Pressure, or Volume of Confined Fluids.
Year: 1886

page_text: Pressure, or Volume of Confined Fluids.
JOHN THOMSON, Prospecthill, Queens Park Cathcart, Glasgow, Renfrewshire,
Rector do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention has for its object the construction of apparatus for indicating or
regulating, temperature pressure or volume of confined fluids, and more particularly
for indicating the relative positions of vapours and liquids in vapour generators
and other vessels for containing fluids under pressure or under atmospheric pressure
in contradistinction to pressure in excess of the atmospheric pressure.
<
"
The invention hereinafter more particularly described has for its basis the
Improved apparatus for indicating temperature or pressure described in the
complete specification of Mr. James Murrie, Glasgow, viz No. 3038 which apparatus
consists essentially of a hollow tube or elongated hollow chamber partly or wholly
filled with a fluid or fluids, one end of the tube or chamber serving as an
expansion chamber in which pressure is generated on the confined fluid being
subjected to the action of the heat, the pressure being transmitted by means of the
intermediary fluid confined in the connecting tube, to the pressure indicator placed
at the opposite end of the tube or chamber the indicator being graduated to shew
the corresponding temperature. The temperature indicated being that of the
fluid in which the expansion chamber is enveloped.
My invention consists essentially in adapting the aforesaid apparatus for indi-
cating temperature or pressure as a means of shewing the level of the liquid
in steam and other generators as well as in chambers or vessels which contain
fluids at different temperatures. Also in adapting the aforesaid apparatus as a
means of regulating the volume or pressure of the respective fluids, or, to give
audible indications of variations in pressure, temperature, or volume, of the confined
fluids.
In carrying my invention into practice, I make two ports or openings in the
generator or vessel in communication with the generator. One opening or port is
made in the higher part of the vessel, where vapour is allowed to exist, the second
opening or. port is made preferably in the lower part of the vessel, where the

page_text: "
'
I
.
liquid exists, more particularly at a point where the confined liquid is at a com-
paratively low temperature. These two ports or openings are joined together by
means of a hollow tube, made straight, or bent in any desired direction, having
one or more enlargements, and made in one piece or in segments. This tube,
which is common to the two aforesaid ports, is led clear of the generator or
vessel, preferably by the front part of the vessel, and having the enlargement
or enlargements placed in line, or nearly so, with the liquid in the generator or
vessel. The external tube being hollow, and in communication with the generator
or vessel at both extremities, the liquid finds a level in the external hollow tube,
corresponding to the level of the liquid in the generator.
In the interior of the enlargement or enlargements on the external hollow tube,
preferably at a point where the vapour and the liquid meet, is placed the
expansion chamber of the apparatus described in the aforesaid Patent No. 30385.
The expansion chamber may be made in any desired form, having the shape of
a sphere, coil, or horizontal or nearly horizontal elongated chamber as desired.
Leading from the expansion chamber to the outside of the enlargement or adjacent
parts, is the connecting tube, the joint between the tube and the enlargement being
made in any desired manner. The connecting tube is led clear of the generator to
the indicator placed at any desired point. The indicator may or may not be
provided with maximum or minimum fingers, and may also be provided with any
known form of audible indicating apparatus to give an alarm on the temperature
or pressure varying, between one or more predetermined points. The indicator
may also be graduated to shew the position of the liquid in the generator or
vessel.
The action of the apparatus is essentially as follows: On the fluids in the
enlargement referred to changing their relative positions, consequent on the fluids
in the generator also varying in position, the expansion chamber is either more or
less immersed in the liquid, or more or less exposed to the action of the vapour;
the vapour being at a higher temperature than the liquid, it follows that the
temperature of the bulb varies accordingly, which variation is shewn on the
indicator and in consequence the position of the fluids is defined or shewn. It is
of importance that the vapour part of the external tube and enlargement be
protected with some non-conducting material to prevent undue condensation of
the vapour. It is also of importance that the liquid be maintained at a com-
paratively low temperature, either by leading the lower tube from the colder part
of the generator or by adopting some means of refrigeration.
When the apparatus is arranged to regulate the pressure by allowing part of
the vapour to escape, to set a whistle in action, to feed with fresh liquid and thus
maintain the level of the fluids, or to allow part of the liquid to escape, or flow out
of the vessel, when there is an excess of liquid. The apparatus herein before
described has connected to it and in communication with the confined fluid, a
diaphragm, flat curved coil, piston or other known contrivance which changes its
position on being subjected to pressure; which elastic body is made to actuate
direct, or by means of intermediary mechanism, cocks or valves placed on any of
the tubes leading to or from the generator or other vessel, as may be desired. The
diaphragm or other elastic body being graduated or set to move or act on a
predetermined pressure being exceeded.
In instances where the vessel is not directly connected to the generator, the bulb
or expansion chamber of the apparatus may be placed directly in said vessel at the
point where it is desired to maintain the level, the action being essentially as
hereinbefore described.
The apparatus may have combined with it, water gauge glasses to shew the
height of the water in the ordinary manner, the water level shewn being that in
the outside tube enlargement instead of the generator direct.
In indicating the pressure in the generator or vessel, the pressure gauge con-
necting tube instead of being connected to the generator at the vapour space, the

