exception of the graphite, by the distillation of the raw carbonated matters by
means of sulphuric acid. The primary treatment of the light oil with the con-
centrated acid (hydracid or oxacid) produces a combination of the latter with
the greater part of the organic bases contained in said oil. The salts are
treated as herein-after indicated. The first series of oils thus produce benzines,
raw alkaline phenates, and raw salts of organic bases.
The second series of oils produced by the distillation of the raw products
consist of heavy oils, properly so called, which I treat with a concentrated acid
(hydracid or oxacid), in order to obtain light oils mixed with acidulated oils
and combinations of the acid with the organic bases. The light oils are rectified
by their oxidizing agents, caustic washings, and distillations, so as to form
lighting oils similar to petroleum and naptha oils. The neutral oils are com-
bined with a slightly concentrated solution of caustic potash, and form alkaline
phenates and neutral oils. The alkaline phenates are treated in combination
while the neutral oils are redistilled with raw tar and transformed afresh. The
acid combinations with organic bases are treated together. I thus obtain from
this series of raw oils, petroleum and naptha for lighting purposes, raw alkaline
phenates, and salts with organic bases.
The third series of raw oils are first cooled, if in winter, and the paraffine
separated with a sieve, being afterwards submitted to slow pressure. These
oils are then submitted to successive distillations, which subdivide them in
proportion to the separation of the paraffine oil, as a light or heavy oil, and are
then treated as before. These oils should not be treated by concentrated acids,
which, in taking up the azoted matters, prevent the slow formation of paraffine.
A simple distillation is sufficient for subdividing this oil and afterwards con-
centrating the paraffine. The third series of oils thus furnish raw paraffine,
light and heavy oils, and a residue containing graphite.
The alkaline phenates obtained in all the previous operations are united and
treated for obtaining phenic acid. It is separated from the neutral oils by the
successive action of alkaline or acil solutions in a less and less concentrated

page_text: state, and it is then distilled at a heat approaching the boiling point of this
acid. The neutral oils are distilled in a raw state, and may then be mixed
with other bodies. The raw phenic acid is afterwards rectified by the ordinary
processes. The salts with organic base aro also re-united, being first spread out,
in order to facilitate the separation of the neutral oils; they are then precipitated
and dissolved several times in more or less concentrated solutions, being after-
wards filtered and concentrated in warm water. In this manner combinations
may be obtained of acid saturated with aniline and the other bases directly deter-
minativo in heavy or light oils obtained from tar. In order to rectify these
bodies, the aniline and other bases are again precipitated, which are then dried
by the ordinary processes and distilled several times, constantly keeping the
temperature of the aniline at about the boiling point of the latter. I thus
obtain a mixture of several bases in which aniline predominates, the existence
of which I have proved in the raw oils, which bases may be made to produce
like that obtained by the reduction of the nitro-benzine as much as sixty per
cent. of fuschine.
The Invention is based on the following principles:-1st, to obtain the
maximum amount of tar and of azote by the distillation of the peat in closed
vessels at a temperature which is raised gradually to a light red heat, and also
to facilitate the separation of the vapours by a peculiar arrangement of the
retorts, and also by the use of a ventilator or blowing machine for the same
purpose; 2ndly, to transform the whole of the tar into the products herein-
before enumerated by the action of concentrated acids (hydracid or oxacid)
and caustic alkalies. The neutral bodies being distilled while in a raw state,
and then reconstituted by the action of the azote contained in the raw tar, in
such manner that the waste in the manufacturo shall only consist of the
graphite or carbonized matters that may be formed, the former by the dry
distillation of the raw matters, and the latter by the oxydizing action of the
acids produced by other similar agents.
The apparatus employed for the carbonization of the peat consists of cylin-
drical cast-iron retorts, which may vary in their dimensions. They are placed
side by side in the furnace block, the furnaces being fed by the raw peat and
by the gases produced by the distillation which are consumed under the retorts.
