Improvements, in and connected with Steam Generators.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 30th Sept., 1889-Accepted: 18th Jan., 1890°
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION:
Improvements, in and connected with Steam Generators.
I, BENJAMIN WILLCOX of 47 Lincoln's Inn, Fields in the County of Middlesex
Patent Agent do hereby declare the nature of this. Invention (which has been com-
municated to me from abroad by Julien Belleville of St. Denis (Seine) in the Republic
of France Engineer and Officer of the Legion of, Honour) and in what manner the
same is, to be performed to be particularly described and: ascertained in and by the
following statement :-
•
The construction of the sectional steam generators constructed on what is known as
the Belleville system is improved according to the present Invention as hereinafter
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In the first place I will briefly recapitulate these improvements as follows:-
1.. (a) In order to provide for perfect freedom of expansion of the tubes each
generator is divided into distinct elements or sections independent one of the other.
Each of these elements is in the form of a flattened coil or serpentine constituting a
species of spring this being a form eminently elastic or flexible and favourable to the
full play of the elongations and contractions of different amplitude which are
continnally taking place in working. This part of the Invention is hereinafter
described and illustrated in Figures 8 to 13 of the accompanying drawings.
(b) Each group of elements composing a generator is contained in a casing formed
of iron plates or sheets and angle irons combined with bricks in suitable proportions
according to the type and destination of the apparatus. This casing forming a sort of
box with, rectangular sides the interior of which is not; and does not require to be,
accessible except from the front and is provided with the doors of the tube box, the
fireplace and the ash pit. The construction of these casings is illustrated in Figures 8
to 13 of the accompanying drawings and is hereinafter described in detail with
reference.to.these figures. This construction is such that the several parts of which it
is composed can expand and contract freely in all directions and are consequently
secure from dislocation and fracture:
(c). The employment of ordinary. cast iron is avoided in all the principal parts of the
generators and their casings, wrought iron, cast steel and malleable castings being
metals all of which can be worked in the forge are employed exclusively. Ordinary
castings are retained.only. in the case of certain necessary parts situated at tlic exterior
of the generators such as the connections for the gauge glasses, stop valves, steam
valves and the like which not being exposed to the action of the furnace are not
exposed to the extreme and sudden changes of temperature which alone are capable of
causing breakages.
2. The opening for the doors of the tube box enables direct access to be obtained to
interior and exterior of all the-tubes. for the purpose of cleaning them. The relative
shortness of these tubes facilitates cleaning out their interior through an orifice which
when working is closed by an iron plug secured by a steel bolt (see description of
Figures 8 to 13).
The tubes can be readily cleaned externally by means of brushes and scrapers which
are introduced in the vacant spaces existing between the boxes connecting the tubes.
This cleaning can be performed; when the generator is working either by means of the
above mentioned tools or with a steam jet.
3. The precipitation in the form of mud of the calcareous deposit in the feed water
is obtained by introducing this feed water into the purifying apparatus (see figures 14 24
and 34 and the part of the description relating to these figures).
In order to obtain this result the known fact of the decreasing solubility of sulphate
andicarbonate of lime when the temperature is raised is utilised. These precipitated
salts are deposited in the depositing vessel figures 5 6 and 7 through which the feed
water is caused to pass before entering the generating tubes.
ΓΙ

page_text: 4. The only practical arrangement for obtaining, in a generator constructed with
water tubes, the forced circulation which is such an essential condition to its proper
working consists in the combination of the three following essential conditions namely
(a) Evaporating elements forming one continuous channel from the lower to the
upper part of the generator (b) a collecting reservoir uniting the mixture of water and
steam proceeding from these elements and at the same time receiving the feed water
cand (c) one or more external pipes connecting the collecting reservoir with the base of
.the elements with or without the interposition of a vessel in which the calcareous deposits
are precipitated.
Under these conditions the forced circulation from the base to the summit of the
evaporating elements results from the great difference in the mean density of the water
which continually returns through the external tubes and that contained in the said
elements in which the water is charged with a proportion of steam which continually
.increases as the water ascends to the upper part. The action of these three essential
parts is hereinafter described with reference to Figures 8 to 13 and 14 to 34 and 5ª
to 7 of the accompanying drawings.
5. The great speed at which the steam escapes is utilised to obtain successive
and energetic drying of this steam by centrifugal action and by sudden changes
in the direction of the flow. The arrangement of the purifying collector whereby
this result is obtained is hereinafter described in detail with reference to figures 1
24 and 3ª.
6. Regularity of feed is secured by employing an automatic regulator illustrated
in figure 4 and hereinafter explained in the description of that figure.
This
automatic apparatus regulates the feed according to the condition of the steam and
maintains this condition perfectly uniform independently of the rate of evaporation.
