IMPROVEMENTS IN THE FIRELESS WORKING OF STEAM ENGINES BY MEANS OF SODA LYE OR OTHER LIQUIDS HAVING A HIGH BOILING POINT
Year: 1885

page_text: I, ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK, of the. firm of A. M. and Wm. Clark, of
53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Fellow of the Institute of Patent
Agents, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for IMPROVEMENTS
IN THE FIRELESS WORKING OF STEAM ENGINES BY MEANS OF SODA LYE OR
OTHER LIQUIDS HAVING A HIGH BOILING POINT a communication to me from
abroad by Moritz Honigmann, of Grevenberg near Aachen, in the Empire of
Germany, Soda Manufacturer, through his agents, Wirth and Company, of
Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany, to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to improvements in the fireless working of steam engines
by means of soda lye or other liquids having a high boiling point.
The invention relates first to certain arrangements for preventing the soda lye
from being drawn from the soda steam boiler into the engine.
Referring to the accompanying drawing (a) the pipe which conducts the
exhaust steam into the soda lye is to be carried up to a point at least half a meter
higher than the highest level of the soda lye. (b) a self acting valve R is placed
in a pipe connecting the dome over the soda lye with the highest point of the
exhaust pipe in such manner that the valve will open as soon as the pressure in the
exhaust pipe falls below that in the vessel containing the soda lye so as to draw
the vapours and gases from said vessel instead of the soda lye. It would not
answer to connect such a valve with the outer atmosphere as the pressure in the
soda boiler might happen to be greater than that of the atmosphere.
Secondly. To the introduction of the exhaust steam into the soda lye by means
of perforated vertical or oblique branch pipes v leading down from a horizontal one
at the upper part of the soda lye vessel in order to avoid the vibrations or shocks
caused by the presence of cold water in the perforated horizontal pipe near the
bottom of the soda boiler as heretofore used.
نوب

page_text: Thirdly. To connecting a steam trap A with the exhaust pipe and allowing the
water contained in the steam to escape. This arrangement can also be used as a
means of drawing off a part of the exhaust steam instead of leading the whole of
it into the concentrated soda lye, the result of which is too great an elevation of
temperature and pressure necessitating the addition of cold water-By drawing off
the condensed water and a part of the exhaust steam, an economy of 10 to 15%
can be obtained.
Fourthly. The forcing out of the soda lye through the pipe F can be effected by
the pressure of the soda steam boiler itself as towards the end of the process when
the lye has become sufficiently diluted there is an excess of pressure in the soda
lye. A further economy in the working of the apparatus is thus effected.
Fifthly. The soda steam boiler may be made of wrought or cast iron and the
tubes and other parts of copper or brass.
Sixthly. Connecting the valve with an apparatus for cutting off the exhaust in
such manner that by closing the regulator valve the exhaust pipe is also closed at
the same time. By this means the cylinder is cut off from the soda vessel whilst
the engine is working without pressure.
Seventhly. Instead of effecting the concentration of the diluted liquids by the
direct action of fire, I use a steam boiler D whence steam under pressure is con-
ducted through coils of pipe S immersed in the soda lye to be concentrated, the
steam becoming condensed during the concentration of the soda lye and the
condensed water returned to the steam boiler through a pipe L³. The coils of pipe
and the steam boiler may be variously constructed, but inasmuch as the same water
is used over and over again in the boiler, no incrustation will be formed and it is
therefore preferable to use a circulating tubulous boiler. By this method of
evaporating, the soda lye is obtained which obviates the difficulties of evaporation
by direct heat. With this process the soda boiler can be made of cast iron and
the tubes of copper or brass.
