IMPROVEMENTS IN WATER HEATERS AND FUEL ECONOMIZERS, AND IN THE METHOD OF FIXING THE SAME
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Schofield, of Stannington, in the County of
York, Engineer, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN WATER HEATERS
AND FUEL ECONOMIZERS, AND IN THE METHOD OF FIXING THE SAME."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Schofield at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 6th April 1881.
HENRY SCHOFIELD, of Stannington, in the County of York, Engineer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN WATER HEATERS AND FUEL ECONOMIZERS, AND IN THE
METHOD OF FIXING THE SAME.'
"
This Invention relates to improvements in water heaters, and in the method of
setting the same in connection with steam boilers, the object being to utilise the
waste heat from the boiler in its passage along the flues, so as to heat the water
contained in the water heater to a high temperature before it is forced into the
steam boiler, and thus economise the consumption of fuel.
In carrying out my Invention in order to effect this object, I construct the water
heater of a peculiar shape, somewhat approximating to the end of an ordinary
steam boiler, and so that when placed in position at or near the end of a steam boiler,
two or more of its surfaces shall form a portion of the sides of the flue leading to the
chimney stack, and so that the heat from the boiler fire shall impinge upon a large
portion of the surfaces of the water heater, and may also be carried by the arrange-
ment of flues against other portions of the heater before it passes away to the
chimney. In some cases I arrange a series of tubes from one portion of the
heater to another portion, and by preference in that part of the heater that is first
under the action of the heat from the boiler flue. I thus utilise a large amount of
heat that is generally absorbed by the sides of the flue or that passed to the
chimney. The water so heated is then forced forward to the boiler by the ordinary
means.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Henry Schofield in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 5th September
1881.
THE
HENRY SCHOFIELD, of Stannington, in the County of York, Engineer,
"IMPROVEMENTS IN WATER HEATERS AND FUEL ECONOMIZERS, AND IN
METHOD OF FIXING THE SAME."
My Invention relates to improvements in water heaters, and in the method of
fixing or setting the same in connection with steam boilers, the object being to
utilise the heat in its passage to or along the flues, for the purpose of heating
water before being forced into the boiler, and thereby economising the consumption
of fuel.
In carrying out my Invention as applied to a double-flued boiler, for example,
and which is illustrated in the annexed Sheet of Drawings, I construct a water
heater of boiler plate (iron or steel) approximating to the cross sectional dimensions
of the boiler, and shaped so that two or more of its surfaces shall form a portion of
the sides of the flue, and be subject to the direct action of the heat from the
furnace or fires. The front of the top part of the heater is made to overhang the
lower part, and a number of circulating tubes connect this overhanging portion
with the lower portion.
I prefer to make these tubes of a curved shape, so that they may expand and
contract with the least possible effect on the shell of the water heater, and being
fastened with nuts, there is no difficulty in replacing a faulty tube when requisite.
On the top of the waterheater I affix an apparatus consisting of an inlet pipe
from the pump, which is carried downwards so as to introduce the water near the
bottom of the heater, or at a position higher than the circulating tubes at P, an
outlet to the boiler, and a safety valve; there is also a manhole for the purpose of
cleaning and repairing, and an attachment underneath for a blow off cock.
I fix my water heater at or near the end of the boiler, and so that the heat
issuing from the flues of the boiler will impinge directly on the circulating tubes
before mentioned, and on the other surfaces of the heater exposed to it, and after
traversing any flues carried under the boiler the beat may be again brought to bear
on other surfaces of the heater before passing away to the chimney stack.
And in order that my Invention may be fully understood, I will now refer to
the annexed Sheet of Drawings, the same letters of reference indicating corre-
sponding parts in both the Figures.
Fig. 1 is a front elevation of my improved water heater, the dotted lines
representing the position of the boiler and flues; Fig. 2 is a side view shown in
section; A is the shell of the heater; B is the overhanging portion; C, the circu-
lating tubes; D, the tierods; E, the blow off attachment; F, a piece of angle iron
to carry brickwork between the heater and the boiler G; H is the manhole; I, the
inlet from the pump, the cold water being carried down by the pipe J, K, the
safety valve; L, the outlet to the boiler provided with a back pressure valve M.
Having now described and fully ascertained the nature of my Invention and the
manner in which it is or may be used or carried into effect, I would observe in
conclusion that it is obvious that some of the mere details as hereinbefore described
may be varied without departing from the spirit of my Invention, but what I
consider to be novel and original and therefore claim as the Invention secured to
me by the herein before in part recited Letters Patent is,-
The construction and use of water heaters, with or without circulating tubes,

page_text: and fixing them at or near the end of steam boilers for the purpose mentioned, and
substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated by the accompanying
Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Henry Schofield, have hereunto set my
band and seal, this Fourth day of October, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty one.
HENRY SCHOFIELD. (L.S.)