Improvements in or connected with Apparatus for Heating the Feed Water for Steam Boilers, commonly called "Fuel Economisers."
Year: 1895

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or connected with Apparatus for Heating
the Feed Water for Steam Boilers, commonly called "Fuel
Economisers."
We, DAVID RUSHWORTH, of 92 Manchester Old Road, Heaton Chapel, near
Stockport, in the County of Lancaster, Engineer, and ISAAC MORTIMER BERRY,
of 1 Stanley Avenue, Wellington Road, Eccles, in the County of Lancaster
aforesaid, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
These improvements have reference to the apparatus, commonly called "fuel
economisers," employed for heating the feed water for steam boilers by means
of the waste heat or hot gases in their passage from the boiler furnace to the
Alue.
The improvements are designed with a view to increasing the efficiency of the
apparatus when in use.
Hitherto considerable difficulty has been experienced in the removal of the
ordinary form of conical cap or lid provided on the top box to permit of access
to the vertical tubes of the economiser for the purpose of examination renewal
or repair owing to their having become rusted therein, and it has not infrequently
bappened that the top box has been broken or fractured in the attempt to loosen
or remove the caps from their seat. With a view to minimising this difficulty we
propose to form the connection between the cap and the top box somewhat on the
principle of the ball and socket joint so that the cap might the more easily be
forced or removed from its seat. The cap on the underside or on the side next
the top box when in position we construct with a surface somewhat in the form of
a portion of the surface of a sphere and the top box to the inside we bore with a
corresponding recess in the form of a portion of the surface of a sphere to receive
the part formed on the cap. Or the parts may be constructed vice versa, the cap
with the recess and the box with the corresponding projecting part. The cap may
be secured in position by means of studs or bolts passed through lugs or the like
formed on the cap taking into corresponding lugs or the like on the top box or the
cross bar or dog and bolt may be used for the purpose.
With a view to eliminating as far as possible the deposit of incrustation or the
decomposition of the metal pipes and connections due to the circulation there
through or the presence therein of the water we propose to euamel or coat with
other substances of similar properties the whole or part of the pipes or con-
nections of the economiser internally, and with a view to resisting or avoiding
the destructive action of the condensed vapours or gases on the pipes or con-
nections externally we propose also to similarly treat the exterior of the pipes
or connections in whole or in part as may be found most advantageous.
In supplying the feed water to the economiser instead of feeding into the bottom
or lower branch pipe direct as is usual we propose to feed on the top branch pipe
and by means of an internal perforated or spray pipe. This perforated or spray
pipe might however be employed for feeding through the medium of the bottom
branch pipe. The perforated or spray pipe of any suitable construction or design

page_text: will be passed into the top branch pipe a suitable distance and connected with the
water supply in any convenient manner. This will enable the heat to be imparted
more gradually to the water on its introduction. This form of feeding on the top
branch pipe will assist in promoting a free circulation and also result in the water
being introduced into the system at the hottest point owing to the hot gases rising
on their entrance into the chamber or economiser and in addition necessitates tho
circulation of the feed water through the whole system when the blow off cock is
opened and consequently ensures a thorough cleansing or flushing of the pipes and
connections being obtained.
With a view to still further increasing the efficiency of the economiser we propose
to insert in the vertical pipes or tubes a series of deflecting or baffle plates. In
possibly their simplest form these will be comprised of a series of discs slightly
less in diameter than the internal diameter of the vertical pipes and will be
carried on a preferably solid rod or bar passing up the centre of the pipe.
These baffle or deflecting plates may he circular or of any other desired form
and may be placed at right angles to or at any inclination to the rod by which
they are carried and may even be perforated if found more advantageous. This
will ensure of the water in its passage up or down the pipes being brought into
close contact with the heated walls or interior of the pipes.
One or all of these improvements may be applied to existing economisers or in
the erection of new economisers as may be desired.
Dated this 11th day of December 1895.
DAVID RUSHWORTH.
ISAAC M. BERRY.
Improvements in or connected with Apparatus for Heating
the Feed Water for Steam Boilers, commonly called "Fuel
Economisers."
We, DAVID RUSHWORTH, of 92 Manchester Old Road, Heaton Chapel, near
Stockport, in the County of Lancaster, Engineer, and ISAAC MORTIMER BERRY,
of 1 Stanley Avenue, Wellington Road, Eccles, in the County of Lancaster
aforesaid, 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 :-
!
These improvements have reference to the apparatus commonly called "fuel
economisers
employed for heating the feed-water for steam boilers by means of
the waste heat or hot gases in their passage along the flue from the boiler furnace
to the chimney.
:
The several improvements are designed with a view to increasing the efficiency
of the apparatus when in use, in addition to obviating the repeated renewals and
repairs of the parts thereof.
We will describe the improvements by means of the accompanying drawings in
which sufficient of a fuel economiser is shewn to illustrate same, and wherein
Fig. 1 is a front elevation partly in section of a fuel economiser with the
brickwork removed.
Fig. 2 a side elevation of same.
Fig. 3 a sectional elevation of the cap or lid of top box in position thereon
(enlarged scale).
Fig. 4. plan of same.
Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 the vertical pipes A, top boxes B, bottom boxes C,

