Year: 1885

page_text: I, GEORGE ⱭATTON MELHUISH HARDINGHAM, of 191 Fleet Street, in the City
of London, Civil Engineer and Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this
Invention (as communicated to me from abroad by Philippe Jules Grouvelle, of
71 Rue du Moulin Vert, Paris, in the Republic of France, Engineer), to be as
follows:-
Steam heating apparatus has, as is well known, to be employed under extremely
variable conditions; the variations of external temperature, the condition of the
weather in regard to wind, snow humidity, & the lighting of the public streets by
gas, and other circumstances affect the conditions, under which such apparatus is
used. Primarily an installation is calculated for the severest cold of a given
climate; but means are provided whereby the working may be regulated according
to prevailing conditions. The following are the two methods hitherto employed
for the latter purpose. 1. By heating intermittently. 2. By varying the area of
the passages through which the steam employed for heating passes; the pressure
being constant. Both these methods involve personal attention, the regulation
being effected by the manipulation of stop-cocks, or of similar devices; these means
being inconvenient in use and unsatisfactory as regards results.
According to the method of working the subject of. the present invention, the
cocks or similar devices no longer act as regulators, but are simply means for
completely opening or shutting off the steam supply; and the steam employed
for heating purposes passes through orifices of determined and constant area, which
act under variable pressure; the pressure, and consequently the heating effect,
being under the control only of the attendant or attendants specially employed
for working the generator and superintending the entire heating arrangements.
With a view to fully explaining the nature of this invention, I will proceed to
describe the same with reference to the accompanying drawings, whereof Fig. 1 is
a sectional view of a fixed regulator or gauge A cast in one piece with, or simply
attached to, an ordinary cock a. The gauge A consists substantially in a diaphragm,
or removeable washer a¹, preferably made of phosphor bronze, and provided centrally
with a circular orifice. The diameter of this orifice is carefully determined. The
diaphram a¹ is arranged in the plug a³, and there maintained by a screw-threaded

page_text: socket a³ having a square hole. The plug a³ is formed with a shoulder between
which and the cap as a spiral spring a is located. The stem of the plug a² has in
its upper end a rectangular cavity a, whereby the plug may be turned in its
chamber on merely removing the nipple a' and without necessarily interfering with
the working of the apparatus. If the plug a³ be turned at right angles to the
position shewn in the drawings, the steam will, instead of merely passing through
the hole in the diaphragm a¹, pass freely through the spaces formed by the recesses
in the sides of the plug a³. If the plug be further rotated in a similar manner, it
arrives in a position 180° from that normally occupied by it, the diaphragm a¹
being now reversed face for face. The former of the manipulations here referred to
is appropriate on first commencing work in order to clear the pipes from impurities
commonly remaining therein after the fitting up of the heating apparatus; it also
serves for rapidly expelling the air contained in the apparatus and pipes and for
rapidly raising the temperature thereof. The latter manipulation above referred
to is suitable for driving out obstructions caused by dirt that may be carried over
with the steam as well as any slight incrustations which in the course of time may
form about, and reduce the effective area of, the orifice in the diaphragm a². It will
be further observed that the diaphragm a¹ may be replaced by one with a larger or
smaller orifice without interrupting the working of the apparatus for heating
purposes. To effect this, it is only required (the steam travelling in the direction
indicated by the arrow) to shut the cock a, then to remove the cap and nipple a³ a
and to withdraw the plug a² from its socket. Attention may here be directed to
the superiority of a fixed regulator or gauge of the type described over an ordinary
cock or valve for controlling the steam supply, on account of the possibility of
varying the diameter of the orifice in the diaphragm within exceedingly small
degrees; whilst the plug of an ordinary cock or a valve can never with certainty
be placed in the exact position required for affording the precise area of passage-
way required.
The return valve B represented in vertical section in Fig. 2, although of less
importance than the gauge A hereinbefore referred to, may now be described in
order that the explanation which follows in reference to the general system of
working comprised in this invention may be fully understood. This device
consists of a valve 6 having a seating of spherical shape and a spring b², yielding
under a pre-determined pressure and normally operating to maintain the valve
closed. The stem of the valve b is carried in a fixed tubular guide b², of which the
upper portion limits the motion of the said valve b.
Proceeding now to describe the general system of working with reference to the
diagram Figure 3, the chambers or localities marked I, II, III, requiring to be
heated are not only supposed to be of different sizes but also to be exposed to
different conditions as to increase or reduction of temperature. Each of the
localities I, II, III, may be provided with steam heating apparatus c, c, c, of
different types; the apparatus c being composed of thin tubes furnished with
discs or other radiating appliances, as described in my provisional specification filed
13th June 1885 N° 7242; or the heating vessel may be furnished with wings
as c; or the apparatus, besides being furnished with wings, may form a reservoir
for a part of the condensed water as indicated at c. With a steam boiler of any
suitable construction X, furnished with pressure gauge x, is connected a steam
supply pipe Y, to which are attached branch supply pipes leading to the different
sets of heating apparatus c², o", cIII, the latter being fitted with gauges and
cocks A a, AI, a AI a. The heaters are also connected to a return pipe Z
by means of branches in which are located valves B, B, BI, of the kind described
with reference to Fig. 2. The pipe Z terminates in a receiver Z¹, where the
condensed water is collected in order either to be returned to the boiler X, or to
be utilized in any other manner.
Assuming the boiler ✗ to be specially assigned to the heating of the localities
I, II, III, it will be readily understood that, notwithstanding the calculations on
the basis whereof the heating arrangements have in each instance been made, there
یا

