AN IMPROVED METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR CONDENSING LIQUEFIABLE MATTERS CONTAINED IN GASES AND VAPORS
Year: 1873

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Alexander Melville Clark, of 53, Chancery Lanc,
in the County of Middlesex, Patent Agent, for the Invention of
"AN IMPROVED METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR CONDENSING LIQUEFIABLE
MATTERS CONTAINED IN GASES AND VAPORS." -A communication from
abroad by Marie Eugène Paul Audouin and Eugène Philippe
Pelouze, both of Paris, France.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Alexander Melville Clark
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 10th January 1873.
I, ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the
County of Middlesex, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature o
the said Invention for "AN IMPROVED METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR CON-
DENSING LIQUEFIABLE MATTERS CONTAINED IN GASES AND VAPORS," to be as
follows:-
This Invention relates to an improved method of condensing matters
held in suspension in gases or vapors. This result is obtained by the

page_text: aid of a very simple apparatus occupying but little space, the condensa-
tion of the liquid particles held in suspension in the gas, which may be
taken either directly on leaving the hydraulic main or after it has been
cooled by the ordinary means.
to
The improved method consists in liquefying the globules held in sus-
pension in the gas either by bringing the particles in contact with solid.
Both these conditions are
surfaces, or by contact with each other.
realized by the aid of the apparatus herein-after described. The gas
be purified is passed through a series of openings in the form of jets
which are caused to spread by impinging on a surface. By this means
the contact of the molecules one with the other is effected during their
passage through the orifices, the action being further aided by contact
with the surface on which the tarry matter becomes deposited. A
pressure of from 2 to 4 inches of water is usually sufficient.
The apparatus may be employed before the gas passes to the exhauster,
in which case a slight vacuum would be maintained, or afterwards, the
moderate temperature of the gas (about 120° Fahrenheit after leaving
the hydraulic main) not having any prejudicial effect on the action of
the apparatus.
The number and size of the orifices is varied according to the amount
of gas by the aid of a suitable regulator actuated by the pressure of the
gas itself. The orifices above mentioned may either be made in tubes
or in flat surfaces, according to the form of the apparatus, and may be
arranged so that the jets are projected horizontally, or rather vertically;
the clogging of the orifices with solid matters which might be contained
in the gas will thus be avoided.
The apertures through which the gas escapes may either consist of
holes placed more or less closely together, or of rectilinear or circular
slits, and the size of the orifices may be varied by the aid of suitable
valves.
The apparatus, which is made of iron, earthenware, or other material,
is constructed in such manner as to allow of its being cleaned by suit-
able apparatus to prevent clogging. Owing to the intimate contact
effected in the above described apparatus between the globular liquids
and the gases or vapors which hold them in suspension, the condensation
of certain matters (more particularly ammonia, sulphuretted hydrogen,
and sulphuret of carbon) is effected, which has never hitherto been

page_text: obtained by washing or other means often prejudicial to the illuminating
properties of the gas.
The Invention thus consists in producing the condensation of liquid
matters held in suspension in gases or vapors by bringing the said
matters into intimate contact in the manner above mentioned, whereby
the matters which consist of isolated and independent molecules are
brought into a liquid state, in which condition they are readily
eliminated.
It will be understood that the Invention is applicable not only in gas.
works, but also in other manufactories for condensing liquid matters
suspended in vapors generally.
The process is also applicable for effecting or facilitating the con-
densation of vapors, as in distilling, rectifying, and for condensing in
steam engines.
The apparatus may also be employed for arresting the globules of
water passing away with the steam in steam boilers, in which case it
would be placed either in the steam space or in a closed chamber com-
municating with the boiler.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Alexander Melville Clark in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 10th July 1873.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ALEXANDER
MELVILLE CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex,
Patent Agent, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Tenth day of January, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-three, in the thirty-sixth
year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and
grant unto me, the said Alexander Melville Clark, Her special licence.
that I, the said Alexander Melville Clark, my executors, administrators,
and assigns, or such others as I, the said Alexander Melville 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

