US775123A - Apparatus for electrically treating gases. - Google Patents

Description

NO. 775,123. PATENTED Nov. 15, 1904.

' K. BIRKELAND.

APPARATUS FOR ELEGTRIOALLY TREATING GASES.

' APPLICATION FILED JUNE 15, 1903.

' 5 SHEETSSHEET 1.

N0 MODEL.

Fig.1., I

K. BIRKBLANDL PATENTED NOV. 15, 1904.

APPARATUS FOR ELEO T RICALLY TREATING GASES.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 15. 1903.

5 SHEETS-BHEBT a.

no MODEL Jig. K1

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e [BEECH (LY/1;tvmzddim -7 L, 1r :1 q S No. 775,123; PATENTED NOV; 15, 1904.

K. 'BIRKELAND.

APPARATUS FOR ELECTRIGALLY TREATING GASES.

' APPLICATION PILIED JUNE 15, 1903.

N0 MODEL. 5 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

PATENTED NOV. 15, 1904.

K. BIRKELAND. APPARATUS FOR BLEGTRIGALLY TREATING GASES.

APPLIGATION FILED JUNE 15, 1903.

I0 MODEL.

5 SHEETSSHEBT 4.

r c v PATBNTED NOV. 15, 1904.

. Ki BIRKELAND. APPARATUS FOR ELEOTRIGALLY TREATING GASES.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 15, 1903.

' 5 SHEETSSHBET N0 Menu.

warren grates latented November 15, 1904.-

Parsnr rricn- APPARATUS FQR ELECTRIGALLY TREATING GASES.

":Z PECIEIGATION forming atter Letters Patent no. 775,123, dated November 15, 1904.

Application filed June 15, 1903. Serial No. 161,616. (No model.)

To (tZZ whorm it may concern.-

it known that I. KRIsTIAN BIRKELAND, a subject oi'the King of Sweden and Norway, residing at (Jl'iristiania, Norway, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Apparatus for Electrically Treating Gases; and i do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to letters of 'reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

ii iy invention relates to a means for producing eiectrical arcs'of the largest possible surface and to the utilization of such arcs for the purpose of chemical reactions in gases or mixtures. I have found in my investigations in this held that chemical reactions on such vapors, may be produced in an indusbriefly-profitable way if the area of atween the gases and the arcis made My great per time unit. For this rea- .y invention involves as one of its fealie means for the production of such arcs dcient area. y invention also comprises the means for such are to act upon-such fluids and sue 1 other features, means, and combinations ot' parts, will be hereinafter set forth, and poin e i cut in the claims.

in the drawings accompanying this specifi- *iun, Figure 1 is adiagram, drawn in the term of a perspective View, illustrating the method. Fig. 1 is a view of a special form oi electrodes used to form the arcs. Figs. 2, '3, 4., and 5 forms of illustrate a number or the electrodes and arrangements used in connection therewith. Fig. 6 is an elevation, and Fig. 7 a plan View, of a special arrangement of the electrodes. Fig. 8 is a vertical cross-section, and Fig. 9 a horizontal section, oi an apparatus for oxidizing gases, Fig. 8 is front elevation of the tubular housing in which the gases are treated MEig. 10 is a vertical section, and Figflla horizontal section, of another form of apparatus embodying my.

invention.

An apparatus embodying my invention, broadly considered. comprises means for causing the arc to be formed within a powerful magnetic field, asillustrated in the diagram l Fig. 1. In this figure, M represents an electromagnet. (one pole of which is broken away,) and C C electrodes which are situated in the field between the two poles of the magnet M and transversely to the flux or lines of force of said'magnet M. Under certain conditions by such an arrangement when a current is sent through the electrodes C 'C an arc will be formed of the shape indicated by the dotted lines A, the are being in the shape of a disk at right angles to the lines of force of the magnetic field. To obtain this result, I have found it advantageous in case of currents of high voltage-for instance, ten thousand voltsto let the poles of electrodes 0 C have a distance from each other of a few millimeters. If direct currents are used, there will, without any mechanicalinterruption of the current. ordinarily be formed in succession a very great number ofsuch arcs, hundreds per second.) If alternating currents are used, there will be two systems of such arcs, one-half of the arcs being formed .on the under side of the conductors and one- It is found preferable half on the top side. to provide the electrodes at the ends of the conductors with strips of platinum B, fixed to the point of each electrode and forming an angle with the electrode, as indicated in Fig. 1, where these strips are shown to be arranged in the manner of arrow-heads. It a current of less voltage is made use of-say, for instance, a direct or alternating current of six hundred volts or less-l have found it desirable to arrange the electrodes C C in such way that their poles are in rapid successioncaused to intermittently approach and then to recede' from each other a short or greater distance-say, for instance, a part of a millimeter or more. I prefer to cause them to approach sufficiently to come into contact with each other. By such arrangement arcs similar to those described with reference to Fig. 1 will be formed and will be thrown violently upward or downward.

