Improvements in Vapourisers or Steam Generators.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 4th Feb., 1899
Complete Specification Left, 6th Oct., 1899-Accepted, 11th Nov.. 1899
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Vapourisers or Steam Generators.
I, GEORGES DE ROUSSY DE SALES, of 133, Cours Gambetta, Lyon (Rhône), in
the Republic of France, Captain of Cuirrassiers, do hereby declare the nature of
my invention to be as follows:-
The object of this invention is to provide a vapouriser or steam generator
which will rapidly vapourise liquids and generate perfectly dry steam and con-
sists in the employment of asbestos, slag wool, spun glass, or the like, as a lining
or in other suitable form in steam generators or vapourisers so that the liquid
to be vapourised, heated or converted into steam is caused to come into contact
with the said asbestos or the like.
A vapouriser or steam generator constructed according to this invention com-
prises interchangeable "elements" in the form of chambers tubes or cells.
According to one arrangement two metal tubes of elliptical shape in cross
section are bolted together end-to-end, with a plate interposed between the
adjacent ends and provided with a valve. The outer ends of these tubes are
closed by plates each carrying a pipe, one leading to a feed pump, and the other
leading to a steam superheater.
Each of the elliptical tubes contains a "mat" formed of compressed asbestos
threads intertwined or plaited with wire. Layers of this compressed asbestos,
enclosed in cases of thin metal, are bound together by staples which serve not
only to hold them together to form a mat but also serve as a handle by which
they can be conveniently placed in and removed from the tubes.
66
It will be understood that any other material having similar physical proper-
ties may be substituted for the asbestos, such, for example, as
spun glass" or the like.
"
slag wool'
The following are a few experiments illustrative of the function' of the mats
of asbestos fibre properly arranged and some advantages derived from their
employment with vapourisers as a means for regulating the production of steam
or vapor, whatever may be the ultimate object of such steam or vapor and what-
ever be the nature of the liquid that is vaporized.
(1) 7 grammes of asbestos absorb 10 grammes of water, that is to say, that as
regards volume, asbestos very nearly absorbs its own volume of water.
(2) A mat formed of plaited asbestos cord enclosed in a thin metal case and
uniformly heated, causes vapor or steam to be evolved in a uniform manner
and proportionately to the length of time during which the heating is continued.
With 7 grammes of asbestos, as much as 5 grammes of water has been vapourised
in one minute.
(3) If the case, wherein the mat asbestos is placed, be brought, first, to a red
heat and then to a white heat, so that--as a result of such heating-the mat is
perfectly dry, and the case he then sprinkled with water, the said water will be
immediately flashed into steam, but if, through an opening made in the case so
as to expose the asbestos, water be poured onto the latter material, the water
D

page_text: will not be suddenly converted into vapour but the asbestos will convert the
water into steam at the rate determined at the outset with regard to the source
of heat that is made use of; so that by taking care to admit a quantity of water
below the maximum supply-i.e. given an intense heat and a 7 grammes mat,
5 grammes of water per minute-a uniform supply of dry steam will be obtained.
(4) Calcareous and other deposit from the water collects in the asbestos fibre
in a pulverulent state, without forming any "incrustations" and leaving the
walls of the tubes and mat cases unimpared.
(5) Asbestos is liable to little or no expansion.
(6) Boilers (fitted with asbestos in accordance with this invention) may be
rapidly put under pressure.
(7) A complete division of the liquid is effected.
In the following description water will be referred to as the liquid to be
vapourized although it is to be understood that other liquids can be similarly
vapourised. The water to be vapourised is conducted into one of the elliptical
tubes by a pipe in connection with the feed pump. The tubes can be heated
from any available source of heat, for instance, a furnace. The water thus
admitted to the tube saturates the mat of asbestos contained therein which
mat acts as a wick and divides the water by capillarity, and rapid vaporization of
the water takes place. The vapour as it is generated passes from this tube
through the valve in the separating plate into the connected tube in the condi-
tion of moist steam, and is therein dried, the dry steam passing from this tube
into a superheater.
Thus it will be seen that the effect produced by the mats is to store up and
distribute the heat which is transmitted to them by the heated tubes, and conse-
quently materially increase the heating surface.
The valve interposed between the tubes prevents the steam returning to the
tube into which the water is admitted. A fresh supply of water may now be
aumitted into the tube, but the steam which is produced therefrom cannot enter
the other tube until a pressure is produced sufficient to open the valve, so that,
if the elements be adequately proportioned, the pressure varies but slightly.
