NEIMME Transactions
Volume 18
NORTH OF ENGLAND INSTITUTE OF MINING ENGINEERS.
TRANSACTIONS.
VOL. XVIII.
1 8 6 8-9.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE. A REID. PRINTING COURT BUILDINGS AKENSIDE HILL
1869.
CONTENTS OF VOL. XVIII.
page.
Report of Council ...............J
Finance Report .................. vn
Technical Ed j cation Report ix
Treasurer's Account............ xii
General Account ............... xiv
Patrons................................. x^
Honorary and Life Members xvi
page,
Officers, 1869-70.................. xvii
Members ........................... xviii
Graduates ..................... xxxviii
Subscribing Collieries......... xli
Rules (as altered to August 7,
1869) ........................... xliii
Catalogue of Library, End of Vol.
GENERAL MEETINGS.
1868. page-
Sept. 5.—Model of a new Safety-Cage exhibited by Mr. James Barkus;
Mr. J. A. R. Morison's Invention for preventing Tampering with
Safety-Lamps explained .................. 2
Oct. 3.—Technical Education Committee's Report read ......... 7
" Remarks on Rivetting," by Mr. W. Boyd............ 9
Discussed........... ............... 4
Hann's Safety-Lamp exhibited and explained ....., ... 5
Nov. 7.—Mr. George Elliot's Inaugural Address ......
,..... 19
Report of the Smoke Committee ............... 37
Dec. 5.—Books Presented to Mr. E. Bainbridge ............ 41
Paper " On the Mechanical Stoking of Steam Boilers," by Mr.
James Nelson........................ 51
Discussed .......................1 41
1869.
Feb. 6.—Tail-Rope Committee's Report discussed ............ 61
Paper by Mr. A. L. Steavenson '< On some Experiments with the
Lemielle Ventilator at Page Bank Colliery " ......... 63
Discussed........................... 57
Mar. 6.—Further Discussion on Tail-Rope Committee's Report ...... 71
Mr. Boyd's Paper « On Mechanical Rivetting " discussed...... 82
April 10.—Mr. I. L. Bell elected a Vice-President in place of Mr. J. F.
Spencer (resigned) ..................... 85
Further discussion on Mr. Nelson's Paper " On the Mechanical
Firing of Steam Boilers " .................. 86
Further discussion on Mr. Steavenson's Paper " On Fan Ventilation"
........................... 99
Experiments on board the "Weardale" .........
Ill 105
May 8.—Notice of Proposed Alteration of Rules by Mr. Marley ...... 107
Paper by Mr. W. Waller " On Steam Boilers" ......... 121
Mr. Nelson's Paper "On Mechanical Stoking" discussed...... 107
(iv)
page
June 5.—Mr. Marley's Proposed Alteration of Rules .... ... 127
Mr. A. L. Steavenson's Paper «Qn the Lemielle Ventilator
discussed. ••• *** """ *** ***
Supplementary Papers on the'subject by Mr. Steavenson and Mr.
Cochrane ............... *'* '
Auff. 7 —Council, Finance, and Technical Education Committees' Reports read
; Paper by Mr. T. J. Bewick " On the Mountain or Carboniferous Limestone
District of the North of England;" Paper by Mr. George Fowler " On a Method
of Abstracting Explosive Gas from the Goaves of Coal Mines" ; Discussion on
Mr. A. h. ¦ Steavenson's Paper adjourned; Mr. E. F. Boyd elected President
149
index at end of volume.
The Council have much satisfaction in having" so favourable a Report to
present to the Members of the Institute.
The continued increase in the number of members has been most gratifying,
and the deduction to be made for death and other causes is unusually small.
The increase of members during the last three years has been nearly 40 per
cent.
Adverting- to the Transactions and Papers, the Council think them well
calculated to sustain the prestige of the published proceedings.
The address of our late President gives a most interesting summary of the
work done by the Institute, and a valuable exposition of the labour of the
Mining Engineer, and several theoretical and practical questions connected
with ventilation have been placed before the Institute in such a way as to
invite much valuable discussion.
The contributions on mechanical subjects are also full of interest. The
all-important question of Mechanical Stoking and the Consumption of Smoke
has been most ably treated, and your Council consider that the Institute may
justly take some credit to itself for having induced the Government to
permit the use of Hartley Coal on board Her Majesty's ships.
The paper on Rivetting is a valuable and comprehensive treatise on a subject
that has not before received much close attention.
The work done by the Committees has been very important, more especially
that effected by the one on Technical Education, whose report the Council
refer to with satisfaction; and this opportunity is taken of thanking the
Coal Trade Association for the most valuable assistance they have rendered
to the undertaking, by supplying the necessary funds for starting the
movement. The Council hope another year will render pecuniary support
unnecessary, and the undertaking, under the joint direction of the Institute
and Coal Trade, from its own resources will prove a most valuable boon to
the district.
The Committee on the Prevention of Smoke have given a Report, very properly,
as far as regards hand-firing, considers the question
(vi)
to have been exhausted, and recommends future enquiry to be confined
exclusively to mechanically fired furnaces. A new Committee has been formed,
who propose to issue suggestions as to the mode of conducting these
experiments, so as to ensure uniformity in the manner of recording them.
The Building Committee have also made progress, as the members will have
perceived; Neville Hall has been removed, and in a few months the new
building will rise in its place, and the members will soon have the
satisfaction of meeting in a handsome and appropriate Hall suited to their
wants.
The Council refer with pleasure to the visit of the Members of the South
Staffordshire Mining Institute to this district, in May, and to the more
recent meeting of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers in this town, and
they suggest to their successors the advisability of holding the next annual
meeting of this Institute at some town other than Newcastle.
Your Committee have much pleasure in reporting that the Finances of the
Institute continue in a very satisfactory state. During the past year there
have been 65 new members elected, making a total number, after deducting the
number whose memberships have ceased, 465 members and 41 graduates.
The receipts of the Society are about £100 more than for the year 1868, and
amount to £1,278 10s. 4d. The expenditure has also been greater owing to the
extra cost of printing the proceedings, which are more voluminous than last
year, in consequence of the Report from the Tail-rope Committee. The sales
have, however, increased from £65 to £124.
The Capital Fund has been reduced from £3,174 18s. lid. to £2,366 12s. 10d.,
mainly owing to a payment of £1,056 5s. being made for the balance of the
purchase of the site of the Wood Memorial Hall.
