AN APPARATUS ADAPTED TO CONDENSING THE STEAM OF STEAM ENGINES, AND IN SUPPLYING WATER TO STEAM-ENGINE BOILERS
Year: 1846

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN
AUGUSTIN ALEXIS SAUVAGE, of Number 4, Rue Richer, in the City of Paris,
in the Kingdom of France, Mechanician, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Twenty-seventh day of
July, in the tenth year of Her reign, One thousand eight hundred and forty-six,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said
John Augustin Alexis Sauvage, my exors, adiñiors, and assigns, Her special
licence, full power, sole privilege and authority, that I, the said John Augustin
Alexis Sauvage, my exors, adñiors, and assigns, or such others as I, the said
John Augustin Alexis Sauvage, my exors, adñiors, and assigns, should at any
time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times during the
term of years therein specified, should or lawfully might make, use, exercise,
and vend, within England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed,
my Invention of "AN APPARATUS ADAPTED TO CONDENSING THE STEAM OF STEAM
ENGINES, AND IN SUPPLYING WATER TO STEAM-ENGINE BOILERS;" in which said
Letters Patent there is contained a proviso that I, the said John Augustin
Alexis Sauvage, should cause a particular description of the nature of my
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, by an
instrument in writing under my hand and seal, to be enrolled in Her Ma-
jesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar months next and' imme-
diately after the date of the said in part recited Letters Patent, as in and by
the same, reference being thereunto had, will more fully and at large appear.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
John Augustin Alexis Sauvage, do hereby declare that the nature of my said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is to be performed, are parti-
cularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement thereof,
reference being had to the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the figures and
letters marked thereon, that is to.say:-...
My Invention consists in an apparatus adapted to the constant supply of the
boilers of steam engines with condensed water, without air or injection pumps.
This apparatus is applicable to all steam engines, and by means of it the
following results are obtained:-First, the entire suppression of the air and
injection pumps used in steam engines of low and middling pressure. Se-
condly, the preventing in high-pressure engines the action of the weight of
atmospheric air under the piston, and the substitution of a permanent vacuum
under the piston by means of the pneumatic cylinder... Thirdly, the permanent
use of pure or distilled water in the place of the calcareous, muddy, or salt
waters which are now used in boilers. Fourthly, the separation and extraction
of oils and greases produced by the working of the machine. Fifthly, the
introduction of air into the generator. In. order that the Invention may be
better understood, I will proceed to. describe. the Drawings. Drawing 1,
Figure 1, general plan of the apparatus for condensing and for supply adapted
to a steam engine. Figure. 2, plan of the apparatus. Figure 3, section of a
vessel or receiver for producing the vacuum in the apparatus by means of a
jet of steam. Figure 4, section of another receiver for producing the vacuum
by means of water. Figure 5, section of a pneumatic apparatus in which the
vacuum is produced by a bath of mercury. Figure 6, another arrangement of
the same apparatus, by which the surface of the bath of mercury is diminished.
Drawing 2, Figure 1, vertical section of a steam engine adapted to a steam
vessel, with the application of. a new condensing apparatus. Figure 2, side
view of a steam vessel, shewing the arrangement of the machines. The blue
lines shew the new condensing and supplying apparatus. Figure 3, plan of
the vessel and the apparatus. Figure 4. represents one of the extremities of
the refrigerating tube and of the condensing pipe. Figures 5 and 6 shew the
arrangement of the condensing pipes intended to increase the surface of the
refrigeration.
1
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* Drawing 3, Figure 1, a new apparatus for supply placed on the boiler.
Figure 2, longitudinal section of the same apparatus. Figure 3, transverse
section. Figure 4, transverse section of the boiler and of the modified apparatus
Figuro 5, longitudinal section of the same apparatus. Figure 6, vertical
section of another apparatus for supply. Figure 7, vertical section.of another.

