US1772642A - Gas producer - Google Patents

Description

H. F. SMITH GAS PRODUCER Aug. 12, 1930.

Filed Nov. 1'7 1921 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 mm mm 1 www mwwwww 3 on an H. F. SMITH GAS PRODUCER Aug. 12, 1930.

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H. F. SMITH GAS PRODUCER Aug. 12, 1930.

Filed Nov. 1"! 1921 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 .ZEYZ/EJZZZN" JAM 9- M QQZTUFJJE I MEI/355195 fizmw/ M Z.

8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Aug. 12, 1930. H. F. SMITH 1,772,642'

' GAS PRODUCER Filed Nov. 1'7. 1921 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Aug. 12, 1930. H. F. SMITH 1,772,642

GAS PRODUCER Filed Nov. 17 1921 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 \n 3 has A 'QIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII I u 2712772525 JUL/2277b!" Aug. 12, 1930. H. F. SMITH 1,772,642

GAS PRODUCER Filed Nov. 17. 1921 8 Sheets-Sheet '7 67 l 1 I y 22" 27272755555 JUL/P772271" 4M3 9. Am);

Aug. 12, 1930. H. F. SMITH 1,772,642

GAS PRODUCER Filed Nov. 1'1. 1921 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 VII/IIIIl/II/I/I/III/I ZOO @MfiM E iv. MM

Patented Aug. 12, 1930 UNITED STATES PATENT orriee BAR BY 1'. SMITH, OF DAYTON, OHIO, ASSIGNOB TO THE GAS RESEARCH COMPANY, OF DAYTON, OHIO, A CORPORATION OF OHIO Gas rnonuonn Application filed November 17, 1921. Serial No. 515,861.

within the generating chamber functions as a lining for that chamber.

Another object is to provide an improved form of saturator.

Still another object is to provide a combined purifier and saturator.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description set out below when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing.

It is the very general practice. in the gas producer art to provide the generating chamber of the gas producer with a heat resisting and heat insulating lining, which serves to both cut down radiation losses from the active fuel bed and to prevent the metallic shell of the producer from being unduly heated. This lining usually consists of firebrick, the lining ordinarily varying in thickness, in the producers in general use, from six to twelve inches. Sometimes the fire brick lining is dispensed with and a water cooled shell for the generating chamber provided. In producers, as heretofore used commercially, which enerally run from three to fourteen feet 1n internal diameter, the ratio between the mass of incandescent fuel within the active fuel bed, and the radiatihg surface of the producer shell is such that, with a lining of the kind specified, the heat losses, due to radiation, are comparatively so small that they occasion no serious trouble in the operation of the producer.

The initial blasting or starting period, though of considerable duration, perhaps as much as one-half to three-quarters of an hour,

or even more, is not objectionable since the producer is ordinarily brought up to good gas making conditions before there is any appreciable demand for the generated gas. And the heat losses during operation of the producer are not sufiicient to seriously interfere with the gas making reactions. Still this heat loss does affect the efficiency of the gas making reactions, and in addition affects the quality of gas produced. For the higher the heat losses the greater will generally be the percentage of noncombustible within the generated gas. Therefore, any decrease in the relative proportion of heat loss by radiation results in a corresponding increase in efliciency of the apparatus.

While the radiation losses in producers of the kind heretofore generally used may be disregarded, when it is attempted to generate gas in producers of comparatively small size, for example those having a grate diameter of twelve inches, or less, it is found that the percentage of heat thus lost through radiation, tends to increase very rapidly as the diameter of the producer decreases. And if a producer of this small size is provided with a fire brick lining of a thickness corresponding proportionately, to the thickness of the firebrick lining used in the conventional producer the heat losses will. be so great that not only is the blowing up period unduly prolonged, but satisfactory operation of the producer is prevented. Increasing the thickness of the lining, to increase its resistance to transfer of heat therethrough, will cut down the radiation loss, and by providing a suitably thick lining the producer will function satisfactorily to make gas. However, if a firebrick lining of sufficientthickness to cut down radiation losses to a satisfactory degree is provided the heat capacity of this lining is so great that the blowing up period will be unduly prolonged. But such a small size producer will function satisfactorily if it is provided with a lining having sufficient heat insulating capabilities and also having small heat capacity.

A type of producer having a lining of this character is shown in the copcnding application of Harry F. Smith Serial No. 398,749

filed July 24, 1920. The producer disclosed in that copending aplication has a lining consisting of a thin inner layer of fire brick, of small heat capacity, backed by a comparatively thick layer of heat insulating material. Such a producer, with a grate of less than six inches diameter, operating upon charcoal, and starting cold, can be brought up to good gas making condition within fifteen minutes, and often in five minutes. But where the gas generated is to operate a gas engine, such an engine as forms the power unit of commercially well-known individual house lighting plants, it is especially desirable that the initial blasting or starting period be very brief, and that the producer quickly come up to approximately maximum gas making conditions. Forthe mixing valve, or carbureting device, which controls the air and as mixture fed to the engine cannot be set or most efiicient operation until the gas becomes of approximately uniform character.

In the producer illustrated in the drawing the initial blasting or starting period is so materially decreased, and the gas making reactions so controlled, that the producer is brought up to approximately maximum gas making conditions within a very short period, a period ordinaril not in excess of five minutes. This pro ucer has no lining of the usual sort, but instead a part of the carbonaceous material which constitutes the fuel bed within the generating chamber thereof functions as a lining. With a producer of this character, having a grate diameter of four inches, and starting from cold, combustible gas has been secured in less than a minute, and a gas engine operated at substantially full load upon this gas within less than a minute and a half, from the time of first applying a match to ignite the fuel bed. Reference should be made to the copending application of Harry F. Smith, Serial Number 469,976, filed May 16, 1921, in which this type of construction is disclosed broadly, this present application disclosing specific and preferred embodiments of producer construction in accordance with the broad disclosure of this referred to copending application.

I .Wliile this type of producer construction is especially valuable in connection with producers of very small size, it is also quite valuable in connection with larger size pro ducers. But as illustrating a preferred embodiment, and for purposes of description, the invention is shown in connection with small size producers, such as would be used for operating a conventional house lighting plant, or for other domestic uses, such as cooking. heating. etc.