(Signed)
LINDSAY WOOD. JOHN DAGLISH.
ADVERTISEMENT.
The Institution is not, as a body, responsible for the facts and opinions
advanced in the papers read, *and in the Abstracts of the Conversations
which occurred at the Meetings during the Session.
REPORT OP THE COMMITTEE.
Since the last annual meeting of this Institute the subject of Technical
Education in the coal district of Northumberland and Durham has assumed a
more tangible form. In October last this Committee in sending their report
to the annual meeting of the Coal Trade Association, recommended the
services of Mr. Rowden, who had offered to come north to carry out a scheme
of Education in connection with the Government Department of Science and
Art. This suggestion was favourably received, and that gentleman at once
came into the district.
It was first necessary to consider what subjects fostered by the Science
Department would be most useful and most likely to succeed. Mathematics in
its application to mining and mechanical operations was considered very
essential: but here was a difficulty; to work on in pure mathematics till
the pupils acquired sufficient knowledge to benefit them practically, would,
considering the present state of primary education, undoubtedly have proved
a failure. The subject of Practical, Plane, and Solid Geometry was
considered the most deserving of attention, as giving that practical
knowledge of the application of geometry which could only be obtained by a
protracted study of pure mathematics. Next m importance for this
neighbourhood were classed Mechanics, Machine Construction and Drawing,
Building Construction and Drawing, and Chemistry.
The object of this Committee being to disseminate a technical knowledge
among working men, it was, of course, necessary to confine the time of
instruction to the evenings after the men had finished work. The question
next arose, how is the instruction to be given ? ^ Occasional popular
lectures were at once considered totally inadequate toimpart any sound
knowledge, and it was determined that classes at which the pupils could
attend at least twice per week was the proper method. But difficulties again
presented themselves; the district was large, the session far advanced, and
only one master recognised by the department. It was
mm ' h
therefore determined to start classes one by one in the most central and
most accessible districts, extending the number as circumstances permitted.
Following* out this scheme a public meeting was held at Hetton on Wednesday,
11th November, 1868, at which Mr. Rowden explained the nature and object of
the classes about to be formed. The attendance was very good, and so much
interest was aroused that a class of about sixty commenced on the following
Wednesday. On Friday, the 20th of the same month, a similar meeting was held
at Blyth with a like result. Early in the year 1869 meetings were held at
Seaton Delaval, Seaham, and Murton, and classes afterwards formed. Other
classes had previously been established, without public meetings, at Elswick
and Monkwearmouth.
With work g*oing on in so many centres it was absolutely necessary that Mr.
Rowden should have assistance. By the kindness of Mr. Daglish a young man
from London, holding some of the science qualifications to teach, was
employed at Earl Vane's works at Seaham, and in addition to his ordinary
duties he took charge of the classes at Seaham and Murton. Two others were
found in Newcastle, one of whom had come from Bristol, and these assisted at
Hetton, Monkwearmouth, and Elswick. At Blyth and Seaton Delaval valuable
assistance was rendered by resident schoolmasters who have since taken
science certificates enabling them to teach under the department.
Altogether about 500 names were entered on the class rolls, but as the
sessions commenced so late scarcely 300 attended the requisite number of
evenings to admit them to the science examinations in April and May, but
these sent up nearly 600 worked papers for examination by the Science
Department.
The subjects having been quite new in the district the sessions so short [no
class worked more than two-thirds the usual time and some less than one
half], and staff assistance so scanty, but little could be expected of the
pupils at the examination. The results have, however, proved very
satisfactory. They are as follows :—
Totf.I No. Total No. Passed Passed Passed
of Entries. Examined. First Class. Second Class. Third Class.
Blyth..................... 50 ... 35 ... 6 ... 5 ...
14
Seaton Delaval ...... 56 ... 42 ... 8 ... 11 ... 18
Elswick.................. 140 ... 80 ... 31 ... 48 ...
32
Monkwearmouth...... 48 ... 20 ... 1 ... 6 ... 5
Hetton .................. 89 ... 60 ... 14 ... 12
... 19
Seaham.................. 35 ... iq ... 6 ... q ... 4
Murton.................. 58 ... 44 ... 11 ... 6 _ 8
(xi)
Besides these, who are ordinary pupils, eight have worked the advanced
papers, thus qualifying them to act as teachers under the science
department.
Durino- the coming session, which will commence as early as practicable,
classes will be started in new localities, and those already in operation
rendered more efficient.
In all cases the instruction afforded seems to have been highly appreciated
by the great majority of pupils, and the work of the past winter shows that
there is a great desire in the district for this class of education. It is,
of course, impossible to start classes simultaneously in every town and
village, but it is hoped that, in a year or two, the scheme may spread from
the classes which will be established, till technical instruction is
accessible to every one in the district.
The Committee will thank any gentleman who may be desirous of extending the
scheme into his own immediate neighbourhood, if he will kindly communicate
with Mr. Rowden on the subject.
In concluding this report the Committee beg to thank those gentlemen who
have been members of local committees for the time and attention which they
have given in superintending the Government Science Examinations.
WILLIAM COCHRANE. EDW. F. BOYD. O. B. FORSTER.
Dr. THE TREASURER UN ACCOUNT WITH THE NORTH
For the Year ending
1868.
July 1.—To Balance in hands of Treasurer from 16th
Year......... .........
„ Balance in hands of Liquidators of District
Bank..................
Oct. 29.— „ Keceived Dividend of above of 2d.
per £ (being 19s. 8d. per £) on
£741 14s. 3d....... £6 3 7
„ Leaving as the proportion of District
Bank Deposit yet unpaid ... 12 7 3 July 1.— „ Bequest of the late R.
Stephenson, Esq., invested on Mortgage of Northumberland Dock Rates ... ,,
Deposited in Messrs. Lambton's Bank, Newcastle ..................
s. d.
£456 8 1
18 10 10
2000 0 0
700 0 0
1869. July 1.— „
Donation per the Duke of Cleveland
Interest on R. Stephenson, Esq.'s Bequest, from June 30, 1868, to and with
June 30,
1869 ..................
Less Income Tax.........
3174 18 11 10 10 0
95 2
Interest on £700 deposited in Messrs. Lambton's Bank, from June 30, to and
with August 29, 1868 ......