The retorts are charged either with a shovel or by means of semi-cylindrical
receptacles, which also serve as extinguishers by applying covers closely fitting
their ends. Behind the retorts is placed a cast-iron grating for preventing
the above receptacles or the peat thrown in with the shovel from obstructing
the pipes which are placed at their ends.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said William Clark in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 14th
March 1868.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Engineer and
Patent Agent, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Sixteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, in the twenty-sixth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said William Clark, Her special licence that I, the said William Clark, my
executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said William
Clark, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time
agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter
during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, uso
exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF PEAT AND PEAT TAR FOR THE PRODUCTION OR MANU-
FACTURE OF VARIOUS PRODUCTS, AND IN APPARATUS FOR THE SAME," a com" to him
from abroad by Mr. Leopold Eugène Lavigne, of 29, Boulevart St. Martin,.
Paris, Civil Engineer, upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said
William Clark, my executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing
under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals, should particularly
describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner
the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great.
Seal Patent Oflice within six calendar months next and immediately. after
the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Clark, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed,
to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement
reference being bad to the Sheet of Drawings hereunto annexed, and. to the
letters and figures marked thereon (that is to say):-
This Invention relates to obtaining sub-products ordinarily produced from
coal tar, from peat tar, which is also termed azoted tar, & also to the manu-.
facture or transformation of said tar into sub-products, especially those herein
enumerated, viz., benzine for cleaning purposes, or that used for the manu-
facture of nitro-benzine, petroleum, and naptha for lighting purposes; phenic
acid and its azoted derivatives; creosote, methylated alcohol, paraffine, as

page_text: also the organic bases capable of being transformed into coloring matters, of
which aniline is the type, and generally of all azoted or oygenized hydro-
carburets derived from the series of proto-carbonates C'II, or bicarbonates
C*H*.
The extreme porosity of peat charcoal, resulting from its car-
bonization, has the disadvantage of producing gascous hydro-carburets CH
and C'H' mixed, instead of producing liquid hydro-carburets. To obviate
this I modify the apparatus ordinarily used, and also the method of car-
bonization, so as to obtain a maximum amount of liquid hydro-carburets. In
order to obtain this result 1, 1st, raise the temperature gradually from a dull
red to a bright heat; 2ndly, I facilitate the separation of the vapours either
by means of a peculiar arrangement of the retorts, or by a blowing apparatus
or ventilator; 3rdly, I keep the vessels perfectly closed in order to obtain
a maximum of azote. The tar being thus obtained with a maximum of
carbon and azote, I proceed in the following manner :-A preliminary simple
distillation of the raw tar classes the sub-products in tho order of their
volatilization, but not, however, in that of density, as in fact the first products
show by the densimeter a density of 86° to 92 degrees, the following opera-
tions, 92 to 98, and 100°, and the last 95 to 98 degrees. Graphite is
the only substance which remains in the alembic, which becomes disengaged
at the commencement of the operation in considerable quantities from the
methylated alcohol. A large quantity of ammonia and gaseous bydro-
carburets remain after the distillation resulting from the decomposition of
the oils in the presence of the porous graphites heated to a deep red. The first
series is considered as a light oil suitable for the manufacture of benzine.
These are subjected to a primary transformation under the action of an
energetic concentrated acid (hydracid or oxacid), three subdivisions are
effected, 1st, a matter rests at the bottom, which is a combination of acid,
with an organic azoted base; 2ndly, a neuter matter, consisting of a raw oil;
3rdly, a light matter, which is benzine. The rectification of the latter is made
under the successive action of sulphuric acid, at from 50° to 80°, (the action
of which is increased by means of oxidizing agents, particularly the bichromate
of potash,) and more or less concentrated caustic solutions, according to the
state of advancement of the rectification. The matters are then distilled
either dry or with steam, the result being the production of hydro-carburets
termed benzine, and producing under the action of mono-hydrated azotic acid
about 30 ounces of nitro-benzine per quart of oil, marking 38° of the
densimeter. The tar matters separated under the action of the sulphuric
acid during the rectification, contain little or no basic substances, being chiefly
carbonized tar, which is seldom used for any purpose. The matters pre-

page_text: cipitated by the action of the steam or dry distillation consist of neuter
matters, which are added to those produced in succeeding operations. The
matters separated by the action of the caustic agents consist of com-
binations formed by the acid employed in the rectification and with an
organic acid (phenic acid), which matters are combined for special treatment.