page_text: apparatus for supply. Figures 8, 9, 10, various delineations of the last-
mentioned apparatus.
DESCRIPTION AND MANNER OF WORKING THE APPARATUS FOR CONDENSATION
AND SUPPLY.
Drawing 1, Figures 1 and 2, and Drawing 2, Figures 1, 2, 8. The steam
which escapes from the generator A through the tube B enters into the
cylinder C; where it moves the piston up and down in the usual way. In
passing out of the cylinder by a passage a, the steam enters by a pipe a' into
a condensing pipe b, which passes into the tube C, which is always filled with
water, of which there is a constant supply. The steam, when it is condensed
in the tube b, falls into a close vessel d, from which it descends into a pipe f,
which communicates with the bottom of the vessel d in order to pass into the
supplying apparatus 9, from whence it is sent into the generator A by a pipe
h, to which there is affixed a cock 4, for the purpose of cutting off the commu-
nication with the generator. A tube placed at the side of the vessel d serves
to indicate the height of the water in the vessel. Under the upper part of the
closed vessel d is fixed a tube e, reaching nearly to the bottom, which retains
the oil and other greasy substances, and hinders them from returning into the
apparatus. There is a cock 8 fixed at the end of the vessel d, for the purpose
of getting rid of these oils and greasy matters. The pneumatic apparatus is
composed of, first, a vessel i; secondly, a pipe 1 fixed to the bottom of such
vessel, and reaching to the upper part thereof; this pipe has at the lower part
a cock 6, and communicates with the upper part of the close vessel d; thirdly,
and of an inverted vessel j, inside of which there is a tube m conducting to
the pipe ; a weight & serves to balance the vessel j by means either of pullies
or of a lever; an indicator n placed on the pipe 1 shews the vacuum in the
apparatus. In order to produce the vacuum in this apparatus, the apparatus is
filled with water to the very top; the cock 5 fixed at the lower part of the vessel į
is opened for the purpose of turning off a certain quantity of water; the cock is
then shut, and the vacuum is produced in the upper part of the vessel j. It is
understood that the height of the column of water in this apparatus will depend
upon the vacuum, more or less complete, which it is desirable to obtain. In
order that the water in the pneumatic apparatus may rise to its level without
interruption to the working of the machine, there is placed above this apparatus
a closed reservoir o, which communicates with another reservoir q, filled with
water; to the pipe p, which forms the communication between the two reservoirs,
is fixed a cock by which this communication can be closed, and another cock g, for
the purpose of forming a communication with the pipe which admits the steam B.

page_text: The top of the closed reservoir o communicates in like manner with the pipe by
another pipe r, to which there are two cocks; the one 8, with three openings, to
exhaust the air when a jet of steam is thrown into the reservoir o, the other, 10,
to close the communication with the pipe during the working of the machine.
In order to form the vacuum, and raise the water in the reservoir o, the cock 7
is shut and the cocks 8 and 9 are opened. When the air is driven out, and
the steam rushes in, the two cocks are successively closed, the steam which is
in the reservoir o is left for a moment to condense, and the cock 7 is opened
and is shut again so soon as the water in the reservoir 7 has risen into the
reservoir o. When it is necessary to raise the column of water of the pneu-
matic cylinder, the cylinder is made to communicate with the reservoir o, by
opening the cocks 10 and 7. The water which was in this reservoir descends
again into the reservoir g, and the two cocks are shut when the required
vacuum is formed in the pneumatic cylinder; by these means the working of
the apparatus is never interrupted. The same operation may be effected with-
out making use of the reservoir q. by simply throwing a jet of steam into the
reservoir o, and by putting it in communication with the pneumatic cylinder.
The first method has been shewn only as a means of obtaining a vacuum at
will, without taking the steam from the generator while the machine is at
work. It may be added, that, in applying the above method to steam vessels,
the reservoir q may be dispensed with, and the reservoir o made to commu-
nicate direct with the water in which the vessel may be sailing. When the
machine is stopped the cock 6 is shut, in order to preserve the vacuum in the
pneumatic cylinder. When it is desirable to operate without condensing, the
pipe a is put in communication with the escape tube D by means of the
cock 11. In the event of there being an excess of steam in the generator
when the working is suspended, the cock 13 fixed on the pipe f is opened,
which forms a communication between the generator and the condenser, and
the apparatus for supply sends back to the generator the condensed water. In
order to produce this last-mentioned effect, the apparatus for supply is worked
by means of a small additional machine, such as are ordinarily used in steam
vessels, and commonly called the little horse. In order to draw off the oil and
other greasy substances deposited by the machine in the closed vessel d, the
cock 6 is shut, and the cock 3 opened; when the operation is performed this
last cock is shut and the first again opened. From what has been said it will
be seen that the vacuum is constantly formed between the steam piston and the
pneumatic apparatus, and that the air which is separated from the water by
means of condensation, as well as the exterior air attracted by the vacuum, are,
sent back to the generator by means of the supply apparatus Figures 5 and 6.

