IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR SUPPLYING FEED WATER TO STEAM BOILERS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Richard Langensiepen, of Buckau Magdeburg, in the
German Empire, Manufacturer, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
APPARATUS FOR SUPPLYING FEED WATER TO STEAM BOILERS AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES." A communication from Ernst Loupert, of Buckau-Magdeburg,
in the German Empire.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Richard Langensiepen at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 25th March 1880.
RICHARD LANGENSIEPEN, of Buckau Magdeburg, in the German Empire,
Manufacturer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR SUPPLYING FEED WATER
TO STEAM BOILERS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES." (A communication from Ernst
Lompert, of Buckau-Magdeburg, in the German Empire.)
This Invention relates to apparatus worked directly by steam, a part of the
interior of the apparatus being alternately filled with steam, and having such
steain condensed therein by water in such a manner that this water is discharged
every time into the boiler (placed lower) by the action of steam entering the
apparatus.
The apparatus represented by Fig. 1 in sectional elevation consists of two
chambers A and B placed one above the other, and in connection at the bottoms
by pipe L, whilst their communication at the tops is made dependent on the
position of a moveable partition C, such as a valve, piston, flexible disc, or their
equivalents. D is the steam admission valve, E the suction, and F the discharge
or feed valve leading to the water space of the boiler.
As will be seen by the Drawing the valves C and D are connected by rod G
to make their motion simultaneous. The plugs of these valves are provided with
cylindrical projections a, a, which fit exactly into the respective passages like
pistons in order to have one valve already shut before the other begins to open.
It is evident valve D will not admit steam into the apparatus until the pressure
of the boiler is transmitted to the same. To effect this the apparatus is in steady
connection with the boiler, cither by a special narrow pipe, or by perforations made
in the respective steam or water valves.
As soon as the pressure of the boiler is in this manner established within the
apparatus the connected valves C and D drop, and whilst valve C is shut steam

page_text: rusues into the lower chamber B, forcing the water through feed-valve F into tho
boiler.
By depressing the water level in the apparatus the steam obtains a buoyant
pressure with respect to the water in chamber A, which pressure is exerted on
valve C, but counterbalanced by its properly normed load At last, feeding being
finished, this pressure overcomes the load, and by opening valve C shuts off
valve D. The water contained in the upper chamber A will then precipitate
into chamber B, driving the steam out of the same and into chamber A, where
it is rapidly condensed. As soon as a vacuum occurs the apparatus refills with
fresh water, and is then ready again for feeding. The upward movement of doublo
valve C, D, is effected by buoyancy only to the middle of the stroke, the_rost
being obtained by the direct steam, which forces the already shut valve D up
to its seat.
Instead of condensing the cut off steam in the upper chamber A, condensation
may take place by injection of water-within-chamber B.; in this case tho moveable
partition may be shaped as a simple piston or flexible disc.
As a second modification of the apparatus valve D may be replaced by a piston
or flexible disc in order to obtain a full stroke of valve Č; of course an additional
steam admission valve must be applied in this case.
In a third arrangement, shewn by Fig. 6 in sectional clevation, valve D is
substituted by a hollow cylindrical slide valve D', which forms a part of C the
inoveable partition. The steam enters from pipe g, and is admitted to chamber B
by the ports and the pipes f. Valve C' is fitted into a cylindrical part a¹ of the
casing, which serves as a substitute for the above-mentioned projection a, that is
to say, before the valve C¹ begins to open, and thereby to establish communication
between pipo e leading to chamber A and pipe f, it must have been lifted the full
length of this cylindrical part.
As the seat h of this valve is of a much smaller area than the valve itself, it is
evident that if there is just enough pressure to lift the valve off its seat, it will bo
pushed upward through space a¹ with an accelerated velocity sufficient to raise it
to the proper height beyond this space before its motion is stopped. In order
to keep the valve open during the period of condensation, its downfall is retarded
as much as necessary by means of a screw d regulating the flow of water from e
through passage c to the chamber above the same. Tho upstroke of the valve
however is facilitated by the application of a valvo b.
Another arrangement similar to the foregoing is obtained if C¹ has but to serve
as a piston and not as a valve, the ports i being in this case only provided for
admission of steam to the apparatus, whilst the annular space around C¹ is
dispensed with. Chamber A is then also dispensed with, and substituted by a pipe
in connection with pipe e, and carried down to chamber B. It will now readily be
understood that the upstarting piston C¹, D', by forcing the water of chamber k
through the pipes cand e to chamber B will effect rapid condensation there.
When the upstroke of the double valve begins the apparatus has received a
determined volume of steam, the quantity of water drawn at cach turn will
therefore be likewise determined, and of the same amount. By connecting a
counter to the apparatus the whole quantity of feed water may thus be registered.
To this end I impart motion to the counter (preferably) by a flexible disc sensitivo
to occurring vacuuin.
