Improvements in or relating to Steam Generators.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 3rd May, 1898-Accepted, 6th Aug., 1898
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Steam Generators.
I, CHARLES HUST Fox, residing at No. 1272, Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio,
U.S.A., Superintendent of the American Fire Engine Company, 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 relates to steam boilers of the vertical type; and to the class
embodying a steam and water-jacketed shell enclosing a system of internal
circulating tubes occupying the central draft space above the fire-grate; its
object being to produce a compact and easily constructed boiler of high efficiency
and convenient maintenance, especially adapted to service where the boiler is
subject to movement as, for example, in fire or traction engines boats etc
To this end my invention consists in a steam generator embodying a water-
jacketed casing, enclosing a fire-box and combustion chamber occupied by a
system of tube-sections or "manifolds" constructed, arranged and attached, as
hereinafter set forth.
It consists also in the construction and arrangement of the tube-sections and
their connection with the water and steam spaces of the boiler, in such manner
as to constitute independent "steam-generating units," in which the circulation
of water is complete and the separation of steam from the entrained water is
facilitated.
It consists also, (1) in a construction of the tube manifolds and their arrange-
ment and union into a rigid and perfectly supported system permitting the con-
venient detachment of the integral unit of the system without interfering with
the use of the remainder; (2) in the provision for the firm support of the tube
manifolds individually and as a system in relation to the boiler shell; and (3)
in the provision for securing dry steam for service.
My invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1, is a vertical sectional elevation of my improved boiler complete;
Figures 2 and 3 are upper and under plans respectively, showing the relative
arrangement of the tube-manifolds;
Figure 4 is a sectional plan near the top of the boiler exhibiting the " steam
take-off" ring; and
Figure 5 is a detail showing the construction and manner of attaching the lower
stay-bar to the central manifold system.
Figure 6 is a detail cross section of a lower header and tube showing con-
struction where inner circulating tubes are employed.
Referring now to the drawings, A designates a vertical cylindrical boiler having
outer and inner shells, a¹, a², the inner shell being enlarged below to constitute a
"fire-box" surrounded by an annular "water-leg." Beneath the off-set thus
formed is placed a succession of short manifolds, B, in series, arranged as an
annulus, surrounding the actual fire-space and connected above and below to
the water-space of the boiler.. These manifolds consist of corresponding top and
bottom headers, b, connected by vertical tubes 61, placed in staggered relation
877

page_text: in order to secure the largest amount of heating surface and an increased number
of tubes connecting headers of a given length. The top header of each of these
manifolds is suspended by a pipe connection, 63, to the off-set or shoulder of the
inner shell; and the lower header is connected below radially outward with the
annular water-leg by a pipe-connection, b².
In the central vertical space thus encircled, and extending upward to the top
of the boiler, is placed a second system of manifolds, C, independent of the first
constructed and arranged as follows:.
Each of these manifolds consists of a corresponding top and bottom header, c,
proportioned in length to the space to be occupied in lateral series relation with
the circular shell, connected by vertical parallel tubes, c¹; these manifolds are
placed side by side in two independent series as indicated in Figures 1 and 2,
separated above and below by cross-bars, d', d³, respectively, with which the
headers are connected as presently described; each upper header having a pipe-
connection, c², extending radially outward over the top of the inner shell and
thence downward through the top connecting flange of the outer shell. Each
lower header is connected across to its opposite by a pipe, 3, and thence by a
common connection, 4, to the water-leg; so that while each manifold, C, has
an independent connection to the steam space of the boiler, there is but one
connection for two to the water-space.
The upper cross-bar, A, is upheld by socket cleats, e at each end, riveted to
the boiler sheets, and is removable upwards. It passes between the contiguous
ends of the upper manifolds-which are bolted to the same through lugs,
formed at the ends of the manifolds-a single bolt passed through the lugs of
the opposite manifolds and the intervening bar, d, securing the same as indicated
in Figure 1.