page_text: will be at first a certain degree of uncertainty on the one hand in regard to the
most suitable dimensions for the perforated diaphragm of the gauge for each of
the localities and heating apparatus, and, on the other hand, the amount of steam
pressure suitable for different exterior temperatures; as well as the slight degree of
correction (above or below such pressure) required by way of allowance for
exceptional circumstances, such as snow, wind and the like.
Indications relative to the variations in the steam pressure rendered necessary
by variations in the conditions prevailing are marked on a special scale placed by
the side of the pressure gauge ; so that by simply looking at such special scale
and at a thermometer placed in a convenient position in the open air, the attendants
in charge of the boiler and of the heating apparatus can regulate the latter by
suitably working the boiler X and without having to leave the boiler-house.
In practice, for less variation in steam pressure is required in the course of a day
than might be supposed. The pressure will be maintained higher at starting,
which ought to be accomplished as rapidly as possible. It will also be augmented
when a rather considerable depression of the exterior temperature takes place.
It will be diminished when the exterior temperature becomes noticeably milder, or,
again, in the evening when the street lighting by gas commences.
Should the boiler X not be exclusively employed for heating, and should this
function be only an additional utilisation, it would be impracticable to regulate
the boiler pressure in the manner described. In such a case, an expansion
chamber of any suitable construction is provided in the supply pipe Y; and
the pressure gauge z² on said chamber is provided with the special scale herein-
before described as applied to the pressure gauge . By these means, the effect
described as obtained by regulating the boiler pressure is secured in a similar
manner by regulating the pressure in the expansion chamber, this duty being
performed as before by the boiler attendant.
Instead of varying, the steam pressure by manipulation of the boiler or by
operating upon the supply pipe Y, it will be readily perceived that the pressure
may be varied in either direction, and either in the supply pipes or in the return
pipes, in a great variety of ways. For instance, by admitting into the communi-
cating pipes an additional quantity of steam, or by intermixing with the steam a
certain quantity of air; this increase in the quantity of steam or the intermixing
of air being accomplished by any convenient means, such as a pump, an ejector, &
the same being applied to the conducting pipe Y, as shewn at ³ Figure 3, or to
the return pipe Z, as may be readily imagined. (It may be mentioned that mixing
air with steam modifies the manner in which condensation of the steam, and
consequently the transmission of heat, takes place).
In producing a reduction of pressure in the steam pipes, such reduction of
pressure being effected by any suitable means, such as a pump, an ejector, &•, the
latter may be placed on the return pipe %, as shewn at a Fig. 3, or on the con-
ducting pipe Y, as may be readily imagined.
It will be perceived that the improvements herein described would be equally
applicable were the heating system depicted in figure 3 replaced by what is known
as "Perkins' System."
Although I have described this invention in considerable detail, I desire it to be
understood that this has been done in order that its nature may be readily
gathered. The details referred to are for the present to be regarded as merely
employed in illustrating the nature of the invention and not necessarily as
constituting essential parts of the apparatus which may ultimately be found best
adapted for carrying the invention into effect.

