IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO FEED-WATER HEATING APPARATUS FOR STEAM BOILERS
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Harris Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lako,
and Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for an Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO FEED-WATER HEATING APPARATUS
FOR STEAM BOILERS." A communication from abroad by Edward Julius
Hall, of Buffalo, New York, United States of America.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Harris Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 21st June 1881.
HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, and Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO FEED-
WATER HEATING APPARATUS FOR STEAM BOILERS." [A communication from
abroad by Edward Julius Hall, of Buffalo, New York, United States of America.]
This Invention relates to improvements in and connected with feed water
heaters for use with steam-boilers, whereby the feed water is delivered into the
steam space of the heater or into that of the boiler in the form of spray, and is
caused to descend through the steam space in this finely divided state, and to
become instantly heated to the boiling point, and whereby the feed water is
thoroughly freed from its impurities before it enters the steam boiler, thereby
preventing the formation of scalo in the same.
According to the said Invention I combine with a steam boiler a feed water
heater, which has connections with both the steam space and the water space of the
boiler, and which is furnished with a spray valve at the mouth of its feed pipe,
whereby the feed water is caused to pass through the steam space in the heater in
fine drops, which are rapidly heated to the boiling point, and whereby the
impurities contained in the water are separated therefrom in a form in which they
can be readily discharged from the heater. The said Invention comprises a
particular construction and arrangement of the parts, whereby the separation of
the impurities from the water is effected, and the proper flow of the feed water
from the heater to the boiler in insured; also a peculiar construction of spray
valve, as will be hereinafter set forth.

page_text: In carrying the said Invention into practice, a feed pipe is arranged to penetrate
the top of the feed water heater, and is secured thereto in a deponding position by
a screw nut and washers, or any other suitable means, forming a tight joint.
A valve seat is formed at the mouth of the said feed water pipe in the steam space
of the heater or boiler, and a conical valve is arranged below the mouth of the feed 5
water pipe, and adapted to close upon the said seat. The said valve is guided in a
bail or bridge by a stem which projects downward from the underside of the valve
through an opening in the bridge. The latter is secured to the end of the feed
water pipe by a screw threaded collar or by any other suitable means. A spiral
spring is applied to the stem between the valve and the bridge, so as to press the 1
valve upward and return it to its scat as soon as the pump ceases to force the
water out of the feed pipe. The valve is guided in the mouth of the feed water
pipe by a suitable number of wings cast in one piece with the valve. The lower
portion of the wings is cut away to form an unbroken annular chamber
immediately above the valve, whereby an unbroken stream of water is conducted 1
to and discharged from the periphery of the valve disc.
The upper edges of the wings are bevelled off at one side, whereby the stream of
water passing through the pipe when the valve is depressed from its seat causes
the valve to turn slightly, and changes the relative position of the valve disc and
its seat every time the valve closes, whereby an uneven wear of the contiguous 2
surfaces of the valve and seat is prevented; a horizontal or nearly horizontal flange
is formed at the base of the conical portion of the valve disc, whereby the sheet or
spray of water passing in a downwardly inclined direction over the conical portion
is deflected, and caused to be discharged in a horizontal direction. By this means
the spray is thrown farther from the valve and divided more finely, and the
distance which it travels through the steam space before it reaches the water level
is increased, whereby a more thorough heating of the spray is effected.
The bridge or bail is made wedge-shaped in cross section with its edge turned
towards the valve, whereby the water falling on the bail is divided and deflected
sidewise. Lugs are formed on the bail for the purpose of limiting the downward
movement of the valve.
The steam pipe connects the steam space of the boiler with the upper portion of
the shell of the heater, whereby the same steam pressure is maintained in both.
The pipe through which the feed water is conducted from the heater to the boiler
is provided within the heater with a downwardly extending enlargement, whereby
the water is taken from a point sufficiently below the surface to prevent the scum
and other impurities which accumulate on the surface from ontering the feed pipe.
