IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM GENERATORS
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Ernest Latham, of Birkenhead, in the County of Chester,
Engineer, and Frederic Bradley, of Kidderminster, in the County of Worcester,
Iron-founder, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM GENERATORS."
Sealed the 14th October, 1879, in pursuance of an Order of the Lord Chancellor,
and dated the 2nd April 1879.
"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Ernest Latham and Frederic
Bradley at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 2nd April
1879.
ERNEST LATHAM, of Birkenhead, in the County of Chester, Engineer, and
FREDERIC BRADLEY, of Kidderminster, in the County of Worcester, Iron-founder.
IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM GENERATORS."
This Invention relates to vertical steam generators, and has for its object to
provide a generator which shall be easily constructed, shall be capable of with-
standing high pressures, shall allow of easy inspection for cleaning and repairs,
shall not be injuriously affected by expansion and contraction, shall possess a large
heating surface, and shall provide for efficient circulation of the water contained
therein.
A steam generator constructed under our Invention consists essentially of an
upper and lower water containing chamber or box connected together by water
tubes, when such chambers or boxes are provided with flues or passages for the
heated gases and products of combustion. The said water tubes are so arranged
that efficient circulation is ensured, and for that purpose we prefer that the said
tubes should be placed in groups, those for the upward circulation being near the
centre, and those for the downward circulation near the circumference of the water
chambers or boxes. In some cases a single central tube is employed, through
which the upward circulation may take place. If desired one or more circulation
tubes may be placed outside the combustion chamber, so as to connect the highest

page_text: and lowest portions of the water space. The space between the upper and lower
water chamber or box serves as a combustion chamber, and is in connection with
the fire box and chimney or flue by passages or tubes which pass through the said
lower and upper water chambers or boxes. The fire box is placed beneath the
lower water chamber or box, which may be constructed so as to surround the said
fire box, as is usual in vertical steam generators.
In order to allow of easy inspection and facilitate cleaning and repairs the
jacket or sides of the combustion chamber between the upper and lower water
chambers or boxes is made moveable vertically or otherwise, so as to allow of any
portion of such chamber being exposed to view.

page_text: upper chamber or box a to the lower chamber or box b outside the combustion
chamber; d is a group of upward circulation tubes. In this view like letters
denote the same parts, as in Figs. 1 & 2.
Having now described and ascertained the nature of our said Invention in such
manner that others will be enabled to carry our improvements into effect, we claim,—
First. Constructing steam generators with an upper and lower water box or
chamber connected together by water circulation tubes, and provided with flues,
tubes, or passages therethrough, for the heated gases and products of combustion.
Second. Steam generators constructed and arranged substantially as herein set
forth.
Third. Steam generators having a combustion chamber provided with a moveable
jacket for the purposes set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said Ernest Latham, have hereunto set my hand and
seal, this Thirteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy nine.
ERNEST LATHAM. (L.S.)