page_text: connecting tube is connected to the vessel beneath the water line, so that no
vapour can exist in the connecting tube.
The inlet or outlet tubes leading to or from the generator or vessel, and having
their cocks or valves for opening or closing the passage or passages, actuated or set
in motion by the diaphragm herein before described may or may not have their
opposite extremities terminating in receivers, chargers, condensers &c as the case
may be. For instance when a steam whistle is employed as an alarm, the tube or
passage simply terminates with a whistle of any known form. When a passage
again is in communication with charging apparatus such as an accumulator, pump,
or reservoir, the pressure in which is greater than that in the generator, the tube
terminates in said charging apparatus, independent of position. When a tube or
passage is made to serve as a safety valve, the extremity of the tube may be open
to the atmosphere or in communication with a condenser or reducer of pressure.
When a tube or passage serves to allow the liquid to escape, the receiver or cistern
may or may not, be connected to the extremity of the tube.

page_text: Improved Apparatus for Indicating or Regulating Temperature,
Pressure, or Volume of Confined Fluids.
JOHN THOMSON, Prospecthill, Queens park, Cathcart, near Glasgow, Renfrew-
shire Rector, 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 :-
My invention has for its object the construction of apparatus for indicating or
regulating temperature pressure or volume of confined fluids, such as the fluid
contents of a steam boiler, the heated gases in chambers and for corresponding
purposes, but more particularly for indicating and regulating the level of the
water in steam generators, giving an audible indication of variation in the liquid
level, indicating and regulating the pressure, and also regulating the feed in steam
generators.
In carrying my invention into practice I employ a hollow tube or tubes of
indefinite diameter and length, made straight or bent to suit the exigencies of the
case, which tube may or may not be provided with a pressure indicator of the
Bourdon or other type, which is preferably but not essentially fitted at one end of
said hollow tube or chamber with a pressure indicator, the tube or tubes may also
have one or more enlargements preferably situated at the opposite end or extremity.
Said tube or tubes is charged with a fluid or fluids such as water, ether or
analogous fluid.
Fig. 1 illustrates one form of the apparatus in question. A represents the
expansion chamber B. the intermediate part of the hollow tube. C. the pressure
indicator.
On one
The action of the aforesaid apparatus is essentially as follows.
extremity of the hollow tube being subjected to the action of heat, vapour is
generated therein, the pressure of which depends on the particular liquid employed
and the temperature of the fluid in which the expansion chamber is enveloped.
Said pressure being transmitted throughout the entire inner surface of the hollow
tube, chamber or chambers.
My invention consists in applying the aforesaid apparatus as a means of
carrying out the regulating of pressure, temperature and volume of confined fluids
as more fully hereinafter described.
In indicating pressure in vapour generators, a hollow tube is at present led from
the steam space to the generator, a syphon acting as a barrier to the progress of
the steam. One of my improvements consists in leading the hollow tube from the
water or liquid space direct to the pressure indicator.
Fig. 2 illustrates one mode of carrying this into practice. D. represents the
steam boiler. B₁ the hollow tube intermediate to the chamber or boiler and
indicator, C¹ the pressure indicator.
For indicating the water or liquid level in a steam boiler or other vapour
generator, two apertures are made in the boiler, one aperture being above the
water level, and the other aperture below the water level. The two openings are