The great area of this depending portion of the feed pipe, compared with the size
of the feed pipe proper causes the velocity of the ascending current of water to be
reduced, thereby permitting any impurities which may be suspended in the water
to settle and drop out of the current before the water enters the pipe. The enlarge-
ment may be provided with a filter, which consists of a cylinder fitted within the
enlargement and provided with a perforated bottom, the margin of which rests
against the lower end of the enlargement. The filter is secured in the enlargement
by pins or bolts, which can be readily withdrawn when it is desired to remove the
filter. The filter is filled with gravel or any other suitable material which permits
the water to percolate through it and arrests the light impurities. A vent pipe
rises from the inner end of the feed pipe, and extends above the water level in the
beater. This vent pipe establishes a cominunication between the pipe and the
steam space in the heater, and prevents the pipe from acting as a siphon. The
said pipe enters the boiler preferably at the top, and extends downward in
the boiler to a point below the water line. The steam and water pipes are
provided with valves, whereby the How of steam or water through the same may
be stopped when desired.
A blow off pipe is connected with the bottom of the heater and provided with a
suitable valve, and a manhole is arranged in the upper portion of the shell for the
purpose of giving access to the spray mechanism; a manhole is arranged in the

page_text: lower portion of the shell for permitting the removal of the filter, and a water-
gauge is applied to the heater.
The feed water descends through the steam space of the heater in a fine spray,
whereby the drops of water are almost instantly heated to the boiling point, and
the impurities contained in the water are separated therefrom in a granular form.
The granules descend through the water and accumulate on the bottom of the
heater, and are expelled therefrom from time to time by blowing them off through
a pipe. The water level in the heater is kept at a suitable height above the point
where the feed pipe leaves the shell so as to produce the proper flow of water from
the heater into the boiler in accordance with the quantity of water which is
evaporated in the boiler. The enlargement reduces the force of the upward current
of water to such an extent that it is unable to lift the heavy granules of impurities
which settle to the bottom; but when feed water is employed which contains light
impurities, the aforesaid filter is employed to intercept and collect such light
impurities which still remain suspended in the water. The said filter is readily
cleaned by closing the valve in the steam pipe and opening the valve in the blow
off pipe when the boiler pressure, acting upon the contents of the heater, will force
a current of water downward through the filter, whereby the impurities which
have collected in the filter are loosened and expelled. When it becomes necessary
to renew the filtering material, the filter is readily disconnected from the enlarge-
ment and withdrawn through the manhole. The filter is also cleaned every time
the blow off cock is opened, by reason of the steam in the upper portion of the
heater forcing the water down through the vent pipe and through the filter.
By this improved apparatus the feed water is completely freed from the
impurities which can be separated therefrom by boiling and filtering before the
feed water enters the boiler, and the formation of scale and the accumulation of
muddy deposits in the boilor are thereby entirely prevented.
If desired the spray valve may be applied directly to the feed pipe of the boiler.
When the spray valvo is so used, the bail of the valve is arranged lengthwise over
a dry pipo which is placed longitudinally in locomotive boilers for the purpose of
drying the steam as it passes to the cylinders. The wedge shaped bail serves to
deflect the comparatively cool water spray from this pipe, which latter would
become chilled, and the steam passing through it partially condensed, if the shower
of feed water were permitted to fall upon it.
My improved spray valve is very compact and is thereby rendered capable of
being arranged in close proximity to the top of the boiler or heater, whereby the
greatest possible fall of the water spray through the steam space is obtained, and
it is especially adapted for use in small boilers having a proportionally small steam
space. The valve is thereby adapted for use in boilers having a dry pipe, which
latter roduces the available space to such an extent that ordinary spray devices
cannot be used in such boilers; as the water issues from the valve in a horizontal
direction the water cannot come in contact with the top sheet of the boiler or
heater, and deposit incrustations on the same, which frequently occurs in boilers
having a spray valve delivering the water in an upward direction.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Henry Harris Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
19th December 1881.
HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO FEED-
WATER HEATING APPARATUS FOR STEAM-BOILERS." A communication from abroad
by Edward Julius Hall, of Buffalo, New York, United States of America.
