IMPROVEMENTS IN PUMPING APPARATUS
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Ernst Heinrich Greeven, of 145, Cheapside, in the City
of London, Manufacturer, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN PUMPING
APPARATUS." A communication from abroad by Georg Albert Greeven, of
Deutz, in the German Empire, Engineer.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Ernst Heinrich Greeven at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 30th December 1880.
$8
ERNST HEINRICH GREEVEN, of 145, Cheapside, in the City of London, Manu-
facturer. IMPROVEMENTS IN PUMPING APPARATUS.” (A communication from
abroad by Georg Albert Greeven, of Deutz, in the German Empire, Engineer.)
"
These improvements relate to that class of pumping apparatus known as
'pulsometers" in which chambers are provided for the receipt and discharge of
liquid to be operated upon, and the desired effect is obtained by the action of steam
through a suitable valve on the liquid in the chambers alternately by condensation
to create a vacuum for the inflow, and then by acting on the surface to produce
the discharge of the liquid aided by suitable valves.
In carrying out these improvements as communicated to me the supply of steam
to the pump chamber or the pump chambers for the alternate receipt and discharge
of liquid is such that steam may be supplied intermittently to the pump chamber,
if one be used, or to each of a pair of them alternately if two be employed, from the
main regulated by a suitable valve, whilst there is also constant supply of a certain
quantity of steam to the pump chamber or to both of the pair by a small boring
through the valve itself, or by a passage in or past the partition between the pair
of chambers, if such be used, or by a separate small external pipe or pipes (with
adjustable taps or valves) or their equivalent.
In these arrangements a continual flow of steam takes place into the pump
chamber or both of a pair of pump chambers, so that the chamber or each
chamber of the pump receives a certain quantity of steam even during the time of
suction.
In
The introduction of steam into the sucking chamber of a pulsometer according
to this Invention has, in the first instance, to replace the introduction of air.
dispensing with the air the advantage is gained that the pulsometer can work
under water without any additional arrangements.

page_text: The steam serves further as well as the air to destroy partially the vacuum and
by that to retard the sucking which is necessary in case of a pulsometer with
little height for suction. But while the air fills part of the pump chamber itself,
and allows, the water to rise only to a certain height, and while the air is thrown
out by the steam along with the water (which causes the use of steam to be as
much as if the chamber was filled with water entirely), the expanding steam
allows the rising of water up to the narrowest part of the chamber though
retarding it and only then overpowers it. At this moment a surplus of pressure
for the throwing over of the steam valve is formed on the side until then sucking,
and the valve will be thrown over whether the discharge is completed or not.
By this it will be seen that the working with air is not economical, for the
chamber must be filled with steam entirely on every discharge of a quantity of
water equal to but a part of its cubic contents. A small quantity of water will
therefore receive the full amount of heat of the steam, and besides that the air,
whilst being discharged with the water, imparts to it all the heat taken up while
in the chamber. It has been found, by experiment, that these losses are greater
than those incurred by the introduction of steam during the short period of
suction.
Besides this a means of reversing the steam valve independently of the formation
of a vacuum is afforded by the present arrangement, or rather with a certain
speed of the rising water in the sucking chamber. and a certain quantity of steam
introduced therein the formation of a vacuum takes place in consequence of the
reversing of the steam valve.
In order to be able to regulate this alternate effect a mechanism in the suction
pipe for throttling the water is provided; for example, a valve with sliding parts
controlled by screw or screws working through a stuffing box and actuated by a
suitable handle. Thus, by supplying a certain quantity of steam to the sucking
chamber regulating the main influx of steam by the stop valve and throttling of
the suction water facility is afforded for working the pulsometer at different speeds
at pleasure indifferently of the height of suction, whilst insuring the formation of
a vacuum at any time, thereby obtaining economical results, rendering the apparatus
fit for many and various applications, and above all ensuring great exactness in
working.
In order to retain the heated surface of the water and not to let it be discharged
to or get mixed with the rest of the water (as is the case with the present
pulsometers and has necessarily so to be in order to form a vacuum) and supposing
the working of the pulsometer to be a constant one (that is to say, height of suction
and quantity of water delivered not to vary, therefore no regulating apparatus
to be applied) the chamber or each of a pair of chambers is enlarged from a small
distance from its lower end. A sudden expansion of the steam and therefore
condensation will take place as soon as the surface of the water reaches this place,
while discharging sufficient to cause the beginning of the formation of a vacuum,
while the heated water on the surface is retained, and in this way steam is
saved.
