Locomotive and other Boilers.
Year: 1886

page_text: Locomotive and other Boilers.
I, HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co, Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, 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 feed-water heaters, specially adapted for locomotives,
and in which the exhaust steam is employed as the medium for heating the feed-
water, the object being a simple and effective heater adapted to be applied to a
locomotive under the boiler; and it consists in the construction as hereinafter
described.
In the accompanying drawing
Figure 1 represents a perspective view of the heater, showing the trap as
suspended therefrom.
Figure 2 is a longitudinal central section of the heater showing side view of the
tubes, manifolds and air chamber.
Figure 3 is a top view in partial section showing the lower series of tubes with
the manifolds inside the chamber.
Figure 3 is an end view of the inlet, the head being removed to show the
manifolds and air chamber.
Figure 4 is a vertical central section through the air inlet valve, full size.
Figures 5, 6 and 7 show a modification in the construction of the manifolds,
whereby they are formed in the head of the casing.
A represents the case, which forms the heater chamber; it is provided with a
head B at one end, and a like head C at the opposite end, so that the case forms a
close chamber. At one end, say B, two inlets D, E are made to receive the
exhaust steam as it comes from the respective cylinders, so that the steam is freely
admitted into the heater chamber,

page_text: Near the opposite end of the heating chamber, a water receiving chamber F is
arranged, horizontally across the chamber, and upon its lower side, into this
chamber F the cold water is forced, through a passage G. I is an air chamber, in
connection with the chamber F by a passage H preferably arranged above the
chamber F as shown, and for the usual purpose for which an air-chamber is
employed.
From the chamber F, which may be properly called a manifold, several tubes J,
here represented as five, lead; these tubes are arranged in a horizontal plane, and
extend toward the opposite end. To the end of each of these tubes a return
bend K is attached, and to each bend a similar tube L is attached by one end,
and extends toward the opposite end of the chamber, parallel with the tubes J.
At that opposite end the tubes enter each a second return bend M, from which a
tube N leads back toward the other end of the chamber parallel with the tubes L,
and at that end the said tubes N enter each a bend O, from which another tube P
returns to the first end of the chamber, the several tubes P of the last series
entering a second manifold R, from which an outlet S leads to the boiler, so that
the exhaust steam entering the chamber imparts heat to the tubes, water is forced
through the manifold F, distributed to the several tubes J of the first series,
thence through the bends K to the second series L, thence through the bends M
to the third series N, thence through the bends O to the last series P; thence to
the manifold R, where the several currents join, and thence through the tube S
to the boiler, all the tubes of the several series being exposed to the exhaust steam
in the chamber, the water becomes heated to a very high degree in its circuitous
passage from one manifold F, where it enters, to the other manifold R from whence
it passes to the boiler.
The first manifold distributes the water from the single entrance G to the several
tubes of the series, the current through each tube continues through the bends and
corresponding tubes, the several currents being united in the manifold R.
The manifolds and the bends are provided with plugs a upon their outside, and
opposite the entrance of the tubes, by which access may be had to the manifolds
and bends, and to the ends of the tubes without removing the tubes themselves.
The water of condensation passes off through an escape passage T.
The tubes are supported in the chamber by lugs or ribs b on the head B, which
stands between the heads of the plugs a, a in the bends; at the other end the
manifolds are well supported by the tubes which pass through the head. The
bends M are supported by a flange or lugs d on the air chamber, adapted to stand
between the heads a of the plugs at that end.
The force necessarily exerted by the pump in driving the water through the
heater of a locomotive boiler, or boiler of very high pressure, is so great that the
volume of air contained in the air chamber is so reduced that the cushion is too
small to be effective.
22
To obviate this difficulty and replenish the air-chamber, advantage is taken of
the reaction of the column of water at each stroke of the pump, for under such a
high pressure as is necessary from the pump to force water through the heater to
the boiler as the plunger commences its return stroke, the reaction will produce
vacuum between the heater and the pump. In order that this vacuum may
permit air to flow into the tubes back of the air-chamber, a valve is introduced at
the inlet tube, opening inward into the tube. This valve is shown in full size
Figure 4, and consists of a plug e in which is the valvė chamber f; in this valve
chamber there stands a free puppet-valve h, resting upon a seat, and preferably
from the valve chamber a tube i turns inward toward the flow of water, the arrow
Figure 4 indicating the direction of flow into the heater tubes. The pressure of
the water within the tubes is upon the valve, the valve chamber opening to the
atmosphere below the valve; whenever then a vacuum occurs under the reaction
of the column of water, the valve h will rise from its seat and permit a bubble of
air to enter the water passage, from whence it will follow into the manifold F, and

page_text: thence to the air chamber opening therefrom, the valve immediately closing, and
thus by a bubble of air at each stroke of the pump the air chamber will be
constantly replenished and maintained.
It is desirable that a pet-cock shall be applied at some point, to allow the
water to be drawn out in frosty weather. The same valve h may be utilized for
this purpose, by applying a device by which the valve may be mechanically raised.
This is best done by a transverse shaft /, introduced below the shaft through a
cap m applied to the bottom of the plug, the said shaft carrying a cam n below
the valve, and provided outside the casing with a suitable handle r, so that the
cam may be turned and raise the valve to open the passage that water may flow
through the valve and outward and thus the valve serves the double purpose of
an air inlet and a pet-cock.
Were the exhaust steam to escape directly from the chamber after having
circulated therein, it would create a cloud about the engine, not only inconvenient
at all times to the engineer, but in cold weather the escaping steam will condense
upon the machinery, and interfere materially with its working. Again, if so
escaping freely, it will not develop in the chamber its full heating power. To
avoid this free escape of the steam, and overcome the difficulties before mentioned,
a steam trap T is hung directly beneath the heater, to which the steam must enter,
and there condensed will escape only as it condenses, and thus will not only avoid
the escaping steam and the difficulties above mentioned, but will also hold the
steam in the chamber until it has developed its full heating capacity.
From
This trap consists of the casing 2 into which the water of condensation may
flow through the passage T at the top, and from the bottom of the trap is an
escape or outlet passage 3. Within the trap is arranged a series of levers, the
first 4 has a bearing at one end of the trap as at 5, and extending longitudinally
toward the other end, is connected to the shorter arm of a vertical lever 6.
the longer arm of the said lever 6 a rod 7, parallel with the rod 4 extends, toward
the fixed end of the chamber, where it is attached to the shorter arm of a vertical
lever 8, and from the longer arın of the vertical lever 8 a third rod 9 extends
toward the opposite end of the cylinder, and is hung to the shorter arm of a third
vertical lever 10, and from the longer arm of the said lever 10 a fourth roll 11
extends toward the outlet opening, and is there connected to a slide valve 12, which
is adapted to work over the outlet opening. Normally the arrangement of the rods
is such that the valve stands open to some extent, that is, uncovers the outlet
passage, but as the exhaust steam is admitted to the heater it flows directly into
the trap, and by its heat expands the several parallel rods, and through their
respective levers imparts a sliding movement to the valve, sufficient to cover and
close the outlet, thus holding the steam within the heater; that it may fully
exhaust itself upon the water tubes within, the steam being condensed in the
heater, the water of condensation flows into the trap, and because of the reduced
temperature, below that of the steam, will cause the rods in the heater to contract,
thereby returning or opening the valve to permit the water to escape. When the
water of condensation has so escaped, steam again enters, reexpands the rods, and
closes the valve, where it will remain until such time as the water of condensation
again accumulates. This arrangement of the slide valve, is much more effective
than a lifting valve, and less liable to derangement by obstructions.
The position of the valve is adjusted by means of a set screw 13 through the
end of the chamber against the abutting end of the first rod 4, so that, by turning
the screw inward, the valve will be moved toward the closing position, or by
moving it back will permit the valve to open to a greater extent.