In the drawing in which like characters of reference designate like parts throughout the several views thereof,

Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional view through a form of gas generating system embodyin this invention, comprising as one ele t thereof a gas producer in which a part of the fuelbed functions as a lining, or to heat insulate the active zone of the fuel bed; I

.Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the producer roper forming a part of Fig. 1, the view eing in a plane at 90 from the plane of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a view in elevation of the producer shown in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fi 4 is a plan view of a somewhat modified orm of gas generating system;

Fig. 5 is a view along the line 5-5 of Fig. 4; A Fig. 6 shows, in vertical section, still another modified form of generating system;

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the base member forming a part of the producer proper shown in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a detail view, in section, along the line 88 of Fig. 7

Fig. 9 is a vertical sectional view through a base member, similar to that shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 4, but in which a different type of grate, for supporting the'fuel bed, is provided, this section being along the. line 9-9 of Fi '10;

ig. 10 is a sectional view of the base memher and grate shown in Fig. 9, the section be ing along the linelO-lO of Fig. 9:

ig. 11 is a plan view of the purifier for the generated gas shown in Fig. 6;

Fig. 12 is a detail sectional view along the line 1212 of Fig. 7, showing the air inlet into the saturator;

Fig. 13 is a detail sectional view along the line 13-43 of Fig.7, showing the passageconnecting the saturator to the ash pit;

Fig. 14 is a vertical sectional view of a fuel feeding mechanism constructed to be. interchangeable with the closure member shown in several other views, such as Figs. 1, 5 and (3;

Fig. 15 is a detail sectional view of the operating handle of the fuel feeding mechanism, along line 15--15 of Fig. 1-1;

Fig. 16 is a detail plan view of one of the members carrying the locking lugs for holding the closing member or fuel feeding members in assembled position; and

Fig. 17 is a vertical sectional view of a modified form of producer, provided with a modified form of lining.

The producer. forming a part of the gas generating system shown in Fig. 1, which is designated generally by the numeral 20 comprises a metallic shell 21 and a base portion or member 22. The metallic shell 21 is'preferably of sheet metal. the thickness of which varies according to the size of the producer. But inasmuch as this shell. in the modification shown, has to sustain little weight, other than the weight of the shell itself, it may be made of comparatively light material. In producers of the small size mentioned above,

the

ill;

ashell made of onessixteenths'inch sheet'steel has been found to function very satisfactorily; The upper end of the shell is closed by means of a top 23, which maybe welded 3 or otherwise secured in place, this top having an opening 24 therein, through which fuel s introduced into the generating chamber, this opening being surrounded by an upstanding flange 25. Cooperating with the flange 25 1s a cover 26, with which cooperates a clamp or bail 27. .In the construction shown the cover 26 is substantially hemispherical in shape, and a correspondingly shaped bail 1s prov ded the ends of which are bent to form loops or eyes which en age over suitable lugs carried by the mem ers 28, which are in turn secured to the top 23, by any suitable means, such for instance as the bolts-29. The hail when positioned on the lugs is thus capable of free-movement into, or out of, engagement with the cover 26, to hold that cover in gas tight contact with the flange 25. A stop 30,

is carried by the cover 26, to limit movement of the bail. The cover is provided with a machined surface which is constructed to make a tight joint with the flange 25, when the cover is in place. If desired the cover may have a groove therein for receiv ng the Em 25, suitable packing being provided in m this groove to make a tight joint. g

The other end of the metallic shell 21 is open, and has an outstanding flange 32 there- I around adapted to cooperate with the corresponding portion 33 of the base member 22.

a A suitable. packing member 34. preferably mounted within a groove 35, within the member 33, is provided so that when the shell and base members are drawn tightly together leakage between these two members is prevented. Suitable eye members 36, are attached to the lower part ofthe shell with which cooperate hooks 37. Each of these books hasits straight end threaded, and the base member is provided with passages through which the various hook members extend when the apparatus is in assembled position. A plurality of legs 38, for support-- ing the base member and the shell, are pro- 9 vidcd, each of these legs having an internally threaded socket in the upper end thereof edaptedto receive the threaded end of one of the hook members. In assembling the device the packing member 34 is first placed in posi- 65 tion within its groove 35 after which the shell is set thereon, the hook members positioned within the openings in the base 22 withihe hooks engaged in the eye members 36,1mdthe legs then rotated to draw the shell and base member tightly together. An up-- standing flange 39is provided upon the base member, which extends a short distance upwardly into the shell member when the device is in assembled position, to hold the shell member and base member against lateral movement relative to each other, and the shell thus properly centered- The base member 22, when the device is assembled, and in operation, sustains the fuel bed, which is contained within the shell 21. This base member is provided, centrally, with an opening 40, within which is positioned-a ring 41 of heat resisting and heat insulating material, such material for mstance as fire brick, carborundum, or the like. The ring 41 has a tuyere or opening 42 therein beneath which sets the grate 43, positioned within the ash pit 44, provided within the base memher. The opening 42 serves as a blast port, or tuyere, opening into the gas generating chamber, the grate 43, positioned beneath this opening, serving to sustain the greater part of the active or ignited portion of the fuel bed. The grate, in the modification shown, consists of a perforated disc supported upon three legs 46, one of which is extended to serve as a handle for moving the grate into and out of position. By this construction transfer of heat from the active zone of the fuel. through the grate, into the base member active zone of fuelto the base member, the

asbestos packing 47 serving to augment the insulating effect of the ring. -The opening into the ash pit is provided with a door 50,

vpivotally hinged at 51, the door being mountcd in an inclined position, the construction being such that the door whenever released will tend to fall into closed position.

Opening into the ash pit is a blast inlet 60, through which air and moisture pass into the ash pit and thence upwardly through the grate and tuyere 42 into the fuel bed where the gas making reactions occur. The generatlng chamber is provided with a central draft tube 65, connected through the pipe. 66, lying within the generator shell, to the oti'take passage 67, located within the base member, to which passage in turn is connected the gas oiitake pipe 68.

