IMPROVEMENTS IN CIRCULATING DEVICES FOR STEAM BOILERS
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Morgan-Brown, of the Firm of Brandon and
Morgan-Brown, Engineers and Patent Agents, of 38, Southampton Buildings,
London, and 13, Rue Gaillon, Paris, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
CIRCULATING DEVICES FOR STEAM BOILERS." A communication from abroad
by Benjamin Seabohm Koll, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, United States of
America, Engineer.
Sealed the 13th February 1877, and dated the 23rd August 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Morgan-Brown at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 23rd August 1876.
WILLIAM MORGAN-BROWN, of the Firm of Brandon and Morgan-Brown, Engineers
and Patent Agents, of 38, Southampton Buildings, London, and 13, Rue Gaillon,
Paris "IMPROVEMENTS IN CIRCULATING DEVICES FOR STEAM BOILERS."
This Invention of improvements in circulating devices for steam boilers relates
chiefly to that class of steam boilers known as flue or cylinder boilers for generating
steam for either land or marine engines, though in some of its features it is also
applicable to what are commonly known as sectional boilers, and the nature of it
consists in the features of construction and combination of devices or apparatus
applied or arranged inside the boiler, substantially as herein-after set forth, reference
being had to the accompanying Drawings making a part of this Specification, in
which like letters indicate like parts
Figure 1 is a perspective view partly in section of a common steam boiler fitted
with these improvements.
Figure 2 is a rear end clevation of the same, showing by dotted lines the arrange-
ment of a portion of the devices inclosed therein.
Figure 3 is a detached view of the curved jointed T shaped bearings of the cir-
culation plates.
Figure 4 is a perspective view partly in section showing a portion of the improve-
ments as applied to a locomotive boiler.
The cylindrical boiler A has any known or desired arrangement of flues A¹, one
or more in number, and the usual steam driver A³." Along the bottom of the inside
of the boiler, and extending through nearly or the greater part of its length is a
vertical diaphragm & extending up about one-third the diameter of the boiler, moro
[Price 8d.

page_text: or less. On each side of this diaphragm at each end of the boiler and at interme-
liate points, if necessary, is arranged the curved jointed bearings B, Figures 1 and
3. These bearings are made of sections jointed together by a hinge or pivot pin b,
and each section is mado T shaped transversely, the head of the T facing inward.
The object of this curved jointed construction is to adapt the device for use as a
bearing in different sized boilers, the links or sections being preferably made short
for this purpose. On these bearings are arranged circulation plates a, a¹, with their
vertical parts a¹ parallel with and at a little distance from the diaphragm 8, and
the curved parts following the curvature of the shell of the boiler, and extending
up to a point a little below the water line, but preferably a little above the tops of 1
the flues A'. The spaces thus enclosed between a ands and between a and A
constitute a circulation chamber, in which the water under the action of the heat
and other causes will follow the general direction indicated by the arrows. Just
above the upper outer ends of such chambers and extending lengthwise of
the boiler is a deflecting plate d, which performs the office of deflecting the
upward flow of the water in the line of circulation away from the shell of the
boiler above the fire line on to the tops of the flues A', even when through the
negligence of the engineer or otherwise the level of the water in the boiler may be
below the tops of the flues. The water then descending passes down between the
diaphragms and the vertical plates a¹, and again passes up between the plates a
and the shell of the boiler. The plates a, a, are preferably made in sections, so
that they can be introduced through the man-hole, and applied to boilers already
built.
The bearings B may be secured to the boiler shell by angle irons or in any other
suitable way, or the plates a being bolted or otherwise secured thereto will suffice
to hold them in place. The vertical plates a¹ are however so disposed that the
bulk of the water in its downward flow will pass through the trough-shaped dead
water spaces c, Figure 2, before reentering the exterior circulation chambers described.
Saltes, silicates, sedimentary matter, &c., contained in the water will here be depo-
sited or be retained in solution as the solutions acquire a high specific gravity and
are blown out or drawn off by the pipes P, one at or near the bottom of each such
space, and for opening such blow-off the cocks Pl are provided; also, in order to
facilitate the discharge through such pipes and cocks, here is arranged at the
opposite end of the boiler a steam wash pipe e, which extends from the steam
space above the water line down to the bottom of the dead water spaces c, where
dividing into two branches e¹, e², it opens into each dead water space in the direction
the blow-off is to be effected. Then when the blow-off cocks are open the dead
water with its deposits in starting toward the opening will reduce the pressure at
the open ends of the pipes e¹ sufficiently for the steam to force its way down the
pipe e, blow out at the open ends of e¹, and facilitate or hasten the removal of the
loaded or saturated dead water in the spaces c.
One feature of this Invention is shown as applied to a locomotive boiler in
Figure 4, where A represents the boiler shell next to the fire-box. a, a, the cir-
culation plates; 8, the diaphragm already described.
In lieu of the T shaped bearings angle iron bearings may be employed, and when
the links are made short each one may be made straight instead of curved, through
they will as a whole take substantially a curved form when in place. The use of a
diaphragm s for dividing the circulatory system of a flue or cylinder boiler into two
parts, each operating independently of the other so far as relates to the rapidity of
the flow is important, where as often happens the fire on one side of the boiler is a
little hotter than on the other. The rapidity of the flow on that side will then be
increased without any material change in the circulation on the opposite side, where
such increased rapidity of flow is not needed.
Figure 5, Sheet 2, shows the application of these circulation plates and diaphragms
to the "Cornish boiler" so called The object of the circulation plates a, a, Figure 5,
Sheet 2, is the same as described in the reference to the circulation plates a, a,
Figure 1, Sheet 1. The openings or water passages o, o, are arranged at a proper

page_text: height along the sides of the shell or flue 8, 8, so as not to interfere with the current
supplying the circulation on the outer shell and to keep below the grate bars q.
Another object of the construction as shown by Figure 5, Sheet 2, is to produce
a circulation of water around the inside shell or flue 8, 8, as well as around the
interior of the outer shell. The plate d, d, is constructed of the form shown, with
a straight flange c, c, on each edge, so that it will check or turn the downward
current of water into the openings o; o; then it flows around the shell 8, 8, and
between the plates a, a, and d, d, and then is thrown outside in the direction indi-
cated by the arrows I, 1. The object of the centre plate E on the top of the shell
8, 8, is to divide the currents as they come up The diaphragm B, on which rests
the plate d, d, performs the same function relative to the lower currents.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Morgan-Brown in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 14th
February 1877.
WILLIAM MORGAN-BROWN, of the Firm of Brandon and Morgan-Brown, Engineers
and Patent Agents, of 38, Southampton Buildings, London, and 13, Rue Gaillon,
Paris. "IMPROVEMENTS IN CIRCULATING DEVICES FOR STEAM BOILERS." A com-
munication from abroad by Benjamin Seabohm Koll, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,
United States of America, Engineer.
Figure 1 is a perspective view partly in section of a common steam boiler fitted
with these improvements.
Figure 2 is a rear end elevation of the same, showing by dotted lines the arrange-
ment of a portion of the devices inclosed therein.
Figure 3 is a detached view of the curved jointed Ţ shaped bearings of the cir-
culation plates.
Figure 4 is a perspective view partly in section showing a portion of the improve.
ments as applied to a locomotive boiler.
This Invention relates chiefly to that class of steam boilers known as flue or cylinder
boilers for generating steam for either land or marine engines, though in some of its
features it is also applicable to what are commonly known as sectional boilers, and
the nature of it consists in the features of construction and combination of devices
or apparatus applied or arranged inside the boiler, substantially as herein-after set
forth and claimed.
The cylindrical boiler A has any known or desired arrangement of flues A¹, one
or more in number, and the usual steam drum A2 Along the bottom of the inside
of the boiler, and extending through nearly or the greater part of its length, is a
vertical diaphragm 8, extending up about one-third the diameter of the boiler, more
or less. On each side of this diaphragm at each end of the boiler, and at inter-
mediate points if necessary, is arranged the curved jointed bearings B, Figures 1
and 3 These bearings are made of sections jointed together by a hinge or pivot
pin b, and each section is made T shaped transversely, the head of the T facing
inward. The object of this curved jointed construction is to adapt the device for
use as a bearing in different sized boilers, the links or sections being preferably
made short for this purpose. On these bearings are arranged circulation plates a, a¹,
with their vertical parts a¹ parallel with and at a little distance from the diaphragm 8,
and the curved parts following the curvature of the shell of the boiler, and extending
up to a point a little below the water line, but preferably a little above the
tops of the flues A¹. The spaces thus inclosed between a¹ and s and between a
and A constitute a circulation chamber, in which the water under the action of the
heat and other causes will follow the general direction indicated by the arrows..
Just above the upper outer ends of such chambers, and extending lengthwise of the
boiler, is a deflecting plate d, which performs the office of deflecting the upward
'

page_text: flow of the water in the line of circulation away from the shell of the boiler above
the fire line on to the tops of the flues A¹, even when through the negligence of the
engineer or otherwise the level of the water in the boiler may be below the tops of
the flues. The water then descending passes down between the diaphragm & and
the vertical plates a¹, and again passes up between the plates a and the shell of the t
boiler. The plates a, a, are preferably made in sections, so that they can be
introduced through the man-hole, and applied to boilers already built.
The bearings B may be secured to the boiler shell by angle irons or in other
suitable way, or the plates a being bolted or otherwise secured thereto, will suffice
to hold them in place. The vertical plates a¹ are however so disposed that the bulk
of the water in its downward flow will pass through the trough-shaped dead water
spaces c, Figure 2, before reentering the exterior circulation chambers describod.
Salts, silicates, sedimentary matter, &c, contained in the water will hore be depo-
sited or be retained in solution as the solutions acquiro a high specific gravity, and
are blown out or drawn off by the pipes P, one at or near the bottom of each such
space, and for opening such blow-off the cocks P¹ are provided; also, in order to
facilitate the discharge through such pipes and cocks, there is arranged at the
opposite end of the boiler a steam wash pipe e, which extends from the steam space
above the water line down to the bottom of the dead water spaces c, where dividing
into two branches e¹, e¹, it opens into each dead water space in the direction the
blow-off is to be effected. Then when the blow-off cocks are opened the dead water
with its deposits in starting toward the opening will reduce the pressure at the
open ends of the pipes e¹, sufficiently for the steam to force its way down the
pipe e, blow out at the open ends of e³, and facilitate or hasten the removal of the
loaded or saturated dead water in the spaces c.
One feature of this Invention is shown as applied to a locomotive boiler in
Figure 4, where A represents the boiler shell next to the fire-box, a, a¹, the cir-
culation plates; 8, the diaphragm already described.
In lieu of the T shaped bearings angle iron bearings may be employed, and
when the links are made short each one may be made straight instead of curved,
though they will as a whole take substantially a curved form when in place. The
use of a diaphragm 8 for dividing the circulatory system of a flue or cylinder boiler
into two parts, each operating independently of the other so far as relates to the
rapidity of the flow is important, where as often happens the fire on one side of the
boiler is a little hotter than on the other. The rapidity of the flow on that side
will then be increased without any material change in the circulation on the
opposite side, where such increased rapidity of flow is not needed
Figure 5, Sheet 2, shows the application of these circulation plates and diaphragms
to the "Cornish boiler" so-called. The object of the circulation plates a, a, Figure 5,
Sheet 2, is the same as described in the reference to the circulation plates a, a,
Figure 1, Sheet 1. The openings or water passages o, o, are arranged at a proper
height along the sides of the shell or flue 8, 8, so as not to interfere with the current
supplying the circulation on the outer shell, and to keep below the grate bars g.
Another object of the construction, as shown by Figure 5, Sheet 2, is to produce
a circulation of water around the inside shell or flue 8, 8, as well as around the
interior of the outer shell. The plate d, d, is constructed of the form shown, with a
straight flange c, c, on each edge, so that it will check or turn the downward current
of water into the openings o, o; then it flows around the shell 8, 8, and between the
plates a, a, and d, d, then is thrown outside in the directiono indicated by the
arrows I, I. The object of the centre plate E on the top of the shell 8, 8, is to divide
the currents as they come up. The diaphragm B, on which rosts the plate d, d
performs the same function relative to the lower currents.
Having now described and particularly set forth the nature of the said Invention
and the manner of carrying the same into effect, I would have it understood tha
what I claim is,-
First. The flanged jointed curved bearings B, arranged in a cylinder or flue
holler substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

page_text: Second. The circulation plates a arranged in a cylinder or flue boiler, with longi-
tudinal openings between the lower adjacent edges of such plates for a downward
current to supply the upward current between the plates and the shell of the boiler,
substantially as set forth
Third. A circulation plate a, a¹, arranged in a cylinder or flue boiler, substantially
as set forth, whereby a trough-shaped dead water space e is secured above the
bottom of the boiler, and a little out of the line of circulation.
Fourth. The combination of circulation plates a, a, following the curvature of
the boiler shell and deflecting plates & attached to the shell, substantially as set
forth.
Fifth The vertical diaphragms in combination with a system of circulation
plates and passages on either side, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
Sixth. The plates a, a³, constructed as described so as to form dead water
troughs e in combination with a blow-off pipe P arranged therein, substantially as
set forth.
Seventh. The combination of blow-off pipes P and steam wash pipes e, e², relatively
arranged in the dead water troughs, substantially as set forth.
Eighth. A duplicate system of water circulation and water blow-off arranged in
the opposite halves of a cylinder or flue boiler, and on opposite sides of a vertical
longitudinal diaphragm, substantially as set forth.
Ninth. In a boiler of the form of construction represented in Figure 5, Sheet 2,
the vertical longitudinal plate E, for the purpose set forth.
Tenth. The plates a, a, in combination with the inside shell or flue arranged to
form an upward current water space between the two, substantially as set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Morgan-Brown, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Sixth day of February, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven.
MORGAN DDOWN