Arrears of 1868 Subscriptions received since balancing for that year
..................
Subscriptions received for this year from 426 Members ...
Ditto ditto from 40 Graduates.........
Ditto ditto from 15 Collieries, viz.:—
Black Boy............ ... £4 4 0
Leasingthorne ......... 2 2 0
Westerton ............ 2 2 0
Hctton ............ 10 10 0
North Hetton ......... 6 6 0
Kepier Grange ......... 2 2 0
Lambton ... ...... 10 10 0
Londonderry ......... 10 10 0
Haswell ............ 4 4 0
Ryhope ............ 4 4 0
South Hetton and Murton...... 8 8 0
Whitworth............ 2 2 0
Stella ............ 2 2 0
East Holywell ......... 2 2 0
Seghill ............ 2 2 0
Sales of Publications per %. Reid, from June
30, 1868, to June 30, 1869.........
Less 10 per cent. Commission ......
124 14 12 9
92 13 10
1 10 6
51 9 894 12 42 0
73 10 0
112
OF
Tuhj. 18G9
ENGLAND INSTITUTE OF MINING ENGINEERS.
1869' *d A. Eeid for Printing and Publishing Account :—
July l'~37£™m June 30 to Dec. 31, 1868 £296 3 0
From Dec. 31,1868, to June 30,1869 163 19 6
£460 2 6
21
23
Covers for Parts, Circulars, &c. :— From June 30 to Dec. 31, 1868 From Dec.
31,1868, to June 30,1869
Binding and Sewing Volumes ... Postage Stamps.........
Less by error in balancing with A. Reid ..
Secretary's Postage Stamps ........
Advertisements ........
General Account (Sundries)
44 14 2
85 0 6
32 1 1
621 18 3
6 11 4
31 8 0
0 13 6
25 2 8
615 6 11
Treasurer's Postage Stamps, &c. .........
Secretary's Salary for year ending June 1, 1869 ...
Assistant's ditto ditto ditto ......
Mr. Doubleday's Pension ditto June 30, 1869 ......
R. Curtice, Reporting for ditto ditto ......
Natural History Society's Subscription for year ending Oct. 2, 1868
.....................
G. Rutland, for Books presented to Mr. E. Bainbridge
H. Watson, for Instruments connected with Tail-rope ............... 12 14 6
T. B. Winter, ditto ditto ... 0 16 6
Messrs. Elliott Bros, ditto ditto ... 0 4 6
Mining Journal, for Advertising ditto ... 12 6
57 4 2 7 17 0
200 0 50 0 25 ' 0
0 0 0
12 12 0
20 0 0 25 0 0
14 18 0
M. White and Sons, for Proceedings of South Wales
Engineers ..................... 0 7 10
D. H. Wilson, for Books obtained for Library ...... 0 12 6
Medical College, Balance of Purchase Money of the Site
for the Memorial Hall ......... 983 12 6 983 12 6
Formerly ... 500 0 0
Total
1483 12 6
R. R. Dees' Charges connected with Purchase of above ...
Insurance on Property at Institute Rooms.........
W. Heppell for Assistance in Drawing this Balance Sheet Balance in hands of
Treasurer at this date ... 354 5 7 Ditto Liquidators of District Bank, being
proportion of deposit yet unpaid ... 12 7 3
R. Stephenson, Esq.'s Bequest invested on
Mortgage of Northumberland Dock Rates 2000 0 0
72 12
0 12
1 1
2366 12 10
£4453 9 3
flatron-s.
His Grace the DUKE OF NORTHUMBERLAND. His Grace the DUKE OF CLEVELAND.
The Right Honourable the EARL OF LONSDALE.
The Right Honourable the EARL GREY.
The Right Honourable the EARL OF DURHAM.
The Right Honourable the EARL VANE.
The Right Honourable LORD WHARNCLIFFE.
The Right Honourable LORD RAVENSWORTH.
The Right Reverend the LORD BISHOP OF DURHAM.
The Very Reverend the DEAN AND CHAPTER OF DURHAM.
WENTWORTH B. BEAUMONT, Esq., M.P.
elected.
Ordy. Ho*.
WILLIAM ALEXANDER, Esq., Inspector of Mines, Glasgow ... 1863 JOHN J.
ATKINSON, Esq., Inspector of Mines, Chilton Moor,
Fence Houses..................... 1853 1856
LIONEL BROUGH, Esq., Inspector of Mines, Clifton, Bristol ... 1855
JOSEPH DICKINSON, Esq., Inspector of Mines, Manchester ... 1853 THOMAS
EVANS, Esq., Inspector of Mines, Field Head House,
Belper ........................ 1855
PETER HIGSON, Esq., Inspector of Mines, 94, Cross Street,
Manchester ..................... 1854 1856
THOMAS WYNNE, Esq., Inspector of Mines, Stone ...... 1853
* T. RUTHERFORD, Esq., Inspector of Mines, Halifax, Nova Scotia 1866
* JAMES P. BAKER, Esq., Inspector of Mines, Wolverhampton ... 1853 1866
* THOMAS E. WALES, Esq., Inspector of Mines, Swansea ... 1855 1866
* RALPH MOORE, Esq., Inspector of Mines, Glasgow ...... 1866
* G. W. SOUTHERN, -Esq., Inspector of Mines, 89, Park Road,
Newcastle-on-Tyne .................. 1854 1866
* FRANK N. WARDELL, Esq., Inspector of Mines, Pontefract,
Yorkshire........................ 1864 1868
MATTHIAS DUNN, Esq., Ex-Inspector of Mines, Highland Villa,
Central Road, Upper Norwood, London ......... 1853
JOHN HEDLEY, Esq., Ex-Inspector of Mines, Derby ...... 1853 1858
CHARLES MORTON, Esq., Ex-Inspector of Mines ...... 1853
GOLDSWORTHY GURNEY, Esq., Bude Castle, Cornwall ... 1853 M. DE BOUREUILLE,
Commandeur de la Legion d'Honneur,
Conseiller d'etat, Inspecteur General des Mines, Paris ... 1853 Dr. H. VON
DECHEN, Berghauptmann, Ritter, etc., Bonn am
Rhine, Prussia..................... 1853
HERR R. VON CARNALL, Berghauptmann, Ritter, etc., Breslau,
Silesia, Prussia..................... 1853
WARRINGTON W. SMYTH, Esq., Jermyn Street, London
life JTtemter.
