Methods of Operating Steam and Air Turbines.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 19th Apr., 1898-Accepted, 11th June, 1898
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Methods of Operating Steam and Air Turbines.
We, JAMES WILLIAM PAIGE, Manufacturer, of 831, Jackson Boulevard, and
THERON SOLYMAN EUGENE DIXON, Attorney, of 280, Dearborn Street, both in
Chicago, (Illinois) United States of America, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement, reference being had
to the accompanying drawings and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that
is to say:-
The object of our invention is the improvement of the art of developing motive
power; and it consists, in its salient statement, in the method of applying to a
turbine wheel, impelled by the velocity and weight of the impinging fluid, of two
elastic fluids of different temperatures, both moving with a velocity due to their
prior compression, and of mingling the same in a conduit, prior to delivery into
the wheel, whereby heat from the fluid of higher temperature is imparted to the
fluid of lower temperature, causing an increase of its velocity, together with other
features which will be hereinafter described and pointed out definitely in the
claims, and which may be used conjointly, or one or more may be omitted in
practical operation.
In conducting a series of experiments in the development of motive power by
causing a jet of steam to draw into a conduit by suction air from the atmosphere
and discharging the mixture against a motor element, the discovery was made
that when the steam was used at a very low pressure (say one pound to the square
inch) a very high efficiency was developed; but that upon increasing the pressure
of the steam to higher and working pressures the ratio of efficiency rapidly
diminished. This led to the discernment that such diminution of efficiency was
due to the diminishing proportion of the volume of air to the volume of steam in
the discharging conduit, a less proportion of the total heat of the steam being
utilized in the expansion of the air in the conduit. This led to the devising of the
remedy for the difficulty, by forcing into the mixing conduit a blast of air created
by its compression from the atmosphere by a blower or an air compresser, or by
any other suitable means, thereby increasing the proportion of the total heat of
the steam which is converted into velocity, and discharging the swiftly moving
mixture into a turbine wheel impelled by the velocity and weight of the imping-
ing fluid. This we accomplished, resulting in a greatly increased efficiency at
working pressures, although the compression of the air was here effected by the
use of a portion of the power developed, in this case by a "blower" driven by a
belt from a pulley upon the shaft of the turbine wheel.
Our invention may be operated with a variety of apparatus, including outward
flow, inward flow and axial, or side flow turbine wheels. In the illustrative form
shown in the drawings, Figure 1 is a plan view of a simple form of such an appara-
tus, in which the inward flow turbine wheel is employed, and Figure 2 is a cross
section taken on the line X X of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a plan view of a modifica-
tion of our invention, and Figure 4 is a cross section taken on the line Y-Y of
Figure 3.

page_text: In the drawings, A is a turbine wheel of any appropriate construction, provided
with the curved wheel vanes a a, and the casing a', a portion of which is broken
away to show the construction. It is mounted upon the shaft B supported in
suitable bearings and provided with the pulleys 6 and 61. C is a conduit or pipe
attached securely to the casing a¹ and so directed as to discharge its contents into
the wheel vanes, a, a. The conduit C is provided with two inflow pipes or pas-
sages and E, preferably formed in a metallic casing F made of copper or other
good heat-conducting metal and sheathed in an asbestos or other non-heat-
conducting covering f. The pipe D opens into the pipe G, which runs to and
opens into a boiler or other source of steam supply and is provided with a suitable
valve H. The pipe E opens into the pipe I which runs to and opens into an air
compresser J or other source of compressed air and is provided with a suitable
valve K. The pipe G is provided with the discharging orifice ġ opening into the
passage D, from which point the latter preferably increases in size until it enters
the conduit C. In like manner the pipe I is provided with the discharging
orifice opening into the passage E, from which point the latter preferably in-
creases in size until it also enters the conduit C. In a modified form of construction
the contraction into the orifice may be dispensed with, as shown in the drawing
2
in dotted lines, and likewise the contraction into the orifice g may be extended
through the passage D, as shown in the drawing in dotted lines. J is an air
compresser of any suitable construction, operated in this case by power transmitted
by the belt running upon the pulley 6 mounted upon the shaft B. Power is
transmitted from the turbine wheel by the belt m running upon the pulley b¹,
mounted upon the shaft B, to a dynamo or other driven machinery, or any other
suitable mechanism may be employed for the purpose.