This Invention relates to improvements in and connected with feed water
heaters or heating apparatus for steam-boilers, whereby the feed water is
delivered into the steam-space of the boiler or feed-water heater in the form of
spray, and is caused to descend through the steam-space in this finely divided
state, so that it is instantly heated to the boiling point, and the feed water is
thoroughly freed from its impurities before it enters the steam-boiler, thereby
preventing the formation of scale in the same.
The said Invention consists principally in combining with a steam-boiler a
feed water heater which has connections with both the steam-space and the
water-space of the boiler, and which is furnished with a spray-valve at the mouth
of its feed-pipe, whereby the feed-water is caused to pass through the said steam-
space in the heater in fine drops which are rapidly heated to the boiling point,
and whereby the impurities contained in the water are separated thorefrom in a
form in which they can be readily discharged from the heater. The said Invention
also consists in the particular construction and arrangement of the parts whereby
the separation of the impurities from the water is effected and the proper flow of
the feed water from the heater to the boiler is ensured; it also consists in the
peculiar construction of the spray-valve, as hereinafter set forth.
In the accompanying Drawing
Figure 1 is an elevation of my improved feed water heater with parts adjacent
thereto in section, and
Figure 2 is a vertical section thereof on a plane at right angles to that of
Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a horizontal section on the lino x, x, Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a vertical section drawn to an enlarged scale of the filtering
apparatus.
Figure 5 is an elevation of my improved spray-valve drawn to an enlarged
scale, and
Figure 6 is a vertical section of the same on a plane at right angles to that of
Figure 5.
Figures 7 and 8 are horizontal sections on the lines y, y, and z, z, Figure 6.
Figure 9 is a sectional view showing my improved valve applied directly to a
locomotive-boiler.
Like letters indicate the same parts throughout the Drawing.
A represents a steam-boiler, which may be of any ordinary and well known
construction; B represents the cylindrical shell of the feed water heater arranged
near the said steam-boiler in a convenient position; C is the pipe through which
the feed water is introduced into the shell B from the pump or other feeding
apparatus.
This feed pipe C penetrates or enters the top of the feed water heater B, and is
secured thereto in a depending position by a screw-nut a and washers, or by any
other suitable means for forming a tight joint.
c is a valve-seat formed at the mouth of the feed water pipe C in the steam-
'space of the heater or boiler, and D is a conical valve which is arranged below the

page_text: mouth of the said feed water pipo and is adapted to close upon the said seat c.
This valve D is guided in a bail or bridge E by a stem e which projects downward
from the underside of the valve through an opening in the said bridgo or bail.
The latter is secured to the end c of the feed water pipe by a screw-threaded
collar f, or by any other suitable means. 7 is a spiral spring applied to the stem e
between the valve D and the bridge E so as to press the valve upward and return
it to its seat as soon as the pump ceases to force the water out of the feed pipo.
The said valve D is guided in the mouth of the feed water pipe by a suitable
number of wings cast in one piece with the said valve; in the Drawing the
valve is shewn provided with four of these wings. The lower portion of the said
wings is cut away to form an unbroken annular chamber i immediately above the
valve, whereby an uninterrupted stream of water is conducted to and discharged
from the periphery of the valve-disc.
The upper edges of the wings h aro bevelled off at one side, as shown at k, so
that the stream of water passing through the pipe when the valve is depressed
from its seat causes the valve to turn slightly and changes the relative position of
the valve-disc and its seat every time the said valve closes, whereby an uneven
wear of the contiguous surfaces of the valve and scat is prevented. represents
a horizontal or nearly horizontal flange formed at the base of the conical portion
of the valve-disc, whereby the sheet or spray of water passing in a downwardly
inclined direction over the said conical portion of the valve is deflected and caused
to be discharged in a horizontal direction. By this means the spray is thrown
farther from the valve and divided more finely than would be the case if the said
flange were not provided, and the distance which such spray travels through the
steam-space before it reaches the water-level is increased so that a more thorough
heating of the spray is effected.