Eighthly. To an apparatus whereby the steam generated by the evaporation of
the soda lye by indirect heat as last described is used for the concentration of a
further quantity of diluted soda lye. This is effected by conducting the steain
through another coil of pipes S2 immersed in diluted soda lye in a vessel N³,
considerable economy of fuel is thus obtained. In this vessel a constant vacuum
of about 16 th of an atmosphere is maintained by means of a pump P. drawing
water and gases out of a condenser C through pipe H. The condenser is con-
structed in such manner that the vapour coming through pipe Lo must on entering
the condenser pass through water about 10 centimetres deep whereby the vapours
become entirely absorbed. In consequence of the vacuum in the condenser, the
cold water necessary for the condensation is drawn into the condenser through
pipe x. The condenser and the pump are connected by the pipe H in such manner
that the water entering the pump will fill up all dead spaces.
In consequence of this end of the total absorption of the vapours, the pump
works very economically. The exhaust steam from the vacuum pump is led into
the second coil of pipes S² and is utilized for concentrating the soda lye. In places
where there is a scarcity of water, the water can be cooled by being pumped over
a thorn wall G. The herein described vaporization process can be used for any
steam engine and an economy in fuel of 40 to 45% is obtained as the steam
generated in the first soda concentrator is used for concentrating the lye in the
second one which in consequence of the vacuum has a boiling point lower
than 100° C. There the steam is condensed in the coil S2 and the condensed
water runs into the vessel W situated between the upper and lower soda con-
centrating vessels and is used for the feeding of the soda boiler. The pipe L
which conveys the water and uncondensed vapours into the vessel W can be
connected to the latter a few meters under the surface of the water whereby a
back pressure up to the of an atmosphere is obtained in the coil S2 and in the
concentrator N¹, in consequence of which the temperature of the steam in the
coil S' is from 105°-115° C. The water vessel W is open to the atmosphere by
6
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page_text: means of a pipe L. The whole arrangement of the apparatus described is most
advantageous as it is made of one cylinder. The lower part can be made of cast
iron which resists the action of the soda lye. The middle W and upper part N² are
made of wrought iron which effectually resists the action of the soda lye owing to
its low temperature in vacuo. The vessel N2 is placed at such a height that the
pump cannot draw off the soda lye which flows into the lower vessel by gravity
through pipe U and cock h¹. The filling of the soda steam boiler with concentrated
soda lye is effected through pipe E and cock h².
Ninthly. During the concentration of the soda lye, it is necessary to provide
means to prevent the escaping vapours carrying off any soda lye with them. For
this
purpose I use baffle plates B1 and B2 which arrest the soda lye mingled with
the vapour.
Tenthly. In consequence of the action of metals on soda, it is desirable not to
concentrate the soda by the direct action of fire but with the steam from a common
steam boiler. The concentrating vessel can be made of cast iron and the coils of
pipe of copper.
11thly Wrought iron vessels can be lined with thin plates of copper whereby the
iron is protected from being attacked by the soda, but iron coated with copper by
electro-deposition cannot be used.

page_text: Improvements in the Fireless working or Steam Engines vy
Means of Soda Lye, or other Liquids having a High Boiling
Point.
I, ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK, of the firm of A. M. and Wm. Clark, of
53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Fellow of the Institute of Patent
Agents, do hereby declare the nature of this Invention (a communication to me
from abroad by Moritz Honigmann, of Grevenberg near Aachen in the Empire of
Germany, Soda Manufacturer, through his agents, Wirth and Company, of Frank-
fort-on-the-Main, Germany) and in what manner the same is to be performed, to
be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
This Invention relates to improvements in the fireless working of steam engines
by means of soda lye, or other liquids having a high boiling point. The Invention
relates first to certain arrangements for preventing the soda lye from being drawn
from the soda steam-boiler in to the engine.
Referring to the accompanying drawing (a) the pipe ² which conducts the
exhaust-steam into the soda lye is to be carried up to a point at least half a meter
higher than the highest level of the soda lye. (b) a self acting valve R is placed in
a pipe connecting the dome over the soda lye with the highest point of the exhaust
pipe in such manner that the valve will open as soon as the pressure in the exhaust
pipe falls below that in the vessel containing the soda lye so as to draw the
vapours and gases from said vessel instead of the soda lye. It would not answer
to connect such a valve with the outer atmosphere, as the pressure in the soda
boiler might happen to be greater than that of the atmosphere.