In order to feed water that in consequence of high temperature or low situation
may not be drawn from the apparatus, an auxiliary arrangement termed the
conveyer, and represented by Fig. 2, is employed. The conveyer must be so
placed that the fresh water has easy access to it by valve N. This water leaves
the conveyer again through discharge O, which is in connection with valve E of the
feeder, being forced into the latter by direct steam as soon as condensation begins
in the same. To this end the steam inlet of the conveyer is regulated by a valve M
at the feeder, which is attached to valve D in such a way that it becomes open by
shutting the said valve, and on the contrary shuts by reopening valve D. It will

page_text: be clearly understood, therefore, that condensation occurs and fresh water is drawn
into the conveyer every time the feeder is emptying its chargo into the boiler. To
prevent the water from running back to the convoyer a check-valve may be applied,
if necessary, at the discharge O.
In cases where the high temperature of the feed-water might form an impediment
to condensation in the conveyer the steam should have a free escape after having
done work. To this end in lieu of valve M a sliding valve, such as illustrated by
Fig. 3, is then employed, which has an exit P¹ leading to the conveyer and an
exhaust Q. Fig. 3 shews this valvo in a position which corresponds with that of
the shut valve Ď, and permits of steam entering the conveyer by P' and P, whilst
in its opposite position corresponding with that of the opened valve D the steam is
allowed to escape again through P', Q.
That the action of the apparatus may be dependent on the want of feed water its
steam-supply pipe is in the usual manner carried down within the boiler to the
water line. In cases, however, where it is preferable to work with dry steam an
additional arrangement, represented by Fig. 4, is used. This arrangement consists
essentially of a stop-valve S combined with a flexible disc R (or a piston) which is
subjected on both its sides to the pressure of the boiler by the pipes U and T.
Pipe U is carried down to the water line; pipe T, however, leads to the steady
steam-space. As long as the orifice of pipe U is above the water level the
flexible disc is equally charged from both sides, so that steam will enter the feeder
from T through valve S and pipe V. On the contrary, if this orifice dips into the
water a column of water will enter pipe U, and in ascending cause the pressure on
disc R from side U to be diminished by its height; in consequence thereof the
pressure from T will shut valve S provided the area of the same is made in proper
ratio. to that of the disc. The admission of steam to the apparatus being interrupted
in this manner will remain so until pipo U is clear again of water. By suitably
arranging an additional screw W fitted into a stuffing box, valve S will serve at
the same time as an ordinary stop-valve. Another auxiliary arrangement is
employed for the feeder in such cases where steam mingled with portions of water
may be admitted, but mere water entirely retained. This apparatus, shown by
Fig. 5 in sectional clevation, consists mainly of the double scat valve K with tho
scats Hand L. The casing of the same is in connection with three pipes; one of
these X leads to the steady steam-space, the second Y to the water line, and the
third Z to the feeder. As long as there is only steam in pipe Y, the valve K in
consequence of its weight will maintain its lowest position. The moment that
water ascends in this pipe, diminishing the pressure on the top-side of valve K by
its column, this valvo will be pushed up to its seat, and the passage to the feeder
be stopped thereby until the water has again cleared pipe Y, the valve will then be
kept shut. It is evident that seat L may be dispensed with, and this valve, like
valve S, be provided with a scrow in order to serve as an ordinary stop-valve.
Apparatus as hereinbefore described is also applicable as a common steam-pump.
It is to be understood the form and relative proportions or dimensions of the
several parts may be considerably varied without departing from the distinctive
characteristics of the Invention.
As the buoyant pressure of the steam on the movable partition is merely
resulting from the pressure of the standing water-column in chamber A, it will be
clearly understood that the latter may also be immediately made use of, that is to
say, the movable partition instead of being arranged in the upper communication
of the two chambers may be placed in the lower one and be connected by a
rod, etc., with the steam-admission valve in the top of the apparatus.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Richard Langensiepen in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
14th September 1880.
RICHARD LANGENSIEPEN, of Buckau Magdeburg, in the German Empire,
Manufacturer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR SUPPLYING FEED WATER
TO STEAM BOILERS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES." (A communication from Ernst
Lompert, of Buckau-Magdeburg, in the German Empire.)
This Invention relates to apparatus worked directly by steam, a part of the
interior of the apparatus being alternately filled with steam, and having such steam
condensed therein by water in such a manner that this water is discharged every
time into the boiler (placed lower) by the action of steam entering the apparatus.
The apparatus, represented by Fig. 1 in sectional elevation, consists of two
chambers A and B, placed one above the other, and in connection at the bottoms
by pipe L, whilst their communication at the tops is made dependent on the
position of a moveable partition C, such as a valve, piston, flexible disc, or their
eqvivalents. D is the steam admission valve, E the suction, and F the discharge
or feed valve leading to the water space of the boiler.
