US670196A - Acetylene-gas generator. - Google Patents

Description

No. 670,|96. Patented Mar. l9, l90l. E. R. 600K.

AGETYLENE GAS GENERATOR.

(Applicabionflled Apr. 5, 1900.) (No Model.)

In: cams PETERS co. PHOTD-UTNO.. wuumamu. n. c.

linrrnn STATES Brion;

PATENT ACETYLENE-GAS GENERATOR.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 670,196, dated March 19, 1901.

Application filed April 5, 1900.

To (6 whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, EDMOND RANDOLPH COOK, a citizen of the United States, residing at Sacramento, county of Sacramento, State of California, have invented an Improvement in Acetylene-Gas Machines; and I hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description 01": the same.

My invention relates to an apparatus for generating acetylene gas; and it consists of the parts and the constructions and combinations of parts hereinafter described and claimed.

Figure l is a longitudinal section. Fig. 2 is a front elevation. Fig. 3 is a detail of a portion of one of the troughs 21. Fig. 4 is adetail of one of the reducing-nozzles.

This apparatus is especially designed for the product-ion of acetylene gas and its storage under a constant pressure, whereby the supply to the burners is effected whenever the cooks are opened under such conditions that the burners will be kept clear and prevented from clogging. It is particularly intended for use on locomotives for headlight purposes.

The apparatus consists of two chambers A and B, one superposed above the other. For ordinary uses these chambers may be formed in a single vertically-disposed cylinderof sufficient length; but I have here shown the apparatus as comprising a vertical chamber A and a horizontal chamber B, the two being connected together and having a pipe 2 extending from the bottom of the chamberAto near the bottom of the generator B, so that water being placed in the upper tank will pass through the pipe 2 into the lower part of the generator, producing an upward pressure on any gas or like medium contained in the generator, which pressure will depend on the height of the water in the tank A. The head of the chamber A is closed except for the opening 55, having a sealing-plug, through which thetank is ordinarily filled with water. 54 is a smaller opening to connect with an injector (not shown) by which the engineer or operator can let in water in case at any time more is desired.

Within the tank A is a vertical tube 3, extending to near the top of the tank, closed at the upper end and having its lower end in erialNm 11,670. N model open communication with the generator; Into this tube the gas from the generator passes under whatever pressure may be pro duced by the height of the column of water, as previously stated.

From the upper end of the tubular chain: her 3 a pipe 4 extends, passing down to a T 5, and acoil 6 connects with this T, and winding about the lower part of the tank A it forms a number of turns. Thence the pipe 7 extends upwardly and connects with a purifyingchamber 8. This chamber has screens 9 in the bottom and top, and intermediate between these screens is a filling of any suitable drying and purifying material, the object of which is to arrest any moisture which has reached this point and condense it and carbon or other deleterious substances which may be carried by the gas and which would ordinarily clog the burners.

From the upper part of the purifier 8 a tube 10 extends and connects with a regulator, as shown at 11. From this regulator the gas is delivered to the pipe 12 to pass to the burners. I have shown a design of regulator particularly adapted for locomotive use. A regulator or some means of insuring a steady light is absolutely essential. While the action of the water in the chamber insures a certain constant pressure on the gas and would be a suflicient regulator in case the machine was at rest, when it comes to use on locomotives or where the jar and wash of the water is continuous and violent it is necessary to have means of relieving the otherwise serious fluctuations in the head of gas.

As a means of relieving any excess of pressure in the two tanks by the too great accumulation of gas in the chamber B, I have provided a safety mechanism or water-seal connection of the chamber A with the outer air. It consists of a trap or cup 14, with perforations 15, suspended in the upper part of the tank "A and containing water. A pipe 13, with one end dipping into this trap, extends down and through the two tanks and terminates in another trap 16, exterior to the chamber B, having perforations 17 connecting with the open air. Consequently as the Water in A passes into the chamber B air enters through the water-trap 16 up through pipe 13 and the water in trap 14, and as the accumulating gas forces water again into chamber A the air finds egress through the same channel, and should the pressure of gas continue the water and even the gas itself could thus escape and prevent excessive strain of the parts or possible bursting. A self-regulating means of maintaining constant atmospheric pressure in A is thus afforded. The reason for the chamber A being otherwise closed securely at the top and the water seal used is to overcome danger of explosion-as,.

for instance, by the careless handling of a torch by the oilerand as the generator is generally active only at night, and as that is when torches and lanterns are passing frequently in and about the various parts of an engine, the reason for a machine so safeguarded is obvious.

