Improvements in or connected with Apparatus for Heating or Evaporating, Cooling, and Condensing.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 18th Oct., 1889
Complete Specification Left, 18th July, 1890-Accepted, 18th Oct., 1890
PROVISIONAL DI MUIFICATION.
Improvements in or connected with Apparatus for Heating or
Evaporating, Cooling, and Condensing.
1, FRANKLIN HOCKING, of 31, Sessions Road, Kirkdale, Liverpool, in the County of
Lancaster, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of my said invention to be as
follows:-
This present invention relates to apparatus for beating and evaporating liquids and
for heating and cooling fluids generally, and also for condensing steam and other like
condensible fluids and in which the operating fluid and the fluid operated upon are
separated from each other by a metal wall, the interchange of heat between the said
two fluids having to pass through said metal walls, that is the interchange of heat is
effected by surface contact.
The invention hereafter described is applicable for heating or boiling salt water
particularly in the production of fresh water from salt water, and also for heating
liquids generally; for coolers, refrigerators, and condensing apparatus of all kinds
where the conditions above stated exist.
In a water heater or boiler according to this invention, the heating surface would
consist of one or a plurality of tubes or chambers of suitable form, arranged
horizontally, and these tubes are contained in a case, also horizontally arranged, and
of circular, cylindrical, or other convenient form. The tubes are disposed in the lower
portion of the containing vessel, and are arranged relatively to such vessel in such a
manner that large or extended free surface for ebulition of steam is provided, by which
means, when the apparatus is used for evaporating salt water, it would be effected
without priming. The steam-if this be the fluid used to heat the tubes or chambers
-is introduced into them through hollow nipples, which nipples pass through the case
and through a steam or other heating fluid chest or chamber, at which point they are
provided with an aperture or apertures, and being connected at their other end with
their tubes or chambers, the heating fluid passes, by way of the said apertures, into the
nipples and so to the tubes. By the same or like means and in a like manner, the exit
of the heating fluid may be effected. To secure the tubes or chambers in position, the
nipples are passed through the case and the heating fluid chests and then, by screwing
or securing a cap or nut on the end of each nipple, the tubes are fixed; and vice versa
by unscrewing these caps or nuts they can be at once removed.
The case may be provided with one or more covers or manholes, so arranged that
when it or one of them, as the case may be, is or are removed, the tubes or chambers
may be passed in or out of the case or scraped or cleaned while in position.
The tubes or chambers may be of any known suitable form such as plain tubes,
spiral ways, zig-zag courses and so forth. It will be evident that whether the tubes or
chambers serve to carry the fluid to be operated upon, that is, to be heated, or cooled,
or conversely, carry the cooling or heating fluid will depend upon the nature of such
fluids, the conditions under which they must be treated and other circumstances.
When the apparatus is used for the production of fresh water from salt water, the
steam generated by the apparatus is condensed in the ordinary way, by a condenser
connected with the apparatus, or the main condenser of a steam engine if it be used as
a feed water maker or in any suitable way.
It is to be understood that it is not intended to confine the construction of the
apparatus to the particular one set forth, as it is susceptible of various modifications
both in arrangements and in detail.
D
1
COLL 1000

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or connected with Apparatus for Heating or
Evaporating, Cooling, and Condensing.
I, FRANKLIN HOCKING, of 31, Sessions Road, Kirkdale, Liverpool, in the County of
Lancaster, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of my said invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in
and by the following statement :—
This present invention relates to apparatus for heating and evaporating liquids, for
heating and cooling fluids generally, and for condensing steam and other like
condensible 'fluids, wherein the operating fluid and the fluid operated upon are
separated from each other by a metal wall, the interchange of heat between the
said two fluids having to pass through said metal walls :-that is to say, the inter-
change of heat is effected by surface contact.
The invention hereinafter described is applicable for heating or boiling salt water
(particularly in the production of fresh water from salt water), and also for heating
liquids generally; for coolers, refrigerators, and condensing apparatus of all kinds
where the conditions above stated exist.
In one arrangement of a water heater or boiler according to this invention, the
heating surface would consist of one or a plurality of tubes or chambers of suitable
form, arranged horizontally, such tubes being contained in a case-also horizontally
arranged of circular, cylindrical, or other convenient form. The tubes are disposed
in the lower portion of the containing vessel, and are arranged relatively to such
vessel in such a manner that a large or extended free surface for ebulition of steam
is provided, and thereby, if the apparatus be used for evaporating under a low
pressure or vacuum, priming would be avoided.
