Improvements in Heating and Distributing Water.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 5th Mar., 1897
Complete Specification Loft 20th De
4007
tomonted 10th Fah
1000
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Heating and Distributing Water.
We, SIDNEY A COURT, of 75, Victoria Street, Westminster, in the County of
Middlesex, Engineer, and WILLIAM MURRAY BINNY, of 75, Victoria Street,
Westminster, in the County of Middlesex, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention to be as follows: :-
This invention relates to the heating and distribution of water to be used for
domestic or other purposes, or used for warming buildings, or for use both as a
domestic supply and for the warming of buildings.
The improvements consist in the arrangement and use of the following
apparatus a steam boiler, a heater with thermometric regulator, a circulating
pump, a feed regulating tank, a boiler feed pump, a cold water supply tank, a
flow" and " return main, and the necessary piping and valves to convey and
regulate the supply of water, and steam.
"
In a building to which the improved arrangement of apparatus, and the
apparatus, for heating and distributing water is applied, cold water from the supply
tank, which is usually placed at the highest convenient part of the building,
is led to the end of the "return" pipe next the circulating pump, through which
it passes into the "heater," and having been heated therein, then passes into the
"flow" pipe and is forced through the whole of its length by means of the
circulating" pump and, when no hot water is drawn off, it comes back by the
"return" pipe again to the circulating pump to be again heated, and circulated.
When water is drawn off the deficiency in the pipes is made good by water from
the supply tank.
"
The "heater," which may be of any suitable shape, is provided with a series of
pipes or a coil of pipes which are or is connected with the boiler, and the "feed
tank"; it is provided with a tube which is fixed on the top of the heater and
through which it passes to the inside, and dips well below the surface of the water
in the "heater"; through this tube the heated water passes up and away to the
"flow" pipe with which it forms a part; by using this tube the air that is given
off from the water is collected in the upper part of the "heater," and is periodically
allowed to escape, the attendant in charge controlling the operation. Into the pipes
in the "heater" steam from the boiler is allowed to pass, and after giving up
its heat to the water which surrounds the pipes (no steam is allowed to mix with the
hot water supply) it becomes condensed and is run off into the "feed" tank from
whence the water supplied to the boiler is taken, and by means of the "feed"
pump is returned to the boiler.
When a non-condensing engine is used on the premises, where this invention
is adopted, the exhaust steam from it may be utilized so far as it can be, for it may
happen that there is too much or too little of it, in lieu of the live steam from the
boiler for the "heater."
The thermometric regulator is used for adjusting the temperature of the water,
and is made of a metal vessel, filled with mercury, which vessel is of considerable

page_text: length in proportion to its width and has its upper end splayed or terminating in a
shallow cylinder, at the top of which is fitted a flexable corrugated metal disc, to the
centre of this disc is attached one end of a rod or lever or it may be a series of rods or
levers, according to the exigencies of the case, the opposite end of which is connected
to the rod of a "pilot" valve which works the valve regulating the supply of steam
to the "heater." The long leg of the thermometric regulator is passed through the
top of the "heater" water outlet tube and is secured therein ensuring, by this
arrangement, that the leg containing the mercury is always kept at the temperature
of the hot water as it leaves the "heater" and in consequence when the temperature
of the water is raised or lowered the mercury will expand or contract in sympathy
therewith, and by these movements it will cause the corrugated disc, which is con-
structed of elastic metal, to move in accordance therewith, and the lever or rod
attached thereto to do the same, by which action steam will be admitted to or shut
off from the "pilot" valve and cause it to open or close the valve regulating the
supply of steam to the "heater," by which means the temperature of the water
will be kept equable without the waste of steam, and therefore waste of the heat
contained therein.