Several elements constructed as described may be connected together by a
pipe or hollow hand-rail having one end closed, and its other end in connection
with a superheater. The superheater may consist of a flattened tube, larger than
the tubes constituting the element, and provided with a mat of asbestos or the
like. It can be heated by the waste heat of the combustion gases and its object
is to thoroughly dry the steam before it is conducted by the pipe to the machines
or place where it is to be utilized.
The several elements may be also connected by a single pipe or hollow hand-
rail to the feed pump. The said feed pipe is provided with a non-return valve
to prevent the water from flowing back.
The connections may be provided with valves or plugs so that any one or
more of the connected elements can be cut out of the system when required.
When it is desired to clean any of the elements, the end plate thereof is
detached and then the mat can be taken out, brushed and put back, and the end
plate be then replaced.
In constructing a boiler or vapourizer with asbestos or like mats, the elements
may be arranged in semi-circular series, in front of a blow-pipe, and the super-
heater be placed at the rearward end thereof the whole being enclosed in a suit-
able sheet metal case.
The steam drying portion of each element may be inclined towards the flame
of the heating device instead of joining the tubes end-to end.
A more advantageous form of the asbestos mat boiler or vapourizer, consists
in arranging the elements horizontally so as to form an arch, and providing
a burner which will direct a flame into the arch to heat the elements, the super-
heater being arranged on top of the elements and heated by the gases that have

page_text: passed between the several elements, the whole structure being enclosed in a
sheet metal case forming a shell and provided with handles so as to constitute a :
portable boiler. The casing is provided with inlets for air to support combus-
tion and with a chimney for the escape of the waste products of combustion, a
safety valve being also provided.
Instead of forming the elements of elliptical tubes as herein before described,
each element may consist of two cylindrical tubes arranged concentrically one
within the other with an annular space between them to contain compressed
asbestos fibre. The said annular space is divided in its length by a partition
into two compartments, the outer ends being closed by removable plates, and
the partition being provided with two or more valves. One end of each of the
elements is connected to a water feed pipe or main, which may constitute a
hand rail, while the other end of each element is similarly connected by a pipe
to the steam main. The operation of these elements is the same as that of the
elements herein before described. The elements may be of any shape so long as
they afford as large a heating surface as possible and they may be arranged as
an arch around the furnace or in any other convenient manner. The products
of combustion after having acted on the elements externally pass inwardly
through the same and then pass away by a suitably arranged flue or chimney.
Instead of arranging the two tubes constituting the element end to end or
dividing the annular space between two concentric tubes by a partition as herein-
before described, the said tubes may be arranged side by side, the ends of the
tubes being connected together by pipes so that the steam or vapour is caused
to travel in a circuitous or zig-zag direction through the several elements. The.
vapouriser may be constructed after the manner of a multitubular boiler. In
this case the ends of the outer tube of the two concentric tubes constituting
each elements are rivetted to perforated, plates, and the inner tubes are each
perforated from one end to the other end, one of which ends is closed, and round.
the said inner tube is wound an asbestos cord. The several elements are'
arranged in sets or series coupled together so that the steam or vapour passes
in a circuitous or zigzag direction through the sets of elements, whereby the
available heat is most advantageously utilized.
One of the perforated plates to which the elements are rivetted forms a wall
or side of a water tank into which water under pressure is pumped. This water
passes from the tank into the perforated tubes of the lower tier of elements:
and through the perforations therein, to the asbestos in the annular space
between the inner and outer tubes. The perforations in the tubes are preferably'
of gradually reduced size from the ends where the water enters to the closed ends
of the said tubes. The water admitted is eventually converted into steam,
which steam passes into a coupling box which connects the lowermost tier of
elements with the next tier above and thence into the perforated tube of the
said second tier of elements and through the perforations of such tube into the
asbestos surrounding the same wherein it undergoes the first stage of desiccation..
It then passes into a coupling box at the opposite end of the tier of elements,
thence into the perforated tubes of the third tier of elements, and in the same
manner passes through the perforations and through the asbestos of this tier of
elements, where it undergoes a further desiccation; and so on, through any
desired number of tiers of elements. As the steam or vapour leaves the last tier
of elements it is stored up in a chamber, in readiness for use.