The producer may be either suction or pressure operated. If pressure operated the blast will be forced through the opening under pressure. As illustrated the producer is suction operated, a pump or exhauster 70,

driven from any suitable power source, by

means of the pulley and belt construction 71, being mounted within the delivery main 72 which is operatively connected to the otitake by the hook members.

pipe 68, the purifier 80 for the generated gas being interposed in the line connecting the exhauster 70 to the ofltake passage 67.

Or the producer may be connected to an internal combustion engine, furnishing gas for operating the engine, the engine in turn furtherefor, the bottom portion and top having cooperating flanges between which is mounted suitable packing 83 for preventing leakage between the two members when the deviceis in assembled position. Bolted or riveted to the bottom member 81 are a plurality of angle members 84, each of which has mounted, in a hole therein, a hook member 85, a spring surrounding the lower end of each hook member, one end of each spring bearing against one of the angles 84 and the other end against a pin or disc 86, carried The upper end of each of the hook members is shaped to cooperate with the flange of the top member 82 to hold that member tightly against the packing 83 and cooperating flange on the memher 81, Ready access to the interior of the purifier is thus permitted while, at the same time, the top and bottom members of the purifier are held in gas tight contact with each other. Attached to the bottom wall of the top 82, and depending therefrom within the purifier, is an inverted bell shaped member 90, this member being spaced from the top 82, and connected thereto in any suitable fashion. As shown the two members are riveted together, suitable spacing rings 91 being provided for holding them in properly spaced position. Passing through the wall of the member 81, and terminating beneath the bell shaped member 90, is a section 92 of the gas delivery main 72. Attached to the end of this section 99., within the purifier is a fitting 93, the upper end 94 of which is cone shaped. Located within the purifier is a pan 95, the bottom of which has an opening therein surrounded by an upstanding flange 96, which is conical shaped to cooperate with the conical member 94. When the device is in assembled position the conical shaped member 94 is positioned within the conical flange 96 to sustain the pan in place. Positioned within the pan is an inverted cup shaped member 100, the free edge of which seats upon the bottom of the pan 9 5 and is rigidly attached thereto, preferably in gas tight connection, the attachment in the construction shown being formed by welding the two members together. Supporting legs 101 are also provided, these legs being welded at opposite ends to the pan 95 and the member 100. The member'100 has a plurality of holes or perforations 102 therein, a finely perforated plate or layer of wire screen 103 being positioned over these holes and held in position by some suitable means, preferably spot welding. This screen should be of some material which will stand exposure to producer gas, a screen of Monel metal serving very well, though other material may be used as desired. A layer of fabric 104, such a fabric for instance as flannel, is positioned on top of the screen 103, this fabric" serving to retain the finely divided purifying material in place andbeing held in position by the spring 105, which may be of any desired construction. The-upstanding wall 106 of the member 95 and the depending wall 107 of the member are spaced a substantial distance apart, the depth of the pan 95 being greater than the depth of the member 100. This pan 95, during operation of the device, contains a finely divided or pulverized material 110 such as charcoal dust, preferably so finely divided that all of it will pass through a sixty mesh screen, arranged to form a layer of substantially uniform thickness over the member 100, and filling the trough which exists between the upstanding flange 100 and the depending flange 107. The oil'- take pipe 08 opens through the wall of the member8l, as shown in the dotted lines in Fig. 1, the construction of the purifier being such that gas from the producer passes through the pipe 08 into the purifier between the wall of the member 81 and the inverted cup shaped member 90. The gas passes over the member 90, between that mem er and the member 81, then upwardly between the member 90 and the upstanding flange 100, through the layer of purifying material, and out through the pipe 92 to the delivery main. As

it passes through the material the im urities such as dust, tar,etc., are removed t erefrom. In practice it has been found that the pulverized material 110 tends, as a-result of vibration to draw away from the flange 100. As a result unless means is provided for preventing it, some of the gas will be short circuited and will pass down through the space thus formed and through the cloth, screen, and perforated plate, without passing through the purifying material. In order to overcome this defect the trough or passage is provided between the flanges 104.- and 106, which when filled with charcoal dust prevents the formation of these passages through which the gas may pass without being treated.

As stated above, the top 82 is double walled, a space being provided between these two walls which, during operation of the device, contains a layer of water for providing moisture within the blast. As the hot from the offtake pipe 68 passes into the purifier it heats the lower wall of the top 82, this heat being transmited into the water within the space. or vaporizer, 115 to vaporize some of that water. Air for the producer blast passes in through the opening 116, in the upstanding flange 117, thence through the opening 118, in the top wall'of the member 82, over the surface of the water within the vaporizer and thence through the inlet pipe 119 to the blast inlet 60. The level of the water within the vaporizer is maintained constant by means of an arrangement somewhat similar to the well known chicken feed apparatus, and for purposes of description this term is used to designate this particular part of the apparatus. This chicken feed regulator conslsts of an inverted vessel or glass bottle 120, the open mouth or neck 121 of which extends through the opening 118, into the vaporizer and is supported by a spider 122. This bottle,

at the beginning of operations, is filled with.

water and placed in inverted position. So long as the'level of the water within the space 115 is sufficiently high to prevent the inflow of air to the bottle there will be no escape of water therefrom, but as soon as the level of water within the vaporizer falls sufliciently to uncover the mouth of the bottle water will flow therefrom into the vaporizer and air will flow into the bottle to take its place. An automatic feed is thus provided to maintain the water level within the space 115 substantially constant. The bottle 120 is preferably of glass so that the quantity of water therein may be easily seen, and a reserve water supply thus maintained. Flanges or ba'files 124 are positioned within the vaporizer so that air passing through the vaporizer chamber from the inlet 116 to the outlet 130 is caused to flow over the whole surface of the water.

