The accompanying diagrams, Figs. [587] and [588], are worthy of study. They represent a condenser plant designed by the Schutte & Koerting Co., Philadelphia, and placed on steam-vessels plying on fresh water. In these drawings the parts are designed by descriptive lettering instead the ordinary way of reference figures; this adds to the convenience of the student in considering this novel application of the condenser-injector, the action of which is described in the following paragraphs.
Fig. 587.
For steamers plying on fresh water lakes, bays and rivers it is unnecessary to go to the expense of installing surface condensers such as are used in salt water; keel condensers, however, are used in both cases.
Fig. 588.
The keel condenser consists of two copper or brass pipes running parallel and close to the keel, one on each side united by a return bend at the stern post. The forward ends are connected, one to the exhaust pipe of the engine while the other end is attached to the suction of the air pump.
In other cases both forward ends are attached to the exhaust pipe of the steam engine while the water of condensation is drawn through a smaller pipe connected with the return bend at the stern post which is the lowest part of the keel condenser.
Fig. [587] is much used for vessels running in fresh water. The illustration is a two-thirds midship section of a vessel with pipe connections to the bilge—bottom injection—side injection into the centrifugal pump, thence upward through suction pipe into the ejector condenser where it meets and condenses the exhaust steam from the engine and so on through the discharge pipe overboard. The plan of piping with valves, drain pipes and heater are shown in Fig. [588].
In case of the failure of any of the details of this mechanism to perform their respective functions a free exhaust valve and pipe is provided which may be brought instantly into use. The discharge pipe has a “kink” in it to form a water seal, as represented with a plug underneath to drain in case of frost, or in laying up the vessel in winter. A pipe leads from globe valve (under discharge elbow) to feed pump for hot water.