Ordt. Life.
H. J. MORTON, Esq., Garforth House, Leeds, Yorkshire....... 1856 1861
* Honorary members during term of office only; elected under Eule 5 as
altered.
OFFICERS, 1 8 6 9-70.
E. F. BOYD, Esq., Moor House, near Durham.
FOUR MINING ENGINEERS.
W ARMSTRONG, Esq., Wingate Grange, Ferry Hill.
J DAGLISH, Esq., F.G.S., Dene House, Seaham Harbour.
G. B. FORSTER, Esq., M.A., Backworth House, near Newcastle-on-Tyne.
l! WOOD, Esq., Iletton Hall, Fence Houses.
TWO MECHANICAL ENGINEERS.
I. L. BELL, Esq., Washington, Washington Station, N.E. Railway. T. E.
HARRISON, Esq., Central Station, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
Council
TWELVE MINING ENGINEERS.
C. BERKLEY, Esq., Marley Hill Colliery, Gateshead.
W. COCHRANE, Esq., Seghill House, Dudley, Northumberland.
S. B. COXON, Esq., Usworth Colliery, Washington Station, Durham.
S. C. CRONE, Esq., Killingworth Colliery, near Newcastle-on-Tyne.
T. DOUGLAS, Esq., Peases' West Collieries, Darlington.
R. HECKELS, Esq., Wearmouth Colliery, Sunderland.
T. G. HURST, Esq., F.G.S., Lovaine House, North Shields.
R. F. MATTHEWS, Esq., South Hetton Colliery, Fence Houses.
J. MARLEY, Esq.. Mining Offices, Darlington.
J. B. SIMPSON, Esq., Hedgefield House, Blaydon-on-Tyne.
A. L. STEAVENSON, Esq., 13, Old Elvet, Durham.
H. S. STOBART, Esq., Witton-le-Wear, Darlington.
SIX MECHANICAL ENGINEERS.
t^V^rFJ]' Esq"' SPring Gardens Engine Works, Newcastle-on-Tyne. T i
cV^xt0^ esq-' 34' GveJ Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne. p q xT™:TEsq-' Boilner's
Field, Sunderland. P r p w^L™' Esq-' Fe™dene, Gateshead.
TP wtt tYa at AC0TT' Esq-» Elswick Iron Works, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
WILLIAMS Esq. (Bolckow, Vaughan, and Co.), Middlesbro^on-Tees.
(Sir W. G. ARMSTRONG, C.B., LL.D., F.R.S., &c, Jesmond, New-1
castle-on-Tyne. ^-officio ¦/ G, ELLIOT, Esq., M.P., Houghton Hall, Fence
Houses.
t %\ I ()RsTER> E*q-, 7, Ellison Place, Nevvcastle-on-Tyne. VJ- 1A*LOR,
Esq., Earsdon, Northumberland.
*<P«retetT Mil W\[mm\^
THEO. WOOD BUNNING, Neville Hall, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
AUGUST, 1869.
elected.
1 Ackroyd, Thomas, Berkenshaw, Leeds ...... March 7, 1867.
2 Adams, W., Severn House, Roath Road, Cardiff 1854.
3 Ainslie, Aymer, Iron Ore Master, Ulverstone ... Aug. 7, 1869.
4 Aitken, Henry, Falkirk, North Britain ... ... March 2, 1865.
5 Allinson, T., Belmont Mines, Guisbro' ...... Feb. 1, 1868.
6 Anderson, C. W., St. Hilda's Colliery, South Shields Aug-. 21, 1852.
7 Anderson, Jos., Solicitor, 7, Westgate Street,
Newcastle-upon-Tyne ......... Oct. 1, 1863.
8 Anderson, William, Rainton Colliery, Fence Houses Aug-. 21, 1852.
9 Appleby, Charles Edward, Reinshaw Colliery,
near Chesterfield ............ Aug-. 1,1861.
10 Archbold, James, Murton Colliery, Sunderland ... Sept. 5, 1868.
11 Arkless, John, Tantoby, Burnopfield ...... Nov. 7, 1868.
12 Armstrong, Sir W. G., C.B., LL.D., F.R.S.,
Jesmond, Newcastle-upon-Tyne (Member of
Council) ............... May 3, 1866.
13 Armstrong, Wm., Wing-ate Grang-e, Ferry Hill,
Durham ...... (Vice President) Aug. 21, 1852.
14 Armstrong, W. L., Broomhill Colliery, Acklington March 3, 1864.
15 Ashwell, Hatfield, Anchor Colliery, Longton, North
Staffordshire............... March 6, 1862.
16 Asquith^Thos. W., SeatonDelavalColliery,Dudley,
Northumberland ............ Feb. 2, 1867.
17 Attwood, Charles, Holy wood House, Wolsingham,
Darlington ............... May 7, 1857.
18 Baeck, — Mons, Belgium ......... June 5, 1869.
19 Bagnall, Thomas, jun., Whitby, Yorkshire ... March 6, 1862.
20 Bailes, John, Kelloe Colliery, Ferryhill...... Sept. 5, 1868.
21 Bailes, Thos., jun., 3, Normanby Terrace, Gates-
head.................. Oct. 7, 1858.
(xix)
elected.
r George, Colliery Proprietor, Wakefield ... June 5, 1869.
22 l Sainuel The Pleck, Wallsall, Staffordshire June 2, 1859.
f J™' W. W.,' Kilburn, near Derby ...... May 13, 1858.
ok TWbrid-e, Emerson, Seaham Collieries, Sunder-
............... Dec. 3, 1863.
land — ;
OG Barclay A.? Caledonia Foundry, Kilmarnock, North
Britain ............... Dec- 6> 1866'
07 Barkus, Wm., jun., Tynemouth......... Aug. 21, 1852.
28 Bartholomew, C, Doncaster, Yorkshire...... Aug. 5, 1853.
o9 Bassett, A., Tredegar Mineral Estate Office, Cardiff 1854.
30 Bates Matthew, Cyfarthfa Iron Works, Merthyr
Tydvil ............... Feb. 1, 1868.