Apparatus of the character just described is termed a saturator and is operated on the principle that air in the presence of sufficient water vapor will become satuated at the temperature which exists. As the quantity of gas varies under varying load, or the olftake temperature of the gas varies, the heat lnput into the water in the vaporizer correspondingly varies and, therefore, the temperature to which the air passing through the vaporizer is raised will also correspondingly vary. When more gas is being generated, therefore, the heat input into the vaporizer is greater to maintain a substantially constant saturation of the air even though more air is being passed through the saturator. 'And the reverse is true when the load for the producer falls off. Also if the ofi'take temperature of the gas tendsto rise, or fall, which betokens variable conditions within the active zone of the fuel bed, the heat input into the water in the vaporizer will correspondin ly vary to vary the proportion of moisture in the blast to thus'return conditions within the fuel bed to normal.

thepipe 119 by means 0 The material 110 within the purifier, will normally have a long life during operation, but this material should be renewed from time to time. The spring hooks 85 for holding the members 81 and 82 in assembled position are provided in order that ready access may be had to the interior of the purifier for renewin this purifying material. To further facilitate ready access to the interior of the purifier the pipe connecting the space 115 to the blast inlet 60 is so constructed that it also may be readily detached from the member 82. As shown the top wall of the member 82 has an upstanding flange 130 which is provided with a seat 131. The pipe 119 has a housing 132, in axial alignment with the flange 130 attached thereto. Slidably mounted within thishousing 132 is a hollow plug 133, the lower end of which is adapted to co operate with the seat 131, the interior of the plug within the housin being connected to %a suitably arranged passage. A spring 134 is associated with the plug 133 and normally urges that plug into extended position, and, when the housing is properly positioned, holds that plug tightly against the seat 131. The pipe 119 is so constructed that the housing 132 may be swung clear of the top 82 to permit ready removal of that top or swung back into alignment with the flange 130 to connect the pipe 119 to the space 115. If desired a suitable swivel joint can be provided in the pipe 119 but satisfactory operation may be secured without such a joint. It has been found in practice, that suitable swinging movement of the member 132 may be secured by turning the threaded end 135, of the pipe 119, within the cooperating internally threaded end of the passage 60.

As shown and described the producer has no definitely formed lining, such as has been utilized heretofore. Instead the unlined shell of the producer, is charged with fuel, the construction being such that only the central portion of this fuel bed is ignited, to constitute the active or generating zone, the passage of the blast through the'ignited portion of the fuel bed being so controlled that a zone of inactive fuel, of suitable thickness, exists at all times, surrounding the active portion of the fuel bed and separating this active portion from the shell, to heat insulate the ignited fuel, this inactive portion or zone of the fuel bed thus functioning as a lining. The passage of the blast through the fuel bed is readily controlled, within desired limits, by properly positioning and proportioning the ofitake member 65 relative to the tuyere 42, and the diameter of the tuyere relative to the diameter of the generating chamber. By increasing or decreasing the distance of this member from the tuyere the quantity of the ignited fuel i. e., the extent of the active zone, may be readily increased or decreased. With any predetermined proportioning and positioning of the draft tube and the tuyere open- .ing there will be a possible maximum extent of the active zone of the fuel bed under maximum load, which means when the maximum blast is passing through the fuel bed. As the load falls off the quantity of blast will correspondingly fall off and the extent of the active zone likewise decrease. Therefore, not only is there such control of the blast as will restrict the extent of the active fuel bed, but for any given construction there is a limitation of the maximum extent of that fuel bed.

In Figs. 4 and 5 is shown a somewhat modified form of construction. The producer proper, is substantially identical with the producer shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 and described above. It varies primarily in that the passage 66 connecting the central draft tube 65' to the ofi'take plpe 68 passes directly through the side of the producer, instead of passing downwardly and connecting to a pas sage in the base member, which passage is in turn connected to the ofitake pipe 68'. It is sometimes found, in the operation of the apparatus disclosed in Figs. 1 and 2, that the gas as it passes from the producer is cooled down so materially that sufficient heat is not present therein to cause the generation of suitable quantities of vapor in the vaporizing chamber 115 of the saturator. By passing the gas directly through the side of the producer to the oiftake pipe 68, it is at a higher temperature as it passes to the saturator than is the case in the construction described above.

Where the gas is thus passsed ofl directly through the side of the producer, the type of urifier and saturatorshown 1n Fig. 1 may be utilized if desired. But other types of combined purifier and saturator may be used, another very satisfactory type being shown in Figs. 4 and 5, which type is fundamentally the same in rinciple and operation as the form of puri er described above.

This purifier and vaporizer comprises a cylindrical shell 150. While the shell in the purifier shown in Fig. 1 is also cylindrical, that shell is more in the nature of a pan, in that it has substantially greater diameter than height. But the shell 150 has substantially greater height than'diameter. This shell has a top member 151, provided with a. groove 152, adapted to receive the upper edge of the shell 150, suitable packing material 153 being provided for making a tight joint. The gas to be cleaned passes into the shell through the pipe 68' and out through the pipe 92', which in reality forms a section of the delivery main 72. As in the construction described above a layer of filtering material is interposed between the inlet and the outlet pipes; but in this particular modification the construction is such as to facilitate and make particularly easy the removal of the filtering material. The

inner end of the outlet pipe is conica haped as shown at 154, this conical shaped end being constructed to cooperate with a conical shaped opening 155 in the base member 156. Supported upon this base member is a frustoconicalmember 157, which is perforated and which corresponds in function with the perforated member 103 in the purifier described above ;that is, it serves to support the filtering material. As shown the member 157 is constructed of suitable wire screen or cloth, but it may be of any other desired construction. A perforated sheet of steel functions very satisfactorily, and if desired this memher, and the member 156 may be .made of a single casting, although the construction shown has been found to function very satisfactorily indeed. The member 156 has a clam ing flange 158 cooperating therewith, whic serves to clamp to that member a hollow member 159 which is of a shape corresponding to the member 157, and which is spaced, when in assembled position, a suitable distance from said member. If desired the upper end of this member 159 may be left open, as shown, its lower end being also open and firmly held between the base member 156 and the flange 158. The member 159 is preferably made of wire cloth or screen, the size of the openings therein being dependent upon the sizing of the purifying material. Satisfactory operation has been attained with purifying material all of which passed over a 60 mesh screen the member 159, being made of 40 mesh screen. should be such that the purifying material will be retained therein, and in'actual practice this occurs when the above dimensions are present. If desired this member may be of perforated sheet metal, or a casting, a fabric covering, of material such as flannel Of course the member 159- HUI cloth, being provided therefor, the character of this covering beingsuch as to readily permit passage of the gas to be purified therethrough, but to retain the purifying material in place. The inner perforated member 157, has cooperating therewith a layer, or stockingof fabric or filamentous material 160, which, as described above, is preferably wool cloth or flannel. The members 156, 157 and 159 are so proportioned that a space of suitable dimensions is provided between them to receive the purifying material which is the same as that described above.