The sensitiveness with which the pressure varies according to the rate of combustion
in the furnace is utilised in the construction of a regulator exposed to the action
of the variations in the pressure and which controls a damper. This regulator as
hereinafter described with reference to figure 10 increases or diminishes the
opening of a damper in the flue according as the pressure increases or decreases
and ensures regularity of pressure even under conditions in which uniformity is
generally considered most difficult to obtain.
And in order that the said Invention may be fully understood I shall now pro-
.ceed more particularly to describe the same and for that purpose shall refer to the
several figures on the annexed sheets of drawings the same letters of reference
indicating corresponding parts in all the corresponding Figures.
In the first place I will describe the arrangements which are more particularly
designed for marine boilers and are illustrated in figures 8. 9 and 10.
Figure 8 is a front view partly in section of a group of three boilers or generators
constructed and arranged according to this Invention. In the left hand boiler or
generator the doors are represented in the drawing as being closed with all the
accessory parts in their proper position. In the middle generator the doors and
accessories are removed in order to show the internal arrangements and the right
hand generator is represented partly in section the section on the left hand being
taken in a vertical plane through the middle of its length. In the right hand
part of this section the tubes are removed exposing the plates at the back.
Figures illustrates partly in section two generators arranged back to back.
The left hand generator is represented in a vertical section and the right hand
generator is partly represented in the same vertical section of the plates and partly
in side elevation with the accessory parts in position.
Figure 1 illustrates in plan and horizontal section generators arranged side
by side. The left hand generator is represented with the accessory parts in
position. The middle generator is drawn with the plates in horizontal section.
the section being taken in a plane about half way from the bottom of the group
of tubes. The right hand generator is drawn in horizontal section on two planes
one section being taken through the furnace above the fire bars or grate and the
other through the ash pit underneath the grate.

page_text: These improved marine boilers or steam generators are composed of the four
following principal parts namely.
1. The sheet iron or plate work comprising the lower part or bed for the brick-
work enclosing the ash pit; the front frame or support and the back frame or support
or the cross pieces placed at the inner angles of the generators and substituted for.
the back frames when the generators are placed back to back (figure 9) and which
form in combination the framework supporting the casing; the partitions separating
the groups of tubes and which form the tube boxes: the covers which form the flues
and lastly the smoke box or base of the chimney or funnel.
2. The ash pit with its doors, the furnace with its front sheets and doors, the fire
bars, the fire brick linings of the furnaces forming also the partitions between the
furnaces, the tube boxes and their doors.
3. The elements or evaporating tubes, combined in a group in each generator; the
steam separators or purifiers; the return water pipes and the depositing chambers.
4. The feed water apparatus and steam drying apparatus, the steam pipes, and other
fittings.
All these principal parts are hereinafter described in detail as follows:-
First Part. Sheets or plate work. Figure 8 is the bed or foundation constructed
with sheet and angle iron and firmly connected to the ribs or frame of the vessel.
A. A. is the lower part of the structure provided with a platform a' forming a bed for
the reception of the firebrick lining of the furnace. The part a sustaining the bed or
platform is constructed with sheets having their opposite edges bent in opposite
directions and riveted to flat sheets I figure 10. These bent sheets are riveted at the
middle to horizontal angle irons whose projecting flanges are attached to the platform a'.
This platform is constructed with sheets having their edges bent up in the form of
a U and its edges are provided with flat plates or bands 2 figure 8 and 9. The
U plates and the flat plates are divided at several points at right angles to the axis or
length of the furnace. The platform a' does not abut either against the front frame
or support B nor against the back frame B' in. order that it may expand without
exerting any thrust, on these frames. Bent plates 3. figure 9 are provided which
overlap the platform and prevent the fire bricks from sinking between the edge of
the platform and the front and back frames B B':
The combination of this construction imparts great strength to the support of the
lower part A of the structure and enables it to expand freely notwithstanding the
differences in the temperatures at different levels in the said lower part. The front
frames B are formed by a species of pillars or standards constructed with plates bent
in the form of a U and strongly reinforced by angle irons. These frames are firmly
connected to the base and the front frames are so constructed as to present a recessed
part of sufficient depth to receive conveniently the return water pipe and the
depositing vessel. The water level or gauge pipe is placed in front as well as the
feed pipes. The back frames B' are constructed in the same way as the front frames
with the U plates firmly supported by angle irons.
When the generators are arranged back to back as represented in figure 9 the
back frames are replaced by cross or transverse supports consisting of a species of
standards or pillars composed of four strong angle irons set back to back and riveted
together in pairs to strips or narrow plates which keep them apart.