page_text: I, GEORGE GATTON MELHUISH HARDINGHAM, of 191, Fleet Street, in the City
of London, Civil Engineer and Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention (as communicated to me from abroad by Philippe Jules Grouvelle, of
71, Rue du Moulin Vert, Paris, in the Republic of France, Engineer) and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained'
in and by the following statement:—
Steam heating apparatus has, as is well known, to be employed under extremely
variable conditions; the variations of external temperature, the conditions of the
weather in regard to wind, snow, humidity, &c., the lighting by gas or other heat-
giving agents and other circumstances affect the conditions under which such
apparatus is used. Primarily an installation is calculated for the severest cold of
a given climate; but means are provided whereby the working may be regulated
according to prevailing conditions. The following are the two methods hitherto
employed for the latter purpose:-First, by heating intermittently, and secondly,
by varying the area of the passages through which the steam employed for heating
passes; the pressure being constant. Both these methods involve personal
attention, the regulation being effected by the manipulation of stop-cocks, or of
similar devices; these means being inconvenient in use and unsatisfactory as
regards results.
According to the method of working, the subject of the present invention, the
cocks (or similar devices) no longer act as regulators, but are simply means for
completely opening or shutting off the steam supply; and the steam employed for
heating purposes passes through orifices of determined and constant area, which
act under variable pressure; the pressure, and consequently the heating effect,
being under the control only of the attendant or attendants specially employed for
working the generator and superintending the entire heating arrangements.
With a view to fully explaining the nature of this invention, I will proceed to
describe the same with reference to the drawings appended to my provisional
specification, whereof Figure 1 is a sectional view of a fixed regulator or gauge A
cast in one piece with, or simply attached to, an ordinary cock a.
The gauge A
consists substantially in a diaphragm or removeable washer a¹, preferably made of
phosphor-bronze and provided centrally with a circular orifice. The diameter
of this orifice is carefully determined. The diaphragm al is arranged in the
plug a³, and there maintained by a screw-threaded socket a³ having a square hole.
The plug a² is formed with a shoulder, between which and the cap a³ a spiral
spring a is located. The stem of the plug a² has in its upper end a rectangular

page_text: cavity as whereby the plug may be turned in its chamber on merely removing the
nipple a and without necessarily interfering with the working of the apparatus.
If the plug a be turned at right angles to the position shewn in the drawings, the
steam will, instead of merely passing through the hole in the diaphragm a¹, pass.
freely through the spaces formed by the recesses in the sides of the plug a³. If the
plug be further rotated in a similar manner, it arrives in a position 180° from that
normally occupied by it, the diaphragm a' being now reversed face for face. The
former of the manipulations here referred to is appropriate on first commencing
work in order to clear the pipes from impurities commonly remaining therein after
the fitting up of the heating apparatus; it also serves for rapidly expelling the air.
contained in the apparatus and pipes and for rapidly raising the temperature
thereof. The latter manipulation above referred to is suitable for driving out
obstructions caused by dirt that may be carried over with the steam as well as any
slight incrustations which in the course of time may form about, and reduce the
effective area of, the orifice in the diaphragm a¹. It will be further observed that
the diaphragm a' may be replaced by one with a larger or smaller orifice without
interrupting the working of the apparatus for heating purposes. To effect this, it
is only required (the steam travelling in the direction indicated by the arrow) to
shut the cock a, then to remove the cap and nipple a³ a³ and to withdraw the
plug a from its socket. Attention may here be directed to the superiority of a
fixed regulator or gauge of the type described over an ordinary cock. or valve for
controlling the steam supply on account of the possibility of varying the diameter
of the orifice in the diaphragın within exceedingly small degrees whilst the plug of
an ordinary cock or of a valve can never with certainty be placed in the exact
position required for affording the precise area of passage-way required.
The return-valve B represented in vertical section in Figure 2, althongh of less
importance than the gauge A herein before referred to, may now be described in
order that the explanation which follows in reference to the general system of
working comprised in this invention may be fully understood. This device consists
of a valve b having a seating of spherical shape and a spring 6' yielding under a
predetermined pressure and normally operating to maintain the valve closed. The
stom of the valve b is carried in a fixed tubular guide b³, of which the upper portion
limits the motion of the said valve b.
Proceeding now to describe the general system of working with reference to the
diagram Figure 3, the chambers or localities marked I, II, III, .
, requiring
to be heated are not only supposed to be of different sizes, but also to be exposed
to different conditions as to increase or reduction of temperature. Each of the
localities I, II, III, . , may be provided with steam heating apparatus c¹,
CHI CHI
of different types; the apparatus c being composed of thin
tubes furnished with discs or other radiating appliances as described in the specifica-
tion to my Letters Patent dated 13th June, 1885, No. 7242; or the heating vessel
may be furnished with wings as c; or the apparatus, besides being furnished
with wings, may form a reservoir for a part of the condensed water, as indicated
at With a steam boiler of any suitable construction X, furnished with a
pressure gauge x, is connected a steam supply pipe Y, to which are attached branch
supply pipes leading to the different sets of heating apparatus c¹, c, c™, • • •
the latter being fitted with gauges and cocks A¹, a¹, A", a", A, a,
heaters are also connected to a return pipe Z by means of branches in which are
located valves B¹, BI, BIII,
of the kind described with reference to
Figure 2, these serving to maintain the heating apparatus under pressure as well as
for allowing the products of condensation to drain away. The pipe Z terminates
in a receiver Z where the condensed water is collected in order either to be
returned to the boiler X, or to be utilized in any other manner.
The
Assuming the boiler ✗ to be specially assigned to the heating of the localities I,
II, III, .
it will be readily understood that, notwithstanding the calcula-
tions on the basis whereof the beating arrangements have in each instance been

