US1803600A - Apparatus for making ozone - Google Patents

Description

Mays, 1931 J. M. DAILY 1,803,600

APPARATUS FOR MAKING OZONE Filed Jan. 7, 1928 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 vMay 5, 1.931.

l1. M. DAILY AiPARATUs FOR MAK-ING OZONE Filed Jan. s sheets-sheet' 2 May 5, 1931.

J. M. DAILY APPARATUS FOR MAKING ,OZONE s 'sheets-sheet s Filed Jan. 7, 1928 Patented May 5, 193i UNITED STATES ,PATENT` OFFICE JAMES MARLOWE DAILY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR, BY DIRECT .AND MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO AMERICAN OZONE COMPANY, 0F CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORA-- TION OF ILLINOIS APPARATUS FOR MAKING OZONE v .Application mea .Tanuary 7, 192s. serial No. 245,081.

The present invention relates generally to apparatus for making ozone or ozonous air. More particularly the invention relates to o'zone generators of the electricallyv operated t pe.

yOne obj ect ofthe invention is to provide an electricozone generator comprising a series of generating units, each of which consists of a grounded electrode, a pair of high tension electrodes adjacent the sides of the grounded electrode and two sets of glass distributing plates arranged between the electrodes and spaced apart to form spark gaps and chambers for the air, in which the units are annularly arranged so as to bel compact and the glass plates are extended to form a if central conduitv into which the ozonous air or ozone 1s exhausted from the air chambers between the said plates.

Another object of the invention is to provide anozone generator of this character in which the annularly arranged units and the parts thereof areindividually removable so that they may be readily replaced when worn or ybroken without disturbing the other units Another object of the invention is to provide-a generator of the aforementioned character in which provisionis made for adjusting the height of the glass distributing plates so that during the assembling operation they may be readily brought into the proper position with respect toxthe electrodes and to form the central ozone conduit.

Another object of the invention is to provide a generator of this type in which the grounded electrodes are water-cooled and are*y provided with removable back plates whereby laccess may be had to thefwater compartments without removing or displacing the electrodes.

Another object of the invention is to provide an ozone generator'in which the elecpactly arranged within an enclosing struc' ture. c

Other objects -of the invention and the various advantages and characteristics of the present generator construction will be apparent from a consideration of the following dei tailed description.

The invention consists in the several novel features herein-after set forth and more pary ticularly defined by the claims at the conclu-A sion hereof.

In the drawings which accompany and form a part of this specification or disclosure and in which like reference numerals denote corresponding or like parts:

Figure 1 is a plan view of an electric ozone generator embodying the invention, parts being shown in section for illustrative p-ur poses;

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 2 2 of Figure l;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of one of the ozone generating-units;

Figure 4 is a detail sectional view of the parts which are used to hold the upper ends of th'edistributing plates in place;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary perspective viev;T ofoneof the spring sealing strips which are' used between the pairs of distributing plates; and

Figure 6 is a horizontal sectional view taken on line 6 6 of Figure 2 and illustrat ing in detail the construction of the groundl l ed electrodes.

' The ozone generator which forms the sub-' ject matter of the invention is of .the electric type and is connected by a pipe 34 to re'- ceive air from any suitable type of air drier device. The pipe is adapted to be con'- trolled by a cut-off valve 36 so that/the supply of airto the generator may be varied. The

generator comprises a substantially square enclosing structure which consists of a sheet metal top 37, sides 38, and a sheet metal bottom 39. The margin of the top is reinforced by a series of angle bars which are secured together to form a frame. The margin of the bottom 39 is reinforced in a similar manner by an angle-bar frame 41. The latter is supported upon legs 42 which arerigidly connected together andy serve to position the generator at any desired elevation. The top is supported and spaced from the bottom by angle bar uprights 43 which have their ends welded or riveted to the frames 40 and 41 respectively. The sides comprise frames 44fwhich are removably held between the uprights and the bottom and top so that access may be had to the elements or parts within the enclosing structure. Panels 45 which are formed of lass or any other transparent material fit within the frames 44 and enable an observer to watch the ozonizing operation and the action of the parts. The margins of the frames 44 fit tightly within and are extended to lap the uprights and 'top and bottom so as substantially to seal the structure.