In all cases the back frames or the said transverse supports placed at the angles of
generators arranged back to back are fixed to the lower part of the structure or plat-
form at their base. They constitute at the back of each generator the support of the
casings or of the longitudinal partitions. Transverse partitions C figure 10 are
employed between the groups of tubes in generators arranged side by side. These
partitions are supported by the front frames B and by the back frames B' to which
they are firmly connected. Each transverse partition forms one side of the frame-
work which encloses the fire brick partitions separating the furnaces and which imparts
to this brickwork the strength required to enable it to resist the shocks to which it is
exposed especially when employed in War ships.
When the generators are arranged back to back the transverse partitions C extend

page_text: from one front to the other and are sustained in-the-middle by the supports-which are
employed in the place of the back frames B' as herein before explained (figure-9).
The transverse partitions are made double or in two thicknesses constructed with
U shaped plates enabling them to absorb the efforts of expansion even when' the
expansion is unequal or in different directions without becoming dislocated or distorted.
By reason of this facility for absorbing the expansions the transverse partitions exert
only a slight thrust on the front frames to which they are firmly attached and above
which they extend.
C
Plates forming corrugations or undulations protect the partitions C from contact
with the hot gases. These plates forma species of obturator or obstruction-between
the transverse partitions and the tubes of the adjacent element which reduces in a
great measure the circulation of hot gases at the sides of the said partitions. These
partitions are extended at C, figure 9-so-as to form supports for the frame of the base
of the funnel or chimney and to-form-a support to which the bent plates or brackets
situated under the, purifiers may be attached. C₁₁figure-10 are longitudinal sheets
or partitions at the back which are connected to the back frames B and close the
back of the tube box.
In the case of generators not-arranged back to back, these partitions are inade: in
two distinct parts, one marked c' figure 10 being level with the brickwork is made
with single sheets bent in the form ofta U, and the other (C) being level with the
top of the group of tubes is made double the pairs of U. plates constituting-the-sides
being riveted to flat plates -4. When the generators are arranged back to back the
longitudinal partition level with the top of the brickwork is dispensed with a partition
being, provided solely at the part opposite to the group of tubes and being fixed to the
transverse partitions and resting on the fire bricks between the two furnaces. This
partition is not double being composed of plates with the opposite edges bent in
different directions arranged alternately and riveted-to-flat plates or bands. In all
cases the partitions Care-riveted at their lower part to the supports at the back of
the elements.
The flat plates 4 figure-10 to which the bent plates are riveted project into the interior
of the generator and form guides which are used in adjusting the elements. These flat
plates which engage with the boxes or-connections at the back with a suitable
freedom of motion prevent the elements- from being jerked out of place by violent
rolling or pitching of the vessel.
The combination of the construction of the partitions Cwith bent sheets-enables
these partitions to absorb all the expansion to which they are liable without straining
the joints or distorting the sheets. The extensions-Cfigure 9-are extreme or outer
panels on the right and left of the group, these, panels are constructed like the corre-
sponding parts in height of the lower part-A-of-the part-C of the back, partitions and
the transverse partitions C. C₂ figure 9 are sheets' bent at right angles, placed behind
the, purifiers and closing the upper part of the front of the tube box. These sheets' C
are bolted to the front frames and to the U-irons of the upper part of the frames of
the doors of the tube boxes. D-are the covers of the generators, placed above and at a
certain distances from the groups of tubes in-order-to form smoke passages or flues
for those groups which are not situated directly underneath the chimney or funnel.
These covers are constructed with plates bent in the form of U with triangular or
wedge shaped pieces a (figure-7) interposed at the raised or turned-up part and joints
with asbestos packing as represented in figure 7. and hereinafter explained with
reference to that figure. The U-shape enables the sheets to be stretched or elongated
and to contract according to the expansion and contraction of the other parts of the -
casings and in particular when accidental explosions of gas occur in the flues. The
covers are fixed on the longitudinal partitions at the back on the tops of the extreme
or outer parts of the transverse partitions and on the part of the, plates bent at right
angles situated behind the purifiers. figure 8 are flues arranged in the transverse
partitions for the generators at the ends or two outside generators.
D' is a frame for the reception of the base of the chimney or funnel. All the joints
of the sheets without exception from above the fire bars are made air tight this being

page_text: essential for the prevention of the entry of air which greatly interferes with the
draught especially when the generator is working with a forced draught. This tight-
ness of the joints is obtained in the riveted as well as in the bolted joints by
interposing between the sheets a double line of asbestos cord of a thickness suitably
proportional to the thickness of the sheets. These cords are arranged one on each
side of the line of rivets in the process of construction or on each side of the line
of bolts in the process of erection for example. The tight joints of the covers are
hereinafter described with reference to figure 7 of the drawings.
Second part: Ash pits, furnaces, brickwork, and tube boxes.
E, figures 8 and 9, is the ash pit and ash pit doors. is the front of the furnace
and stocking doors. The details of construction of this front and its doors are herein-
after described with reference to figures 1. 2 and 3 of the drawings. G is the grate
which is preferably composed of-knife shaped fire bars of waved or undulating form
and coupled together on the Belleville principle. G₁ is the brickwork built up with
fire bricks surrounding the furnaces. His a special arrangement of a mixer for gases
worked by steam or compressed air and serving to stir up the gaseous products of
combustion in the furnace chamber. K is a space enclosed between the longitudinal
partitions C figure 10 the transverse partitions C and the fronts and which constitutes
the interior of the tube box.
kare the tube box doors hereinafter more fully described as regards the construction
(whereby an air tight closure is obtained) with reference to figures 4, 5 and 6 of
the accompanying drawings.
Third part: Generating or evaporating elements and means for obtaining circulation
of the water.
L figures 8 and 9 is the feed collector pipe for the generating elements. This
collector has its two extremities supported in such a manner as to be capable of
expanding and contracting freely in the direction of its length. It is maintained in
its normal position by strong springs 5, figure 8 which act upon its two extremities.
M. M' are the double removeable elements or steam generating tubes. The group of
tubes in each generator is composed of a right hand series of tubes or elements M
in which the circulation of water and steam takes place from tube to tube in
ascending and turning in the direction of a right handed screw thread, and of a
left hand series of tubes or elements M' in which the circulation proceeds in the
direction of a left handed screw thread.
The combination of right and left handed elements enables the length of the
purifying collector to be reduced and the two sides of each transverse partition C
separating two generators placed side by side to be made symmetrical thereby
simplifying the construction of these partitions and at the same time increasing the
strength of the brickwork between the fire placés.
The elements are supported in front by the feed collector L and at the back by
brackets 6 riveted to the base of each section of the longitudinal partition C. Rollers
which facilitate the longitudinal displacement of these elements in their varying
expansion are interposed between each element and its support.
The feed collector L carries conical rings on which the lower boxes or unions m m
are fitted. A turned steel ring is interposed in each joint which is afterwards tightened
by one or two bolts m, m₁².
Junction boxes or unions at the front and rear ends of the elements are arranged
as follows: The front unions are provided on the right hand of each tube with holes
for cleaning out the interior of the tubes. These holes are closed by an iron plug.
secured by a steel T bolt. The front unions are arranged to leave between them
sufficient play for the introduction of the tools required for cleaning the exterior of
the tubes. m² m', figure 8 are elbow pieces for the escape of steam from the elements
and connecting the latter with the purifying collector M, M₁ figure 9 are iron
generating tubes whose diameter and length is regulated according to the power of
the generator. The tubes are screwed to the unions m¹ m m₁ m, and the joints are
made secure by rings and sleeves or sockets 8. fig. 9.
The tubes are inclined in opposite directions ascending towards the front and back

page_text: -
1
1
alternately so that they form an ascending serpentine or zigzag which facilitates the
escape of the steam. The elements thus constituted composed of the inclined tubes
the unions or connecting pieces of these tubes and the discharge or elbow pieces m, m2'
are supported at their two extremities only at m or m' and at me or my being
sustained by the back bearer or bracket 6. The whole combination constitutes a
spring all the parts of which are capable of expanding and contracting freely under
the influence of changes of temperature. 7 are removeable partitions or baffles placed
in the elements and between the elements and upper obturators above the tubes being
so arranged that in ascending towards the chimney the hot gases are brought into
contact with all the tubes in succession.
N is a purifying and separating apparatus for the feed water and steam. Each
element delivers its steam into this apparatus where the steam is dried as hereinafter
explained. The separator N also receives the fresh feed water which is brought into
contact with the steam in order, (by the rapid or instantaneous heating of this water)
to cause the calcareous salts which it contains to be precipitated in a pulverulent
condition. The construction and action of this separator are hereinafter fully
described with reference to Figures 1 2 and 34. Figures S and 9 are pipes
and connections for the return of water from the separator to the depositing vessel P
in which the calcareous deposits or salts separated or precipitated in the separating
and purifying apparatus N are collected. This vessel is hereinafter described in detail
with reference to Figures 5* 6 and 7^.
Fourth part Automatic feed apparatus and accessories. Q Figures 8 and 9 is
an automatic column or water level regulator continually regulating the quantity of
water supplied to the generator according to the activity of the combustion. This
-column is provided with connecting pipes communicating with the upper and lower
part of the generator and is also provided with a gauge glass and gauge cocks. Its
construction and action are hereinafter fully explained with reference to Figure 4.
Figures 8 and 9 is a pipe and regulating cock with a scale placing the feed
regulator and column Q in communication with the main feed pipe and with the
purifying separator N. q' is a pipe and cock for direct feed connected to the top of
the pipe P in order to accelerate the circulation of water in the elements as herein-
after explained when extra steam is required and in particular when a forced draught
is employed. R is an attachment taking steam from the separating apparatus N.
stop valves in the steam pipes and steam or safety.valves.
Figures 1 2 and 3^ illustrate on a larger scale the purifying and separating
apparatus N employed in combination with the improved construction of boiler and
in which the steam is dried and the feed water purified.
.
Figure 1 illustrates the collecting and purifying apparatus in longitudinal section
the section being taken on the line X X X X X X Figure 2.
Figure 2 represents the apparatus in transverse section taken on the line y y
Figure 1 and Figure 3A is a section on the line Z Z Z Figure 2^.
The apparatus is constructed with a cylindrical body or case A provided with tubes
or pipes a supplying the apparatus with steam mixed with water. The ends of the
cylindrical case A are closed by plates or covers a' one of which is connected to a
tube & communicating with a bent tube or elbow B forming a return pipe through
which the water is discharged from the apparatus. The case A is divided internally
into several compartiments. The first compartment C for drying the steam is open
at its extremities facing the ends of the case. The steam is caused to pass through
a partitioned passage D from the compartment C to a second compartment. E open
at its extremities. This partitioned passage is closed at its two extremities except at
a small portion of the lower part. I is a third compartment for drying the steam.
This compartment is closed at its extremities; it communicates with the other
compartments solely through an orifice G of triangular form provided with a lip or
ledge of angle iron. Being formed in the upper part of the partition it connects the
third compartment F with the second drying compartment E. The triangular form
of the orifice G regulates the flow of steam from the compartment E and the lip or
ledge moulds or forms the jet of steam entering the compartment F. B' Figure 2A

page_text: is a small pipe for the return of a certain small quantity of water and L is a passage
partitioned off in the third compartment F at the centre of which the connection with
the steam pipe is made by means of a flange or ring L'. K Figures 1 and 3 is an
injector for the feed water. The partition herein before referred to is provided
with an extension h, which prevents the feed water from entering the compartment E.
mmm are hand holes closed with tight fitting plugs or covers for cleaning our the
interior of the apparatus.
In order to dry the steam, the steam mixed with water being supplied by the
pipes a is projected against the curved partition of the compartment C and is thereby
deflected and spread out. At the gutters d' the first separation of water from the
steam takes place, the water flows along the sides or surfaces e and d and down the
gutters d' which direct it to the bottom of the apparatus.
The steam passes
through the notches or recessed part of the gutters and ascends in the partitioned
passage D.
In this partitioned passage D the steam follows the inclined partition e, the water is
collected by the gutters e¹ e Hows away over the partition d and returns to the
lower part of the purifier. The steam passes through the notches or recesses which
separate the gutters eel and ascends in the interior of the partitioned passage D.
A screen 1 Figure 2 deflects the steam away from the lower part of the partition
along which the particles of water are able to flow away without being carried on by
the steam which afterwards passes into the upper part of the passage D and
suddenly changing its course enters the second drying compartment. E. In travelling
through the passage D the direction of the steam changes several times the steam is
also subjected to centrifugal action, the particles of, water which it holds are
separated and flowing along the partitions return to the lower part of the.
apparatus.
As it enters the second compartment E the steam follows in the first place the
curves of the partition and then changes its direction to the extent of about 180
degrees so as to How in the direction of the orifice G. Whilst the steam is thus
caused to change its direction the particles of water continue their movement in a
straight line and are projected against the partition or even against the partition
down which they flow. The screen 2 at the edge of the orifice G prevents the
particles of water from being shaken up into the current of steam.
As it enters the compartment the compact jet of steam delivered from the
orifice G is broken up against the inclined surface of the partition forming one
side of the passage and the particles of water retained by their adherence to this
surface fall down to the bottom of the compartment F. The current of steam after-
wards changes its direction to the extent of 90 degrees on each side and then to the
extent of 180 degrees so as to enter into the passage Land the last particles of water
still remaining in the steam are projected against the ends h¹¹ of the compartment F
and trickle down these ends. The baffles 3 and 4 prevent any carrying over of the
particles adhering to the surfaces. The water separated in the last compartment F is
conducted to the settling chamber by the small pipe B¹.
The purification of the feed water is effected as follows. The fresh feed water is
projected obliquely in the angle formed by the side of the purifier and the end h¹ of
the compartment F. The extension, of the plate d prevents the water from
splashing over into the compartment E. The water falls back into the lower part of
the purifier and travels from one end of the latter to the other in order, to reach the
discharge orifice b.
The continuous current of steam mixed with water which escapes through the
pipes a raises and carries on the feed water flowing in the lower part of the purifier.
This water is thrown against the partitions c and d which it follows and overflows at
the side of the purifier. At the same time the current of steam forcibly agitates the
water which passes in succession over each pipe a being repeatedly lifted and agitated
by the currents proceeding therefrom until it reaches the farther end of the.
apparatus.
The heating of the fresh feed water is thus effectually performed the water

page_text: acquiring the same temperature as the steam whereby the precipitation, of the
calcareous salts is brought about provided of course that the steam is off the proper
temperature or not less than about. 160 degrees Centigrade. By these means the
formation of adhesive deposits in the evaporating tubes is avoided.
The direct injection of a portion of the feed water is obtained as next hereinafter
described:
O, Figure 1, is an arrangement for direct feed attached to: the flange of the hand:
hole of the elbow B: Pisa return pipe connecting the elbow B with the settling
chamber for the calcareous deposits. g. is the nozzle for direct feed delivering a jet of
water in the direction of: the axis. of the return pipe P. is a pipe for supplying i
the feed water directly being a branch from the general collector of the feed and being.
provided with a suitable stop cock:
When working with combustion forced by the aid of an artificial draught controlled
by a valve or other regulator the direct feed injector is opened which, has the
effect of introducing into the return pipe, under a pressure considerably greater than
that of the steam and consequently with great speed, a supplementary quantity, of
feed water. The automatic feed water apparatus attached to each boiler acts, without.
intermission and continues to regulate the height or level of the water:
The clean or compact jet of water delivered. by the direct feed O. forces its way
into the body of water in the return pipe. P and transmits a portion of its impetus
to this water. Hence results a thrust which augments the rapidity with which the
return water flows into the feed collector and into the tubes or elements of the boiler.
(in the case of a Belleville generator for example). The circulation, of the water:
in these elements is consequently accelerated and the surfaces exposed to the direct
action of the furnace are preserved from burning. Moreover the evaporating capacity.
of the generator is increased by this same acceleration of the circulation.
Figure 4 illustrates in vertical section the automatic feed regulator hereinbefore
referred to which forms part of the improved construction, of generator. A is a
casing forming the body of the regulator and attached to the plates of the generator.
by alug 1 and a flange or projection 2. This casing is connected with a hollow
head a and with an extension d' at the bottom. 3 and 4 are connections and
communicating pipes between the column and the generator. B is a gauge glass,
with its fittings and adjusting nuts. are the gauge cocks. C is a passage controlled.
by a cock and automatic feed valve and. 5 is a pipe supplying water to this cock, or
valve. 6 is a pipe through which water flows from the said valve. c is a regulating
valve connected to a rod d and d is a non return valve. D is an external lever
which works or controls. the regulating valve e to which it is connected by the.
rod d and a double or forked link 7. This lever oscillates on knife edges carried by a
support 8. E is a counterweight suspended at one extremity of the lever D and,
composed of a number of leaden dises e' combined with a compressed spring e.
F is an internal lever oscillating on knife edges at. 9 and acting on the lever D
through a roller 10, a packed rod and a link 11. Gis.a float suspended from the
extremity of the lever F by a rod g. His a manometer.
This automatic feed regulator operates as follows:-The weight of the float G₁ is
balanced in part by the water. which it displaces in the column or case. A and in
part by theraction of the counterweight E. Every change in the level of the water,
in the boiler is felt in the column and changes the position in which the float Gis
in equilibrium. The ascending and descending movements of. this float are trans-
mitted through the lever F to the external lever D and thence to the regulating.
valve.e which opens the passage gradually when the level of water in the generator
lowers and closes it in like manner when the level rises. The mean level of the,water
in the column and consequently that in the generator is regulated by adjusting the
counterweight at: E. This level can be made higher by diminishing, the number of
washers or discs in the counterweight and on the contrary. by increasing the weight
the level can be lowered.
Figures 5ª, 6 and 7ª illustrate the settling vessel for the calcareous deposits and
the retaining or non return valve.

page_text: Figure 5 shows the apparatus in vertical section on the line X-X Figure 6ª
which represents a vertical section on the line Y-Y Figure 5. Figure 7 represents
the apparatus in horizontal section taken on the line Z-Z Figure 6^.
A is the depositing or settling vessel for the calcareous deposits connected with an
upper chamber B communicating with a return pipe C connecting the vessel with
the purifying collector and consequently with the feed collector and the elements.