page_text: .
made, there will be at first a certain degree of uncertainty, on the one hand, in:
regard to the most suitable dimensions for the perforated diaphragm of the gauge
for each of the localities and heating apparatus, and, on the other hand, the amount
of steam pressure suitable for different exterior temperatures; as well as the slight
degree of correction (above or below such pressure) required by way of allowance
for exceptional circumstances, such as snow, wind and the like.
Indications relative to the variations in the steam pressure, rendered necessary
by variations in the conditions prevailing, are marked on a special scale placed by
the side of the pressure gauge X; so that by simply looking at such special scale
and at a thermometer placed in a convenient position in the open air, the attendant.
in charge of the boiler and of the heating apparatus can regulate the latter by.
suitably working the boiler X and without having to leave the boiler house.
In practice far less variation in steam pressure is required in the course of a day
than might be supposed. The pressure will be maintained higher at starting,
which ought to be accomplished as rapidly as possible. It will be also augmented
when a rather considerable depression of the exterior temperature takes place. It
will be diminished when the exterior temperature becomes noticeably milder, or,
again, in the evening when the lighting by gas or other heat-giving agents
commences.
Should the boiler ✗ not be exclusively employed for heating, and should this
function be only an additional utilization, it would be impracticable to regulate
the boiler pressure in the manner described. In such a case, an expansion
chamber X of any suitable construction is provided in the supply pipe Y; and the
pressure gauge X' on said chamber is provided with the special scale hereinbefore
described as applied to the pressure gauge X. By these means, the effect described
as obtained by regulating the boiler pressure is secured in a similar manner by
regulating the pressure in the expansion chamber, this duty being performed as
before by the boiler attendant.
Instead of varying the steam pressure by manipulation of the boiler or by
operating upon the supply pipe Y, it will be readily perceived that the pressure
may be varied in either direction and either in the supply pipes or in the return
pipes in a great variety of ways, for instance :-
By admitting into the communicating pipes an additional quantity of steam, or
by intermixing with the steam a certain quantity of air, this increase in the
quantity of steam or the intermixing of air being accomplished by any con-
venient means, such as a pump, an injector, &c., the latter being applied to
the conducting pipe Y as shewn at a³, Figure 3-or to the return pipe Z, as
may be readily imagined. (It may be mentioned that mixing air with
steam modifies the manner in which condensation of the steam, and con-
sequently the transmission of heat, takes place);
By producing a reduction of pressure in the steam pipes, such reduction of
pressure being effected by any suitable means, such as a pump, an ejector, &c.,
the latter being placed on the return pipe Z, as shewn at 4, Figure 3-or
on the conducting pipe Y, as may be readily imagined.
..
It will be perceived that the improvements herein described would be equally
applicable were the heating system depicted in Figure 3 replaced by what is known
as "Perkins' System."
Having thus particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I desire it to be under-
stood that I do not limit myself to the precise arrangement of apparatus represented b
in the accompanying drawings, as the same may be varied as hereinbefore indicated
without departing from the principle of the invention, but what I claim is :—
1. The improved method of distributing steam for heating purposes, substantially
as herein described, such method including the use of receiving orifices of determined

page_text: and appropriate area, the heating effect being regulated by varying the pressure of
the steam supply.
2. The use in distributing steam for heating purposes of apparatus constructed
substantially as described with reference to Figure 1; the same consisting of a
gauge furnished with an interchangeable perforated diaphragm and formed in one
with or connected to a shut-off valve.