AN IMPROVED STEAM GENERATOR OR COMPOUND WATER TUBE BOILER
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Cooper, of 4, Manbey Park Terrace, Maryland
Point, Stratford, in the County of Essex, Chief Engineer, Peninsular and
Oriental Steam Navigation Company, for the Invention of "AN IMPROVED
STEAM GENERATOR OR COMPOUND WATER TUBE BOILER."
Scaled the 7th October 1876, and dated the 11th April 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Cooper at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 11th April 1876.
WILLIAM COOPER, of 4, Manbey Park Terrace, Maryland Point, Stratford, in the
County of Essex, Chief Engineer, Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation
Company. "AN IMPROVED STEAM GENERATOR OR COMPOUND WATER TUBE
BOILER."
The object of my Invention is the construction of an arterial steam generator or
compound water tube boiler which shall be free to a great extent from the defects
that have hitherto existed in water tube boilers, whilst it possesses the advantages
of the rapid generative steam power of water tubes of small diameters in proportion
to the shell of the boiler or size of the fire-box.
By reference to the Drawings accompanying this Provisional Specification the
nature of my Invention will be readily understood.
In these Drawings, Figure 1 is a sectional elevation showing the interior of the
boiler and manner in which the tubes. are fixed, also the deflector or dash plate
fitted in its place as well as the jointings at the furnace doors, also where the
separating joints of the boiler shell and fire-box are fitted, and the arrangement and
form of water tubes from the furnace sides to the tube plate. Figure 2 shows the
plan of the tube plate and the arrangement of exit of the water tubes.
It will be seen therefrom, and from the following description, that my Invention
consists in combining a water tube steam generator with an ordinary boiler, known
as the vertical class of boilers, and particularly adapted for steam ship donkey
engines and steam winches, and especially for portable engines of all kinds and
tramway engines, bogie engines, and steam yachts or launches.
By reference to the Drawings, Figures 1 and 2, the working and improvements
of my steam generator will be easily understood. Figure 1, P, P, and S, S, is the
water space round and above the fire-box E. The tubes communicate with the
side of the fire-box, and as seen in the Drawing, rise with a gentle incline to the
curve pointing direct up to the tube plate C, C. By this arrangement they are
made to cross directly over the furnace, and the heat impinges first horizontally and
[Price 8il.]

page_text: then vertically round the water tubes until they enter the tube plate and upper
water space, the heat thus creating a quick circulation of the water from the coolest
or lowest part of the water space, and entering the upper water space as steam
mixed with highly heated water ready to form steam with the additional heat of
the tube plate, the body of water above the exit of the tubes in the upper steam
space acting as a deflector in itself. The steam from the water tubes being defused
through the water is thus allowed to pass off easily from the whole surface of the
water at S, S, instead of bubbling or priming. The fact of the tubes being of very
small internal diameter in proportion to the size of the boiler renders this a very
safe boiler, the tubes acting like so many arteries to the main body of the boiler,
eacli one being a small steam generator in itself, hence the name of an "arterial
steam generator." A fair average proportion of diameters of water tubes would
be / inch tube to 1 foot of boiler diameter, or a boiler 4 feet diameter to be fitted
with water tubes 1 inch internal diameter, as many of these tubes being fitted as
the length of fire-box and area of tube plate will permit.
The deflector B, B, Figure 1, is made of thin boiler plate with a number of small
holes in it to allow the steam to pass into the steam chamber A, A, and is fitted in
halves, flanged and clamped round the uptake, as seen in Drawing at N, N, and
fitting easily the inside diameter of the boiler, the edges of this plate being kept
in place by a light angle-iron ring M, M, which is screwed or rivetted on to the
outer shell of the boiler, so that should there be any tendency to prime from forced
firing, the deflector will catch the water and prevent it rising into the steam space
A, A, above (see Figure 1.) This plate also acts as a most important check to the
water rising up the sides of the boiler when used in a steam launch or yacht as the
vessel rolls from side to side or pitches heavily in a sea-way or even on a river when
larger vessels are passing, and thus prevents priming and unsteady water in the
gauge glasses, the latter being a great fault in boilers usually fitted to this class of
vessels and causing great risk and trouble from being unable to ascertain correctly
the height of the water.