The steam if this be the fluid used to heat the tubes or chambers-according to
this invention, is introduced into the tubes thereof through hollow nipples, which
nipples pass through the case and through a steam or other heating fluid chest, or
chamber, at which point they are provided with an aperture or apertures, and being
connected at their other end with their tubes or chambers, the heating fluid passes,
by way of the said apertures, into the nipples and so to the tubes. By the same
or like means and in a like manner, the exit of the heating fluid may be effected.
To secure the tubes or chambers in position, the nipples are passed through the
case and the heating fluid chests, and then by screwing or securing a cap or nut
on the end of each nipple the tubes are fixed; and vice-versa, by unscrewing these
caps or nuts they can be at once removed.
The case may be provided with one or more covers or manholes, so arranged
that when it or one of them, as the case may be, is or
are removed, the tubes
or chambers may be passed in or out of the case, or scraped or cleaned while in
position.
The tubes or chambers may be of any known suitable form, such as plain tubes,
spiral ways, zig-zag courses, and so forth. It will be evident that whether the
tubes or chambers serve to carry the fluid to be operated upon that is, to be heated,
or cooled, or conversely, carry the cooling or heating fluid, will depend upon the
nature of such fluids, the conditions under which they must be treated, and other
circumstances.
When the apparatus is used for the production of fresh water froin salt water,
the steam generated by the apparatus is condensed in the ordinary way, by a
condenser connected with the apparatus, or the main condenser of a steam engine
if it be used as a "feed-water make-up," or in any suitable way.
In the drawings which serve to illustrate my invention I shew several examples
of apparatus specially designed for distilling salt or impure water, and obtaining
therefrom fresh or pure water.
The same letters and figures of reference are used in all the views of the drawings
to denote the same, or equivalent parts wherever they occur.

page_text: With reference to the drawings generally; A designate the tubes through which
the heating fluid say steam-is passed; B is the chaniber or conduit into which the
steam is introduced and from which it is distributed to the heating tubes A; C is the
chamber into which the steam or steam and water pass from the tubes; D is
the casing or containing vessel in and by which the tubes and water are held; and E
is the pipe or passage by which the steam evaporated in the apparatus is led away.
The example of apparatus illustrated in sheets 1 and 2 of the drawings is one in
which the case and heating tubes are horizontally arranged.
Figure 1 of this example shews the apparatus in longitudinal section ;
Figure 2 is a cross section of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a detail of the steam chambers B and C, and a heating tube A ; and
Figure 4 illustrates a modified construction of the inlet distributing chamber B.
With reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3 of this arrangement, the vessel D is enclosed
at its ends by the end plates F and G, the plate F being secured to the casing by an
angle bar as shewn, by the removal of which the interior may readily be had access to.
The inlet chamber B is connected to a separate cover plate H by the tube b which
passes through the cover H, the cover (H) itself being connected to the plate F by
bolts and nuts. The exit for steam or steam and water from the outlet chamber C is
effected by a tube c, which also passes through the cover plate H as shown.
The heating tubes shewn in the figures consist of inner and outer annular tubes a¹
and a², the inner one being a plain one and stopped at its ends as shewn, whilst the
outer one is corrugated, and fits over the inner one, and forms together with the inner
one a spiral way. The outer tubes a² are provided at each end with end heads a³, to
which are attached or formed thereon, nipples f. These nipples pass through the
chambers B and C and are provided at the part where they pass through such
chambers, with apertures i¹, and steam tight connection with such chambers is made
by the screwed caps 2 and shoulders ¿³.
The passage of heating fluid, such as steam, into and out of the heating tubes A is
as follows: The steam enters the inlet distribution chamber B by the tube b, it passes
from here to the various tubes A by way of the hollow nipples I, entering such
nipples by the apertures i, and then flows through the spiral way formed between
the tubes a¹ and a² to the outlet chamber C passing into such chamber by the
nipples I and their apertures i¹. From this chamber it passes out of the apparatus
by the pipe c, as steam of reduced temperature, or as steam and water, or water only.
To further absorb the heat of the heating fluid (which it may be assumed in some
cases, becomes converted to water at about the time it arrives in or leaves the outlet.
chamber C), the pipe may be of the same construction as the tubes A, i.e. a
spiral way.
The above construction of apparatus it will be seen affords a ready means of
removing the heating tubes for inspection, scraping, cleaning, or mending, or other
purposes, as it is only necessary to take off the nuts by which the cover plate H is
attached to the end plate F, when the whole heating parts, comprising the tubes A,
chambers B and C and pipe c can be withdrawn at once. And likewise, by a similar
but opposite operation, the whole of the heating arrangement can be replaced and
fixed in position. For cases, such as marine use where the water being evaporated is
salt water, the advantage of this construction is obvious, since, as the tubes require
scaling or cleaning more often than when evaporating fresh water, they can be
removed, cleaned and refitted within a very short time.
A further advantage is that the connecting parts being outside the apparatus do not
become salted up, as they are out of contact with the salt water.
In the modification shewn in Figure 4 the distribution chamber B is placed outside
the end plate F, and consists of an inner plate H¹ and an outer cover plate H. The
advantages just described with reference to the apparatus shewn in Figures 1, 2 and 3
it will be seen, also obtain in this case.
In the apparatus illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 (which shew it in sectional elevation
and sectional plan respectively) I shew a vertical arrangement according to my inven-

page_text: tion; and in the apparatus I also shew the arrangement of steam chambers or chests
and nipples by which the heating tubes may be respectively and severally fixed in
position or disconnected from without the apparatus.
Two forms of heating tubes A are shewn in this apparatus; the one on the right
hand side in Figure 5, consisting of a spiral way formed by annular tubes a' and a²
having between them a spirally twisted bar a³, and the other on the left hand side
consisting of a coiled tube of oval or other comparatively flat form, having a thin or
narrow space for the passage of steam therethrough. The inner tubes a¹ shown in the
figure in the right hand side are not closed, as in Figure 3, but are open and a free
way for the passage of a column of water through them is provided, so that the surface
of both inner and outer tubes a' and a² are both exposed to the water and act
upon it.
The chambers B and C in this case consist of external rings or gutters secured to
the casing D, and the nipples I pass through them, communication between the interior
of them and the chambers B and C being provided by the aperture 1. The nipples
(and by them the heating tubes A), are held in position by the cap screwed nuts 2ª
and the shoulders as shewn.
To remove a tube A, all that is necessary is to take off the two cap nuts 2 of the
nipples which support that tube, and move it inwards, withdrawing the nipples
inwards from the chambers B and C. The tube thus disconnected, can be taken from
the casing D through a manhole (such as that designated K or other aperture) in the
casing D. To place in position or refit a tube A it is first passed in to the casing D,
the nipples I are then passed through the apertures in the casing and the chambers B
and C, and the cap nuts are then screwed on and drawn up tight.
It will now be seen how this arrangement of chambers B and C and nipples I and
heating tubes A provide a very convenient mode by which the tubes may be quickly
and easily put in position or removed, and without having to take off end plates F
or G, or break the main joints of the parts of the casing of which the vessel D is
composed.
Figures 7 and 8 shew in outside elevation and section plan, respectively, a modified
construction and arrangement of inlet distribution and outlet chambers B and C.
The modification consists in providing a separate chamber or case (B or C) for each
nipple 1, and in leading the steam to and from such chambers from main supply and
exit pipes b and c, respectively, by branches 6' and c¹ which connect said pipes b
and c with the chambers B and C. The flanges of the chambers B and C are
connected to the shell of the vessel D by rivets or other means; and screwed
couplings 62 and 2 are provided on the branches 6' and c¹ for coupling the main
pipes b and c up to the chambers B and C.
The nipples I, it will be seen, are secured in position and arranged with respect to
the chamber B and C and heating tubes A, in the same manner as those shewn in
Figures 5 and 6.
In this apparatus two heating tubes A except the central one are connected to
each nipple I, so that an upper and lower nipple support two heating tubes and lead
the heating fluid to and from them. By this construction the cost of apparatus is
somewhat diminished.
Or a further modification consists in fixing more than two tubes to the nipples.
Figures 9 and 10 are details shewing a sectional plan and end view of a modified
construction of steam inlet distribution and outlet chambers B and C and nipples I.
