Process and Apparatus for Absorbing, Extracting, Distilling, or Evaporating Liquids and Gases or Vapours.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 4th Nov., 1897
Complete Specification Left, 4th Aug., 1898-Accepted, 4th Nov., 1898
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Process and Apparatus for Absorbing, Extracting, Distilling, or
Evaporating Liquids and Gases or Vapours.
I, EDUARD THEISEN, of Werder Strasse, No. 9, Baden Baden, Germany,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
In existing processes for the absorption of gases, for example, for the produc-
tion of ammonia, benzene &c., in the distillation of tar, mashes &c., the mode
of operating is such, that the gases or vapours are led through or over a series
of superposed trays covered with liquid, or through hurdles or gratings over
which the liquid is made to flow, or through liquid spray ejected from nozzles,
so as to be brought into more or less intimate contact with the liquid introduced,
but without such contact being brought about in a forcible manner.
My present invention differs from these known processes in that the gas or
vapour to be treated is subjected to centrifugal action, whereby it is pressed 80
forcibly against a layer of liquid that by such gaseous pressure the liquid is
held against surfaces that are at right angles to the direction of the gaseous
pressure, from which surfaces the liquid would fall away if it were not subjected
to such pressure.
In order to maintain such layers of liquid in a more or less confined manner
upon the said surface, this is formed as a number of chambers or cells that are
open on the side facing the centrifugal action, the gaseous currents which are
subjected to centrifugal action constituting alone the closure of the chamber
or cell, inasmuch as the pressure exercised thereby prevents any escape of the
liquid.
In these chambers the liquid is subjected to a more or less rapidly rotating
and changing motion, or, according to the object to be accomplished, partitions
are introduced so as to more or less prevent such rotary motion.
"
These chambers that are open on the inner side can be arranged either side
by side or one above the other, each chamber corresponding to a tray of the
usual tower apparatus, and as in such apparatus the liquid is made to flow
from the one tray into the other, so with my improved process a motion both
of the liquid and of the gases from the one chamber to the other is effected.
This circulation is so regulated that the quantity of liquid and gas flowing from
the one chamber to the contiguous one is equal to the fresh quantity of each
that is supplied to the apparatus. The liquid supplied, and consequently the
quantity thereof contained in all the chambers is subject to a liquid pressure
regulated by the supply, this pressure being slightly higher than that of the
gaseous current subject to centrifugal action. In a similar manner to existing
methods, the gas is led, in its passage from chamber to chamber, over a new
and less enriched or less extracted layer of liquid. In this way a continuous
graduated mode of operating is effected.
I will proceed to describe the method of operating with reference to the accom-

page_text: panying drawings, which shew by way of example various constructions of
apparatus for carrying the same into effect.
Figure 1 shews a vertical section of an apparatus with several compartments
or chambers and a corrugated sheet metal casing. Figure 2 is a vertical section
of an apparatus with cast iron casing and a heating appliance.
Figure 3 is a vertical section of an apparatus having deep, curved chambers,
and centrifugal blades entering the same.
Figures 4 and 5 shew vertical and horizontal sections of a horizontally arranged
apparatus.
Figure 6 shews a section through an apparatus with smooth or non-corrugated
casing.
Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10 shew enlarged details in section.
The apparatus shewn in Figure 1 consists of three compartments, all having
the same arrangement; each compartment is composed of a stationary casing
and a centrifugal apparatus for gas. The stationary casing consists of a corru-
gated cylinder a with bottom and cover, and is so surrounded by a smooth
cylinder that a heating or cooling fluid can be introduced into the space
between the two cylinders.
The chambers formed by the deep corrugations communicate with each other
by channels c, so that the liquid introduced into the first chamber is caused by
these channels to circulate through the entire apparatus, leaving the same from
the last chamber.
In this circulation the liquid always flows from the surface thereof in the one
chamber to the bottom of the next one. The centrifugal gas apparatus revolving
with the shaft d consists of the cylinder e with blades f and serves not only for
the production of the requisite gaseous pressure, but also to bring the liquid
back into the chambers, on starting the machine, as, when the centrifugal action
stops, the liquid will flow down out of the chambers and accumulate in the
bottom of the casing.
For this purpose the cylinder e is provided with a cone h with scoop-blades g,
which in the first instance raise the liquid on to the cylinder e.
