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Title: |
1878 Article-Ruston, Proctor & Co., Portable Straw Burning Steam Engine |
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Source: |
International Exhibition at Paris, 1878, pgs. 163-165 |
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Insert Date: |
3/31/2015 7:48:42 PM |
These engines are made from 6 to 20 horsepower, with single cylinders up to 12 horsepower, and double beyond.
The cylinders are steam jacketed and cast in one piece with the valve chest. The crankshaft is of Lowmoor iron, and the cross head made out of hammered scrap.
The feed pump is arranged to work continuously, and fitted with gun-metal seatings. The feed water heaters consist of a copper tube through which a portion of the exhaust steam passes, and uniting with the overflow from the pump, condensation freely takes place, the water is heated and flowing down to the tank heats the whole water contained therein to nearly boiling point. Each engine is fitted with Chapman's patent variable expansion gear, by means of which the power given off by the engine can be regulated not to exceed a required amount. Expanding stays are fastened from the cylinders to the brackets, in order to assist in holding them in place, and to preserve the boiler from undue strain. Before leaving the yard the boilers are tested to 120 lbs. per square inch by hydraulic power, being double the working pressure.
This apparatus consists of a hopper, of a particular shape, which takes the place of the ordinary ash pan. The hopper has a bell mouth projecting beyond the front of the fire box, through which straw, cotton, or maize stalks, or ordinary combustible refuse is passed for fuel. The material to be burned is pressed through by means of a hand fork, and passes upwards into the fire box through the opening usually occupied by the fire bars—which are removed.
In the above system the straw ignites on entering the furnace, and the supply being kept up from the bottom it burns like a torch, and the fire is never damped down as is the case when fresh straw is put upon the top of a fire.
The apparatus is effective in operation, the feeding being performed by the man in charge of the engine.
The chimney is fitted with a spark catcher and also a steam jet to ensure a strong draught.
When wood or coal is required to be burned in the engine the apparatus is removed, the fire bars and ash pan are replaced, and the arrangement is then similar to that of an ordinary engine.
Prices from £220 to £400. |
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1878 Ruston, Proctor & Co., Portable Straw Burnug Steam Engine
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