By meansof. this construction renewal of the purifying material is a comparatively simple matter. In order to renew this material the top 151 is removed, and the members 156, 157 and 159, which, for purposes of convenience in description are designated as a cartridge for receiving the purifying material, are removed as a unit. This cartridge, being removed, is inverted and the fouled purifying material dumped therefrom after which it is filled with new material and replaced in the purifier shell. The conical shaped end 154 of the'outlet pipe and the hole or passage 155 have their cooperating surfaces finished to form a ground joint so dnat leakage therethrough is revented. A bail or handle 161 is carried y the cartridge to facilitate its removal from, or insertion into, the shell 150.

The top 151 functions, not only as a covering to close the upper end of the purifier shell 150 but also as a saturator. This top is double walled, as is the casewith the purifier described above in connection with Figs. 1 and 2, to provide a water receivin' space 1.62. Depending from the top is a double walled flange 163, which; when the to is in osition, ex tends downwardly into t 'e puri er shell, be ing positioned between the upperend of the cartridge and the shell 150, and suitably.

aced from each of these. This depending ange acts as a bafile to prevent the hot in-- coining gases from impinging directly upon 7 the cartridge, and also, because of its construction, the heat transfer from the ases to Y the Water within the vaporizing cham or 162,

of which the space within the depending flange constitutes a part, is facilitated. An outwardly projecting flange or baffie member 164 which is attached to the lower end of the member 163, extends part way around the purifier shell, and functions to cause all of the incoming gases introduced through the pipe 68' to pass between the member-163 and the shell 150 an.d then to pass through an bpening 165, as they travel through the purifier. These hot gases are thus caused to pass completely around the depending flange 163 thus increasing the time during which they contact with that member and thereby increasing the quantity of heat transferred to the water within the vaporizing chamber.

Water is introduced into the vaporizing chamber 162 by means-of apparatus similar in principle, and quite similar in construction, to that described above. Associated with the member 151 is an open topped vessel 166, the interior of which is connected to the space 162. This member is preferably supported upon a pipe 167, one end of which is threaded within an outlet port in the member 166 and the other within an inlet passage, which opens into the space 162. Supported in any suitable manner, with its lower open end positioned within the vessel 166 is a bottle or vessel 120', which contains, during operation of the device, a reserve sup 1y of water, to be admitted into the vaporizing chamber 162 as needed. As shown this bottle is supported bgl means of a standard 169, carrying suita e supporting rings 170, this standard being substantially identical in construction with supporting members of this kind which are in quite general use in chemical and physical laboratories. Any other desired means of supporting this bottle, such for example as a standard carried by shell of the purifier, may *be used. .The bottle is so positionedthat the lower edge of its mouth corresponds with the desired level of water within the space 162, the level of the-water within this space being thus automatically controlled. Air enters through the port 171, within the top 172 of the saturator, passing over the surface of the water within the space 162 and thence through the pipe 119' to the blast inlet absorbing moisture as it'goes. In order to increase the time during which the air is within the vaporizer, to thus insure its taking up the desired quantity of moisture,- the bafile members 173 are provided so that the air takes a circuitous path. The top 172 is preferably made as a separate member of the saturator, to permit ready access to the vaporizer chamber. y

In Figs. 6 and 7 is shown still another modified formof apparatus. In this mod1- fication the shell 20, with the top and associated parts carried thereby, is substantially identical with thc shell heretofore described in connection with Figs. 1 and- .2. The base member 22 is however materially different in that it is constructed to house the saturator or vaporizer. This base member is provided with a centrally arranged opening 40" communicating with the ash pit 200, which ash pit with its door is substantially the same as the ash pit heretofore described in connection with the other modifications. Surrounding the ash pit, the base member is provided with two chambers 201 and 202, separated by the partition 203, neither of these chambers being in communication with the other, and the chamber 201 not being in communication with the ash pit. The chambar 201 is connected by means of the passage 67". and through the pipe 66' to the centrally arranged draft tube this chamber also being connected to one end of the pipe 68 the other end of which opens into the purifier or separator. The chamber 202 is provided with a small well 204, see Fig. 8, to which is connected the pipe 205, the other end of this pipe opening into the vessel 206 of the water feed, this water feed being of the same general character as described above. A supporting flange 207 is associated with the vessel 206, the construction being such that a bottle or vessel' 208 containing the main supply of water may be placed in inverted position, with its open end within the vessel 206 and at a height corresponding to the desired level of the water within the vaporizer chamber 202. Air passes into the vaporizer through a passage 209 in the outer wall thereof, shown in Fig. 12 and in dotted lines in Figs. 6 and 7, and thence into the ash pit through the passage 210 in the wall of the ash pit; shown in Fig. 13 and in dotted lines in Fig. 7, whence it passes upwardly through the tuyere 42" within the refractory ring 41", positioned within the opening 40", taking up moisture as it passes over the surface of the water within the vaporizer cham-' the ashes be removed from time to time.

Otherwise these ashes will tend to accumulate and interfere with satisfactory operation. As illustrated herein, when a chemically active lining, such as a layer of the fuel being utilized in the gas generation, is used the path of the blast through the fuel bed and consequently the quantity of fuel within the active or ignited zone of thefuel bed is unimpeded. Of course where the conventional type of lining such as the ordinary firebrick lining is used, which lining is chemically inert, so far as the gas making reactions are concerned, and does not react chemically to assist in any way in the gas generation, the active or ignited zone of the fuel bed is positively defined and cannot possibly spread horizontally, or transversely, through the producer beyond the surface of this firebrick lining. But where no chemically inert lining of this character is used, but instead a chemically active linin is present, the unlined shell of the pro ucer being filled with the fuel and the active or ignited zone controlled by the proportioning and positioning of the ofttake relative to the t-uyere, the blast is comparatively free, and will take the path of least resistance. If the quantity of blast in passing through the fuel bed increases the active zone will ordinarily be greater, transversely, than when a smaller amount of blast is utilized, it being, of course, obvious that with the central ofi'take fixed the maximum depth of the active fuel bed is constant and any variation in the quantity of the fuel within the active zone may occur only through the active zone spreading out radially. Consequently the active zone will, during operation, normally be of greatest diameter about midway between the tuyere and the draft tube. As shown in several of the figures this central part of the active zone is considerably greater in diameter than the tuyre opening and overhangs the refractory ring 41. Consequently ashes will tend to accumulate upon and around this refractory ring. In the type of base and grate construction shown in Figs. 1-5 these ashes will ordinarily be removed only when the producer is shut down and given a general cleaning out. \Vhere the operation of the producer is not continuous, no trouble results from this accumulation of ashes, for

coming troublesome.