On this it rises up by centrifugal action, and is eventually thrown from the
upper edge of the cylinder by centrifugal force on to the cylinder a and into
the chambers thereof. The action of the apparatus is consequently as follows:-
The gas entering the apparatus through the branch pipe k is pressed by the
centrifugal apparatus onto the corrugated cylinder a along which it rises, while
the chambers are filled with liquid through the pipe m. This feed of liquid
to the chambers is effected in such manner that the upper chamber is first
gradually filled, the pressure in the supply pipe being somewhat greater than
that of the gas currents subject to centrifugal action. In consequence hereof
the level of the liquid rises until it reaches the small pipes c, whereupon it flows
through these into the second chamber, which is thus also filled with liquid,
and whence it then flows through the pipes c into the third chamber, and so on
until all the chambers are filled.
If now the feed of liquid were stopped, a certain quantity of liquid would be
held in each chamber by the gas pressure, but there would be no circulation of
liquid through the chambers.
This is however effected by the continuous supply of liquid, which causes first
a transfer of liquid from the first to the second chamber, then a transfer from
the second to the third, and so on, thus producing a continuous circu-
lation of the liquid in proportion to the fresh liquid supplied through the pipes c,
and consequently the circulation is dependent upon the excess of pressure of the
liquid over that of the gas.
While now, by the gaseous pressure on the one hand, the flow of the liquid
over the edges of the chambers is prevented, on the other hand a strong circulating
motion of the layer of liquid is produced in each chamber and by this means,
as also by the strong friction of the liquid against the walls of the chambers,

page_text: and the consequent strong interchange of position of the particles of liquid,
fresh particles hereof are continuously brought in contact with the gas under
centrifugal pressure.
The general arrangement can be such, that cither the gas supplied to the
lower compartment also flows through the following compartments, or that fresh
gas is supplied to each compartment.
The arrangement shewn in the drawing is such that the gas is led away from
the bottom compartment through the pipe p, while a fresh supply of gas is fed
to the second compartment through a pipe 7, which gas passes through the
openings rr into the third part of the apparatus, from which it is discharged
through pipe 8.
The liquid supplied to the top compartment through the pipe m is discharged
through the pipe t, and fresh liquid is supplied to the middle compartment
through pipe u, this liquid being made to pass also through the bottom com-
partment, whence it is discharged through pipe v.
The action of the apparatus shewn at Figure 2, is the same as that above
described, but this only consists of a single compartment, on which account
the centrifugal drum e is formed tapering or conical in order to facilitate the
raising of the liquid by centrifugal action. In place of a corrugated sheet metal
casing a cast iron one is in this case provided, the arrangement being such that
the apparatus is enclosed in brickwork and is heated by fire gases.
The liquid held by centrifugal pressure in the chambers is also in this case
maintained in strong circulating motion, producing a strong friction against
the walls and consequently also an energetic interchange of position of the liquid
particles.
1
In the apparatus at Figure 3 the sides of the chambers are comparatively
high, so that the liquid in each chamber offers a very extended surface.
As a raising of the liquid is not effected in this case, the centrifugal drum is
made to constitute a tubular shaft, and in order to produce the necessary pressure
on the bottoms of the chambers for maintaining the liquid on the inclined
surfaces, the blades f project far into the chambers, their configuration being
made to approximate to that of the partitions, so as to travel immediately over
the thin layer of liquid lying upon these. Otherwise the action is the same as
described with reference to Figure
Figures 4 and 5 shew a horizontally arranged apparatus, instead of vertical
as in the preceding cases, the corrugated metal cylindrical casing being enclosed
in brickwork and heated by fire gases.
The action is the same as with the vertical apparatus. At first liquid is fed
through pipe m into the first chamber, where it is caused by the centrifugal
gas pressure to form a uniform layer over the entire surface of the chamber,
in which position it is maintained by the pressure. A circulation is again
effected through the connecting channels as soon as the liquid has risen to the
level of those channels, and fresh liquid continues to be supplied from the outside
through the pipe m. The pressure of the liquid must in this case also be slightly
higher than the gas pressure.
At the lowest point of each chamber is provided a. branch pipe, all of which
pipes are connected to a pipe common to all, which is usually closed by a cock,
on opening which the whole of the chambers can be entirely emptied.