page_text: vacuum;
To decrease the elevation of the pneumatic apparatus, the vacuum may be pro-
duced by a bath of mercury. An inverted cylinder j, plunged into another
cylinder i, has at the lower part a cock c; the pipe has an indicator i,
upon which there is a cock i", and also the cocks m, m²; all the cocks being
shut, the cock m' is opened, and the cylinder is filled with mercury, then the
cock m² is shut and the cock o opened, in order to draw off the mercury the
moment the levels a, a have reached the height necessary to obtain the desired
the cock o is then shut, and the cock m opened to put all the parts
of the apparatus in communication with each other. The column of mercury
is raised to its proper height by the aid of a closed vessel, into which a jet of
steam is thrown, as in the water apparatus. In Figure 6 an arrangement of
the above apparatus is shewn, by means of which the surface occupied by the
mercury is diminished; the annular space between the two cylinders i, y,
contains the mercury into which the vessel i is plunged, Figure 3. In place
of the pneumatic apparatus first above described, there might be substituted
merely a closed vessel o, in which the vacuum might be produced by means of
a jet of steam; o', is a steam pipe provided with a cock p; q is a pipe com-
municating with the pipe of injection of the supply pump; the pipe q has a
cock r; at the bottom of the cylinder is the pipe which forms the communica-
tion with the closed vessel d; s is a cock for emptying. When it is desired to
introduce the steam into the vessel o, which is filled with air, the cock m is
shut and the cock m¹ opened, the cock p is also opened up to the moment
when the steam escapes by the cock m¹; the air being exhausted in the
cylinder, the cocks m³ and p are immediately shut, the supply pipe of injection
is made to communicate by shutting a cock placed upon the pipe, and opening
the cock for some seconds; it is forthwith shut, and the cock of injection
and the cock m are opened. The vacuum is thus formed throughout the
apparatus, Figure 4. The vacuum may also be produced in the vessel o by
means of water. The following are the operations necessary for effecting such
object: First, to shut the cocks 3 and m, and open cock m'; secondly, to
open the cock t in order to fill the vessel with water; thirdly, the vessel being
filled, to shut the cocks m and t and open m and s. The pipe fixed to the
upper part of the vessel o communicates with the lower part of the closed
vessel d, Drawing 2. In the machines adapted to steam vessels the
refrigerating tube c is in direct communication with the water; in
Figures 2 and 3 it is shewn that this part of the apparatus is composed
of two tubes c, c, which traverse the interior of the vessel and open at
both ends; they have at each end a cock or hatch for the purpose of inter-
cepting the water in which the vessel sailing, in case of the condenser

page_text: being under repair, or for any other cause, and these tubes being thus in
communication with the element constantly refresh the condenser; they may
be placed outside the vessel, and it is proposed in this respect to adopt the
arrangements necessitated by the construction of the vessel and the place
occupied by the machines.
Figure 4 shews one of the extremities of the refrigerating tube and of the
condensing pipe as applicable to steam vessels.. The tube c has at ench
extremity a flange d, adjusting with a pipe with two branches c, e, united by
a flange f to the case of an hatch g. To give facility to the dilation of the
condensing pipe b, it is made to work in a stuffing box h, placed at each
extremity of the refrigerating tube. The hatch g, placed equally at each end
of the tube c, serves to shut out the communication between this tube and
the external water in case of repairs being necessary.. Figures 5 and 6: the
number of the condensing pipes in the interiour of the refrigerating tube may
be increased, in order to obtain a greater refrigerating surface, in which case
the condensing pipes are united by one common bar; upon which bar is fixed
the pipe for the admission and escape of the condensed steam.. Figures 2 & 3
is a small additional boiler u, placed on the generator near the chimney, serving
to distil the sea water when needed; it communicates with the condenser b, by
a pipe V, by which it supplies the condenser with the distilled water in the
event of loss of steam or of water in the apparatus. This small boiler is
separated from the fire by a register, which may be opened and shut at
pleasure; it can be attached to the generator. The pumps for the supply of
water to the boiler of steam engines are often out of order, in consequence of the
valves getting choked. In the Drawing No. 3 there are shown several appa-
ratus for remedying these inconveniences, of which apparatus the following is
a description Figures 1, 2, 3, represent the body of a cock placed on the
top of the boiler, and to which is affixed two tubes, the one, b, being in com-
munication with the bottom of the reservoir of water, the other, c, communi-
cating with the boiler; d is a hollow plug, capable of holding the required
quantity of water that should enter into the boiler at each stroke of the
piston. Two openings e, f, placed, in the tubes should communicate alter-
nately with each of them by means of a movement transmitted by the engine.
Suppose the opening brought in front of the tube c, the communication will.
be established between the boiler and the cock; at the same moment the steam
arriving in the plug of the cock, which is filled with water produced in equili-
brium, and the water by its own weight falls into the boiler c, its place is
supplied with the steam; the plug of the cock then moves, and is put in com-
munication with the reservoir of water; the steam is condensed, and a vacuum
:-