the producer will normally operate a number of hours without such an accumulation bethe producer is utilized for operati a conventional house lighting plant it wi not ordinarily be subjected to a continuous run of more than 5 or 6 hours and there should normally be no trouble resulting from ash accumulation during such a period of operation. But if the producer should be used continuously, for a number of days, as would be the case where it generated gas for domestic use, such as cooking, heating, li hting, etc., this accumulation after severe? run might be sufficient to seriously interfere with the efficient operation of the producer. And the grate construction shown-1n Fi 6 is especially designed for taking care of his condition.

The grate 211 is positioned above the tuyere or opening 42" instead of below it. Beingso positioned it cannot be removed, as can the types of grates described above, in order to re-. move ashes accumulating thereon and on. the base member and refractory ring. Therefore the grate is so constructed that ashes which tend to accumulate around it may be moved toward the periphery thereof and then into the ash pit, through the tuyere. While a. number of difierent forms of grate have been found to function in a desirable manner for this purpoe, that shown in the drawing is very satisfactory in operation. This, grate is substantially hemispherical in form and is pro vided with suitable perforations 212 through which ashes fall into the ash pit. The grate is mounted upon a rotatable shaft 213 which extends downwardly through the bottom of the ash pit, being supported in a sleeve 214, threadedly mounted in the bottom of the ash pit, which sleeve also makes a tight joint to prevent the leakage of air into the ash pit. Rotatably mounted upon the lower end of the shaft 213 is an operating handle 215, the hub 216 of which is provided with a pawl or tooth 217, cooperating with the ratchet or teeth upon the sleeve 218, keyed to the shaft 213 so as to be slidable along that shaft but con- For example, where.

days

strained to rotate with it. A spring 219 surrounds the shaft 213 one end bearing against the sleeve 214 and the other against the sleeve 218 to urge the member 218 into engagement with the hub 216. Proper actuation of the handle 215, will, through-the ratchet and pawl mechanism described, give corresponding rotation of the grate 211. Such rotation will not only cause ashes to pass downwardly through the perforations therein but will also cause the ashes which do not pass there.- through to move toward the edge of the grate. In order to prevent the accumulation of ashes around the grate and tuyere opening,-upon the ring 41", the grateisprovided with a plurality of outstanding curved arms or'scrapers down the transfer of heat from the active "zone of the fuel bed into the surrounding at mosphere. But in this construction the transfer of heat into the base member, either through the grate or through the refractory ring 41" is of less importance than in the forms of construction described above. For most of the heat thus transferred to the base member seems to heat the walls of the vaporizer and walls therein to thus preheat the air, or blast, as it passes to the generator, and is thus carried back into the reaction zone.

As shown the base member is made in two pieces, the upper of which functions primar- 1ly as a base for the shell 20", the other con-1 taining the two chambers 201, 202, and the ash pit. The surfaces of these two members which cooperate when the device is assembled are properly machined to constitute ground joints, the ring 221 also being provided within the passage 67 to prevent the possibility of leakage through the joint at that place.

In order to hold the two parts of the base member together, and at the same time hold the shell 20" tightly upon the packing positioned between it and the base member the lower section of the base member is provided with lugs having passages therethrough which cooperate with threaded passages in the upper section of the base. Bolts 222 are positioned within these passages and, when drawn tight, hold the two sections of the base together. Attached to the shell 20", near the bottom thereof, is a plurality of bolts or extensions223, which, when the device is in assembled position are adapted to extend through passages 224 in the upper section of the base member. The free ends of these members 223 are threaded to receive supporting legs, such as described above, which, when they are tightened draw the composite base member, as a unit, tightly against the flange 32" of the shell.