In the arrangement shewn at Figure 6, A is a vertical stationary conical
casing, which for the purpose of being heated is enclosed in brickwork. Within
this casing revolves a centrifugal drum e mounted on a shaft d and provided
with blades f, whereby the gas introduced through the elbow pipe g is drawn up
and pressed by centrifugal action in a layer upon the inner surface of the
casing A, along which it travels in an upward direction.
The liquid is introduced through a pipe h on to the bottom of the apparatus,
which is formed as a receptacle, into which dips the conical extension k fixed
on the bottom m of the centrifugal drum, and having scoop blades / that effect

page_text: the raising of such liquid and the throwing thereof upon the stationary casing A,
where it is driven upward in a spiral direction by the pressure of the gaseous
current. The liquid then passes into an enlargement of the casing A, whence
it is led away through pipe n in order, if necessary, to be again supplied to the
bottom receptacle.
For producing a stronger action of the gas upon the liquid, the gas must be
subjected to a higher centrifugal pressure in order to maintain the liquid upon
the walls of the casing.
It may frequently be necessary to provide obstacles for preventing the circular
motion of the liquid. This is best effected by means of partition walls
Figures 7 to 10 which allow only of a limited circular motion through the
channels y.
The channels c lead from one chamber to the next and must of course lie in a
smaller circle than the channels y, as otherwise the latter will be situated above
the surface of the liquid.
Instead of arranging the chambers in rings, they may be arranged in a helical
line, so that the liquid shall flow in a helical path upon the surface of the casing.
Dated this 4th day of November 1897.
ABEL & IMRAY,
Agents for the Applicant.
Process and Apparatus for Absorbing, Extracting, Distilling, or
Evaporating Liquids and Gases or Vapours.
I, EDUARD THEISEN, of Werder Strasse, No. 9, Baden Baden, Germany,
Engineer, 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:—
In existing processes for the absorption of gases, for example, for the produc-
tion of ammonia, benzene &c., in the distillation of tar, mashes &c., the mode
of operating is such, that the gases or vapours are led through or over a series
of superposed trays covered with liquid, or through hurdles or gratings over
which the liquid is made to flow, or through liquid spray ejected from nozzles,
so as to be brought into more or less intimate contact with the liquid introduced,
but without such contact being brought about in a forcible manner.
My present invention differs from these known processes in that the gas or
vapour to be treated is subjected to centrifugal action, whereby it is pressed so
forcibly against a layer of liquid that by such gaseous pressure the liquid is
held against surfaces that are at right angles to the direction of the gaseous
pressure, from which surfaces the liquid would fall away if it were not subjected
to such pressure.
In order to maintain such layers of liquid in a more or less confined manner
upon the said surface this is formed as a number of chambers or cells that are
open on the side facing the centrifugal action, the gaseous currents which are
subjected to centrifugal action constituting alone the closure of the chamber
or cell, inasmuch as the pressure exercised thereby prevents any escape of the
liquid.
In these chambers the liquid is subjected to a more or less rapidly rotating

page_text: and changing motion, or, according to the object to be accomplished, partitions
are introduced so as to more or less prevent such rotary motion.
66
These chambers that are open on the inner side can be arranged either side
by side or one above the other, each chamber corresponding to a tray of the
usual tower" apparatus, and as in such apparatus the liquid is made to flow
from the one tray into the other, so with my improved process a motion both
of the liquid, and of the gases from the one chamber to the other is effected.
This circulation is so regulated that the quantity of liquid and gas flowing from
the one chamber to the contiguous one is equal to the fresh quantity of each
that is supplied to the apparatus. The liquid supplied, and consequently the
quantity thereof contained in all the chambers, is subject to a liquid pressure
regulated by the supply, this pressure being slightly higher than that of the
gaseous current subject to centrifugal action. In a similar manner to existing
methods, the gas is led, in its passage from chamber to chamber, over a new
and less enriched or less extracted layer of liquid. In this way a continuous
graduated mode of operating is effected.
I will proceed to describe the method of operating with reference to the draw-
ings accompanying my Provisional Specification, which shew by way of example
various constructions of apparatus for carrying the same into effect.
Figure 1 shews a vertical section of an apparatus with several compartments
or chambers and a corrugated sheet metal casing. Figure 2 is a vertical section
of an apparatus with cast iron casing and a heating appliance.
