IMPROVE- MENTS IN THE CONDENSATION OF STEAM, AND IN APPARATUS FOR THE SAME
Year: 1863

page_text: of Middlesex, Engineer and Patent Agent, for the Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE CONDENSATION OF STEAM, AND IN APPARATUS FOR THE SAME.”-
A communication from abroad by Amedee Mathurin Gabriel Sebillot, of
29, Boulevart St. Martin, Paris, Civil Engineer.
Sealed the 17th July 1863, and dated the 29th January 1863.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Clark at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 29th
January 1863.
I, WILLIAM CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex,
Engineer and Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of the said Inven-
tion for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONDENSATION OF STEAM AND IN APPARATUS FOR
THE SAME." to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to a method of condensing steam in steam engines
without mixing it with water, and so obtain distilled water for the supply of
steam boilers, thus obviating the many disadvantages resulting from the
incrustation of the boilers of stationary and especially of marine engines.
The Invention is based on the following principles-1st, to project the
water outside on the surfaces in contact with the steam to be condensed in-
stead of injecting the water into the condenser and mixing it with the steam.
By rapidly renewing the water thus obtained I remedy the defective con-
ductibility of the water, hence, I require apparatus of but small dimensions
[Price 8d.]

page_text: compared to those ordinarily used; 2ndly, the condensing surfaces are disposed
in the form of a diaphragm in any suitable manner, but the essential feature
of which is to present surfaces accessible on both faces by simply opening a
port for the purpose of facilitating the cleaning; 3rdly, the distilled water is
separated from the fatty matters employed in lubricating the different parts of
the machinery so as to furnish the water perfectly pure to the boiler; 4thly,
to restore to the distilled water passing from the condenser to the boiler, and
from the boiler to the condenser, any quantity which may escape without
any increased attention on the part of the stoker. This improved apparatus
may be of any desired form suitable for the requirements of each case, but I
may add that the condensing surface is formed of hollow tubes fitted in a
plate, the other ends being closed by a spherical cap. This tubular apparatus
is enclosed in a chamber in which the steam is conducted in order to be
condensed. To this chamber is added a reservoir for receiving the water
which is injected through small tubes pierced with holes, and disposed in such
manner as to enter into the first-mentioned condensing tubes in order to cool
them rapidly. The injection water runs through the tubes which are some-
what inclined, and is discharged at the rear by means of a pump. The
distilled water produced by the condensation of the steam falls like rain into a
chamber, whence it is extracted by an air pump, and is then forced into a
reservoir in two parts, separated by a diaphragm pierced with holes, and
covered with a layer of woollen felt, flock, or other suitable material for
absorbing oil. It is then returned to the boiler by the feed pump.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said William Clark in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 29th
July 1863.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME. I, WILLIAM
CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Engineer and
Patent Agent, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters.
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-ninth day of January, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, in the twenty-sixth year
of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant
unto me, the said William Clark, Her special licence that I, the said William
Clark, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said

page_text: William Clark, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time
agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter
during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use,
exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
CONDENSATION OF STEAM, AND IN APPARATUS FOR THE SAME," a com. to me from
abroad by Amedee Mathurin Gabriel Sebillot, of 29, Boulevart St. Martin,
Paris, Civil Engineer, upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said
William Clark, my executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing
under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals, should particularly
describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner
the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great
Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately after the
date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Clark, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, reference being had to the Sheets of Drawings hereunto annexed,
and to the letters and figures marked thereon (that is to say) :---
Many attempts have been made since the introduction of steam engines to
condense the steam without mixing it with the injection or condensing water,
and so obtain distilled water for supplying steam generators, which would
obviate the many disadvantages resulting from the incrustation of steam
engines, boilers, and especially those employed on board ship. In all boilers,
without exception, the continual employment of the same water offers great
advantages, but with marine boilers it becomes an essential, and furnishes the
key to the employment of high pressures without which no important progress
can be looked for in that direction. These facts are too well known for it to
be necessary to dwell upon them here. None of the methods hitherto pro-
posed have been generally practicable, all have possessed some disadvantages,
have been costly and cumbrous apparatus, liable to escape, and difficult if
not impossible to clean..
This Invention relates to a means of obviating all the above-mentioned
defects, also producing a complete and satisfactory result with apparatus of
reduced size not liable to leakage, and easily cleaned even while in action.
The Invention is based on the following principles:-1st, to project the water
on the outside of the surfaces in contact with the steam to be condensed
instead of injecting the water into the condenser and mixing it with the steam.
By rapidly renewing the water thus obtained I remedy the defective conduc-