It will be understood from the arrangement of the tubular chamber 3, closed at the top, that no gas enters the chamber A outside of this tube and the connected pipe 4 and related parts, the chamber A serving simply as a receiver for the water when the latter is forced out of the generator-chamber through the pipe 2 by pressure of gas in said chamber and allowing the water to again return into the generator-chamber when the amount of gas therein has been sufficiently reduced. This generator-chamber has fixed in it the horizontal chambers 18, which are here shown as cylindrical and having heads or caps 19 on their outer ends with suitable means forforming tight joints. These chambers 18 serve to contain the carbid-trays 20, which are introduced whenever the heads 19 are removed and the latter again replaced after charging.

Above the carbid-trays and supported in any appropriate manner are troughs 21, having perforations in the bottom, and these troughs are slightly inclined, so that the ends at the rear of the chambers 18 are a little lower than the frontends. The trough is held in position by loops 53 at either end. These loops are fastened to the top of the chambers 18. One loop is a little longer than the other to give an inclination to the trough. This causes water supplied to these trays to flow to the rear end and to be distributed with considerable evenness from one end to the other of the carbid-chambers by reason of the perforations in the bottom of the troughs. VVater is supplied to these troughs through pipes 22. These pipes have reducing-nozzles, as shown at 23, where they deliver into the troughs, so as not to allow too large a quantity of water to pass through them. The reducing-nozzles may be drilled plugs fitting an elbow on the end of the pipes 22. They may be removed and replaced by larger or smaller ones, as the exigencies of the case require. These pipes 22 have a cross-pipe 52 connecting them with a three-way cock, as shown at 24, this cock being intermediate of the pipes 22. A pipe 25 leads from the cock 24, and, being turned upwardly, its upper open end terminates a short distance below the top of the generator-tank B. 26 represents two other pipes, one upon each side of 25 and connecting with the cross-pipe leading to the pipes 22, one upon each side of the cook 24. These pipes 26 are longer than the pipe 25 for the following purpose: The carbid-trays in the chambers 18 being both charged and in position, the cock 24: will be turned so thatit connects the pipe 25 through one of the pipes 22 with the corresponding carbid contail'ling chamber. The water risingin the generatortank B until it reaches the level of the upper end of the pipe 25 will flow into this pipe, thence passing through the cock 2% and the pipe 22 will be distributed by the perforated tray 21, and, the carbid being moistened, the gas will commence to form in this chamber. It passes out through its connecting-pipe 27, thence into a cross-pipe 28, which unites the two pipes 27, and thence through the pipe 29, which delivers it into the upper part of the tubular chamber 3 of the tank A, and as the gas continues to form it overcomes the water-pressure and gradually passes down int-o the generator tank or chamber B. As it accumulates in the generator tank or chamber B it forces the water into the lower part of the pipe 2 and thence upwardly into the pressure-chamber A. The gas will thus continue to form as long as there is suificient moisture upon the carbid; but as the pressure has forced the level of the water in the generator below the top of the pipe 25 it will soon cease to form, and until it is used out of the generator little or no gas will be formed. In the cross-pipe 2S and on either side of its connection with the pipe 29 are stop-cocks 51, by which gas may be entirely shut off from either chamber, as when either of the carbid-trays are being recharged. As soon as the gas commences to flow to the burners the water will rise correspondingly until it again flows into the pipe 25 and again moistens the carbid. This action will continue until such time as the carbid within the first chamber has been exhausted. Then the water will rise by the reduction in the quantityof gas until it arrives at the levelof the pipes 26,which,as before stated. have their uppereuds higher than 25. The water will then flow into these pipes 26; but as the first carbid-chamber is already flooded no further action will take place in this chamber; but the water flowing through the other pipe 26 will pass into the second carbid-chamber and will thus produce gas from this chamber in the manner previously described until it is exhausted. The three pipes 25 and 26 thus described having their ends open and terminating at dilferent heights within the chamber B, with their connections, form an automatic water-regulator for the carbid-cylinders independent in action of the gas-discharge pipes from these cylinders. This latter feature is assured by the use of the reducingnozzles 23, which, supporting a column of water of corresponding large diameter, prevent the outlet of gas except through the discharge-pipes 27, which latter are of sufficient size for the purpose. The action of these water-feed pipes and gas-discharge pipes independently is important, for thereby the violent and spasmodic fluctuation in the generation of gas and the relative changes in the tanks 13 and A are avoided that would otherwise happen in case a single pipe performed both the functions of feeding water and discharging gas. \Vhen one of these carbid-cylinders has become exhausted, the tray may be removed, recharged, and replaced without discontinuing the action of the machine. The cook 24 is turned to connect the pipe 25 with the cylinder which is not exhausted, and the cock 50 on the side of the disused cylinder is turned to prevent gas or water from tank l5 escaping through the pipe 26 to the open air when the tray is taken out. When the tray is replaced, this cook 50 is opened and this carbid-chamber is again in readiness.

