US1050139A - Acetylene-generating apparatus. - Google Patents

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H. W. JACOBS & H. H. LANNING. AGETYLBNB GBNBRATING APPARATUS. APPLICATION FILED DEG. '7, .1911.

1,050,1 39, Patented 1311.111913.

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AGETYLBNE GENERATING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED DEG. '7, 1911.

1,050, 1 39. Patented Jan. 14, 1913.

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H. W. JACOBS & H. H. LANNING.

AGETYLBNE GENERATING APPARATUS.

A APPLICATION FILED DHC. 7, 1911. 1,050, 1 39, Patented M1414, 1913.

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UNTTED STATES PATENT FFTCE.

HENRY W. JACOBS AND HOWARD H. LANNING, OF TOPEKA, KANSAS.

ACETYLENE-GENERATING APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 14, 1913.

To all whom t may concern.'

Be it known that we, HENRY `W. JACOBS and HOWARD H. LANNING, citizens of the United States, residing at Topeka, in the county of Shawnee and State of Kansas, have invented certain new and useful Tmprovements in Acetylene-Generating Apparatus, of which the following is a descripf tion, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of our specification.

The invention relates more particularly to apparatus wherein acetylene is generated from calcium carbid through the action of feeding water to the calcium carbid.

The object of the invention is the production of a single or unitary structure suitable for portable or stationary generators, wherein the generation of acetylene will be automatically controlled by the rate of consumption of the acetylene, so that the gas will be delivered at a constant predetermined pressure under all conditions of service. The operation of the apparatus is such that the quantity of gas stored up within the apparatus, in order to provide for a continuous flow equal under all conditions of service, will be reduced to the minimum.

A further object of the invention is the production of apparatus whose operation will be absolutely continuous, and which is so constructed that escape of an undue amount of acetylene, as well as the introduction of an undue amount of air into the apparatus, will be prevented during the removal of the spent carbid and the renewal of the charges.

Another object of the invention is the production of apparatus wherein it will be impossible to confine acetylene within any part thereof under more than normal pressure; and wherein the generation will be automatically controlled; thus eliminating mechanical regulating devices, except in places where the use of such devices would insure greater safety and reliability, but where their failure to act properly would in no way affect. the safety of the apparatus.

The various advantages, together with other advantages inherent in the device, will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the accompanying drawings, wherein Figure 1 is a front elevation of the apparatus with a portion of the side wall Vof the tank shown broken away in order to more clearly illustrate the position of the discharge conduit or pipe. Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2, looking in the direction of the arrows. Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view taken on the line 4 4 of Fig. 3, of the lower portion of the apparatus, and looking in the direction of the arrow.

In the exempliication of the invention as disclosed in the drawings, the apparatus comprises a tank 5 of suitable construction, which is divided into several compartments by the partition 6. This partition is provided with a central opening in which is secured the downwardly extending conduit 7 provided at its lower end with the hood shaped member 8, see Figs. L and 4. The hood shaped member 8 is preferably made of a size to extend almost up to the side walls of the tank 5, as clearly shown in the drawings. The lower part of the tank 5 is made of a convenient shape, preferably rectangular as shown at 5a, so as to provide for the generating cells, hereinafter to be described. The upper part of the tank 5 constitutes a wat-er supply compartment 9, while the portion beneath partition 6 constitutes the gas-receiving chamber or gasometer 10.