The means for forming the dried air into ozone or ozonous air comprises a plurality of units which are arranged in a circularl or annular series 'within the enclosing structure and are alike in character and construction so that a description of one is applicable to all. Each unit. extends vertically, is substantially triangular in cross section and consists of a water cooled grounded electrode 46, two pairs of glass distributing plates 47 which are disposed at the sides of the grounded electrode respectively, and a pair of air cooled high tension electrodes 48 which abut against the outer plates 47. The water cooled electrode 46 comprises a pair of outwardly divergent side walls 49, a top wall 50, a back 51, and a bottom wall 52, which together form an elongated triangular chamber 53 through which water is circulated as hereinafter described. The back 51 is removably connected to the outer margins of the side walls 49 by screws 54 so that it may beremoved when access is desired to the water chamber 53. A characteristic of having the backr removable is that the chamber may be cleaned without disturbing the position of the electrode or any of the adjacent parts. The top, bottom, and side walls of the electrode are formed integrally -and are preferably made from a casting of any'suitable conducting material. Battles 55, 56 are connected to the back and side walls respectively to cause the water to circulate back and forth in a more or less tortuous course as it passes through the chamber 53. The electrode 46 is supported from the top 37 and bottom 39 and is electrically connected thereto for grounding purposes by means of a pair of posts 57 and 58, the inner ends of which are anchored in a pair of bosses 59. The latter are formed integrally with the top wall 50 and bottom wall 52 respectively. The outer or lower end of the post 58 is provided with a screw thread 60 and extends through a circular opening which is formed in the bottom 39. A pair of nuts 61 are mounted on the threaded end of the post 58 between which the bottom 39 is clamped. The post 57I is like- Wise threaded at its outer end and is provided with a pair of nuts 62 which are clamped to the top 37. By adjusting the position of these nuts, the elevation or height of the electrode may be varied. This post and nut arrangement exemplies means for adjustably supporting the water-cooled grounded electrode 46. Awater inlet pipe 63 is connected by a nipple 64 to the lower end of the back 51. This pipe'extends through the bottom 39 y and is Iconnectedto a main supply pipe 65 which is supported from said bottom by brackets 66. A Valve 67 is connected to the pipe 63 for controllingtthe flow ot Water therethrough. An outlet pipe 68 for the circulated water is connected by a nipple 69 to the upper end of the back 51. This pipe extends upwardly through the top 37 and is bent inwardly and downwardly to form a neck 70 which empties the water into an annular water trough or gutter 71. The latter is suitably secured in place on the top 37 and is connected to a drain pipe 7 2 which extends through the enclosing structure and is connected to an outlet or sewer pipe (not shown). The neck 7 0 terminates above the trough 71 so that its water stream is visible. As a result of this arrangement it may readily be ascertained whether or not the Water is circulating properly through the electrode.

Each pair of glass plates 47 extends radially and the plates thereof are held in spaced relation by a pair of horizontal glass strips 73 so as to form therebetween a transverse combined spark gap and aiII chamber 74 which is open at its outer and inner ends for the entry of air and the exit of the ozone or ozonous air.

for'example, as cement and are coextensive with said plates. The latter project inwardly of the high tension electrodes and their inner and lower ends are supported upon a ring 75 which is secured `to the central portion of the bottom 39 by means of bolts 76 The latter rlhe strips 73 are secured inplace adjacent the top and bottom margins, of theplates 47 by any suitable means, such,

opening 78 and Jforms an exhaust conduit 81 for the ozone or ozonous air which passes i from the chambers 74. The upper end of ward movement of the lower ends of the.

