Proton Apparatus Gases Evolved during the Combustion of Fuel.
Year: 1886

page_text: Date of Application, 22nd Nov., 1886.
Complete Left, 22nd Aug., 1887.
Complete Accepted, 23rd Sept., 1887.
Proton Apparatus
Gases Evolved during the Combustion of Fuel.
I, THOMAS RICHMOND of 72, Colne Road, Burnley, in the County of Lancaster,
Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of the said invention for IMPROVEMENTS
IN APPARATUS FOR THE SEPARATION OF SMOKE FROM THE GASES EVOLVED DURING
THE COMBUSTION OF FUEL, to be as follows:-
This invention is designed for the complete abatement of smoke, and to render
useless tall chimneys.
For this purpose, steam is compelled to pass through a contracted nozzle, by which
its velocity is greatly increased, to draw the heated gases or products of combustion
into an annular space surrounding the nozzle; whereby the heated gases mingle with
the steam, and are driven through a closed tank, in which is situated a diaphragm
projecting into a reserve of water below, and upwards into a dome or closed space
above. At the top of the dome and on each side of the diaphragm, is discharged
continuously a spray of water upon the heated gases ascending on one side of the
diaphragm, and descending on the other, whereby the particles of carbon suspended
in and carried with the passing gases, are rendered incapable of further following the
gases, and gradually fall and settle upon the surface of the water contained in the.
tank. The scum or floating matter is drawn from the surface of the water, through a
gulley or trap, which prevents the water from rising to obstruct the passage of the
gases along the space above.
The heated gases and steam now separated from smoke, enter a condenser, into
which a suitable discharge of water ensures an effective condensation of the steam,
and, at the same time, allows the heavier incombustable and invisable gases to pass
through a discharge port to the atmosphere; whilst the lighter gases ascend into a
collecting space above, from whence they are discharged into the fire-box to assist in
the generation of steam.

page_text: Gases Evolved during the Combustion of Fuel.
I, THOMAS RICHMOND of 72, Colne Road, Burnley, in the county of Lancaster,
Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention as communicated to ine by
William Wills of Orbiston, Hocking County, Ohio, U.S.A. and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement :-
This invention is designed for the complete abatement of the smoke nuisance, and
to render comparatively useless tall chimneys.
And in order that the invention may be properly understood, and readily carried
into practical effect, I have hereunto attached the accompanying sheet of drawings,
marked with figures and letters of reference.
A and B represent two steam boilers of ordinary construction, provided with internal
flues C, to convey heated gases or products of combustion from a fire space in the
front to the transverse flue D, at the rear. Above the boiler, the steam chest E is
situated, from which steam is conducted through pipes E', to the valve F, and com-
pelled to pass through the contracted nozzle of the valve F, to produce an artificial
draft or current sufficiently powerful as to draw the heated gases or products of
combustion from the flue C, into chamber C', through which they are urged by the
artificial current into tank G, in which projects the vertical partition or diaphragm G¹.
Above and on each side of the diaphragm is discharged continuously a spray of water,
upon the heated gases, ascending on one side of the diaphragm and descending on
the other, whereby the particles of carbon and solid matter, suspended in, and carried
with, the passing gases, are rendered incapable of further following the gases, and
gradually fall and settle upon the surface of the water, contained in the lower portion
of the tank G.
The scum and surplus water are drawn from the tank, through pipe H, so as to
prevent the water and sludge from rising to obstruct the passage of the gases along
the space above.
The heated gases and steam, being now separated from smoke, enter the cooler or
condenser I, in which a suitable discharge of water from the pipe P ensures the
effectual condensation of the steam, at which time, the heavy incombustable and
invisable gases pass through the discharge port J to the atmosphere; whilst the
inflammable gases, being lighter, ascend to the top of the cooler or condenser, and
passing through pipe K are then discharged into the fire box, or beneath the surface
of the boiler, to assist in the generation of steam.
In commencing operations, the supply of water is shut off at O and P, and the
damper M opened, to allow natural draft to withdraw the products of combustion (in
the usual and well known manner) from the flues, until sufficient steam is generated,

page_text: as will urge the heated gases through the flues and tanks. When using natural
draft, a communication with an ordinary chimney is or may be established, by opening
damper M and closing damper N, which was previously opened for the escape of the
purified gases.
↓
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention,
and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is :-
First, the means for urging the products of combustion, either with or without the
assistance of a tall chimney, substantially as described and illustrated.
Second, the means for separating smoke from the gases emanating from fuel under
combustion, substantially as described and illustrated.
Third, the general arrangement and combination of the parts, substantially as and
for the purpose set forth.
P
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