The lower part 5 of the vessel is provided wit-h the generating cells,-of which any sufficient number may be employed, the. drawings for illustration showing three cells,-which consist preferably of the cylindrical shaped vessel 11, which is suitably supported within the tank so as to leave sutlicient space beneath the bottom thereof, as clearly shown in Figs. 3 and 4, with one end of the vessel protruding out of the casing 5a. This end Vof the cell is preferably provided with the metallic flange or member 11a, which is intended to provide a seat for the cover 12. Pivotally secured to the portion 11l is a yoke 13, so. formed and secured to the cell that it may be swung to either side in order to clear the cover and permit of its removal as well as the contents of the cell. Extending centrally through the yoke 13 is a pressure applying device or screw member 14, the threads thereof mesh with threads in the cent-ral opening in the yoke, while the inner end of member 14 is preferably shown as entering a socket in the center of the cover 12. The

cover and the pressure applying mechanism are intended to provide a gas-tight closure for the cell; if desired, the inner side of the cover may be provided wit-h a gasket at the point where it engages the end of the cell.. Each cell is provided with a calcium carbid-receiving tray or drawer 15, whose shape is preferably made to conform with the inside contour of the cell. The upper part of the tray or drawer is so formed as to leave a passage between the upper part of the tray and the wall of the cell, as clearly shown in Figs. 3 and 4:.

The trays or drawers 15 are preferably divided into compartments which have communication with each other only at the top by means of a notch or cut-out portion, as shown in Fig. l at 16, provided in the upper part of the intermediate vertically extend ing partit-ions 17.

Leading from various points in the gas receiving chamber or gasometer l0 are water conveying or feed pipes 18 and 18a, see Fig. 3, whereby water is conveyed to the front and rear ends, respectively, of the generating cell 11.

It is understood, of course, that where a number of generating cells are employed, an additional number of water conveying pipes must be had, which are preferably arranged in the manner justdescribed, that is, the pipes lead preferably to both ends of the cells. For example, the drawings show an apparatus provided with three generating cells, with pipe 1S leading to the front of the center cell, pipe 18UL leading to the rear of said cell, pipe 19 leading to the front of an adjacent cell, pipe 19ZL leading to the rear part of said cell, and pipe Q0 leading to the front of the third cell, with pipe 20 leading to the rear part of said cell.

As clearly shown in the drawings, Figs. l and 8, the pipes connect with the gas-receiving chamber at points occupying different horizontal planes. Each water-conveying pipe is provided with a suitable valve, as at- 21, so that flow of water therethrough may be shut. olf when desired.

The generating cells are each provided with a gas-conveying pipe or conduit- 2Q which is preferably made to extend up above the water level in the tank 5, over the top thereof and down inside the tank to a point near the bottom of the gas-receiving chamber, as clearly shown in Figs. 3 and l. The lower end of each pipe 22 in the gas-receiving chamber' 10 is provided with a perforated inverted funnel shaped member 22a. A. gas-tight connection is, of course, preferably formed between the pipes 22 and the partition 6 in the tank, so that gaswill not be permitted to escape int-o the upper compartment at this point.

Leading from a point near the bottom of the gas-receiving chamber 10 is a pipe 23 whose upper end is provided with a cham ber or enlargement 23a, see Fig. 3, from which chamber pipe 24e extends to any suitable point in the atmosphere. The lower end of pipe is shown provided with a cup or vessel 25, whose upper edge is somewhat above the lower orilice of pipe Q8, as clearly shown, so as to provide a water seal for pipe Q3, whereby the gas, under normal conditions, will be prevented from escaping up through pipe 23 and outthrough pipe 9A.

The lower part CL of the tank may be provided at a suitable point with a cock as at 2G, see Figs. 2 and f3, whereby all the water in the tank 5 may be discharged when it is desired to clean the tank.

rlhe upper part of the tank 5 is provided with a water supply pipe 27 which is conf trolled by the ball valve Q8; and at a suitable point in the upper part of the tank, an overflow pipe 29 is provided, so as to prevent water overflowing the top of the tank.

At a suitable point, leading from the upper part of the gasereceiving chamber l0, is a discharge pipe il() provided with a suitable valve, as at 31. ln Fig. 1 this discharge pipe is shown extending out through the side of tank 5 at a point above the horirontal partition G, which partit-ion is shown provided with an opening into which the end of discharge pipe 30 is secured. The pipe 30 is intended to convey the acetylene to the point of consumption.

The operation of the apparatus is as fol lows: later is permitted to enter through the supply pipe 27 into the water supply compartment 9, from whence it will flow down through the conduit 7 into the lower part of the tank where it will sulnnerge the generating cells 1l and rise within the gasreceiving chamber or gasomter 10. As the water rises in chamber 10 .it will be brought to the points where the water-supply pipes for the respective generating cells communicate with chamber 10; that is, the water will lirst reach a level where it will flow through the pipe whose connection with the gasometer is at the lowest horizontal plane; for example, in Fig. 3, the water will. lirst ent-er pipe 18?L and be discharged into the rear part of generating cell 11; it being understood, of course, that the valves 21 in the different feed pipes have first been opened. As soon as the water is discharged into the cell it is evident that generation will take place in the last compartment of tray 15 and the generated gas will flow upward through pipe 22 and be liberated in bubbles through member 22a in the lower part of the gas-receiving chamber' or gasometer 10. rlhe liberated gas is compelled to rise through the water in chamber 1() and be cleansed thereby. As the quantity of gas accumula tes in the upper part of chamber 10, pressure will be exerted on the water in this chamber until the accumulated gas has been consumed. As soon as the water in the last compartment of the tray rises to the top of the partition 17, it will. be permitted to flow through the notch 16 into the adjacent compartment and induce generation of gas in said compartment. If the water continues to rise in the gas-receiving chamber 10 it is evident that water will successively flow through the different pipes leading from said chamber to the different cells or parts of the cells, so that by the time the water has reached a point in proximity to the top of the chamber or gasometer 10, water will be discharging into all of the cells and at both ends thereof, thereby inducing generation in all the cells. The gas generated in the different cells will be conducted therefrom through the pipes 22 to the bottom of the gas-chamber or gasometer l0. The accumulation of the gas in the upper part of chamber 10 will, as previously stated, displace the water in the chamber and force it to return through the conduit 7 to the upper compartment 9. As thewater recedes in the gasometer, by reason of the gas accumulating therein, the water will successively reach levels below the .points of connection between the gasometer and the different feed pipes leading to the generating cells. lVith the water supply thus successively cut oli' from the various generating cells, it is evident that generation of acetylene will also be gradually diminished.

It is evident from the construction shown and described, that if the consumption of gas is less than the amount of generation, the chamber 10 will become so filled with gas that the water will be displaced to a point beneath the lowest connection, thus automatically stopping entirely the feeding of water to the cells and hence preventing generation of acetylene.

In the event that the generation of acetylene is beyond the capacity of the gasometer, the water will be forced out of the gasometer and up through the conduit 7 until the level of the water in the chamber lO reaches the trap or seal 25 at the lower end of blow-off pipe 23; the pressure of the gas will then cause the water seal in vessel to become broken and allow the excess gas to escape from the gas chamber l0 through blow-off pipe Q3. Any water that may be carried out through pipe 23 with the gas will be trapped in chamber 23a and be allowed to flow bach into the gas chamber 10 as soon as the pressure of the escaping gas diminishes. llhen a suiiicient quantity of gas has been blown off to reduce the pressure within the gasometer or chamber l0, it is evident that water will again begin to tlow into the chamber l0 until its level is above the top of vessel or seal 25 and thereby automatically restore the water seal and prevent the further escape of gas. As the gas contained in chamber l0 is drawn oft through pipe 30 and consumed, the water level in chamber l0 gradually rises, and as the orifices of the feed pipes leading therefrom are successively submerged, a resumption of generation of acetylene is again automatically brought about in the respective generating cells ll.

