A History of the Growth of the Steam-EngineThurston, Robert Henry
History
A History of the Growth of the Steam-Engine
Thurston, Robert Henry
Steam-engines -- History
An example of another modern type in extensive use is given in Fig.
112, a semi-sectional boiler, which consists of a series of inclined
wrought-iron tubes, connected by T-heads, which form the vertical
water-channels, at each end. The joints are faced by milling them, and
then ground so perfectly tight that a pressure of 500 pounds to the
square inch is insufficient to produce leakage. No packing is used.
The fire is made under the front and higher end of the tubes, and the
products of combustion pass up between the tubes into a
combustion-chamber under the steam and water drum; hence they pass
down between the tubes, then once more up through the space between
the tubes, and off to the chimney. The steam is taken out at the top
of the steam-drum near the back end of the boiler. The rapid
circulation prevents to some extent the formation of deposits or
incrustations upon the heating-surfaces, sweeping them away and
depositing them in the mud-drum, whence they are blown out. Rapid
circulation of water, as has been shown by Prof. Trowbridge, also
assists in the extraction of the heat from the gases, by the
presentation of fresh water continually, as well as by the prevention
of incrustation.
[Illustration: FIG. 112.--Babcock and Wilcox's Sectional Boiler.]
Attempts have been made to adapt sectional boilers to marine engines;
but very little progress has yet been made in their introduction. The
Root sectional boiler (Fig. 113), an American design, which is in
extensive use in the United States and Europe, has also been
experimentally placed in service on shipboard. Its heating-surface
consists wholly of tubes, which are connected by a peculiarly formed
series of caps; the joints are made tight with rubber "grummets."
[Illustration: FIG. 113.--Root Sectional Boiler.]
SECTION II.--PORTABLE AND LOCOMOTIVE ENGINES.
Engines and boilers, when of small size, are now often combined in one
structure which may be readily transported. Where they have a common
base-plate simply, as in Fig. 114, they are called, usually,
"semi-portable engines." These little engines have some decided
advantages. Being attached to one base, the combined engine and boiler
is easily transported, occupies little space, and may very readily be
mounted upon wheels, rendering it peculiarly well adapted for
agricultural purposes.
[Illustration: FIG. 114.--Semi-Portable Engine, 1878.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account