White Lead Patent
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White Lead Patent
White lead was first manufactured in Utah beginning in February and March 1883 at the Germania Lead Works in Murray. It was a major shift in the white lead market, with the local product replacing white lead shipped in from Eastern and Midwestern plants, and from plants in California (San Francisco).
February 6, 1883
From the Salt Lake Herald, February 6, 1883.
The old Germania Smelting and Refining Co. has been lately re-organized and is now known as the Germania Lead Co., for the purpose of smelting and refining gold and silver ores and bullion, and also for the manufacture of white lead, colors, lead pipe, etc., etc.
Yesterday we had the pleasure of visiting the works of this company, located about six miles south of the city. The Germania Smelter has been in operation for a number of years past, but it is not our purpose on this occasion to say much of the smelting and refining department; but a few items in relation to the Whitehead Works can not fail to be interesting to the people of this Territory and even to the entire western part of the United States.
The [White lead works] building is a large, substantial one of brick, two stories high, 120x76 feet, and in addition to this is an engine-room 76x40 feet. The machinery is all of the very best that could be obtained and indicates that the company means to engage in the business in earnest, and knows beforehand just what can be done.
The manufacture of white lead is a very simple process, and a description of it may prove quite interesting to many.
The manufacture of white lead is a very simple process, easily described, but of course quite interesting to many. In the first place the lead is reduced to an impalpable powder of a dull grayish hue, by means of a patent process purchased by the company here, and also used by another company in Baltimore.
(There followed a description of the process.)
Tuttle & McCreary Patent (1874)
# TRANSCRIPTION OF U.S. PATENT NO. 148,862
**Title:** IMPROVEMENT IN THE MANUFACTURE OF WHITE LEAD
**Inventors:** DAVID K. TUTTLE and JAMES A. McCREARY, of Baltimore, Maryland.
**Patent Date:** March 24, 1874
**Application Filed:** September 16, 1873
[Pages 1, 2, and 3 contain illustrations of the process]
## [Page 4 – Specification]
**DAVID K. TUTTLE AND JAMES A. McCREARY, OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND.**
### IMPROVEMENT IN THE MANUFACTURE OF WHITE LEAD.
**Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 148,862, dated March 24, 1874; application filed September 16, 1873.**
*To all whom it may concern:*
Be it known that we, DAVID K. TUTTLE and JAMES A. McCREARY, both of the city and county of Baltimore and State of Maryland, have invented a new and Improved Process for the Manufacture of White Lead, of which the following is a specification:
This invention relates, in the first place, to an improved method of preparing the metal for subsequent corrosion; and, second, to an improved process for converting the metal so prepared into white lead.
The method of preparing the metal is as follows: The lead, being melted and heated to a temperature at which it flows freely through a small aperture, is struck in its fall by a jet of steam, and the product, which is metallic lead in a more or less fine state of division, according to the steam-pressure employed, and the temperature of the lead, is blown by the jet into a suitable chamber for collection.
Plate 1 in the drawings shows a furnace, which, in practice, may be of any desired size and form, upon which is placed a melting pot or kettle, A, provided with one or more nozzles, G, from which a stream of melted lead is permitted to flow by raising the valve F. D is a steam-pipe, from which a jet is made to impinge directly on the falling stream of lead. The finely-divided metal is blown into a chamber, (not shown in the drawing, but which may be of any convenient size and shape, care being used to provide such capacity that the metallic particles will chill before striking the enclosing walls of the chamber.)
Plate 2, Figs. 1 and 2, shows a corroding vessel or cylinder, to which the comminuted metal is transferred for conversion into white lead. A is a stout frame, upon which is supported the cylinder B. C is a sweep, carrying the fingers d d d, and rotated on the shaft f by the pulley E. The central opening in the cylinder, through which passes the shaft f, is provided with a collar, c, which may be left open for the escape of waste gases from the cylinder, or may be provided with a leather disk closely embracing the shaft, so as to practically prevent escape of the contents of cylinder by this route, and still leave the shaft free to rotate. H is a pipe for conveying carbonic acid to the cylinder from a coke or charcoal fire. It also serves for the conveyance of atmospheric oxygen, or any desired admixture of these gases. J is a steam-pipe, also communicating with the cylinder, and provided with suitable stop-cock K, communicates above with a receptacle containing acetic acid or a solution of acetate of lead, and terminates below either immediately in the steam-pipe J, or just in front of the jet from such pipe, in such manner that the flowing stream from K may be struck by the jet of steam, and diffused as a spray over the contents of the cylinder.