By this enlargement of the chamber or chambers a much more reliable means is
afforded for the intended effect than the so called pressure or condensation edges of
the present pulsometers give, these being, especially in larger apparatus, generally
too short in comparison with the cubic contents of the chambers. The result is
that the condensation is often insufficient to reduce the pressure of the steam
sufficiently so that the injection from the pressure pipe may begin and therefore no
vacuum is formed; then the working of the pulsometer stops for some time, just as
much steam being supplied as is lost by condensation. This enlargement of the
chamber or chambers extending along the whole or nearly the whole circumference
will be found much more effective.
The possibility of introducing steam into a sucking pump chamber, without
reducing the power of sucking, gives furthermore the means for constructing a
steam pump with one chamber, so to speak, half a pulsometer, without having to

page_text: apply complicated steam valve gear. If the heating of the water is no object, or if,
as in many cases, an increase of temperature is desirable, a single pump chamber is
used, conical in its upper part, with one suction and one pressure valve, and steam
is let in regulating the quantity only by the stop valve. This simplest of pumps
works with great exactness, great power of suction, and has a lifting power
corresponding to the steam pressure in the boiler without real waste of steam. In
case economy in steam is an object a simple valve, besides the stop valve, is applied,
which allows the steam to pass freely during the discharging, but cuts it off
partially during the time the water is being sucked, such as a valve which at one
time leaves a free passage around it for the steam, but is pressed against the
opening for admission of steam to the pump chamber supply pipe at the beginning
of the condensation by the greater difference of pressure and closes this opening to
a partial extent; then the expanding steam does not hinder the rising of the water,
and can only take effect and regain its pressure when the water has risen to the
upper narrowest part of the pump. Then the difference of pressure on both sides
of the valve is lessened, and the valve returning to its former place allows the steam
to pass freely into the chamber.
A spring, or other suitable means, is applied to the stem of the valve to counteract
the effect of the steam on the valve and bring it back to its former place after the
steam has lifted it up.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Ernst Heinrich Greeven in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
29th June 1881.
ERNST HEINRICH GREEVEN, of 145, Cheapside, in the City of London, Manu-
facturer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN PUMPING APPARATUS." (A communication from
abroad by Georg Albert Greeven, of Deutz, in the German Empire, Engineer.)
These improvements relate to that class of pumping apparatus known as
"pulsometers," in which chambers are provided for the receipt and discharge of
liquid to be operated upon, and the desired effect is obtained by the action of
steam through a suitable valve on the liquid in the chambers alternately by con-
densation to create a vacuum for the inflow, and then by acting on the surface to
produce the discharge of the liquid aided by suitable valves.
In carrying out these improvements as communicated to me, the supply of steam
to the pump chamber or the pump chambers for the alternate receipt and discharge
of liquid is such that steam may be supplied intermittently to the pump chamber,
if one be used, or to each of a pair of them alternately if two be employed, from
the main regulated by a suitable valve, whilst there is also constant supply of a
certain quantity of steam to the pump chamber or to both of the pair by a small
boring through the valve itself, or by a passage in or past the partition between the
pair of chambers, if such be used, or by a separate small external pipe or pipes
(with adjustable taps or valves) or their equivalent.
In these arrangements a continual flow of steam takes place into the pump
chamber, or both of a pair of pump chambers, so that the chamber or each
chamber of the pump receives a certain quantity of steam even during the time of
suction.
The introduction of steam into the sucking chamber of a pulsometer according
to this Invention is intended in the first instance to dispense with the employinent
of air. In dispensing with the employment of air the advantage is gained that
the pulsometer can work under water without any additional arrangements. The
steam serves further, as did the air previously employed, to reduce the vacuum,
and by that to retard the sucking, which is necessary in case of a pulsometer with
little height for suction. But whereas when air is employed that air fills part of the
pump chamber itself, and allows the water to rise only to a certain height, and whereas
the air admitted is thrown out by the steam along with the water (causing the
amount of steam used to be as much as if the chamber was filled with water entirely),
on the contrary, when steam is employed the steam, which having entered through
a small hole is in a low state of tension, allows the rising of water up to the
narrowest part of the chamber though retarding it, and only overpowers it when
the chamber is full. At this moment a surplus of pressure for the throwing over
of the steam valve is formed on the side until then sucking, thus assisting the
throwing over of the valve.
By this it will be seen that the working with air as heretofore is not economical,
for the chamber must be filled with steam entirely on every discharge of a
quantity of water equal to but a part of its cubic contents. A small quantity of
water will therefore receive the full amount of heat of the steam, and besides that
the air whilst being discharged with the water imparts to it all the heat taken up
whilst in the chamber. It has been found by experiment that these losses by the
employment of air are greater than those incurred by the introduction of steam
during the short period of suction.
Besides this, a means of reversing the steam valve independently of the formation
of a vacuum is afforded by the present arrangement, or rather with a certain speed.

page_text: of the rising water in the sucking chamber; and a certain quantity of steam intro-
duced therein, the formation of a vacuum takes place in consequence of the reversing
of the steam valve.
In order to be able to regulate this alternate effect mechanism in the suction
pipe for throttling the water is provided; for example, a valve with sliding parts
controlled by screw or screws actuated by a suitable handle. Thus by supplying
a certain quantity of steam to the sucking chamber and regulating the main influx
of steam by the stop valve, as well as throttling of the suction water, facility is
afforded for working the pulsometer at different speeds at pleasure indifferently of
the height of suction, whilst ensuring the formation of a vacuum at any time,
thereby obtaining economical results, rendering the apparatus fit for many and
various applications, and above all ensuring great exactness in working.
In working, the surface of the water lifted becomes heated, and in order to retain
such heated surface and not to let it be discharged to or get mixed with the rest
of the water (as is the case with the present pulsometers, and has necessarily to
be so in order to form a vacuum), the chamber, or each of a pair of chambers, is
enlarged from a small distance from its lower end. A sudden expansion of the
steam will take place as soon as the surface of the water reaches this larger part,
while discharging sufficient to cause the beginning of the formation of a vacuum
while the heated water on the surface is retained, and in this way steam is
saved.
By this enlargement of the chamber or chambers a much more reliable means is
afforded for the intended effect upon the steam valve than by the so called pressure
or condensation edges of the present pulsometers, these edges being, especially in
larger apparatus, generally too short in comparison with the cubic contents of the
chambers. The result is that the condensation is often insufficient to reduce the
pressure of the steam to the extent necessary so that the injection from the pressure
pipe may begin, and therefore no vacuum is formed; then the working of the
pulsometer stops for some time, just as much steam being supplied as is lost by
condensation. This enlargement of the chamber or chambers extending along
the whole or nearly the whole circumference will be found much more effective.
In
The possibility of introducing steam into a sucking pump chamber without
reducing the power of sucking gives furthermore the means for constructing a steam
pump with one chamber, or, so to speak, half a pulsometer, without having to apply
steam valve gear. If the heating of the water is no object, or if, as in many cases,
an increase of temperature is desirable, a single pump chamber is used, preferably
conical in its upper part, with one suction and one pressure valve, and steam is let
in, the quantity being regulated only by the stop valve. This simplest of pumps
works with great exactness, great power of suction, and has a lifting power corre-
sponding to the steam pressure in the boiler without excessive waste of steam.
case economy in steam is an object a simple valve beside the stop valve is applied,
which allows the steam to pass freely during the discharging, but cuts it off
partially during the time the water is being sucked, such as a valve, which at one
time leaves a free passage around it for the steam, but is pressed against the
opening for admission of steam to the pump chamber at the beginning of the
condensation by the greater difference of pressure, and closes this opening to a
partial extent, then the expanding steam does not hinder the rising of the water,
and can only take effect and regain its pressure when the water has risen to the
upper narrowest part of the pump; then the difference of pressure on both sides of
the valve is lessened, and the valve returning to its former place allows the steam
to pass freely into the chamber.
"
A spring or other suitable means is applied to the stem of the valve to
counteract the effect of the steam on the valve, and bring it back to its former
position.
But that the Invention as communicated to me may be the better understood, I
will by the aid of the accompanying Drawings proceed to describe means pursued
in carrying the same into effect.