The neutral matters obtained by the action of the concentrated acids, or by
the different rectifications, are again distilled with raw azoted tar, and sub-
divided afresh under the action of heat and azote, in the manner above
described. In this manner, which constitutes a chief feature of this Inven-
tion, the tars are successively transformed into sub-products without any
residue, with the exception of the graphite, by the distillation of the raw
carbonated matters by means of sulphuric acid. The primary treatment of the
light oil with the concentrated acid (hydracid or oxacid) produces a combina-
tion of the latter with the greater part of the organic bases contained in said
oil. These salts are treated as herein-after indicated. The first series of oils
thus produce benzines, raw alkaline phenates, and raw salts of organic bases.
The second series of oils produced by the distillation of the raw products
consist of beavy oils, properly so called, which I treat with a concentrated
acid (bydracid or oxacid), in order to obtain light oils mixed with acidulated
oils, and combinations of the acid with the organic bases. The light oils are
rectified by their oxidizing agents, caustic washings, and distillations, so as to
form lighting oils similar to petroleum and naptha oils. The neutral oils are
combined with a highly concentrated solution of caustic potash, and form alkaline
phenates and neutral oils. The alkaline phenates are treated in combination,
while the neutral oils are redistilled with raw tar, and transformed afresh.
The acid combinations with organic base are treated together. I thus obtain
from this series of raw oils petroleum and naptha for lighting purposes, raw
alkaline phenates, and salts with organic bases. The third series of raw oils is
first cooled, if in winter, and the paraffine separated with a sieve, being after-
wards submitted to slow pressure. These oils are then submitted to successivo
distillations, which subdivide them in proportion to the separation of the
paraffine as a light or heavy oil, and are then treated as before. These oils
should not be treated by concentrated acid, which in taking up the azoted
matters prevent the slow formation of paraffine. A simple distillation is
sufficient for subdividing this oil and afterwards concentrating the paraffine.
The third series of oils thus furnishes raw paraffine light & heavy oils, and
a residue containing graphite. The alkalino phenates obtained in all the pre-
vious operations are united, and treated for phenic acid. It is separated from
the neutral oils by the successive action of alkaline or acid solutions in a less

page_text: and less concentrated state, and it is then distilled at a heat approaching the
boiling point of this acid. The neutral oils are distilled in a raw state, and may
then be mixed with other bodies. The raw phenic acid is afterwards rectified
by the ordinary processes. The salts with organic base are also reunited,
being first spread out in order to facilitate the separation of the neutral oils;
they are then precipitated and dissolved several times in more or less con-
centrated solutions, being afterwards filtered and concentrated in warm water.
In this manner combinations may be obtained of acid saturated with aniline,
and the other bases directly determinative in heavy or light oils obtained from
tar. In order to rectify these bodies the aniline and other bases are again
precipitated, which are then dried by the ordinary processes, and then distilled
several times, constantly keeping the temperature of the aniline at about the
boiling point of the latter. I thus obtain a mixture with several bases, in
which the aniline predominates, the existence of which I have proved in the
raw oils, which bases may be made to produce, like that obtained by the
reduction of the nitro-benzine, as much as 60 per cent. of fuschine.
The apparatus employed for carbonizing the peat in order to obtain the
before-mentioned products are represented in the accompanying Drawing,
Fig. 1 of which shows a side elevation of the apparatus complete; Fig. 2, an
end view of one of the furnaces; Fig. 3, a transverse vertical section of said
furnace; whilo Fig. 4 shows details of the burner of the hydro-carburets.
The same letters of reference indicate the same parts seen in the different
positions where they recur.
The retorts a, a, are placed side by side in the furnace block b, the furnaces c
being fed by the raw peat and by the gases produced by the distillation which
are consumed under the retorts by a peculiar arrangement, herein-after
described. The retorts a are charged either with a shovel or by means of a
semi-cylindrical receptacle d, which also serve as extinguishers, by applying
covers closely fitting their end. Behind the retort is placed a cast-iron
grating e, preventing the above receptacles d or the peat thrown in with the
shovel from obstructing the pipes f, which are placed at their ends. This
arrangement of pipes f facilitates the discharge of the vapours by diminishing
the tension necessary for their escape at the exit orifice. The peat after being
well pressed is heated for about 24 hours, gradually obtaining a deep red heat,
at which temperature the whole of the hydro-carburets contained in the pent
will be disengaged. The matter remaining in the retorts consists of charcoal,
similar in all its properties to that obtained from wood, which is then placed
in sheet-iron cases closed hermetically, and allowed to cool free from all
contact with air for a period of not less than 24 hours. The vapours on

page_text: leaving the retorts pass by means of cast-iron pipes f into a chamber g, in
which they deposit the heavy tar products they contain, and also a large
quantity of ammoniacal water; on leaving this chamber the vapours circulate
in an arrangement of pipes similar to those used in gasworks; during their
traverse through said pipes a greater part of the tar and nearly all the water
will become condensed; the vapors thence pass into a second chamber i,
communicating with a worm j immersed in water, and in which the con-
densation of the greater part of the tar is effected, the condensation of the
hydro-carburets is also facilitated by the slow rate at which they pass through
the chamber.
The whole of the products of condensation from the chambers and pipes
are received in wood vats & embedded in the ground, while those obtained
in the worm tubes pass through cast-iron receivers 1, whence they are with-
drawn by means of cocks m. After passing through those condensing
apparatus the gas still contains a large proportion of liquid hydro-carburets of
greater value and of a more volatile nature, and in order to collect them I use
the following apparatus:-Above the receivers and worm is ranged a long pipe
n, which conducts all the gasses escaping the condensation to a fan o. This fan
takes up the gas and projects at a sufficiently high pressure into a sheet-iron
case p, intended simply to regulate the pressure; this regulator p communi-
cates with an agitator 9, of the form seen in Fig. 1. These gases are forced
to traverse a number of small tubes r immersed in water to a certain extent.
The
gas is then washed in animoniacal water, produced in the first-mentioned
condensing apparatus, or in acid, according to the results desired to bo
obtained. The speed of the fan is such that the pressure caused by its action
should not exceed 02 or 08 in the first chamber at most, while the pressure
of the last chamber may be as high as 14 or 15, in order to cause a
sufficiently strong volume of liquid to traverse the gas. The draught created
by the fan possesses the further advantage of facilitating the discharge of
vapours in the retorts, and of obtaining tar containing a much larger pro-
portion of light oil. The gases after being deprived of the whole of their
condensable hydro-carburets, are conveyed by means of a series of pipes s to
furnaces b, where their combustion is effected by a peculiar arrangement
of furnace doors, separately represented in detail at Fig. 4 of the Drawing
annexed.
According to this Invention, 1st, I obtain the maximum amount of tar and
of azote by the distillation of the peat in closed vessels at a temperature which
is gradually raised to a bright red heat, and also facilitate tho separation
of the vapours by a peculiar arrangement of the retorts, and also by the use

page_text: of a fan, as represented in the accompanying Drawing, or other machine for
the purpose.
2ndly, I transform the whole of the tar into the products herein-before
enumerated, by the action of concentrated acids (hydracid or oxacid) and
caustic alkalies. The neutral bodies being distilled while in a raw state and
then reconstituted by the action of the azote contained in the raw tar in such
manner that the waste in the manufacture shall only consist of the graphite or
carbonized matters that may be formed, the former by the dry distillation of
the raw matters, and the latter by the oxydizing action of the acids produced
by other similar agents.
Having described the nature of this Invention, and the manner of performing
the same, I declare that what I claim as the Invention to be protected by the
herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is, obtaining sub-products
ordinarily produced from coal tar, from peat tar, which is also termed azoted
tar, or, in other words, the manufacture or transformation of said tar into sub-
products herein enumerated, viz., benzine for cleaning purposes, or that used
for the manufacture of nitro-benzine, petroleum, and naptha for lighting
purposes, phenic acid and its azoted derivatives, creosote, methylated alcohol,
paraffine, as also the organic bases capable of being transformed into coloring
matters, of which aniline is the type, and generally of all azoted or oxygenized
hydro-carburets, derived from the series of protocarbonates C'H', or bicarbo-
nates CH, all as herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Clark, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Thirteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-three.
Witness,
W. G. E. SWINNOCK,
53, Chancery Lane,
London.
W. CLARK. (L.S.)