Plate 3 shows another device which may be substituted for that shown in Plate 2. Plate 3, Fig. 1 is a perspective view, and Fig. 2 a section, of a cylinder, B, mounted on the frame A by the friction-rollers F F, in such manner that the cylinder may be revolved, while leaving its centers free for the entrance of the stationary pipes H J K. In Fig. 3 the arrangement of these pipes is shown in section. H is the pipe for conveying carbonic acid mixed with more or less air, as desired. J is a steam-pipe, and K the acetic-acid pipe, serving the same purpose as in the former description. Motion is communicated to the cylinder by revolving the rollers F F, one set or both.
Having thus described the method of preparing the metal, and the apparatus used for corrosion, the process may be briefly described as follows: A suitable charge of the comminuted lead is placed in one of the corroding-cylinders B, Plates 2 and 3, and kept in slight movement by the revolution of the fingers d, in Plate 2, or by the revolution of the cylinder in Plate 3. A jet of steam is admitted through J, and at the same time a stream of acetic acid is allowed to descend through K, and be diffused over the contents of the cylinder. The acid may be either the undiluted article or mixed with water, and the choice of one or the other will depend somewhat on the more or less moist condition of the charge of lead. The whole charge of acid may be put on at once, or in portions at suitable intervals, the quantity to be used not differing materially from that required in other processes. No more steam or water should be admitted than is necessary to maintain a merely moist condition of the corroding mass, avoiding as objectionable a pasty condition, and a humid atmosphere, charged with carbonic acid and air, is maintained in the cylinder. This is obtained by injecting the suitably-washed gases from a coke fire. The slow movement of the particles of lead and the injection of corroding gases are maintained uninterruptedly, or at suitable short intervals, until the completion of the process. The corrosion may be pushed till no appreciable quantity of metallic particles remain, and the product removed for grinding and washing; or the process may be interrupted when any desired percentage of the mass has been corroded, and the carbonate separated from residual metallic lead, by running water on the mass and floating off the specifically lighter carbonate. In either case the product is ground, washed, and dried as in any known process. Nitric acid, or the nitrate or acetate of lead in solution, may be substituted for acetic acid in the corroding process above described.
The comminuted lead as prepared by our process may be advantageously employed in the manufacture of sugar of lead, litharge, &c.
## [Page 5 – Claims and Signatures]
**What we claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is**
**1.** The process herein described for comminuting lead, the same consisting in causing a steam-jet to impinge on the melted metal, substantially as described.
**2.** The process of converting lead into white lead by acting on the finely-comminuted metal, while in a nearly dry or merely moist condition, by means of acetic acid, or its equivalent, carbonic acid, and air, substantially as set forth.
**3.** The combination of the cylinder B with the revolving sweep C and fingers d, together with the pipes H J K, substantially as described, for the purpose set forth.
**4.** The combination of the revolving cylinder B with the rollers F F, and with the pipes H J K, substantially as described, for the purpose set forth.
In testimony that we claim the foregoing, we have hereunto set our hands this 13th day of September, 1873.
**DAVID K. TUTTLE.**
**JAMES A. McCREARY.**
*Witnesses:*
PETER G. SAUERWEIN,
STANLEY HUTCHINS.
*End of transcription.*
Germania White Lead Works (1883)
Salt Lake Herald, February 6, 1883
THE NEW LEAD WORKS.
An Enterprise on a Solid Basis.
The old Germania Smelting and Refining Co. has been lately re-organized and is now known as the Germania Lead Co., for the purpose of smelting and refining gold and silver ores and bullion, and also for the manufacture of white lead, colors, lead pipe, etc., etc.
Yesterday we had the pleasure of visiting the works of this company, located about six miles south of the city. The Germania Smelter has been in operation for a number of years past, but it is not our purpose on this occasion to say much of the smelting and refining department; but a few items in relation to the Whitelead Works can not fail to be interesting to the people of this Territory and even to the entire western part of the United States, as the benefits in reduced prices of the manufactured products will likely reach even these wide limits.
