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
In the Holly rotary engine, seen in Fig. 123, eccentrics and
sliding-cams, which are frequently used in rotary engines, and which
are objectionable on account of their great friction, are avoided.
Corrugated pistons, or irregular cams, _C D_, are adopted, forming
chambers within the cases. In the engine the steam enters at _A_, at
the bottom of the case, and presses the cams apart. The only packing
used is in the ends of the long metal cogs, which are ground to fit
the case and are kept out by the momentum of the cams, assisted by a
slight spring back of the packing-pieces. The friction on the pump
(Fig. 124) is said to be less than in the engine. This is the reason
given in support of the claim that the rotary engine forces water to a
given distance with from one-fourth to one-third the steam-pressure
necessary to drive all reciprocating engines. The smaller amount of
power necessary to do the work, the less strain and consequent wear
and tear upon the whole machine, are said to make it more durable and
reliable. The pump being chambered, its liability to injury by the use
of dirty or gritty water is lessened, and it is stated that it will
last for years, pumping gritty water that would soon cut out a
piston-pump. The pump used with this engine is, as shown in the above
illustration, somewhat similar to the rotary engine driving it. Each
of the revolving pistons has three long teeth bearing against the
cylinder, and packed, to prevent leakage, like the engine-cams. They
are carried on steel shafts coupled to the engine-shafts. The water
enters at _E_ and is discharged at _F_, and the passages are purposely
made large in order that sand, chips, and dirt, which may enter with
the water, may pass through.
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