Improvements in and relating to Furnaces applicable to Steam Boilers.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 16th Mar., 1892
Complete Specification Left, 15th Dec., 1892-Accepted, 21st Jan., 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Furnaces applicable to Steam
Boilers.
I, WILLIAM FREAKLEY, Belmont Villa, West End, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs.,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows :-
My invention has reference to an improved construction of furnace for steam
boilers, and is capable of burning or utilising refuse fuel which cannot be profitably
used in ordinary furnaces, it permits of the automatic supply of fuel to the furnace,
and the easy removal of clinkers, etc. The construction of such furnaces permits
of the stoking and cleaning of fires being done, without admitting air to the
furnace other than that required for the proper combustion of the fuel, and there-
fore lessening the strains due to the unequal expansion and contraction so common
with ordinary furnaces.
The object of my said invention is to ensure a thorough combustion of the
fuel, and therefore the prevention of smoke, the water in the boiler being kept
in a constant state of circulation, thus keeping all parts of the boiler to which
my improved furnace is attached at a practically uniform temperature, and
rendering the boiler more durable and safe."
The said improved furnaces I make of any suitable size, of or from iron, steel,
copper or other suitable metals or materials so as to admit of its easy application
to boilers of existing make in order to render the said boilers more efficient, safe
and economical. The said furnace being made in the form of a vertical conical
fire-box, having its largest area at its bottom end. Outside of the said fire-box
I place or fix a metal casing of any suitable shape and size, which casing is so
attached to the said fire-box as to form a water-space entirely or partially
surrounding the fire-box. The said water-space is traversed by radially arranged
horizontal tubes, which tubes are open at both ends, the inner ends of the tubes
opening into the conical fire-box, and the outer ends of the tubes to the atmo-
sphere. The said tubes may extend over any desired portion of the length or
circumference of the fire-box in tiers or otherwise.
At the top part or portion of my said improved furnace I fit or fix one or
more suitable metallic branches or outlets communicating with the water-space,
at its bottom or lower part 1 form one or more branches or inlets, also communi-
cating with the water space, the said inlets or outlets I so place as to cause a
thorough circulation of water throughout the water-space or jacket surrounding
the conical fire-box. The lower or larger end of the conical fire-box I fit with
fire-bars hinged at one end, the other end of the bars being raised or lowered
as required by means of suitable rocking apparatus or other suitable means, or
the fire-bars may be secured in any desired position by a clamp or other suitable
means. The said hinged fire-bars are by preference automatically operated and
have an up and down motion communicated to them by any suitable means.
In one arrangement pendant bars or wings are used so as to increase the air
spaces, by forming a cage between the bottom of the conical fire-box and the
hinged fire-bars before named. The upper or small end of the conical fire-box
is fitted with a hood or combustion chamber lined with fire-bricks or other suitable
material, on one side of the said combustion chamber I form a branch or outlet
for the escape of the products of combustion, and on the opposite side of the
combustion chamber I fix a suitably shaped hopper or box for supplying the
furnace with fuel. The lower part of the said hopper is furnished with a
vibrating tlap or wing, hinged either at its top or bottom side, but in such a
manner as to cause the fuel to be pushed horizontally forward through a suitable

page_text: aperture into the interior of the conical furnace, into which furnace the fuel
descends by gravitation. The vibrating flap or wing may be actuated by any
convenient moving part of an engine or other machinery, in a similar manner to
the hinged bars, thus rendering the furnace self-stoking, or the wing may be
operated by hand. For some kinds of fuel I fix a hollow guide on the top part
of the combustion chamber over the centre of furnace, through which guide I
cause a rod or poker to slide by any suitable means, the up and down motion
of which rod loosens the fuel, in case of its tendency to "hang" in the furnace.
In applying my said improved furnace to a Cornish boiler, by preference I
fix the conical fire-box and water-jacket, with combustion chamber and feed
hopper constructed as described directly in front of boiler. The hood or com-
bustion chamber is connected directly to the flue tube of the boiler by means of
the branch or outlet for the products of combustion. The lower branch or inlet
communicating with the water-jacket is connected to the lower part of the boiler-
shell by means of a pipe or pipes extending to about midway of the length of
the boiler, the upper branch or outlet communicating with the water-jacket is
connected to the crown of the flue tube of the boiler at its bighest point, by means
of a pipe extending for some distance along the flue tube, and terminating in one or
more conical or bell-shaped connections which are connected or joined directly to
the crown of the flue tube.
In some cases the pipe is connected to conical or parallel water pipes or tubes
fixed or placed directly across the flue tubes, thus strengthening the tubes.