plates. A cylindrical asbestos washer 82 extends around the upper end of the sleeve and terminates adjacent the lower spacing strips This washer together with the washer 79 operates to form a seal which prevents the ozone or ozonous air from passing elsewhere than the exhaust conduit 81. In other words the seal prevents the ozone from passing around the inner ends of the lower strips 73 `and into the enclosing structure where it would oxidize and chemically react with all the metallic parts. Each set or pair of plates 47 projects outwardly of the electrodes and the outer and lower ends of the plates are supported upon an adjustable supporting element 83 which is formed of porcelain or any other non-conducting material. This element comprises a lower or base member v84 which is secured to the bottom 39, an upper member 85 upon which the plates 47 rest, and an adjusting screw 86 which is threaded to the base member so that rotation thereof will separate the members. The screw 86 is provided with a knurled iinger disc 87 whereby it may be readily grasped and rotated. The supporting elements 83 exemplify adjustable means whereby the distributing plates may be elevated and tilted into their proper position.

The upper and inner ends of the plates 47 abut against a hollow cylindrical element 88 which is formed of porcelainand is secured to the center of the top 37 by means of a bolt 89. The latter is suitably anchored in a socket 90 which is formed in the upper end of the cylindrical element and projects through the top. A nut 91 is threaded to the upper end of the bolt 89 and clamps the latter to the top. An asbestos cylindrical washer 92 which is similar to the washer 82 extends around the lower end of the element 88 and adjacent the inner ends of the upper stripsto hold the plates in their operative position.

The band is of the split type and its ends are secured together by. a screw 95 so that it may be contracted to rigidly secure it around the element. An asbestos washer 96 is interposed between the ring 93 and the plates 47.

The inner edges of the glass plates 47 form a central or common exhaust conduit 97 for receiving the ozone exhausted frolnthe chainbers 74. A characteristic of forming the conduit in this manner is that separate ozone electrodes.

piping is eliminated. The spaces between the inner margins of the pairs of plates are sealed by means of vertically extendingtiller strips 98 which are preferably made of asbestos covered spring brass so that they will not be efected by the ozonous air. The central portion ot' each of these strips is bent to form a cylindrical socket 99 through which extends a steel rod, 100. The ends of the rods 11 project beyond the upper and lower margins of the plates 47 and are confined in annular asbestos lined grooves 101 and 102 which are formed in the rings 93 and 754 respectively. These rods serve to hold the filler strips in place. The sides 103 of each strip extend toward the conduit 97 and are bent outwardly and then inwardly so that they will press against the plates and form an effective seal.

The high tension electrodes 48 vwhich cooperate with the grounded electrodes 46 to produce electric arcs across the chambers 74 whereby ozon-e is formed from the air are in the form of rectangular plates. These plates are formed of any suitable conducting material and abut against the outer glass plates 47. Vertically extending ribs 104 are formed on the free faces of the electrodes 48 for cooling purposes. Each set of adjoining or 0pposite electrodes 46 is supported vfrom the v top 37 by means of an insulator 105 which is rigidly secured in place by a bolt 106 which extends through said top. The lower endv of each insulator is provided with a sheet metal bracket 107 which is provided with an elongated horizontally extending member 108 having a longitudinal slot 109 formed therein. Each set of electrodes is provided with a pair of upwardly projecting sheet move to and from the plates.47 in response to expansion and contraction thereof. The pieces 110 are bolted to the ribs 104 of the The lower end of each set of electrodes is connected to the bottom 39 by an insulator 112, a bracket 113, and pieces114. These last mentioned parts are similar to the supporting means connected to the top ofthe sets and operate in a similar manner. The bolt and slot connections between the pieces 110 and 114 and the brackets 108 and 113 exemplify means for movably supporting the electrodes 48 for` movement to and from the glass plates 47. To press the electrodes 48 into contact with the distributing plates, a diamond shaped spring 115 which is formed of spring metal is wedged betweenl lli The outer faces of the glass plates 47 are lined with strips 117 of tin foil so as to distribute the electric arc which passes between the electrodes 46 l`and l48.

