Improvements in Steam Condensers.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 11th Oct., 1895-Accepted, 16th Nov., 1395
Improvements in Steam Condensers.
1, HERBERT ALLEN WHEELER, of the City of St. Louis, in the State of
Missouri, one of the United States of North America Mining Engineer, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, reference being had to the accompanying drawings in which like parts
are indicated by similar reference numbers, that is to say :-
My invention relates to an improved device to facilitate the condensation of
steam. The said device consists of an apparatus in which the steam is directed
through one or more pipes or passages which are in contact with the external air
for the purpose of keeping the temperature reduced. And the device possesses
novelty of construction hereinafter specifically pointed out and claimed.
Referring to the drawing:-
Figure illustrates a side elevation of a device constructed according to my
invention, showing an end view of one of the curved passages for the steam and a
side view of another of such passages.
Figure 11 illustrates a top view of the device.
6 are
I is the pipe through which the steam is introduced. 2 is a box or chamber
into which the pipe 1 projects a short distance. 3 are tubular passages, one or
more in number, leading from the box 2, and through which the steam passes in
the direction shown by the double winged arrows. 4 are conical or they might
be otherwise shaped ends to the said passages 3. 5 are small tubes for conducting
off the water situated at the bottom of ench down dip of the passages 3.
Jischarge pipes in communication with tubes 5. 7 are also discharge pipes
leading from the bases of the conical shaped ends 4. The pipes 5, 6 and 7
all lead to the box 2. 8 is another discharge pipe, situated at the bottom of the
box 2, and through which the condensed steam is drained. 9 is the connection or
joint between the pipe I and the box 2; said joint consisting of a sleeve secured
to the bottom of the box 2, said sleeve extending around, over and down into the
projections of the pipe I.
The operation of the device is as follows: Steam enters through the pipe I and
passes through the pipe 2, and thence into the tubular passage 3. An essential
feature of my invention is in the arrangement of these tubular passages 3, by
which the water is drained off in the direction in which the steam passes. This is
accomplished by slanting the passages out of the horizontal, so that the water in
seeking its level runs to the place of the deepest depression, which is situated just
before the abrupt up curve of said passage. The tube is then recurved back upon
itself in the same vertical plane, slanting downwardly as shown in the drawing. At
the points of deepest depression the water drains are located, said drains being in
communication with the inain discharge pipe 8. As the water flows down the long
slanting portions of the passages 3, it passes in the direction taken by the steam,
and consequently instead of preventing its escape, it serves to aid it.
Whilst I have shown in the drawing, the device furnished with two passages
leading from the box 2 at right angles with each other, it is evident that any
desired number may be used. And also, while I have shown the passage as curved
back and forth within the same vertical plane, I do not limit myself to this
curved construction, as it is evident that the passage may be jointed at any angle.
I prefer to construct the device of sheet copper, it being the best conductor of
heat, but any other suitable material may be used.

page_text: My invention gives the greatest possible exposure of the passages containing the
steam, and allows the free circulation of air for contact with said passage walls,
thereby keeping the temperature reduced to a minimum. The pipes may be
corrugated to prevent bursting in frosty weather.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is:-
1. In a steam condenser, the combination of continuous steam passages, curved
back and forth in the same vertical plane, the end of the loop formed by said curves
nearest the exit being lower than the end nearest the entrance, and drain pipes
in communication with the places of greatest depression of said loops, substantially
as described.
2. In an improved steam condenser, the combination of a steam pipe, a box
attached thereto, curved passages leading from said box, said passages being bent
back and forth in the same vertical plane, and a means for draining water from
the depressions in said passages substantially as described.
3. In an improved steam condenser, the combination of a steam pipe, a box
attached thereto, passages lending from said box, said passages being bent back
and forth in the same vertical plane, a means for draining water from the
depressions in said passages, and an inverted cone attached to the exit ends of
said passages, substantially as described.
Dated this 11th day of October 1895.
WHITE & WOODINGTON,
27 Southampton Buildings, London, Agents.