page_text: tibility of the water, hence, I require apparatus of but small dimensions com-
pared with those ordinarily used; 2ndly, the condensing surfaces are disposed
in the form of a diaphragm in any suitable manner, but the essential feature
of that which is here expressed by the word diaphragm is to present surfaces
accessible on both faces by simply opening a port, or removing a cover. This
arrangement, which constitutes the fundamental principle of the system, permits,
as will be seen by the description, of cleaning the surfaces with ease, even
when in motion, it has also the further advantage of allowing free expansion,
and preventing all escapes; 3rdly, the distilled water is separated from the
fatty matters employed in lubricating the different parts of the machinery so
as to furnish the water perfectly pure to the boiler; 4thly, to restore to the
distilled water passing from the condenser to the boiler, and from the boiler
to the condenser, any quantity which may escape without any increased atten-
tion on the part of the driver or stoker.
The above principles will be rendered evident by the following description
of apparatus I employ for carrying them into effect. I will describe
several arrangements in order to show how the system is applicable in all
cases to be met with in practice, as also some modifications which only
differ in the method of application, the principle which forms the essential
and fundamental part being the same in all cases.
Fig. 1, Sheet 1, of the Drawing represents an apparatus arranged so as to
obtain the maximum effect possible with a given surface. The condensing
surface is formed by the tubes a, a, as seen, which are fitted at the one end
in a plate A, while the other ends which are free are closed by a spherical
cap. This tubular apparatus is enclosed in a cylindrical or other capacity B,
which is closed at one end by the tube plate A, and at the other end by
a cover C. The steam to be condensed is conveyed into this chamber by means
of a pipe D. In front of he plate A is disposed a tank G, into which the
ordinary water is conducted by pipe H, communicating with channel I, in
cases where several engines are coupled together with special condensers for
each.
In the back part of this tank are fixed the injecting tubes b, b,
arranged so as to enter the condensing tubes, and of much smaller diameter
than the latter, and closed at heir free ends, their upper parts are also provided
with a great number of slits or small holes. The water is projected through
these orifices at a greater or less force according to the pressure of the
water in tank G. and so quickly cools the surface against which it strikes, and
places them in the best condition for obtaining rapid condensation with the
smallest volume possible. The injection water flows through the tubes, which
are arranged for that purpose at a certain inclination, and passes by means of

page_text: orifices L either into a reservoir or channel M, whence it is drawn by the
pump which conveys it away after passing through pipe N. The distilled water
produced by the condensation of the steam falls in the form of rain into
chamber E, whence it is withdrawn by the air pump F, arranged as in ordinary
except that its dimensions are, of course, much smaller, it is then forced
through the pipe O into a reservoir P, which latter is divided into two parts
by a diaphragm Q, composed first of sheet iron pierced with holes; 2ndly, with
a layer of felt, wool, flock, or other material capable of absorbing oil with
facility. This diaphragm is intended to retain the residue of the oil or fat
which has not become separated from the water by settling so as only to
introduce perfectly pure distilled water into the boiler. For this purpose the
water supply pipe from the feed pump is placed below the diaphragm
at R.
The apparatus arranged as described will fulfil all the conditions imposed.
The condensation is also as rapid as possible while the condensing surfaces
form a diaphragm accessible on both sides. In fact, by removing the tank G
and the injecting apparatus which is the more readily effected from the joint
on plate A not requiring to be perfectly tight, the open ends of the tube
surface being also uncovered on the side of the steam, it is only necessary to
remove the cover C, the joint of which is of single arrangement, the pressure
acting outwards.
I will now proceed to describe how the cleaning may be effected while the
apparatus is in action-First, it will be readily understood that on the side
of the water the continual agitation of the liquid prevents any deposits of salts,
or at least they form very slowly, it is thus unnecessary to clean this surface
while the apparatus is at work. As regards the surfaces in contact with the
steam the cleaning may be effected while in action by the arrangement shown
in the Drawing, which permits of using a single condenser. R¹ is a species
of piston pierced with holes corresponding to the condensing tubes, these holes
are lined with leather, which is well turned up and produces friction on the
tubes, the piston rod which passes through the cover C may be actuated by a
lever S.
From this arrangement of the parts it results that if the piston is worked at
certain intervals the cleaning may be effected sufficiently to prevent the oils
and fats from forming a coat round the tubes.
Figs. 2 and 3, Sheet 1, represents an arrangement whereby the apparatus
may be perfectly cleaned while in motion. The apparatus is exactly similar
to that above described, except that it is double, and each part may be isolated
in such manner as to act or cease to act independently of each other; for