The high tension conductor for supplying electrical current or energy to the electrodes 48 for the purpose of forming the ozone between the plates 47 comprises a substantially circular member 118 which extends around the annular series of ozone forming units and is suspended and held in spaced relation therefrom by a series of arm members 119 which are connected to the electrodes 48 respectively by means of rivets 120 which eX- tend through the arm members and the outermost ribs 104. The outer ends of the arm members 119 of each set or pair of electrodes 48 are bent toward each other so as to contact electrically and are then bent at right angles to each other to form bracket pieces 121 which are secured to the ends of the segments 122 which form member 118. A. characteristic of forming the conductor as set forth is that the ozone units or electrodes 48 may be individually removed without disturbing the entire conductor. During removal of a unit, the segment 122 and thetwo armmembers 119 which are attached thereto are withdrawn with the unit without breaking any bonds or connections. A main conductor 123 is connected to one of the segments 122 and to a source of current. This conductor extends through an insulated sleeve 124 which is suitably clamped to the bottom 39.

The air which enters the generator through the pipe 34 is admitted into the enclosing structure through a distributor 125 which is mounted on the top 87 and is connected to the discharge end of said pipe 84. This distributor is arranged within the ring 71 and delivers the air through a circular series of slots 126 which are formed in the top 37 and are positioned adjacent the inner ends of the plates 47. By so positioning the slots, the air which enters the 'distributor 125 and is colder and heavier than the air in the enclosing structure, passes downwardly and to the bottom 39. This action or circulation keeps the electrodes 48 cool. As the air becomes heated, it rises and is forced outwardly by the incoming cool air into the air chambers 74 where it is broken up into ozone by the electric arcs.

The air to be ozonized, which air is preferably under a comparatively low hydrometric pressure passes through the pipe connection 34 to the distributor 125. From the latter the air passes through the openings or slots 126 and thence downwardly to the bottom of the enclosing structure during which movement it cools the electrodes 48. At the bottom the air becomes warm and then rises and is pushed outwardly and into the air chambers 74. As the air passes transversely or horizontally between the plates 47 it is subjected to the electric arcs which extend across the chambers 74 and break the air into ozone or ozonous air. The latter is forced into the central conduit 97 and then passes to the discharge conduit 81 where it is collected. Should access be desired to the interior of the enclosing structure it is only necessary to remove the frames 44. During operation ot' the generator the water streams at the top of the structure disclose whether the grounded electrodes are being cooled properly. In case the parts break or become worn, they may be readily removed and replaced, Y Y

The invention exemplifies an ozone generator which is of new and improved construction, in which the ozone forming units are arranged in a circular series so as to be compact, in which provision is made for adjustably and removably supporting the parts so that they may be readily positioned and replaced. and in which the ozone conduit is Jformed by the inner margins of the glass distributing plates so that separate ozone piping is eliminated.

The invention is not to be understood as restricted to the details set forth, since these may be modied within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having thus described the invention, what l claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In a generator of the character described, the combination of pairs of plates arranged to form an annular series, the plates of each pair being spaced apart to form therebetween a combined air passage and spark gap, means forming a central conduit in communication with the passages and from which the pairs of plates extend outwardly, electrodes between the pairs of plates, and means Jfor supplying electric current to said electrodes.

2. In a generatorV of the character described, the combination of pairs of plates arranged to form an annular series, the plates of each pair being spaced apart to form therebetween a combined air passage and spark gap, means forming a central conduit in communication with said passages and from which the pairs of plates extend outwardly, an annular series of electrodes interposed between the pairs of plates, and means for supplying electric current to said electrodes.

8. In a generator of the character described, the combination of radially extending pairs of plates, the plates of each pair being spaced apart to form therebetween a combined air passage and spark gap, the inner edges of said plates forming a central conduit into which the passages open, electrodes associated with the pairs of plates, and means for supplying electric current to said electrodes. i

4. In a generator of the character described, the combination of pairs of plates arranged to form an annular series, the plates of each pair being spaced apart to form therebetween a combined air passage and spark gap, the inner edges of said plates forming a central conduit in communication with the passages, sealing strips between the pairs of plates-and adjacent said conduit, electrodes between said pairs of plates, and means for supplying electric current to said electrodes.

