IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM BOILERS
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Alfred Vincent Newton, of the Office for Patents, 66,
Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Mechanical Draughtsman, for the
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM BOILERS." A communication from
abroad by Benjamin Talbot Babbitt, of the City and State of New York,
United States of America.
Sealed the 13th August 1878, and dated the 25th March 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Alfred Vincent Newton
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 25th March 1878.
ALFRED VINCENT NEWTON, of the Office for Patents, 66, Chancery Lane, in the
County of Middlesex, Mechanical Draughtsman.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM
BOILERS." [A communication from abroad by Benjamin Talbot Babbitt, of the
City and State of New York, United States of America.]
This Invention relates to boilers of the locomotive type to be used either for
stationary or locomotive purposes, including its application, if desired, to sea-going
and other steam vessels.
The principal objects of the Invention are to economize fuel by utilizing to an
enlarged extent the heat derived from the escaping gases of combustion to superheat
the steam; also to produce a rapid generation thereof, and while obtaining a more
extended circulation of the gaseous products of combustion to maintain an active
draft. It also admits in some of its forms or modifications of being readily applied
to locomotive boilers in present uso, or as heretofore constructed, as well as to boilers
of future and special construction.
The Invention consists in a combination with the fire-box and horizontal or
approximately horizontal multitubular barrel or cylindrical body of the boiler
forming a main water chamber of a horizontal or approximately horizontal multi-
tubular steam superheater, arranged over said body or main water chamber of the
boiler, and in communication therewith, and an upright multitubular feed water
heater, arranged between the steam superheater and the chimney, and serving to
pass the products of combustion in a direct manner to the chimney, after the same

page_text: have been circulated in opposite directions through the barrel or main water body of
the boiler and the steam superheater thereof.
The Invention also consists in a combination of the fire-box, mutitubular barrel
or main water body of the boiler, smoke boxes at the end of the latter furthest
removed from the fire, a multitubular steam superheater in communication with the
barrel or main water body, a smoke box at the fire end of the boiler, and a multi-
tubular feed water heater, mounted on said smoke box and detached from the steam
superheater.
The Invention also relates to a combination of parts for giving a base burning
and self-feeding action to the furnace while protecting the fire-box from being
burned, the same consisting in a combination with the fire-box and its external
water casing or shell of an inner water casing terminating above the grate of the
fire-box, a fuel holding or supply chainber arranged within and passing up
through the interior of the internal water casing, and the multitubular barrel
of the boiler having one or more water connections between it and said interior
water casing.
Again the Invention consists in a combination with a boiler of the locomotive
type having a multitubular steam superheater arranged above it of an air-heating
jacket surrounding said superheater, and extending down the fire-box end of the
boiler, and communicating with the fire-box below the grate.
The Invention furthermore consists in a combination with the fire-box and
horizontal or approximately horizontal multitubular barrel or cylindrical body of
the boiler of a horizontal or approximately horizontal multitubular steam superheater
and a multitubular feed-water heater, both arranged over the barrel of the boiler,
and in such communication therewith that the products of combustion pass through
said superheater and feed-water heater in a reverse direction to their circulation
through the tubes in the barrel or body of the boiler.
It also consists in a combination of the fire-box multitubular barrel of the boiler
sinoke boxes at the end of the latter furthest removed from the fire, a multitubular
steam superheater and a multitubular feed-water heater, both arranged over the
barrel of the boiler, and a smoke box at the fire-box end of the boiler.
The Invention likewise consists in a multitubular steam superheater and feed-
water heater, having corresponding tubes, and arranged with the tubes of the one
in line with the tubes of the other, whereby increased facility is afforded for cleaning
the tubes of both of said heaters.
Also the Invention consists in a combination with a boiler of the locomotive type
having a multitubular steam superheater and multitubular feed-water heater
arranged above it, of an air-heating jacket surrounding both said superheater and
feed-water heater, and extending down the sides of the fire-box end of the boiler,
and communicating with the fire-box for supplying the fire with heated air to main-
tain combustion.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Alfred Vincent Newton in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
25th September 1878.
ALFRED VINCENT NEWTON, of the Office for Patents, 66, Chancery Lane, in the
County of Middlesex, Mechanical Draughtsman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM
BOILERS." A communication from abroad by Benjamin Talbot Babbitt, of the
City and State of New York, United States of America.
This Invention relates to boilers of the locomotive type to be used either for
stationary or locomotive purposes, including its application, if desired, to sea-going
and other steam vessels.
