Improvements in Air Feeding Devices for Steam Boiler Furnaces.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 2nd Dec., 1889-Accepted, 4th Jan., 1890
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.-
Improvements in Air Feeding Devices for Steam Boiler Furnaces.
I, FREDERICK LEADBEATER, of 441 Twenty-fourth Street in the City of Detroit,
County of Wayne, State of Michigan, United States of America, Manufacturer, do
hereby declare the nature of my 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 new and useful improvements in steam and air devices for
smoke consumers, and the invention consists in the peculiar arrangement and con-
struction of the different parts, all as more fully hereinafter described.
In the drawings which accompany this specification.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing my device as applied to an ordinary boiler
furnace.
Fig. 2 is a vertical, central section, and
Fig. 3 is a horizontal section on line xx, in Fig. 2.
A is a steam generator, B is a grate, C is the ash pit of a boiler of ordinary
construction, arrangement and operation, except as hereinafter described. D is an
aperture formed in the side of the furnace, preferably of rectangular shape and
leading into the ash pit underneath the grate. E are a series of partition strips,
dividing the aperture into a series of small inlets F. G are a series of small tubes
connected to a head H, and secured in proximity to the aperture D, in such manner
as to have one of the tubes G in proximity to each one of the inlets F.
These tubes G are perforated upon the side towards the inlets, and are preferably
provided at the lower ends with drip cocks I. J is a steam supply pipe connecting
with the source of supply in the generator, and provided with a valve K.
In practice, the parts being arranged as shown and described, their operation is as
follows:
When steam is available from the generator, and the valve K is open, the steam
is admitted into the tubes G, and issues from the perforations therein in numerous
jets, through the inlets F, into the ash pit. A large amount of air is simultaneously
carried in with the steam, and if the ash pit doors are tightly closed, there will
be a strong draft or blast of air, which will force its way through the interstices
of the grate and produce in connection with the steam, a perfect combustion, with
entire absence of smoke.
The amount of steam or air needed for such perfect combustion is easily controlled
by the valve K.
My device, in producing a forced blast, permits the use of cheap fuel, such as hard
coal screenings or slack, which cannot be burned with the ordinary air feeding devices,
thereby producing a large saving.
I claim also, as an especial, advantage in my device, that I can apply it to any
construction of furnace, and transform the same into a perfect smoke consumer,
without requiring any alterations, and without interfering in any way with the
construction of the furnace. It requires neither additional floor space, nor is it
injuriously affected by the heat of the fire, as is the case with all such air or
steam injectors arranged within the furnace walls.
A further advantage is that I can produce a large volume of air blast with a
minimum of steam, dispensing with all other devices for feeding air, so as to keep
a plenums of compressed air constantly below the grate, which prevents the collecting
of the ashes in the interstices of the grate bars.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :
'
1. The combination with the aperture into the ash pit of the furnace, a series of
division strips dividing that aperture into inlets, a corresponding series of perforated
tubes secured in outer proximity to such inlets, and a cross head and connection
with the boiler for supplying steam to said tubes, substantially as and for the
purpose described.
2. In a steam and air feeding device for smoke consumers, the combination with
the aperture D formed in the side wall of the ash pit, the partitions E, inlets F,
perforated tubes G, drip cocks 1, cross head H, supply pipe J and valve K in
such supply pipe, the parts being arranged and constructed to operate substantially.
as and for the purpose described.
Dated this 26th day of October 1889.
FREDERICK LEADBEATER.
Haseltine, Lake & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.