page_text: is formed in the cock which is filled with water. When this contrary move-
ment is given to the cock the effect is the reverse, so that the cock is alter-
nately filled with water and steam. In Figures 4 and 5 the same effect is
obtained by the use of a third tube h, to regulate the pressure from the
boiler in the cock. i is a pipe descending into the boiler from below the
opening c.. The water will descend by its own weight to the level of the
water in the boiler, and its place will be supplied by steam; thus the openings
f and g being open, the opening e will be closed, and the water contained in
the cock will fall by its own gravity into the boiler. The communication is
opened between the cock and the reservoir of water, and will be shut off from
the boiler, and the cock will be filled with water until the position of it is
changed when it will return to the boiler. Figure 6 shews a vertical section
of another apparatus for supply; a, is the body of the pump having a tube b,
on which is placed a hollow cylinder c, at the bottom of which are two
transverse tubes, one of which, d, is always in communication with the pump,
the other, e, with the injector. A hollow piston f, receiving an alternate rec-
tilincar movement from a rod g, moved by the engine, works closely in the
cylinder c. The rod g traverses a stuffing box h, placed on the cylinder. At
the lower extremity of the piston f is an orifice i, which opens upon the side,
of the piston at i', to put the sucker in communication with the body of the
pump a. Another opening k traverses the piston throughout its thickness,
to establish a communication between the body of the pump a and the pipe
of injection. In order to grease the interior of the cylinder c there may be
placed on the side a little cock adapted to introduce oil; when the rod g is
lifted the opening i comes in front of the tube d, and the communication is
made between the pump and the sucker pipe, but when the rod is lowered
the opening & comes in front of the tube d, and the communication takes
place between the pump and the injection pipe. The arrangement of the
supply apparatus shewn in Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, consists in a cone l, turning in a
box, with three orifices m; in the cone is made an opening n, which puts one
of the orifices conducting to the sucker or injector alternately in communi-
cation with the supply pump; the cone receives from the engine an alternat-
ing rotatory movement which effects these successive communications. The
rod of the cone traverses a stuffing box, and has at its extremity a lever,
which transmits the movement to it; the cone is fastened on its box by a
spiral spring o, pressing upon a ring p, and keeping the cone constantly pressed
upon the sides of the box; a screw stopper 7 closes hermetically the bottom
of this box, and serves at the same time as a reservoir for oil to keep greased
the working of the cone; to this end a cock 1, placed behind the spring box,

page_text: serves to introduce the oil into it. A longitudinal groove q', made in the
cone, or in the inside of the box m, establishes a communication between the
spring box and the stuffing box, and the cone and all the surrounding parts
are then at all times supplied with oil.
Having thus described the nature of the Invention, and the manner of
performing the same. I would remark, that I do not confine myself to the
precise details herein given for carrying out the Invention, so long as the
character of the Invention be retained. But what I claim is,-
First, the method of condensing the steam, as it passes from the cylinder, by
means of a vacuum established in a close vessel or receiver d.
Second, in dispensing with the air and injecting pumps.
Third, in condensing the steam by means of the sea water passing through
tubes at the bottom of a steam vessel, and not allowing the sea water to enter
the boiler.
Fourth, in separating the air from the condensed steam.
Fifth, in separating and extracting the oils and fatty matters coming from
machinery from the water.
Sixth, in the peculiar apparatus for replacing the suction and forcing
pumps.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Augustin Alexis Sauvage, have
hereunto set my hand and seal, this Twenty-third day of January, in
the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty-seven.
Taken and acknowledged by John Au-
gustin Alexis Sauvage, party hereto,
at Paris, on this Twenty-third day of
January, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and
J. A. A. (Ls.) SAUVAGE.

page_text: the manner and character of the handwriting of Thomas Pickford, Her
Britannic Majesty's Consul at Paris, in the Kingdom of France. And this
deponent further saith, that the signature of "Thomas Pickford" set, sub-
scribed, and written in the margin of the Specification hereunto annnexed,
marked A, and dated the Twenty-third day of January instant, and purporting
to be executed by John Augustin Alexis Sauvage, of No. 4, Rue Richer, in
the City of Paris, aforesaid, Mechanician, whereby it is stated that the said
Specification was acknowledged by him, the said John Augustin Alexis
Sauvage, before the said Thomas Pickford, on the said Twenty-third day of
January, at Paris, aforesaid, is of the proper handwriting of the said Thomas
Pickford