page_text: this purpose the pipes conveying the injection water, steam, and suction of the
air pump, are divided into two branches, which are furnished with cocks. In
this manner it will be readily understood that each part of the apparatus may be
successively cleaned while the other parts are in action, in order to compensate
for the reduction of the condensing surface it is only necessary to turn
the injection cock full on so as to increase its power as much as necessary.
The circulation of the water and steam is effected the same as in the
preceding apparatus, I have further stated that the casing may also be
utilized, and which may be adopted in all similar arrangements; this casing
is double, and in the space between it I introduce water by means of pipe P,
after having performed its function it flows out by pipe Q, it will be evident
that these tubes should be arranged so that the water circulates from the
bottom in an upward direction. In large apparatus it will be found of greater
convenience to divide them into three parts.
cap.
Fig. 4, Sheet 1. In this arrangement instead of injecting the water I
introduce it in a rapid current, reduced to thin sheets, by this means I am
enabled by means of rather a larger surface to obtain the same result, viz., I
rapidly renew the water employed in the condensation which is thereby
promptly and completely effected. The condensing surfaces are further
arranged on the principle above described, the facilities for cleaning being
also the same. The condensing tubes a, a, are fitted at one end in the tube
plate X, Y, and at the other are free, and each closed by means of a spherical
Into these tubes fit others b, b, which are of smaller diameter, and
fixed to the tube plate E, their opposite ends being open. The steam enters
from pipe H, spreading in chamber D, and circulating among the tubes where
it is condensed, the distilled water produced by the condensation of the steam
is extracted by means of the suction pipe I of the air pump. The water
intended for producing condensation enters by the pipe K, and rises in the
two series of tubes, afterwards falling outside the tubes b, b, and flowing out.
at pipe Z. In this, as also in the following arrangements, I have only
mentioned those parts possessing any peculiarities as the air pump water tank
and filtering reservoir are arranged as in the preceding apparatus.
The con-
Figs. 5 and 6, Sheet 1. The apparatus here represented should, in
order to be efficacious, be of much larger dimensions than those shown at
Figs. 1, 2, & 3, it also possesses greater facilities for cleaning.
densing surfaces are formed of tubes a, a, which are flattened and strengthened
to resist pressure by means of rings b, b, a corresponding series of tubes f, f.
pierced with lateral holes branching out from the water supply pipe E. The
chamber B is formed of a double casing, the water being introduced into the

page_text: intervening space by a pipe F, branching from E into two parts F¹, F' pierced
with holes on their under surface. The chamber B is enclosed on the outside
by the tube plate A and surfaces a, a, and on the other by cover c. The
steam enters by pipe D, and the distilled water passes to the air pump by
means of pipe K. The ordinary water is forced from pipe E through the
orifices of injecting tubes f, f, and flows along the sides of the condensing
surfaces until it falls into the lower part. The injection water also, from the
casing, after being forced through the orifices of pipes F, F, flows over the
surface of the condenser, and escapes at the orifice G. The surfaces in
contact with the water are always accessible, it being only necessary to open
the port L, which is intended solely for preventing accidental surging, especially
on board ship. The surfaces in contact with the steam are exposed by
removing cover C. This, as well as all other apparatus herein described, may
be easily cleaned while in motion by making the condenser in two parts, each
of which may be separated from the other; the arrangement which is repre-
sented at Figs. 2 and 3 will thus apply in all cases.
Fig. 7, Sheet 1. The arrangement here represented in much the simplest,
but in which the dimensions of the condenser cannot be reduced as much as
those previously described. The condensing tubes are arranged as represented
at Figs. 1, 2, and 3. The steam enters from pipe D into the tubes, and the
distilled water passes by means of pipe E to the air pump. The water for
condensing is brought by pipe F to the upper part of the condenser, and
is injected on the tubes through orifices O, O, made in the side N, whence it
falls into a row of tubes, and afterwards passes out at pipe G. The condenser
is closed on the side of the water by a simple port K, which may be opened
at any moment; the side next the steam may be cleaned by simply removing
cover C.
In Figs. 8 and 9, Sheet 1, the condensing surface is formed by a sheet of
copper, which is doubled in such manner as to leave a space of an inch or so on
the one side, and on the other side a space of from sth to oth of an inch only.
This casing, thus arranged, is fixed to the sides B & C of the condenser, and
at its extremities D and E to the lateral sides F, G. It thus forms a dia-
phragm, which separates chamber H in two parts, one of which is closed by
cover K, and the other by cover L; two separate spaces are thus formed by
the diaphragm, one in which the steam is to be condensed, and the other for
the water intended to produce such condensation. The steam is introduced
by pipe M, and the distilled water passes to the air pump by pipe N. The water
intended for the condensation enters by pipe 0. The cover K being on a
level with the end of the double or fold in the casing, the water is thus forced