The principal objects of the Invention are to economize fuel by utilizing to an
enlarged extent the heat derived from the escaping gases of combustion to super-
heat the steam; also to produce a rapid generation of steam, and while obtaining a
more extended circulation of the gaseous products of combustion to maintain an
active draft. It also admits in some of its forms or modifications of being readily
applied to locomotive boilers at present in use, or as heretofore constructed, as well
as to boilers of future and special construction.
The Invention consists in a combination with the fire-box and horizontal or
approximately horizontal multitubular barrel or cylindrical body of the boiler,
forming a main water chamber of a horizontal or approximately horizontal multi-
tubular steam superheater, arranged over said body or main water chamber of the
boiler, and in communication therewith, and an upright multitubular feed-water
heater arranged between the steam superheater and the chimney, and serving to
pass the products of combustion in a direct manner to the chimney after the same
have been circulated in opposite directions through the barrel or main water body
of the boiler and the steam superheater thereof.
The Invention also consists in combination of the fire-box, multitubular barrel or
main water body of the boiler, smoke boxes at the end of the latter furthest removed
from the fire or multitubular steam superheater in communication with the barrel
or main water body, a smoke box at the fire end of the boiler and multitubular
feed-water heater, mounted on said smoke box and detached from the steam super-
heater.
The Invention also relates to a combination of parts for giving a base burning
and self-feeding action to the furnace while protecting the fire-box from being
burned, the same consisting in a combination with the fire-box and its external
water casing or shell of an inner water casing terminating above the grate of the
fire-box, a fuel holding or supply chamber arranged within and passing up through
the interior of the internal water casing, and the multitubular barrel of the
boiler having one or more water connections between it and the said interior water
casing.
Again the Invention consists in a combination with a boiler of the locomotive
type having a multitubular steam superheater arranged above it of an air-heating
jacket surrounding said superheater and extending down the fire-box end of the
boiler, and communicating with the fire-box below the grate.
The Invention furthermore consists in a combination with the fire-box and
horizontal or approximately horizontal multitubular barrel or cylindrical body of the
boiler of a horizontal or approximately horizontal multitubular steam superheater
and a multitubular feed-water heater, both arranged over the barrel of the boiler,
and in such communication therewith that the products of combustion pass through
said superheater and feed-water heater in a reverse direction to their circulation
through the tubes in the barrel or body of the boiler.
It also consists in a combination of the fire-box multitubular barrel of the boiler
smoke boxes at the end of the latter furthest removed from the fire, a multitubular
steam superheater and a multitubular feed-water heater, both arranged over the
barrel of the boiler, and a smoke box at the fire-box end of the boiler.

page_text: The Invention likewise consists in a multitubular steam superheater and feed-
water heater, having corresponding tubes, and arranged with the tubes of the one
in line with the tubes of the other, whereby increased facility is afforded for cleaning
the tubes of both the said heaters.
Also the Invention consists in a combination with a boiler of the locomotive type t
having a multitubular steam superheater and multitubular feed-water heater
arranged above it, of an air-heating jacket surrounding both said superheater and
-feed-water heater, and extending down the sides of the fire-box end of the boiler,
and communicating with the fire-box for supplying the fire with heated air to
maintain combustion.
Having thus specified the object or objects and nature of the Invention, its
description will be proceeded with in reference to the accompanying Drawings.
1
Fig. 1 represents a longitudinal sectional elevation of one form of a steam boiler,
constructed in accordance with the Invention; Fig. 2 is a transverse section of
the same on the line a, a, looking in the direction of the arrow w; and Fig. 3 1
is a transverse section thereof on the line a³, a', looking in the direction of the
arrow w¹.
Fig. 4 represents a longitudinal sectional elevation of another form or modification
of a steam boiler, constructed in accordance with the Invention; Fig. 5, a trans-
verse section of the same on the line v, v, looking in the direction of the arrow a; ;
and Fig. 6, a transverse section thereof on the line y, y, looking in the direction of
the arrow 2.
Referring in the first instance to Figures 1, 2, 3, of the Drawing, D is the multi-
tubular barrel or cylindrical body of the boiler, and B its fire-box; E is the external
shell of the fire-box or water jacket thereof, in communication above at 7 with the g
upper portion of the body D, which latter is designed to form a water chamber
throughout its entire depth; C is the grate of the fire-box, and b, b, the tubes,
which extend longitudinally through the barrel D and connect the fire-box B with
the smoke box Fat the opposite end of the boiler.