In one arrangement, cheap liquid fuel is injected through the air tubes into the
conical furnace by means of a forced blast, or induced by reason of the natural
draught of the chimney, thus constituting a solid and liquid fuel furnace.
The furnace with its appendages is supported upon a suitable foundation plate,
or by means of brackets resting upon the brick-work of the chamber formed for its
reception.
The working and action of my improved "steam boiler furnace" hereinbefore
described, and applied to a Cornish boiler are as follows,-A. fire is lit or started
in the ordinary manner upon the hinged bars at the bottom of the conical fire-box,
and the vibrating flap or wing in the fuel feed hopper is caused to move to and fro,
this action causes the fuel in the hopper to he pushed horizontally forward through
the aperture formed for the purpose and to fall into the conical fire-box, into which
fire-box owing to the chimney draught, air enters through the spaces between the
fire-bars, and also through the numerous short horizontal tubes, which tubes
traverse the annular water space, thus acting upon the fire contained in the conical
fire-box in such a manner as to thoroughly permeate the body of the fuel, the
number of the tubes being consistent with preserving the strength of the plates in
which they are fixed. The fuel is thus kept up to a high state of incandescence
being supplied with oxygen at all points, while the fuel that is being slowly pushed
into the upper part of the conical fire-box by means of the vibrating Alap, is
gradually coked.
The incandescent fuel being in actual contact with the plates of the conical fire-
box imparts heat rapidly to the water contained in the surrounding jacket causing
a very rapid circulation. The water from the lower part of the boiler shell, by
means of the pipe and inlet branch before named flowing into the lower end of the
water-jacket, in which jacket the water rises rapidly and flows by means of the
outlet branch at the top of the furnace, and the pipes extending along the boiler
flue, and re-enters the boiler by means of the conical or bell-shaped pipes or con-
nections herein before mentioned.
The raising of the heated water and steam-bubbles in the jacket is facilitated by
the upward enlargement of the water space, by using a conical form of fire-box,
while the fuel easily descends into the fire-box by reason of the fire-box being
larger at its bottom end than at its top end. The clinkers and ashes being easily
got rid of, by moving the hinged fire-bars to such an angie as to allow the clinkers
to fall or be easily removed from the said bars.

page_text: When forced draught is used, I inclose the furnace in a casing formed of sheet
iron or other suitable material, into which furnace I force air by means of a fan,
steam jet blower or other suitable means.
It will thus be seen that air under pressure entering the conical fire-box by means
of the multitubular air ways, renders the furnace sufficiently powerful to burn any
kind of combustible material, inferior fuel or refuse, such as cannot be consumed in
ordinary furnaces.
In some instances the hinged fire-bars may be inclosed in order that air under
pressure may efter between them, the chamber so inclosed being either in connec-
tion with the air space surrounding the short air tubes in the jacket, or supplied
with air by means of a separate pipe according to the quality of the fuel to be
consumed.
I apply my improved "steam boiler furnace " or furnaces to a Lancashire steam
boiler in a similar manner, but in this case I employ two furnaces, one for each
flue tube, the connections being substantially the same as in the case of a Cornish
boiler.
1 also apply my improved steam boiler furnace to boilers of other types, the
furnaces being placed in any convenient position according to circumstances,
the position being varied without impairing the efficiency of the furnaces or
boilers.
JOHN NEWTON,
Longport, Staffs., Agent for Applicant.
JOHN NEWTON,
Longport, Staffs., Agent for Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Furnaces applicable to Steam
Boilers.
WILLIAM FREAKLEY Belmont Villa West End Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
Consulting Engineer, 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 reference to an improved construction of furnace for steath
boilers, which furnaces are capable of burning or utilising refuse fuel which cannot
be profitably burnt or made use of in ordinary furnaces, and also permit of the
automatic supply of fuel to the furnace, and the easy removal of clinker etc., such
furnaces being constructed so as to permit of the stoking and cleaning of fires
being done without admitting too great a quantity of air to such furnaces, but
in sufficient quantity so as to ensure the proper combustion of fuel, thereby
lessening the strains due to un-equal expansion or contraction so common with
ordinary furnaces.
The object of my said invention being to ensure thorough combustion of fuel, and
the prevention of smoke, the. water in the boilers to which such furnaces are
attached being kept in a constant state of circulation, thus keeping all parts of the
boilers to which such furnaces are attached at a practically uniform temperature, so
rendering such boilers more durable and safe.