page_text: to spread out in a film between said folds and passes out at pipe P. This appa-
ratus is intended for rapidly renewing the water by the force imparted to the
current, which is thus reduced to a thin film; the water may also be readily
injected by opening further the folds of the casing next the water, and
applying injection tubes, as represented at Figs. 5 and 6, Sheet 1. Thus all
the apparatus I have described for the purpose of showing the different
methods of applying the Invention are all based on the same principle, and
fulfil the same conditions. 1st, the condensation is effected by contact of the
steam with condensing surfaces, which are kept constantly cooled by con-
tinually receiving the water employed in the condensation, either by injecting
it on the outside, or by causing the water to circulate rapidly in thin films,
hence it may be affirmed that although only using a limited space, as complete
condensation may be obtained as when using the ordinary method of injection,
the condenser never containing any air; 2ndly, by the peculiar arrangement
of the condensing surface with diaphragms of various forms, and furnished
either with straight cylindrical tubes elongated, or of other form, or it may be
of casings applied in any suitable manner. It is impossible for the condensing
power of the apparatus to be lessened, as at each instant during its action by
a simple arrangement the whole extent of the surfaces may be cleansed. The
water always reaches the boiler perfectly free of any fatty matters which is
ensured by passing it through an intermediate reservoir, that which is not
separated by settling alone will be retained by the filtering diaphragm, and
thus obviate one of the greatest objections hitherto presented to the use of
tubular condensers. Further, the method of condensation by contact, which
hitherto has never been capable of general application in consequence of com-
plication in the apparatus, the impossibility for cleaning them, gradual wear
of the surfaces by the deposit of fat or salts, and the numerous escapes
comprises all the advantages that Watt conceived from the origin of steam
engines, and may be employed with every security. By this means in effect it
will be possible to prevent in a certain manner all the inconveniences resulting
from incrustations. In boilers fed with soft water a more uniform produc-
tion of steam is obtained, the heating surfaces remain perfectly clean, great
economy in fuel is also obtained, at same time the cost of cleaning is saved,
and all stoppages avoided, and also all chance of those accidents which are daily
caused by incrustations. At sea the advantages of this method are immense, all
incrustation and deposit of marine salts is prevented, and this saves the labor
of continually extracting them, which is a prime source of economy in fuel.
The chance of destruction and explosion of boilers are rendered nil, and
there is no further reason why boilers, whose service at sea is now limited to

page_text: from four to five years, even when well cared for, and those for land service
lasting from twelve to fifteen years and upwards. But that which chiefly con-
stitutes the immense advantage of this arrangement is the possibility of
employing high pressures on board sea-going ships from the moment that
surface condensation may be employed with security. High-pressure ex-
pansion engines may be employed without augmenting the size or height of
the apparatus; and I may also adopt the most improved arrangement of
engines used on land, the consumption of fuel in which is more than half less
than marine engines. Surface condensation, when deprived of all its defects,
is the key to high pressure at sea, and permits of realizing the greatest amount
of progress possible to be anticipated in marine navigation.
The apparatus herein described are applicable for direct condensation,
although they may be used with the same advantage as refrigerators in the
system of condensation by the continuous injection of the same distilled
water. This system, which has been before proposed at several times, presents
in its application the same difficulties and inconveniences as surface-conden-
sation, consequently the refrigerators should be made on the same 'principle
as the condensers herein described.
When the apparatus represented at Figs. 1, 2, and 3, are to serve as
refrigerators the steam supply pipe is replaced by a chamber placed over
the tubes, and having its base pierced with holes through which falls the
distilled injection water into the tubes placed underneath.
In the apparatus represented at Figs. 4, 5, and 6, I may effect the same
purpose by cooling the distilled water by causing it to flow along surfaces
which are cooled on the inside by the ordinary water. In this arrangement
the covers, with closed hermetic joints, are replaced by simple ports, which
permits of the apparatus being cleaned at any moment, and preserves the
refrigerating surfaces in good order.
Lastly, in the apparatus represented at Fig. 8, the water to be cooled is
carried from the condenser by a pipe M, and flows into pipe N, the cover K
in this case is of the same arrangement as cover L. The ordinary water
intended for the cooling enters at pipe O, and makes its exit at pipe P, there
is thus produced between these currents a gradual and regular exchange of
temperature. The condensation may be effected either direct by means of
contact or by injecting distilled water into an ordinary condenser and keeping.
it constantly cooled.
The apparatus herein described all permit of the same result being obtained
and possess the same advantages. The first method is however preferable
as it produces sure and rapid condensation, the apparatus being also less com-.

