BARON VON BATHER'S IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM-
WE witnessed on Saturday last a trial of the improved furnace for steam-boilers, in use at the sugar-refinery of Messrs. WAINWRIGHT and Germsimar junior, Prince's Place, St. George's-in-the-East, which forms part of an apparatus invented by Baron Von RATHEN for the increased production and absorption of heat, by means of which the quantity of steam generated is doubled without any augmentation of fuel. So far as ocular demonstration may be regarded as proof in this case, the advantages of the Baron's improved furnace are very evident, both in the complete combustion of the coal and the rapid gene- ration of steam : the fire in his patent furnace was a glowing mass of almost a white heat, while the chimney showed no visible signs of smoke ; a shovelful or two of coals being put on the fire, only a slight puff of smoke wag emitted, not more than a house- chimney would send forth, and this lasted but for a few seconds. The contrast between this and a common steam-boiler furnace of smaller dimensions, afforded a striking proof of the superiority of the Baron Von RATHEN'S patent fire-grate. His improvement consists, first, in the introduction of a number of bars placed parallel to each other, -with interstices between, covering the fire like a roof of two or three gables, for the purpose of radiating heat ; and second, of a box inside the fire-door, which warms the air admitted through the orifices in the door to the fire; thus preventing that destruction of the bars of the furnace which would otherwise be consequent on the increased heat. In addition to this, the Baron has an apparatus, applicable like his furnace to any boiler, by means of which the heat of the waste steam is absorbed ; and the water absorbed is purified and heated almost to the boiling-point before it enters the boiler; thus at once quickening the generation of steam and preventing that accumulation of fur which is so destructive to the boiler itself and so dangerous by increasing the risk of explosion. The calculation.of the saving of fuel and increase of steam-power, and the statement as to the efficacy of the apparatus for preserving the fire- bars, using the waste-steam, and purifying the water, we give on the authority of the inventor ; but we can personally bear testimony to the brilliant combustion of fuel,, the all but total absence of smoke, and the rapid generation of steam; moreover, these improvements have been tested by this practical experiment in London, and also at Mr. RYLAND'S flax and cotton Mills at Hull.
Previous page