Such improved furnaces I make of suitable sizes of or from iron, steel, copper or
other suitable metallic plates or sheets so as to admit of the ready application of
such furnaces to steam generators or boilers already made of various types and
cause such boilers to be more safe, efficient and economical, and I make the fire
boxes of such improved furnaces in the form of a cone having its largest area at its
bottom end, at a suitable distance from and surrounding such conical firebox I fix
or attach a metal casing of any suitable shape and size, so as to form a water space
entirely around or partially around the said firebox, the said water space. being
traversed by, any suitable number of radially arranged horizontal or nearly. hori-
zontal tubes in convenient-positions at suitable distances apart, the inner ends..of

page_text: the several tubes opening into the conical fire box. the outer ends of the tubes being
open to the atmosphere. When forced draught is used I enclose such furnaces by a
casing formed of or from sheet iron or other suitable material, into the space
between the casing and the furnace I force a suitable quantity of air by means of a
fan, steam-jet, blower or other suitable means.
In order that my said invention may be more readily understood and explained
in detail I have hereunto annexed two sheets of drawings on which letters of
reference are marked on corresponding parts on all the figures alike.
open to the atmosphere. When forced draught is used I enclose such furnaces by a
casing formed of or from sheet iron or other suitable material, into the space
between the casing and the furnace I force a suitable quantity of air by means of a
fan, steam-jet, blower or other suitable means.
In order that my said invention may be more readily understood and explained
in detail have hereunto annexed two sheets of drawings on which letters of
reference are marked on corresponding parts on all the figures alike.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS.
Sheet 1. Figure 1 is an elevation of two of my improved furnaces with air casings
shewn attached or connected to the front end of what is known as a Lancashire
boiler, for use in connection with forced draught, the combustion chamber at the
upper end of one of the furnaces being shewn in transverse section.
Figure 2. is a side sectional elevation through one of the furnaces shewn at
Figure 1.
Sheet 2. Figure 3 is an end elevation of another mode of carrying my said
invention into practice, one of the fuel hoppers being removed.
Figure 4. is a side sectional elevation of Figure 3.
Ou reference to the drawings on Sheet 1. hereunto annexed a represents the
front portion of a Lancashire or two flued boiler or steam generator, to each furnace of
which is shewn attached a conical fire-box bwhich is surrounded or partially surrounded
by water spaces or jackets c, the said water spaces being connected at or near to
their top ends at one side to the steam space of the boiler by metallic pipes d, d³,
and d', and the bottom ends of such water spaces or jackets are connected to the
underside of such boiler near to its front end by pipes e, e², and seating block,
transverse horizontal or nearly horizontal tubes g are radially arranged in tiers, the
inner ends of such tubes being open to the interior of the conical furnace_b,
the outer ends of such tubes g opening into the air casings or jackets h. On
lighting a fire on the fire bars i forced draught is admitted in regulated quantities
into the air casings or jackets through pipes and controlled by a throttle or other
suitable valve contained in casings & attached to the front sides of the air casings h,
'the water being conducted from the lower part of the boiler to which such furnaces
are attached into the lower part of the water spaces c surrounding the conical
fire-box 6 by means of pipes e, e². As steam is generated in the upper part of the
water spaces c, the hot water and steam is conducted into the boiler by pipes d, d³
and d, steam is also conducted from the upper portion of the water space or
jackets c into the steam space of the boiler by a suitable pipe or pipes f, and as long
as sufficient temperature is maintained in the said conical fire boxes the water in
the boiler will be kept in a state of circulation. It will be seen that hoppers for
supplying fuel to the furnaces b are fitted to the front side of the upper ends of the
said improved furnaces, the fuel in such hoppers being pushed or thrown forward
into the conical fire boxes 6 by metallic wings or shutters m which may be vibrated
by manual or mechanical means, which wings or shutters are fixed on shafts "
supported by suitable bearings p at either side of the said hoppers. The metallic
fire bars having a jigging or up and down motion transmitted to them by manual
power at intervals by means of levers p, q, r, or such fire bars may have such
jigging motion communicated to them by mechanical means for preventing fuel or
clinkers adhering to such bars. The heat and smoke escaping from the interior of
such fire boxes through fire brick lined combustion chambers s into and through
the flues of the boiler to which such furnaces are attached. Doors t are fitted or
attached to the front side of the air casing of each furnace to permit of clearing
out ashes and facilitating repairs.
