GB312589A - Improvements in or relating to power transmission apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

312,589. Jorgensen, O. E. Feb. 23, 1928. Compressed-air engines. - Ships auxiliary machinery is operated by pressure air circulated in a closed circuit between a compressor associated with the ships, propelling machinery and air motors connected with the said auxiliary machinery. A pressure-air tank 2 is supplied from the compressor 1 driven from the prime mover 8 and supplies the air motor 4 which exhausts to a back-pressure air tank 5 feeding the compressor. A heater 3 and a cooler 6 may be arranged on the circuit to increase efficiency. The pressure in tank 2 is from 200 to 300 lbs., and in tank 5 is from 50 to 200 lbs. The airactuated mortor, Fig. 4, which may have a piston displacement divided into two or more parts, has double-acting tandem cylinders 9, 10, with pistons 11, 13 on a rod 12. The valve-chests of the cylinders are supplied by pipes 15, 19 respectively regulated by valves 17, 23. The exhaust pipe 24 is connected to the large cylinder chest through a bye-pass 25 with a non-return valve 26 to prevent the large cylinder acting as a brake by allowing exhaust air to circulate when the valve 23 is closed. The starting-air tank of the main Diesel engine may be used as the working-pressure tank. The compressor may be combined with the reserve air compressor by singling out one of the stages for the work. The steering- gears may be operated by air provided by the compressor used for winch operation, or the main compressor, or a special compressor driven by the main engine, may be used. If the multistage main compressor is used, the tanks are connected to the receivers on either side of the stage chosen.