Improvements in or relating to Smoke-consuming Furnaces.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 6th June, 1895-Accepted, 21st Sept., 1895
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Smoke-consuming Furnaces.
I, JEAN VICTOR GANE, Engineer, of 42 Boulevard Bonne Nouvelle, Paris in
the Republic of France, 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 :—
The smoke-consuming furnace which forms the subject of this invention is
characterized by the employment of a filtering partition formed according to
circumstances, with or without, but preferably with, an automatic hot-air insuf-
flation device, for the purpose of realising the results and advantages sought.
In the accompanying drawings is shown by way of example, a steam-generator
with a furnace constructed in accordance with this invention, with filtering
partition or wall and automatic hot-air insufflation device or arrangement for the
furnace.
Figure 1 represents the steam-generator and its furnace in elevation and
longitudinal section ;
Figure 2 is a vertical cross section of the same;
Figure 3 is a front elevation of the furnace-door etc.;
Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7 are respectively views in elevation, in longitudinal and
cross-section, of the tubular bricks, of special construction, of which the vault for
filtration and insufflation is formed,
Figures 4 and 5 showing the filtrating brick; and
Figures 6 and 7 the insufflation-brick.
Figure 8 is a vertical cross-section of the draught-regulating apparatus which is
applied in combination with the device of a filtrating and insufflating vault, shown
though on a reduced scale, in section in the upper part of Figure 2, and in front
elevation in Figure 3.
Figures 9 and 10 represent the arrangements employed for the application of the
characteristic features of this invention to furnaces of great width.
Considering, in the first place, Figures 4 and 5 it will be seen that the type of
tubular brick A employed in the construction of the filtering portions of the
vault V (Figures 1, 2 and 9) is formed with an upper surface a and a lower
surface a' arranged in accordance with the kind of filtrating wall that is to be
constructed, and lateral surfaces bb' similarly arranged.
These bricks A are provided internally with conduits e whereof the nature and
functions will hereinafter be explained.
Considering in the second place Figures 6 and 7 it will be seen that the type
of insufflation-brick B, entering, in case of the construction of a furnace with
filtrating and insufflation-partition, into the construction of the vault V Figures 1, 2
and 9, is essentially constructed with internal conduits def communicating with
one another by the transverse channels or openings ghin the intermediate cross
partitions ij which separate them and, further, with the interior of the furnace by
the apertures k effected in the inferior wall Z.
Considering, now, as a combined whole, the conduits def and the apertures ghk
corresponding thereto, it will be seen that these latter increase in diameter from
below upwards, as is shown in Figures 6 and 7.
The filtering bricks A and insufflation-bricks B thus constructed, are applied
together and combined, as represented in Figures 1, 2 and 9.
With these bricks is formed in combination with the furnace-walls a filtering

page_text: partition V completely. separating the furnace C from the steam-generator E; the
filtrating bricks A are so arranged that all the hot gases and combustion products
of the furnace C are compelled to traverse the conduits c with which those bricks
are provided.
The insufflation-bricks B in any convenient and suitable number, are arranged in
rows, at appropriate intervals, between a convenient and suitable number of bricks A
according to the dimensions of the furnace.
These arrangements of filtrating bricks A and insufflation-bricks B are clearly
shown in Figures 1, 2 and 9; their essential object is :-
1. As regards A to divide sufficiently and to carry to a high degree of com-
bustion all the combustion-products, smoke, flames, and gas, emanating from the
furnace C.
This result is attained by the fact that, under the action of the heat developed
by the furnace C, the partition or vault V is itself raised to a sufficiently high
temperature, and the multiplicity of the conduits and the area of their contact-
surfaces are sufficient to ensure that effect.
2. As regards the insufflation bricks (in the cases where these are employed) to
complete the functions of the filtrating bricks A. by the fact that they allow of the
insufflation, in sufficient quantity, in accordance with the requirements, and above
the layer of combustibles, of superheated air, favouring the combustion of the gases
in the furnace C.
The superheated air, which is to be introduced into the furnace C by the
apertures def ghk above the furnace may be forced into the same by any suitable
means, and especially by that shown, by way of example, in Figures 1, 2, and 3
consisting in the use of steam-jets from a pipe coming from the steam-generator, and
terminating in tuyeres F' corresponding to the jets F, whereby the said air is
forced in from above downwards, i.e. in the opposite direction to the gaseous currents
towards the chimney; the tuyeres F¹ terminating, either in a collector I into which
open the mouths of all the rows of insufflating bricks B, or separately at each row
of the said bricks.
The air thus blown in sufficient quantity, into the conduits def of the filtrating
bricks A is finely subdivided, raised to an extremely high temperature, and
introduced under these conditions into the furnace C by the apertures ghk with
which those conduits def are provided; this air ensures the perfect commingling
of the gases, smoke and combustion products of the furnace, whereby these are
prepared for their complete combustion in the furnace itself or during their passage
through the conduits c of the bricks A forming the filtrating portion of the partition
or vault V.