page_text: plicated and bulky, and the facilities for examination and cleaning being all as
great. There now only remains to repair in a simple manner for the losses
of distilled water, which it is impossible to prevent entirely. As it is always
possible to reduce them to a small extent it is necessary even in large
apparatus to remedy these escapes by the employment of a special boiler
producing pure water fed by the ordinary water. Fig. 10, Sheet 1, represents
a simple means for remedying these escapes as applied to an ordinary cylin-
drical boiler, although the arrangement is applicable to all kinds of boilers;
A, B, is a pipe dipping in the steam reservoir passing out at its extremity A,
at the end B is arranged a small steam reservoir C also in communication
with the boiler; D is the pipe communicating with a small feed pump; and
E a pipe for placing reservoir C in communication with the condenser of the
engine. The parts being thus arranged if the pipe A, B, is filled with water
and communication opened with the condenser by means of pipe E the steam
will escape rapidly into the condenser, and by regulating the cock placed on
said pipe the exact quantity of steam necessary for repairing the losses may
be furnished to the condenser; further, this operation is intermittent, and
only the necessary quantity of steam is produced, consequently there will be
sufficient time to remove any deposits which might form in pipe A, B. and
which will cause no danger as the pipe is simply heated by the steam from
the boiler, and is not at any point in contact with the fire.
I will now proceed to describe some modifications in the tubular condensers
relative, 1st, to the condensers themselves, 2ndly, to their application to
marine steam engines.
The principal features in the arrangement of the tubes in the form of a
diaphragm, and for injecting the refrigerating water on the outside are
retained in the following description of apparatus, while they are further
disposed so that the steam will be distributed over the refrigerating surface
and projected thereon with a certain force.
Figs. 1, 2, and 3, Sheet 2, represents one of these arrangements, a collection
of tubes a, a, are enclosed in a chamber A closed at one of their ends, the
other ends being rivetted to the tube plate B. These tubes also pass through
a false plate e having perforations through which the tubes pass in frictional
contact therewith. In front of the tube plate B, is arranged a hollow cover D,
the joint of which is of the form 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. The steam enters pipe E
at orifice F. The surface of cover D, opposite the condensing tube, is furnished
with orifices arranged so as to project the steam separately into the interior
of each tube, the water produced by the condensation of the steam escapes at
orifice H into tank G, from which it is withdrawn by the air pump I, and

