Fig. 120.

Fig. 121.

To save space, marine boilers are constructed so as to produce the necessary quantity of steam within the smallest possible dimensions. With this view a more extensive surface in proportion to the capacity of the boiler is exposed to the action of the fire. The flues, by which the flame and heated air are conducted to the chimney, are so constructed that the heat may act upon the water on every side in thin oblong shells or plates. This is accomplished by constructing the flues so as to traverse the boiler backwards and forwards several times before they terminate [Pg448] in the chimney. Such an arrangement renders the expense of the boilers greater, but their steam-producing power is proportionally augmented, and experiments made by Mr. Watt, at Birmingham, have proved that such boilers with the same consumption of fuel will produce, as compared with common land boilers, an increased evaporation in the proportion of about three to two.

Fig. 122.