At the works we had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Schneider, superintendent of the entire works; also Mr. Rauscher, Ph. D., who studied philosophy and medicine for a number of years at the University of Vienna and graduated as indicated above, and who has also been engaged for the past twenty years in the manufacture of white lead and kindred products, and consequently thoroughly understands the business from beginning to end. The latter gentleman conducted us through the works, and very kindly explained the entire process and spared neither time nor pains to give any information desired.
The building is a large, substantial one of brick, two stories high, 120x76 feet, and in addition to this is an engine-room 76x40 feet. The machinery is all of the very best that could be obtained and indicates that the company means to engage in the business in earnest, and knows beforehand just what can be done.
The manufacture of white lead is a very simple process, and a description of it may be quite interesting to many. In the first place the lead is reduced to an impalpable powder of a dull greyish hue, by means of a patent process purchased by the company here, and also used by another company in Baltimore. The lead is first melted and then run through a small ripple immediately over a powerful jet of steam which scatters it all over the floor in the condition of a very fine powder. From here it is carried by means of an elevator up to the second floor, where it is run down by means of chutes into revolving cylinders, which are large enough to handle conveniently from 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. By means of an injector a mixture of acetic acid (vinegar) and water is thrown into the cylinder from time to time as needed. The chemical change that takes place produces acetate of lead, a combination of acetic acid and vinegar; from a large furnace in which coke is burned issues a constant current of carbonic acid gas, which is also turned into the cylinders, and here coming in contact with the acetate of lead as fast as it is formed, immediately supplants the acetic acid, which may now unite with more of the lead or may pass off with the steam and gases not used, and thus carbonate of lead or white lead is formed. Why the carbonic acid gas should not unite directly with the lead, without its first going through this round-about course, is difficult to explain, but it is nevertheless a fact. The slowly revolving cylinders keep the charge in constant motion, so as to expose all the lead to the action of these chemical agents, and at the expiration of about ten days, the work is completed, and the charge taken out.
There are twenty-one cylinders now running, made in California, but the remaining twenty-one are to be made here, as the work can be much better done, and also at lower figures.
The material is then carried to the floor below, where it enters a cylinder in which water is put and there thoroughly mixed, by the constant revolution of flanges attached to a central axis. It next enters a mill, and is there ground like wheat between mill-stones. It is thence transferred into immense vats, whence it is pumped into the pressing machine, which squeezes out all the water, leaving it perfectly dry; and lastly it is carried into iron cylinders maintained at a medium temperature by steam and supplied with knives attached to a revolving arm. Here the oil is added and thoroughly mixed with the white lead. It is now ready for use, and needs only to be kegged up and shipped where it is wanted.
The kegs are made in St. Louis, at one of the largest coopering establishments in the country, and can be imported here at a much lower figure than they would cost if made here.
When the works are in full running order it is estimated that five tons per day will be turned out.
The power for running the machinery is produced by a magnificent little engine of 100 horse power. The building is supplied with water forced through it by a pump at an adjoining well, is heated by steam, and will be lighted by eight electric lamps.
The vinegar works in connection with the institution have not yet been completed, owing to the extremely cold weather. Here it is proposed to concentrate the pyroligneous acid or wood vinegar obtained from Spanish Fork canyon, where the company produces the large quantities of charcoal used at the smelters.
In figuring on future business prospects, the company has come to the conclusion that owing to the advantages it has in freight, if in nothing else, it will be able to furnish the greater part of the country west of the Mississippi with its manufactured products, at as low figures as they command now if not lower.
In addition, lead pipe will be made, as the machinery is all here and nearly in position for work; also granulated lead, colors, shot, etc.
The old lumber building at the smelter and refinery will soon be torn down and rebuilt of more durable material, thus showing that the company means to locate here permanently, and grow up with the country.
In the lead works alone about $100,000 has been invested, not as a speculation but as a legitimate investment of capital with the hope of a fair return in profits for risks and enterprise.
It is a business undertaking to which we and all can give hearty support, as it proposes to stand on its own merits and take its chances in common with all. It will command patronage, not because it is a home industry simply, but because it will be advantageous for the purchaser to trade with the company.
Employment will be given to about thirty men in all, who will have the satisfaction of knowing, when they draw their pay, that they have produced more than its equivalent, and thus have left the country just so much better off for their labor.
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