31 Batey, John, Newbury Collieries, Coleford, Bath... Dec. 5,1868.
32 Beadier, E., Thorncliffe and Chapeltown Collieries,
Sheffield ... ............ 1854.
33 Beanlands, Arthur, University College, Durham... March 7, 1867.
34 Beck, Alexander, Mons, Belgium ...... Dec. 7, 1867.
35 Bell, Isaac Lowthian, Washington, Washington
Station, N.E. Railway...(Vice-President) July 6, 1854.
36 Bell, John, Normanby Mines, Middlesbro'-on-Tees Oct. 1, 1857.
37 Bell, T., Monkwood Colliery, near Chesterfield ... 1854.
38 Bell, Thomas, jun., Coatham, Redcar ...... March 7, 1867.
39 Benson, T. W., Allerwash, Hexham ...... Aug. 2, 1866.
40 Berkley, C, Marley Hill Colliery, Gateshead
{Member of Council) Aug. 21, 1852.
41 Bewick, Thomas, J., Neville Chambers, Newcastle-
upon-Tyne ............... April 5, 1860.
42 Bidder, B. P., Powell, Duffryn Collieries, Aberdare May 2, 1867.
43 Bigland? J., Bedford Lodge,' Bishop Auckland ... June 4, 1857.
44 Binns, C, Claycross, Derbyshire......... July 6, 1854.
45 Biram, Benjamin, Peasely Cross Collieries, St.
Helen's, Lancashire............ 1856.
46 Birkbeck, Geo. Henry, 34, Southampton Buildings,
Chancery Lane, London ......... Dec. 7, 1867.
Bolckow, H. W. F., Middlesbro'-on-Tees...... April 5, 1855.
Bolton, II. H., Newchurch Collieries, near Manchester ............... Dec.
5, 1868.
50 ^°Urne> Petcr> S% Rodney Street, Liverpool ... 1854. bourne, s., West
Cumberland Hematite Iron
51 WorH Workington............ Aug. 21, 1.852.
Bourne, Thos. R., Rawcliff, Garstang, Lancashire Oct. 4, 1860.
(xx)
elected.
52 Boyd, E.F., Moor House, near Durham (President) Aug. 21, 1852.
53 Boyd, Nelson, Carrickfergus, Ireland ... March 3, 1864.
54 Boyd, William, Spring Gardens Engine Works,
Newcastle- upon-Tyne {Member of Council) Feb. 2, 1867.
55 Breckon, J. R., Park Place, Sunderland ... Sep. 3, 1864.
56 Brettle, Thos., Mine Agent, Dudley, Worcester-
shire ..................Nov. 3, 1866.
57 Broadbent, Jubal C, Drake Street, Rochdale, Lan-
cashire ...... .........March 7, 1867.
58 Brogden, James, Tondu Iron and Coal Works,
Bridgend, Glamorganshire ... ... ... 1861.
59 Brown, John N., 56, Union Passage, New Street,
Birmingham ... ... ... ... ... 1861.
60 Brown, Thos. Forster, Guildhall Chambers, Cardiff 1861.
61 Brown, Ralph, Ryhope Colliery, Sunderland ... Oct. 1, 1863.
62 Bruton, William, M.E., Whitwood Collieries, near
Normanton...............Feb. 6, 1869.
63 Brj^den, John F., Hematite Iron Works, White-
haven ..................Nov. 3, 1866.
64 Bryham, William, Rose Bridge, &c, Collieries,
Wigan, Lancashire............Aug. 1, 1861.
65 Bryham, Wm., jun., Ince Hall, Wigan...... Aug. 3, 1865.
66 Bunning, Theo. Wood, Corbridge, Northumber-
land ......{Secretary and Treasurer) 1864.
67 Burn, James, Rainton Colliery, Fence Houses ... Aug. 2, 1866.
68 Burrows, James, Douglas Bank, Wigan, Lancashire May 2, 1867.
69 Buxton, Wm., New Street, New Whittington,
Chesterfield...............Aug. 1, 1861.
70 Caldwell, George, Moss Hall Colliery, near Wigan March 6, 1869.
71 Campbell, James, Staveley Works, Chesterfield ... Aug. 3, 1865.
72 Carr, Charles, Cramlington, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Aug. 21, 1852.
73 Carr, Wm. Cochrane, Blaydon-on-Tyne...... Dec. 3, 1857.
74 Carrington, Thomas, jun., Kiveton Park Coal Com-
pany, near Sheffield ... ... ... ... Aug. 1, 1861.
75 Catron, Joseph, Brotton Mines, Saltburn-by-the-
Sea ..................Nov. 3, 1866.
76 Chadborn, Beckit T., Pinxton Collieries, Alfreton,
Derbyshire............... 1864.
77 Chambers, A. M., Thorncliffe Iron Works, near
Sheffield ...............March 6, 1869.
(xxi)
elected.
78 Chapman, Matthew, Flashed Colliery, Falstone, ^ ^ ^
Northumberland ••• -
79 Charlton, Edward, Evemvoo j, ^ ^ ^
if^las "Minino-Eno-ineer, Walsall ... Aug. 7, 1869. - ^Xwl^Y^e. May
15,18-
82 Clark/Christopher Fisher, Garswood, Newton-le- ^ ^
Willows ...........* °* '
83 Clark, George, Ravenhead Colliery, St. Helens, ^
Lancashire...........* • > m
84 Clark, R. P., 9, St. Mary's Terrace, Newcastle-
upon-Tyne ...............Nov' 7> 1868'
85 Clark, William, Mining Engineer, Doe Hill House,
near Alfreton...............April 7, 1866.
86 Clark, William, Victoria Engine Works, Gateshead Dec. 7, 1867.
87 Cochrane, W.,Seghill House, Dudley, Northum-
berland......(Member of Council) 1859.
88 ( B., Alden Grange, Durham ...... Dea. 6, 1866.
89 Cochrane, C, The Ellowes, near Dudley, Stafford-
shire ..................June 4, 1857.
90 Cockburn, Geo., 8, Summerhill Grove, Newcastle-
upon-Tyne ...............Dec. 6, 1866.
91 Cockburn, William, Upleatham Mines, Upleatham,
Marske ...............Oct. 1, 1857.
92 Coke, Richard George, Tapton Grove, Chesterfield,
Derbyshire ...............May 5, 1859.