Secondly. To the introduction of the exhaust steam into the soda lye by means
of perforated vertical or oblique branch pipes v leading down from a horizontal one
at the upper part of the soda lye vessel, in order to avoid the vibrations or shocks
caused by the presence of cold water in the perforated horizontal pipe near the
bottom of the soda boiler as heretofore used.
Thirdly. To connecting a steam trap A with the exhaust pipe, and allowing the
water contained in the steam to escape. This arrangement can also be used as a
means of drawing off a part of the exhaust steam instead of leading the whole of
it into the concentrated soda lye; the result of which is too great an elevation of
temperature and pressure, necessitating the addition of cold water. By drawing
off the condensed-water and a part of the exhaust steam, an economy of ten to
fifteen per cent can be obtained.
Fourthly. The forcing out of the soda lye through the pipe F can be effected by
the pressure of the soda steam boiler itself, as towards the end of the process, when
the lye has become sufficiently diluted, there is an excess of pressure in the soda
lye. A further economy in the working of the apparatus is thus effected.
Fifthly. The soda steam boiler may be made of wrought or cast iron, and the
tubes, and other parts, of copper, or brass.
Sixthly. Connecting the valve with an apparatus for cutting off the exhaust in
such manner that by closing the regulator valve the exhaust pipe is also closed at
the same time. By this means the cylinder is cut off from the soda vessel whilst
the engine is working without pressure.

page_text: Seventhly. Instead of effecting the concentration of the diluted liquids by the
direct action of fire, I use a steam-boiler D whence steam under pressure is
conducted through coils of pipe S immersed in the soda lye to be concentrated, the
steam becoming condensed during the concentration of the soda lye and the
condensed water returned to the steam boiler through afpipe L². The coils of pipe
and the steam boiler may be variously constructed but inasmuch as the same water
is used over and over again in the boiler no incrustation will be formed and it is
therefore preferable to use a circulating tubulous boiler. By this method of
evaporating, the soda lye is obtained, which obviates the difficulties of evaporation
by direct heat. With this process the soda boiler can be made of cast iron, and the
tubes of copper or brass.
Eighthly. To an apparatus whereby the steam generated by the evaporation of
the soda lye, by indirect heat as last described, is used for the concentration of a
further quantity of diluted soda lye. This is effected by conducting the steam
through another coil of pipes S' immersed in diluted soda lye in a vessel N³
Considerable economy of fuel is thus obtained. In this vessel a constant vacuum
of about one-tenth of an atmosphere is maintained by means of a pump P drawing
water and gases out of a condenser C through pipe H. The condenser is constructed
in such manner that the vapor coming through pipe L5 must, on entering the
condenser, pass through water about ten centimetres deep, whereby the vapors
become entirely absorbed. In consequence of the vacuum in the condenser, the
cold water necessary for the condensation is drawn into the condenser through
pipe c. The condenser and the pump are connected by the pipe H. in such manner
that the water entering the pump will fill up all dead spaces. In consequence of
this, and of the total absorption of the vapours, the pump works very economically.
The exhaust steam from the vacuum pump is led into the second coil of pipes S²,
and is utilized for concentrating the soda-lye. In places where there is a scarcity
of water, the water can be cooled by being pumped over a thorn wall G. The
herein described vaporization process can be used for any steam engine, and an
economy in fuel of forty to forty-five per cent is obtained, as the steam generated
in the first soda concentrator is used for concentrating the lye in the second one,
which, in consequence of the vacuum, has a boiling point lower than 100° C. There
the steam is condensed in the coil S2 and the condensed water runs into the
vessel W situated between the upper and lower soda concentrating vessels, and
is used for the feeding of the soda boiler. The pipe L' which conveys the water
and uncondensed vapors into the vessel W can be connected to the latter a few
meters under the surface of the water whereby a back pressure up to six-tenths of
an atmosphere is obtained in the coil S2 and in the concentrator N' in consequence
of which the temperature of the steam in the coil S³ is from 105° to 115° C. The
water vessel W is open to the atmosphere by means of a pipe Le. The whole
arrangement of the apparatus described is most advantageous, as it is made of one
cylinder. The lower part can be made of cast iron, which resists the action of the
soda lye. The middle W, and upper part N' are made of wrought iron which
effectually resists the action of the soda-lye, owing to its low temperature in vacuo.