page_text: DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figure 1 represents a vertical section (taken through the suction valves) of
apparatus arranged according to the improvements. Small pipes a and b (with taps
or valves c, c¹, for regulating the influx of steam) branch off the main steam pipes,
and supply both chambers of the pump constantly with steam to procure the effect
already referred to.
The same object is attained by a small hole e, Figure 4, bored through the valve f
controlling the action of the steam, or by a small passage g, Figure 5, in or through
the partition h separating the chambers P, P.
Figure 1 shows furthermore a vertical section of a valve chamber to receive
the valve i for throttling the suction water as it rises by the pipe A. A side view
of this valve chamber is shown in Figure 2, and a plan view in Figure 3. The
latter view shows the sliding block or valve i, the moving screw spindle k, the
screw nut m for fixing the slide in any required position.
Figures 6, 7, and 8, relate to that class of pumping apparatus intended to work
without steam valve or other moveable appliance for controlling the action of the
steam admitted. A disc n (shown separately in Figure 8) prevents the direct
impact of the steam admitted by the passage B on the watersurface, and serves to
distribute the steam over a wider area.
Figure 6 shows, as well as Figure 1, the enlargement o, o', of the pump chamber
or chambers in the lower part in such a way that neither the heated surface of the
water nor the steam can escape into the pressure chamber C, and thence through
the pressure valve C², thus saving steam, and ensuring a sudden and efficient
expansion of steam and consequent condensation as soon as the surface of the water
reaches the line p, p.
Figure 9 shews the head of a pulsometer with one chamber like Figure 6, only
that it is provided with a steam valve t for interrupting the main influx of steam
while the pump is sucking.
The adjustable spring s is applied to counteract the weight of the valve, and it
has a tendency to keep the valve open.
The valve is hollow, and the inner sides form when it is closed a continuation of
the sides of the chamber P. A small hole bored at connects the interior of the
valve, and consequently of the chamber P of the pump, with the steam chamber u,
and allows a continual flow of steam to enter the pump chamber. During the
time of suction the valve t is closed by the difference of pressure on the lower
and upper side of it. As soon as the water enters the upper narrow part of the
chamber P and its prolongation inside of the valve, the small amount of steam
passing through the opening gains power enough to stay the rising of the water
and equalizes the pressure on both sides of the valve, and then with the aid of the
springs the valve t is lifted up, and thereby the full amount of steam by the
pipe B is allowed to act upon the water.
Two or more of this kind of pumps, with or without steam valve, may be joined
by the outlet passages c³ to work into one pressure pipe, and also by the inlet
pipe D to suck through one suction pipe with alternate action.
Figure 10 shows the application of the intervening steam distributing disc n to
a two chambered pulsometer supplied with a rocking steam valve ƒ for regulating
the action of the steam.
Having thus described the Invention as communicated to me, I would have it
understood that what I claim is,―
Firstly. The introduction of steam to the sucking chamber of pumping apparatus
by means of small pipes a and b, or small hole e, or small passage g, substantially
as described in respect of Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
Secondly. I claim the arranging or combining parts for regulating the suction of
the water together with the constant introduction of steam, substantially as and
for the purposes described.

page_text: Thirdly. I claim the enlargement of the pump chamber or chambers a little
above the lower end or part of the same, thereby admitting a sudden expansion of
the steam without allowing the heated surface of the water and the steam to
escape through the pressure valve, substantially as described in respect of Figures 1
and 6.
Fourthly. I claim the arranging or combining parts of pumping apparatus,.
whereby the raising of liquids by direct pressure of the steam on the surface of
such liquids without any steam valve or other moveable appliances for regulating
the action of the steam is obtained, substantially as described in respect of
Figures 6, 7, and 8.
Fifthly. I claim the hollow steam valve t (the interior of which forms a
prolongation and thereby a part of the chamber P) with small hole r allowing a
constant flow of steam to enter the chamber, in consequence of which the pressure
on both sides of the valve is equalized, substantially as described in respect of
Figure 9.
Sixthly. I claim the general arrangement and combination of parts of pumping
apparatus, operating in manner and for the purpose substantially as described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Ernst Heinrich Greeven, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Twenty seventh day of June, in the year One
thousand eight hundred and eighty one.