Figure 3 is a vertical section of an apparatus having deep, curved chambers,
and centrifugal blades entering the same.
Figures 4 and 5 shew vertical and horizontal sections of a horizontally arranged
apparatus.
Figure 6 shews a section through an apparatus with smooth or non-corrugated
casing.
Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10 shew enlarged details in section.
The apparatus shewn in Figure 1 consists of three compartments, all having
the same arrangement; each compartment is composed of a stationary casing
and a centrifugal apparatus for gas. The stationary casing consists of a corru-
gated cylinder a with bottom and cover, and is so surrounded by a smooth
cylinder b that a heating or cooling fluid can be introduced into the space
between the two cylinders.
The chambers formed by the deep corrugations communicate with each other
by channels c, so that the liquid introduced into the first chamber is caused by
these channels to circulate through the entire apparatus, leaving the same from
the last chamber.
In this circulation the liquid always flows from the surface thereof in the one
chamber to the bottom of the next one. The centrifugal gas apparatus revolving
with the shaft d consists of the cylinder e with blades f and serves not only for
the production of the requisite gaseous pressure, but also to bring the liquid
back into the chambers, on starting the machine, as, when the centrifugal action
stops, the liquid will flow down out of the chambers and accumulate in the
bottom of the casing.
For this purpose the cylinder e is provided with a cone. h with scoop-blades g,
which in the first instance raise the liquid on to the cylinder e.
On this it rises up by centrifugal action, and is eventually thrown from the
upper edge of the cylinder by centrifugal force on to the cylinder a and into
the chambers thereof. The action of the apparatus is consequently as follows:-
The gas entering the apparatus through the branch pipe k is pressed by the
centrifugal apparatus onto the corrugated cylinder a along which it rises, while
the chambers are filled with liquid through the pipe m. This feed of liquid
to the chambers is effected in such manner that the upper chamber is first
gradually filled, the pressure in the supply pipe being somewhat greater than
that of the gas currents subject to centrifugal action. In consequence hereof

page_text: the level of the liquid rises until it reaches the small pipes c whereupon it flows
through these into the second chamber, which is thus also filled with liquid,
and whence it then flows through the pipes c into the third chamber, and so on
until all the chambers are filled.
If now the feed of liquid were stopped, a certain quantity of liquid would be
held in each chamber by the gas pressure, but there would be no circulation of
liquid through the chambers.
This is however effected by the continuous supply of liquid, which causes first
a transfer of liquid from the first to the second chamber, then a transfer from
the second to the third, and so on, thus producing a continuous circu-
lation of the liquid in proportion to the fresh liquid supplied through the pipes c,
and consequently the circulation is dependent upon the excess of pressure of the
liquid over that of the gas.
While now, by the gaseous pressure on the one hand, the flow of liquid
over the edges of the chambers is prevented, on the other hand a strong circulating
motion of the layer of liquid is produced in each chamber and by this means,
as also by the strong friction of the liquid against the walls of the chambers,
and the consequent strong interchange of position of the particles of liquid,
fresh particles hereof are continuously brought in contact with the gas under
centrifugal pressure.
The general arrangement can be such, that either the gas supplied to the
lower compartment also flows through the following compartments, or the fresh
gas is supplied to each compartment.
The arrangement shewn in the drawing is. such that the gas is led away from
the bottom compartment through the pipe p, while a fresh supply of gas is fed
to the second compartment through a pipe q, which gas passes through the
openings into the third part of the apparatus, from which it is discharged
through pipe s.
The liquid supplied to the top compartment through the pipe m is discharged
through the pipe t, and fresh liquid is supplied to the middle compartment
through pipe u, this liquid being made to pass also through the bottom com-
partment, whence it is discharged through pipe v.
The action of the apparatus shewn at Figure 2, is the same as that above
described, but this only consists of a single compartment, on which account
the centrifugal drum e is formed tapering or conical in order to facilitate the
raising of the liquid by centrifugal action. In place of a corrugated sheet metal
casing a cast iron one is in this case provided, the arrangement being such that
the apparatus is enclosed in brickwork and is heated by fire gases.
The liquid held by centrifugal pressure in the chambers is also in this case
maintained in strong circulating motion, producing a strong friction against
the walls and consequently also an energetic interchange of position of the liquid
particles.