The lower bar, 2, is formed with lateral projections, d³, spaced to engage in
the perforated lugs, c³, as indicated in Figures 1 and 5, the lower manifolds
being clamped to the bar by the tying action of the pipe, c³, which, being oppo-
sitely threaded at the ends, and set to place draws the opposite headers tight
against the bar, d. The latter, by means of its projections, ³, is itself supported
by the headers and also serves to space and retain them at proper distances
apart in their series relations. The connections, c, extend in opposite directions
and at various radial angles in laterally adjacent manifolds thus giving a rigid
connection of the entire system to the boiler shell, besides free access to parts
from beneath.
row of
To provide for a steam delivery to the supply pipe, S, I provide a
" take-off
ring" R, of the following construction. It consists of a strip of sheet metal
formed to a circle and with an approximately semi-circular longitudinal cavity
at one side as indicated in Figure 1. The strip or ring is secured against the
inner sheet, a³, of the jacket near the top as shown in Figures 1 and 4; to form,
with the sheet, a conduit closed at the receiving end. (except for a
perforations p, at the top side,) and terminating at its discharge end, in the
outward steam discharge conduit, Ss. The steam passing through the receiving
perforations, p, is already freed from entrained water to a great extent, and is
dried by passing through the conduit or "ring" R, exposed to heat at the inner
side in contact with the sheet, a¹, before reaching the ultimate outward con-
duit Ss. This construction serves practically to separate the steam from the
water and to dry the steam before delivery into the steam pipe, S. It also
serves as a screen for the steam when the boiler is in transportation over uneven
ground.
:
The mode of operation of the boiler will be sufficiently obvious, so far as the
circulation of water, and production of steam is concerned. It will be seen that
any one of the manifolds can be completely removed for repairs; and the shell
connections plugged and the boiler still used if required; and also that this may
be done without removing the boiler from its setting or disturbing any of its
other connections.

page_text: 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 an upright boiler the combination of inner and outer shells forming an
annular water and steam space; an annular series of circulating tubes or tube
sections below the normal water-level and communicating above and below with
the water-space; and an independent central system of tubes or tube-sections
extending from the top of the boiler down within said series of circulating
tubes or sections; said central tube-sections connected with the steam-space of
the boiler above and with the water space of the boiler below, substantially
as set forth.
2. In a steam boiler of the character indicated, in combination with the steam
and water-jacketed shell a system of vertical detachable manifolds arranged
within the shell, consisting of two independent sets or series, each manifold
having connection to the steam space of the shell at the top, and a connection
below to the water space of the boiler, substantially as set forth.
3. In a steam boiler of the character indicated, two series of manifolds arranged
end to end, in combination with the fixed top supporting-bar to space and support
the system, and the independent steam connections extending outward in opposite
directions radially, as ties to hold the system rigid in relation to the shell, sub-
stantially as set forth.
4. In a steam-boiler of the character indicated two series of manifolds arranged
end to end, and supported by a top-brace, in combination with a spacing-bar
interposed between the series at the lower end, and water-connections arranged
to tie each two opposite manifolds to the spacing-bar, and a single extension
to the water-leg as a tie brace for both and a common connection to the water-
space of the boiler-shell; said extensions being carried to radially opposite sides
of the water-leg, alternately in series, substantially as set forth.
5. In a steam-boiler of the character indicated, two series of manifolds arranged
end to end and supported by a top-brace, in combination with a spacing-bar
interposed between the series at the lower end, and water connections arranged
to tie each opposite manifold to the spacing bar and a single extension to the
water-leg as a tie-brace for both and a common communication to the water
space of the boiler shell, substantially as set forth.
6. In a steam-boiler, in combination with a central and supported system of
manifolds of the character indicated, the combination of a spacing-bar provided
with projections engaging perforated lugs of the lower headers, tie-connections c³,
extending across to secure opposite manifolds to the spacing bar, and connec-
tions c, extending in various radii to opposite sides of the water leg, to secure
the system to the shell against displacement in any direction, substantially as
set forth.
(7) In a steam boiler of the character indicated, a concaved strip of metal
arranged as shown at the top of, the inner shell forming a conduit adjacent to
the shell, said conduit being provided with a number of relatively minute receiv-
ing orifices at the otherwise closed receiving end, and terminating at the discharge
end in the steam supply exit, substantially as set forth.
Dated this 3rd day of May 1898
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicant.