IMPROVED CONSTRUCTION OF MARINE STEAM BOILERS
Year: 1884

page_text: I, CHARLES DENTON ABEL of N° 28 Southampton Buildings Chancery Lane in
the County of Middlesex, Consulting Engineer and. Patent Agent do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVED CONSTRUCTION OF
MARINE STEAM BOILERS" and in what manner the same is to be performed to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement thereof,
that is to say :-
This Invention has reference to an improved construction of the class of marine
steam boilers known as the "Belleville" boilers, Sheets I. II. and III. of the
accompanying Drawings shew elevations plan and sections of the arrangement of a
group of six boilers arranged back to back in the longitudinal axis of the vessel
with the stoke holes to port and to starboard. The group is thus formed of six
distinct compartments each constructed of sheet and angle iron for the ash pit, the
tube chamber, and the smoke box, and of fire brick well secured together for the
furnace chamber. Each compartment contains a boiler distinct from the others,
composed of a variable number of tubular elements and including the special
devices necessary for its proper working.
The boilers of which the group is composed have no communication with each
other except through the smoke flues and the main feed and steam pipes;
consequently all or only a certain number of them may be put in operation at one
time, the steam and feed pipes leading to those that are not in use being cut off by
valves.
This arrangement of a group of boilers placed back to back in the axis of the
vessel presents the following advantages, as compared with the transverse
arrangement of boilers with central longitudinal furnace chambers. Considerable
reduction of radiating surfaces and consequently a less high temperature in the
stoke holes; considerably less arduous service for the engineers, who are in this
case not enclosed between two radiating surfaces and are not in each others way
when serving the port and starboard boilers; facility of maintenance and repairs,
even when under way, the workmen attending to the port boilers not being in the
way of those attending to the starboard boilers; diminution of weight and
increased solidity; simplification and greater solidity for the connection of the
D

page_text: the fact that the stokers can take the fuel directly from the bunkers in front of the
boilers without having to wait for it to be brought to the spot, the labor of which
is excessive when firing to the maximum extent.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Sheet I. shews a sectional elevation of the group from the starboard side. In the
left hand boiler the doors of the tube chamber are removed; the right hand
generator is in section on a line parallel with the longitudinal plane of the vessel,
at the middle of the length of the boiler.
Sheet II. shews a transverse section of a generator on the axial line of the
group, the shut off valve being removed, in order to shew the water level indicator,
and the side elevation of the left hand boiler.
Sheet III. shews a plan of the group of six boilers, with horizontal section of one
of them below the furnace grate and horizontal section of another above tho
tubular structure.
The inexplodible Belleville boilers of the marine type consists of four principal
parts.
1. The casing, including the base of the brick work surrounding the ash pits;
the facia plates and the cross pieces situated at the inner angles of the boilers and
which form the framework of the casing; the partitions or panels that separate the
sets of tubes and that form the tube chambers; the casings that form the smoke
flues and the base of the uptake.
2. The ash pit with its doors; the furnace with its facade and doors, the furnace
grates; the brickwork surrounding the furnaces and separating them from each
other; the tube chambers and their doors.
3. The steam producing elements formed into a group for each boiler; the feed
pipes, the steam separators the draining tubes, and the ejector recipients.
4. The feed apparatus, the steam supply pipes and the various other accessories
of the generators.
1. Casing. A A the combined lower parts of the generator, which form the base
plate for the brickwork surrounding the furnaces; a cross pieces situated at the
angles of the opposite generators and of those situated side by side, and fixed to
the base plate. These cross pieces form the internal framework of the casings;
each one is formed by means of four angle irons rivetted together with the
interposition of a narrow plate of sheet metal so as to leave between the angle
irons sufficient spaces for the panels a¹ all to fit easily into. Air circulates freely
through the centre of each cross piece, as shewn at Fig. 3 Sheet IV. a back
panel; a side panel. The panels a' and all are bolted. to the base plate and to
the cross pieces a. All the bolt holes with the exception of the two at the middle
of the length of the panel a¹ and the two that are near the facade for the panel all
are slotted so as to allow of the relative movement of the parts due to expansion.
B. Transverse partitions separating the sets of tubes of the contiguous boilers.
These partitions are double; their middles rest upon the heads of the cross pieces u
and their ends are fixed upon the facade C. B¹ longitudinal partitions separating
the sets of tubes of the boilers situated end to end; these partitions are single and
are fixed upon the transverse partitions B. They carry at their base the supporting
bars b¹ of the lower rear chambers of the casing of the generator elements M.