93 Cole, W. R., Bebside Colliery, Morpeth...... Oct. 1, 1857.
illiam Blow, Heigh House, Stourbridge, Worcestershire ............June 6,
1861.
95 Cook, Joseph, jun., Washington Iron Works,
Gateshead .. ............May 8, 1869.
96 Cook, Richard, East Holywell Colliery, Earsdon,
Newcastle-upon-Tyne ......... 1860.
b, John, 4, Mulberry Street, Darlington ... Nov. 1, 1860.'
sey, Joseph, West Bromwich, Staffordshire... Aug. 3, 1865.
99 Cooksey, J. H., West Bromwich, Staffordshire ... Aug. 3, 1865. AW Cooper,
Philip, Rotherham Colliery, Rotherham,
Yorkshire ............... Dec> 3 lg5?>
^oper, Thomas, Park Gate Colliery, Rotherham,
102 r T°rllsllire - ...... - April 2, 1863.
^°Pe, J., Pensnett, Dudley, Worcestershire ... Aug. 5, 1853.
(xxii)
elected.
103 Cope,W. 8., Port Vale, Long-port, North Stafford-
shire .................. May 2, 1867.
104 Cossham, H., Hill House, Bristol, Somersetshire... Sept. 6, 1855.
105 Coulson, W., Shamrock House, Durham...... Oct. 1, 1852.
106 Cowen, Joseph, jun., Blaydon Burn, Newcastle-
upon-Tyne ............... Oct. 5, 1854.
107 Coxon, S. B., Us worth Colliery, Washington
Station, Durham ... {Member of Council) June 5, 1856.
108 Craig*, W. Y., Harncastle Colliery, Stoke-upon-
Trent.................. Nov. 3, 1866.
109 Crawford, T., Littletown Colliery, Durham ... Aug-. 21, 1852.
110 Crawford, Thomas, Howlish Offices, Bishop Auck-
land .................. Sept. 3, 1864.
111 Crawford, T., jun., Littletown Colliery, near
Durham ............... Aug-. 7, 1869.
112 Croften, J. G., Thornley Colliery Office, Ferryhill Feb. 7, 1861.
113 Crone, S. C, Killing-worth Collier}r, Newcastle-
upon-Tyne ......(31 ember of Council) 1853.
114 Crone, Joseph Robert, Killingworth Colliery,
Newcastle-upon-Tyne ......... Feb. 1, 1868.
115 Cross, John, 78, Cross Street, Manchester ... June 5, 1869.
116 Croudace, T. Dacre, Willington, Durham ... March 7, 1867.
117 Crow, Geo., 2, Park Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Feb. 2, 1867.
118 Crudace, Thomas, Waratah, Australia ... ... 1862.
119 Curry, James, Turston, Pontefract ...... 1864.
120 Daglish, John, F.G.S., Dene House, Seaham
Harbour ......(Vice-President) Aug-. 21, 1852.
121 Dakers, W., Seaham Collieries, Sunderland ... April 7, 1866.
122 Darlington, James, Springfield House, near Chor-
ley, Lancashire ............Aug. 1, 1861.
123 Darlington, John, Moor gate Street Chambers,
London, E.C.............April 1, 1865.
124 Davidson, James, Blyth Place, St. Bees, near
Whitehaven...............Feb. 1, 1868.
125 Davidson, James, Newbattle Colliery, Dalkeith ... 1854.
126 Davison, A., Hastings Cottage, Seaton Delaval,
Dudley, Northumberland......... Feb. 4, 1858.
127 Dawson, Thomas J., Cleugh Road, Masbro',
Yorkshire ...............April 6, 1867.
128 Day, W. H., Monk Bretton, Barnsley...... March 6, 1869.
(xxiii)
elected.
., WpT1 ...... ... Nov. 1, 1855.
n c T Whitehaven ••• >
129 Dees, ., g Owen, Ruabon, Denbigh-
130 Dennis, Henry, j ............ ^ ^ m^
^.1 „ W R., South Derwent Colliery, Ann-181 Dickinson, w. n.,
field Plain, Gateshead ......... Aug. 7, 1802.
o tv Ceom-e Lowther Street, Whitehaven ... Dec. 3, 1857.
133 DobTon, S., Halswell Cottage, Cardiff...... May 3,1855.
134 Dobson, Thomas, Haltenlengate, Haltwbistle ... March 7, 1808. Dodd,
Benjn., Seaton Delaval Colliery, Dudley,
Northumberland ............. May 3,1800.
136 Doming, Elias, 41, John Dalton Street, Manchester Aug. 3,1805.
137 Douglas, T., Peases' West Collieries, Darling-
ton ...... . ... (Member of Council) Aug. 21, 1852.
188 Douglas, C. P., Consett Iron Works, Gateshead March 0, 1809.
139 Douthwaite, Thomas, Wallsend, near Newcastle-
on-Tyne ............... June 5, 1869.
140 Dunn, A. M., Architect, Newcastle-on-Tyne ... March 6, 1809.
141 Dunn, James, Drummond Colliery, Pictou, Nova
Scotia.................. May 8,1809.
142 Dunne, D. G., Greenfield Colliery, Hamilton,
North Britain ............ April 0, 1807.
143 Dyson, George, Middlesborough......... June 2, 1800.
144 Easton, J., Nest House, Gateshead ....... 1853.
145 Elliot, G., M.P., Houghton Hall, Fence
Houses ......... Aug. 21, 1852.
140 Elhott, W., Weardale Iron Works, Towlaw, Darlington ...............
1854.
147 Embleton, T. W, The Cedars, Methlev, Leeds Sept. 0,1855.
Embleton,T.W.,jun.,The Cedars, Methley, Leeds Sept. 2, 1805.
Everard, I. B., Mining Engineer, Leicester ... March 0, 1809.
151° p6"6' °'' Camerton C°al Works, Bath...... 1801.
150 t^11.' J°hn Wilmot> Chesterfield ...... March 0, 1809.
j-enwlck; Barnabas, Team Colliery, Gateshead... Aug. 2, 1800. ldler,
Edward, Piatt Lane Colliery, Wigan,
Lancashire .............. Sept. 1, 1806.
p. ' &-> H Springfield Mount, Leeds...... 1865.
156 J™1' WiHiam, Birley Wood, Leeds ...... Nov. 7,1863.
etcher, Herbert, Ladyshire Colliery, Little Le-
•; ver, Bolton, Lancashire ..." ... ... Aug. 3,1865.