page_text: connected by means of one or more hollow tubes, of indefinite diameter, made
straight or bent, and which have one or more enlargements preferably in line with
or nearly in the same horizontal plane as the water level in the boiler. Said
hollow tube or tubes has fitted in it at a point where the vapour and the liquid
meet, when the water is at or near its proper working level, the extremity of the
hollow tube or chamber represented in Fig. 1. or a modification of said apparatus.
Fig. 3. illustrates one arrangement of the apparatus in question. D. represents
the boiler. E, the connection with the boiler above the water line; F, the con-
nection or aperture under the water line. G, a hollow tube connecting the two
openings, H, an enlargement or projection from tube G, in which the expansion
chamber A is fitted. B & "C" represents the connecting tube and indicator.
respectively.
The action is as follows. The hollow tube "G" being open to the boiler at top.
and bottom, and the pressure being practically the same in the tube and boiler, it
follows that the water will be at the same level in both. On the water falling
below the enlargement H. the steam will envelope the expansion chamber "A." and
the fluid therein will be raised to a corresponding or nearly corresponding
temperature, the pressure of the vapour generated being transmitted to the
indicator by means of the intermediary liquid. The indicator being graduated to
show the corresponding height of water in the boiler as well as the pressure in the
expansion chamber A. it follows that the position of the water in the boiler can be.
ascertained from the dial. The hollow tube E and F as well as the enlargement G,
may be provided with valves or pet cocks to close the connection at any desired
point or to test the working of the apparatus.
Fig. 4. illustrates one arrangement of the apparatus wherein the pressure
indicator is combined with the water level indicator.
When the apparatus is arranged to give an audible indication of the fall of the
water in the boiler below a fixed point, the apparatus shewn in Fig. 1. is provided.
with a diaphragm, valve or other contrivance which changes its position on being.
subjected to variations in internal pressure and which contrivance is by suitable
mechanism made to give motion to a steam whistle, bell, or other known form of.
alarm.
Fig. 5. illustrates one form of the apparatus for giving audible indication of fall
in the water level. K, represents the diaphragm or other contrivance. L, a steam
whistle which is set in motion by a valve intermediate to the whistle and the
boiler and which valve is actuated by the diaphragm K.
The action of the apparatus essentially consists in the diaphragm changing its
position on the expansion chamber A. becoming heated thro' the water falling
below the proper level and allowing the expansion chamber A to be heated, the
pressure of the confined fluids being sufficient to move the diaphragm plate, which
gives motion to the steam valve, thereby permitting the steam to enter the whistle.
In regulating the pressure and volume of the fluids in a vapour generator, the
hollow tube which leads to the pressure indicator is provided with a diaphragm,
valve or other known contrivance, which can be loaded to a fixed point and which
changes its position on the load being exceeded. The diaphragm or contrivance is
connected to a valve or cock on a steam pipe leading from the boiler, which is
actuated by the diaphragm or mechanism on a given pressure being exceeded and
which returns to its normal position on the pressure falling to the working or
adjusted strain.
V
Fig. 6 illustrates one form of apparatus for carrying into practice this mode
of regulating pressure and volume of confined fluids. K¹ represents the diaphragm.
or contrivance for actuating the steam valve. M, the steam tube leading from the
boiler. N. the valve on hollow pipe M. -
.>
When the apparatus is arranged to regulate the feed or flow of water into the
boiler, the diapragm or valve on tube B, actuates a valve on the inlet feed pipe,
as shewn in Fig. 7. In Fig. 7. "O." represents the inlet: feed pipe. P. the valve,
cook or contrivance which is set in motion by the diaphragm K………