Arranged longitudinally over the barrel or body D of the boiler is a horizontal;
or approximately horizontal cylindrical multitubular steam superheater I, which is
in communication at its bottom by one or more apertures g with the interior of the
barrel or body D, to provide for a free circulation of water between the barrel and
superheater, and for the escape of steam generated within the barrel. The dotted
lines x, x, Fig. 1, may represent the level at which the water should stand in the
boiler, or within the superheater I, the upper space of which is reserved for steam
that may be taken from it as required by a pipe h. This steam superheater is of
like construction with the barrel D, being provided with longitudinal tubes c
extending through it. These tubes connect a smoke box K, arranged over the
smoke box F, with a smoke box L at the opposite or fire-box end of the boiler, and
serve to conduct the escaping gaseous products of combustion in a reverse direction
to their passage through the tubes b of the barrel or body D. Said tubes c not only
pass through the water space of the superheater I, but also through the steam space
thereof for the purpose of superbeating the steam. The smoke boxes F and K aro
virtually one, being connected by a duct d, below which in the smoke box F
may be a series of blast cones e to promote the draft by the action of exhaust
steam from an engine or other source entering the smoke box F at or near its
bottom.
G is the fire-door through which the fuel is supplied, and H represents one or
more doors at the base of the ash-pit, which is kept closed, except when it is desired
to discharge the ashes. The furnace or fire-box may also be provided with a lower
fire-door G¹.
The fire-box B is not only protected externally by the water jacket or outer fire-
box shell E, but also internally by a water casing A, which is in communication
above and below by ducts m, m, with the barrel D of the boiler to keep up a circu-
lation within said casing. This water casing A is stopped short some distance above
the fire-grate C, and is constructed to form internally a fuel chamber T, open at its

page_text: bottom, and extending upwards within the smoke box L, and so as to form a close
connection with the fuel supply opening to which the fire-door G is fitted. In this
way or by these means the furnace of the boiler is made a base burning one, and to
a certain extent a self-feeder, and the fire-box is protected both externally and
internally by water jackets or casings.
Mounted on the smoke box L is a multitubular feed-water heater J, having its
tubes c running in upright directions through it, and so that the escaping gaseous
products of combustion which pass through said tubes from the smoke box L, and
serve to impart heat to the water in the heater J, travel in the same course or line
with the chimney N, and thereby quicken the draft. In this way the feed-water
heater J forms an uptake for the products of combustion.
The boiler is kept supplied with water by a feed pipe i, connected with the lower
portion of the heater J, and is conveyed from the latter above the feed pipe by a
pipe which connects below with the outer shell or water jacket E of the
fire-box.
The air to feed the fire is introduced through a funnel O at the sinoke box K end
of the boiler, and passing through or along an air-heating jacket P surrounding the
steam superheater I is conducted by passages Q, forming extensions of the
jacket on opposite sides of the fire-box end of the boiler to the ash-pit of
the furnace, thus supplying the fire with heated air and thereby promoting com-
bust on.
A boiler constructed as described not only largely economises the consumption of
fuel and utilizes the escaping gaseous products of combustion, both to the heating of
the feed water and the air supplied to the furnace, but also ensures a rapid genera-
tion of the steam as well as superheating of the latter, and facilitates the keeping of
the furnace supplied with fuel.
Referring in the next instance to Figures 4, 5, and 6 of the Drawing, D¹ is the
multitubular barrel or cylindrical body of the boiler, and B' its fire-box; E' is the
external shell of the fire or water jacket thereof, and constituting a portion of the
ordinary steam and water space of the boiler, the same extending above the fire-box,
and being in free communication with one end of the barrel D'as in other locomotive
boilers C¹ is the grate of the fire-box, and b', b¹, the tubes of the boiler connecting
the fire-box B' with the smoke box F' at the opposite end of the boiler. The water
level in said boiler may stand at any suitable height above the crown sheet of the
fire-box but below the top of the barrel D¹.
G' is the fire-door through which the fuel is supplied, and H¹ is a door at the
base of the ash-pit, which is kept closed except when it is necessary to discharge
the ashes.
Arranged longitudinally over the barrel or body D' of the boiler are a cylindrical
multitubular steam superheater 11 and a cylindrical multitubular feed-water heater
J' lying end to end, one against the other. These structures 1' and J¹ have corre-
sponding longitudinal tubes c², arranged so that the tubes of the one are in line with
the tubes of the other, and there may be the same number of tubes in both structures
whereby the cleaning of both sets of tubes is facilitated on opening a door S¹ of a
smoke box K, arranged over the smoke box F¹. A similar door M¹ applied to the
sinoke box provides for cleaning out the tubes 6'. These two smoke boxes F', K',
virtually form but one box, being connected by a duct d', and the lower one of the
two being fitted with the usual blast pipe e¹ for promoting the draft by the exhaust
steam of the engine. L' is a sinoke box at the fire-box end of the boiler into
which the gaseous products of combustion pass in their way to the chimney
N', and to enter which said products are made to pass first through the
tubes in one direction, and subsequently through the tube c¹ in a reverse
direction.