The vessel N2 is placed at such a height that the pump cannot draw off the soda
lye which flows into the lower vessel, by gravity, through pipe U and cock h². The
filling of the soda steam boiler with concentrated soda lye is effected through
pipe E and cock h².
Ninthly. During the concentration of the soda-lye it is necessary to provide
means to prevent the escaping vapours carrying off any soda lye with them. For
this purpose, I use baffle plates B1 and B2 which arrest the soda lye mingled with
the vapour.
Tenthly. In consequence of the action of metals on soda, it is desirable not to
concentrate the soda by the direct action of fire, but with the steam from a
common steam boiler. The concentrating vessel can be made of cast-iron, and the
coils of pipe of copper.

page_text: Eleventhly. Wrought iron vessels can be lined with thin plates of copper,
whereby the iron is protected from being attacked by the soda; but iron coated
with copper by electro-deposition cannot be used.
Having now particularly described, and ascertained the nature of the said
Invention; and in what manner the same is to be performed; I declare that what
I claim is
1st (a). Conveying the exhaust steam at least half a meter higher than the
highest level of the soda lye.
(b.) The connection of the exhaust pipe with the dome of the soda vessel by
means of a pipe and valve, so that, in case the pressure in the exhaust-pipe falls,
air and steam will be drawn, and not the soda lye.
2nd The introduction of the exhaust steam into the soda lye by means of vertical
or oblique branch-pipes perforated at the lower ends.
3rd Trapping out the condensation water from the exhaust pipe, and letting off
a part of the exhaust steam, instead of conveying the whole of it into the soda lye.
4th Emptying the soda lye vessel by its own pressure instead of using pressure
from another source,
5th The combination of an iron soda lye vessel with a system of copper pipes.
6th The connection of the steam and exhaust valves in such manner that both
open and close together.
7th The concentration of the soda lyes by means of a steam boiler in such manner
that the steam is conveyed through a system of pipes immersed in the dilute lye,
the condensed water running back to the steam boiler.
8th The combination with a steam-boiler of a cylinder divided into three
chambers; a lower one containing a steam coil in connection with the boiler for
'concentrating the soda lye; an upper one containing a coil in connection at one end
with the upper part of the lower chamber, and by the other end with the middle
vessel whereby the coil in the upper chamber is heated by the evaporation from
the lower vessel and the condensed water arrives under pressure in the middle
vessel whence it is taken for feeding the fireless boiler.
9th The combination with the above apparatus of a pump and condenser in such
manner that the steam drawn out from the upper chamber is made to pass through
water instead of being condensed in the ordinary way.
10th The combination of a thorn-wall with the pump.
11th A concentrating apparatus constructed of three parts of which the lower
part is made of cast iron, and the two upper parts of wrought iron.
12th The arrangement of the condenser in such manner that the water is drawn
automatically and fills up the dead spaces in the pump.
13th Placing the upper soda vessel at such a height (ten metres) that no soda
can get into the vacuum pump.
14th The use of baffle plates or similar arrangements which prevent the soda lye
passing off with the steam.
15th Constructing the concentrating vessels for soda lye of a combination of a
cast-iron vessel or cylinder, with copper heating tubes.
16th Constructing soda lye steam boilers, and soda lye concentrating apparatus
of iron lined with thin copper plates.
Dated this 10th J. of 1000