Improvements in and relating to Apparatus for Evaporating Sea or other Water for Obtaining a Supply of Fresh Water.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 16th May, 1889
Complete Specification Left, 17th Feb., 1890-Accepted, 22nd Mar., 1890
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Apparatus for Evaporating Sea or
other Water for Obtaining a Supply of Fresh Water.
We, JOHN NEWTON of 79 Mark Lane in the city of London in the county of
Middlesex, Merchant, and DANIEL ARTHUR QUIGGIN of 28 Chapel Street Liverpool in
the county of Lancaster, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
as follows:
This invention relates to improvements in apparatus for evaporating sea or other
water for obtaining a supply of fresh water, and it is especially applicable to apparatus
described in a Provisional Specification left by us with an application for a Patent
No. 538 and dated 11th January 1889, in which the evaporators have tubular heating
surfaces heated by steam.
It is found in such apparatus that a great deal of trouble is caused by priming, and
by the deposition of scale on the heating surfaces of the feed-heater, and that difficulty
is experienced in keeping a constant water level in the evaporators; and the objects of
our present invention are:-
First, to prevent priming in the evaporator ;
Second, to so construct the feed heating part of the apparatus, that the overhauling,
cleaning aud scaling thereof are facilitated; and,
Third, to regulate and maintain a proper supply of feed water to the evaporator, or
to each evaporator if there be more than one in the apparatus.
.
According to our present invention we construct the various improvements as
follows.
Wo place in that chamber of the evaporator where the heating surfaces are placed
one or more tubes which we call circulating tubes open at each end, having the axis
vertical, the top end a little below the water level, and of such a length as to extend
within a short distance of the bottom of the chamber.
The disposition of these circulating tubes is such that they always tend to direct the
heated water in an upward current, and to direct the cooler water in a downward
current, in this way promoting the circulation of the water and so preventing
priming.
Where the heating surfaces of the evaporator are helical coils arranged in a circle
concentric with the containing vessel we place a circulating tube concentrically
within the circle of coils; the water between the circulating tube and the shell of
the vessel will be raised in temperature and will flow in an upward current while
the cooler water will flow down the circulating tube.
We may also, if space permits, place a second circulating tube between the coils and
the shell, in which case the water in the annular space between the circulating
tubes will flow in an upward current and the cooler water will flow down the
centre tube and down between the outside tube and the shell of the vessel.
Where the heating surfaces are helical coils we prefer in some cases to put a
circulating tube inside each coil or inside each group of coils; where the heating.
surfaces are helical coils the length of the circulating tubes. is about equal to the
length of the coils and the tops of the circulating tubes are about level with the
top of the coils.
We do not confine ourselves to any particular disposition of the circulating
tubes but we arrange them in such a way, dependent upon the structure of the
evaporator, as will best provide a passage or passages for the downward convection
currents of the cooler water.
We construct the feed heating part of the improved apparatus as follows:-
uitable stal and of circular or other

page_text: section and we place it with the limbs vertical and the bend lowermost, within a vessel
the interior of which is nearly filled up by the tube, and we divide this vessel into two
compartments by a partition plate which runs from the top of the vessel, parallel to,
and midway between the limbs of the U tube; the partition does not extend quite
down to the bend of the tube.
We cause the steam by which the feed water is to be heated to pass through
the U tube in one direction while the water to be heated is forced in the opposite
direction through tho compartments surrounding the U tube, being thereby raised in
temperature.
We so arrange the connections with the U tube that the latter comes away with the
door of the feed heater without disturbing any of the external connections, and so
exposes the greater part of the interior of the feed heater, so facilitating overhauling,
cleaning, and scaling.
In order to ensure a constant level of water in the evaporator, or when there are
more than one evaporator to ensure a constant level in each of them, we prefer
according to our present invention to place the feed box outside the evaporators.
The feed box has a lower chamber receiving water from the feed heater and has an
upper chamber for each evaporator. Each upper chamber is connected by pipes to the
upper and lower portion of its own evaporator so that the water in each chamber stands
at the same level as that in the evaporator to which it belongs.
The feed water enters each upper chamber from the lower chamber through a valve
which is controlled by a float within the upper chamber so that the amount by which
the valve is opened is determined by the level of the water in the upper chamber
which is the same as the level of water in the evaporator to which it is
connected.
In order that we may be enabled to further regulate the amount of feed water we
carry the fulcrum of each float lever, which actuates the valve, in such a way that its
position in relation to the valve may be altered at pleasure; in this way the amount
by which the valve is open for any particular water level may be adjusted from the
outside of the apparatus.
Where there are more than one evaporator to be fed with water it is necessary on-
account of the different pressures in the different evaporators to adopt some
means to prevent the overfeeding of the evaporator in which there is the lowest
pressure.