Another advantage in the construction of my boilers is the easy way in which
the outer shell of the boiler is disconnected from the fire-box and lower part of
boiler (see Fig. 1 at H, H, and K, K), which are fitted with turned flanges
rivetted on the boiler shell and uptake; this enables the attendant to examine the
whole of the interior with very little trouble. The above joints are bolted together
and all the mountings of the boiler are fitted on the upper part of the outer shell.
I can thus keep the inside free from deposit, none being likely to form in the tubes
owing to the rapid circulation therein, and when using sea water or water impreg-
nated with lime, the deposit always falls to the lowest level or where the water is in
the most quiescent state, which in this case would be the lower portion of the boiler
marked, and when the uppper portion of the shell is lifted all the most likely
places for deposit to settle on are open and easy to be got at.
When at work there is no need of baffic plates over the furnace of this boiler (as
there is in several constructions of water tube boilers at present in use) the tubes
by crossing each other in the middle checking the flame from going direct up the
funnel, such flame being deflected so as to impinge on all the horizontal parts of the
tubes before it can make its way through the vertical portion into the uptake
at y, y, (Figure 1), consequently the water tubes are almost surrounded with the
flame and incandescent heat in its passage to the uptake, and absorb nearly all (and
prevent the waste) of heat that so many types of vertical boilers are subject to as
at present constructed.
The tubes can be fitted either as shown in the Drawings, viz., just put in and
opened out with an expander, or the holes in the tube plate may be made larger
and tapered for the reception of ferrules, or the ends may be screwed and nuts fitted
thereon.
I herewith base my claims for a protection for the general construction of the
boiler and the manner in which the water tubes are arranged to take the water
from the coolest part of the boiler and generate steam with the greatest rapidity

page_text: without priming and giving them a direct exit into the greatest body of water after
rising vertically, thus enabling the tubes to absorb the greatest possible amount of
heat, first horizontally, then vertically from the furnace side to the tube plate and
upper water space, and from the number and small diameter of the tubes perfect
safety is obtained with great steam generating power, each tube giving out its own
portion of heat like an artery to the whole body. I hereby give it, and claim the
name of "William Cooper's Arterial Steam Generator or Compound Water Tube
Boiler."
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Cooper in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 10th October
1876.
WILLIAM COOPER, of 4, Manby Park Terrace, Maryland Point, Stratford, in the
County of Essex, Chief Engineer, Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation
Company. "AN IMPROVED STEAM GENERATOR OR COMPOUND WATER TUBE
BOILER."
My said Invention relates to vertical or may be applied to horizontal boilers, but
is especially applicable to vertical boilers, which may be circular (the best form for
high pressure boilers) or any other suitable shape or form, as the object of my
Invention is the construction of an "Arterial Steam Generator or Compound
Water Tube Boiler," which shall be free to a great extent from the defects of water
tube boilers that have hitherto existed, whilst it possesses the great advantages of
the rapid generative power of water tubes.
And in order that my said Invention may be fully understood I shall now
proceed more particularly to describe the same, and for that purpose shall refer to
the several Figures on the explanatory Sheet of Drawings hereunto annexed, the
same letters of reference indicating corresponding parts in all the corresponding
Figures.