The chimney N' may be furnished with a steam blow pipe f¹ in communication
with the steam space of the boiler at its fire-box end for promoting the draft by the
escape of live steam when required, or for providing for the escape of steam up the
chimney when there is an excessive pressure in the boiler.

page_text: A neck g' serves to connect the steam space of the barrel or cylindrical body D¹
of the boiler with the superheater I', from which latter the steam is supplied by a
pipe h, to work the engine or for any other purpose.
The water is fed to the boiler by or through an inlet pipe i, connected with the
feed-water heater J at or near its bottom, and from said feed-water heater at or
near its top a pipe / descends to or near the bottom of the external shell or water
jacket E of the fire-box.
The air to feed the fire is introduced through a funnel O' at the smoke box K¹
end of the boiler, and passing along or through an air-heating jacket P¹ surrounding
the steam superheater I' and feed-water heater J' is conducted by passages Q'on
opposite sides of the fire-box end of the boiler, and forming a continuation or part
of the jacket P¹ to the ash-pit of the fire-box, thus supplying the fire with heated
air, and thereby promoting combustion.
In this, as in the herein previously described modification shewn in Figures 1, 2,
and 3, a boiler constructed as shewn in Figures 4, 5, and 6, largely econimizes the
consumption of fuel and utilizes the escaping gaseous products of combustion, both
to the heating of the feed water and the air supplied to the furnace of the boiler.
Having now set forth the nature of the Invention of "Improvements in Steam
Boilers" as communicated to me from abroad, and explained the manner of
carrying the same into effect, I wish it be understood that under the above in part
recited Letters Patent I claim,―
First. The combination with the fire-box B and horizontal or approximately
horizontal multitubular barrel or body D of the horizontal, or approximately
horizontal multitubular steam superheater I arranged over the body D, and in
communication with the latter, which forms a water chamber and an upright multi-
tubular feed water heater J arranged between the steam superheater and the
chimney, and forming an uptake for the products of combustion after they have
been in circulation in opposite directions through the barrel D and superheater I,
substantially as specified and shewn in Figures 1, 2, and 3 of the Drawings.
Second. The combination of the fire-box, the multitubular barrel or body D, the
smoke boxes F, K, the multitubular steam superheater I in communication with
the barrel, which forms a water chamber, the smoke box L, and the multitubular
feed-water heater J mounted on the latter, essentially as described.
Third. The combination of the fire-box B, the external water casing or shell E,
the inner water casing A, terminating at bottom above the grate of the fire-box,
the fuel holding or supply chamber T arranged within and passing up through the
interior of the casing A, and the multitubular barrel or body D, having one or
more water connections between it and said casing A, substantially as specified.
Fourth. The combination with a boiler of the locomotive type having a multi-
tubular steam superheater arranged above it, of an air-heating jacket surrounding
said superheater and extending down the fire-box end of the boiler, and com-
municating with the fire-box below the grate, essentially as described.
Fifth. The combination with the fire-box B and horizontal or approximately
horizontal multitubular barrel or body D₁ of a horizontal or approximately hori-
zontal multitubular steam superheater I' and multitubular feed-water heater J',
arranged over the body D, and in such communication with the latter that the
products of combustion pass through said superheater and feed-water heater in a
reverse direction to their circulation through the tubes of the barrel or body D',
substantially as specified and shewn in Figures 4, 5, and 6 of the Drawings.
Sixth. The combination of the fire-box B, the multitubular barrel or body D',
the smoke boxes F¹, K', the multitubular steam superheater I', the multitubular
feed-water heater J, and the smoke box L¹, essentially as described.
Seventh. The multitubular steam superheater I and feed-water heater J',
having corresponding tubes, and arranged with the tubes of the one in line with
the tubes of the other to facilitate the operation of cleaning them, substantially as i
specified.
Eighth. The combination with the multitubular superheater I' and feed-water

page_text: heater arranged above the body of the boiler and with the fire-box of the latter
of an air-heating jacket, surrounding both the said superheater and said feed-water
heater, and extending down the fire-box end of the boiler, and communicating with
the fire-box below its grate, essentially as described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Alfred Vincent Newton, have hereunto set
iny hand and seal, this Twenty-fifth day of September, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.
TT
A. V. NEWTON. (L.)