The steam after parting with its heat to the water in the heater becomes con-
densed and is drained off into the "feed" water tank; in this is a float connected
to one end of a lever, the opposite end of which is fastened to another lever attached
to the steam stop-valve regulating the supply of steam to the feed pump, by which
arrangement the working of the feed pump and the supply of water to the boiler
is regulated (the feed pump draws its water from the feed tank) and the water is
always hot when the system is at work which enables it to work more economically
than would be the case if the condensed steam from the "
"heater were allowed to
be run to waste; and further, by this arrangement little fresh water has to be
added to the boiler feed water, and in consequence there is less deposit, of lime in and
incrustation of the boiler. Any deficiency in the supply of "feed" water that may
arise in working through leakage of steam is made up in the feed tank from the
main cold water supply.
دو
The hot water supply is drawn off from the "flow" pipe where required by means
of small service pipes, and valves. Suitable escape valves are provided at the
higher parts of the hot water supply pipes where necessary.
The boiler is provided with the usual steam boiler fittings, (which of course do
not form any part of this invention) as is also the case with the provision of a
safety valve, pressure gauge, gauge cocks, and glass, for the "heater," as these things
are necessary adjuncts of all vessels under fluid pressure. The circulating'
pump may be driven by steam, water, belting or other suitable means, as may be
the feed pump.
Dated this Fifth day of March 1906
وو
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Heating and Distributing Water.
We, SIDNEY À COURT, of 75, Victoria Street, Westminster, in the County of
Middlesex, Engineer, and WILLIAM MURRAY BINNY, of 75, Victoria Street,
Westminster, in the County of Middlesex, 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 the heating and distribution of water to be used for

page_text: domestic or other purposes, or used for warming buildings, or for use both as a
domestic supply and for the warming of buildings.
The improvements consist in the arrangement and use of the following
apparatus: a steam boiler, a heater with thermometric regulator, a circulating
pump, a feed regulating tank, a boiler feed pump, a cold water supply tank, a
flow" and
return" main, and the necessary piping and valves to convey and
regulate the supply of water, and steam, the whole with the exception of the
firing of the steam boiler being self-regulating.
66
Figure 1, is an outline section of a building showing, also in outline, a suitable
arrangement of the pipes and cold water tank when this apparatus is used for heating
a building by means of "radiators." The radiators form no part of this invention.
Figure 2, is an outline elevation, to a larger scale, of the general arrangement of
that part of the apparatus for heating and circulating the water in the pipes that
is not shown by Figure 1.
Figure 3, (Sheet 2) shows a section of the heater, with the thermometric regulator
and pilot-valve which governs the inlet of steam used for heating the coils, by
means of which the water in the heater is heated.
Figure 4, is a section of the steam inlet valve for heating coil, coils or pipes
showing pilot valve attached.
Figure 5, is a section of the pilot-valve.
Figure 6, (Sheet 3) is an elevation of a combined pilot and steam valve for admit-
ting steam to the heating coils,
Figure 7, is a sectional view through the combined pilot and steam inlet valve
in elevation, but at right angles to the view shown by Figure 6.
Figure 8, is a cross section through the cylinder of the combined pilot and steam
valve for heating the coil, coils, or pipes, in the heater; and
Figure 9, is a cross section through the steam chest of the combined pilot and
steam valve.
In Figures 1 and 2. (a) is the cold water supply pipe, the water in which is
derived from the main of a Water Company or from any other source, at the
upper, end of which a ball-valve (b) is attached for the purpose of regulating the
supply of water to a cistern (c), which is situated in the upper part of the premises
wherein this improved heating apparatus is applied. From the lower part of
the cold water cistern (c) the supply pipe (d) is led downwards to a convenient
position where it bifurcates, one part (e) passing to near the lower end of the hot
water return pipe (9), and the other part (f) proceeding to, the feed tank (h),
(the pipes (e) and (f) are not necessarily of the same size) ending in a valve (i)
provided for the purpose of keeping the water in the feed tank (h) at its proper
level, as is done by means of the water that passes through this pipe for the
purpose of making up any deficiency in the water used for the boiler. The end
of the branch pipe (e) at or near its junction with the return pipe (9) is provided
with a full way stop valve (el). The hot water return pipe (g) is provided near to
its end that is adjacent to the circulating pump (k), with a non-return valve (l)
and, at its other end, with a relief valve (m) which is controlled either by a spring,
or a weight, or weights, or by a lever and weight.