In the apparatus at Figure 3 the sides of the chambers are comparatively
high; so that the liquid in each chamber offers a very extended surface.
As a raising of the liquid is not effected in this case, the centrifugal drum is
made to constitute a tubular shaft and in order to produce the necessary pressure
on the bottoms of the chambers for maintaining the liquid on the inclined
surfaces, the blades f project far into the chambers, their configuration being
made to approximate to that of the partitions, so as to travel immediately over
the thin layer of liquid lying upon these. Otherwise the action is the same as
described with reference to Figure 1.
Figures 4 and 5 shew a horizontally arranged apparatus, instead of vertical
as in the preceding cases, the corrugated metal cylindrical casing being enclosed
in brickwork and heated by fire gases.
The action is the same as with the vertical apparatus. At first liquid is fed
through pipe m into the first chamber, where it is caused by the centrifugal
gas pressure to form a uniform layer over the entire surface of the chamber,

page_text: in which position it is maintained by the pressure.
A circulation is again
effected through the connecting channels as soon as the liquid has risen to the
level of those channels, and fresh liquid continues to be supplied from the outside
through the pipe m. The pressure of the liquid must in this case also be slightly
higher than the gas pressure.
At the lowest point of each chamber is provided a branch pipe, all of which
pipes are connected to a pipe common to all, which is usually closed by a cock,
on opening which the whole of the chambers can be entirely emptied.
In the arrangement shewn at Figure 6, A is a vertical stationary conical
casing, which for the purpose of being heated is enclosed in brickwork. Within
this casing revolves a centrifugal drum e mounted on a shaft d and provided
with blades f, whereby the gas introduced through the elbow pipe g is drawn up
and pressed by centrifugal action in a layer upon the inner surface of the
casing A, along which it travels in an upward direction.
The liquid is introduced through a pipe h into the bottom of the apparatus,
which is formed as a receptacle, into which dips the conical extension k fixed
on the bottom m of the centrifugal drum, and having scoop blades / that effect
the raising of such liquid and the throwing thereof upon the stationary casing A,
where it is driven upward in a spiral direction by the pressure of the gaseous
current. The liquid then passes into an enlargement of the casing A, whence
it is led away through pipe n in order, if necessary, to be again supplied to the
bottom receptacle.
For producing a stronger action of the gas upon the liquid, the gas must be
subjected to a higher centrifugal pressure in order to maintain the liquid upon
the walls of the casing.
It may frequently be necessary to provide obstacles for preventing the circular
motion of the liquid. This is best effected by means of partition walls
Figures 7 to 10, which allow only of a limited circular motion through the
channels y.
The channels c lead from one chamber to the next and must of course lie in a
smaller circle than the channels y, as otherwise the latter will be situated above
the surface of the liquid.
Instead of arranging the chambers in rings, they may be arranged in a helical
line, so that the liquid shall flow in a helical path upon the surface of the casing.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:-
1. Process for the absorption, distillation, evaporation, and the like, of liquids
and gases or vapours, consisting in causing the liquid to be treated to be retained
by the pressure of gases or vapours subjected to centrifugal action against the
inner surface of a casing on which are formed annular or helical chambers or
cells confining the liquid and open towards the centrifugal blades, so that the
gaseous pressure effects the closure of the chambers, and prevents the liquid
from escaping therefrom, substantially as described.
2. In the process referred to in the First Claim, the method of effecting a
motion of the liquid in the longitudinal direction of the casing by supplying
the liquid in such manner that each successive annular chamber or cell is filled
by means of the overflow from the preceding one, whereby an increased frictional
contact of the liquid with the surface of the casing is obtained and a supply of
liquid at the different stages of treatment is rendered possible, substantially
as described.
3. In apparatus for carrying out the process referred to in the First Claim,
the arrangement of the chambers or cells in such manner that the top or outer
surface of the one chamber is in communication with the bottom of the next
one so that the liquid is caused to flow completely from the bottom to the top
or outer surface of each chamber, substantially as described.

page_text: 4. Apparatus for carrying out the process referred to in the First and Second
Claims, combined and operating as herein described with reference to the accom-
panying drawings.
ABEL & IMRAY,
Agents for the Applicant.