The purifier shown in Fig. 6 is quite similar to that shown in Fig. 1, and described above. However, because of the vaporizer being positioned within the base member of the producer, that part of the construction shown in Fig. 1 is omitted. The purifying material used, in each of these purifiers, consists of very finely pulverized material, preferably such carbonaceous material as is used in the producer itself. The fuel used in the producer may be of widely varying character, but preferably charcoal, coke or anthracite coal is used, since the quantity of tar formed when gas is generated from these fuels is much less than where bituminous coal or lignite is used. \Vhile the producer shown is fully adapted for the use of practically any carbonaceous fuel, the types of purifiers shown herein are primarily adapted for the cleaning of gases resultin from the gasification of charcoal, coke, ant racite coal or analogous fuels. These purifiers will function with gas generated from other fuels, but where the gas contains large quantities of tar, a urifier such as that shown in the patent to arry F. Smith No. 1,099,773 will probably function more satisfactorily than the purifiers shown and described here-- in. Where large quantities of tar are present the purifiers described herein tend to clog up making necessary comparatively frequent renewal of the layer of purifying material. Where a fuel such as charcoal, for example, is used the impurities are deposited upon the layer of purifying material, forming a gum my layer upon the surface thereof. This deposited layer consists of a mixture of finely pulverized fuel, which is introduced. to a greater or. less extent, into the generating chamber along with the fuel charged therein, in admixture with tar. If this layer of deposited material is removed, the original purifying material'will be found unimpaired in effectiveness. In order to accomplish the removal of this layer without the necessity of closing down the plant and opening the purifier housing, a scraper'member 230 is provided which is mounted upon the rotatable shaft 231, extending through the top 232, of the purifier, the outer end of this shaft being provided with an operating handle, or with wrench receiving surfaces to permit of rotation thereof. The purifier is preferably constructed of-thin sheet metal. In order to give sufficient rigidity, and to provide a suitable bearing surface for the shaft 231 the two part sleeve and bearing 233 is provided, which serves also to prevent leakage along the shaft 231. As shown clearly in Fig. 11 the scraper member is curved so that upon rotation thereof it will force the deposited material across the layer of purif ing material and over the -ed e thereof. l uring operation of the device it is sometimes found that the layer of purifying material settles so that although impurities are deposited upon the upper surface thereof the scraper is ineffective to remove them. The scraper member, is, therefore, provided with a plurality of teeth which break up this layer of deposited material as the scraper is rotated. If desired the scraper member may be entirely dispensed with and a rake member alone be utilized, the purpose of which is to break up this layer of deposited impurity. Preferably, however, the two-are combined as shown in Figs. 6 and 11 so that not only is the layer of deposited material broken up, but it is also removed. As shown the combined rake and scraper member consists of a curved strip of material 234 to which is attached, by means of wood screws or in some other suitable way, strips of wood, desig- .nated generally by the numeral 235, through which project nails or wires 236 which extend down into the layer of purifying mathree of these bafiles are provided, one designated by the numeral 237 extending across the far side of the purifier housing and at substantially right angles to the direction of flow of the gas as it passes from the pipe 68", the other two, designated generally by the numeral 238, also being arranged at substantially right angles to the direction of the flow of the gas but positioned across the near side of the purifier housing, and spaced apart so that most of the gas passing into the housing will flow between them, a small part of'this gas being stripped off and caused to eddy between these battles and the wall of the purifier. In its other details of construction this type of purifier is substantially identical with that shown in Fig. 1. Where this type of purifier is used the fuel introduced into the generating chamber of the producer need not be so carefully screened, 0 remove finely divided fuel, as is the case in the types of purifiers illustrated in Figs. 1 through 5. In fact substantial quantities of finely divided material may be purposely introduced into the generating chamber along with the fuel, so that the layer of deposited impurities will contain, proportionately, considerable quantities of solid fuel. The resulting deposited layer will consequently be less sticky and gummy, and may be more easily removed.

In Figs. 9 and 10 is shown another type of grate adapted to facilitate the removal of ashes, as does the grate shown in Figs. 5 and 6. In this type of construction the grate proper, 250, has attached thereto, but suitably spaced therefrom a scraper member 251,

this scraper member having an extension 252 attached at one side thereof, the free end of this member 252 being pivotally attached to the base member as shown at 253, so that the grate may be swung back and forth across the tuyere opening, and the refractory ring, to cause ashes to pass through this opening. For operating the grate an operating handle 254 is provided, one end of which is rigidly connected to the shaft 255 which extends upwardly through the base member of the producer. Rigidly mounted upon the inner end of this shaft is an arm 256, one end of which is connected to one end of the link member 257, the other end of thislink member being attached to the scra r element 251 of the grate. Movement 0 the handle 254, to rotate the shaft 255 will cause the grate, and; associated scraper member to move back and forth thus forcing ashes out through the tuyere opening.

The gas producers illustrated are of comparatively small capacity, having a grate diameter of not more than twelve inches and preferably not-more than six inches. But this invention is fully applicable to large size producers as well.

For any given fuel there is a certain 'efl'ec tive thickness for the active zone which should be maintained in order to secure the most efficient as generation. This most efficient depth is apparently independent of the grate area. That is, by way of illustration, in small size producers, having a grate diameter of six inches, say, the effective depth should be from twelve to fourteen inches, where charcoal is used as a fuel. And this same effective depth should be maintained in larger size producers, those, say, having grate diameter of five or six feet, or more. This effective depth is controlled, in small size producers, by positioning the central offtake a suitable distance from the tuyere orgrate. And the same method of controlling the effective depth may be used in larger size producers.

With a producer of the construction described, in which the conventional linin is dispensed with and a portion of the fuel Iied itself functions as the heat insulating material, not onl is the manufacture of the producer itsel greatly simplified, and cost and trouble of maintenance greatly decreased, but in addition the gas making is more efficiently effected and the quality of the gas is also im roved. \Vhere a conventional lining is provided, which lining for purposes of descriptibn is designated as chemically inert, the hottest zone in the fuel bed is normally adjacent the lining. This is due to the fact that resistance to flow of the blast through the fuel bed is less in this zone than in the center. Consequently not only is the gas generated in this outer zone of poorer quality than that generated in the center of the fuel bed, but, in addition, the temperatures are such that fusing of the ash, and even of the lining itself, may result, with the formation of clinkers. But where a portion of the fuel bed functions as a lining, which condition of operation is designated, for purposes of description, as having a chemically active lining, that portion of the blast passing through the outer part of the active zone of fuel travels a greater distance than that portion passing through the center of the active portion of thefuel bed and therefore good gas results in this outer part, and at the addition it is chemically of such character that it will not react with the ash, or any of the other substances present in the fuel and in the ash to an appreciable extent, to cause fusing. Thus not only is ordinary clinkering eliminated but in addition slagging of the lining is also prevented. Of course, if sufficiently high temperatures are attained there will e a fusing of the ash in a producer having a chemicallyactive lining, butinasmuch as there is nothing for the clinker to adhere to, no fixed lining to which it may become attached, any clinker which may be formed will pass downwardly as the fuel is consumed and may be easily removed through the grate. Furthermore a lining of this character is continuously renewed, so that there is no necessity for shutting down the plant to repair the lining.

' Not only is this type of producer construction advantageous, for the reasons set out above, but in addition it is. as stated above, especially advantageous in shortening the blowing u period. This is due partly to the thorough lieat insulation which exists. For crushed carbon is an almost perfect heat insulator, and in actual practice producers have been operated over long periods, with carbon lining, Without the metallic shell becoming sufiiciently warm to be unpleasant to the touch. In addition this arrangement is such that whatever course the blast may take it is always in contact with chemically active material. Therefore, the active zone of the fuel bed may fluctuate in extent without restriction, so that good gas will be generated without the entire fuel bed being brought up to'a state of incandescence. That is, the range of load over which good gas will be generated is wider than in the conventional producer. In effect, there is a producer of small diameter when the load is light and a producer of greater diameter when the load is heavier.