(xxiv)
elected.
157 Fletcher, Isaac, Clifton Colliery, Workington ... Nov. 7, 1863.
158 Fletcher, Jos., C.E., 69, Lowther Street, White-
haven ...... ............ 1857.
159 Foord, J. B., Secretary, General Mining Associa-
tion, 52, Old Broad Street, London ... Nov. 5, 1852.
160 Forster, Thomas E., 7, Ellison Place, New-
castle-upon-Tyne ......(Member of Council) Aug. 21, 1852.
161 Forster, G. B., M.A., Backworth House, near
Newcastle-upon-Tyne ...(Vice-President) Nov. 5, 1852.
162 Forster, George E., Washington, Gateshead ... Aug. 1, 1868.
163 Forster, Richard, Trimdon Grange Colliery,
Ferryhili ...............Sept. 5, 1868.
164 Fothergill, Joseph, Cowpen and North Seaton
Office, King Street, Quay, Newcastle-upon-Tyne ..................Aug. 7,
1862.
165 Fowler, Geo., Hucknall Torkard Colliery, near
Nottingham...............July 4, 1861.
166 Frazer, Benjamin, 28, Broad Chare, Newcastle-
upon-Tyne ...............Oct. 4, 1866.
167 Frazer, William, Rewcastle Chare, Newcastle-
upon-Tyne ...............Oct. 4, 1866.
168 France, W., Cliff Terrace, Marske, near Redcar April 6, 1867.
169 Fryar, Mark, C.E., Laura House, Hanham, near
Bristol ...... ......... Sept. 7, 1867.
170 Gainsford, Thomas R., Darnall Hall, near Sheffield Nov. 5, 1864.
171 Garforth, W. G., Lord's Field Colliery, Ashton-
under-Lyne...............Aug. 2, 1866.
172 Gilchrist, T., South Medomsley Collieries, Dipton,
by Burnopfield ............ March 2, 1865.
173 Gillett, F. C, 5, Wardwick, Derby ...... July 4, 1861.
174 Gilroy, G., Ince Hall Colliery, Wigan, Lancashire Aug. 7, 1856.
175 Gilroy, Samuel Bertram, Mining Engineer, More-
ton Hall and Preesgwyn Collieries, Chirk,
North Wales...............Sept. 5, 1868.
176 Glover, B. B., M.E., Newton-le-Willows, Lanca-
shire ..................Aug. 2,1866.
177 Goddard, William, C.E., Golden Hill Colliery,
Longton, North Staffordshire ...... March 6, 1862.
178 Gooch, G. H., Lintz Colliery, near Burnopfield,
Gateshead ...............Oct. 3, 1856.
(xxv)
elected.
»ir A Wdker Iron Works, Newcastle-179 Goodman,Alfred,Walkeri ^ g^ ^ Jg6^
°n?'nT Shineliffe Collieries', Durham Sept. 3, 1864.
181 ^ ZZ un Garesfield Colliery, Blaydon-
L82 Green, Wm., jun., ^ ^ 4? 1853.
¦.....y> Edwaril, Brierly Hill, Dudley, ^ _
cesterslnre ... — , 185 Greenwell, G. C, F.G.S., Poynton and Worth
Collieries, Stockport, Cheshire ...... Aug. 21, 1852.
. J. 0., Ronndwood Colliery, Horhury,
Wakefield, Yorkshire ...... - *»* ?> J**
T j .... Aug. 2, 1866.
ig, D., Leeds......... • ; ° >
188 Griffith, N. R., Coppa Colliery, Mold, Flintshire l»bb.
189 Grimshaw, Edward J.? Cowley Hill, St. Helen's,
Lancashire ...............Sept. 5, 1868.
190 Haddock, James, Ravenhead Colliery, St. Helen's,
Lancashire ............... Dec- 7> 1867-
101 Haggie, P., Gateshead............ ^54.
192 Hales, Chas., Maes-y-dre, Mold, North Wales ... 1865.
193 Hall, Edward, Houghton-le-Spring ...... Oct. 3, 1868.
Hall, Frederick, W., 23, St. Thomas' Street,
Nc\vc;ivtle-on-Tyne ...» ......... Aug. 7, 1869.
195 Hall, Henry, Whitworth, Ferry Hill ...... Aug. 2, 1866.
6 Hall, Matthew, Peases' West Collieries, Darlington ..................
Sept. 5, 1868.
197 Hall, T. Y., Towneley Colliery Office, Quay, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
............ Aug. 21, 1852.
iliamF.,Hamsteels Colliery, Esh, Durham May 13, 1858.
Hargreaves, William, Rothwell Haigh, Leeds ... Sept. 5, 1868. Harkness,
Andrew, Birtley Iron Works, Fence
Houses ir.............Dec' 5> 1868-
201 Harper, J. P., 74, Osmaston Street, Derby ... Feb. 2, 1867.
202 Harper, Matthew, Whitehaven......... Oct. 1, 1863.
prison, T. E., C.E., Central Station, Newcastle-upon-Tyne ...
(Vice-President) May 6, 1853. 204 Harrison, Robert, Eastwood Collieries,
Notting-
ham.................. 1861.
d
(xxvi)
elected.
205 Harrison, W. B., Norton Hall, Cannock, Stafford-
slnre ... ............ ••• APril 6, 1867.
206 Hawthorn, W., C.E., Newcastle-upon-Tyne ... March 4, 1853.
207 Hawthorn, Thomas, 12, Els wick Villas, New-
castle-upon-Tyne ............Dec. 6, 1866.
208 Heckels, R., Wearmouth Colliery, Sunderland
(Member of Council) Nov. 5, 1852.
209 Hedley, Edward, Osmaston Street, Derby ... Dec. 2, 1858.
210 Hedley, W. H., Consett Collieries, Medomsley,
Burnopiield, County of Durham ... ... 1864.
211 Heppell, Thomas, Pelaw Main Collieries, Birtley,
Fence Houses ............Aug*. 6, 1863.
212 Hepplewhite, Thomas, Hetton Colliery, Fence
Houses ...............Dec. 5, 1868.
213 Herdman, John, Park Crescent, Bridgend,
Glamorganshire ... ... ... ... Oct. 4, 1860.