The water from the return pipe (9) is pumped, by means of the circulating
pump (k) into the heater (o) a steam-tight vessel, constructed of iron, steel, or other
suitable metal, through the pipe (p), which is connected therewith at or near to
its base; the water being then heated by means of a steam heated coil, (7) which
is contained therein, or by means of coils, or pipes, connected with one another.
The heated water passes out from the heater (o) at or near to the top by means
of a pipe or tube (s) which is fixed to the heater (o) and dips well below the surface
of the water in the heater, and is connected with the flow pipe () from which it
is drawn wherever desired; a suitable provision of pipes, and valves, being made
for the purpose according to the requirements of the case, or when "radiators" (r)
are used for heating purposes these are connected with the flow-pipe (1), and with
the return pipe (g). When the "radiators" are made up of horizontal coils of pipes

page_text: the flow pipe () is preferably connected to the top of the coils, and the return
pipe (g) with the bottom. At or near to the end of the flow-pipe furthest from the
heater connection is made directly or indirectly in all cases, with the return pipe.
The object of using a tube (s) of a length sufficient to dip well below the surface
of the water is to allow the air that is given off from the water in the heater, to
accumulate in the heater, where it will have no prejudicial effect, and can be allowed
to escape periodically through a valve (t) by the attendant in charge of the whole
of the apparatus.
Steam from a boiler (u), which may be of any convenient and suitable character,
(a Cornish boiler is shown on the Drawing), is led into the coil (g), coils or pipes,
of the heater (o), and after giving up its heat to the water contained in the heater (o)
it becomes condensed, and is run off into the feed tank (), from whence the water
supplied to the boiler (u) is taken, by means of a pipe (v).
(w) is the supply pipe of the feed pump (2) which supplies the boiler ("). This
pipe is connected to the feed tank (h), and the said feed pump (r). (y) is the feed
pipe from the feed pump (c) to the boiler (u); this feed pipe is provided with a
non-return valve (2). The feed pump (c) may be of any convenient type; as
also may be the circulating pump (k).
From the boiler (u) a steam pipe (i) is led to the steam heated coil (q), coils, or
pipes, within the heater (o) for the purpose of conveying steam to heat the same;
and branch pipes (2) & (3) are led to the feed pump (r), and circulating pump (k),
when these are steam driven.
When a non-condensing engine is being used on the premises where this inven-
tion has been adopted the exhaust steam from the engine may be utilised for the
purpose of heating the water in the heater (o) in lieu of live steam, as may also be
the exhaust steam from the feed, and circulating pumps, when these are steam
driven; (4), (5) & (6) are exhaust steam pipes. Where there is an insufficiecy of
exhaust steam, to heat the water in the heater, it may be supplemented by live steam
direct from the boiler.
The heater (), in order to maintain as nearly as possible the water within it
and the flow pipe at a regular temperature, is provided with a thermometric regulator
which may be constructed as shown by Figures 3, 4, and 5, or as shown by Figures 6,
7, 8, and 9. Inside the heater (o) is a vessel (4¹), shown in section, the body of
which is immersed in the hot water of the heater (o). It is closed at the top by
means of a corrugated metal diaphragm (5) having an eye-bolt (61) fastened to
its centre; to this eye-bolt is fastened, by a pin or screwed bolt, a link (7) which is
connected at its upper end with a pivoted lever (8), which lever is at one end attached
to a fulcrum, and at the other is secured to a connecting rod (9), which is attached
to a pilot-valve (10), shewn by Figure 5 to an enlarged scale, which governs the
steam supply controlling apparatus (11).
The pilot-valve (10) consists of a small three-ported steam chest (12), slide
valve (13), and valve-stalk (14); the latter is attached to the connecting rod (9)
by an adjustable screw coupling (28).
The steam controlling apparatus (11), shewn by Figure 4, consists of a steam
cylinder (15) with piston (16), and piston rod (17), a slide valve-stalk (18), a screw
coupling (19), a slide valve (20), a steam chest (21), steam outlet port to chest (22),
and a steam inlet port (23), frame or casting (24), and the requisite piping to
make connections with the main steam pipe and the heating coil, coils, or
pipes.