page_text: top branch pipe D, bottom branch pipe E, scrapers F and their actuating
mechanism and gearing not shewn in the drawings may be of any ordinary or
suitable construction.
In the vertical pipes or tubes A through which the water circulates we insert a
number or series of deflecting or baffle plates or pieces a, which, as shewn, in
possibly their simplest form will comprise a number or series of rings or discs
slightly less in diameter than the internal diameter of the vertical pipes A. These
deflecting or baffle plates are mounted on or carried by a preferably solid rod or
bar a at any suitable equal or unequal distances apart; they may be held apart
by tubular distance pieces threaded onto the rod or may be shrunk thereon or
otherwise attached or cast therewith. The rod or bar is passed up the centre of
the pipes preferably their whole length and is supported therein by a bridge or
cross piece or cross pieces a³ at the upper end or attached to the cap or lid H or in
other suitable manner. The deflecting or baffle plates a instead of being circular as
shewn may be of any other desired shape and may be attached to the rod or bar a¹
at right angles, or at any inclination chereto either transversely or longitudinally.
The deflecting plates might if desired be perforated or have holes formed therein.
These deflecting or baffle plates will prevent the water flowing up the pipes in a
dense unbroken column and will ensure it being brought into close and repeated
contact with the heated walls or interior of the pipes in its passage up or down
resulting in the more effectual transmission of the heat thereto.
In the modified construction shewn also in Fig. 1 the baffle or deflecting plates
are formed in one continuous length from end to end of the rod, or cast or otherwise
formed therewith in the form of a fixed or stationary screw or worm a'. The screw
thread might however be made intermittent. The screw or worm may be made
the same diameter as the pipe A internally or slightly less as has been described
with reference to the discs a. It may be suspended in the tube by means of a cross
piece or bridge a* at its upper end or attached to the lid or cover H or supported
therein in other convenient manner. It will be seen that the water as it passes
around the coils or convolutions of the screw or worm is being continually forced
against the heated walls of the pipe.
In supplying the feed water to the economiser instead of feeding into the bottom
or lower branch pipe E direct as is usual we prefer to feed on the top branch
pipe D and by means of an internal perforated distributing or spray pipe G.
This perforated distributing or spray pipe G might however be employed for
feeding through the medium of the bottom branch pipe E. The perforated or
spray pipe G may be constructed as shewn in the drawings or of any other suitable
construction or design and will preferably run the full length of the top branch
pipe and be connected with the water supply in any convenient manner.
This
will enable the heat to be imparted more gradually to the water on its introduction.
This form of feeding on the top branch pipe will assist in promoting a free circula-
tion and also result in the water being introduced into the system at the hottest
point owing to the hot gases rising on their entrance into the chamber or economiser
and in addition necessitates the circulation of the feed water through the whole
system when the blow off cock is opened and consequently ensures a thorough
cleansing or flushing of the pipes and connections being obtained.
With a view to eliminating as far as possible the deposit of incrustation or the
decomposition of the metal pipes and connections due to the circulation there-
through or the presence therein of the water we enamel or coat with other vitreous
substances or inaterials of similar properties the pipes and connections of the
economiser such as the top and bottom boxes and branch pipes internally, and
with a view to resisting or avoiding the destructive action of the condensed
vapours or gases on the pipes or connections externally we also similarly treat
the exterior of the pipes and those parts of their connections which are exposed
to the action of the gases or are built in the economiser chamber such as the
top and bottom boxes. Scrapers and scraper gear or other soot or deposit