We accomplish this by differentially loading the feed valves of the several
evaporators so that the necessary amount of feed water passes through each.
Dated this 14th day of Nov 1980
SLOAN & LLOYD BARNES,
26, Castle Street, Liverpool, Agents for Applicants.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Apparatus for Evaporating Sea or
other Water for Obtaining a Supply of Fresh Water.
We, JOHN NEWTON of 79 Mark Lane in the city of London in the county of
Middlesex, Merchant, and DANIEL ARTHUR QUIGGIN formerly of 28 Chapel Street
but now of 19 Brasenose Road Liverpool in the county of Lancaster, 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:
This invention relates to improvements in apparatus for evaporating sea or other
water for obtaining a supply of fresh water, and it is especially applicable to apparatus
described in the Complete Specification of a Patent granted to us, No. 538 and
dated 11th January 1889 in which the evaporators have tubular heating surfaces
heated by steam.
It is found in such apparatus that a great deal of trouble is caused by priming,
and by the deposition of scale on the heating surfaces of the feed heater, and that

page_text: difficulty is experienced in keeping a constant water level in the evaporators; and
the objects of our present invention are:-
First, to prevent priming in the evaporator ;
Second, to so construct the feed-heating part of the apparatus, that the over-
hauling, cleaning and scaling thereof are facilitated; and, Third, to regulate and
maintain a proper supply of feed water to the evaporator, or to each evaporator if.
there be more than one in the apparatus. .
According to our present invention we construct the various improvements as
follows.
We place in that chamber of the evaporator where the heating surfaces are placed
one or more tubes, which we call circulating tubes, open at each end, having the axis
vertical, the top end a little below the water level, and of such a length as to extend
within a short distance of the bottom of the chamber.
The disposition of these circulating tubes is such that they always tend to direct
the heated water in an upward current, and to direct the cooler water in a down-
ward current, in this way promoting the circulation of the water and so preventing
priming.
Where the heating surfaces of the evaporator are helical coils arranged in a circle
concentric with the containing vessel we place a circulating tube concentrically
within the circle of coils; the water between the circulating tube and the shell of
the vessel will be raised in temperature and will flow in an upward current while the
cooler water will flow down the circulating tube.
We may also, if space permits, place a second circulating tube between the coils
and the shell, in which case the water in the annular space between the circulating
tubes will flow in an upward current and the cooler water will flow down the centre
tube and down between the outside tube and the shell of the vessel.
Where the heating surfaces are helical coils we prefer in some cases to put a
circulating tube inside each coil or inside each group of coils; where the heating
surfaces are helical coils the length of the circulating, tubes is about equal to the
length of the coils and the tops of the circulating tubes are about level with the tops
of the coils
We do not confine ourselves to any particular disposition of the circulating tubes
but we arrange them in such a way, dependent upon the structure of the evaporator,
as will best provide a passage or passages for the downward convection currents of
the cooler water.
We construct the feed-heating part of the improved apparatus as follows:-
We provide a U tube of copper or other suitable metal, and of circular or other
section, and we place it with the limbs vertical and the bend lowermost, within a
vessel the interior of which is nearly filled up by the tube, and we divide this vessel
into two compartments by a partition plate which runs from the top of the vessel,
parallel to, and midway between the limbs of the U tube; the partition does not
extend quite down to the bend of the tube.
We cause the steam by which the feed-water is to be heated to pass through the
U tube in one direction while the water to be heated is forced in the opposite
direction through the compartments.surrounding the U tube, being thereby raised in
temperature.
We so arrange the connections with the U tube that the latter cones away with
the door of the feed heater without disturbing any of the external connections, and
so exposes the greater part of the interior of the feed heater, so facilitating
overhauling, cleaning and scaling.
In order to ensure a constant level of water in the evaporator, or when there are
more than one evaporator, to ensure a constant level in each of them, we prefer
accordingly to our present invention to place the feed box outside the evaporators.
The feed box has a lower chamber receiving water from the feed heater. and has
an upper chamber for each evaporator. Each upper chamber is connected by pipes
to the upper and lower portion of its own evaporator so that the water in each
chamber stands at the same level as that in the evaporator to which it belongs.

page_text: The feed water enters cach upper chamber from the lower chamber through a
valve which is controlled by a float within the upper chamber, so that the amount
by which the valve is opened is determined by the level of the water in the upper
chamber which is the same as the level of water in the evaporator to which it is
connected.
In order that we may be enabled to further regulate the amount of feed water, we
carry the fulcrum of each float lever, which actuates the valve, in such a way that
its position in relation to the valve may be altered at pleasure; in this way the
amount by which the valve is open for any particular water level may be adjusted
from the outside of the apparatus.
Where there are more than one evaporator to be fed with water it is necessary, on
account of the different pressures in the different evaporators, to adopt some
means to prevent the overfeeding of the evaporator in which there is the lowest
pressure.