The condition of the chambers can be tested at any time by opening a cook 30, one of which connects with each of said chambers. If gas flows out, the chamber has not been exhausted; but if water appears it will indicate that the chamber has been exhausted and should be renewed.

In order to relieve any pressure which may occur by the clogging of some portion of the apparatus or for other reason, I have shown safety-pipes 31, connected directly with the gas-pipes 27, extending upwardly therefrom and opening into the generator-chamber independently of the pipe 29. These pipes are provided with check-valves at 32 to prevent a return of gas, and they act as safety-valves in case of sudden pressure.

The gas-pipe 29 connects with the pipe 34 at the T 33 in line below the vertical tubular chamber 3, and from this T the gas-conveying pipe extends upwardly, as before described, to the upper part of the chamber 3. below the T 33 is a pipe 3st, which extends down through the bottom of the generator or chamber B and is provided with a draw-off cook 35. This pipe serves to receive any condensed moisture from the gas before it is delivered into the chamber 3, and this moisture can be drawn out from time to time.

The coil 6, through which the gas passes after leaving the chamber 3, also serves as a condensing-coil, being surrounded by the water in the chamber, and the T 5 has a pipe extending downward from the lower end and connecting with a condensing-chamber 36, from the bottom of which a pipe leads to the cook 37, exterior to the generator or chamber B, for the purpose of drawing off collected moisture.

The tendency of the carbid-chambers to become unduly heated by the act of forming gas from the moistened carbid is checked by reason of the surrounding water contained in the generator or chamber B, which covers and submerges the carbid-chamber.

The arrangement of the closed top tube 3 and the pipe 29, through which gas is delivered to the upper part of the tube, forms a trap to prevent water from passing into the service connecting-pipe 4 if by neglect or other cause the carbid-chambers should be flooded and the water rise in pipe 29 to the level of that in tank A. In such a case when the carbid-chambers are recharged and gas is again produced it will first force the water in the pipes out through the top of pipe 29, and the water would then be returned to the generator-chamber without being able to pass into the conductor 4.

In the form here shown the apparatus is especially designed fol-supplying the burners of locomotive-headlights and for like positions where there is a great deal of swaying and movement.

In order to prevent violent agitation of wa ter in the generator or chamber l3 and its being thrown up into the pipes which supply the carbid-chambers, I have shown screens 40, placed at intervals transversely to prevent undue agitation, While allowing water and gas to pass freely through them.

It will be understood that the water-spray troughs, carbid-trays, and all parts contained in the carbid-chambers are freely removable for clearing or for other purposes and by reason of the construction the carbid -holders can be recharged successively while the machine is in operation without affecting, the steadiness of the lights.

By reason of the transverse and vertical shaking movements of a locomotive, for the headlight of which this apparatusis particularly designed, and because the water-pressure does not give an even pressure at all times the regulator 11 is a necessary adjunct to the apparatus. As there is no perceptible jar or irregularity of motion in the line of travel of the locomotive, I fix the regulator with its diaphragm etl and compression-plate transverse to the line of travel, so that the side and vertical movements will have little or no effect upon it. The diaphragm is flexible, and the gas inlet and outlet pipes 10 and 12 open into the chamber on one side thereof. A lever 42 is fulcrumed near the top of this chamber, as at a, and the lower end of the lever is pivoted to the horizontal stem 43, which is secured by a nut 44 to the plate 45, so that variations of pressure within this chamber will swing the lever by moving the diaphragm. The lever has an arm 46, upon whichisarubbercompression-valve 47, which controls the inlet-opening from pipe 10, and any increase of pressure which would press the diaphragm outward would act through the lever to close the valve, while a reduction in pressure would allow it to open. The effect of the gas and its products is to cause metal valves to stick to their seats, and this is avoided by using the rubber compressionvalve. A spring A8 depends into the chamber on the opposite side of the diaphragm, and its pressure upon the end of the stem 43 to counteract the opposing pressure of gas on the other side is regulated by an adjusting-screw 49.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-- 1. In a gas-machine, and in combination therewith, a mechanism whereby the feed supply of water to the carbidcontaining chamber is self-regulating and independent of the gas-discharge pipes from these chambers, consisting of three pipes joined to a cross-pipe which latter terminates at either end in a reduced outlet in either of the carbid-chambers, the ends of the three pipes being open, the two outer pipes of uniform length, the middle one shorter than the other two and containing a three-way cock at its point of juncture with the above-mentioned crosspipe, and cocks in this cross-pipe intermediate of the reduced ends and the longer pipes.

