Improvements in Refining Sugar and Apparatus therefor.
Year: 1888

page_text: Date of Application, 28th Nov., 1888
Complete Specification Left, 14th Aug., 1889-Accepted, 21st Sept., 1889
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Refining Sugar and Apparatus therefor.
I, ALWIN BAUMGARTH, Manager of the Magdeburg Company's Sugar Refinery,
Ludenburg, in the Empire of Germany, do hereby declare the nature of this inven-
tion to be as follows:-
:-
According to the practice hitherto usually adopted in refining or cleansing raw
sugar in centrifugal machines, pure cold water is poured from a can upon the sugar
whilst under treatment in the revolving centrifugal with the object of separating the
crystalline sugar from the dark colored syrup still adhering thereto; a little ultra-
marine being at the same time added to the water. Not only is a large quantity of
water required for this treatment, but the water dissolves a portion of the sugar and
causes the process to be attended with considerable loss.
Attempts have accordingly been made to carry out this process by other means;
such as by pulverizing a saturated solution of sugar or even water by means of steam
or compressed air so as to form a vapour which is then conveyed by means of a pipe
to the centrifugal drums, the latter being closed. This method has not, however, been
found efficient in practice, in consequence of the impossibility of conveying uniformly
and to all parts of the layer of sugar the liquid thus divided or suspended in a finely
pulverized state in the gaseous medium.
1
。
As moreover the cleansing or refining is under such circumstances effected with the
centrifugal closed, the attendant is unable to determine when the operation is com-
pleted. Furthermore, the operation occupies too long a time and is objectionable on
account of the constant opening and closing of the lids or covers of the centrifugal
drums which is involved.
In the process forming the subject of this invention, the employment of compressed
air is retained; but this is not used for the formation of vapour, but serves to convey
by means of a jet apparatus, a stream of pure cold water colored with a very small
quantity of ultramarine, the same being applied as a powerful jet of finely pulverized
water upon the sugar whilst under treatment in the revolving centrifugal, so that the
attendant who holds the spray-producing apparatus in his hands is in a position to
direct the jet where the effect should take place and thus to thoroughly supervise the
work. This jet-apparatus may likewise be operated by mechanical means and the jet
caused to reach the sugar in a proper manner.
At the same time the power communicated by the air to the water is used according
to my improved process for refining purposes. In order to accurately measure the
right quantity of water, the jet-apparatus is connected to a measuring vessel provided
with a water-gauge.
At a convenient height above each centrifugal and so as not to interfere with its
being worked, is arranged a measuring vessel, the same being within easy reach of the
operator. This measuring vessel is provided with a pipe for supplying water from a
reservoir and a pipe for enabling the air to escape whilst the vessel is being filled.
Each measuring vessel is provided with a water-gauge graduated to indicate the
amount of liquid contained in the vessel, and consequently the quantity withdrawn
therefrom. At the lower part of each measuring vessel is fixed a cock to which is
attached a hose communicating with the jet apparatus. The latter is connected, by
means of a second hose (similarly furnished with a cock), with a pipe conveying air
under pressure. The jet-apparatus consists of two tubes preferably fitted with a con-
The air-tube is provided with
trolling valve having a plug common to both tubes.
two nozzles, an internal and. an external one. To the annular space surrounding the
extremity of the internal nozzle, water is led from the adjoining tube; the mixture of
air and water finally issuing by way of the external nozzle as a strong jet of finely