(up to several 60 are limited by the stop F.

The arrangement of the electrodes for the purpose of giving the required vibratory movement to one or both for the purpose of the above-described intermittent rapid ap.

5 preach and recession of the points of the electrodes may be in different ways, and I have, for the sake of illustration, shown in the drawings a number of arrangements which may-be made use of..

In Fig. 2 the vibratory electrodes consist of two springs E E, which when in the position shown touch each other at the points. A stop F below the spring E serves to limit its downward movement, and a stop F above the spring E serves to limit its upward movement. The same result may be obtained by an arrangement as shown in Fig. 3, where, instead of the two stops F, and F, a single stop F is placed between the points of the electrodes E F. This stop is made of conducting material and is placed at an angle to r the electrodes, indicated. 'hen an alternating current of suitable strength is passed through the vibratory spring-electrodes at 5 one time, the spring-electrode IE will be thrown upward and at another time the spring-electrode E will be thrown downward. This is due to the fact that when the positive wave of the current is passing through both 3 electrodes the magnetic field interacts with said positive wave and tendsvto move bot-h. electrodes in one direction: but as only one electrode is free to more in a given direction only this elect-rode moves, the other remaining stationary against its stop. 'hen the negative wave passes thirough the electrodes, the tendency of the interaction between the current and lield is to give both electrodes a movement in'the d i reel ion opposite to theprior 40 one, and since only the other eh -rode is free to move in this direction it will re moved by the interaction of current and field, while the first-mentioned electrode will be stationary. A circuit-ln-eaker system of such simplicity '45 can only be used when the intensiliesarecomparalively great for instancc,'over twenty ai'nperes per cu-rrcnl breaker and it isdesirable in this case, for the sake of safety, to im- ."part to the electrodes a periodical limited lon- 5 gitudinal movement in order to prevent the possibility of welding together or union ol the comact-p'ieces, in which case current interruptions could. ol course, not take place. -lt' low intensities are used, this way of interruption is only available when the currentis CflllMtl to pass through a few windings ---t'or instance, as indicated in Fig. 4, where \V \V indicate the windings,'cach in series with its respective electrode 1C E, whose movements By suitably arranging the windings transverse vibrations might, of course, also be imparted to the electrodes as well as an oscillatory movement with res ect to the longitudinal axis of the i:l""i,i0llt$, it this is desired. The contactprime mover or source of power. 'shown.) It carries radial arms G, which are points between the electrodes should be located in this case on an arm projecting out from the axis.

Instead of automatically operating the circuit-breaker above referred to, other means may be used to produce short contact inter .very conveniently be produced by means of a small motor with eccentric gear. A suitable vibrating-movement in the longitudinal direction may also be produced. by providing the electrodes with extensions (iron rods) reaching out of the magnetic field and adapted to be drawn into a spiral coil through which the main current passes, as shown, for example, in Fig.5, in which E E are ,the electrodes, the former being attached line a core of electromagnetic material, which is movable'within a coil w in series with said electrode. A spring Z may serve to bring the electrodes in contact with each other, as shown, for example, in Fig. 10. On a cur rent impulse said iron rod will be attracted and drawn into the spiral so as to break or weaken the current, whereupon the electrode is returned to contact with the other electrode by the action of the spring. This means of interruption may be used both for direct cur- Another rent and for alternating current. means would be to cause the disk-shaped arcs to be formed within a cylinder, the contact between the electrodes being produced by rotation. Qne system of electrodes might, For instance, be fixed on the inside of the cylinder-and a c rresponding system of electrodes adaptednto revolve about the axis of the cylinder, so as to make contacts in rapid suc -ession. it would be suitable in this case tor ispose the magncti'c field in an annn: lar form around the cylinder-axis by means otcurrent-coils. in this instance the diskshaped arcs will form planes parallel to the axisol' the cydinder. A further arrangement would be to cause an annular system of electrodes to rotate between the poles of an electroinagnct perpemlicularly upon the line through the centers of both pole planes,as illustrated in 6 and 7. In these figures L represents a shar't which by suitable means may be put in rotationas, .for example, by a pulley driven 'by a belt from any suitable (Not electrical conductors or electrodes and terminate in contact-springs ll. 1 represents sta:

bodily touch each-other.

tionary electrodes terminating in similar conclose and break the circuit. This system of circuit-breakers is disposed between the polepieces of the electror wnet M, as indicated in Fig. 7. For currents of rather high voltage it is not necessary that the contact-pieces of the electrode should during the revolution It is only necessary that the distances be so short as not to cause When a current ofv very high voltage is used, the electrode systemG need not even revolve, but may be stationary at some distance from the elec- :trodes I.