The lower tier of elements serves to vapourize the water, while in each of the
remaining tiers the steam is successively dried more and more and superheated,
the carrying away of any water along with the steam being thus rendered prac-
tically impossible.
Instead of inserting a perforated tube in the outer tube of the element, I may
line such outer tube with asbestos in any convenient form and dispense with the
said inner tube, the water being in this case admitted directly onto the asbestos.
The coupling boxes by which the tiers of clements are connected are provided

page_text: with stoppered peep-holes, which serve both for the inspection of the tubes; and
for removing and replacing or renewing the asbestos when required.
The shape of the boiler or vapouriser may, without departing from the inven-
tion, be modified to suit varying requirements, and more. especially with a view
to fitting it for purposes of distillation, for heating appliances, and the like,
it may be arranged in any convenient position for the reception of the liquid
to be heated, vaporized or distilled.
D
1
W 1900
Improvements in Vapourisers or Steam Generators.
I, GEORGES DE ROUSSY DE SALES, of 133, Cours Gambetta, Lyon (Rhône), in
the Republic of France, Captain of Cuirassiers, do hereby declare the nature of
this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particu-
larly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:
The object of this invention is to provide a vapouriser or steam generator
which will rapidly vapourise liquids and generate perfectly dry steam and con-
sists in the employment of asbestos slag wool, spun glass, or the like as a lining
or in other suitable form in steam generators or, vapourisers so that the liquid
to be vapourised heated or converted into steam is caused to come into.contact
with the said asbestos or the like.
And in order that my invention may be clearly understood, I will describe
the same with reference to the accompanying drawings of which
..
"
Fig. 1 is an axial longitudinal section of one of the elements of a steam
generator or vapouriser constructed according to this invention.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an improved vapouriser or steam generator,
constructed according to my invention, without its casing;
Fig. 3 is a similar view of generator enclosed in its casing;
Fig. 4 is a detail view of the asbestos or like mats; and
Figs. 5, 6 and 7 are modified forms of vapourisers or steam generators con-
structed according to this invention.
A vapouriser or steam generator constructed according to this invention con-
prises interchangeable "elements" in the form of chambers tubes or cells.
In Fig. 1a and b represent two metal tubes preferably of elliptical shape
in cross section bolted together end-to-end, with a plate interposed between
the adjacent ends and provided with a valve d. The outer ends of these tubes are
closed by plates e and g cach carrying a pipe f and h the one, f, leading from
a feed pump, and the other, h, leading to a steam superheater.
Each of the tubes contain a mat j formed of compressed asbestos threads i
intertwined or plaited with wire. Layers of this compressed asbestos enclosed in
cases of thin metal are bound together by staples & which serve not only to hold
them together to form a mat but also as a handle by which they can be con-
veniently placed in and removed from the tubes.
66
It will be understood that any other material having similar physical proper-
ties may be substituted for the asbestos, such, for example, as
"spun glass" or the like.
slag wool"
The following are a few experiments illustrative of the function of the mats

page_text: of asbestos fibre properly arranged, and also some of the advantages derived from
their employment, in connection with vapourisers as a means for regulating the
production of steam or vapour, whatever may be the ultimate object of such
steam or vapour and whatever be the nature of the liquid that is vapourized.
(1) 7 grammes of asbestos absorb 10 grammes of water, that is to say, that,
-as regards volume, asbestos very nearly absorbs its own volume of water.
(2) A mat formed of plaited asbestos cord enclosed in a thin metal case and
uniformly heated causes vapour or steam to be evolved in a uniform manner
and proportionately to the length of time during which the heating is continued.
With 7 grammes of asbestos, as much as 5 grammes of water has been vapourised
in one minute.
(3) If the case, wherein the mat of asbestos is placed, be brought, first, to a
red heat and then to a white heat, so that-as a result of such heating-the mat
is perfectly dry and the case be then sprinkled with water the said water will be
immediately flashed into steam, but if through an opening made in the case so
as to expose the asbestos; water be poured onto the latter material, the water
will not be suddenly converted into vapour, but the heated asbestos will convert
the water into steam at the rate determined at the outset with regard to the
source of heat that is made use of; so that by taking care to admit a quantity
of water below the maximum supply-i.e., given an intense heat and a 7 grammes"
mat, with 5 grammes of water per minute-a uniform supply of dry steam will
be obtained.
(4) Calcareous and other deposit from the water collects in the asbestos fibre
in a pulverulent state without forming "incrustations" leaving the walls of the
tubes and mat-cases unimpaired.
