|
Title: |
1884 Article-Waters Governor Co., Steam Engine Governor |
|
Source: |
The American Engineer, V7, 01 Feb 1884, pg. 43 |
|
Insert Date: |
3/25/2017 8:45:19 PM |
THE WATERS STEAM ENGINE GOVERNOR.
Of late years, the regulation of steam engines for various purposes has become almost a science in itself, especially where the conditions are onerous and the demands exacting. In many places the requirements are such that but a slight variation in speed is permissible, owing to the character of the work performed, and almost absolute perfection in regulation is demanded, even under extreme variations in the load, from the full power, to nothing but the friction of the engine. Of course, such conditions require a governor of the best design and principle theoretically, and the most perfect workmanship. It must at all times and under all conditions work freely without friction, neither must it admit of any lost motion due to wear of the parts. The constant demand is for something better and more perfect than what we have previously thought good, and new ideas and inventions, which are being continually brought forth, require for their successful operation, more careful and exact conditions than have heretofore been attained. Such is particularly the case in the various purposes and uses to which the steam engine is applied. And today no subject is receiving more attention from the engine manufacturers of this country, than how to construct a governor which will control their engines move closely and effectively than they have hitherto been able to do. Of the various types and styles of governors at present in use, the old fly-ball governor invented by James Watt, holds a prominent position; the kind known as the "shaft governor" is also being extensively used, especially for the high speed automatic engines. Both of these as now constructed have objections which seriously interfere in attaining perfect regulation; as the principle upon which all governors are made, is that a change in speed of the engine must first take place, in order to operate the mechanism which will correct that change; hence it is evident that the governor which is least affected itself by any errors in theory or construction, will more nearly meet the requirements of perfect regulation.
The Waters governor illustrated herewith, seems to contain within itself many good points worthy of notice. It is of the "fly-ball" type in which the balls, moving always in the same plane of rotation, are opposed to springs fastened to them; the friction of the parts being reduced to a minimum, the governor is rendered extremely sensitive to the least change in speed which may tend to destroy the balance. In tests recently made at the Exhibition of the Manufacturers and Mechanics Institute, Boston, the record for closeness of regulation made by common slide valve engines with the Waters governor, was not surpassed by any automatic cut-off engine exhibited there and only equaled by one. The manufacturers state that in some tests made by a prominent firm of agricultural engine builders in the Northwest, this governor made the best record over all competitors. Messrs. Edward Dewey & Co., the manufacturers, have recently made improvements in the governor, which not only render its operation more perfect, but add to its neatness of appearance. The governor is manufactured of all sizes from J-inch up to 10 and 15 inches, diameter of steam pipe. One of the largest size (15-inch) has recently been attached to an engine in the Metropolitan Flour Mills, New York, having a cylinder 44 inches in diameter, with 5-foot stroke of piston, making 65 revolutions per minute; this engine develops 1,250-horse power, and is controlled by the governor in the most effective manner. Another one of the same size is in use on a similar engine in the other mill, both running continuously from Monday morning until Saturday night. The whole machine is 6 feet high and weighs upwards of one ton. The mechanism of these governors has been applied to automatic engines with excellent results, and a growing demand is arising for them from that direction. These governors are made of the best material, and in the most perfect manner, all parts being interchangeable.
For further information address Waters Governor Works, Edward Dewey & Co., Proprietors, 34 Oliver street, Boston, Mass.
US Patent: 110,703
http://datamp.org/patents/displayPatent.php?number=110703&typeCode=0 |
|
1884 Waters Governor Co., Steam Engine Governor
|
|