5, In a generator of the character described, the combination of pairs of plates arranged to form an annular series, the plates of each pair being spaced apart to form therebetween a combined air passage and spark gap,the inner edges of said plates forming a central conduit in communication with the passages, sealing strips between the pairs of plates and adjacent the conduit, said strips being formed of spring metal and being shaped to press the inner ends of the pairs of plates together, electrodes between said pairs of plates, and means for supplying electric current to said electrodes 6. In a generator of the character. described, the combination of pairs of plates arranged to form an annular series, the plates of each pair being spaced apart to form therebetween a combined air passage and spark gap, the inner edges of said plates forming` a central conduit in communication with the airpassages, sealing strips between the pairs of plates and adjacent said conduit, means for retaining the ends of the strips to hold said'strips in their operative position, electrodes between the pairs of plates, and means for supplying electric current to said electrodes. i

7. In a generatorof the character described, the combination of pairs of vertical plates arranged to form an annular series, the plates of each pair being spaced apart to form therebetween a combined air passage and spark gap, the inner edges of said plates forming a central conduit in communication with the passages, sealing strips between the pairs of plates and adjacent said conduit, rods carried by isaid strips and projecting beyond the upper"` and lower margins 4of the plates, members having means for retaining the projecting ends of said rods, electrodes between the pairs of plates, and means for supplying electric current to said electrodes.

8. In a generator of the character vdescribed, the combination of pairs of vertical plates arranged to form an annular series, a pair of'horizbntal strips disposed between the plates of each pair and forming` therewith a transversely extending combined air passage and spark gap, a central conduit in communication with the inner ends of the air passages and from which the plates extend outwardly, electrodes associated with the pairs of plates, and means for supplying electric current to said electrodes.

9. In a generator of the character described, the combination of pairs of vertical plates arranged in an annular series, the plates of each pair being spaced apart to form therebetween a' combined air passage and spark gap, a central conduit in communication with the inner ends of the passages and from which the plates extend outwardly, supporting means for each pair, said means being adjustable to vary the height of the plates, electrodes associated with the pairs of plates, and means for supplying electric current to said electrodes. v

l0. In a generator of the character described, the combination of vpairs of vertical plates arranged in an annular series, the plates of each pair being spaced apart to form therebetween a combined air passage and spark gap, a centralconduit in communication with the inner ends of the passages and from which'the plates extend outwardly, a member extending around the lower end of the conduit and upon which the inner ends of the plates rest, Ameans for supporting the outer ends of said plates, electrodes associated with the pairs of plates, and means for supplying electric current to said electrodes.

11. In a generator of the character described, the combination of an enclosing structure, a pair of elements spaced apart and secured respectively to the top and bottom of said structure, pairs of plates abutting against said elements and extending outwardly therefrom, the plates of each pair being spaced apart to form therebetween a combined air passage and spark gap, the inner edges of said plates forming a central exhaust conduit, ring members mounted around the elements respectively and between which the inner ends of the plates are clamped, electrodes associated with the pairs of plates, and means forsupplying electric current to said electrodes.

12. In a generator of the character described, the combination of a plurality of grounded electrodes arranged in an annular series, a plurality of electrodes interposed between said grounded electrodes and also arranged in an annular series, means forming combined air passages and spark gaps between said electrodes, and means for supplying electric current to said second mentioned electrodes. Y

13. In a generator of the character described, the combination of a plurality of grounded electrodes arranged in an vannular series, a series of electrodes interposed between the grounded electrodes and also arranged in an annular series,'means`forming combined air passages and spark gaps between said electrodes, means for delivering electric current to the second mentioned elec- 4trodes, the grounded electrodes having water chambers formed therein, and means for delivering water to the grounded electrodes.

14. In a generator of the character described, the combination of a plurality of grounded electrodes arranged in anannular series, a series of electrodes interposed between the grounded elect-rodes, means forming combined air passages and spark gaps between said electrodes, means for delivering electric current to the second mentioned electrodes, the grounded electrodes having water chambers formed therein and being provided with removable plates at the back thereoi` whereby access may be had to said chambers, and means for circulating water through the water chambers.