As will be seen by the Drawing the valves C and D are connected by rod G to
make their motion simultaneous. The plugs of these valves are provided with
cylindrical projections a, a, which fit exactly into the respective passages like
pistons in order to have one valve already shut before the other begins to open.
It is evident valve D will not admit steam into the apparatus until the pressure
of the boiler is transmitted to the same. To effect this the apparatus is in steady
connection with the boiler either by a special narrow pipe or by perforations made
in the respective steam or water valves.
As soon as the pressure of the boiler is in this manner established within the
apparatus the connected valves C and D drop, and whilst valve C is shut steam
rushes into the lower chamber B, forcing the water through feed valve F into the
boiler.
By depressing the water level in the apparatus the steam obtains a buoyant
pressure with respect to the water in chamber A, which pressure is exerted on
valvo C, but counterbalanced by its properly normed load. At last, feeding being
finished, this pressure overcomes the load, and by opening valve C shuts off valve
D. The water contained in the upper chamber A will then precipitate into
chamber B, driving the steam out of the same and into chamber A where it is
rapidly condensed. As soon as a vacuum occurs the apparatus refills with fresh
water, and is then ready 'again for feeding. The upward movement of double
valve C, D, is effected by buoyancy only to the middle of the stroke, the rest
being obtained by the direct steam, which forces the already shut valve D up to its
sent.
Instead of condensing the cut off steam in the upper chamber A condensation
may take place by injection of water within chamber B; in this case the moveable
partition may be shaped as a simple piston or flexible disc.
As a second modification of the apparatus valve D may be replaced by a piston
or flexible disc in order to obtain a full stroke of valve C; of course an additional
steam admission valve must be applied in this case.
In a third arrangement, shewn by Fig. 6 in sectional elevation, valve D is
substituted by a hollow cylindrical slide valve D' which forms a part of C³, the
moveable partition. The steam enters from pipo g, and is admitted to chamber B
by the ports and the pipe f. Valve C' is fitted into a cylindrical part a' of the
casing, which serves as a substitute for the abovementioned projection a, that is to
say, before the valve C¹ begins to open, and thereby to establish communication

page_text: between pipe e leading to chamber A and pipe f, it must have been lifted the full
length of this cylindrical part. In the like manner the above mentioned cylindrical
projections may be substituted by such cylindrical parts a¹.
As the scat h of this valve is of a much smaller area than the valve itself, it is
evidont that if there is just enough pressure to lift the valve off its scat, it will bo
pushed upward through space a¹ with an accelerated velocity sufficient to raise it
to the proper height beyond this space before its motion is stopped.
In order to keep the valve open during the period of condensation its downfall
is retarded as much as necessary by means of a screw d regulating the flow of
water from e through passage c to the chamber & above the same. The upstroke of
the valve however is facilitated by the application of a valve b.
Another arrangement similar to the foregoing is obtained if C' has but to serve
as a piston, and not as a valve, the ports i being in this case only provided for
admission of steam to the apparatus, whilst the annular space around C¹ is
dispensed with. Chamber A is then also dispensed with, and substituted by a pipe
in connection with pipe e, and carried down to chainber B. It will now be readily
understood that the upstarting piston C', D', by forcing the water of chamber k
through the pipes c and c to chamber B, will effect rapid condensation there.
When the upstroke of the double valve begins, the apparatus has received a
determined volume of steam, the quantity of water drawn at cach turn will there-
fore be likewise determined, and of the same amount.
By connecting a counter to the apparatus the whole quantity of feed water may
thus be registered. To this end I impart motion to the counter (preferably) by a
flexible disc, sensitive to occurring vacuum.
In order to feed water that in consequence of high temperature or low situation
may not be drawn from the apparatus, an auxiliary arrangement termed the
conveyer, and represented by Fig. 2, is employed. The conveyer must be so placed
that the, fresh water has easy access to it by valve N. This water leaves tho
conveyer again through discharge 0, which is in connection with the valve E of
the feeder, being forced into the latter by direct steam as soon as condensation
begins in the same. To this end the steam inlet of the conveyer is regulated by a
valve M at the feeder, which is attached to valve D in such a way that it becomes
open by shutting the said valve, and on the contrary shuts by re-opening valvo D.
It will be clearly understood therefore that condensation occurs, and fresh water is
drawn into the conveyer every time the feeder is emptying its charge into the
boiler. To prevent the water from running back to the conveyer, a check valvo
may be applied, if necessary, at the discharge O.
In cases where the high temperature of the feed water might form an impediment
to condensation in the conveyer, the steam should have a free escape after having
donc work. To this end in lieu of valve M, a sliding valve, such as illustrated by
Fig. 3 is then employed, which has an exit P leading to the conveyer and an
exhaust Q Fig. 3 shews this valve in a position which corresponds with that of
the shut valve D, and permits of steam entering the conveyer by P' and P, whilst
in its opposite position, corresponding with that of the opened valve D, the steam
is allowed to escape again through P, Q.