The thermometric regulator acts as follows:-After the vessel (4¹) has been
charged with mercury and fixed in place and adjusted, it will be seen that as the
water in the heater has its temperature raised, the mercury will be kept at the same
temperature, or practically the same as that of the water, it being immersed in
it, and as heat causes mercury to expand it will raise the diaphragm (5), and by
means of the eye-bolt (6), and link (7), force the pivoted lever (S) up, and by means
of the connecting rod (9), will raise the valve-stalk (14) and with it the slide
valve (13) causing the latter to close the upper port (25), (which is in communication

page_text: with the top of cylinder (15)) and open the lower port (26), putting port (25) in
communication with the exhaust port (27), the steam by this arrangement will then
enter under the piston (16) and propel it upwards, and along with it the piston
rod (17), valve-stalk (18), and valve (20), the steam inlet port (23) being open the
whole time, and the steam passing across the back of the slide valve (20) enters,
through the port (22), the steam coil, coils, or pipes, in the heater.
When a fall in the temperature of the water occurs, the mercury in the vessel (41)
will contract, and allow of the corrugated diaphragm (51) owing to its elasticity,
to move towards its first position, in doing which it will cause to move downwards
the eye-bolt (6), and link (7), which will pull down the lever (8) that is connected
therewith, lower the rising and falling end of the lever, and with it the connecting
rod (9), and valve stalk (14); (see Figures 4 and 5) which will cause the slide-
valve (13) of the pilot valve (10) to close the port (26), throwing it into communica-
tion with the exhaust port (27) and opening port (25) which will permit of the steam
in the steam chest (12) (Figure 5) passing to the upper side of piston (16), will
lower the steam slide valve (20), and open port (22) to allow steam to pass to the
coil, coils, or pipes, in the heater (o). It will be seen that by the thermometric
apparatus just described, that the temperature of the water throughout the hot
water supply system can be automatically regulated.
Although mercury has been mentioned as being used with the vessel (4¹), other
suitable fluids may be used, vessel (4¹) being constructed to suit the special quality
of the fluid used.
The adjustment of the thermometric apparatus may be made by proportioning
the capacity of the vessel (4) to the area of the diaphragm (5), thus varying the
amount of vertical lift of the end of the lever (8), which may also be done by
shifting the point of connexion on lever (8), of the connecting rod (9) of the pilot
valve to or from the fulcrum of the lever (8); and by means of screw couplings (19),
and (28).
"
"
The thermometric regulating apparatus forming part of this invention may like-
wise be made as shown by Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9; by this arrangement of the
thermometric regulating apparatus a more siniple arrangement is obtained, for in lieu
of the corrugated diaphragm (51) at the upper end of vessel (41), the vessel is closed
by means of a blank flange, a "tapped "hole being left. in the centre of it; into
which is screwed a union that receives one end of a small tube (29) which passes
to the bottom of the cylinder (31) of the combined pilot and steam valve, by which
arrangement the eye-bolt (6), link (7), lever (8) with its fulcrum, the connecting
rod (9), pilot-valve (10), with its coupling (28), valve stalk (14), and valve (13),
are done away with. The combined pilot and steam valve has a frame or
casting (30), to the upper end of which is attached a cylinder (31), having a close
fitting ram (32), which passes out of the top of the cylinder, through a stuffing
box and gland, and has at its base a cup leather (33), which is kept in position
by a washer and screw, screwed into the base of the ram (32); or the end of the
rain may be grooved, to receive packing or not, for either arrangement may be
adopted; or an ordinary piston and piston rod may be substituted therefor; the
upper end of the ram (32) which remains outside the cylinder is reduced in diameter
to form a shoulder to receive a crosshead (34), and is prolonged above the cross-
head (34) as, in the event of a piston being used would be the piston rod, to enable
weights to be placed thereon to bring back into position the ram or piston after
it has been moved upwards; this return stroke may also be effected by means of
a spring placed on the lower crosshead (37) and made to bear against the under-
side of the cylinder (31). Into the cross-head (34) are bolted two side rods (35)
which pass downwards through lug guides (36) cast on the cylinder (31) to a
second cross-head (37) below the cylinder (31) to which they are bolted; this cross-
head (37) is provided with a hole in its centre to take a valve spindle (38) and in
one side of the cross-head opposite the central hole is a set screw" (39) by means
of which the slide valve (40) is adjusted in position; this slide valve is enclosed
in a steam chest (41) which is bolted to, or cast with, the frame or casting (30).