(5) Asbestos is liable to little or no expansion.
(6) Boilers (fitted with asbestos in accordance with this invention) may be
rapidly put under pressure.
(7) A complete division of the liquid is effected.
In the following description water will be referred to as the liquid to be
vapourised although it is to be understood that other liquids can be similarly
vapourised. The water to be vapourised is conducted into one of the tubes a
by a pipe fin connection with the feed-pump. The tubes a b can be heated from
any available source of heat for instance a furnace. The water thus admitted to
the tube a saturates the mat ; of asbestos contained therein which mat acts as a
wick and divides the water by capillarity, and rapid vapourization of the water
takes place. The vapour as it is generated passes from this tube through the
valve in the separating plate e into the connected tube in the condition of
moist steam, and is therein dried, the dry steam passing from this tube 6 through
the pipe h into a superheater.
Thus it will be seen that the effect produced by the mats j, is to store up and
distribute the heat which is transmitted to them by the heated tubes a and b,
and consequently materially increase the heating surface.
The valve interposed between the tubes a and b prevents the steam returning
from into a. A fresh supply of water may now be admitted into the tube a
but the steam which is produced therefrom cannot enter the other tube b until
a pressure is produced sufficient to open the valve so that if the elements be
adequately proportioned the pressure varies but slightly.
Several elements constructed as described may be connected together by a
pipe or hollow hand-rail 7 (Fig. 2) having one end closed and its other end in
connection with a superheater m. The superheater m may consist of a flattened
tube, larger than the tubes constituting the element a and b, and provided
with a mat of asbestos or the like. It can be heated by the waste heat of the
combustion gases and its object is to thoroughly dry the steam before it is con-
ducted by the pipe n to the machines or place where it is to be utilized.
The several elements may be also connected by the water pipes f to a single

page_text: pipe or hollow hand rail o leading from the feed pump. The said feed pipe o
is provided with a non-return valve p to prevent the water from flowing back.
The connections may be provided with valves or plugs so that any one or more
of the connected elements can be cut out of the system when required.
When it is desired to clean any one of the elements, the end plate thereof is
detached and then the mat can be taken out, brushed and put back, and the
end plate be then replaced.
In constructing a boiler or vapouriser with asbestos or like mats, the elements
may be arranged in semi-circular series, in front of a blow pipe, and the super-
heater be placed at the rearward end thereof the whole being enclosed in a suit-
able sheet metal case.
The steam drying portion of each element ab may be inclined towards the
flame of the heating device instead of joining the tubes a and b end-to-end. :
A more advantageous form of the asbestos mat boiler or vapouriser consists
in arranging the elements a and b horizontally (Fig. 2) so as to form an arch
and providing a burner g which will direct a flame into the arch to heat the
elements, the superheater being arranged on the top of the elements, and heated
by the gases that have passed between the several elements a and b, the whole
structure being enclosed in a sheet metal case r (Fig. 3) forming a shell and
'provided with handles s so as to constitute a portable boiler. The casing is
provided with inlets for air at to support combustion and with a chimney t
for the escape of the waste products of combustion, a safety valve being also
provided at (Fig. 2).
Figs. 5, 6 and 7, show some modified arrangements of the improved boiler thus
in Fig. 5 instead of the elements ab being elliptical in transverse section as
hereinbefore described each element consists of two cylindrical tubes arranged
concentrically, one within the other, with an annular space between them to
contain compressed asbestos fibre j. The said annular space is divided in its
length as shewn in Fig. 5 by a partition into two compartments the outer
ends of which are closed by removable plates e and g & the partition c is pro-
vided with two or more valves d. One end of each of the elements is connected
by pipes f to a water feed pipe or main o which may constitute a hand rail
while the other end of each element is similarly connected by pipes h to the
steam main . The operation of these elements is the same as that of the
elements already described. The elements may be of any shape so long as they
afford as large a heating surface as possible, and they may be arranged as an
arch around the furnace or in any other convenient manner. The products.of
combustion after having acted on the elements externally pass inwardly through
the same and then pass away by a suitably arranged flue or chimney.