We accomplish this by differentially loading the feed valves of the several
evaporators so that the necessary amount of feed water passes through each.
In order that our invention may be readily understood, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings which show our improvements applied to a double evaporator
having tubular helical heating surfaces heated by steam.
Fig. I is an elevation partly in section and Fig. II is a plan partly in section.
Figs. III, IV, V, VI, VII and VIII show details of the feed heater, feed box and feed
regulating arrangements.
Throughout the drawings similar parts are indicated by similar reference
figures.
1 is the first and 2 is the second evaporator which are similar and contain tubular
helical heating surfaces 3. Primary steam to operate the first evaporator enters at 4
passes through the tubular heating surfaces 3 and is discharged partially or wholly
condensed at 5. The secondary steam so produced leaves at 6, traverses the connect-
ing pipe 7 enters the tubular heating surfaces of the second evaporator at 8 and is
discharged partially or wholly condensed at 9. The tertiary steam produced in the
second evaporator leaves by the outlet 10. The arrangements so far described are
similar to those set forth in our prior patent aforesaid.
11 is a circulating tube open at each end as described, and with its top a little below
the water level. Only one is shown in this arrangement, but as hereinbefore described
more than one may be fitted if preferred. The circulating tube may be supported in
any convenient way and is shown slung by the straps 12.
Referring now to Figs. III IV V VI VII and VIII which show details of the feed
heater, feed box and feed regulating arrangements, Fig. III is a front elevation with
the door and U tube removed, Fig. IV is a sectional elevation on the line A A with
the tube in position but not in section: Fig. V is a sectional elevation on the
line B B and Figs. VI VII and VIII are sectional plans on the lines CC, DD and EE
respectively.
13 is the chamber of the feed heater divided into two compartments for the greater
part of its depth by the partition plate 14 and closed by the door 15 to which the
U tube 16 is jointed by steam tight flanges.
The tertiary steam from the second evaporator enters the chamber 17 of the feed
heater by the pipe 18 flows into the chamber 19, passes through the tube,
into the chambers 20 and 21 and finally leaves by the pipe 22 which is led to any
desired destination.
The feed water enters the feed heater under sufficient pressure by the pipe 23 flows
around and past the U tube in a direction opposite to the flow of steam and enters the
chamber 24 which communicates with the chambers 25 and 26 respectively of the
feed box by the feed valves 27 and 28 respectively. It will be seen that by removing
the cover or door 15 without breaking any of the other connections, ready access is
obtained for overhauling cleaning and scaling-the heating surface.
The chainber 25 is connected to the first evaporator by the steam pipe 29 and the
water pipe 30 which ensure that the water in this chamber shall always stand at the

page_text: same level as in the first evaporator. 31 and 32 are the corresponding pipes for the
chamber 26 and the second evaporator.
The feed valves 27 and 28 are operated automatically by the level of water in their
respective boxes by means of the floats 33 and levers 34. 35 and 36 are weights
which are adjusted with relation to the pressures in their respective evaporators so that
cach valve will require the same pressure per square inch on its under surface to lift it.
In this way notwithstanding that the pressures in the chambers 25 and 26 may differ
considerably, each will receive its proper supply of feed water. The fulcrums 37 of
the float levers are carried on short levers or stems on the spindles 38 which pass to
the outside of the feed box and can be rotated slightly and locked in position. In
this way the amount by which either valve is open for any particular water level may
be adjusted from the outside of the apparatus and the supply of feed water so further
regulated.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is:
1. In apparatus for evaporating sea or other water for obtaining a supply of fresh
water such as is herein set forth, the use of one or more circulating tubes, open at both
ends and submerged, for providing passages for the upward and downward convection
currents, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
2. In apparatus for evaporating sea or other water for obtaining a supply of fresh
water such as is herein set forth, a feed-water heater consisting of a U tube placed
within a divided chamber, and so constructed that the U tube is readily removable
with the door of the chamber without disturbing the other connections substantially as
and for the purposes described.
3. In apparatus for evaporating sea or other water for obtaining a supply of fresh
water as herein set forth the use of differentially loaded feed valves controlled by floats
for the purpose of feeding evaporators at different pressures from a common feed
supply, substantially as described.
4. In apparatus for evaporating sea or other water for obtaining a supply of fresh
water as herein set forth the use of a fulcrum for a feed valve float lever, adjustable
from the outside of the feed box substantially as and for the purpose described.
5. The arrangement of circulating tubes substantially as described and illustrated in
Figs. I and II.
6. The improved arrangement for heating and regulating the supply of feed water
substantially as described and illustrated in the drawings.
Dated this 15th day of February 1890.
SLOAN & LLOYD BARNES,
Castle Chambers, Castle Street, Liverpool, Agents for the Applicants.