«

page_text: This thermometrical apparatus operates as follows;-When the water in the heater
increases in temperature, the mercury, or other fluid, with which the vessel (4¹)
has been charged, (as has also been the tube (29) and lower part of the cylinder (31))
expands, and causes pressure to come upon the underside of the ram (32) and raises
it, and with it the cross-head (34), the side rods (35), the lower cross-head (37),
valve stalk (38), and valve (40); this operation continues until the temperature
that is required for the water in the heater has been reached, when any further
increase of the temperature of the water is prevented by the closing of the steam
outlet port (42), by the slide valve (40). Port (42) is the steam inlet port to the
coil, coils, or pipes, in the heater (o). As soon as the temperature of the water
falls the mercury or other fluid in the vessel (4), that is immersed or partly
immersed in the water in the heater (o), contracts, and relieves the pressure upon
the underside of the ram (32), which falls as the liquid contracts, the underside of
the ram being kept in contact with the fluid by means of the weight or weights
on the top of the ram, or by the action of a spring as previously mentioned, and
in falling the top cross-head presses down the side rods (35), the lower cross-head (37),
and the valve-stalk (38), and with it the slide-valve (40) which then uncloses
the steam outlet port (42), enabling the steam to pass onward to the coil, coils, or
pipes, in the heater (o).
The thermometric regulating apparatus has been described as dealing with
steam only for regulating the heat of the water in, and that passes through, the
heater, but the regulation of the heat of the water can also be brought about by
making use of the same apparatus to regulate the escape of the condensed steam
in the coil, (q), coils, or pipes, for instead of steam being admitted to, in the case
of the apparatus shown by Figures 3, 4 and 5, port (23) the condensed steam from
the coil (g), coils, or pipes, in the heater is admitted to the back of valve (20),
passing by port (22) either into tank (h) or to waste; the apparatus (10) and (11)
being suitably connected with pipe (e). When using the combined pilot and
steam valve shown by Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9, for regulating the temperature of the
water by means of the condensed steam in coil (9), coils, or pipes, that are used in
the heater, the condensed steam passes through port (43) to the back of valve (40)
and through port (42) going either to the feed tank (h) or being run to waste as
just mentioned.
In using either of the above apparatus for controlling the temperature of the
water by the means described, steam is led direct into the top of the coil (g), coils,
or pipes; and it is convenient to have a stop cock on such steam pipe.
The thermometric regulating vessel (4¹) that contains the mercury or other fluid,
and that is immersed in the water in the heater, as previously described, may
instead be immersed in the hot water flow pipe leading from the heater, the pipe
being enlarged to receive it so as not to impede the flow of the water, the attach-
ment of the lever (8) being arranged according to the circumstances of the case.