2. The combination in a gas-machine of a generating-chamber, a superposed pressureehamber containing water, a pipe connecting with the bottom of said chamber and extending to near the bottom of the generator-chamber, carbid-trays, the containing-chambers of which extend into the lower part. of the generator-chamber, a water-supply consisting of trays having perforated bottoms, said trays being inclined from the front toward the rear, means for supplying water from the generator to said trays, means for conducting the gas from the generator-chamber to the upper part of the generator, a supplemental safety-pipe connecting the gas-pipe with the generator and a valve therein whereby sudden pressure in the apparatus is relieved.

3. The combination in a gas-machine of a generator and a superposed pressure-chamber, a pipe extending from the bottom of the pressure-chamber to near the bottom of the generator whereby water is transferred from one to the other, and a constant pressure in the upper part of the generator maintained, carbid-containing trays and inclosing chambers therefor, means for supplying water to act upon the carbid, a pipe through which gas thus produced is transferred from the carbidchambers,a vertically-disposed tubular chamber contained within the pressure-chamber of the apparatus having its upper end closed, and its lower end in open communication with the generator-chamber, a pipe through which the generated gas is delivered into the upper part of the tubular chamber and transferred downwardly into the generator while the displaced waterjs returned into the pressurechamber, and independent valved pipes connecting the gas-pipe with the generator whereby sudden pressure in the apparatus is relieved.

4. In a gas-machine, a generator, posed pressure-chamber containing pipe extending from its bottom to near the bottom of the generator-chamber through which water is transferred from one chamber a superwater, a

to the other, carbid-trays and containingchambers therefor extending into the lower part of the generator, a tubular chamber extending upwardly into the pressure-chamber having the upper end closed, and the lower end in open communication with the generator, a pipe by which gas is transmitted from the carbid-chambers and delivered into the upper part of said tubular chamber, said gas returninginto the gen erator-chamber against the pressure of the water therein whereby a constant water-pressure upon the gas is maintained, and said pipe terminating short of the closed top of the tubular chamber to form a trap to prevent water passing into the service-pipe if the carbid-chambers should be flooded and the water should fill said pipe, a pipe discharging gas from the upper part of the tubular chamber, and means for condensing moisture and discharging the same.

5. The combination in a gas-machine of a generating-chamber,and a superposed watercontaining pressure-chamber, a pipe extending from the'bottom of the pressure-chamber to near the bottom of the generating-chamber, a tubular open-botto m chamber connecting with the generating-chamber extending upward into the pressure-chamber havingits upper end closed, a conducting-pipe by which the gas is delivered into the upper part of said tubular chamber, means connecting said conducting-pipe with the generating-chamber and relieving sudden pressure in the apparatus, and a service-pipe leading from the top of said chamber.

6. In a gas-machine, a generating and a superposed pressure chamber with connecting waterpipe, carbid trays and containing chambers therefor, submerged within the generator, an inclined perforated watertrough located above each carbid-tray, pipes connecting with said troughs, a cross-pipe connecting the last-named pipes and a pipe leading from the crosspipe and opening within the generator and adapted to receive water therefrom by overflow, an intermediate pipe connecting with the cross-pipe,the inner receiving end of said intermediate pipe being lower than the first-named pipes, and a threeway cock in said cross-pipe adapted to be connected with either of said pipes and carbid-supply troughs.

7. In a gas-machine, the carbid-trays and inclosing chambers submerged within the generator-tank, inclined perforated-bottom troughs located above each of the trays, pipes having one end discharged into one of the trays, the other ends opening in the upper part of the generator-chamber to receive water therefrom by overflow, a transverse pipe connecting the two having a three-way cock within its length, a third pipe connecting through said cock and having its inner end at a less height than the inner ends of the other pipes, whereby it will first receive water by overflow and transmit it to either of the carbid-trays.