It will be readily understood from the foregoing description that merely the requisite number of generating cells, or the requisite number of compartments in any one cell necessary to supply the amount of acetylene required will be brought into operation; that is, if the gas generated by one cell, or by one compartment of a cell, is suiiicient to meet the demands, the water level in the gas chamber l() will n ot rise above the lowest pipe, or set of pipes, as the case may be, leading from the gas chamber, but will remain stationary at this point until all the carbid in the cell, or in the compartment or compartments of one or two cells fed by the lowest set of pipes, has become exhausted, or until the rate of consumption of the gas increases to such an extent that said cell, or one or two compartments of one or more cells, cannot meet the demand. When this situation arises, the decreased pressure of gas in t-he gasometer on the water will allow the water to rise to a higher level, causing the water to How through an additional feed pipe or set of pipes, whereby generation in one or more cells will be induced as may be required to supply the demand. It is perfectly apparent, therefore, that the operation and control of the generating apparatus is entirely automatic, and the generation is automatically adjusted to suit the rate of consumption within the limits of the capacity of the apparatus. If the volume of water displaced by the accumulated acetylene in the gas chamber l0 induces a supply in chamber 9 beyond its capacity, the excess water will be allowed to discharge through over-flow pipe 29, and the rising water will compel valve 28 to shut olf supply pipe 27. As the water supplied from chamber 9 also submerges the generating cells in the lower part of the apparatus and acts as cooling water for the cells, the lower part of the conduit 7 is provided with the hood shaped member 8 for the purpose of directing most of the warmed water which will rise from around the cells and compel it to How upward through conduit 7 into water supply compartmentI 9, instead of allowing the warmed or heated water to accumulate in the upper part of gas-receiving chamber l0 beneath the body of gas stored therein.

As the calcium carbid in any one or more of the generating cells becomes consumed or spent, said cell or cells can be replenished llO without in any way interfering with the operation ot the apparatus, because the cells are all independent ot each other, being separately connected with the gas-receiving chamber l0. Then it is desired to replenish the carbid in a cell, the valves 2l in the feed pipes leading from the gas-receiving chamber to said cell, are iirst closed so as to shut oit a tlow of water therethrough, after which the cover l2 ot said cell may be opened by releasing pressure mechanism 1.4L suthciently to permit the yoke 13 to be swung to one side out of the way. This will permit the tray 15 of the cell to be withdrawn, the spent carbid removed therefrom and a fresh supply et calcium carbid placed in the dii"- `terentcompartments of the tray. The tray may then be reinserted in its cell, the cover .firmly clamped in place, and the valves 2l in the respective feed pipes of said cell opened, whereby the cell will be placed in condition for generation as soon as it is automatically brought into play in the manner previously described.

lllhen it is desired to clean out the apparatus, the valve or cock 26 in the bottom of the apparatus is opened, allowing all the water to escape `trom the entire tank 5, it being understood, oit course, that inlet valve in pipe 27 has first. been shut ott.

It is apparent from the construction shown and described, that the capacity oit the apparatus may be increased or diminished without the necessity ot altering the upper portion of the tanlr 5, as generating cells oit dill'erent capacities may be used interchangeably, and the generator units may either be increased or diminished to suit the demands and requirements. For example, the saine result can be acquired by either increasing or decreasing the number ot generator units or cells, or by increasing or decreasing the size of the generating cells and their calcium carbid-retaining trays. `When the number oit generating cells is either increased or decreased, it will be understood, ot course, that the number of feedwater pipes leading trom the chamber must be either increased or decreased, respectively; it being understood also that the pipes should be arranged so as to connect with the gasometer at points occupying dititerent horizontal planes, whereby they will become effective with different levels ot water in gas-receiving chamber 10, as has been previously described.

By liberating the generated gas in the bottom ot the gas-receiving chamber or gasometer l0,hwhich chamber under normal conditions is more or less iilled with water,-it will be compelled to rise upward through the water to the upper part of the chamber; the passing of the gas through the wat-er will necessarily clean it and compel any solids or impurities to remain in the incense water. The flow oi' gas from the gas chamber l0 is, ot course, controlled by the valve 3l in discharge pipe 30.

lNhere the gas is to be led to or consumed at a point beneath the level of the gas-re ceiving chamber, the discharge pipe 3() may be provided with a trap or chamber similar to chamber 23a in blow-oli pipe Q3, so that any water that may tend to pass out ot the chamber with the gas will be collected in the trap and the gas be permitted to flow to the point or' consumption.