On reference to the drawings on Sheet 2 hereunto annexed a represents the front
portion of a Lancashire or two flued boiler or steam generator, to each flue of
which is attached a conical fire box b, surrounded or partially surrounded by

page_text: water spaces or jackets c,. the highest portion of the said water, spaces being
connected to the steam space of the boiler a by metallic pipes d and the lower
portion of the water spaces or jackets are connected to the underside of the boiler
near to its front end by pipes e, e and e, transverse horizontal or nearly horizontal
tubes g are shewn radially arranged in tiers, the inner ends of such tubes are open
to the interior of the furnace b, the outer ends of such tubes g opening into the air
casings or jackets h. On lighting a fire on the fire bars i forced draught is admitted.
in regulated quantities into the lower part of the air casingh by means of suitable
valves j through the blast pipes k, when fuel has reached a sufficient height in the
fire box, the forced draught is admitted into the upper air casings or jackets h³ by
means of suitable valves 2, which valves can be retained in a closed or open position
by means of levers and weights 12; but when the said valves are open or partially
open the draught can enter the fire box through the upper rows of tubes or
tuyeres, one or more tubes or sight holes m with covers of mica, glass or other
suitable material are fitted or fixed in each furnace opposite the flue of the boiler
to permit of the internal inspection of such flues, and for permitting the fuel to be
poked should it accumulate and reach to that height or near to that height, the
water being conducted to the lower part of the water spaces e from the lower part
of the boiler a, by pipes e, e³ and e³, as steam is generated in the water spaces c it
is conducted into the boiler by pipes d into a perforated pipe or trough a' fitted
or fixed in the steam space of the boiler at or a little above the water level.
It will be seen that hoppers n for supplying fuel to the furnaces 6 are fitted on
the front side of the upper ends of the said fire boxes b, the fuel in such hoppers
being pushed or thrown forward into the fire boxes 6 by metallic wings or
shutters P which can be worked or vibrated by manual or mechanical means, which
wings or shutters are fixed or fitted on shafts q supported by suitable bearings r at
either side of the said hoppers. Each alternate fire bari has a jigging or an up
and down motion transmitted to it by manual or mechanical power by means of
levers s, t, u and a cranked shaft by which the other fire bars are supported.
The upper portion of the interior of the fire box band the necks or outlets v.
are lined or covered with fire bricks or other suitable refractory material, n. The
gases rising from the burning fuel impinge against the refractory lining and raise
their temperature sufficiently to ensure the thorough combustion of the said gases.
Although I have shewn hoppers fitted to the front sides near to the top ends of
such furnaces I would have it understood that such hoppers may be fitted to the
top side or other suitable part of such furnaces. When fitting or applying such
furnaces as herein before described to the flues of existing boilers or steam.
generators, the ordinary fire-bars and dead plates are removed from the flues of
such boilers, but may be retained in their ordinary positions if desired. Beside
Lancashire and Cornish boilers, the furnaces herein before described can with slight
modifications be applied to egg-ended, or other plain cylindrical boilers, marine
and other multi-tubular boilers, Babcock and Wilcox, Root's and similar water
tube boilers, vertical boilers, and Elephant or French boilers.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-.
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
1st. The construction and adaptation of furnaces such as hereinbefore described,.
and illustrated at Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings hereunto annexed to egg-ended, and
other plain cylindrical boilers, marine and other multi-tubular boilers, Babcock
and Wilcox, Root's and similar water tube boilers, vertical boilers, Elephant or
French boilers, and Lancashire and Cornish boilers in the manner and for the
purpose as herein before described and set forth.
2nd. The construction and adaptation of furnaces such as hereinbefore described
and illustrated at Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings hereunto annexed to egg-ended and
other plain cylindrical boilers, marine and other multi-tubular boilers, Babcock
and Wilcox, Root's and similar water tube boilers, vertical boilers, Elephant or

page_text: French boilers, and Lancashire and Cornish boilers in the manner and for the
purpose as herein before described and set forth.
3rd. The construction and adaptation of furnaces such as hereinbefore described
and illustrated at Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings hereunto annexed, (but without
the air casing h, and blast pipe k) to egg-ended and other plain cylindrical boilers,
marine and other multi-tubular boilers, Babcock and Wilcox, Root's and similar
water tube boilers, vertical boilers, Elephant or French boilers, and Lancashire
and Cornish boilers in the manner and for the purpose as bereinbefore described
and set forth.
4th. The construction and adaptation of furnaces such as hereinbefore described
and illustrated at Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings hereunto annexed (but without
the air casings h, and blast pipe k) to egg-ended and other plain cylindrical
boilers, marine and other multi-tubular boilers, Babcock and Wilcox, Root's and
similar water tube boilers, vertical boilers, Elephant or French boilers, and
Lancashire and Cornish boilers in the manner and for the purpose as hereinbefore
described and set forth.
COT
TACLITISOOST TO
THAT ATIYA MAHA
JOHN NEWTON,
Longport, Staffs., Agent for Applicant.