In combination with the arrangements and devices above described is arranged a
regulator H for the insufflation of steam and air, shown in Figures 3 and 8. This
apparatus is applied in such a manner that, being set in operation by the mere fact
of opening the furnace to charge the same, it supplies, immediately after the said
charge, (the furnace-door being then closed) a very energetic draught or blast of
air and steam, whereas during the subscquent periods of working of the furnace,
that blast is considerably reduced.
To this end, the regulator H is essentially constituted of a cylinder H¹ carried
vertically by a yoke J fixed externally at a convenient height on the front of the
steam-generator; in this cylinder H', works a sheath-piston K whereof the lower
part forms the seat L of a valve M regulating the communication between the
lower portion of the cylinder H¹ beneath the piston K, and the interior of the sheath
of the said piston; the communication between these two parts is formed, by the
apertures N made in the upper part of the valve-body M and, also by the small
central canal O in the centre of M, the opening of which is regulated by the central
needle-point P by means of the set-screw P¹ vertically arranged in the centre of
the upper part of the valve-body M and suspended by its upper end from the piston
head by the intermediate coiled spring Q
..Suspended from the head Q of the piston K also, by the upper ends of its two

page_text: arms, is a fork R, whereof the lower end R₁ of the stem is jointed to a lever-
arrangement S S¹ operated by a bar or rod S" the other end of which I' is attached
to the furnace-door T', in such manner that, by the opening and closing of the
latter, may be produced its longitudinal displacement to and fro, and, con-
sequently, the oscillation of the lever arrangement S S¹, the raising and lowering
of the rod R' with the fork R actuating the piston K and finally the rise and fall
of the latter..
The cylinder H₁, contains a certain determined quantity of a suitable liquid in
which the piston K works and which, in combination with the internal organs
above described realises the functions of the regulator, as will hereinafter be seen.
Above the cylinder H', the yoke J carries at a convenient and suitable height
a block or head U laterally pierced at a little above its centre, by a horizontal
canal U united to a pipe U" connected with a pipe V₁ which supplies the steam
for the insufflation of air to the blowing apparatus; further the head U is pierced
with a central vertical canal V, communicating with the horizontal channel U¹,
which it traverses and wherein is arranged, in such manner as to rise and fall
freely, a tube W whereof the lower part is attached to the centre of the head Qof
the piston K, while its prolonged upper end terminates well within the mouth W₁
of the pipe W which conducts thither the steam from the generator, and in which
is introduced a stop-cock Z, whereby the steam can readily be admitted to the
apparatus, at will, so as to set in operation the device for the insufflation of air.
The mouth W of the pipe W₁ is secured to the upper end of the block or
head U, and the packings m and n at the top and bottom of the head U ensure the
steam-tight working of the pipe W in the said head.
The communication of the tube W with the horizontal canal U, and therefore
with the steam admission-pipe to the blowing apparatus, is realised by a series
of perforations in the tube W in two vertical rows diametrically opposite to each
other.
The blast-regulator thus constructed works as follows;-At the moment when
the furnace is charged with combustible and lighted, the furnace-door T is of
course opened, and by means of the projection on a rod S" operatively con-
nected therewith, which acts on the arm S¹ of the angle lever S S¹ elevates the
fork R and consequently the piston K into the position shown in Fig. 8; in this
position, the stop-cock being open, the steam coming from the generator and
arriving in the tube W can only pass thence into the canal U₁ by means of the
lowest pair of the perforations in W; and the steam thus supplied in a moderate
quantity only to the pipe V₁, passes into the furnace by the blowing apparatus with
a similarly moderate current or draught. Under the influence of the rise of the
piston Ka partial vacuum has been produced beneath it in the cylinder H',
whereby the valve M is caused to open to allow the passage, through the openings N
in its upper part, of a certain portion of the liquid contained above it into the
sheath of the piston K.
When the furnace-door T¹ is closed, the projection S of the rod S" by which
the cataract piston K was raised moves away from the arm S' of the angle
lever S S', whereupon the rod R' falls and with it the fork R, piston K and tube W,
all under the action of gravity, but very slowly-seeing that, the valve M being
closed by the spring Q, the circulation of the liquid between the cylinder H' and
the sheath of the piston can then only take place through the minute opening 0,
regulated at will by the needle-point P, its sectional area being considerably less
than that of the two openings N through which the fluid passed on the previous
ascent of the piston K.
Owing to this retarded descent, the sectional area of all the openings in the
tube W which are open, at one time to the canal U1 will be much greater, in com-
parison with the position last previously considered, viz. at the commencement of
firing and it will accordingly follow that a far larger volume of steam will enter
the blowing apparatus and a much stronger blast of steam and hot air will enter the
furnace.

page_text: This energetic blast will continue throughout the whole time of the passage of
the perforations x, i.e. of the descending course of the piston K in the cylinder H',
and cease and be brought back to the reduced blast previously referred to, viz., in
the position spoken of, when only the last, highest perforations were open to the
canal U¹.
In the case of this invention being applied to furnaces of exceptional width, the
device shown in Figs. 9 and 10 is employed. In this arrangement the entire width
of the filtrating wall or partition V is composed of several vaults, varying in
number according to the total width of the furnace; and these vaults are separated
and carried by tubular girders in the form of skewbacks and serving as such for the
vaults.
These hollow longitudinal girders are formed of tubular bricks with upper and
lower passages and r¹, which are in communication with each other by means of
the vertical apertures s and with the furnace by means of the lateral openings s¹ s';
these bricks are carried by freely expanding iron-bars t tied or braced together,
and lodged in the upper-hollow chamber of the said bricks, their ends resting
respectively on the front wall of the furnace and on the fire-bridge.
In this arrangement, it is considered as practical and advantageous to pass
a feeble current of hot-air at the several skewbacks, as at 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,
while sending a forcible blast through the other bricks B, this latter only taking
place when smoke is produced, i.e. on charging the fire with fuel; this continuous
blast, applied through the girders, realises the double object of the continuous
useful blast, and above all of keeping the iron bars cool which carry the brick
girders.
In combination with the filtrating arch or vault, constructed as described, there
is also arranged underneath it, in the furnace itself, and against the wall of the
fire-bridge, a small separate arch E' with its front edge loopholed so as to ensure
the perfect subdivision of the gases and combustion-products striking against it;
the object of this supplementary construction being to protect the partition or
vault V against the too intense action of the furnace, so as to ensure its utmost
possible duration and the regular and uniform working of all parts of the same.
It is obvious that these arrangements are applicable to furnaces of all kinds, for
steam-generators and other apparatus; the filtering partition V and the
supplementary vault E', may be arranged and combined, in accordance with the
nature, dimensions, and conditions of the furnaces, in each case so as to obtain
the results antecedently set forth.
While preserving and maintaining the principle of this invention, the forcing of
the hot air into the furnace may be effected by any convenient and suitable means,
independently of the filtrating partition properly so-called, which in this case would
be constructed simply with the filtrating bricks A as already described.
The following are the principal advantages to be derived from the application
and use of the arrangements above specified ;-
The complete and perfect combustion of all the gases resulting from the
distillation, and the entire suppression of all smoke ;-
The possibility of decreasing the draught in the chimney and therefore of
diminishing also the velocity of the combustion products in the flues, while
maintaining incandescence in the furnace-wheuce the most complete and rational
utilisation of the combustible consumed and the heat developed ;-
"
The function of "fly-wheel of heat or heat regulator and equaliser, fulfilled by
the filtrating partition-whence results a more even, regular, and uniform pressure
in the generators ;-
The suppression of the drawbacks from void spaces in the fuel on the grate, and
consequently of carbonic oxide, the production of which is prejudicial to the
public health as well as injuriously affecting the complete utilisation of the fuel
consumed ;-
The total suppression of the admission of cold air to the furnace which might
come in contact with the generators;-
:

page_text: Guarantees against accidents by fire, through the complete isolation of the
generator from the furnace in each case.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is ;-
1. A smokeless or smoke-consuming furnace characterised by the application
and use above the furnace of a closed vault or arch capable of acting as or forming
according to the circumstances of each case simply a filtrating partition or a
filtering and blowing partition constituted by the combination of tubular refractory
bricks joined together in such a manner that the gases and combustion products
may be forced to traverse the conduits which are provided for the purpose in the
tubular bricks forming the filtrating portion of the vault whereas through the
conduits provided in the tubular bricks forming the blowing portion of the vault
may be produced a current or blast of hot air intermittent or continuous and of
variable intensity these arrangements ensuring the complete commingling of the
gases and combustion-products and their perfect and total combustion substan-
tially as and for the purpose described and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
2. The combination with a filtrating vault or partition such as described of a
supplementary or secondary vault protecting substantially as and for the purpose
described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
steam-
3. The combination with arrangements and devices such as described in Claims 1
and 2 of a device for an automatic hot-air blast, characterised by a
distribution regulator substantially as and for the purpose described and illustrated
in the accompanying drawings.
4. The application and use of a closed filtrating vault or partition to furnaces of
exceptional width constructed in several vaults separated and carried by tubular
girders with a continuous blast or draught through the same ensuring the cooling
of their internal metallic supports while simultaneously assisting the consumption
of the gases and combustion-products in the furnace substantially as and for the
purpose described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
5. The combination and arrangement of parts constituting the complete smoke
consuming furnace substantially as described and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
Dated this 6th day of June 1895.
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicant.