US212320A - Improvement in steam-piping for heating, cooking - Google Patents

Description

3 Sheets-Shae? 1. E. F. OSBORNE, I Steam-Piping for Heating, Cooking, 8w.-

No. 212,320. Patented Feb. 18,1879.

V\/ITNE55ES IN NT R N.FETER$. PNOTO-LITHOGRAPHER, WASNINKRON. D. C.

3 Sheets-Sheet 2.

E. F. OSBORNE. I Steam-Piping for Heating, Cooking, &0.

No. 212.320. Patented Feb. 18,1879.

\NITNEEIEJIES. V \IENTEIR iz fi h U ",PEIEES, PHOTMJTHOGRAPMER, WASHINGTON, D. C.

3 Sheets-Sheet 3. I E. P. OSBORNE. I

Steam-Piping for Heating, Cooking, 850.

Patented Feb. 18, 1879.

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N, PETERS, PHOTO-LITHOGRAPHER, WASHINGTON. D C

'IA'I'ES PATENT EUGENE F. OSBORNE, OF ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA.

IMPROVEMENT IN STEAM-PIPING FOR HEATING, COOKING, ac.

- Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 2123320, dated February 18, 1879 application filed Q I October 15? 1878. 7

To all whom "it may concern;

Be'it known that I, EUGENE F. OSBORNE, of the city of St. Paul, in the county of Ramsey and State of Minnesota, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Steann Piping for Heating, Cooking, and other Pur-j Y combine in a single system adapted to highpressure use the advantages of both high and low pressure methods or systems of applying steam to the purposes named, and, second, to connect andcombine in a single general or extended system several divisions or minor systems, each embodying the novel features by which my first object is attained,

I and having either the same or widely-difierin g pressures, as may be required.

Advantages of my invention will be found in avoidance of hammering in the pipes, greater cheapness in construction, economy in fuel, and in simplicity of operation.

As will more fully appear from the following description and from the claims, my invention consists, first, in a system of steamcirculation independent of the boiler, except that the latter is the source of supply, and arranged so that a uniform pressure is preserved in all the members of the circuit; second,'in a system of steam-circulation independent of the boiler except as a source of supply, and a seal tank or reservoir into which the several members discharge their water of condensation, and whereby a uniform seal is maintained in the several members of the cir-" cuit; third, in a system of steam-circulation,

a connecting or bridge pipe extending between bined trap and seal-tank.-

In order to more clearly explain my method of applying the principle of equalized steampressure in the supply and return pipes by forming a circuit embracing them both, I have in Figure l of the drawings illustrated a single division or a Simple system of piping and apparatus. In this figure, A is the inductionpipe or supply-main leading from the boiler or othersteam-source. (Not hereshown.) Bisthe main valve. D is a continuation of the supply-main, with which are properly connected the several radiators and other working appliances J J K, provided with air-valves c, and requiring substantially the same degree of heat or pressure. D is a vertical extension of the supply-main D, leading down to the horizOntal'return-main G and draining D into thelatter. HHarethe'several return branches leading from J J K to the pipe G. The return-main G terminates in the tank or trap F, entering the same near the bottom, as shown.-

0 is the outlet of the tank F, located somewhat above the entrance of G, so that when the apparatus is in working order water will fill G and stand in the several return branches H H proximately on the line Q Q. P is a blow-off, by which the water of the entire system illustrated maybe discharged when required. I I are pipes connecting the Several return branches with the main or branch supply, each having the stop-Valve 1. Finally, E is a pipe connecting the supply D with the return G through the tank F, completing the open circuit F E D D G.

By means of the pipe E, connecting D and F, as described, a substantially equable pressure is established throughout the entire divis ion between the supply and returnpipes, giving obviously varying and variable elevation of water-seal in the severalreturns H H,

Eric.-

which rises above the line Q Q in direct proportion to the reduction of'steam-pressure,

above it from the work performed in the several working appliances J K, with which they connect.

The tank F is so proportioned to the extent of the entire division of piping that an ample volume of water is available to supply this vapounding in the pipes when steam is let on,

since the complete seal in all cases provided in the return-pipes prevents the admission of steam to the radiators by these pipes and the consequent massing of water therein, which, as might be at length explained, is the occasion of such hammering.

In a limited apparatus or division of apparatus, a reservoir like that illustrated in tank F would be unnecessary. The pipe E might connect directly with G, the outlet having the same relative position, as shown but in nearly every case the use of a tank or reservoir will be found advantageous. v

The outlet 0 may connect with the boilerfeed, or with any other appliance giving suitable resistance to the passage of steam.

Having thus explained my invention so far as exemplified in a single division of appara tus, I proceed to describe my method of combining and connecting several similar divisions to complete a general system adapted to the varied requirements of a large building. In Fig. 2 such a general system is illustrated embracing three divisions, one of which may have a working pressure higher than the others.

Through the rising branches D D from the supply-main D of division already described steam is conducted to the radiators J and J upon the upper floor. The returns H H of J J on this floor are shown to connect with the return-main or seal-pipe G 5 but they may (sometimes preferably) connect with a pipe corresponding to G, discharging into the secondary tank F or, if conveniently situated for the purpose, these returns may discharge directly and immediately into the tank F, as indicated by H H, which are shown by dotted lines to extend within the tank below the level of its outlet 0. In this case the tank F unites the functions of tank and sealpipe, and the division becomes more clearly distinct from the main or central division having the tankF than it is now shown to be in the drawing.

'The tank F is connected with the tank F by its, outlet or discharge pipe 0, and E is the equalizing-pipe for all apparatus having return connection with F. By means of these several connections the two divisions so far described will obviously have substantially the same pressure, and from the illustration they afford it is plain that generallyin the combination of two or more divisions having the same pressure the supply and return pipes of working appliances belonging to them may be con; nected with either indift'erently.

The third division, which 1 next describe, is the lowerone in the drawings, and is intended,

say, for cooking, laundry, or other purpose requiring higher pressure. It has its supply main or feed-pipe D connected with A at a point back of the valve 13, and is provided with its own valve B. Through cl any number of working appliances J and K may be supplied therefrom, H H being thin returnpipes discharging through G into tank or trap F, and E being the equalizing-pipe of the division.

I have shown in this division my modification of a trap, F, whereby it is adapted to serve both as a trap and sealing-tank. It is generally of the ordinary construction-such, for example, as I have illustrated in detail in Fig. 3--the principal modification for the purpose specified consisting in locating the induction at 9, Fig. 3, instead of at g, as hitherto constructed.

A pipe, it, gives discharge to the trap into the tank F, whither, in the relative positions shown, the water is forced by the higher pressure in .the lower division. As O of tank F usually connects with the boiler-feed (through suitable trap or other appliance) by means of the common discharge of the several divisio ns through the tank F, as described, no steam or heat is wasted. When a suitable variation of pressure exists between pressures in the boiler and the tank F, exhaust-steam from an engine connected with the boiler may be similarly discharged into tank F and utilized. Connections for this purpose are shown at L.

The pipe at is provided with the valve u, by which and the valve B the cooking division may be operated separately from the other di visions; but when this is done other dischargeconnection of the trap-tank'will be required. An open discharge is shown through the valve P. I

Having given above an explanation of the mode of constructing and operating a single division or several combined divisions of my improved apparatus, from which its principles of operation are clear, it will be readily understood that, instead of connecting the sup ply 1) with the tank F by means of the equalizing-pipe E to produce the substantial equilibrium of pressure sought and described, it will be practicable, and, in most cases, preferable, to lead the pipe A directly into the tank F, (or trap-tank, as the case may be,) as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The tank is thus made the startin g-point and the termin ation of the steamcirculation.

This mode of connection is intended to 0b-.

'viate any difficulty growing out of a possible diflerence in pressure between tank and supply when remote from each other, and also to prevent the passage of water from a foamin g boiler into the feed D. When water from such a boiler enters with the steam the tank F of Fig. 5, it is therein separated from the steam, and only dry saturated steam is allowed to pass onto the feed-pipes of the sys tem.

The equalizing-pipe E, when introduced as seen in .Fi g. 1 or the central division of Fig. 2, is usually adequate to the second purpose last above mentioned, but not always.