In addition to the fixtures above described, the partitions B B' rest upon the
brickwork of fire brick that occupies the whole of the space between the lower
parts of these partitions and the base plate of the panels a¹ and a". On the other
hand the bolt holes for fixing the partitions B and B are slotted to allow of the
relative movement of the partitions due to expansion (see Fig. 4. Sheet IV. and
description). C. Facade plates, fixed with their bases upon the base plate and

page_text: supporting the transverse partitions B. From the middle of the height of the
furnaces to the top of the boiler these facade plates are made to recede forming a
space sufficient to receive the water level indicator of a boiler and its small pipes,
as also the return pipe of the contiguous boiler, which is placed behind the water
level indicator. c. Tic beam in each boiler tying together the tops of the facado
plates. The bolt holes for fixing are slotted for the purpose before stated (sec
Fig. 1 Sheet IV. and description). D coverings of the boilers. These coverings are
placed above and at a certain distance from the sets of tubes, for forming the smoke
flues communicating with the uptake. These coverings are formed double with
spaces between; they rest upon the tops of the extreme transverse partitions and
upon the rear angles of the steam separators; the fastenings are arranged to allow
of expansion and contraction, in order that the coverings may not press upon the
front and back ends of the group of tubes (see Fig. 2 Sheet IV. and description).
1. Tie rods connecting the extremities of the coverings to the base of the
uptake. d, smoke flues arranged above the transverse partitions B for the
extreme boilers of the group. D¹ Base of the uptake, carried by the whole of the
cross pieces and the transverse partitions, placed above the cross pieces, as also by
the corresponding facade plates. d' Inlet valves for admission of cold air into the
uptake. These valves are actuated by spring disc regulators put in
communication with the generators.
These regulators open successively the valves when the steam pressure exceeds
the fixed maximum. The cold air entering through the openings cuts the current
of hot gases, partly fills the vacuum of the uptake and cools the gases in mixing
therewith. There results herefrom a progressive diminution of the draught and
consequently the steam pressure is kept within the prescribed limits.
2. Ash pits, furnaces, brickwork tube chambers.-E sheet metal bottoms of the
ash pits framed in the base plate. These bottoms are in two parts for facility of
removal; they have flanges serving to fix them to the base plate.
e, Ash pit doors, of which there are two to each furnace; they are provided with
pivots and a toothed rack gearing with a notch in the doors serves to keep them
open to the required extent.
,
F. Facades of the furnaces, bolted to the facade plates of the boilers, between
which they are secured with sufficient play to allow for expansion.
f. Bracket for supporting the facade of the furnace at its middle and also serving
as support to the bearer h of the front ends of the grates. 2. Tie bar connecting
the bracket to the lower part of the panel a', in order to prevent any warping of
the facade.
G furnace space, G₁ masonry of fire brick enclosing the furnaces between the
platform of the panels a' a" and the longitudinal and transverse partitions, which
this brickwork partly supports. In the angles the bricks are arranged to key into
each other and form an abutment for the bricks at the sides and back, in order to
insure the solidity of the whole and prevent the pressure of the brickwork from
straining the cross pieces or the facade plates. g furnace doors, two to each furnace.
g clearing doors, two to each furnace.
3. Fire brick filling between the furnace doors and the clearing doors, and between
the contiguous furnace doors. H grates, of any known construction, being hero
shewn formed of zig-zag bars interspaced with straight bars of the system
Belleville."
"
front and back bearers of the grates. The front bearer h is formed of two
trough shaped bars rivetted side by side, and fixed to the side panels a" and
supported at their middle by the bracket f. The inner bearer is cut at various
points of its length in order to counteract expansion; it carries a strong angle
iron on which rest the heads of the grate bars. The rear bearer is formed by
the edge, suitably strengthened, of the platform of the panel a¹.
4. Brickwork projections forined round the gratings for preventing the slag from
adhering to the brick work sides and deteriorating the same. 5, cornices at the
top of the brickwork for preventing the hot gases from rising along the sides of the

page_text: tube chambers.
steam blast for assisting the combustion of the gases, and
obtaining a more perfect utilisation of the fuel. KK spaces between the
longitudinal partitions B', the transverse partitions B and the facado, forming the
tube chambers. double doors of the tube chambers. The doors are formed of
double plates between which a current of air passes; they are in two parts for each
side of the door, in order to prevent warping which might result from the unequal
expansion of the door and its outer plates. Inside there is provided a lining plate
of small height corrugated in a horizontal direction to counteract expansion, the
space between such plate and the door being filled with a bad conductor of heat.
7, angle irons projecting from the sides and doors of the tube chamber acting as
baffles for preventing the circulation of the hot gases against the said sides and
doors. On the longitudinal partition the baffles 7 form together with some vertical
pieces of angle iron a sort of frame serving as guides for fixing the tubular
elements M.
