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Title: |
1889 Article-J. & H. McLaren & Co., Semi-Portable Steam Engine |
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Source: |
The Engineer Magazine, 28 Jun 1889, pg. 545 |
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Insert Date: |
2/17/2013 7:43:45 PM |
McLaren’s Semi-Portable Engine
Messrs. J. and H. McLaren, of Leeds, exhibit a compound semi-fixed engine, very similar to that which we illustrate. One of the special features of this engine is that the crank shaft and cylinders can be turned end for end on the boiler. The engine exhibited has the cylinders where the crank shaft is in our engraving, and the feed-heater is under the boiler instead of at the side, but this is the only difference. It will be seen that two saddle-plates of steel are riveted on top of the boiler, one over the fire-box, the other on the barrel. To either of these the crankshaft brackets or the cylinder base can be bolted as found most convenient by the purchaser.
The engines embody several of Mr. Halpin’s improvements, notably his cylinders ribbed in the jacket, with a view to transmitting more heat to the working steam than could otherwise find its way in; whether this action really takes place or not we cannot pretend to say. Professor Unwin has so far satisfied himself that the engine is very economical, that he has ordered one without the boiler from Messrs. McLaren to be used as a stationary engine for driving tools at the Central Institute. Very special arrangements have been made for draining, not only the jackets, but the cylinders, the exhaust port in particular being carried down lower than the other two, so as to make certain that water will be expelled to such a place that it may be caught by the exhaust steam and blown out. In some cases it is found convenient to put the engine on a stone foundation beside the boiler, and this admits of being done with perfect facility.
Image courtesy of Grace's Guide.
http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/File:Im1889EnV67-p545.jpg |
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1889 J. & H. McLaren & Co., Semi-Portable Steam Engine
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