8. In a gas-machine, a generator-chamber, a superposed pressure-chamber, havinga pipe extending from its bottom to the lower part of the generator-chamber whereby pressure in the latter is maintained, carbid-trays and containing-chambers therefor submerged in the generator-chamber, inclined perforated troughs located above the carbid-trays, and overflow pipes connecting the generatorchamber with said troughs so as to successively exhaust and supply the water to the carbid-trays, pipes through which the gas from said trays is delivered through the generator, a tubular open bottomed chamber connecting with the generator extending upward into the pressure-chamber, having its upper end closed into the upper end of which said gas conducting pipe discharges, and pipes connecting the gas-pipes with the generator and having check-valves to relieve the apparat us of sudden pressure and to prevent a return of gas to the chambers.

9. In a gas-machine, a generator-chamber, a superposed pressure-chamber with waterpipe connecting the two as shown,carbid-containing trays with inclosing chambers, means for supplying water thereto, pipes by which gas is conducted from said chambers, an independent pipe connecting each of the lastnamed pipes with the generator and provided with means for relieving sudden pressure and preventing back flow of gas, a tubular openbottomed chamber located in the pressurechamber having its upper end closed, a pipe extending to near the top within said chamber, a T by which it is connected with the gas-conductor, and abranch extending in vertical line therewith through the bottom of the generator with a cock for the collection and discharge of condensed moisture.

10. In a gas-machine, a generating-chamber, a superposed pressure chamber containing water, a pipe connecting said chambers so that a constant pressure is produced in the generator-chamber, carbid trays and holders,

with means for moistening carbid, means for conducting the gas therefrom, a tubular vertically disposed closed-top and open -bottomed chamber located within the pressurechamber into which the gas is delivered, a pipe leading from the upper part of said chamber, a condensing-coil with which said pipe connects, and from which the gas is delivered to the service-pipe, a receiver and discharge pipe connected with the lower end of said coil, and a cup having overflow perforations leading to the outside of the generator whereby the condensed moisture may be discharged.

11. In a gas-machine and in combination, a generator-chamber, a superposed water-containing pressure-chamber, a pipe connecting the two whereby constant pressure is maintained within the generator, carbid-trays and containing-chambers, means for moistening the carbid, means for conducting the gas therefrom, a closed top, a tubular chamber located within the pressure-chamber and having open communication with the upper part of the generator-chamber, a pipe connecting with the gas-conductor and discharging into the upper part of said chamber, a supplemental means connecting the gas-pipe with the generator and provided with means for relieving sudden pressure in the apparatus, a delivery-pipe leading from said chamber, a condensing-coil in the bottom of the pressurechamber through which the gas passes, a moisture-receiver connected therewith, and a service-pipe.

12. In agas-machine, agenerating-chamber and a superposed closed-top water-containing pressure-chamber with connecting-pipe whereby constant pressure is maintained in the generating-chamber, means for generating gas and delivering it into the generatingchamber, and mechanism whereby the excessive strain in the chambers by the too great accumulation of gas in the generating-chamber is relieved, and connection of the upper part of the pressure-chamber with the outer air is afforded so that the atmospheric pressure in the pressure-chamber remains constant.

13. Inagas-machine, agenerating-chamber and a superposed covered water-containing pressure chamber, connecting means for maintaining constant pressure in the generating-chamber, means for generating gas and delivering itinto the generating-chamber, a trap located in the upper part of the pressurechamber, a curved pipe having its open end dipping into said trap, said pipe extending downwardly, and through the bottom of the generating-chamber and a trap exterior thereto into which said pipe dips.

14. In a gas-machine, a generating-chamber and gasometer, a superposed water-containing pressure-chamber, a connecting-pipe by which constant pressure is maintained within the generator and gasometer, carbid-containing trays and inclosing chambers therefor submerged in the generator-chamber, overflow-pipes receiving water from the generator-chamber and delivering it into the carbidtrays, pipes through which the generated gas is conducted and delivered into a chamber located in the pressure-chamber, and thence returned to the generator-chamber and supplemental pipes opening into the generatorchamber, and check-valves therein.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

EDMOND RANDOLPH COOK.

Witnesses:

CHARLES MEALAND, CHARLES E. WRIGHT.

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