page_text: thence passes into the distilled water reservoir as in the apparatus above de-
scribed. The water intended for producing the cooling is conveyed by the
pipe K into the false bottom L, whence it falls in the form of rain on the
surfaces of the tubes, but as the water is thus incompletely distributed and
utilized the injection of the water is perfected by a series of tubes h, h, having
perforations which are distributed amongst the condensing tubes, and which
places the water in communication with the space between the tube plate B,
and false plate C. The water which has served for the condensation falls
into tank M whence it is discharged by a special pump, The inner face
of the tubes in contact with the steam may be cleaned by removing cover D,
even while in action in those cases in which the water is sprinkled on the
exterior, the apparatus being simply closed on this side by means of a port.
This arrangement embraces also the following inodifications:---
1st, injecting the steam and distributing it in the tubes...
2ndly, the addition of a false plate for the purpose of keeping the tubes
well filled, and forming together with the tube plate a reservoir of water.
3rdly, the injection of the water by means of tubes h, h, having perforations
distributed throughout the condenser tubes.
Figs. 4 and 5, Sheet 2, represent the application of the same principles,
but differently arranged. a, a, are the condensing tubes, which are inclined
towards the open parts embraced in chamber A; b, b, are the injecting tubes
for the cooling water. The steam enters a pipe at B, and passes into the space
between the tube plate C, and false plate D, after spreading in a series of
tubes c, c', furnished with slits in the direction of their length arranged in such
manner as to introduce the steam in rapid jets on the tube surface, and spread
it uniformly throughout the condensing surface. The water intended for the
cooling enters by pipe E into the chamber F, thence passes into holes h, h, and
traverses the whole interior surface of tubes a, a. It then flows along the
bottom of the tubes, and passes out at orifice H into tank K, whence it is
withdrawn by a pump through pipe L. A pipe P further introduces cold
water into the double casing which rushes through pipes Q, Q, pierced with
holes and flows along their surfaces until it reaches tank K through orifice R.
The water produced by the condensation is pumped into M by the air pump,
and is thence conveyed to the distilled water reservoir. This apparauts is also
furnished with a mechanical cleaning arrangement before described; motion
being transmitted in this case by means of a screwed rod passing through an
hydraulic stuffing box. The space occupied by levers and rods is thus saved.
This apparatus realizes the same results as those previously described, the
application being slightly different although on the same principle. Tubular

page_text: condensers when rendered practicable in the manner described renders
possible the use of high-pressure engines, which would lead to very important.
modifications in the construction of marine engines. I have found that the
best mode of producing and applying the steam may be effected by the arrange-
ment of engines and boilers which I will now proceed to describe.
Figs. 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, Sheet 2, represent a tubular high-pressure boiler
which is mounted vertically and formed of a cylindrical body A, surmounting
a furnace B, which is of larger diameter, over it is placed a steam chest C
of the same diameter as the furnace. The tubular body is fitted with tubes
of small diameter a, a, and held between two tube plates D, E, immediately
above is placed the chimney F, to which access is had by a port G. The level
of the water is such that the plate E is continually immersed, and the heating
surfaces can never become uncovered. The furnace is composed of a fire-
box K, and exterior casing H; the fire-bars I are placed in the largest part
and the sides of the fire-box are inclined inwards at the upper part.
In order to preserve the bottom of the ash-pit, which is the part most subject
to wear at sea, it is lined with refractory bricks firmly fixed, lastly openings O,
O, are arranged above the fuel in order to introduce air into the combustion
chamber. The furnace door is at Z, and the ash-pit opening at W. The feed
is effected in the following manner: As at the upper part of the tubes the
excess of temperature of the gas over the water is but trifling, I introduce the
feed water by a pipe P into a chamber Q which has a cylindrical extension R,
reaching the tube plate E, always having an inch or two for play, at its lower
part it is furnished with a series of tubes b, b, enveloping tubes a, a, and which
are prolonged sufficiently for the feed water to be nearly raised to boiling heat
under the pressure of the boiler. I have thus at the upper part a just sufficient
supply without forming a steam chamber when not feeding, while at the lower
part I obtain a much larger supply by means of the annular spaces, by which
means the water arriving in pipe P is forced from the upper part downwards
and becomes gradually and regularly heated. The steam reservoir occupies
the space S, and in order to increase its size as much as possible without
exceeding certain limits, the sides of the chimney are inclined inwards from
the tube plate E. The steam enters the circular steam pipe T, and thence
passes into the valve box U, to be transmitted to the boilers. At high pressures
it would be dangerous to superheat the steam, which causes the pistons to pump;
superheating is further useless, as the production of steam does not require to
be forced as when employing low pressures; it would however be of advantage
to superheat the steam intended to circulate in the double casing of the
driving cylinders, for this purpose the base of the chimney is furnished with

