Addition Certificate [to a Patent]

Delivered 25 August 1801

Developments of the means just proposed for the more useful use of fuels.

[0001] Part of the fuel by combining with the caloric passes into the gaseous state, and here are some important observations in this regard.

[0002] Any substance that passes from the solid or liquid state to the gaseous state does so with energy; its expansive force obviously counteracts to the weight of the atmosphere, and would push back more considerable obstacles, if opposed to it.

[0003] In the gaseous state, this expansive force varies according to the degree of temperature: it results in an action and a reaction that the mechanics have admirably used in steam engines; these machines are driven by the expansive force of water vapor. Analogue machines could be constructed, which would be driven by the expansive force of the gases themselves, which are not reducible by cold or pressure. So far, this second kind of machine seems to have been disdained; however, in many circumstances it offers valuable advantages. The driving quality of the two kinds of gaseous fluids that we have just distinguished derives essentially from the variation in volume that tends to produce that of their temperature. These variations can be captured in different moments; and hence an infinity of ways of combining and employing these elements of movement exists. A second family of very numerous machines exist which can be set in motion only by variation of temperature.

[0004] In the smoke, the two fluids of which I have spoken are mixed; it would be easy to receive and apply their undivided action simultaneously: but since there are differences in their way of acting preferably, they should be received separately, and therefore it is suitable to indicate the means of doing so.

[0005] A very large part of the condensable vapours is released from the wood to the heat of boiling water, while it is only at a much higher temperature that permanent gases are formed. This observation reveals to us a way to obtain, as much as possible, the requested separation from their efforts. It is sufficient to expose the fuel, first in a kind of dryer, at a heat a little lower than that necessary for the formation of permanent gases. Thus, the furnace intended to operate the formation of gases will not be able to adsorb heat. It must afterwards be drained in the dryer to be used for the release of vapours. Now the shape of the dryer is not some kind of ordered, or at least indicated: it must have the same shape as the furnace, it must serve as a kind of envelope, and leave no space that separates it from it except that is necessary for the circulation of the current required for the consumption of coal in the furnace. This current will be directed between the two stoves in a zigzag pattern, so as to provide it with the opportunity to strip as much as possible in his caloric. Thus it will be possible to use separately or simultaneously the expansive force of the vapours and gases which are removed from the fuel during carbonization. After having highlighted these first two purposes of utility that my “thermolamps” offer (This is how many people like to name my device), I will try to point out a few others.

[0006] At the moment when the flammable air of thermolamps by ignition combines with atmospheric air, [the following products are formed]: Firstly, water by a combination of hydrogen and oxygen, as hydrogen is a gas that is inflammable by oxygen, a gas that is contained in atmospheric air. Secondly, carbonic acid by carbon [combining] with oxygen [???] . Thirdly, ammonia gas by combining hydrogen with nitrogen, a precious combination, solicited and by the affinity of these two principles, and by the presence of carbonic acid, which I have seen in similar circumstances, with the difference alone, that they were less favourable. It is observed above all that the proportion of the principles composing the flammable gas of thermolamps can vary approximately according to the operator [of the thermolampe]. Some of the steam from the bitumen and pyroligneous acid that emanates from the wood can even be entered there. Whatever the number and sets of these affinities and combinations is, it is always demonstrated, by experience, that the dilation in time of inflammation is prodigious; that it can overcome the most powerful resistances. What experience tells us about the strength of these detonations, reflection explains to us, that the water that is formed is in the form of steam. and that it is in a state of glowing, as well as the other gases that result from combustion. Therefore, the strength of each other must be extraordinary.

[0007] I will now indicate the means of collecting this expansive force, moderating its energy and deploying it only to the extent and proportion of the needs and the solidity of the machines that can be used. In cylinder a, Pl. 10e., fig. 2e., the combustion of the flammable gas, which is introduced by means of pipe b, while the atmospheric air necessary for combustion is returned to it by pipe c.

[0008] The cylinder receives the vapours produced by this combustion, its piston d intercepts any communication between the e and f parts. Box g contains four valves, their clearance, determined by a regulator under the command of the movement of the piston d, introduces steam, sometimes in the e part of cylinder h, while that contained in part f escapes through pipes i and j, and sometimes in part f, while that contained in the other part e escapes through pipe k and j.

[0009] The piston rod diverges outside the cylinder into three other rods and even a larger number, if necessary: one of them moves the piston l of a double-acting atmospheric air pump; another moves the piston m of a similar flammable gas pump; the third is intended to be applied to the resistance that is proposed to be overcome.

[0010] Now let's look at the effects of this device, and let's try to appreciate them by calculation. We will assume the movement begins, as well as the ignition of the gas, in cylinder a, and that in this moment, by the interaction of the valves of the box g, the gas contained in the part f of the cylinder has a free exit, and [the gas] produced by the ignition in the cylinder a has a free communication in the other part e of the same cylinder. It is obvious that the expansive force, produced by the ignition, will tend on one side by acting on the piston d, to carry it towards the part f, and on the other hand, reacting on the pistons l and m, whose surfaces together must be less than those of the piston d, to destroy part of this effect. Finally, the resistance to which the rod applies will not yet oppose this movement.

[0011] So let have the piston d a surface a,

a' [the surface] of the piston l,

a'' [the surface] of the piston m:

[then] a = 2 (a' + a'').

[0012] h, the height of the water column which could be supported by the expansive force of the gas, resulting from the combustion of flammable air in atmospheric air, after having spread into a space double that occupied by these two airs.

[0013] Finally, let us represent the sum of the resistances that we propose to overcome, by that which would offer to raise a column of water, whose base would equal a' + a'' = ? / ?, and whose height we are looking for would be h', we will obviously have the following equation:

[0014] h x a = h x a' + h x a'' + h x (a' + a'')

and substitute and reduce h = h', the height of this column of resistance forces would therefore be that of the water column which represents the expansive force produced by the detonation of the gases after they have spread in a space double that of which they occupied. Now the experiments on this force teach us that this height must be extraordinary higher than that which measures the force of our fire machines [i.e. steam engines], it will even have to be moderate; but it is enough for this to reduce (all other things remaining equal) the diameters of the cylinders l and m.

[0015] If the gases that result from this detonation are either condensable by cooling, or absorbable, then we can still add to this force the effect of vacuum, as in our ordinary fire machines.

[0016] We know that once the ignition of the gas by an electric spark has started, it can be maintained even in closed vessels. An electric machine, driven by the gas could be arranged so as to repeat the detonations in moments whose intermittency could be regulated and determined. Then we would have the advantage of being able, depending on the circumstances and needs, to obtain more or less violent or sudden effects, and perhaps to determine combinations and effects that would not take place without the presence of the electrical current.

[0017] I think it is good to observe that fuel provides only a very small part of the materials that give rise to this light, this heat, this expansive force, and that the surplus is drawn free of charge from atmospheric air.

[0018] The same device I have just described offers a no less useful use of another product of my thermolamps; the combustion of coal can offer another source of strength and movement. This other very powerful and very energetic machine differs from the previous one only by the removal of the pump m. I suppose that all the coal that should be consumed in the cylinder f in a given time could be introduce in one go. It could, however, be introduced successively; but this approach does not seem to me to be necessary.

[0019] Any other substance or mixture of substances, which, by combustion or combination, produces an expansion, must produce similar effects. Thus, the combustion of the flammable gas and that of the coal could be combined in cylinder f, even placing the whole and undecomposed fuel there. Sulfur, mixed with coal, would give effects close to those of gunpowder.

[0020] Note that the quantity of movement produced by these new fire machines does not deprive the other effects of heat, and that one can envelop the cylinders f and h by substances that one wants to subject to its action, or even reseize the caloric at the exit of the cylinders h. Finally, one must not fear that the resistance experienced by the expansive force can harm the combustion or even suffocate it. Suffocating means nothing other than depriving of atmospheric air, and the piston is intended to continuously discharge it, while through the interaction of the valves of the box g, the vapours or gases from combustion also escape continuously. This combustion therefore differs from that of our stoves, only in that it takes place under greater pressure, far from harming this operation.