Figures 1 and 6 of my Drawings are sectional elevations showing the interior of
my said improved boiler and the manner in which the water tubes are fixed and
arranged therein, also the mode of fitting the large deflector or dash plate and the
joints for separating the outer shell of the boiler from the fire-box, also the arrange-
ment of grate bars with the segments of fire-clay bricks. Figures 2, 3, and 7 åre
plans of the tube plates and fire-grate, Figures 2 and 7 showing how the tubes are
made to cross each other in the centre of the fire-box, also the inlet and outlet
of the said tubes from the furnace sides to the crown of the fire-box. K, K, are
fire-bricks. Figure 4 is an external elevation of the boiler complete with the
upper part of the funnel removed, and Figure 5 (Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) shows on a
larger scale the manner in which the tubes are fitted in as shown in sectional
elevation at Figure 1, they being there merely expanded in the tube plate and
sides of the fire-box, but I especially recommend the arrangement of tube fastener
and deflector shown at Nos. 1 and 2, of Figure 5, the particulars of which I shall
herein-after describe. The sectional elevation Figure 1 is more particularly adapted
for stationary work or where there is no special reason for diminishing the height
of the boiler, thus leaving plenty of steam space, the general arrangement therein
shown being especially suitable for this class of boiler. The arrangement shown in
section Figure 6 is especially adapted for marine boilers, steam yachts, launches,
and the like purposes where height is an objection and space for the boiler very
limited for the steam power required. It will be seen therefrom and from the
following description that my said Invention consists in combining a peculiar
water tube steam generator with an ordinary boiler, and is particularly adapted
for vertical boilers suitable for steam yachts, launches, ships, donkey boilers for
driving steam winches, portable engines, bogie engines, or wherever space is limited
and where high and quick generative power is required, or for any other purpose
for which boilers are used and economy in fuel is an object.

page_text: By reference to the Drawings, Figures 1 and 2, the construction and operation of
my said improved steam generator will be readily understood. P, P, and S, S,
indicate the water space round and above the fire-box E. The tubes F, F, com-
municate with the sides of the fire-box, and as seen in the Drawing rise with a
gentle incline across the furnace to the curve pointing up to the tube plate C, C, at
the opposite side of the fire-box. By this arrangement they are made to cross directly
over the furnace, and the the heat impinges, first horizontally, or nearly so, and then
vertically, splitting up the flame and diffusing the heat and flame all through the tubes
and on to the furnace sides in its passage to the uptake, the tubes by thus crossing
each other acting as a deflector and absorbing the greatest amount of heat without in
any way impeding the draught to the funnel, whilst at the same time they prevent
it from passing off direct up the funnel, which is the great defect in vertical boilers
heretofore constructed, and which by my Invention I obviate entirely. The heat
thus produces a rapid circulation of the water from the coolest or lowest part of
the water space into the upper water space, which it enters in the form of steam
or highly heated water ready to form into steam with the additional heat of the
tube plate, and diffusing itself through the body of water above the tube plate,
which acts as a steam deflector and prevents priming where there is ample steam
space.
The arrangement shown in Figures 6 and 7 is the same as in Figures 1 and 2,
with the following exceptions:-As in all boilers for marine work head room is
limited and space is an object of importance, I have in this arrangement reduced
the boiler in height, thereby reducing the steam space and the height of the
furnace, so that the number of tubes F crossing the furnace is less, but I have fitted
additional tubes F¹ between the crossing tubes, such tubes F" being made to enter
from the furnace side and to rise to the crown plate with an easy curve, the flame
as before shown being split up and diffused round and between all the tubes by
reason of the cross tubes preventing it from passing direct and at once up the
funnel, and thus a larger number of tubes can be fitted. In this boiler I especially
recommend the application of my peculiar double locking tube ferrule and deflector,
shown in Figure 5 (Nos. 1 and 2), the ferrule being chased with a fine thread
inside and out, and tapered, so that on screwing it into the tube plate and on to the
tube at the same time by an easy adjustment they can be both tightened up
together without any undue compression or external forcing. The ferrules for the
side or entering ends of the tubes should be similar to those shown in Figure 5
(Nos. 2, 3, 4, and 5), whilst those in the crown plate or outlet of the tubes should
be of the kind shown in elevation and section at Figure 5 (No. 1). These are
especially suitable for checking priming where the steam space is limited and large
generating steam power in the tubes is required, as from the rapid steam generating
power of water tubes the water rushes up the tubes at a quick speed, but is checked
here by this ferrule acting as a deflector and throwing it horizontally, thereby
diffusing it more perfectly through the body of water above the furnace crown, and
at the same time preventing anything from dropping down the tubes and choking
them up.