page_text: a concentric casing V, in which the steam enters at the upper open part, and
escapes by the pipe X, at the lower part.
Lastly, the boiler is furnished with two or more distilling apparatus Y, Y,
placed in the space between the inner and the outer casings of the furnace,
these distillers consist simply of straight tubes which may be cleaned by simply
removing the upper covers. The feed is effected by means of tubes g, and the
steam passes to the condenser or to the cylinders by pipes K, K, the cocks h
serve either for emptying the distillers or for removing part of their contents.
This boiler presents the following advantages:-1st. that of obtaining a very
large surface of fire-bars, and also a combustion chamber as extensive as
necessary for its proper action; 2ndly, of presenting a very large heating
surface with as little weight and bulk as possible, at same time occupying but
little space horizontally, especially those of low-pressure boilers which are
arranged in the chimney; 3rdly, permitting of the lengthening of the tubes as
much as necessary for depriving the gases of their heat without sensibly
injuring the draught; 4thly, of producing without complication the distillation
of the water necessary for replacing that which is lost by escapes, the super-
heating of the steam intended for the casings of the cylinders, and also the
reheating of the feed water; 5thly, of realizing the greatest possible simplicity
of construction, at some time the cylindrical form of the apparatus presents the
best conditions for strength. Engines. Figs. 1 & 2, Sheet 3, represent a high-
pressure engine most suitable for the application of the improved tubular
condensers herein described. This engine works at high-pressure with variable
expansion during the motion. It consists of two similar engines coupled at
right angles and capable of working independently of each other; A, A, are
the two cylinders, the pistons of which transmit motion to shaft B. Facing
these on the other side of the shaft the condensers C, C, are disposed on the
The
tubular principle herein described and forming an isolated apparatus.
piston rod of each engine actuates by means of an arm D the air pump E;
pump F for discharging outside the water that has served to effect the
In this engine I have
condensation; G, feed pump; and H, bilge pump.
represented the foundation to consist of the reservoir for filtering the distilled
water which is indispensable for the proper action of tubular condensers. It
is however only placed in this position the better to show the general arrange-
ment of the engine as it is generally preferable to place it apart, and of a form
most convenient for it to occupy a small space and be easy of inspection. The
distribution is effected by means of a special arrangement to be herein-after
described. The principal features of this arrangement of steam engine are 1st.,
the connection of the engine working at high-pressure and expansively with
.

page_text: the tubular condensers described; 2ndly, the peculiar arrangement of the
cylinders, and for the circulation of the steam to prevent cooling; 3rdly, the
method of distribution and variable expansion combined with the use in
restricted conditions of the fly wheel, for regulating the action of the steam
when employing expansion.
By means of the preceding description, and an examination of the three
following points a complete idea of the construction of the engine may be
formed; 1st., the steam escaping from the cylinders arrives in the condensers
by means of pipes I, I, corresponding therewith, but indirectly, as the steam
arrives intermittantly; it is preferable at same time to provide means of isolating
the condensers in order to cause the steam to flow from the two cylinders into
both condensers; for this purpose the tubes I, I, open into a chamber K divided
by a partition L, having an opening M, which may be closed or uncovered by
the slide valve N, actuated by a hand wheel O, placed outside. The two con-
densers may thus be placed in communication or isolated without any complica-
tion. It will be unnecessary to describe the condenser, it being the same as
those previously described. The air pump E withdraws the water from the
condensed water tank, and conveys it by means of pipe P to the reservoir of diş-
tilled water G. The water pump F draws the water from the condensing sea
water tank, and forces it into the interior. The pipes and valves are not
represented to avoid unnecessarily complicating the Figures. The feed pump
G raises the distilled water from reservoir Q, by means of pipe R, after it has
traversed the filtering layer S. 2ndly., high-pressure expansion engines require
peculiar precautions to be taken in order to prevent condensation taking place
in the interior; this is attained by means of the cylinder represented at Fig. 5,
Sheet 3. The cylinder has an outer casing, as in ordinary; it is further
arranged for preventing condensation on the rods and surface of the piston itself,
which condensation may be of great importance in large engines. The piston A
is hollow and of iron, and as sometimes used for locomotives, the principal
rod B imparting motion to the conducting rod is fixed at its centre, but instead
of being lengthened at its back end, as is often the case to prevent the piston
acting by its weight, to wear the cylinder oval, the piston is furnished at
back with two rods C, the one above and the other below, each of which rods
instead of passing out freely moves in a bronze cover D, forming an extension
of the cover of the stuffing box. This stuffing box is made double, so as to
prevent at same time the steam from escaping from the cover, either inside
or outside the cylinder. For vertical engines a single rod would be sufficient
instead of two, the principal rod B is pierced at its centre for as much of its
length as is outside the cylinder. For vertical engines a single rod would be