page_text: pulverized water. The controlling valve common to the two tubes enables the jet to
be conveniently regulated and both tubes to be rapidly closed.
When the controlling valve is opened. the air compressed at about three atmospheres
rushes through the inner nozzle of the jet-apparatus, exhausts the water from the
measuring vessel and conveys it in a finely pulverized state towards the desired part of
the revolving centrifugal. The efficiency of the jet depends upon the distance
separating the nozzle from the sugar; and I have found that a distance of about
1 meter answers the purpose best. At this distance, the action of the jet is so effective
that within from 1 to 2 minutes a centrifugal loaded with 150 lbs. of sugar can be
treated by means of 4 lbs. of water; whilst according to the old process, it required
three times the quantity of water and at least five times as long a period. It will be
observed that, in consequence of the rapid action of the jet of finely pulverized water,
far less sugar is dissolved than under the old process; the water coming in contact
with the sugar for a very short time and yet effecting its thorough rinsing. Hence, not
only is the work accelerated, but the loss of material is considerably diminished.
Before making use of the jet for refining, it is advisable to direct a flat jet of syrup
against the surface of the sugar and in the plane of the drum-spindle.
Hitherto three or four successive processes have been employed for obtaining the
whole of the crystallisable sugar procurable; whereas by the present invention it is
possible to obtain the same result at a single operation.
When the jet apparatus is operated by mechanical means, the latter may be
actuated by compressed air derived from the same source of supply. Under such-
circumstances, the valve controlling the supply of air and water to the jet-apparatus
may be arranged to close automatically when a sufficient quantity of water has
has been conveyed to the sugar. The completion of the refining operation is
indicated by the previously yellow sugar in the drum becoming snow white under
the influence of the jet of finely pulverized water. The centrifugal is thereupon
allowed to continue in motion for a further period of four minutes, after which
the refined sugar may be removed from the drum and further dried, or subjected
to any other treatment that may be required.
By the improved means hereinbefore described it is possible to produce, direct
from crude sugar and without appreciable loss, an article perfectly adapted for
consumption.
Dated this 11th dow of N 1000
G. G. M. HARDINGHAM,
191, Fleet Street, London, E.C., Agent for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Refining Sugar and Apparatus therefor.
I, ALWIN BAUMGARTH, Manager of the Magdeburg Company's Sugar Refinery,
Ludenberg, in the Empire of Germany, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement :-
According to the practice hitherto usually adopted in refining or cleansing raw
sugar in centrifugal machines, pure cold water is poured from a can upon the
sugar whilst under treatment in the revolving centrifugal with the object of
separating the crystalline sugar from the dark-colored syrup still adhering thereto;
a little ultramarine being at the same time added to the water. Not only is a
large quantity of water required for this treatment, but the water dissolves a
portion of the sugar and causes the process to be attended with considerable
loss.
Attempts have accordingly been made to carry out this process by other means;
such as by pulverizing a saturated solution of sugar, or even water, by means of
steam or compressed air so as to form a vapour which is then conveyed by means
of a pipe to the centrifugal drums, the latter being closed. This method has not,

page_text: however, been found efficient in practice, in consequence of the impossibility of
conveying uniformly and to all parts of the layer of sugar the liquid thus divided
or suspended in a finely-pulverised state in the gaseous medium.
As, moreover, the cleansing or refining is under such circumstances effected
with the centrifugal closed, the attendant is unable to determine when the operation is
completed. Furthermore, the operation occupies too long a time and is objectionable
on account of the constant opening and closing of the lids or covers of the centrifugal
drums which is involved.
In the process forming the subject of this invention, the employment of compressed
air is retained; but this is not used for the formation of vapour, but serves to convey,
by means of jet apparatus, a stream of pure cold water colored with a very small
quantity of ultramarine, the same being applied as a powerful jet of finely-pulverized
water upon the sugar whilst under treatment in the revolving centrifugal, so that the
attendant who holds the spray-producing apparatus in his hands is in a position to
direct the jet where the effect should take place, and thus to thoroughly'supervise the
work. This jet apparatus may likewise be operated by mechanical means and the jet
caused to reach the sugar in a proper manner. At the same time the power commu-
nicated by the air to the water is used for refining purposes. In order to accurately
measure the right quantity of water, the jet apparatus is connected to a measuring
vessel provided with a water-gauge.
In Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings is represented partly in elevation and
partly in section apparatus adapted for carrying out my invention; Fig. 2 heing a
vertical section drawn to a larger scale of the spray-producer or ejector. Fig. 3 is a
perspective view illustrating the manner in which the spray-producer or ejector is
employed. Fig. 4 is a similar view representing the application of mechanical means
for directing or guiding the jet apparatus; Figs. 5 to 7 being views of details relating
thereto, hereinafter more particularly described.
At a convenient height above each centrifugal Z, and so as not to interfere with its
being worked, is arranged the measuring vessel M; the same being within easy reach
of the operator. This measuring vessel is provided with a pipe a, whereby water is
supplied from a reservoir B, and a pipe b, for enabling air to escape whilst the vessel
is being charged. Each measuring vessel is provided with a water-gauge s, graduated
to indicate the amount of liquid contained in the vessel, and consequently the quantity
withdrawn therefrom. At the lower part of each measuring vessel is fixed a cock d to
which is attached a hosef communicating with the jet apparatus S. The latter is
connected, by means of a second hose g (furnished with a cock gl), to a pipe c con-
veying air under pressure. The jet-apparatus consists of two tubes h and m, prefer-
ably fitted with a controlling valve o having a plug p common to both tubes. The
air-tube m is provided with two nozzles-an internal one in and an external one r. To
the annular space surrounding the extremity of the internal nozzle, water is led from
the adjoining tube h; the mixture of air and water finally issuing by way of the
nozzle r as a strong jet in which the water is finely pulverized. The controlling
valve o enables the jet to be conveniently regulated and both tubes to be rapidly
closed.
When the controlling valve is opened, the air, under a pressure of about three
atmospheres, rushes through the nozzle n and exhausts water from the measuring
vessel, conveying it in a finely pulverized state to the desired part of the revolving
centrifugal. The relative efficiency of the jet depends upon the distance separating
the nozzle from the sugar; a distance of about 1 metre having been found to answer
the purpose best. At this distance, the action of the jet is so effective that within
from 1 to 2 minutes, a centrifugal loaded with 150 lbs. of sugar can be treated by
means of 4 lbs. of water; whilst according to the old process, it required three times
the quantity of water and at least five times as long a period. It will be observed that,
in consequence of the rapid action of the jet of finely pulverized water, far less sugar is
dissolved than under the old process; the water coming in contact with the sugar for
a very short time, and yet effecting its thorough rinsing. Hence, not only is the work
accelerated; but the loss of material is considerably diminished. Before making use