page_text: term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise,
and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "AN IMPROVED
METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR CONDENSING LIQUEFIABLE MATTERS CONTAINED IN
GASES AND VAPORS," a communication to me from abroad by Marie Eugène
Paul Audouin and Eugène Phillipe Pelouze, both of Paris, France,
upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Alexander Melville
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 Office within six calendar months next and immediately
after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Alexander Melville 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 had to the two
Sheets of Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the letters and figures
marked thereon (that is to say) :—
-
This Invention relates to an improved method of condensing liquefiable
matters held in suspension in gases and vapors.
In the manufacture of coal gas it is well known that the gas on
leaving the retorts contains liquid matters, consisting of ammoniacal
liquor and tar (in the proportion of 8 or 9 per cent. of the weight of the
coal distilled), a small portion only of which is deposited in the hydraulic
main, although the temperature therein is below the boiling point of
water, and therefore much lower than the boiling point of the tarry
products, which exceeds 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This is attributed, not
without reason, to the fact that the liquid particles, which it is supposed
are in a vesicular form, are carried along by the gas.
Reducing the temperature of the gas, which is easy to effect by means
of condensers surrounded with water and otherwise, does not suffice, and
it is found necessary to pass the gas through a considerable length of
pipe, and through scrubbers, in order to extract the ammonia as well as
the tarry matters held in suspension, which require to be completely
eliminated, as otherwise they would quickly impede the action of the
purifying agents. Assuming that the liquid particles contained in the

page_text: gas, and which are unaffected by the cooling, are in the form of very fine
globules, it has hitherto only been possible to eliminate them by leaving
the gas undisturbed for a considerable time, during which the said
particles are brought in contact with each other by the internal currents
of gas, and so form globules of greater volume. These larger globules
gradually overcome the resistance of the gases, and collect at the bottom.
Their agglomeration may be facilitated by a method of artificially effect-
ing the contact of these globules with the portions already liquefied.
The results hitherto attained in practice however, although relatively
satisfactory, necessitate the employment of expensive apparatus consist-
ing of hydraulic mains, condensers, and scrubbers.
The object of this Invention is to effect the condensation of the
liquefiable matters held in suspension in the gas by the aid of a very
simple apparatus occupying but little space. The gas may be taken
either directly on leaving the hydraulic main or after it has been passed
through the ordinary condenser. The liquefaction of the globules held
in suspension in the gas is effected either by bringing the said particles
in contact with solid surfaces, or by contact with each other, both of which
results are obtained by the aid of the apparatus herein-after referred to.
The gas to be purified is caused to pass through a series of openings in
the form of jets, which are made to impinge on a surface facing the said
openings. By this means the contact of the particles one with the other
is effected during their passage through the said openings, the condensa-
tion of the particles being further aided by contact with the said surface
on which the tarry matters become deposited. A pressure of from 2 to
4 inches of water is usually sufficient.
The apparatus may be employed before the gas passes to the exhauster,
in which case a slight vacuum would be maintained, or afterwards, the
moderate temperature of the gas (about 120° after leaving the bydraulic
main) not having any prejudicial effect on the action of the apparatus.
The number and size of the orifices is varied according to the amount
of the gas produced by the aid of a suitable regulator actuated by the
pressure of the gas itself.
The orifices above mentioned may either be made in tubes or in flat
surfaces, according to the form of the apparatus, and may be arranged so
that the jets are projected horizontally, or preferably vertically. The
clogging of the orifices with solid matters which might be contained in