page_text: The action is nearly precisely the same as the low water alarm hereinbefore
described, only instead of the valve on the steam pipe being set in motion to give
an audible indication of fall in water level, the diaphragm actuates a valve on the
feed pipe, which permits more water to flow into the boiler, and which is closed on
the water rising above the expansion chamber A.
Fig. 8. illustrates an arrangement wherein the alarm and feed regulating
apparatus are combined.
Fig. 9. illustrates one arrangement of the apparatus wherein provision is made
for the water overflowing on the water level rising above a fixed point. K' repre-
sents the diaphragm P, the overflow pipe R, the valve or pet cock for regulating
the extent of the overflow.
Fig. 10 illustrates one modification of the apparatus wherein the expansion
chamber A, is placed directly inside the chamber containing the fluids, the relative
parts being analogous to that hereinbefore described.
Fig. 11. illustrates one arrangement of the apparatus wherein the ordinary
water gauge glasses, are combined with the apparatus hereinbefore described.
Fig. 12. illustrates one arrangement of the apparatus wherein the steam from the
boiler passes on to an accumulator or reservoir in which the feed water or
charging fluid is confined and which vapour may be utilized in assisting to inject
or force the feed water into the boiler. "S" represents the steam pipe. T. the
tank, V, the feed pipe.
Fig. 13 illustrates the application of the apparatus to regulating the temperature
and volume of heated gases in a chamber or chambers. A represents the
expansion chamber, B the connecting tube, C, the temperature indicator when
such is employed, K*, the diaphragm or other contrivance which gives motion to
a valve, door, window, ventilator, or other contrivance for regulating the passage
of a gas or gases, or when employed to regulate the flow of heated gas or other
fluid thro' a hollow tube or chamber, the diaphragm actuates the valve which
regulates the volume of the fluid.
Fig. 14. illustrates an application of the apparatus to regulating the flow of fluids
thro' a hollow tube. ✗ represents the tube. Y. the valve, Z the diaphragm or
other contrivancé for actuating the valve Y.
In applying the aforesaid apparatus I may apply any modification of the
apparatus, without embodying in any single apparatus all the parts herein before
described, that is in regulating the temperature of a chamber for instance, the
alarm apparatus, or temperature may or may not be employed, as adjuncts.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
1. In steam generators the leading the tube which connects the pressure
indicator with the generator from the liquid space, that is a point under the water
or liquid line of the generator as illustrated in Fig. 2.
2. In a steam generator the connecting the vapour space with the liquid space
by means of an external hollow tube or tubes, with or without one or more
enlargements in which is placed partly or wholly any known form of apparatus 4
which expands or contracts on being subjected to variations in temperature.
3. The application of the apparatus for indicating temperature or pressure
hereinbefore described and illustrated in Fig. 1 to shew the position of the water
or liquid level in a steam generator by placing the expansion chamber of the
aforesaid apparatus inside the generator at or near the water level or in an
external chamber or hollow tube in open communication with the steam and water
space substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated under Fig. 3.
4. The application of the apparatus referred to in claim 3. When combined
with a diaphragm, valve or other contrivance which changes its position on being
subjected to variations in pressure to actuate a valve or cook controlling a steam
whistle, or to set in motion any known form of alarm on the water or liquid level

page_text: falling below a predetermined point substantially as hereinbefore described and
illustrated under Fig. 5.
5. The combination of a pressure indicator with a water level indicator of the
kind referred to in claim 3 and as illustrated in Fig. 4.
6. The combining of a diaphragm, valve piston or other contrivance which
changes its position on being subjected to variations in pressure, with a hollow
tube leading from the water or liquid space in a steam generator which may or
may not be provided with a pressure indicator.
7. The application of the apparatus referred to in claim 6 to regulate the pressure
in a steam generator substantially as herein before described and illustrated in
Fig. 6, wherein the diaphragm or other contrivance actuates a valve or cock on a
steam outlet.
8. The application of the apparatus referred to in claim 4, wherein the diaphragm
or like contrivance actuates a valve or cock on the feed pipe and which permits
more liquid to flow into the generator on the liquid level falling below a pre-
determined point substantially as herein before described and illustrated in Fig. 7.
9. The combination of the apparatus referred to in claim 8 for regulating the
feed liquid, with the low water alarm apparatus substantially as hereinbefore
described and illustrated in Fig. 8.
10. The application of the apparatus referred to in claim 4 to regulate the
overflow of the liquid in a steam generator by causing the diaphragm or like
contrivance to actuate a cock or valve on the overflow pipe on the water level
rising above a fixed point in the generator substantially as illustrated in Fig. 9.
11. The application of the apparatus referred to in claim 4 to regulate the
passage of steam from the generator to an outside vessel or chamber substantially
as illustrated in Fig. 12.
12. The combination of the apparatus hereinbefore described with a feed chamber
wherein on steam being admitted, on the water level.falling below a fixed point in
the generator said steam causes fresh liquid to pass into the generator substantially
as illustrated in Fig. 12.
13. The application of the apparatus hereinbefore described and illustrated in
Figs. 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, & 10, to indicate the water level, regulate the feed, or give.
an alarm on the water level falling below a fixed point, by having the expansion
chamber, placed inside the generator substantially as illustrated in Fig. 10.
14. The combination of the apparatus herein before described and illustrated
when the expansion chamber of said apparatus is placed in an external chamber
with ordinary water gauge glasses as illustrated in Fig. 11.
15. The application of the apparatus bereinbefore described an illustrated in
Fig. 1. to regulate the temperature in an oven or chamber substantially as
illustrated in Fig. 13. said apparatus being if desired fitted with a temperature
indicator.
16. The application of the apparatus hereinbefore described to regulate the
temperature of a fluid in a pipe wherein said fluid flows in a given direction
substantially as illustrated in Fig. 14.
401
T
+
5000