IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR INDICATING THE LEVEL OF THE WATER IN STEAM BOILERS
Year: 1880

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Joseph Reimann at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 26th January 1880.
JOSEPH REIMANN, of Paris, in the Republic of France, Mechanician. "IMPROVED
APPARATUS FOR INDICATING THE LEVEL OF THE WATER IN STEAM BOILERS,"
This Invention relates to improvements in float mechanism used in connection
with steam boilers and other similar apparatus.
Instead of the float being placed inside the boiler itself, as is usually the case at
present, I enclose the float mechanism in a special and complete apparatus, which
may be fixed to the exterior of the boiler or may be placed even at a considerable
distance from the boiler, to which it is connected by two pipes (after the manner of
water gauge tubes), one for the steam and the other for the water. Care must be
taken, however, that in all cases the height of the plane passing horizontally
through the centre of the float chamber corresponds to the mean water line in the
boiler.
The advantages of my improved float mechanism over those at present in use may
be briefly enumerated as follows:-
The apparatus may from its construction be applied to all classes of boilers,
whether horizontal or vertical tubular boilers, which up to the present have not
been able to be fitted with a float. The indicating apparatus which I attach to
my float is not exposed as is usual to the sudden jerks and strains caused by the
action of boiling.
Should any derangement of the parts occur they may be readily inspected,
removed, exchanged, or repaired, without causing the least hindrance to the regular
and continuous use of the boiler.
I will now proceed to describe my float mechanism as applied to a boiler of the
ordinary description. I enclose my float mechanism in a metal box of circular or
other convenient form, fitted with a cover which is readily removable for the purpose
of enabling the interior and parts contained therein to be examined and repaired
when necessary. This box is provided with 3 hollow extensions of circular form,
one at the top and another at the bottom and a third at the side. Through the
hollow extensions at top and bottom are passed pipes fitted with cocks which
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page_text: connect the upper and lower half of the box chamber with the steam and water
respectively contained in the boiler.
It will now be understood that when the apparatus is fixed in its proper position
and the cocks are turned on the interior of the box will become filled half with
water and half with steam.
The interior of the box is fitted with a float of hollow copper, or any other approved
construction, attached to the end of an arm keyed or pinned fast on a spindle
which rocks in socket bearings screwed into the 3rd hollow extension, before
mentioned, in the side of the box. This spindle projects through the socket (which
is screwed into the casting of the hollow extension) to the exterior, when it is fitted
with a hand or indicator which extends about half way across the removable cover
of the box to a dial or quadrant marked on the face of the cover. A small spring
serves to keep the interior shoulder of the spindle tightly pressed against the
bearing in which it turns and prevents the escape of steain or water. Thus, every
movement of the floating ball within the box will be indicated on its cover by the
hand moving over the dial, which may be marked from zero at its centre, when the
hand will be exactly horizontal to 6 degrees or more above and below the horizontal
position.
By very simple lever mechanism the rise or fall of the float may be made to
actuate a steam whistle or other alarm signal, and thus call attention to the lack or
excess of water in the boiler.
I also provide means, when required, for causing the hand of the indicator when
moved a certain distance in either direction to complete the circuit of an electric
battery, and actuate the bells connected therewith.
I have also devised a simple piece of connecting mechanism by which the
movements of the dial outside the boiler may be accurately and immediately
recorded on a duplicate dial placed at a considerable distance, say, in the engineer's
house; and I overcome any additional friction caused by thus extending the
indicators by suitable balance gear.
In the bosses at top and bottom of the box I provide apertures fitted with
removable screw caps or plugs for the purpose of cleaning the cocks in the pipes
which connect with the boiler, and for cleaning and emptying the interior of the
float chamber.
If desired a strong glass may be fitted to the box in such a way as to allow the
interior to be easily inspected.