15. In a generator of the character described, the combination of an enclosing structure, a plurality of groundedA electrodes arranged in an annular series within the structure, means for adjustably supporting said electrodes from the top and bottom of said enclosing structure, a series of electrodes interposed between the grounded electrodes, means forming combined air passages and spark gaps between said electrodes, and means for delivering electric current to the second mentioned electrodes.

16. In a generator of the character described, the combination of an enclosing structure, a plurality of grounded electrodes arranged in an annular series and disposed within and supported by said structure, a series of electrodes interposed between the grounded electrodes, means forming combined air passages and spark gaps between said electrodes, means for delivering electric current to the second mentioned electrodes, the grounded electrodes having water chamy bers formed therein, means for circulating water through the chambers comprising outlet pipes extending upwardly through the top of the enclosing structure, and a trough into which said pipes discharge.

17. In an apparatus for making ozone, the combination of a plurality of ozone generating units arranged in a series, each unit comprisin a grounded electrode, pairs of plates at t e sides of the grounded electrode,

y and electrode members abutting against the 20. In an apparatus for making ozone, the

combination of a plurality of ozone generating units, each unit comprising a grounded electrode, plates at the sides of the grounded electrode forming combined air passages and spark gaps, and a pair of electrode members adjoining the plates respectively, springs for pressing the members against the plates, and means for supplying electric current to said electrode members. i

21. In an apparatus for making ozone, the

combination of a plurality of ozone gener-l ating units, each arranged in an annular series, each unit comprising a grounded electrode, plates at the sides of the grounded electrode forming combined air passages and spark gaps, and a pair of electrode members adjoining the plates respectively, a spring between each pair of contiguous members for pressing the latter against their respective plates, and means for supplying electric current to the electrode members.

22. In a generator of the character described, the combination ofy an enclosin structure, a series of pairs of plates dispose within the structure, the plates of each pair extending vertically and being spaced apart to form a combined air passage and spark gap, means for'adjusting vertically each pair of plates, electrodes betweenl the pairs of plates, and means for supplying electric current to said electrodes.

23. In a generator of the character described, the combination of an enclosing structure, a series of grounded electrodes disposed within the structure, means for vert1 cally adjusting said electrodes, a series of electrodes interposed between the .grounded electrodes, means forming combined air passages and spark gaps between said electrodes, and means for delivering electric current to the second mentioned electrodes.

24. In an apparatus for making ozone, the combination of a grounded electrode, an electrode member, means forming a combined spark gap and air chamber between said electrodes, the member being mounted to move to and from said means, a spring for press- 125? ing the member into contact with the means,

and means for supplying electric current to said member. 25. In an apparatus for making ozone, th

combination of an enclosing structure, a plurality of vertical ozone generating units arranged in an annular series, each unit comprising a grounded electrode, an electrode member, and means forming a horizontal spark gap and air chamber between the electrodes, the'structure being provided at its top with airl openings arranged adjacent the inner ends of the units, and means for supplying electric current to the members.

26. In an apparatus for making ozone, the combination of an enclosing structure, a plurality of vertical ozone generating units disposed within the structure, each unit comprising a grounded electrode, an electrode member and means forming a combined spark gap and'air chamber between the electrodes, the

, parts of each unit being removably supported, and an electrical conductor for supplying current to the members comprising sections,-

said sections being connected to the members respectively and individually removable with the units.

27. In a generator of the character de-v scribed, the combination of pairs of plates arranged vertically and to form an annular series, the plates of each pair being spaced apart to form therebetween a combined air passage and spark gap, means forming a conduit in communication with the passages'and disposed centrally with respect to said series of plates, and means for eecting a silent discharge across the passages to form the air therein into ozone.

28. In a generator of the character described, the combination of pairs of plates arranged vertically and to form an annular series, the plates of each pair being spaced apart to form therebetween a combined air passage and spark gap, means forming a conduit in communication with the passages and disposed centrally with respect to said series of plates, and electrodes associated with the plates for e'ecting a silent discharge across the passages in order to form the air therein into ozone.

Signed at Chicago, Illinois, this 9th day I of December, 1927.

JAMES MARLOWE DAILY.

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