page_text: the gas will thus be avoided. The apertures through which the gas
escapes may either consist of holes placed more or less closely together
or of rectilinear or circular slits, and the size and form of the orifices
"may be varied by the aid of suitable movable plugs of conical or other
*form.
The apparatus, which is made of iron, carthenware, or other material,
is constructed in such manner as to allow of its being cleaned by suitable
apparatus to prevent clogging. Owing to the intimate contact effected
in the above-described apparatus between the globular particles of liquid
and the gases or vapors which hold them in suspension, the condensation
of certain matters (more particularly ammonia, sulphuretted hydrogen,
and sulphurct of carbon) is effected, which has hitherto only been done
by complicated processes often prejudicial to the illuminating properties
of the gas.
Whatever form of apparatus may be used it will thus be seen the
Invention consists in condensing the liquid matters held in suspension in
gases or vapors by bringing the said matters into intimate contact in the
manner above indicated, whereby the matters which consist of isolated
and independent molecules are resolved into a liquid state, in which
condition the matters are readily climinated.
It will be understood that the Invention is applicable not only in gas
"works, but also in other manufactures for condensing liquid matters
suspended in gases or vapors generally.
The Invention is also applicable for effecting or facilitating the con-
densation of vapors generally, as the vapor from distilling and rectifying
apparatus, and for condensing in steam engines.
The apparatus may also be employed to prevent priming in steam
boilers, in which case it would be so placed either in the steam space or in
a closed chamber communicating with the boiler as to arrest the globules
of water carried off with the steam.
The following experiment will show the results that it is possible to
obtain by carrying into effect the process above described :-In this
special instance of its application a certain quantity of crude gas was taken
from the hydraulic dip of a small experimental retort, and introduced.
successively into two quart bottles, then into one holding two quarts,
next into a large bottle holding 8 quarts, and afterwards through a

page_text: column 28 inches high and about 2 inches in diameter, without its
being entirely deprived of the tarry matters. On the other hand the
tarry matters in an equal quantity of crude gas were perfectly condensed
by passing them through the apparatus of this Invention provided with
a single orifice of 059 of an inch only in diameter, and placed in two
small bottles of about 3.05 cubic inches only in capacity. 10,000 similar
orifices would be required for gas works producing 2,100,000 cubic
fcet pcr 24 hours. It is easy to make this number of apertures by placing
them about an inch apart, less than two square yards of surface being
sufficient for the whole number.
In addition to the purposes before indicated this improved process
may be applied to the refrigeration of gases and vapors, besides retaining
the particles carried off mechanically in a globular form. The apparatus
may also be formed of a series of perforated plates arranged as before
described, and disposed in tubes or chambers of suitable form placed
either in the open air, or immersed in water, a regulator being employed
to control the action of the apparatus.
The various parts are further constructed in such number and dimen
sions as will allow of the necessary repairs and cleaning being effected
without stopping the manufacture, by simply diverting the gases or
vapors into another set of apparatus of similar arrangement. The gas in
this manner may be cooled at the same time that the liquefaction of the
vapors is facilitated by the intimate contact effected by the use of the
apparatus. This arrangement is applicable in the manufacture of gas
and sulphuric acid, and for other purposes.
Figure 1 of the accompanying Drawings shows a vertical section of one
of the many possible arrangements of the apparatus suitable for use in
gas works; Figure 2 shows a face view and transverse section of the
perforated diaphragms seen in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows the plates
formed with slits or openings, in lieu of perforations. A, condensing
apparatus provided with an outer jacket, through which a current of
cold water is passed for cooling the same.
a, a, rods for supporting the perforated sheet-iron plates at the desired
distance apart; B, second or auxiliary condenser for arresting any particles
which may still be carried along with the gas; b, b, pipes for drawing off
the condensed products; C, regulator, by which the area of perforated
surface giving passage to the gas or vapors is adjusted according to the