Because of combining a trap with the heater it is desirable to prevent the
reaction of the exhaust steam upon the piston in the cylinder; to this end
I introduce a check valve 14 in the exhaust inlet pipes, as seen in Figure 2 which
while it will freely admit the exhaust steam, will check against any reaction or
return of such steam, however such reaction or return may be induced. At the
begining of each exhaust the tension is considerable, and the heat of the steam is

page_text: considerably above the two hundred and twelve degrees which it falls to as soon as
it escapes from confinement. This combination of check and trap holds this high
temperature steam between the check valve of the inlet pipe, and the trap, until
this heat is taken up by the water in the pipes, instead of allowing it to become
latent by the free expansion of the steam. The trap, combined with the heater
and check valve, therefore serves to retain the exhaust steam in the heater, to effect
the greatest possible result in the heater, and avoid the difficulties which would
exist under the free escape of steam.
While the construction of steam trap described is probably the best for this
purpose, the invention is not to be understood as limited to this particular
construction of trap, further than as hereinafter specified in the claims.
In describing the heater it has been assumed that the water is forced through
the system of tubes in the chamber, and the exhaust admitted into the chamber
to heat the tubes, but this order may be reversed, the steam being taken into the
system of pipes, and the water forced through the chamber. In such arrangement
in order to make a circuitous passage for the water, one or more partitions should
be arranged longitudinally in the chamber, and extending horizontally across it
from one end toward and nearly to the opposite end of the chamber, and so that
water passing below one partition will flow up above the partition, and then flow
toward the opposite and above another partition, and so on, thus making a
circuitous passage for the water, in such case the steam trap will be applied to the
system of tubing.
In some classes of heaters, and particularly when the water is circulated through
the chamber instead of through the tubing, it may be desirable to arrange the
manifolds or connections between one series of tubes and the next, outside the
chamber, this is best done as illustrated in figures 5, 6, and 7, in which 15, repre-
sents the first series of tubes, and 16 the second, each tube of the series being
connected to the next above by a common bend, as indicated in figure 6. Other
similar series 15 and 16 are arranged above the first, three such series being
represented in figure 6.
At one end the chamber is closed by a tube-sheet 17, into which the several
series of tubes are fixed, as seen in figure 6, and so as to open through the sheet, as
seen in figure 7.
Outside the tube sheet the head 18 is applied, and upon the inside of the head
transverse chambers 19 are formed, into which the tubes 15 open; intermediate
between the transverse chambers 19 are other similar transverse chambers 20, into
which the tubes 16 open.
In the head and outside of the several chambers 19 and 20, two vertical exhaust
steam receiving chambers 21 are formed. From these chambers 21 respectively
openings 22 communicate with the transverse chambers 20; the exhaust steam
comes to the chambers 21 from the respective cylinders, through connecting
tubes 23. Vertically between the chambers 21 is a chamber 24 from which
openings 25 'communicate with the transverse chambers 19. From this vertical
chamber 24 is a drip pipe 26, through which the water of condensation may
escape. The head 18 is cast complete, the tube-sheet forming the inside wall of the
chambers, and the chambers in the head may take the place of manifolds within
the cylinder..
27 represents a partition extending horizontally and longitudinally through the
chamber from the end opposite the head between the tubes, and so as to leave a
space 28 at the end between the partition and the tube-sheet. Other like partitions
may be introduced if desired.
Under this construction the exhaust steam entering the respective chambers 21
flows immediately through the openings 22 into the transverse chainbers 20, thence
into the tubes 16, and passing through those tubes 16 is turned down, and returns
through the tubes 15 into the chamber 19 below, and condensing, the water of
condensation passes out through the openings 25 into the exit chamber 24, and
through the drip-tube 26: -- :.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondent I declare that what I claim is:—
First. The herein described feed-water-heater for locomotives, consisting of the
case A, provided with heads B C, forming a steam chamber, inlet passages DE
leading to said chamber, and adapted to communicate with the respective exhaust
passages of the locomotive, to receive the exhaust steain, combined with a manifold F,
within said chamber, having an inlet G leading thereto to receive the water, a series
of tubes J, in a horizontal plane, leading from said manifold F, each tube of said
series terminating at the opposite end of the chamber in return bend K, a second
like series of tubes L, each leading from one of the said return bends K, and sub-
stantially parallel with the first series J, said tubes L each terminating in a return
bend M, a third like series of tubes N leading from said return bends M toward the
opposite end of the cylinder, and substantially parallel with the series L, the said
tubes N each terminating in a return bend O, a fourth series of tubes P leading
from the said return bends O to a second manifold R, an exit S from said manifold R,
and an air chamber I in connection with the first, or entrance manifold F, and
within the chamber, substantially as described.
Second. The combination of the case A, its two heads B C closing the ends of the
case, and forming a steam chamber, inlets D E to said chamber, adapted to receive
the exhaust steam from the respective exhaust passages, the two manifolds F R,
arranged within said chamber, the manifold F provided with an inlet G to receive
water, and the manifold R with an exit S through which the water escapes, an air
chamber I in connection with said manifold F, four parallel horizontal series of
tubes, the first leading from the manifold F to return bends into the second series,
and the second series through return bends into the third series, and the third
series through return bends into the fourth series, and the fourth series into the
second manifold R, lugs bb on the one head B, arranged to act between corre-
sponding projections a on the return bends at that end, the air chamber constructed
with like lugs d adapted to rest between projections a a on the return bends of the
central series at that end, substantially as described.
Third. In a steam heater consisting of a chamber adapted to receive steam as a
heating medium, a series of water conducting tubes within said chamber, with an
inlet and an outlet therefrom for the supply and discharge of water, an air chamber
in connection with the inlet passage and a valve arranged in said inlet passage, and
between the pump and said air chamber, opening inward from the atmosphere
outside, and so as to admit air into said passage, substantially as describedl.
Fourth. In a steam heater consisting of a chamber adapted to receive steam as
a heating medium, a series of water conducting tubes within said chamber, with an
inlet and an outlet therefrom for the supply and discharge of water, an air chamber
in connection with the inlet passage, and a valve arranged in said inlet passage,
between the pump and said air chamber, and opening inward from the atmosphere
outside, and so as to admit air into said passage, with a device substantially such
as described to mechanically open said valve, and thereby open a passage from the
inlet passage to the atmosphere, substantially as described.
Fifth. In a feed water heater the combination of the head 18, and the tube sheet
through which the series of tubes open, the said head constructed with transverse
chambers 19 and 20, from one of which by series of tubes through the heater
chamber communication is made with the other chamber, distributing chambers 21,
with openings therefrom into said chambers 20, and an exit chamber 24 with
openings 25 therefrom from the said chambers 19, substantially as described.
Sixth. A feed-water-heater, adapted to be arranged beneath a locomotive boiler,
combined with a steam trap, attached to and suspended directly from the heater,
substantially as described.
Seventh. A feed-water-heater adapted to be arranged beneath a locomotive, said
heater consisting of a chamber having openings thereto leaving from the respective

page_text: exhaust passages of the locomotive, combined with series of tubes within said
chamber, arranged to receive water and conduct it in a circuitous passage through
said chamber to the exit, with a steam trap below said chamber and opening
therefrom, substantially as described.
Eighth. The herein described steam trap, consisting of the casing 2, having an
inlet opening T, and an outlet opening 3, a slide valve arranged within the casing,
and so as to be moved over said outlet to open or close the same, a series of
expansion rods arranged within the casing, the first of the series taking a fixed
bearing or abutment in the casing, the said first rod connected to the second by a
lever, and the second to the third, and so on, the last of the series connected to
the said slide valve, substantially as described, and whereby the expansion and
contraction of the said rods will impart a sliding movement to the said valve.
Ninth. A feed-water heater adapted to be arranged beneath a locomotive, said
heater consisting of a chamber having branch-pipes thereto leading from the
respective exhaust passages of the locomotive, combined with a series of tubes
within said chamber, arranged to receive water and conduct it in a circuitous
passage through said chamber to the exit, with a steam trap below said chamber,
and opening therefrom, and a check valve in each of the branch-pipes to the said
chamber, said valves opening toward said chamber, substantially as described.
Deted this 9th dose SM 1000