page_text: of the jet for refining, it is advisable to direct a flat jet of syrup against the surface of
the
sugar and in the plane of the drum-spindle.
Hitherto, three or four successive processes have been employed for obtaining the
whole of the crystallizable sugar procurable; whereas, by the present invention, it is
possible to obtain the same result at a single operation.
When the jet apparatus is operated by mechanical means, the latter may be actuated
by compressed air derived from the source whence the jet-apparatus is supplied, or by
any suitable motor.
v
In the accompanying drawings, the motive power is transmitted through a belt and
a pulley w to a shaft which rotates in a bracket s²; a cam u being mounted on the
shaft v between the arms of the bracket s². The surface of the cam u is furnished
with a spiral or winding ridge, thus resembling a screw. The jet-apparatus, near the
outer nozzle 1, is provided with two trunnions so, which are supported in a bracket s¹.
Between the plug p and the bracket s¹, a roller t, or any other device adapted to
engage with the ridged surface of the cam, is attached to the jet-apparatus. The
brackets s¹ and 2 are secured to a frame 2, projecting from the centrifugal Z, by
means of screws which, in order that the parts may be readily adjusted, pass through
a longitudinal slot in the frame. The action is as follows:-The roller t is placed at
one extremity of the ridge on the rotating cam u, the jet-apparatus being thus raised
and lowered at each rotation of the cam so as to cause the jet to reach the whole of the
mass to be cleansed. The jet-apparatus at the same time is also moved sideways a
distance equal to the width of the space. separating two adjacent windings of the ridge.
The parts are so proportioned that, when the roller t has travelled from one end of the
cam to the other, the requisite quantity of cleansing liquid has been applied; where-
upon the rear end of the jet-apparatus is permitted to fall until the plug p has been
turned and closed by contact with the projection æ, further motion being arrested by
the study, which engages with and supports the other end of the plug.
Adjustment may be effected by altering the position of the roller t and one of or
both the brackets s' and s². The completion of the refining operation is indicated by
the previously yellow sugar in the drum becoming snow-white under the influence of
the jet of finely pulverized water. The centrifugal is thereupon allowed to continue
in motion for a further period of four minutes, after which the refined sugar may be
removed from the drum, and further dried, or subjected to any other treatment that
may be required.
By the improved means hereinbefore described, it is possible to produce, directly
from crude sugar and without appreciable loss, an article perfectly adapted for con-
sumption.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I claim :-
1
1. The improved method of refining sugar substantially as herein described; the
same consisting in subjecting the sugar whilst in the centrifugal machine to the action
of a spray-jet formed by passing air under considerable pressure and water through a
suitable mixing nozzle.
2. In refining sugar in a centrifugal machine according to the improved method
herein described, the employment of jet-apparatus, such as S, connected by flexible
pipes and g with the water and air supplies respectively, in combination with the
measuring vessel M furnished with a water gauge s.
3. For use in refining sugar in a centrifugal machine, the improved construction of
jet-apparatus S, containing a passage h for water, a passage m for air, an inner
nozzle n, an outer nozzle r, and a two-way valve o, substantially as described with
reference to Fig. 2 of the accompanying drawings.
4. In refining sugar in a centrifugal machine according to the improved method
herein described, the employment of jet-apparatus moved vertically and laterally by
mechanical' means substantially as and for the purposes herein set forth.
5. In the process of refining sugar in a centrifugal machine according to the
improved method herein described, the employment of means for varying the direction

page_text: of the jet substantially as set forth; the same comprising a rotating and spirally-
ridged cam u and a device, such as the roller t, for enabling the motion of the said
cam to be imparted to the jet-apparatus S.
6. The combination, with the jet-apparatus S, of a projection, such as c, which, when
the end of the apparatus carrying the controlling valve is permitted to fall sufficiently
low, serves to operate the said valve so as to shut off the supply of the cleansing fluid,
substantially as set forth.
Dated the 14th J
1980
G. G. M. HARDINGHAM,
191, Fleet Street, London, E.C., Agent for the Applicant.