While the turbine wheel may be started by the admission of steam through
the valve H and the conduit C, if preferred the wheel may be started and run for
a short time by the admission of steam through the valve N and supplemental
pipe O; provided for the purpose and discharging into the wheel vanes. The valve N
is then closed and the valves H and K opened. The compressed air then flows
from the pipe I through the orifice i into the passage E, where its continual ex-
pansion causes an increase in its velocity, which is further increased by the
application of heat through the pipe and casing F, imparted by its radiation
from the steam, passing through the pipe D. The swiftly moving air then enters
and passes through the conduit C and is thence discharged into the wheel
vanes a, a, impelling them by its velocity. Meanwhile steam from the pipe G
flows through the orifice g into the passage D, when its continual expansion greatly
increases its velocity until it enters the conduit C, where it mingles with the out-
flowing stream of air. Heat from this steam is imparted to the colder air,
increasing its expansion and consequently its velocity and the momentum of the
stream as it issues from the conduit C and impinges against the vanes of the. tur-
bine wheel, causing its powerful movement.
The jet of steam, in its admixture with the air, performs a two-fold function.
It adds to the flowing stream its own already developed momentum, due to the
velocity of its moving particles, and it also imparts to the air heat, both sensible
and latent, which is thereby converted into momentum, by causing an increased
velocity in the movement of the air particles, the total momentum being applied
to the wheel. Heat, however, may be imparted to the flowing air, for the purpose
of increasing its velocity, by radiation from a source of heat, as shown in the
casing F, or by any other of the well known means of heating air; but we deem these
less advantageous than the use of a jet of steam with its contributing momentum.
The air blast is especially advantageous as a means of supplying a sufficient
quantity of air to absorb, in its expansion, the large amount of heat carried by the
steam, when the latter is admitted in working quantities and pressures. There
is also an advantage in its forward movement, whereby any expansion, produced
by its absorption of heat, takes place in a forward direction, thereby causing ar
acceleration of its velocity.

page_text: increased to any ble limit, but we
The air blast may be increased in its force by the employment of a sufficiently
powerful air comp whereby the pressure of the air behind the orifice i is
prefer that it should not exceed the pres-
sure of the steam, and we prefer that this should not exceed about twenty-five
pounds to the square inch, which greatly lessens the strain upon the boiler and
is sufficiently effective in the development of the power required. By this increase
of the pressure of the air another element is utilized, producing an advantage in
operation. By its use, the stream, of air flowing out of the orifice i is, by its ex-
pansion lowered in its temperature, thus cooling the inflowing steam, and trans-
forming a greater quantity of its heat into the kinetic energy of velocity and
momentum and therefore into effective work. Moreover, the range of temperature
of effective working (the range between the initial temperature of the steam and
the final temperature of the air issuing from the turbine wheel) is thereby enlarged,
contributing to economy in the production of working power.
Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a further development of our invention. Here the
passages D and E and the conduit C are flattened and widened so that an expanding
fluid will flow through them in sheet like form, which is alike applicable in
modification of the construction shown in Figure 1. (In this case the air pipe I
runs into a blower" Q, which may be run by belting from the shaft B, or in any
other suitable manner.) The passage D and the conduit C (either or both) are
provided with slanting openings p through which air is drawn by the suction of
the stream of fluid swiftly flowing within, thus adding to the quantity of air brought
into contact with the steam and discharged with momentum into the wheel. This
provision is alike applicable in modification of the construction shown in Figure 1.
Moreover, the conduit C may, if desired, be multiplied in number, so as to entirely
surround the wheel A and thus deliver the impelling fluid into all the wheel vanes
at once.
By the use of our methods we are enabled to utilize effectively in work both
the sensible and the latent heat of the steam, thus producing practically a most
economical motive power. Moreover, we are enabled to work to advantage with
comparatively low pressures of steam; while the range of temperature of effec-
tive working may also be enlarged at its upper end by superheating the steam,
with the additional units of heat all converted into work; thus securing both
highly efficient and economical operation.
It is obvious that any kind of gas or elastic fluid or fluids that would exert an
impelling force upon a turbine wheel may be employed in actual operation. The
essential characteristic is the mingling in the conduit of two elastic fluids of
different temperatures; and they may even both be of the same kind, if differing
in temperature.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what
we claim is:-
1. The improvement in the art of developing motive power consisting in the
method of applying to a turbine wheel, impelled by the velocity and weight of
the impinging fluid, two elastic fluids of different temperatures, both moving
with a velocity due to their prior compression, and of mingling the same in a
conduit, prior to delivery into the wheel, whereby heat from the fluid of higher
temperature is imparted to the fluid of lower temperature, causing an increase
of its velocity and of the momentum of the mixture, substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
2. The improvement in the art of developing motive power consisting in the
method of applying to a turbine wheel, impelled by the velocity and weight of
the impinging fluid, a stream of air, having a velocity due to its prior compression
and of mingling with the same in a conduit, prior to its delivery into the wheel,
of a jet of steam, whereby heat from the steam is imparted to the flowing air,

page_text: thereby increasing its velocity and the momentum of the mixture, substantially
as and for the purpose set forth.
