An Improved Method of and Apparatus for Obtaining High Tempera- tures for Fusing Refractory Metals, for Producing Carbides, and for like purposes.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 10th Dec., 1898-Accepted, 21st Jan., 1899
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Method of and Apparatus for Obtaining High Tempera-
tures for Fusing Refractory Metals, for Producing Carbides, and
for like purposes.
I, FRANZ JOSEF BERGMANN, of 5, Möhnestrasse, Neheim on the Ruhr, in the
German Empire, Manufacturer, 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, reference being had to the accom-
panying drawings and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say:-
This invention relates to an improved method of, and apparatus for, producing
very high degrees of temperature, such for instance as required for fusing
refractory metals, for producing carbides, and for like purposes.
According to this invention, the material to be heated is placed in a chamber
or crucible, the walls of which are capable of withstanding very high pressures,
as well as very high temperatures, and the internal capacity of which can be
reduced in a suitable manner. The chamber or crucible is heated to a tempera-
ture varying between 1000 and 1200° C., or thereabouts, and its capacity is then
reduced say to one fourth, whilst it is kept closed.
During this operation, the temperature in the space thus reduced, rises three
to four fold, which increase, allowance being made for loss, is amply sufficient
to obtain the required fusion or reaction.
As an example of one form of apparatus for carrying out the improved method,
an upright furnace for producing calcium carbide is shewn diagrammatically in
section in the accompanying drawing.
A, B is the chamber in which the method or process is conducted. The lower
part A of this chamber, wherein the reaction is effected, consists of fire proof
material, whilst the upper part consists of a cylinder B of refractory metal, of
the same width as the part A, but from three to four times its length. In this
cylinder B is fitted a piston D, also of refractory material, and tightly packed
with asbestos packing P. Said piston is capable of being raised and lowered
by mechanical means.
Fis the fire grate, and C is the brick work of the furnace.
The operation is as follows:-When the piston D is in its upper position, the
proper mixture of lime and carbon is placed in the part A, care being taken
that the said mixture does not extend into the metallic cylinder B.
The furnace is then heated and the air blast turned on until, in the interior
of the chamber A, B, a temperature varying between 1000 and 1200° C., is
reached. As soon as this elevation of temperature has been attained, the
piston 1), in the cylindrical part B, is forced down to such an extent that it
closes up or forms a cover for the part A, the capacity being thus reduced to
about one fourth.
Owing to this reduction of capacity, such an increase in the temperature takes
place that the requisite reaction is croduced

page_text: Instead of the capacity being reduced in the manner above indicated, the effect
may also be obtained by forcing into the, furnace, under pressure, a body of gas
previously heated to a suitable temperature.
When constructing the apparatus in the manner above described, it must be
made of a material capable of withstanding high temperatures, or it must be
provided with means for protecting its walls.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
1. The method of producing very high temperatures by reducing the capacity
of the highly heated chamber or crucible containing the material to be acted
on, or by forcing into the same a body of gas which has been first heated and
then compressed, substantially as and for the purposes described.
2. For use in carrying out the above claimed method, the apparatus constructed
substantially as described with reference to the annexed, drawing.
Jafred 119 H
ot Lacam her 188
Dairead
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Hern day at Dacam ber 188
ERNEST DE PASS,.
Chartered Patent Agent,
78, Fleet Street, London, and 5A, Market. Street, Nottingham,
Agent for the Applicant.