On the pipe (v) from the lower end of the coil, coils, or pipes, that carries off the
condensed steam to the feed tank (h) is a valve (¹) by the use of which the discharge
of condensed steam can be governed. In the "feed" water tank (h) is a float (44)
which is connected to one end of a lever (45), that is pivoted on a fulcrum that
may be attached to the tank; the other end of lever (45) is connected to another
lever on the steam stop-valve (46) that is on the steam supply pipe (2) of the feed
pump (a), when this pump is worked by steam, but should it be driven by means
of a pulley and belt from a pulley on a revolving shaft driven by extraneous means,
then the lever (45) can be connected with any suitable form of "striking gear" that
is used for machines driven by shafting, a provision of fast and loose pulleys being
made on the shafting, and the shaft of the pump, or the lever may be made to
actuate a switch used for starting and stopping an electrically driven pump, or
may work the valves of a hydraulically driven pump. By the arrangement set
forth for governing the working of the feed-pump the supply of water to the boiler
is regulated, and as the pump draws its supply from the feed-tank which receives,
as has before been stated, the condensed steam from the heater, the water necessarily,
must be hot, and as the water is used over and over again (except when exhaust

page_text: steam is used which may, after being condensed, be run to waste) with an additional
quantity added to it from the main supply, occasionally, to make up for leakage,
there is less deposit of lime in, and incrustation of, the boiler. Further, by always
using the condensed steam for the feed water of the boiler a more economical result
is obtained, as the water is hot. when returned to the boiler, and therefore does
not require so large an amount of heat to be imparted to it to convert it into steam,
as would be the case if the water were of a low temperature.
The height of the top of the "return" pipes is preferably somewhat greater than
that of the "flow" pipes.
-
The general working of the apparatus hereinbefore described is as follows;-
Water from the cold main supply is fed into a cistern (c) at the top of the
building by pipe (a), whence it flows down pipe (d) and branch (e) into the lower
end of a return pipe (g) which leads to the suction of a circulating pump (k)
whence it is pumped into the heater (o), and after being heated in its passage
upwards by the heat given off by a steam heated coil, coils, or pipes, it is forced
by the circulating pump into the flow pipe (j) and returns by pipe (g) to the
circulating pump (k) to be again sent on its way through the heater (o). When it
is desired to heat a building by "radiators" (r) the arrangement shown by Figure 1
may be adopted, proper valves for cutting off the water, and air escape valves, being
provided, as is generally done; but these radiators (r) with their valves and con-
nexions form no part of this invention.
The flow pipe (j) may be drawn upon for the supply of hot water for domestic
purposes without interfering in any way with the action of the apparatus, the
deficiency of water in the pipes being made up from the cold water supply by
means of the pipe (e) which is, as previously stated, connected with the return
pipe (9), the extra quantity of cold water that is put into circulation being
thoroughly heated and brought up to the degree of heat required before it is forced
on its way to the flow pipe, the necessarily increased heat in the heater being
obtained through the agency of the thermometric regulating apparatus already
described.
"
On the right hand of the building, shown by Figure 1, is a subsidiary set of
flow (47) and return (48) pipes, which are connected to radiators," and to the
main flow and return pipes (7) and (g); this set is to show that with the apparatus
described, more than one set of buildings or places may have the advantage of
hot water being laid on to it, although there be but one set of apparatus, and that
buildings may be of varying heights, the only thing necessary to provide for being,
that the relief valves (m) (m) at the top of the return pipes be regulated to suit the
pressure required for the highest building.
Nothing need be said as to the position of draw-off pipes, and valves; nor
about the fittings of the steam boilers, such as safety valves, gauge glasses, gauge
cocks, blow-off cock, feed non-return valve, manholes, fire door, fire bars, fire bridge,
seating, and dampers, as these are common to all good boilers and of themselves
form no part of this invention; neither do the stop-cocks or valves that are
necessary with steam and hot water installations other than those specially
enumerated herein.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is:―
1. In combination for heating water for heating and supply purposes a cold
water cistern (c) supplied with cold water, a supply pipe (7) with branches (e)
and (f) with valves (e) and (i), the circulating pump (k), pipe (p) heater (2) with
steam heated coil (7), coils, or pipes, and pipes (s) and (v), the condensed steam
outlet valve (), the thermometric regulating apparatus shown by Figures 3, 4,
5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, the flow and return pipes (1) and (9), the feed tank (h) with feed
regulating gear (44), (45), and (46), feed pump (), and steam boiler (u), with steam
pipes (1), (2), and (3), and the feed suction pipe (w), and feed pipe (y).

page_text: 2. The thermometric regulating apparatus shown by Figures 3, 4, and 5, and
described herein.
3. The thermometric regulating apparatus shown by Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9, and
described herein.
Dated this 20th day of December 1897
E. H. G. BREWSTER,
Agent for Applicants.