3. The improvement in the art of developing motive power consisting in the
method of applying to a turbine wheel, impelled by the velocity and weight of
the impinging fluid, a flowing stream of gas having an initial velocity indepen-
dently developed, and of mingling with the same, prior to its entry into the wheel,
of a jet of steam, whereby the heat of the steam is imparted to the flowing gas,
thereby increasing its velocity and the momentum of the mixture, substantially
as and for the purpose set forth.
4. The improvement in the art of developing motive power consisting in the
method of applying to a turbine wheel, impelled by the velocity and weight of
the impinging fluid, a stream of air having a velocity due to its prior compression,
and of applying heat to this stream of air prior to its delivery into the wheel for
the purpose of increasing its velocity, substantially as and for the purpose set
forth.
5. The improvement in the art of developing motive power consisting in the
method of applying to a turbine wheel, impelled by the velocity and weight of
the impinging fluid, a stream of air, having a velocity due to its prior compres
sion and of mingling with the same in a conduit prior to its delivery into the wheel,
of a jet of steam, whereby heat from the steam is imparted to the flowing air,
thereby increasing its velocity and the momentum of the mixture, and of employ-
ing a part of the power thereby developed in the compression of the air supplying
said stream, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
6. The improvement in the art of developing motive power consisting in the
method of applying to a turbine wheel, impelled by the velocity and weight of
the impinging fluid, a stream of air baving a velocity due to its prior compression,
and of supplying heat to this stream of air for the purpose of increasing its velocity
and of employing a part of the power thereby developed in the compression of
the air supplying said stream, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
7. The improvement in the art of developing motive power consisting in the
method of applying to a turbine wheel, impelled by the velocity and weight of
the impinging fluid, a stream of air, having a velocity due to its prior compres
sion, and of mingling with the same in a conduit, prior to its delivery into the wheel,
of a jet of steam whose initial velocity has been increased by expansion in a con-
fined passage, prior to its mingling with the air, whereby residual heat of the
steam is imparted to the flowing air, thereby increasing its velocity and the
momentum of the mixture, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
8. The improvement in the art of developing motive power consisting in the
method of applying to a turbine wheel, impelled by the velocity and weight of
the impinging fluid, a stream of compressed air, whose initial velocity has been
increased by expansion in a confined passage, and of mingling with such expanded
air in a conduit, prior to its delivery into the wheel, of a jet of steam, whereby
heat from the steam is imparted to the flowing air, thereby increasing its velocity
and the momentum of the mixture, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
9. The improvement in the art of developing motive power consisting in the
method of applying to a turbine wheel, impelled by the velocity and weight of the
impinging fluid, a stream of air, whose initial velocity has been increased by ex-
pansion in a confined passage, and of mingling with the same in a conduit, prior
to its delivery into the wheel, of a jet of steam, whose initial velocity has also been
increased by expansion in a confined passage, prior to its mingling with the air,
whereby residual heat of the steam is imparted to the flowing air, thereby increas-
ing its velocity and the momentum of the mixture, substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
10. The improvement in the aft of developing motive power consisting in the
method of applying to a turbine wheel, impelled by the velocity and weight of the
impinging fluid, a stream of compressed air, whose initial velocity has been
increased by expansion in a confined passage, and of mingling with the same in a

page_text: conduit, prior to its delivery into the wheel, of a jet of steam, whereby heat from the
steam is imparted to the flowing air, thereby increasing its velocity, and of impart-
ing heat to the expanding air prior to its admixture with the steam, by radiation
from the inflowing steam, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
11. The improvement in the art of developing motive power consisting in the
method of applying to a turbine wheel, impelled by the velocity and weight of
the impinging fluid, a stream of air, having a velocity due to its prior compression,
and of mingling with the same in a conduit, prior to its delivery into the wheel,
of a jet of steam, whereby heat from the steam is imparted to the flowing air,
thereby increasing its velocity, and of supplying additional air by its suction into
the jet of steam, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
12. The improvement in the art of developing motive power consisting in the
method of applying to a turbine wheel, impelled by the velocity and weight of
the impinging fluid, a stream of air, having a velocity due to its prior compres
sion, and of mingling with the same in a conduit, prior to delivery into the wheel,
of a jet of steam whereby heat from the steam is imparted to the flowing air,
thereby increasing its velocity, and of supplying additional air by its suction into
the conduit, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Datcu
Па топ day or Aрп 100.
ERNEST DE PASS,
Chartered Patent Agent,
78, Fleet Street, London, and 5A, Market Street, Nottingham,
Agent for the Applicants.