Of course, if desired, a lining of a definite form and thickness'may be utilized. Such a lining is shown in Fig. 17, the lining being made-u of carbon brick 275, instead of the conventional firebrick. Such a lining will function satisfactorily, but it is of course open to the objection that renewal thereof is necessar if the brick are consumed so as to unduly ecrease the thickness of the layer of insulating material. However, in the making of such brick, carbon like that used in carbon for are lights is used and carbon of this character is greatly resistant to oxidation, even at very high temperatures. But if desired the diameter of the space within this lining, and the effective diameter of the grate, may e greater than the normal width of the active zone of the fuel bed, and if thus roportioned renewal of such a lining should not be necessary, since the active zone of the fuel bed need not necessarily be so extensive as to result in the carbon brick being consumed.

In the types of producers, described above, each producer is shown provided with-a cover or closure member for the fuel supply opening. This construction is used where the producer is designed primaril for. a definite period of operation on one c arge. In operating a conventional house lighting plant, for example, the producer will normally run about five or six hours to charge the batteries of the plant. The producer shell is, therefore, made of such proportions that when fully charged it contains suflicient fuel to furnish gas for operating the Delco light engine over such a period of time. Where the producer is so constructed it must be shut down in order to replenish the fuel supply, for the producer cannot o erate with the fuel supply opening uncovere Where the. gas plant is to operate con= tinuously,'as it would when supplying gas for domestic use, such as cooking, heating, lighting and the like, it is preferably provided with a fuel feeding mechanism so that fuel may be introduced into the producer, as needed, without any interruption in the gas making reactions. A type of fuel feed,

designed for this purpose, is shown in Figs.

14 and 15.

This fuel feed comprises a housing member 280, having a hollow cylindrical member 281, therein, a port 282 being provided in this hollow member. The member 281 is rotatably mounted, the construction bein such that when in one position the port 282 t erein will be in full register with the inlet passage 283, of the housing 280, and when in a position 180 de ees therefrom, it will be in full register wit the fuel discharge passa e 284, within the housing 280. In feeding uel to the producer the rotatable member 281 is positioned with the pocket 282 in register with the passage 283. Fuel is then introduced to fill the interior of the member 281 after which it is turned to brin the port 282 therein into register with the uel discharge opening 284. \Vhen the port 282 is in register with either of the passa es 283 and 284 the other passage isclosed off y the opposing wall of the cylindrical member 281. The escape of gas or leakage of air through the fuel feeding mechanism is thus prevented, since the interior of the generating chamber is at no time in open communication with the atmosphere.

member described above.

As shown, particularly in Fig. 15 the cylindrical member 281 is provided with end I plates 285, attached thereto by means of bolts,

each end plate being of such dimensions that it overlaps the cooperating end of the'housing 280 to both retain the member 281 in positlon and tend to prevent the escape of gas or leakage of air at this point. For rotating the .fuel feeding member 281 an operating handle 286, carried by a plate 287, attached to one of the end plates 285 is provided.

If desired a funnel 288, adapted to facilitate introduction of fuel into the passage 283, ma be used.

his fuel feeding member is so designed that it is interchangeable with the closure The base of the housin 280 is provided with a groove 290, adapte to receive the upstanding flange 25,

surrounding the fuel inlet opening, suitable packing 291 being positioned therein to prevent leakage. The locking members 28, are so constructed that not only have they small lugs for receiving the bail which holds the closure or cover in. place, but also so constructed that they will cooperate with a flange 292, carried upon the base of the member 280 to hold that member tightly in engagement with the upstanding flange 25.

By means of this construction the fuel feeding member and the cover are made interchangeable, so that the'same type of producer construction may be used where the gas making plant is to be used in connection with a conventional house lighting plant, or where it is to be used for continuous operation generally. Orif desired both a cover and a fuel feeding mechanism may be provided and that one used which fits the needs of the particular' occasion.

In Fig. 16 is shown a plan view of the locking member 28, this view with the sectional view shown in the various other figures furnishing a clear disclosure of the precise construction of this particular part of the apparatus.

While the method herein described, and the forms of apparatus for carrying this method into effect, constitute preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise method and forms of apparatus, and that changes may be made in either without departing from the-scope of the invention which pit thereinand a cenash from off the base member through the said blast opening into the ash pit.

2. In a gas producer system, a gas generator comprising a shell adapted to contain a fuel bed of solid carbonaceous material; a base member closing the lower end of said shell and havin an ash-pit therein and an opening connectmg said ash-pit to the inte nor of the generator, a refractory member within said opening, said refractory member having an opening therein centrally ar ranged with respect to the generator shell, and, a grate cooperating with said last-named opening.

3. A gas producer comprising a shell adapted to receive a fuel bed; a base member closing said shell and having an-ash pit therein tioned therein and overhanging said opening 7 and grate, whereby ashes tend to accumulate on the base member surrounding said blast opening, and a scraper extending over said base member for moving such accumulated ash across the said base member and through the said blast opening into the ash pit.

4. A gas producer comprising a gas gencrating chamber adapted to contain a fuel bed; a base member closing the lower end thereof for supporting the fuel bed, said base containing an as'h pit and having a centrally arranged blast opening therein connecting the generating chamber to the ash pit; a grate rotatably mounted within said opening,

and a scraper member carriedby said grate and overlying the base member, adapted upon rotation of the grate to move ash from the base,

member through the centrally arranged blast opening into the ash pit.

5. In a as producer system, a gas generating them er comprising an unlined she'll adapted to contain a fuel bed of solid carbonaceous material; a gas offtake positioned within the interior of said shell and adapted to be surrounded by fuel during operation;

and blast means laterally spaced from the shell adapted to introduce a blast over a restricted portion of the. fuel bed; the draft tube and the blast means being arranged close to each other so that the ath of travel of the blast through the fuel be will be so restricted that during gas-making operations the active zone of the fuel bed will not come into contact with the shell of the generating chamber.

6. In a gas producer system, a gas generator comprising an unlined shell adapted to contain a fuel bed of solid carbonaceous ma? terial; a centrally arranged draft tube serving as an oiftake for the generated gas,

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