Instead of arranging the two tubes a and b constituting an element end to end
or dividing the annular space between two concentric tubes by a partition, the
said tubes may be arranged side by side as shewn in Fig. 6 the ends of the tubes
being connected together by pipes so that the steam or vapour is caused to travel
in a circuitous or zig-zag direction through the several elements the connecting
pipes being each provided with a valve d. The vaporiser may also be con
structed after the manner of a water-tube boiler as shown in Fig. 7. In this
case the ends of the outer tube 6 of the two concentric tubes a b constituting
each element are rivetted to perforated plates and the inner tubes a are
each perforated from one end to the other, one end being closed, and around
each said inner tube a is wound asbestos cord j. The several elements are
arranged in sets or series coupled together so that the steam or vapour passes
in a circuitous or zig-zag direction through the sets of elements, whereby, the
available heat is most advantageously utilized.
One of the perforated plates a to which the elements are rivetted forms a
wall or side of a water tank o into which water under pressure is pumped through
the pipe f. This water passes from the tank into the perforated tubes of the
lower tier of elements and through the perforations therein to the asbestos in
the annular space between the inner and outer tubes. The perforations in the

page_text: tubes are preferably gradually reduced in size from the ends where the water
enters to the closed ends of the said tubes. The water admitted is eventually
converted into steam which steam passes into a coupling box y which connects
the lowermost tier of elements with the next tier above and thence into the
perforated tube a of the said second tier of elements and through the perforations
of such tubes into the asbestos surrounding the same wherein it undergoes the
first stage of desiccation. It then passes into a coupling box w at the opposite
end of the tier of elements thence into the perforated tubes of the the third tier
of elements and in the same manner passes through the perforations and through
the asbestos of this tier of elements where it undergoes a further desiccation,
and so on through any desired number of tiers of elements. As the steam or
vapour leaves the last tier of element it is stored up in a chamber 7, in readiness
for use.
The lowermost tier of elements serves to vaporize the water, while in each of
the remaining tiers the steam is successively dried more and more and super-
heated the carrying away of any water along with the steam being rendered
practically impossible.
Instead of inserting a perforated tube in the outer tube 6 of the element I
may line such outer tube b with asbestos in any convenient form & dispense with
the said inner tube a the water being in this case admitted directly to the
asbestos.
The coupling boxes and w by which the tiers of elements are connected are
provided with stoppered peep holes, such as z which serve both for the inspection
of the tubes and for removing and replacing or renewing the asbestos when
required.
The employment of asbestos linings in steam generators or vapourisers affords
the following advantages; it causes the tartar and calcareous sediments to settle
upon the asbestos in a pulverulent condition; it prevents water from being
carried away by currents of steam; it enables perfectly dry and superheated
steam to be produced, it serves to considerably enlarge the heating surface, and
it helps to secure both uniform and quick vaporization whilst the volume of
steam obtained is nearly double that which the same boiler would produce if
unprovided with asbestos lining, therefore admitting of light and portable boilers
being constructed which will produce well dried and superheated steam in a
rapid and uniform manner.
The boiler or vapouriser may be made of any shape to suit varying require-
ments, and more especially for purposes of distillation appliances for heating
buildings and the like. The vapouriser may be heated by any suitable heating
medium and the asbestos or the like employed may be in the form of mats,
fabric, strands, braids, fibre, or in any other suitable condition, and it may be
arranged in any convenient position for the reception of the liquid to be
heated vaporised or distilled.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is:-
1. A steam boiler or vapouriser comprising a heat conducting or heat storing
casing lined or stuffed internally with asbestos or with other material possessing
similar properties, such as glass wool, spun glass, slag wood and the like. for the
purpose of utilizing the properties of such material in the production of vapour
or steam from the liquid to be vapourised substantially as herein before described.
2. A steam generator or vapouriser comprising a number of interchangeable
elements formed of tubes bolted together end to end and lined with or contain-
ing mats or pieces of asbestos or like material; or each element consisting of
concentric tubes with a space between them containing braids or strands of
asbestos fibre or like material the said elements being arranged to communicate

page_text: one with another through pipes provided or not with valves substantially as
herein before described.
3. A steam generator or vapouriser comprising a nuniber. of elements formed
of tubes containing "mats" formed of asbestos threads or like material in com-
bination or not with metal wire and enclosed in or surrounded by a thin metal
case, and means for admitting the liquid to be vapourised to the asbestos or the
like substantially as herein before described.
4. The several improved arrangements in steam generators or vapourisers
constructed substantially as. herein before described and illustrated by the
accompanying drawings.
Dated the 6th day of October 1899
JOHNSONS & WILLCOX,
47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agents.