[0021] I am not talking about the effects that could be achieved by still applying the heat produced to the boilers of our ordinary fire machines, nor about the countless applications of the force that is deployed in these new machines. All that is likely to be done mechanically in the object, and the simultaneity of so many precious effects making the expenditure proportionally very small, the possible number of economic applications becomes infinite in the forges. One neglects and loses all the flammable gas, which nevertheless offers effects of heat and movements so precious for these establishments. The quantity of fuel consumed, often far from forests and mines, whose deprivation gives rise, in droughts, to unemployment all the more harmful as they leave a large class of workers without work there, is so enormous that I am convinced that by reducing [the quantity of fuel consumed] considerably one could, following the views I indicate, not only obtain the same heat effects, but even overabundantly give the force that one borrows from the course of water. In general, all establishments that require movement, or heat, or light, must derive some benefit from this method of using fuel for these purposes.

[0022] However, since the greatest number of applications of thermolamps have as their object heating and lightening, I will consider them particularly from this point of view.

[0023] The shape of the vessels in which the fuel is subjected to the decomposing action of the caloric can vary infinitely, depending on the circumstances, needs and localities.

[0024] I shall confine myself to indicating a few provisions which seem to me to be interesting to know, and which, moreover, will give an idea of the multiplicity of forms of which these vases are susceptible.

[0025] The wood can be contained in a simple cylinder exposed to the heat of a furnace whose action applies in the same moment only to a part of this cylinder, but successively to each of them, by a movement of translation and rotation. It may be proposed to extend, by this provision, the duration of the release of the flammable gas, making it less abundant at the same time, and by attacking only part of the wood used.

[0026] This being said, it is obvious that as the carbonization takes place, the cylinder, becoming lighter, will be lifted by the float, and that the degree of carbonization will depend on the ratio that will be established between the weights and volumes of the cylinder and float.

[0027] It would also be possible to lower the furnace as the cylinder went up, and to establish between the speeds of one and the other the ratio that one would consider suitable. Finally, the vase that contains the wood could wrap the stove, instead of being wrapped in it. There is an infinity of other embodiments that would be too great to explain in detail, which are determined by the circumstances and needs determine, but which can easily be conceived.

[0028] It is often suitable to purify, or to charge, or to combine the flammable gas. Consequently, the inflammable gas is put in contact with cold surfaces, or when forced, under various degrees of pressure and temperature, the flammable gas may pass several times successively solid or liquid substances. In the latter case, it is useful to receive the gas, in the middle of these substances that it must pass through under inverted capsules, pierced with small holes. By this means, the gas is divided into globules, the surfaces are multiplied and the operation is facilitated.

[0029] The gas that produces the flame, well prepared and purified, will not comprise [any of the] inconvenient [constituents, such as] oil, or tallow, or wax [which are otherwise] used to illuminate us. However, since the appearance of an evil is sometimes as dangerous as the evil itself, it is not useless to point out how easy it is to spread in the apartments only light and heat, and to reject outside all other products, even that resulting from the combustion of this flammable gas. This is how I installed it in my home.

[0030] The combustion of the flammable gas is done in a crystal globe, supported by a tripod, sealed so as not to let anything escape outside the products of combustion. A small pipe brings flammable air there; a second pipe introduces atmospheric air, and a third pipe carries away the products of combustion. A small pipe brings flammable air there; a second pipe introduces atmospheric air, and a third pipe carries away the products of combustion. The one of these pipes that conducts atmospheric air, takes it inside the apartment when you want to renew it there, or otherwise it pulls it out. As these pipes unite below the globe, it is necessary that [the pipe] for the exhaust gas rises vertically in a part of its course. [It is further necessary] that [this pipe] be a little warmed up, at the beginning of the operation, to initiate the draft. Moreover, each of these pipes can have a tap or a valve, so that one can establish whatever relationship one desires between the gas supplies and the draft.

[0031] It is conceivable, without being necessary to explain it, that the globe can be suspended, and descend from a ceiling. In any case it is easy, by the arrangement of the pipes, to make the combination of the two principles of combustion prompt and immediate. [It is further conceivable] to distribute and shape the luminous surfaces, and to govern the operation as it sees fit. By this means, heat and light are given to us after having been filtered through glass or crystal, and they leave nothing to fear from the effects of vapours or metals [???]. It is not necessary, however, to absorb the products of combustion, which takes place in an exactly closed globe; a small dome or capsule of glass, crystal, porcelain or other material. [The products of combustion] can be collected to introduce them into a pipe, which, by its draft, would evacuate them continuously.