The bridge or bail E is made wedge-shaped in cross section with its edge turned
towards the valve, so that the water falling on the said bail is divided and deflected
sidewise. n, m, represent lugs formed on the bail E for limiting the downward
movement of the valve; o represents the steam-pipe which connects the steam-
space of the boiler with the upper portion of the shell B of the heater, whereby the
same steam-pressure is maintained in both; p represents the pipe, through which
the feed-water is conducted from the heater B to the boiler. This pipe p is
provided within the heater B with a downwardly extending enlargement or
extension P, whereby water is taken from a point sufficiently below the surface
of the water to prevent the scum and other impurities which accumulate thereon
from entering the feed pipe. The large area of this depending portion of the feed
pipe, compared with the size of the feed pipe proper, causes the velocity of the
ascending current of water to be reduced, thereby permitting any impurities which
may be suspended in the water to settle and drop out of the current before the
water enters the pipe p. The enlargement P may be provided with a filter R, which
consists of a cylinder fitted within the enlargement P, and provided with a
perforated bottom 7, the margin of which rests against the lower end of the said
enlargement P. This filter R is secured in the enlargement P by pins or bolts 21,
which can be readily withdrawn when it is desired to remove the said filter. The
latter is filled with gravel or any other suitable material, which permits the water
to percolate through it, and arrests the light impurities; S represents a vent-pipe,
which rises from the inner end of the pipe p and extends above the water level in
the heater B. This vent-pipe establishes a communication between the pipe p and
the steam-space in the heater B, and prevents the said pipe ? from acting as a
siphon. The pipe p enters the boiler A, preferably at the top thereof, and extends
downward in the boiler to a point below the water line. The pipes o and ? are
provided with the valves o', p', whereby the flow of steam or water through the
same may be stopped when desired.
t represents a blow-off pipe connected with the bottom of the heater B, and
provided with a suitable valve t'; u represents a manhole arranged in the upper
portion of the shell of the heater B to permit access to the spray-mechanism, and'v

page_text: is a manhole arranged in the lower portion of the said shell to permit the removal
of the filter; w is a water gauge applied to the heater B.
The feed-water descends through the steam-space of the heater B in a fine spray,
whereby the drops of water are almost instantly heated to the boiling point, and
the impurities contained in the water are separated therefrom in a granular form.
The granules descend through the water and accumulate on the bottom of the
heater, and are expelled therefrom from time to time by blowing them off through
the pipe t. The water level in the heater is kept at a suitable height above the
point where the pipe p leaves the shell B, so as to produce the proper flow of water
from the heater into the boiler, in accordance with the quantity of water which is
evaporated in the same. The enlargement P reduces the force of the upward
current of water to such an extent that it is unable to lift the heavy granules of
impurities which settle to the bottom, but when feed-water is employed which
contains light impurities the filter R is used to intercept and collect such light
impurities which still remain suspended in the water.
.
The filter is readily cleaned by closing the valve o' in the steam-pipe o, and
opening the valve in the blow-off pipe t, when the boiler-pressure acting upon
the contents of the heater B will force a current of water downward through the
said filter, so that the impurities which have collected in the same are loosened and
expelled. When it becomes necessary to renew the filtering material, the filter R
is readily disconnected from the enlargement P, and withdrawn through the
manhole v. The filter is also cleaned every time the blow-off cock t' is opened, by
reason of the steam in the upper portion of the heater forcing the water down
through the vent-pipe S and through the filter.,
By this improved apparatus the feed water is completely freed from the impurities
which can be separated therefrom by boiling and filtering before the feed-water
enters the boiler, and the formation of scale and the accumulation of muddy
deposits in the saine are thereby entirely provented. The spray-valve may be applied
directly to the feed-pipe of the boiler, as shown in Figure 9, in which case the
heater B is dispensed with. When the spray-valve is so used the bridge or bail E
of the valve is arranged lengthwise over the dry pipe M, which is placed longi-
tudinally in locomotive boilers for the purpose of drying the steam as it passes to
the cylinders. The wedge-shaped bail serves to deflect the comparatively cool
water spray from this pipe which would become chilled, and the steam passing
through it partially condensed if the shower of feed water were permitted to fall
upon it.
