Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1853-02-02
THE ERICSSON ENGINE.

by himself, recently, will be read with interest:
Mr.. f. said the chief principle involved in the
operation of this engine, was that of using the
same heat over and over again. This was effect
ed in very simple way, through the interven-
ton of what is called a regenerator" between
the valves and cylinder, which is nothing more
or less than mass of l-l5th inch wire, compact
ly interviewer, the whole containing "a square
feet. Upon the heated air passing through this,
the caoric is absorbed, and the cold air, in re-
turning, is again heated nearly enough to contin-
ne the motion of the engine. Seventy-fve tons
of air are drawn through the l00,000,000 mesh
es of the wire each hour. The resistance to its
passage is almost imperceptible. In its passage
through the meshes the air is instantaneously
heated to 400 degrees, as rapid as the electric
flash. The wires are not oxidized by the pro-
cess.
There is pair of cylinders on either side of
the shaft-each composed by two sections-the
upper, called the supply cylinder, which is l27
inches in diameter, and the lower or working cyl
Under, having diameter of l68 inches or IA feet.
The atmospheric air is admitted from above in
what is termed the receiver, and circulates be-
tween the two sections through side pipes, and
which is the Regeneration" Consequently, the
pressure above and below, leaving out of view
the increased area of the working cylinder, is
the same. A pair of these cylinders is placed
each side of the shaft. The power can be in
creased by enlarging the diameter of the cylin-
der. 1t was originally intended to leave the cyl
inder of the Ericsson Is feet in diameter, instead
of ID, as at present But it was thought to be
impossible to make them. The increased size
would nearly double the power, and give speed
equal to that of any ocean steamer.
Y'wel 20 non nds nreS Gil ra iS Sod N the SOuare
inch, and this cannot be exceeded without in
creasing the temperature, which is Objectionable.
The furnace fires are five feet from the bottom
Of the cylinder. Ono of these furnace bottoms
will last five years. Anthracite is the best fuel,
as it makes the flame. The cylinder above the
fires is l-2 inch in thickness, but so arched as
to have great strength. Even were it to break,
the contents of the cylinder would pass off HARM
iessly. There is consequently no expensive
steam boiler to be frequently renewed, and no
liability to explosion. If the engineer got asleep,
the engine would only stop.
The engine in the E. is of 600 horse power,
and not more than seven tons of coal per day
can possibly be consumed In steamship of
the same power sixty tons per day would be
low calculation. Mr.. Ericsson stated further
that this ship was started before she was finish
ed, because it was said to be dead failure, and
the effect was prejudicial to the interest of
those concerned with him in the enterprise
But the result had far exceeded his antcipations.
But half pound to the square inch was neces-
sary to start the engines. The weight Of the
crank alone was sufficient to do this.
AS to the comparative expenses OF running
breathing ship at high or low rate of speed,
Mr. E. stated that it was about as cheap, as far
as the engine was concerned, to run 10 miles an
hour as less.
Mr.. L. then proceeded to answer various OBJ
jections which had been urged relative to the
+" packing" and oxidation" of the cylinder, &C.,
which he did to the satisfaction Of all and ind-
viduals who had previously been ncreduous as
to the probable success of the Ericsson, ac-
that all doubt on their part was now
Mr.. Ericsson stated that for twenty
five years he had been maturing this invention
Many difficulties had presented themselves, but
time, only, was required to remove them. Prof
Faraday, Alex. IRE, and others, had long since
predicted its success, and he now saw no prac-
teal defect in the engine. 1t would last much
longer than the ship-the cylinder bottom was
the only part that could wear out.
The current expense of running it he had not
estimated, but the difference would not be more
than one-6fth compared with the steam engine.
The original cost of the engine would also be
less. He was quite certain that it would ultim-
ately be applied to locomotiOn on land, and to
various domestic purposes. It's simplicity is one
of its most valuable qualities, the number of
parts being not more than l to 20 compared
with those of the steam engine. The wheels
are 80 feet in diameter; the buckets 10 IL long
and 20 inches wide. They are much narrower
than usual, but placed closer together. They
leave the water very easily. The stock of piston
is six feet.
The engine occupies no more space than the I
ordinary one, and is regarded as well adapted to
naval vessels, as clear space Gin the E. of 10
feeD is left on either side of it, which would al
low room for the management of guns. In the
e., the state rooms are continued throughout
The entire length Of the vessel, and number g.
There are besides, ample decks for freight, as
but the little room is required for coal.
To meet the objection that the new meteor
would swelter and burn everything on board, it
8 only necessary to say that much to the cha
grin of Capt. Ericsson, it has been found neces-
'ary to heat the ship by steam-this being the
)nly steam used. The ventilation is as free and
pure as under the open sky The iremen yes
erday found heavy pea jacket comfortable
capt. T.. is now making condesing apparatus
Tor the conversion of salt water to fresh, during
ong voyages, for washing, &C., capable of pro-
iuclng from to 400 gallons of pure water per