Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-03-17
From the London Courier, Dec. 2s,]

Mr. PerktnS ffaCtpte " utH'WWS "S"P'eo'
suye Sfeam.-So much has been said and writ
ten of late respecting the wonderful power OF
Mr. Perkins High Pressure Steam, that we
readily insert the following detailed description
of his principle generating 1t, and OF has IN
cenious methods Of rendering practically use
ful. as furnished us by scientific correspondent
personally acquainted with Mr.. Perkins, and
who has anxiously watched, since their com
mencement, his Improvements IN the produc-
ton of steam. Should the results prove in any
DECREE commensurate with present appearan-
ces. we NAV exclaim that new era opens upon
MS in steam engines, and in steam navigation,
as indeed is also likely to be the case in war
fare, from his invention Of the steam gun.
tits not exceeding the bounds Of probability
70 suppose that we shall, ere long, as common
" see vessels propelled BY Perkins steam en-
zines. undertaking the most distant voyages,
as we now see them employed our coasts
In this case Gains, contrary winds and tides,
will be comparatively of little consequences
since steam vessel, under such unfavorable
circumstances, can always either make some
way on her voyage or retreat into harbor
The advices recently received from the COM
mander of the Enterprise steam vessel, dated
Cape OF Good Hope, are most important and
satisfactory, since, by this experiment, IL Is
shown that even the boisterous seas OH the
Cape did not impede heT course, or cause the
least damage to her machinery. 1t appears
that the cause Of her long passage originated
in her not being able to carry sufficient fuel to
work the engines for little more than one hall
the VOYAGE, This objection will be obviated by
MIR. Perkins engines, which requiring so much
less fuel and water than the low pressure en-
eines it is expected will enable a vessel going
to India, not only TO cary her supply OF those
essential articles, but also 10 take In addition a
light cargo goods as freight.
Water cannot be heated beyond the boiling
point, or 2l2 degrees, in an open vessel, howev-
or intense NAV be the heat to which II is expos
ed. Water, however, inclOsed in tubes, or a
very strong vessel, may be heated considerably
above 2l2 degrees. Mr. Perkins by means OF
pressure, is enabled constantly 10 keep his wa
ter in contact with the surface of the apparatus,
exposed 10 the action FIRE, through which the
water is made 10 circulate. For example,
series ofpipes or tubes OF extraordinary strength
is exposed to the most intense heat, while wa
ter Is injected through them by means OF Tor
cling pump of great power; which water by a
pressure valve placed at the opposite extremity
of the tubes is kept in contact with their sides.
10 effect this is by no means an easy task, since
the repellant power of heat is so great, that no
force which can be exerled on the forcing pump,
can bring the water into contact with the tubes
nearest the FIRE when red hot. 1t is therefore
believed, that water when heated IN an open yes
sci, does not remain in contact with the bottom
of the boiler, but is lifted from it, and stratum
Of steam (known 10 be a very bad conductor Of
heaO is interposed, causing an obstacle TO the
free absorption Of caloric, by the water. Hence
the advantage of forcing water in contact with
the heated aides Of iron tubes, and thus COM