3. Elements of the generators and appliances for the circulation of the water.
This tube is fixed
L collecting pipe supplying the feed water to all the elements.
against the facade plates; it rests upon angle irons rivetted to these plates and
upon the facade of the furnace. The angle plates that surround the brickwork 3,
between the furnace doors constitute a further support for the pipe L forming an
extension of the bracket f.
The pipe L in its turn serves as support to the element M. M M steam
generating elements. These elements are double and immoveable, each one is
formed of tubes alternately inclined in contrary directions, rising from front to
back and from back to front. These tubes are connected two and two, in front
and at back, by means of horizontal boxes of malleable cast iron, into the holes
of which they are screwed. The lowest box in front which is called "twin box
The total of the tubes
and has two compartiments, has three tubes connected to it.
of one element forms a serpentine chamber which turns to the right in rising in the
case of one half of the elements, and to the left for the other half (see Sheet V. of
the Drawings). Each element receives its feed water from the collector L and
delivers its steam into the steam collector N.
8. Moveable partitions or baffle plates placed between the elements and upper
partitions above the tubes, arranged in such manner that the hot gases in their
upward passage towards the uptake, are caused to come in contact with all the
Each element
tubes. N, purifying collector for the steam and the feed water.
delivers its steam into this collector where it is dried by a centrifugal action. The
collector N also receives the feed water which is injected into the middle of the
steam in order that by the sudden heating thereof, the calcareous salts contained
therein may be precipitated (see Sheet VI. for the details of this apparatus, and
the description thereof). O bends and return pipes for leading the water from the
collector N to the deposit recipient P. P deposit recipient for the mud and salts
of lime precipitated in the collector N (see details of construction of this apparatus
on Sheet VII. and description). p bend connecting the deposit recipient P with the
feed collector L of the elements. P¹ collector for the deposits from the deposit
recipient; p cock and pipe for clearing the deposit recipient.
The mode of operation of the steam generating elements and of the combined
apparatus for the circulation of the water is as follows. The water when cold
rises to a certain level in the group of tubes, but when the tubes are heated the
steam produced and circulating in these tubes causes the water level to rise (on
account of its increase in volume) until it reaches the top tubes and even passes
into the steam collector. In the steam collector and separator the steam is separated
from the water carried with it, and passes in a dry condition to the shut off valve.
The water discharged from the steam, the weight of which varies from 6 to 8 times
that of the latter, mixes with the feed water introduced and descends, through the
pipe O by which the separator communicates with the deposit vessel.
The latter being always full, the descending water causes the water in the deposit
vessel P to pass by the bend p into the collector L, and from this into the generating

page_text: elements, which are thus always suitably supplied. The quantity of water that
should be contained in the generator is regulated automatically as will be presently
described.
4. Automatic feed apparatus and accessory appliances.
Qautomatic water level column, which regulates the quantity of water that
should enter the generator at any moment, according to the activity of the combus-
tion. This column communicates at top and bottom with the generator; it carries
a water level gauge, gauge cocks and a pressure gauge (see details of construction
on Sheet VIII. of the Drawings and description). 9. Lower communication between
the column Q and the generator. 10. Upper communication of the same, q graduated
cock, establishing a communication between the automatic cock of the water level
column and the general feed pipe Q¹. q' feed pipe and cock lending direct into
the deposit recipient P for activating the circulation of the water in the elements,
when forced firing is employed and in particular when a forced draught is employed
(see details of construction on Sheet VII. and description). R steam supply
valve (see details of construction Sheet VI. and description). R¹ general steam
supply pipe.
Sheet IV. shews the various connections of the sheet metal casings for taking up
the extensions due to expansion. Figs. 1 and 2 shew a beam connecting the facade
plates at the top of the tube chambers; Fig. 1 shews a front elevation of one end
of the beam, and Fig. 2 shews a side view of the beam and of the top of the facade
plate. C facade plate shewn in Sheets I. II. and III. c, beam connecting the two
facade plates of each boiler. 1, 1, bolt for fixing the beam to the armature plates.
2, 2, slotted holes in the beam, allowing the latter to slide upon the facade plates
when expanded by heat. Fig. 3 shews a longitudinal section of the covering.
D' base of the uptake shewn on Sheets I. II. and III. D part of the covering at
the side of the base. The covering is formed of two plates having a space between
them; at the sides the distance between the plates is regulated by the angle plate 1
and the lower plate carries a sliding plate 2 fixed thereto by rivets. The base of
the uptake carries two angle irons 3 and 4 between which the covering slides when
expanded by heat. B top of one of the transverse partitions of the boilers, on
which rests the base of the uptake.
A similar arrangement to that shewn at Fig. 3 is employed for the end of the
coverings of the boilers that do not communicate directly with the base of the
uptake.
Fig. 4 shews the crosspieces fixed on the bed plate, placed at the point of junction
of the boilers, situated side by side and end to end for supporting the transverse
and longitudinal partitions; this Figure is a horizontal section below the
brick work.
a a angle plates forming the cross pieces, rivetted with the interposition of a
strip of metal the thickness of which is slightly greater than that of the
panels a, a, and of the partitions B B' Sheets I. II. III. A space is left in the
centre between the angle plates for the circulation of air. a¹ a¹ back panels
separating the ash pits of the boilers back to back. a" all side panels separating
the ash pits of the boilers side by side.
1, 1, fastening bolts of the panels a' a"; 2, 2, slotted holes in the panels a' a" to
admit of their sliding between the angle plates of the cross pieces when the panels
expand through heating. The bolt holes for fixing the panels to the base plate are
also slotted for the same purpose.
Fig. 5 shews the arrangement of the transverse and longitudinal partitions
between the generators being a section above the brick work. B double transverse
partition resting upon the top of the crosspiece. This partition separates the tube
chambers of the contiguous boilers; it is fixed at its middle upon the cross piece
and the ends to port and starboard are fixed upon the corresponding facade plates.
The hole existing in the middle of this partition corresponds to the free space in
the middle of the cross piece Fig. 4, and permits of the circulation of air.
B² single
longitudinal partition separating the tube chamber of the boilers back to back;

page_text: these partitions are supported by the transverse partitions, to which they are
connected by bolts.
1, 1, fastening bolts for securing the longitudinal partitions to the transverse
partitions. 2, 2, slotted holes of the longitudinal partitions for the purpose above
mentioned.
By the combined arrangements shown in Figs. 1 to 5 Sheet IV. the displacement
and straining of the parts owing to unequal heating and expansion is prevented.
Sheet V. shews the steam generating elements of the boilers. Fig. 1 shews a
front elevation of two elements one right handed and the other left handed, the
clearing plugs being removed. Fig. 2 shews a side view of the right handed
element with sections on lines XXXX and Y, Y Fig. 1. M M combined elements
as shewn on Sheets 1. II. and III.; collecting pipe supplying feed water to all the
elements, and at the same time serving as support thereto in front. A twin box of
malleable cast iron; it has two compartments separated by a horizontal partition.
A single tube is connected to the lower compartment while the upper compartment
connects two tubes that are inclined in contrary directions.
The box A has at bottom a slightly conical aperture into which fits a slightly
conical tube 1 by which the lower compartment is made to communicate with the
collector L, into which the tube 1 is screwed. The steam tight fit of the box' A
upon the tube 1 is insured by a thin ferrule of copper, the fixing being effected by
a single bolt 2 held by a plate 3 fixed on the collector. Within the tube 1 is an
adjustable tube 4, the upper end of which is made to project somewhat above the
bottom opening of the lowest tube of the generator, in order to prevent the
accumulation of deposits in the collector, by the effect of the intermittent return
movements or reactions of the water in the tube towards the collector, such as are
produced by ebullition. a a¹ front and rear connecting boxes of the tubes. These
boxes are of malleable cast iron. To each one are fixed two tubes having reversed
inclinations. The communication from the one tube to the other through the
boxes a and a¹ is in a horizontal direction. The vertical distance between the
boxes is regulated by means of distance pieces by which the one row of tubes is
made to rest upon the row below. The horizontal distance between the boxes of
the contiguous elements is regulated by the distances of the tubes or nozzles 1 on
the collector L. N separating collector (see Sheet VI. and description) 6 branches
on the exit bends connecting these with the separator.
For facility in mounting the boiler, the branches shewn in Sheet V. are formed
in two parts connected by a sleeve. a, exit bend for the issue of the steam
generated in the element into the separator. The joint of this bend with the
branch of the separator is formed with a conical abutment, which is secured by
two bolts. al, upper rear articulated box; this box is in two parts connected by
a tube 5 screwed half into each part of the box. The arrangement has for its
object to allow the upper tube to take whatever inclination it may require when
the element is fixed in place. 6, clearing and sighting plugs of the tubes, connecting
boxes and collector. These plugs are secured by tee headed bolts. m¹, m², m³,
m³, m &c. series of tubes of one element, communicating with each other by
means of the boxes a and a from bottom upwards. These tubes are of iron, of
variable diameter and thickness, according to the steam power required.
The set of tubes of each element forms a continuous serpentine from top to
bottom.
elements turns to the
By this arrangement
by side, and the total
less by the distance
In cach steam boiler one half of the group of serpentine
right and the other half to the left, as indicated at Fig. 1.
tho exit bends of the two middle elements are situated side
length required for fixing all the bends to the collector is
between two elements than if the serpentines all turned in one and the same
direction.
Thus the collectors are rendered of decreased length, and more space is afforded
between two contiguous collectors for gaining access for inspection and cleansing.
On the other hand with right and left hand elements the two lower edges of the

page_text: transverse partitions B Sheet I. have both the same height and are inclined in the
same direction, thus allowing of their being fixed on a common base whereby
increased solidity of construction is obtained.
This could not be the case if the elements were all right or left handed; thus if
all the clements were right handed for instance the lower tubes of: the elements
near the partition would be the tube of range m¹ for the left hand generator and
the tube of range m² for the right hand generator; now the rear boxes to which
these tubes are connected are at the same level but they have reversed inclinations
from which it would result that the lower edges of the transverse! partition B
Sheet I. which should follow the inclination of the contiguous tubes, would not be
in the same plane, from which would result a difficulty of construction which is
avoided with the use of right and left handed elements. The arrangement adopted
also allows of the brickwork sides of the furnaces being constructed much more
solidly.
All the tubes are screwed at their ends, and screw into the rear boxes and into
one side of the single boxes in front, as shewn in the section of the rear box a¹
Fig. 2. The holes of the boxes are threaded and their edges are dressed perpen-
dicular to the axes of these holes, the joints of the tubes are secured by by rings 7
also threaded and dressed and which confine between them and the boxes a caulking
of metallic mastic. The rings 7 are screwed by means of suitable keys. The connec-
tion of the tubes to the twin boxes and to the same side of all the front single boxes
is effected by means of tubes 8 screwed into the boxes and of sleeves 9 screwed upon
the tubes, making joint with the boxes. Each tube engages in the corresponding
sleeve 9 and the joint is made good by the ring 7. The employment of the sleeves 9.
is necessary for mounting or replacing the tubes of an element, on account of the
contrary inclination of the two tubes fixed to one box. The upper tube has on
one end a right hand screw thread, and at the other end a left hand one. This
arrangement allows of the exit bend a, being placed exactly underneath the branch
of the separating collector with which it has to be joined. 10 moveable partitions
or baffle plates placed in and between the elements. These partitions are so
arranged that the hot gases in ascending are forced to come in contact with all the
tubes and along the whole length thereof. The horizontal distance of the tubes is
so regulated as to insure a sufficient draught without allowing the gases to pass
away before having given up their heat to a sufficient extent. On the other hand
the vertical and horizontal distances between the tubes is regulated so as to
facilitate the cleansing of their outer surfaces, either by means of a steam jet or
by brushes.
For removing an element, the tube 4 is removed from the feed pipe connection,
the bolt 2 securing the twin box to the feed pipe is then taken out, as are also the
two bolts that secure the exit bend a¹ to the branch of the steam collector.
The element is then lifted by means of a jack so as to detach it from the branch
tube 1 of the feed collector, and it is made to rest upon a roller carried by a rail
supported by a beam which in its turn is supported at the requisite height either
by struts from the furnace grates or by other beams resting on the supports of the
grates. The clearing plug of the bend al having been removed a round wood or
iron bar is introduced into the upper tube and pressure is applied to detach the
conical joint with the steam collector N. This having been done, the element can
be drawn out
The fixing of a new element is effected by similar operations in inverse order.
The elements are only fixed at their two ends, namely by the twin box to the
feed pipe, and by the exit bend to the steam collector. The front and rear boxes
are situated at a certain distance from the partitions and doors. Hence the various
parts of each element can expand freely, and the element can even be distorted
without detriment to the solidity and tightness of the various joints.
The interior of the tubes are cleansed by means of scrapers introduced through
the stoppered holes of the frout boxes. The external cleansing of the tubes is
effected by a steam jet introduced between the boxes and passed along the whole.
..

page_text: length of the tubes of each element, or it may be effected by a stiff brush passed
through the spaces between the boxes so as to brush the surface of each tube.
Sheet VI. shews the apparatus for collecting the steam from the generating
elements and for separating the water carried with it. Fig. 1 shews a longitudinal
section on line X X Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shews a cross section on line Y Y Fig. 1 and
Fig. 3 shews a sectional plan on line Z Z Fig. 2. C top of the facade plates on
which the apparatus rests by means of angle iron supports 1. The pin 2 fixes the
position of the apparatus in a horizontal direction. c beam connecting the facade
plates. N cylindrical sheet metal body of the apparatus. The ends are also of
rivetted sheet iron; the left hand end is strengthened by an angle iron 3 at its
middle. a branches connected to the discharge bends of the elements, screwed to
the collector, the bottom of which is strengthened by a plate 4 in order to enable
the branches to take into a greater number of screw threads in the collector.
The two middle branches connected respectively to a right handed and a left
handed bend of the generator elements, are too near together to be fixed in place
with their flanges fixed on them, they are therefore made in two parts connected
by a sleeve, and the flanges are formed on the lower parts.
For mounting the sleeves are rotated by means of a spanner, the flanges
remaining stationary (see the section at Fig. 2 Sheet V). a, discharge bends of
the elements. n internal partition of the collector, formed in two parts. N' annular
passage in which steam flows with a circular motion in order to pass from the
branches a into the interior of the collector. The steam passing from the elements
always carries with it a certain quantity of water; when this mixture travels in the
circular passage N¹ the steam is separated from the water by centrifugal action;
the water being the most dense, is projected against the outer wall and falls to
the bottom of the collector on the plane surface of the partition n, while the steam
passes along the surface of the partition n and issues into the middle of the
apparatus in order to issue through the exit openings at 71. The angle irons 5
situated at the end of the partition, converge, two and two, together forming
gutters for collecting the particles of water that may have passed along the
surface n, and causing them to be thrown by the current of steam against the
surface of N. The partition n is notched, out between the convergent gutters in
order to leave free space for the escape of the steam. The projecting plate 6 serves
to prevent the water that may splash up as it falls on to n from reaching the top
of the chamber where the exit openings for the steam are situated. 7, hermetically
closed opening for gaining access to the interior of the apparatus. R steam supply
valve, fixed by arms against the front of the apparatus. The steam valve is
operated from the floor of the stoke hole by means of an endless chain passing
round a grooved wheel on the valvė.
pipes, bends and appendices for
taking steam. The bends are connected to the valve by pipes ? having reversed
screwthreads at their ends; the joints are secured by rings. The bends are
bolted to the collector, and they are connected by flanges to the appendices and the
flanges make joint with short tubes 8 screwed into the collector. By these
arrangements, the several parts of the valves are readily dismounted and
consequently can be inspected.
In the ends of the tubes which are attached to the bends 7, are fitted
adjustable pieces which reduce the section of the steam passage, according to the
normal power of production of the boiler. b, injection branch for the feed water
leading into the middle of the steam of the apparatus in order to obtain the
precipitation of the salts of lime by the sudden heating of the water to a high
temperature. 1, injection chamber of the feed water; 9, baffle plate for limiting
the injection chamber and preventing the feed water from being projected towards
the recess 11 and consequently towards the orifice of the appendice into which
the steam passes. 91 plug for examining the injection chamber. 10, angle irons
and indented sheet iron for arresting the agglomerated deposits which by their
volume could obstruct the return pipe or the annular part at the top of the deposit
vessel (see Sheet VII.). O, screwed bush for the return pipo for the water from

page_text: the separating apparatus to the deposit apparatus, 'Sheets I. II. and III. The feed
water thrown by the injection nozzle b, into the chamber b' falls on to the plane
surface of the partition n, along the whole length of which it passes. This water
continues to be heated by contact with this partition, at the same time as, by its
admixture with the water carried along by the steam passing from the generating
clements, and the precipitation of the salts and mud effected in the injection
chamber is thus completed. The whole mass of water passing along the base of
the partition issues through the bend screwed into O, and descends through the
return pipe into the deposit vessel, where the lime salts and mud are collected.
d, appliance for enabling the apparatus to be maintained full of water in those
boilers that are not heated, in order to avoid the corrosion which is effected when
the interior surfaces of the tubes are alternately exposed to the action of sea water
and moist air. The branch d has for its object to form a releasing chamber for the
escape of air from the top of the collector, in order to allow the vessel to be filled.
For this purpose, it is placed at the end of that apparatus, which is situated in the
forward part of the ship and which is consequently the highest, in consequence of
the difference of draught fore and aft of the vessel.
If all the boilers are out of action, they may be maintained full, firstly by
charging them from the outside and secondly by a hand pump. If some boilers
are in action, the others are maintained full simply by means of the feed apparatus
or preferably by means of the water drawn from the other boilers, which is
deprived of air. The tube d has connected to it a small pipe, which extends down
to near the bottom of the generator and is provided with a cock in order to
ascertain whether the boiler is filled.
Sheet VII. shews in detail the recipient for the deposit of the precipitated mud
and lime salts.
Fig. 1 is a section on line ✗X Fig. 2; Fig. 2 is a section on line Y Y Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a section on line Z Z, Fig. 2.
O, pipe and bend for the return water from the steam collector to the deposit
recipient. P, deposit recipient shown in Sheets I. II. and III. in which the feed
water and the return water deposit their precipitated mud and lime salts; p, branch
connected to the bend by which the deposit vessel communicates with the feed
collector L Sheets I. and II. a baffle plate for preventing the water which descends
through the return tube O from passing directly to the exit pipe p. This water
passes over the baffle plate a and descends along the sides of the deposit vessel, in
order afterwards to rise towards the exit p. As the movement is relatively Blow,
the precipitated mud and lime salts continue to descend by virtue of their greater
density, and are deposited at the bottom of the vessel. p¹, discharge cock and pipe
of the deposit vessel. In quickly opening the cock p¹, the steam pressure drives
out the mud at the bottom of the deposit vessel. The cock pl also serves to extract
water for preventing the saltness of the water in the boiler from exceeding a
certain limit. For discharging the mud, the cock p' is suddenly opened and closed
two or three times at intervals.
For extracting the water, the feed is stopped, and the cock p¹ is kept open until
the water level has sunk a certain distance in the water gauge after which the feed
is continued. This operation should be repeated as often as is necessary for
maintaining the saltness of the water at the required degree.
1, bonnet closing and opening for examining the bend O, and the free space
between the baffle plate a and the sides of the deposit vessel for the passage of the
return water. 2, stop at the base of the deposit vessel. This stop bears against a
bent sheet iron support fixed at the base of the boiler, and affording a certain
elasticity. 3, hermetically closed opening for clearing the bottom of the deposit
vessel. 4, bend connected to the discharge cock p¹. q' injection pipe and cock for
introducing feed water directly into the deposit vessel for activating the circulation
of the water in the tubes of the generating elements when the boiler is working at
full pressure. This supplemental feed device consists of a cock with a screwed plug
placed opposite the exit pipe p of the deposit vessel. This cock has a nozzle b and

page_text: the pipe p is provided with an extension pl. The exit orifice for the water is of a
limited diameter corresponding to the maximum quantity that it is required to
discharge. Between the end of the pipe pl and the side of the deposit vessel there
is a free space sufficient for the free access of the water to the pipe p for ordinary
service, that is to say, when the cock q¹ is closed. When it is desired to work the
boilers with forced draught, the direct feed is opened by screwing out more or less
the plug 5, according to the activity of combustion. The water projected by the
nozzle b into the axis of the receiving tube p¹, induces a current in the water with
which the deposit vessel is filled, in a similar manner to an injector and forces this
water into the receiving tube p¹ and exit pipe p, and consequently into the feed
collector of the generating elements. The automatic feed apparatus of Sheets I. II.
and VIII. continuing to act as usual, the pressure produced by the direct injection of
the feed water into the deposit vessel increases the circulation of the water in the
tubes of the generating elements and ensures a proper feed even with the
fiercest fire.
Sheet VIII. shews the automatic feed apparatus. Fig. 1 shews a front view of
the apparatus and Fig. 2 shews a section on line X X Fig. 1. Q, automatic feed
apparatus as shewn in Sheets I. II. and III. A, cast iron vessel fixed by means of
the lugs 1 and 2 to supports mounted upon the boiler, so that the apparatus cannot
be displaced by the rocking motion of the ship. a head of the apparatus having
the automatic valve C and its actuating levers. a¹, pocket for receiving the mud
deposited by the water. 3, bonnet covering an aperture for clearing the pocket a'.
4, connection of the pocket a¹ with the feed collector L, Sheets- I. and II.
5, connection between the top of the apparatus and the seventh box of the
generating element nearest the apparatus. 6, discharge cock of the apparatus,
6 cock for the discharge of air from the apparatus when it is desired to entirely
fill the boiler. b, water level gauge and its fittings; b',
gauge cocks ; bu pressure
gauge, its bent pipe 7, and its support 8; the latter is fixed upon the apparatus
with the interposition of a sheet of asbestos, in order that the gauge may be less
heated. C automatic feed valve, fixed at the end of the head a of the apparatus.
The water forced by the feed pump enters by the tube q, after having passed the
graduated cock q of Fig. 1. This water lifts the check valve 9, passes through the
passage afforded by the regulating valve c, and enters through the pipe à into
the injection appendice b of Sheet VI. in order to pass into the steain collector.
D external lever for actuating the regulating valve c.
This lever rests on the support 10 by an articulated connection. The stem of
the regulating valve c passes through a stufting box affording very little friction
and is connected to the lever D by means of an articulated joint. The lever D is
supported against the movement of the ship by the guide 11. E, counter weight
suspended from the extremity of the lever D. This counterweight consists of a
spring e bearing against a lug 12 and of lead discs e¹ of which soine are placed on
the upper end of the rod of the counterweight, in order that their number may be
readily varied. F, float contained in the feed apparatus. This float is guided at
its lower end by the rod 13 entering a hole in the bridge piece carried by the
pocket a¹, in order that the float may not come in contact with the sides of the
chamber A owing to the rocking of the ship. The float is suspended by the rod fi
to the lever f which rests on knife edges 14, and carries at its extremity a roller 15
which lifts a rod fi connected to the lever D and passing through a stuffing box
with very little friction. The arrangement of the connections of the lever F and D
has been made with a view to reducing the friction to a minimum as also to reduce
the oblique position of the articulated connection of the regulating valve c. When
the water level is established the water rises to a certain extent in the chamber as
the latter is in communication with the boiler. The weight of the float F is in
equilibrio partly on account of its displacement from the water of the column and
partly by the action of the counterweights E. At this moment, the regulating feed
valve c uncovers its opening to a certain extent. If the level sinks, the float sinks
also to preserve its equilibrium and the lever f lifts the rod f₁; this acts upon the

page_text: lever D which presses down the valve c and the latter uncovers its opening to a
greater extent. If the water level rises, the float Frises also, in order to preserve
its equilibrium, the roller 15 descends and a counterweight E, acting, causes the
rod fi to press upon the roller 15 so that the lover D, in sinking on the side of the
counterweight, rises on the other side lifting the valve c, which diminishes
the section of the passage for the feed water. Thus the Boat F acts continuously
for maintaining the water level at the same height in the apparatus.
This level will be higher or lower, according as the counterweight E is loaded
with a greater or less number of lead discs. Thus the level is raised by removing
some of the discs and is lowered by adding some. It should be remarked that the
pressure exerted by the steam of the steam collector upon the regulating valve c
always tends to close the latter, but on the other hand, the pressure of the steam in
the apparatus which acts upon the rod f₁, tends on the contrary to open the valve c.
The diameters of the valve c and of the rod f₁, as also the proportions of their
levers in respect of the fulcrum 10, are so regulated that these two pressures are in
equilibrio and that they have no influence upon the action of the automatic
apparatus.
REGULATION OF THE FEED FOR A DETERMINED DEGREE OF HUMIDITY
OF THE STEAM.
One of the most important points in the working of the "Belleville" boilers is
that the steam passing from the elements into the steam collector always arrives in
this recipient with the same degree of humidity no matter what may be the
activity of combustion. By this means too dry a steam is avoided as also priming
when the intensity of the fires varies.
When the boiler is at rest, the water level is at the same height in the feed
apparatus and in the boiler, but when steam is being raised, the resistance which the
steam mixed with the water experiences in circulating through the tubes, produces a
reaction which causes the water level to rise in the feed apparatus in proportion as
the evaporation is more active. On the other hand, as the quantity of water
carried by the steam tends to increase with the activity of evaporation, it is
necessary in order that the steam should arrive in the steam collector always at the
same degree of humidity, that the quantity of water contained in the boiler should
vary in inverse ratio to the activity of the fire. This result is obtained by the
automatic feed apparatus in the following manner :-The height of the water level
in the apparatus being regulated once for all, the supply is cut off automatically
when this level is attained. From this it results that if the combustion becomes
more active, the evaporation increases and the water level rises in the apparatus.
The apparatus reduces the passage of the feed and the quantity of water contained
in the boiler diminishes progressively, according as the activity of combustion
increases. On the other hand, if the activity of combustion diminishes, the
evaporation becomes less active, the level sinks in the apparatus, which causes the
opening of the feed passage to be increased and the quantity of water contained in
the boiler increases progressively according as the activity of the combustion
decreases.
In the one as in the other case, the quantity of water contained in the boiler is
always in inverse proportion to the activity of combustion and the proportion of
water carried by the steam always remains practically the same, whatever may be
the activity of the fire. A wetter steam will be obtained in raising the water level
in the apparatus and a drier steam in causing the same to descend.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
Invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
1. The method herein described of grouping the boilers arranged back to back,
in the longitudinal axis of the ship or vessel with the stoke-holes to port and
starboard.

page_text: 2. The combined arrangement of the boilers as herein described with reference to
Sheet I. II, and III. of the accompanying Drawings.
3. The hereindescribed combined arrangement of the sheet metal parts forming
the lower part or base plate for the brickwork, the facade plates, the framing of
the casing the partitions separating the groups of tubes and which form the tube
chambers, the coverings forming the smoke flues and the base of the uptake or
chimney.
4. The hereindescribed peculiar construction of the ash-pit, furnace and its facia,
the firegrates, tube chambers and their doors.
5. The described arrangement of the steam producing elements combined in a
group for each generator, the appliances for the circulation of the water and the
means for permitting the free expansion of the parts.
6. The described construction of automatic feed regulator and its accessory
appliances.
7. The described mode of connecting the sheet iron plates for permitting their
extension consequent on expansion.
8. The described steam and feed, water purifying and collecting apparatus.
9. The deposit recipient for the mud and calcareous salts precipitated by the
evaporation of the water in the boiler.
10. The construction of the automatic wateṛlevel regulator.
Dated this Ist day of September 1884.
ABEL & IMRAY,
Agents for the Applicant,
28, Southampton Buildings,
London, W.C.