That the action of the apparatus may be dependent on the want of feed water,
its steam supply pipe is in the usual manner carried down within the boiler to the
water line. In cases however where it is preferable to work with dry steam an
additional arrangement, represented by Fig. 4,, is used. This arrangement consists
essentially of a stop valve S combined with a flexible disc R (or a piston), which
is subjected on both its sides to the pressure of the boiler by the pipes U and T.
Pipo U is carried down to the water line; pipe T however leads to the steady
steam space.
As long as the orifice of pipe U is above the water level, the flexible
disc is equally charged from both sides, so that steam will enter the feeder from T
5 through valve S and pipe V. On the contrary if this orifice dips into the water, a
column of water will enter pipe U, and in ascending cause the pressure on disc R
from side U to bo diminished by its height. In consequence thereof the pressure

page_text: from T will shut valve S, provided the area of the same is made in proper
ratio to that of the disc. The admission of steam to the apparatus being
interrupted in this manner, will remain so until pipe U is clear again of
water. By suitably arranging an additional screw W fitted into a stuffing
box, valve S will serve at the same time as an ordinary stop valve.
Another auxiliary arrangement is employed for the feeder in such cases where
steam mingled with portions of water may be admitted, but more water entirely
retained. This apparatus, shewn by Fig. 5 in sectional elevation, consists mainly
of the double seat valve K with the seats H and I. The casing of the same is in
connection with three pipes; one of these X leads to the steady steam space, the
second Y to the water line, and the third Z to the feeder. As long as there is only
steam in pipe Y the valve K in consequence of its weight will maintain its lowest
position. The moment that water ascends in this pipe, diminishing the pressure on
the top side of valve K by its column, this valve will be pushed up to its seat, and
the passage to the feeder be stopped thereby. Until the water has again cleared
pipe Y the valve will then be kept shut. It is evident that seat I may be dispensed
with, and this valve like valve S be provided with a scrow in order to serve as an
ordinary stop valve.
Apparatus as hereinbefore described is also applicable as a common steam pump.
It is to be understood the form and relativo proportions or dimensions of the
several parts may be considerably varied without departing from the distinctive
characteristics of the Invention.
As the buoyant pressure of the steam on the moveable partition merely results
from the pressure of the standing water column in chamber A, it will be clearly
understood that the latter may also be immediately made use of, that is to say, the
moveable partition instead of being arranged in. the upper communication of the
two chambers may be placed in the lower one at C", Fig. 1, and be connected by a
rod G¹ with the steam admission valve D in the top of the apparatus.
Having described the nature of the said Invention and explained in what
manner the same is to be or may be performed or carried into practical effect, as
communicated to me as aforesaid, I hereby declare that what I consider to be novel
and original and therefore claim as secured to me under the Letters Patent herein-
before in part recited is,-
1st. The combination of the two chambers A and B arranged one higher than tho
other, and communicating at the bottoms and tops with a moveable partition C
(that is to say, a valve, piston, flexible disc, or equivalent) in the upper communi-
cation of the said chambers, substantially as described.
2ndly. The modification in which two chambers A and B arranged one higher
than the other, and communicating at the bottoms and tops, have combined there-
with a moveable partition, such as hereinbefore referred to, arranged in the lower
communication of the said chambers, and connected by a rod or equivalent means
with the steam adinission valve in the top of the apparatus, substantially as
herein before described.
3rdly. The combination of the moveable partition C in the form a valve with the
steam admission valve D by a rod G, both valves being provided with cylindrical
projections a, a, fitting into their respective passages, substantially as described.
4thly. The combination of the conveyer Fig. 2 with the feeder Fig. 1 by attaching
the steam admission valve M to the steam valve D of the feeder, substantially as
described.
5thly. The combination of the flexible disc R or its equivalent (a piston)
subjected to the pressure of the boiler by pipes T and U with the valvo S, which
regulates the entry of steam to the feeder, substantially as described with referenco
to Fig. 4 of the Drawings.
6thly. The application of the auxiliary arrangement_having a valve K which is
subjected to the pressure of the boiler by the pipes X and Y, and regulates the
entry of steam to the feeder, substantially as and for the purposes herein beforo
described and illustrated in Fig. 5 of the accompanying Drawing.

page_text: 7thly. The combination of the moveable partition C², serving as a piston, or as
both a piston and valve, with the steam admission valve D¹ in the shape of a
hollow cylindrical slide valve, substantially as and for the purpose hereinbefore
described with reference to Fig. 6 of the accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, 1, the said Richard Langensiepen, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Tenth day of September, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty.
RICHARD LANGENSIEPEN. (L.S.)