The Pump Electrifier. 
89 
Stand No. 226. — Messrs. E. R. <£ F. Turner , Ltd., St. 
Peter’s and Grey Friars Works, Ipswich. We discovered 
here a machine called “The Pump-Electrifier,” invented by 
Mr. James N. Alsop. The object of this machine was to remove 
electrically the oil or fatty matter contained in flour, which 
gives it a bad colour, or in a word to bleach the flour. The 
inventors state that not only is the flour bleached, but that it 
is improved in many ways. Perhaps I cannot do better than 
give a few of the advantages claimed for the machine by the 
inventors : — 
1. A stronger flour. 
2. A larger loaf of bread. 
3. From 7 per cent, to 10 per cent, more bread in weight. 
4. A better flour for baking. 
5. From 20 per cent, to 40 per cent, more of higher grade flour than is 
possible at present. 
6. Any degree of whiteness without loss of bloom. 
7. Sterilisation of the flour. 
8. A loaf that will keep fresh twice as long as one made from flour not 
treated. 
9. A sweeter flour, a sweeter loaf. 
10. A better loaf texture. 
It is claimed that the miller obtains an increase in the 
percentage of high grade flour, and so is able to use a cheaper 
grain, at the same time securing a higher standard. On refer- 
ence to the illustration (Fig 5) the principal parts of the 
“ Pump-Electrifier,” will be seen as follows : — 
A, A, Electrifier tubes in which is produced the electric flame. 
B, Pump to draw the pure air through the electrifier tubes and then force 
it into the piping leading to the agitators, through which the flour continually 
passes. 
C, C, Short connecting tubes leading from the electrifier tubes to the pump. 
d, d, Wires carrying the electric current. 
E, E, Rods actuating the electrodes which produce the. electric flame. 
F, If -in. shaft on which any desired size of pulley can be affixed for 
operating the pump. 
U, Piston rod of the pump. 
H, H, Air inlets. 
The operation of the Alsop process consists in the suction 
by the double-acting pump (B),of a current of pure air alternately 
through the inlets (H, H), and into the electric flames formed 
within the electrifier tubes (A, A). This air, after passing through 
the flame, is immediately drawn down the tubes (C, C), through 
the valves into the pump (b), from which it is ejected into the 
piping through connecting tubes and valves at the back of the 
pump, not shown in the illustration. The air is then con- 
ducted any distance through the piping to the agitator, where 
it is brought in contact with the flour. In the tubes (A, A), the 
electric flames are produced alternately, so that they occur dur- 
ing each influx of air. To produce the flame the top electrodes 
