Of this description are all those Chimney-pots with flat
horizontal plates or roofs placed upon supporters just above the
opening of the pot;--and most of the caps which turn with the
wind are not much better.--One of the most simple contrivances
that can be made use of, and which in most cases will be found to
answer the purpose intended as well or better than more
complicated machinery, is to cover the top of the Chimney with a
hollow truncated pyramid or cone, the diameter of which above, or
opening for the passage of the Smoke, is about 10 or 11 inches.
--This pyramid, or cone, (for either will answer,)--should be of
earthen ware, or of cast iron;--its perpendicular height may be
equal to the diameter of its opening above, and the diameter of
its opening below equal to three times its height.--It should be
placed upon the top of the Chimney, and it may be contrived so as
to make a handsome finish to the brick-work.--Where several
flews come out near each other, or in the same stack of Chimnies,
the form of a pyramid will be better than that of a cone for
these covers.
The intention of this contrivance is, that the winds and eddies
which strike against the oblique surface of these covers may be
reflected upwards instead of blowing down the Chimney.--
The invention is by no means new, but it has not hitherto been
often put in practice.--As often as I have seen it tried it has
been found to be of use; I cannot say, however, that I was ever
obliged to have recourse to it, or to any similar contrivance;
and if I forbear to enlarge upon the subject of these inventions,
it is because I am persuaded that when Chimnies are properly
constructed IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF THE FIRE-PLACE little more
will be necessary to be done at the top of the Chimney than to
leave it open.
I cannot conclude this Essay without again recommending, in the
strongest manner, a careful attention to the management of fires
in open Chimnies; for not only the quantity of heat produced on
the combustion of fuel depends much on the manner in which the
fire is managed, but even of the heat actually generated a very
small part only will be saved, or usefully employed, when the
fire is made in a careless and slovenly manner.
In lighting a coal fire more wood should be employed than is
commonly used, and fewer coals; and as soon as the fire burns
bright, and the coals are well lighted, and NOT BEFORE, more
coals should be added to increase the fire to its proper
size[3].
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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