GB191420867A - Process of Distillation. - Google Patents

Abstract

20,867. Pritchard, T. W. Oct. 12. Retorts and methods of working; carbonizing-apparatus.-A process of distillation consists in charging the retort with wood or other solid material in such a manner that a space for the circulation of gases is left between the charge and the wall of the retort, replacing the air in the retort by a non-supporter of combustion, such as carbon dioxide or coal gas, heating the retort and equalizing the temperature throughout the charge by withdrawing the gases and vapours generated from the lower part of the retort and reintroducing them into the upper part. Fig. 1 shows apparatus for wood-distillation in which the charge is carried by cars 2, mounted on a track 3 in a retort 1 heated by a furnace 8. The non-supporter of combustion is preferably admitted through a pipe 30. A fan 10 draws the gases from near the entrance end of the retort through a pipe 13, preferably extending along the bottom of the retort, and discharges it through a pipe 14 extending to near the top of the retort and bent in the direction of the entrance end of the retort. The end plates 4 of the cars are made sufficiently high to act as baffles, or other baffles may be employed. The volatilized substances pass of through a dome 5 and a pipe 6 to the condenser. Apertures 33 in the end plates 4 or in the bottom of the car permit the circulation of gases through the material. In a modification, Fig. 2, the vaporized products withdrawn with the gases from the retort through a pipe 16 by a fan 26 are condensed in an inverted U-shaped pipe 19, for example by means of a water spray and the gases, reheated in some cases by a coil 29, are returned to the retort through a pipe 27. A pipe 22 at the exit end of the pipe 19 leads to the condenser and is provided with a trap 23 and a drainage plug 24.