It is sometimes necessary or desirable to connect a radiator so that the steam will enter and the water condensed therefrom will emerge through the same pipe, as seen at J,

Fig. 2. For this purpose the air-pipe s is introduced and connected, as shown. It is provided with the check-valve T, opening outwardly from the radiator, and the three-way valve S, the latter being arranged to discharge the upper pipe and radiator into the sewer or elsewhere. To fill the radiator with steam, (valve 0 being open,) S is turned to discharge the air when the entering steam has forced the air out of radiator J and pipe 8. S is turned to give passage with D. In an air-pipe thus connected no water can mass and freeze, and the equable pressure allows the single pipe D to serve both as supply and return drip to the radiator J. It may be incidentally remarked that by making such connection of s with D as is shown, and locating valve S with reference tof/the object in view, the operator is enabled to let steam onto the radiator of an upper floor from his position on a lower one.

In Fig. 2, besides the several connections described, I have shown many auxiliary appliances of great use in the proper construction and successful operation of an extended system of steam-piping. Thus, V is a safetyvalve attached to the tank F, equally desirable whether steam is taken directly from the boiler, as in Fig. 5, or from the supply-main, as in Fig. 2. At a convenient point for observation are gages a and 1), showing pressure in A and in the tank F, respectively. The several tanks may advantageously have these attachments. O is a pressure-regulator applied tothe supply-main D, if necessary, to regulate pressure throughout the system con nected therewith, and M is a water-gage attached to the tank F.

In Figs. 3 and 4 I have shown forms of com bined trap and tank.

In Fig. 3 the usual point of induction is indicated by dotted lines at g, and 9 shows it as located by me below the low-water line, to give proper seal in the return or seal pipe g. E represents the equalizing=pipe through which the circuit first described. is established, and n the escape or outlet, already fully explained. In Fig. 4 suitable connections are shown'for making the trap-tankthe starting-point and terminus of the circuit, as also amply described above, A representing the boiler-connection, and D the supply-main or fed-pipe of the division to which it belongs, n being the outlet, as in the other figure.

Fig. 6 shows an ordinary trap, F, retained in the alteration of the old to my system of piping, F being a supplemental tank introduced with equalizing-pipe E to give the equal pressure and seal required.

The novel feature of an induction-pipe of a trap located below the low-water line, whereby, in connection with the equalizing-pipe or its equivalent, a water-seal may be obtained in the several returns discharging thereinto, is plainly adapted or applicable to all forms of float or intermittent discharge-traps.

Having thus described my invention, I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent i 1. In a system of steam-piping for heating and similar purposes, the combination of the following elements, namely: the feed-pipe D, thereturn-main G, having elevated outlet 0, as described, the connections D and H, and the equalizing-pipe E, or its equivalent, together arranged and connected to give equable direct and back pressure with variable water-seal in all return branches H, interposed between opposing steam currents or bodies, substantially as set forth. 1 v

2. In combination with a system of steampiping arranged to give substantially equal direct and back pressure with variable water seal, as described, a tank or reservoir coir nected with the seal-main and subject to the steam-pressure .ot' the supply-main, whereby the depth of water in one or many of the re turn branches may be greatly increased without impairing the seal of others, substantially as described.

3. In combination with a system of steam piping having equable direct and back press ure and variable water-seal, as described, the pipe I, having valve '5, and connecting the feed and return branch of a working appliance in the connection, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

. 4. The combination, in a steam-heating ap paratus, of two or more distinct steam-circuits, each circuit being complete independently of the boiler except as a source of supply, and each provided with a seal-tank or seal-main, as described, connected with each other by the pipes O and n, uniting the several tanks or mains, substantially as and for the pur= poses specified. I

5. In the combination of two or more divis= ions of a steam-heating apparatus, adapted, as herein set forth, to work under different pressures, the trap F", and the pipe at, uniting the'divisions and operating to discharge one In testimony that I claim the foregoing as into the other, substantially as described. my invention I hereunto affix my signature in 6. A combined tank and trap having its presence of two witnesses.

inlet below the low-water line therein, and

adapted, substantially as herein set forth, to EUGENE F. OSBORNE. be connected in an equalized pressure system of piping to give waterseal in the return- Witnesses:

main and branches thereof, substantially as WM. M. STANLEY,

described. M. E. DAYTON.

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