IMPROVEMENTS IN AIR CONDENSORS FOR STEAM ENGINES
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to David Greig and Max Eyth, both of the Steam Plough.
Works, Leeds, in the County of York, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
IN AIR CONDENSORS FOR STEAM ENGINES."
Sealed the 12th December 1876, and dated the 26th June 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said David Greig and Max Eyth
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 26th June 1876.
DAVID GREIG and MAX EYTH, both of the Steam Plough Works, Leeds, in the.
County of York. "IMPROVEMENTS IN AIR CONDENSORS FOR STEAM ENGINES."
This Invention refers to a novel method of condensing the exhaust steam of steam
engines, especially applicable to portable traction and steam ploughing engines, for
the purpose of partly or wholly saving the water thus obtained and using it over
again as feed water for the boiler.
Our apparatus consists of a sheet-iron barrel or box comprising a number of
compartments, which are arranged in such a manner that the steam coming from
the steam cylinder rushes through long passages, these passages being so arranged
as to cause frequent change of direction, to facilitate the separation of the condensed
portion of the exhaust steam from that part which is not yet condensed.
Within this apparatus the steam is mixed with a great quantity of cold air, which
is introduced by the action of the blast itself.
We arrange the mouth of the exhaust pipe in the following manner :-) The main
pipe divides itself into two or more branches, which carry a number of circular
concentric chambers with thin circular openings, through which the steam escapes
in thin sheets. A sufficient space is allowed between these sheets of steam for tho
admission of cold air, which is drawn in by the steam itself; thus a most thorough
mixing of steam and air takes place, both rushing into the condensing passages
together, and the former condensing rapidly in its way through the apparatus.
The air which escapes at the other end of the condenser, or part of it, can either
be sent underneath the grate, so as to produce the necessary draft for the fire, or it
may be taken up into the chimney through a pipe acting as an ordinary blast
pipe.

page_text: The slits or narrow openings through which the steam is caused to issue
might be straight or of other form in place of circular, but the circular form is
preferred.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
-
the said David Greig and Max Eyth in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
23rd December 1876.
DAVID GREIG and MAX EYTH, both of the Steam Plough Works, Leeds, in the
County of York. "IMPROVEMENTS IN AIR CONDENSERS FOR STEAM ENGINES."
This Invention refers to a novel method of condensing the exhaust steam of steam
engines, especially applicable to portable traction and steam ploughing engines, for the
purpose of partly or wholly saving the water thus obtained and using it over again
as feed water for the boiler.
Our apparatus consists of a sheet-iron barrel or box comprising a number of
compartments, which are arranged in such a manner that the steam coming from
the steam cylinder rushes through long passages, these passages being so arranged
as to cause frequent change of direction to facilitate the separation of the condensed
portion of the exhaust steam from that part which is not yet condensed.
Within this apparatus the steam is mixed with a great quantity of cold air, which
is introduced by the action of the blast itself.
We arrange the mouth of the exhaust pipe in the following manner:-The main
pipe divides itself into two or more branches, which carry a number of circular
concentric chambers with thin circular openings, through which the steam escapes
in thin sheets. A sufficient space is allowed between these sheets of steam for the
admission of cold air, which is drawn in by the steam itself; thus a most thorough
mixing of steam and air takes place, both rushing into the condensing passages
together, and the former condensing rapidly in its way through the apparatus. A
further supply of air may be admitted at different points to mingle with the steam
and air rushing through the passages.
The air which escapes at the other end of the condenser, or part of it, can either
be sent underneath the grate, so as to produce the necessary draft for the fire, or it
may be taken up into the chimney through a pipe acting as an ordinary blast
pipe.
The slits or narrow openings through which the steam is caused to issue
might be straight or of other form in place of circular, but the circular form is
preferred.
In order that our said Invention may be most fully understood and readily carried
into effect we will proceed to describe the Drawings hereunto annexed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figure 1 is a longitudinal section and Figure 2 is a back elevation of an air
condensor constructed according to our Invention.
it is
a is the pipe by which the exhaust steam is admitted to the condensor;
provided with three branches a¹, a¹, a¹, which carry the annular nozzles a², a²,
through which and also through the central orifice as the steam issues; it carries
forward with it into the cylinder 6 a large volume of air, with which it becomes
intimately intermixed. On arrival at the end of the cylinder b the mixed current
of steam and air is turned back through the channel between the cylinder b and
the cylinder c; having traversed this channel it is again turned back, and then
passes between the cylinders c and d ; similarly it passes between the cylinders d
and e and between the cylinders e and f, finally arriving at the chamber g, from
which it may escape freely into the air, or, as before mentioned, a portion of it may

page_text: chimney, where it will serve as a blast. h, h, are pipes by which additional
quantities of air may be admitted to mix with the steam as it traverses the passages
of the condensor; i, i, are outlets for the water resulting from the condensation of
the steam.
Having thus described the nature of our said Invention and the manner of
performing the same we would have it understood that we claim,-
First. The construction of air condensers for steam engines in such manner that
the exhaust steam rushing from an orifice or orifices draws with it a quantity of
cold air, and together therewith traverses channels in which it is made frequently
to change its direction, to cause it to deposit water held in suspension, substantially
as described.
Second. The construction of air condensors for steam engines, substantially as
described and shown by the annexed Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said David Greig, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Twenty-second day of December, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-six.
DAVID GREIG. (L.S.)