page_text: rate of production; D, arrangement of pipes and valves, by means of
which the gases or vapors may be conducted directly away from con-
denser A, instead of passing through B; E, Figures 1 and 2, perforated
sheet metal plates or diaphragms, fitted in condensers A and B. In
Figure 3 the F are shown as provided with long slits instead of
perforations as at E, above described. Figure 4 shows on a large
scale a somewhat similar arrangement of the perforations to that in
Figure 2. The arrows show the direction in which the gases or vapors
pass through. A, A, plane surfaces, against which the gases are
projected in the form of jets through perforations B, B, as shown.
Another arrangement of the apparatus adapted for use in gas works is
illustrated in vertical section at Figure 5, taken on the line 1, 2, of the
horizontal section, Figure 6. A, tubes containing the diaphragms of
the condensing apparatus, carried on rods b, b; B, main condenser; C,
auxiliary condenser. In all the above-described apparatus the plates or
diaphragms are perforated only at intervals, as shown in Figures 2 and 3,
plain unperforated surfaces being left between each series of perforations,
and the plates are so relatively arranged that the perforations in no two
adjacent plates shall coincide, but that the perforations in one plate shall
be opposite the unperforated surfaces of the next.
The tubes A may either be placed in the open air, or have jets of
water directed upon their exterior surface. It is preferred however to
enclose them in a casing forming a reservoir, the water in which being
heated may be utilized for extinguishing the coke and for other purposes
in gas works. The cold water enters at a, and passes out at S, being
heated during its passage. The apparatus may also be formed of a
single vertical tube, or of a group of similar tubes, according to the size
of the works.
The products of condensation, consisting of tar and ammoniacal liquor,
pass in a downward direction, and are brought in contact with the cooled
gas on the surface of the groups of perforated plates, the effect of which
action is to condense the ammonia, and at same time climinato the
napthaline.
By the above means the same results are obtained as when the gas is
passed through scrubbers, the treatment being morcover effected without
contact of the ammoniacal liquor with the external atmosphero, and
there is consequently no danger of any loss of the illuminating power of
the gas.

page_text: In cases where it is of advantage to effect a second washing with
certain liquids, such as pure water or ammoniacal liquor, the liquid in
question is introduced into auxiliary apparatus C, Figures 5 and 6.
I will now describe the Invention as applied to the elimination of the
water carried off with the steam in steam boilers.
The prevention of priming, which is of great importance, and has led
to numberless experiments on the part of engineers, may be effected by
the application of this Invention. The apparatus may be placed either
in the steam space or in a closed chamber communicating with the boiler,
and is constructed in such manner that the area of the apertures may be
regulated according to the consumption of steam.
The Invention may further be applied to effect the elimination of
minute solid matters, and metallic fumes passing off with gases or vapors,
by means of an apparatus constructed on the principles herein-before
described. When the said gases or vapors also contain liquefiable matters
the result is obtained directly by the aid of the apparatus, but where
such is not the case the elimination is effected either, 1st, by introducing
steam, which, in condensing in the apparatus, retains the fine particles,
which are thus caused to deposit in the form of slime; or, 2ndly, by
continually keeping wet the surfaces on which the gases containing.
matters in suspension are projected.
By decanting the sediment a paste is obtained which on being dried will
be found to contain the solid matters which it is desired to eliminate.
The intimate contact effected in this manner between the gaseous par-
ticles projected on plane surfaces which are kept wetted permits of
obtaining under conditions not hitherto realized (by agitation, spray, &c.)
an action between the liquids and gases or mixtures of gases and vapors
which it is desired to dissolve. It will be understood that the contacts
produced under the above conditions may be repeated as often as
necessary, according to the greater or less difficulty attending the
condensation.
Having described the nature of the Invention, and the manner in
which the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim as the
Invention to be protected by the herein-before in part recited Letters
Patent is,-
1st. Effecting the condensation of liquefiable matters held in suspen-
sion in gases or vapors, by causing said gases or vapors to pass through

page_text: series of apertures in the form of jets, and impinge on solid surfaces
disposed near to and opposite said apertures, and thereby bringing the
matters into intimate contact, all substantially as herein described, what-
ever may be the form or arrangement of the apparatus employed.
2ndly. The application of the said method in the manufacture of gas
for lighting and heating, for condensing certain constituents, such as
ammonia, tar, sulphuretted hydrogen, and sulphuret of carbon, and also
to steam boilers, distilling and rectifying apparatus, and generally in all
cases where it is desired to condense liquid matters contained in gases or
vapors, as herein specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said Alexander Melville Clark, have
hercunto set my hand and seal, this Ninth day of July, in
the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-
A. M. CLARK. (L.S.)