In this case the nipples I are connected to the shell of the vessel D, by nuts ²,
and screwed caps 2x are provided opposite the nipples; therefore to disconnect the
nipples, the caps 2x are first removed and then the nuts taken off. The steam or
heating fluid enters from or passes into the chambers B and C, as the case may be,
through the open end of the nipples.
This construction may be applied to chambers B and C made in any of the forms
above set forth.
The modification of connection of main supply and discharge pipes b or c shewn

page_text: in Figure 11, in sectional elevation, consists in an arrangement in which the branch
pipes b and c are directly connected to the nipples I without the intervention of
a chamber or chambers such as B, C. The connection is made by a coupling nut (2
which is adapted to connect the outer ends of the nipples I and the ends of the
branches b' or c¹ together. The ends of these branch pipes or c¹, it will be seen,
are made to lie in line with the nipples I, so that the nuts 2 can be slacked back on
such branches when uncoupling them.
It is plain that the same advantages with respect to easy and rapid disconnection
and removal of heating tubes and placing in position and fixing, above described with
reference to apparatus illustrated in other figures of the drawings, also obtain if the
arrangement of parts shewn in Figures 9 and 10, or 11 be used.
It will be understood that suitable manhole or mudhole doors may be provided in
the vessel D wherever required or deemed necessary.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
Lion and in what manner the same is to be performed, it is to be understood that
this invention is not confined to the particular constructions and arrangements of parts
shewn in the various figures of the drawings; and that parts of the various examples
of apparatus may be combined and used in connection with other examples shewn, or
with apparatus differing in general form and construction to the ones I have shewn
and described; but what I claim in respect of the herein described invention is:-
1. The arrangement and combination of parts substantially as herein described by
which the tubes of apparatus of the kind herein before referred to are capable of being
quickly fixed in position or disconnected and removed from the apparatus; for the
purposes specified.
2. In apparatus for heating, evaporating, cooling or condensing, the combination
with the containing vessel D thereof, of chambers such as B, C; nipples I; and
tubes A; substantially as described.
3. In apparatus for heating, evaporating, cooling or condensing, the combination
with the vessel D thereof, of nipples I, pipes b₁, c; and means of connecting same
together, substantially as and for the purposes described.
4. Apparatus for heating, evaporating, cooling or condensing, comprising a hori
zontal containing vessel D and tubes A, and chambers B, C, arranged and connected
substantially as set forth with reference to Figures 1 to 4.
5. Apparatus for heating, evaporating, cooling or condensing, comprising a vertical
containing vessel D, and vertical tubes A, arranged and connected as set forth with
reference to Figures 5 to 8.
6. In apparatus for heating, evaporating, cooling or condensing, the combination of
containing vessel I); chambers B, C; nipples I; and tubes A, as set forth with
reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3, and Figure 4.
7. In apparatus for heating, evaporating, cooling or condensing, the combination of
containing vessel D; chambers B, C ; nipples I; and tubes A, as set forth with
reference to Figures 5 and 6.
8. In apparatus for heating, evaporating, cooling or condensing, the combination
of containing vessel D: chambers B, C; nipples I; and tubes A, as set forth with
reference to Figures 7 and 8.
9. In apparatus for heating, evaporating, cooling or condensing, the combination of
containing vessel D; chambers B, C; nipples I; and tubes A, as set forth with
reference to Figures 9 and 10.
10. In apparatus for heating, evaporating, cooling or condensing, the combination
of containing vessel D; chambers B, C ; pipes b, c; branches 6₁, c', and nipples or
pipes 1, connecting said branches with tubes of the apparatus; substantially as and
for the purposes set forth.
11. Apparatus for heating, evaporating, cooling or condensing, having their parts
arranged and constructed particularly as set forth respectively with reference to
Figures 1 to 4; 5 and 6; and 7 and 8 of the drawings.

page_text: 12. The particular construction and combination of nipples I and chambers B, C ;
as set forth with reference to Figures 5 and 6; 7 and 8; and 9 and 10.
13. The particular combination and arrangement of nipples I and pipes 6', c¹, and
main b or c, set forth with reference to Figure 11.
Dated this 17th day of July 1800
CHEESBROUGH & ROYSTON,
15, Water Street, Liverpool, Applicant's Patent Agents.