page_text: sufficient instead of two. The principal rod B is pierced at its centre for as
much of its length as is outside the cylinder; the rods C, C, are also bored
throughout, and all three rods communicate with the interior of the piston by
means of orifices 0, 0, 0.
The parts being arranged as described, the steam intended to prevent con-
densation on the interior enters at the special tube E, and enters by means of
the three branches e, e, e, into the cylindrical casing, and hollow covers G, H, a
fourth branch introduces steam into the cover D, whence it passes through the
hollow rod and into the cylinder and principal rod. By this arrangement
there will not be any part of the surfaces in contact with the steam in the
cylinder but what is kept heated, and all interior condensation will be pre-
vented. The condensed water escapes from the casing and the covers by the
tubes 1, 1, branching from L; another small tube y, also conducts the condensed
water into the interior of the piston and of the rods. The rod L is furnished
with a regulating cock conveying the water thus collected into reservoir Q,
Fig. 1, Sheet 3, so as to prevent (by causing it to contribute to the heat of
the feed water) all loss of caloric other than that caused by its passage
through the cylinders. This arrangement although very simple, especially for
large engines, may be further simplified by using nonconducting casings instead
of introducing steam into the rods.
For this purpose I cover the pistons on both surfaces with plates of wood,
the non-conductibility of which will have the effect of reducing the conden-
sation of the piston to a minimum. 3rdly. The method of regulating the
admission and expansion of the steam to the cylinder suitable for application to
high-pressure engines, as represented at Figs. 3 and 4, Sheet 3. It is based on
the fact that in the link motion of Stephenson, the acting eccentric and its
rods acts in opposition to the other eccentric rod at the opposite end of the link,
and imparts a movement neutralizing the action of such second eccentric rod,
the effect of which is to produce what is termed a dead point at the centre of the
link. If an expansion slide be actuated from this dead point, expansion would
be produced in a very simple manner, as only one rod would be required as
an organ of transmission, which should be invariably connected at the centre
of the link; C is the link, which is here inverted and suspended from a rod D,
and actuated by the two eccentrics B, B', keyed on shaft B; this link also
works the principal slide valve F, by reason of rod E; G is the rod for pro-
ducing the reversing motion. The slide C has at its centre an ear piece H,
to which is jointed the rod K for working the expansion slide L, which latter
is on Meyer's system, and is formed of two parts carrying a rod, which is fur-

page_text: nished with a right and left handed screw, with the exception that the parts are
double, and the orifices of the principal slide valve, on which they act, are
also forked; this division of the parts and orifices is for the purpose of allowing
a large introduction with a more prolonged expansion, which result is obtained
in consequence of the small extent of motion of the expansion slide valve,
without any great modification of the dimensions of the principal slide valve.
It may be seen by a diagram that with this arrangement the ports may be
uncovered even when working the expansion at one-tenth, as completely as
desired, to prevent all lowering of the tension, during the passage of the
steam in the cylinder.
Having described the nature of this Invention, and the manner of per-
forming the same, I declare that what I claim as the Invention to be protected
by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is, producing what is
known as surface condensation by means of condensers, herein-before described,
in which the condensing water is projected on and strikes the surface, separat-
ing it from the steam, and the principal points of which, are,-
1st., the arrangement of condensing surfaces herein-before described, which
consist of cylindrical or flattened tubes, or they may be of any other suitable
form, or they may be flat or other formed surfaces, the essential feature of
which is to constitute a diaphragm between the steam to be condensed and
the water intended to produce said condensation, which diaphragm is acces-
sible on both sides by simply opening a cover or port, which consequently
may be easily cleaned and inspected. This consequence of the arrangement is
the fundamental point in the several apparatus herein described, which being
stated will enable the general principle to be understood.
2ndly., I claim the principle of surface condensation by injecting or pro-
jecting the water on the surface, as herein described, thus agitating the water,
and compensating for its imperfect conductibility, or by reducing it into thin
sheets, having the same object in view. I especially claim injecting or rapidly
circulating the water in each individual tube.
3rdly.. I claim the complete separation of oils and fatty matters carried
away by the steam from the distilled water, by means of a filtering diaphragm
whatever may be the nature of the filtering material employed, which diaphragm
is interposed between the inlet for the distilled water from the condenser, and
the suction orifice of feed pump.
4thly., I claim the production of steam for replacing that lost by escapes by
means of the apparatus herein described, which is heated by the steam in the
boiler, without contact with the furnace.

page_text: I also claim the application of the processes herein described, not only to
condensation by direct contact, but also to the refrigeration of distilled water,
to be used for condensing steam in an ordinary injection condenser.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Clark, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-seventh day of July, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-three.
Witness,
JAMES DAISH,
53, Chancery Lane,
London.
W. CLARK. (L.S.)