The tubes fitted in this manner are easily removed for repairs when
required, and the rapid generation of steam by the tubes in comparison with the
side heat of the furnace causes the tubes to be well scoured and kept clean and free
from deposit.
In Figures 1, 2, 6, and 7, the entrance mouths of the tubes are shown as pro-
jecting about half way into the water space round the fire-box (or a little less or
more as may be found desirable) in order that the water may be taken from the
outer part of the water space and a quicker and more perfect circulation be main-
tained, as will be clearly understood on referring to the Drawings. The fact of
the tubes being of small diameter in proportion to the size of the boiler renders
this a most safe and effective steam generator, the tubes acting like so many
arteries to the main body of the boiler, each one being a small steam generator in
itself, hence the name of an "Arterial Steam Generator." A fair average pro-
portion for the tubes would be 1 of an inch internal diameter of tube to 1 foot

page_text: diameter of boiler. I would not, however, recommend the tubes to be less than
1 inch internal diameter for boilers of 3. feet diameter, but for all boilers above
4 feet diameter the tubes should increase 1 of an inch per foot diameter of the
boiler.
The large deflector B, B, shown in both the sectional views, Figures 1 and 6,
is made of thin boiler plate perforated with a number of small holes to allow the
steam to pass into the steam chamber. It is fitted in halves flanged and clamped
round the uptake, as shown at N, N, and fits easily the inside diameter of the
boiler, the edges of this plate being kept in position by a light angle iron ring M, M,
which is screwed or rivetted on to the outer, shell of the boiler so that should there
be any tendency to prime from forced firing or dirty water the deflector will
catch the water and prevent it from rising into the steam space A, A. This plate
also acts as a most important check to the water rising up the sides of the boiler
when used in a steam launch or yacht, as the vessel rolls from side to side or
pitches in a sea-way or even on a river when a larger vessel is passing, and thus
prevents priming to a great extent and unsteady water in the gauges, the latter
being a great fault in boilers usually fitted to this class of vessels, and causing
great risk and trouble owing to the difficulty of ascertaining the correct height
of the water.
My arrangement of water tubes is especially and well adapted to a boiler of the
construction shown in Figures 1 and 6, as the outer shell of the boiler is easily
disconnected from the fire-box and lower part of the boiler, it being fitted with
turned faced flanges H, H, rivetted on the boiler shell and on the top end of the
uptake. This enables the attendant to examine the whole of the interior with
little trouble. The above joints are bolted together, and all the mountings of the
boiler are fitted on the upper part of the outer shell; I am thus enabled to keep
the inside of the boiler free from deposit, none being likely to form inside the
tubes, owing to the scouring from the rapid circulation therein, and when using
sea water or water impregnated with line the deposit always falls to the lowest
level or where the water is in the most quiescent state, which is in this case the
lower portion of the boiler marked X, and when the upper shell is removed all
the most likely places for hard deposit to settle upon are exposed and easy' of
access.
As before mentioned the tubes can be fitted in the manner shown in Figure 1,
that is to say, merely put in and expanded out to a fit, or as shown in Figure 5
(Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5), or in any other suitable way, but I prefer the peculiar
arrangement shown in Figure 5 (Nos. 1 and 2), and in section at Figure 6, which
arrangement I designate as William Cooper's Patent "Double Locking Tube Ferrule
and Deflector." The hole in the tube plate and the outer surface of the ferrule
are chased and tapped with a fine thread tapered inside and out (see Drawing), so
that, on the ferrule being screwed up it tightens on the tube, and in the tube plate
at the same time if properly adjusted. A simple ferrule of this description (see
Figure 5, No. 2) is fitted on the inlet end of the tube, and the ferrule No. 1 is fitted
on the outlet end of the tube, which ferrule acts as a deflector and tube fastener
at the same time, its end being solid and having openings made therein all round
for the outlet of the water, as shown by the arrows, which indicate the direction
of water flow.