My improved spray-valvo is very compact, and is thereby rendered capable of
being arranged in close proximity to the top of the boiler or heater, whereby the
greatest possible fall of the water-spray through the steam-space is obtained, and
it is especially adapted for use in small boilers having a proportionally sinall
steam-space. The valve is thereby adapted for use in boilers having a dry pipe,
which latter reduces the available space to such an extent that ordinary spray-
devices cannot be used in such boilers. As the water issues from the valve in a
horizontal direction the water cannot come in contact with the top sheet of the
boiler or heater and deposit incrustations on the same, which deposit frequently
occurs in boilers having a spray valve delivering the water in an upward direction.
Having thus fully described the said Invention, as communicated to me by
my foreign correspondent, and the mannor of porforming the same, I wish it
understood that I claim,-
First. The combination with a steam-boiler of a feed water heater connected
with the steam-space of the said boiler by the pipe o, and with the water-space
thereof by the pipe p, and the feed water pipe C terminating in the upper portion
of the said beater and provided at its mouth with the spray-valve, all arranged
substantially as above set forth and for the purpose specified.
Second. The combination with a steam-boiler of the feed-water heater connected
with the steam-space of the said boiler by the pipe o, and with the water-spaco
thereof by the pipe p provided within the said heater with the downward

page_text: extension or enlarged inlet P, whereby the scum is prevented from entering the
said pipe and the feed water pipe terminating in the upper portion of the said
heater and provided at its mouth with the spray-valve, substantially as above set
forth.
Third. The combination with a steam boiler of the feed-water heater connected
with the stean-space, of the said boiler by the pipe o, and with the water-space
thereof by the pipe 2, having in the said heater the enlarged depending inlet P
provided with the filter, substantially as above set forth and for the purpose
specified.
Fourth. The combination with a steam-boiler of the feed water heater connected
with the steam-space of the said boiler by the pipe o, and with the water-space
thereof by the pipe p opening below the water line in the said heater, and provided
with the vent-pipe extending above the water line, substantially as above sot
forth and for the purpose specified.
Fifth. The combination with a steam-boiler of the feed water heator connected
with the steam-space of the said boiler by the pipe o, and with the water-space
thereof by the pipe 2, provided with the vent-pipe and the blow-off pipe t connected
to the lower portion of the said heater, substantially as above set forth.
Sixth. The combination with the feed-water pipo C projecting into the steam-
space of a boiler or heater in a downward direction, of the valve-seat c formed in
the lower end of the pipe, the valve D arranged below the mouth of the said pipo
and mechanism, whereby the said valve is raised to its seat when the pump ceases
to eject water from the feed-pipe, substantially as above set forth.
Seventh. The combination with the feed water pipe C projecting into the steam-
space of a boiler or heater in a downward direction, of the valve-seat c formed in
the lower end of the said pipe, the valve D arranged below the mouth of the
said pipe, and the guide bridge or bail E made wedge-shaped in cross soction,
whereby the spray is divided and deflected, substantially as above set forth.
Eighth. The combination with the feed-pipe C of the valve D. provided with
the stem c and the spring g, and the guide bridge or bail made wedge-shaped in
cross-section and furnished with lugs n, whereby the downward movement of the
valve is limited, substantially as above set forth.
Ninth. The combination with the feed pipe C provided at its mouth with the
valve-seat c of the valve furnished with the wings h, having their lower portions
cut away to form an unbroken annular chamber above the valvo, and their upper
portions constructed with inclined and bevelled faces, and with the deflecting flange
arranged at the base of the conical face of the valve, substantially as above set
forth and for the purposes specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said Henry Harris Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and scal, this Nineteenth day of December, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and eighty one.
HENRY D. LAKE. (L.S.)