The constructimi shown and described sets forth the invention in its simplest form, but it is apparent that a number of changes may Abe made in certain elements without departing from the spirit ot the invention, and we do not wish to be understood, therefore, as limiting ourselves to the exact construction shown and described, but

What we claim as our invention and wish io secure by Letters Patent is:-

l. Au apparatus oit the class described, comprising a single tank provided with a water cl amber and a receiving chamber having communication with each other, one or more calcium carbid receiving cells mounted in the lower part ot said tank, a series ot pipes leading from the gas receiving chamber to the cells for conveying water trom the :tormer to the latter, said pipes being arranged in pairs with one pipe leading to the front end of a cell and the other pipe leading to the rear part of a cell, the connections between the pipes oi' a pair and said gas receiving chamber being in different horizontal planes so that generation 0f gas at ditlerent points may be induced, and means for conveying the generated gas from the cells to said. gas receivingl chamber, said means being arranged to liberate the gas beneath the norm al water level in said chamber.

2. An apparatus of the class described, comprising a single tank provided with a partition whereby the interior is divided into a, water supply chamber and a gas receiving chamber. a conduitextending from the water supply chamber into the lower part ot the receiving chamber for the purpose oit delivering water from the water chamberl into the gas receiving chamber, one or more calcium carbid receiving cells mounted in the lower part of the gas receiving chamber so as to be surrounded by the water in said chamber, means interniediate of the gas receiving chamber and said cells whereby water is conveyed from said chamber to divider-ent points in the cells, the relation between the means and said chamber being such that the pressure of the gas in the chamber will control the tlow of water through said means, means whereby the generated gas conveyed from the cells into the gas receiving chamber at a point beneath the normal water level therein, said means being so arranged that the flow of water from the gas receiving chamber to the cells is automatically prevented, and means whereby the water heated by the generating cells is directed through said conduit into the water supply chamber.

3. An apparatus of the class described, comprising a single tank provided with a gas receiving chamber and a water chamber, means whereby the water is allowed to flow from the water chamber into the gas receiving chamber, one or more calcium carbid receiving cells arranged in the lower part ot' said tank so as to be submerged by the water supply therein, a series of conduits whereby water is conveyed from the gas receiving chamber' to the cells, said conduits being arranged in pairs and adapted to convey-water to different points in said cells whereby generation of gas at diiferent points in the cells may be induced, and means whereby the generated gas is conveyed from the cells to the bottom of the gas receiving chamber, said means being so arranged that the tlow of water from the gas receiving chamber to the cells is automatically prevented.

4. An apparatus of the class described, comprising a single tank provided with a water chamber and a gas receiving chamber, a conduit extending from the water chamber into the lower part of the gas receiving chamber for the purpose of delivering water from the former to the latter, one or more calcium carbid receiving cells mounted in the lower part of the gas receiving chamber so as to be surrounded by the water in said chamber, means intermediate of the gas receiving chamber and the cells whereby water is conveyed from said chamber to diierent points in the cells, the relation between the means and said chamber being such that the pressure of the gas in the chamber will control the flow of water through said means, means whereby the generated gas is conveyed from the cells into the gas receiving chamber and so arranged that tlow of water therethrough to the cells is automatically prevented, means whereby the water heated by the generating cells is directed into the water chamber, and blow-ott means provided with an upwardly directed orifice at the lower end thereof whereby excess gas will be discharged from said chamber at a level sufficiently above the water in said chamber and prevent the mingling of water with the gas passing through said means. HENRY W. JACQBS. HOWARD H. LANNING. l/Vitnesses:

FRANK MITCHELL, DAVID H. OWEN.

Copies of this patent may ne obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C.

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