It will thus be seen that the essential features of my Invention embrace the
general construction and arrangement of the boiler, as shown in the Drawing, as
well as the peculiar manner in which the water tubes are arranged or disposed,
so as to take water from the lowest and coolest part absorbing the greatest amount
of heat, and discharging into the hottest and greatest body of water, this being
effected by the tubes taking the water from the lowest possible part of the boiler
on the one side and crossing the furnace to the opposite side, first horizontally or
with a slight rising incline, and then with an easy curve rising to the crown of
the fire-box (see Figures 1 and 6), thus dispensing with the use of battle plates,
the heat which is usually absorbed or wasted by the latter being in this case

page_text: utilised and absorbed by the tubes crossing the uptake, as shown clearly in
Figures 2 and 7. When combined with this arrangement the tubes F', which are
fitted into the side and curved direct up to the crown plate on the same side of
the furnace, become very effective.. Moreover, by this arrangement a greater
number of tubes can be fitted and the heating surface increased, as will be obvious
on referring to Figures 6 and 7, thus forming a perfect and powerful marine
boiler. Each tube constitutes in fact a small steam generator in itself, adding
its proportion of steam and highly heated water ready to form steam to the whole
body of water over the furnace crown, as shown in the sectional Drawings,
Figures 1 and 6. I therefore give it the name of an "Arterial Steam Generator
or Compound Water Tube Boiler." My Invention also embraces the peculiar
manner of fastening the tubes as previously described with a double locking
tube ferrule and deflector, as shown in Figure 5 (Nos: 1 and 2), and as shown fitted
in Figure 6. Also the manner in which the tubes are carried out beyond the
sides of the fire-box well into the water space (see Figures 1, 2, 6, and 7), thereby
improving the circulation. Also the use of the large perforated deflector or dash
plate B (Figures 1 and 6) for the prevention of priming and the dashing of the
water up the sides of the boiler when in use as a steam boat boiler.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the, nature of my said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into
effect, I would observe in conclusion that I do not confine or restrict myself to any
especial mode of fastening the tubes, neither do I confine or restrict myself to
any especial mode of fastening the tubes; neither do I confine myself to the propor-
tionate sizes of the tubes herein-before specified, but I recommend this proportion
as the most effective for keeping the tubes free from deposit by reason of the
quick circulation scouring the tubes when at work with ordinary care. Neither
do I confine myself to the application of my said peculiar arrangement of tubes
and peculiar tube fastener and deflector to vertical boilers alone, as they may be
advantageously adapted to many other kinds of boilers, although I believe them
to be best adapted to boilers of the vertical class for their usefulness, quick
generative power, and the small space a vertical boiler occupies, 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-
First. The general construction and arrangement of arterial steam generator or
compound water tube boiler as herein-before described and illustrated by the
Drawings hereunto annexed.
Second. The peculiar arrangement or disposition of the water tubes of steam
generators as and for the purposes herein-before described and illustrated by the
Drawings hereunto annexed.
Third. The application and use to and with the water tubes of steam generators
of the peculiar double locking tube ferrule combined or not with a deflector, as
and for the purpose herein-before described and illustrated at Figure 5 (Nos. 1 and 2)
of the Drawings hereunto annexed.
Fourth. The application and use of the perforated deflector or dash plate Ŕ as
and for the purpose herein-before described and illustrated by Figures 1 and 6 of
the Drawings hereunto annexed.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Cooper, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Fifth day of October, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy-six.
WILLIAM COOPER. (L.S.)