1n Figs 8 and 9 I have shown, in vertical and in horizontal section, respectively, one

1 form of apparatus for carrying out my inven- "tion for the purpose of oxldizmg the nitrogen contained in air, said apparatus comprising, v besides the means for dilating or spreading the electric arc, means for bringing thje fluid to beacted on into contact with such earci'n the form of a current of such fluid which is carried into contact and past said are.

3 ranged the .means for supplying the fluid to Inthese figures, M represents an annular .electromagnet. Instead of an electromagnet a battery of steel magnets may be used. Between the poles of the electroniagnet is arbe acted on in the form of a tubular housing *0, which is divided into a series of vertical channels P by partitions R, which alternately extend to the top and the bottom plate and alternately leave a space open between their ends and said plates, so that a zigzag channel is formed, through which air is passed. (See Fig. 8.) The housing and the partitions within the same should wholly or partly be made of insulating and fireproof material. Within each of said channels I" are placed one or more pairs of electrodes or circuit-breakers of the kind above referred tc for instance, such as described with reference to Fig. 1 or Fig.

' 21 If using electrodes of the latter kind or other electrodes with an intermittent motion and when an alternating current of suitable strength is passed in parallel through all the it will cause at one time a hich suitable inin the circuit,) downward moveme nt )f one of the electrodes and another time an upward movement of the other electrode,

circuit-breakers, (in fro t of ductive resistances a1 so that frequent though very short contact interruptions will be produced. Now the pee culiar phenomenon above referred to will be noted that even though the contacts are only a fraction of a millimeter apart the arcs will at once be thrown violently downward or upward and the space filled up with disk-shaped arcs. The base-points of the outermost arcs I will extend along the platinum wires B, Fig. 8, toward their ends, and it depends upon the oscillatoryveloc ty of the circuit-breaker,

I upon the power of the magnetic field, and upon the current intensity how far the arcs will extend before a new contact is made and the previous arcs are extinguished. When a current of very high voltage is used, the current may be sent partly or wholly in series through the whole set of circuit-breakers. If a direct current is used, only one electrode remains at rest, and it is preferable in this case not to place the latter in the middle of the magnetic field. The air may be passed either directly in parallel through all the flat channels or in series through the same, as shown in Fig. 8 oi the drawings, the air passing in this case upwardly past the first arc, downwardly past the second, upwardly past the third, and so tni In this way the same quantity of air will make contact with a great number of arcs. If it is desired to bring the gases into contact with a still greater number of arcs, a plurality of such are systems having each their separate electromagnet may be arranged at suitable intervals from each other and in vertical or horizontal rows.

In Figs. lOand 11 is shown amodified form.

of apparatus for oxidizing gases in which the electrodes are vibratory in a horizontal direction, being, pressed yieldingly toward each other by any suitable means, such as the 1 springs Z, and drawn outward against the springs by the interaction between. the current in the coils W and the respective cores 6*, which are secured to the ends of the electrodes E E The remaining elements of construction are like those shown and described in connection with Fig. 9.

What I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is

l.' The combination, with means for producing a magnetic field, of means for producing an electric are in said field, and means for passing a current of gas into;contact with and past said electric arc.

2. The combination, with means for producing a magnetic field, of electrodes located in said field, means forsupplying electricity to said electrodes, and means for passing a currefit of gas past said electrodes.

3. The combination, with means for producing a magnetic field, of a pair of vibratory electrodes mounted in said field and arranged to produce an are between their terminals, means for supplying a current to said electrodes, and means for supplying to said elect rodes a gas to be acted upon by said arc..

4. The combination, with means for producmg a magnetic field, of a pair of electrodes electrodes. l 5. The combination, with means for producmounted in said field, means for supplying a electrodes.

ing a magnetic field, of a pair of electrodes mounted-in said field, means for supplying a current to said electrodes, and means for imparting a rapidvibratory motion to one or both of said electrodes so as to cause the points of said electrodes vto come into'contact wit each" other.

6. The combination, with means for producing a .magnetic field, of a pair of electrodes mounted in said field, one at least being vibratory, and means for supplying a gas to said 7. The combination, with means for producing a magnetic field, of a plurality of pairs of electrodes mounted in said field, each pair being arranged toprod uce an are, means for supplying current to said electrodes andmeans for passing a current of gas past said arcs in series.

8. The combination, with means for producing a magnetic field, of a pair ofelectrodes mounted in said field, means for vibrating said electrodes and means for supplying a current to said electrodes 9,. The combination, with means for producing apowerful-magnetic field, .of a pair of electrodes mounted'in said field, means for vibrating said electrodes, means for supplying a high-voltage current to said electrodes and means for supplying to said electrodes a gas,

12.' The combination, with means for producing a magnetic field, of vibratory electrodes located in said field, means for supplying alternating current to said electrodes, and means for supplying a gas to be acted upon by said electrodes.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set In hand in presence of two Witnesses.

KRISTIAN BIRKELAND. Witnesses:

HENRY BORDEWICH, Jon. VAALER.

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