Figure 5 is an auxiliary return pipe connecting the depositing vessel with the
D is a non
last compartment of the steam separator as hereinbefore described.
return valve. This valve is suspended loosely from a pin or hinge 1 and tends to open
by the action of its weight.
Employed in combination with marine generators the valve D prevents the water
from rising from the base of the elements to the purifier through the return pipe C
when depression or exhaust is produced in the purifier owing to the disturbance
caused by excessive rolling of the vessel and which would otherwise momentarily
delay the delivery or arrival of steam in the purifier by a sudden rush of water in a
direction opposed to that of its normal circulation in the elements. E is a screen or
partition which causes the water to first descend in the depositing vessel and afterwards
to ascend before passing to the feed collector through the bent tube F Figure 7^.
In consequence of this movement of the water the calcareous matter in suspension
continuing their descending motion owing to their greater density are deposited at
the bottom of the vessel A. A portion of the feed collector is shewn at G Figure 7*
being connected to the vessel A by the bent tube F as hereinbefore described. His
a blow off or purging cock. By means of a graduated plate the opening of this
cock can be regulated so as to enable it to act continuously. k is a cock for drawing
off water into the salinometer.
Figures 11, 12 and 13 illustrate a stationary steam generator constructed according
to this invention.
Figure 11 represents a front elevation partly in section on the line X-X
Figure 13.
Figure 12 is a side elevation likewise partly in section on the line Y-Y Figure 13
and Figure 13 is a plan partly in horizontal section on the line Z-Z Figure 11.
A are front frames constructed with angle irons and sheets bent to an S shape.
These frames are connected and supported at several different levels as indicated in
the drawing. a are longitudinal pieces composed of angle iron for the bottom and
middle part and flat plates attached to angle irons forming a girder for the upper
part on which the cover is attached. a' is a back frame carrying the supports and
guides for the elements and the damper or register. The longitudinal beams or girders a
connect the back frame a' with the front frame A and the combination forms a shell or
framework for the brickwork enclosing the furnace the ashpit and the group of tubes on
three sides. a is a plate bent at right angles and placed under the purifier N. This
plate is attached to a recessed part of the girders a provided for the reception of the
separator and purifier N. B is the furnace front and doors the details of the con-
struction of which are hereinafter described with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3.
C(Figure 13) are the doors of the tube boxes which are constructed in a similar
manner to those in the marine boilers or generators herein before referred to. The
construction of these doors and the mode of closing the same when required is herein-
after explained with reference to Figures 4, 5, and 6 of the drawings. Dis the ashpit
and ashpit doors and E is the furnace and fire bars with the dead plate and back
bearer of the said bars.
F is a tube box and sinoke box situated above the element. Gis a cover constructed
with U shaped plates and provided at the centre with a Tiron forming a stiffening
web. This cover is made with tight fitting joints and is bolted to the longitudinal
girders u. His an automatic regulator controlling the draught register or damper
and valve. This regulator is composed of an elastic medium such as a Belleville
A central
spring disc enclosed in a case and exposed to the pressure in the boiler.
rod fixed to the lower disc ascends or descends with the changes in the pressure and moves
B

page_text: the register or damper accordingly. L is the feed collector and M steam generating tubes
arranged as herein before described with reference to figures 8, 9 and 10. N is a
purifying collector and separator for the feed water and steam constructed and
operating as described with reference to figures 1 2 and 3. O is the return pipe
and depositing vessel for the calcareous deposits as described with reference to
figures 54 6 and 7. P is an automatic feed regulator with its mechanical parts and
pipes connecting it with the generator as described with reference to figure 4. Qis
the steam or air mixing device for the gases and R is a drying or super heating
apparatus composed of a number of tubes arranged in the form of a serpentine or
a zigzag in which the steam is caused to pass as it issues from the purifying
collector or separater.
This steam drying or superheating apparatus is placed transversely above the
current of hot gases proceeding to the chimney being supported at each side by the
longitudinal beams or girders a.
All the accessory parts of the fixed generators are substantially the same as in
the marine boilers or generators. The metal casing of the marine boilers is replaced
in the construction of the fixed generators by the longitudinal girders or beams a,
the back frame a' and the brickwork interlocked with these frames and with the
front frame A.
The fixed generators are provided with the steam drying or super heating
tubes and an automatic draught regulator H which are not employed with the
marine boilers.
The arrangement of the front frames A constructed with sheets bent in a double
curve or S-shape and suitably reinforced at different points in their height imparts
to these frames great strength which enables them to resist without yielding the
thrusts resulting from the tendency of the brickwork and elements to expand.
The reentering form of the external angles of these front frames affords them a
firm bearing and facilitates the placing of the return water pipes the depositing vessel
and the water level tube or column.
