US340310A - Means for odorizing gas - Google Patents

Description

(No Model.)

G. HASLETT.

MEANS FOR ODORIZING GAS.

No. 340,310. Patented Apr. 20, 1886.

NITE TATES CHARLES HASLETT, OF BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA,

MEANS FOR onomzme ens.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 340,310, dated April 20, 1886.

Application filed December 513, 1885. Serial No. 186,533. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, CHARLES HASLETT, a citizen of the United States, residing at Butler, in the county of Butlerand State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Means for Odorizing Gas; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, refer ence being had to the accompanying drawing, which forms part of this specification.

The object of my invention is to provide a method and means for imparting an artificial and easily-perceptible odor to combustible and explosive gases, in order that the presence of the gas in cellars and other localities wherein leakage-gas may accumulate may be easily detected and proper precautions adopted to prevent its ignition from accidental causes.

My invention is particularly adapted to systemsfor the distribution and supply of natural gas. As is well known, natural gas is almost deficient in odor, while at the sameti me it is of such a subtle character that leakage in the supply-pipes and fittings is of very frequent occurrence. The leakage-gas accumulates in cellars and apartments, and, being impercep tible, affords of itself no means of detecting its presence; hence disastrous accidents are liable to take place at any time should any light or flame be brought in the neighborhood, as the gas, being mixed with sufficient air, is highly explosive and very easily ignited.

My invention consists in the novel appliances for odorizing the natural gas while the same is passing through the supply-pipes.

The apparatus consists of devices for sup porting or holding the solid odorizing material in such a position that the gas can pass freely over its particles, and so that access can be readily had to the odorizing material, for the purposes of renewal, replacement, or rearrangement.

In carrying my invention into effect I employ by preference, as the odorizing substance or medium the ordinary guincamphor of commerce,and incase the same in wire, perforated, or open work baskets, tubes, or the like, which I arrange within the gas-conveying tubes under such conditions that the gas will pass over and in contact with the contents of the tubes or casings holding the odorizing substance and become thoroughly impregnated with the latter. The gas,therefore,'

supplied to the points or localities for con-' sumption will be of ahighly-odorous quality,

and should there be any leakage the existence A designates a low-pressure main, and B a V supply-pipe leading therefrom to a house or building to be supplied. I

The'odorizing apparatus may be located at any point of the supply-pipe, and may consist ofa series of short sections of tubing, 0 G O O, united and communicating through and by the couplings D D, sleeves E E, and short tubes F.

GG G Gdesignate wire baskets or tubes, preferably closed on both ends, the tops having wire caps g 9. These tubes or baskets are filled or partially filled with any suitable odorizing substance in asolid condition; but, after experiment, I have adopted, by preference, gum-camphor,which will readily impart its pungent and penetrating odor to the gas and render the latter odorous to all required degrees. The camphor will last for an indefinite time, and is comparatively inexpensive. At the same time, while it serves perfectly as an odorizing element, it does not in any degree lessen or affect the combustible properties of the gas.

The tubes or baskets G G are arranged with in the sections 0 O, nearly filling the same, but allowing sufficient space for the gas to pass freely through the pipes.

In practice the tubes containing the odorizing substance should be sufficiently larger in diameter than the balance of the supplypipe to compensate for the filling within the former and allow the gas to pass through without additional friction.

The gas may be odorized while passing through the supply-pipes, or it may be odorized at any point of its transit from the well.

So, too, the odorizing apparatus may be located at any convenient point or position, and,'ifdesirable,within the building to be supplied.

To give ready access to the contents of the odorizing apparatus, the tubes 0 C are provided with screw-caps H H,which may be removed.

Having described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, 1s-

1. A gas-odorizing apparatus consisting of a removable wire or open-work basket or casing containing gum-camphor or other odorizing substance located in the main or supply i es of a as conve in or su 51 in s stem, 5 Z: O

substantially as described.

CH ARLES H A SLETT.

\Vi t nesscs JOHN F, ATCHESON, A. A. CONNOLLY.

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