page_text: removing appliances or mechanism may or may not be employed as desired or
found requisite.
In Figs. 3 and 4 we shew an improved construction of top box and cap or lid
therefor. As is well known considerable difficulty has hitherto been experienced
in the removal of the ordinary form of conical cap or lid provided on the top
box B to permit of access to the vertical tubes A of the economiser for the
purpose of examination renewal or repair owing to their having become rusted
therein, and it has not infrequently happened that the top box has been broken or
fractured in the attempt to loosen or remove the caps from their sent.
With a
view to minimising this difficulty we form the connection between the cap H and
the top box B somewhat on the principle of the ball and socket joint so that the
cap might the more easily be forced or removed from its seat. The cap H on the
underside or on the side next the top box B when in position we construct with an
annular raised portion or surface h somewhat in the form of a portion of the surface
of a sphere and the top box B to the inside we bore with a corresponding annular
hollow or recess in the form of a portion of the surface of a sphere to receive
the part formed on the cap. Or the parts may be constructed vice versa, the cap
with the recess and the box with the corresponding projecting part. A small
amount of clearance or space will be left between the cap and top box at h³
to allow of adjustment of the parts and permit the ready insertion of a tool or
the like to force the cap off the top box when required. The cap H may be
secured in position by means of studs or bolts passed through lugs g' or the
like formed on the cap taking into corresponding lugs or the like on the top
box or if preferred the cross bar or dog and bolt may be used for the purpose.
One or all of these improvements may be applied to existing economisers or in
the erection of new economisers as may be desired.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what
we claim is :-
--
1. In a fuel economiser or apparatus for heating the feed water for steam boilers
the combination with the pipes or tubes through which the water circulates of a
number or series of deflecting or baffle pieces or plates carried by a rod or bar
supported therein to bring the water into close and repeated contact therewith
substantially as described.
2. The combination with a pipe or tube for fuel economisers or apparatus for
heating feed water for steam boilers of a number or series of baffle or deflecting
rings or discs carried or supported therein by a rod or bar or of a continuous
deflecting piece or plate in the form of a screw or worm to bring the water into
continuous contact with the pipe substantially as described and shown in the
drawings.
3. In a fuel economiser or apparatus for heating feed water for steam boilers the
combination with the top or bottom branch pipe of a perforated distributing or
spray pipe by which the water is introduced or fed to the economiser substantially
as described and shown.
4. In a fuel economiser or apparatus for heating [feed water for steam boilers
enamelling the pipes and their connections internally or coating with other vitreous
substances or materials of similar properties substantially as and for the purpose
described.
5. In a fuel economiser or apparatus for heating feed water for steam boilers
enamelling the pipes and their connections externally or coating with other vitreous
substances or materials of similar properties substantially as and for the purpose
described.
6. A cap or lid for the top boxes of fuel economisers or apparatus for heating
the feed water for steam boilers constructed with an annular raised portion or
surface or with an annular bollow or recess somewhat in the form of a portion of

page_text: the surface of a sphere in combination with a corresponding annular raised portion
or recess on or in the top box substantially as and for the purpose described and
shown in Figs. 3 and 4 of the drawings.
Dated this 13th dor of Sentember 1806
D. RUSHWORTH.
I. M. BERRY.