As
In the case of the fixed generators as with the marine generators the arrangement
of the covers constructed with U plates enables the said covers to readily absorb
the varying strains of expansion to which they are exposed. By these means great
strength, absence of distortion and consequently long endurance are secured.
hereinbefore explained with reference to the marine boilers tight joints in the covers
either between their constituent parts or at their meeting with the vertical frames is
olitained by the interposition between each joint (rivetted or bolted) of a double cord
of asbestus.
The construction of the front of the furnace and its doors herein before referred
to is illustrated in figures 1, 2 and 3. Figure 1 is a front elevation, figure 2 represents
the parts in section on the line X X figure 1 and figure 3 shows a horizontal section
on the line Y-Y figure 1. A is the furnace front generally and the sheet iron
work. The internal part of C is constituted by sections of bent sheets connected with
sufficient play (figure 3) to allow space for expansion between the sections-The
external part e being constructed in a similar manner is employed chiefly for the
purpose of dispersing the heat absorbed by the internal part. D D are the furnace
doors.
The internal linings d d figure 3 composed of a number of sections are traversed
by an ascending current of air which comes in contact with the internal webs the
sum of the area of whose surfaces is equal to three or four times the area of the surface
of the linings exposed to the radiation from the furnace-In consequence of this novel
arrangement the temperature of these linings is never sufficiently elevated to injure
them. is an external screen for the furnace door constructed with several sections
of sheets bent to a U shape. The peculiar arrangement of the fastening is represented
at 1 being compact easy to work and certain in its action.
Figures 4, 5 and 6 relates to the construction of the doors of the tube boxes.
Figure 4 is a vertical section on the line X X figure 5 which is a horizontal

page_text: section on the line Y-Y figure 4. Figure 6 illustrates the mode of closing and
preventing leakage round the edges of the door. In these figures A is the tube box
door constructed with sheets bent in U form which ensures the flexibility necessary
to enable them to fit closely against the framies. This also enables the door to be
subjected without permanent distortion to the action of the variations of temperature
to which it is liable. a is an external covering of sheets bent to U shape and a
is a similarly constructed internal lining. These U shaped covering and lining sheets
are interlocked or break joint with those composing the door itself as indicated in
the drawing. The mode of closing whereby the edges of the door are caused to
make an air tight joint with the frame is illustrated in figures 5 and 6. In grooves
or recesses formed by bent plates there are inserted cords of asbestus which are
slightly compressed by the door of the tube box in closing so as to make an air tight.
joint.
A are
Figure 7 is a front view partly in section illustrating the mode of attaining an air
tight joint at the angles of the generator covers herein before referred to.
the Ushaped sheets which form the covers. a are triangular filling pieces retained
in position by pins or keys 1. These pieces close the opening between the rounded
parts of the sheets of the covers. A tight joint is obtained by interposing on the side
surface and under the lower surface of these filling pieces as well as under the flat
parts of the sheets a double line of asbestus cord as hereinhefore described with
reference to the other joints.
No special claim is here made to the purifying apparatus illustrated in figures 1^2^
and 34 which forms the object of a separate application for a patent dated 20th
September 1889 No. 14872 nor to the feed regulator herein before described apart
from the general combination forming part of the present improvements in or connected
with the construction and arrangement of steam generators.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said Inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is
-
1. The improved arrangement of the two lower boxes unions or connections of
each element substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in figures 8 and 9
of the accompanying drawings.
2. The arrangements of the metal casings of the generators for marine purposes
and of the fixed generators substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to
figures 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 of the accompanying drawings.
3. The arrangements of the covers of the generators for marine purposes and of
the fixed generators substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to
figures 8 to 13 and figure 7 of the accompanying drawings.
4. The arrangement for making a tight joint with or in the covers substantially
as hereinbefore described with reference to figure 7 of the accompanying drawings.
5. The arrangements of the dead plates of the furnaces and of the furnace doors
and their linings substantially as herein before described with reference to figures 1, 2,
3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 of the accompanying drawings.
6. The arrangements of the tube box doors substantially as hereinbefore described
with reference to figures 4, 5, 6 and 8 to 13 of the accompanying drawings.
7. The arrangement of the means for closing or preventing leakage around the
doors of the tube boxes substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to
figures 5 and 6 of the accompanying drawings.
8. The combination of the arrangements of the purifying collector for steam and
feed water with the improved combination and construction of steam generators
substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
9. The improved automatic feel regulator combined with. the generator and con-
structed and arranged substantially as herein before described with reference to the
accompanying drawings.

page_text: 10. The combinations and arrangements of parts constituting the improvements
in and connected with steam generators substantially as hereinbefore described and
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 30th day of September 1889.
J. H. JOHNSON & Co.,
Agents.