214 Heslop, James, Peases'West Collieries, Darlington Feb. 6, 1864.
215 Hetherington, David, Blue House, Nedderton,
Northumberland ... ... ... ... 1859.
216 Hewlett, Alfred, Haigh Colliery, Wigan, Lanca-
shire ..................March 7, 1861.
217 Higson, Jacob, 94, Cross Street, Manchester ... 1861.
218 Higson, P., jun., Hope View, Eccles, near Man-
chester ...............Aug. 3, 1865.
219 Hilton, T. W., Haigh, Wigan.........Aug. 3, 1865.
220 Hodgson, R., Whitburn, Sunderland ..... Feb. 7, 1856.
221 Homer, Charles S., Chatterley Hall, Tunstall ... Aug. 3, 1865.
222 Hood, Archibald, Whitehill Colliery, Lasswade,
Edinburgh ...............April 18, 1861.
223 Hopper, John, Britannia Iron Works, Houghton-
le-Spring ...............Sept. 2, 1865.
224 Horsfall, J. J., Bradley Green Colliery, near
Congleton ...............March 2, 1865.
225 Horsley, W., Whitehill Point, Percy Main ... March 5, 1857. 22()
Horton, T. E., Prior's Lee Hall, Shiffnal, Shropshire ............ ......
1861.
227 Howard, Wm. Frederick, Cavendish Street, Ches-
terfield, Derbyshire............Aug. 1, 1861.
228 Hoyt, Jessie, Acadia Coal Mines, Pictou, Nova
Scotia..................May 8,1869.
(xxvii)
elected.
t Albion Mines, Pictou, Nova Scotia 1862.
229 Hudson,James ^ Blavdon-on-Tyne June 2, 1866.
230 Tu' W J Forth Banks West Factory, New-
231 Humble, W. J V* ......... g t x 1866.
castle-upon-l)ne ...
^ tt x a TT Pelaw Main Ofhce, Quayside, New-
232 Hunt, A. xi., r Dec. 6,1862.
ie-upon-Iyiie *. •• . 9
Hunter, Wm., Moor Lodge, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Aug. 21, 1852. oqa TTimter
William, Morriston, Swansea, Glamor-
.....Oct., 3, 1861.
<»;inshire • • • • • • 7 >
oqfi Hunter, Wm. Slingsby, Moor Lodge, Newcastle-
235 upon-Tyne ... .<.......Feb. 1,1868.
236 Hunting, Charles, Fence Houses Dec. 6, 1866.
Huntsman, Benjamin, West Retford Hall, Retford June 1, 1867.
238 Hurst, T. G., F.G.S., Lovaine House, North
Shields ......(Member of Council) Aug. 21, 1852.
239 Hutclnngs, W. M., Colliery Guardian Office,
5, Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, London ... Sept. 5, 1868.
240 Jackson, Henry, Astley and Tyldesley Collieries,
Tvldesley, Manchester ......Aug. 1, 1861.
241 Jarratt, John, Edmondsley Colliery, Chester-le-
Street....., ......Nov. 2, 1867.
242 Jenkins, William, M.E., 2, Woodfield Place,
Cardiff ..........Dec, 6, 1862.
243 Johnson, Henry, Dudley, Wprcestershire ... Aug. 7, 1869.
Johnson, John, Chilton Hall, Ferryhill .. .. Aug. 21, 1852.
245 Johnson, R. S., Sherburn Hall, Durham Aug. 21, 1852.
246 Johnson, Thomas, Wigan Coal and Iron Company,
Wigan, Lancashire............Aug. 7, 1869.
247 Joicey, Jacob G., Forth Banks West Factory,
Newcastle-on-Tyne............April 10, 1869.
248 Joicey, John, Urpeth Hall, Fence Houses .. Sept. 3, 1852.
249 Joicey, Wm. James, Tanfield Lea Colliery, Bur-
o-0 T n°I)field - ........... March 6, 1869.
-sou Jones, E., Granville Lodge, Wellington, Salop .. Oct. 5, 1854. P Jones,
John, F.G.S, Secretary, North of England
Iron Trade, Middlesbro'-on-Tees .. .. Sept. 7, 1867.
2§2 KendaU,W.,Blyth and Tyne Railway, Percy Main Sept. 1,1866 ^6 Kennedy,
Mvles AT TT tti '
y> M}ies, M.E., Ulverstone .. .. June 6,1868.
(xxviii)
elected.
254 Kenrick, Wm. Wynn, Wynn Hall, near Ruabon,
Denbighshire.......... 1862,
255 Kirkwood, William, Larkhall Colliery, Hamilton Aug. 7, 1869.
256 Knowles, A., High Bank, Pendlebury, Manchester Dec. 5, 1856.
257 Knowles, Andrew, jun., Bar Hill, Pendleton,
Manchester.......... Dec. 3, 1863.
258 Knowles, John, Pendlebury Colliery, Manchester Dec. 5, 1856.
259 Knowles, Kaye, Little Lever Colliery, near Bolton Aug. 3, 1865.
260 Knowles, R. M Turton, near Bolton ...... Aug. 3, 1865.
261 Knowles, Thomas, Ince Hall, Wigan .. Aug. 1,1861.
262 Lamb, Robert, Cleator Moor Colliery, near White-
haven ............ ...... Sept. 2, 1865.
263 Lamb, R. 0., Axwell Park, Gateshead...... Aug. 2, 1866.
264 Lancaster, John, Ashfield, Wigan ...... July 4, 1861.
265 Lancaster, John, jun., Hun wick and Newfield
Collieries, Ferryhill............ March 2, 1865.
266 Lancaster, Joshua, Kirkless, near Wigan ... Aug. 3, 1865.
267 Lancaster, Samuel, Wigan Coal and Iron Co.
Limited, Wigan ............ Aug. 3, 1865.
268 Landale, Andrew, Lochgelly Iron Works, Fife-
shire, North Britain............ Dec. 2, 1858.
269 Lawrence, Henry, Grange Iron Works, Durham Aug. 1, 1868.
270 Laws, Hubert, 21, Collingwood Street, Newcastle-
on-Tyne ............... Feb. 6, 1869.
271 Laws, John, Blyth, Northumberland ...... 1854.
272 Lees, Samuel, Barrowshaw Colliery, Greenacres
Moor, near Oldham............ Aug. 2, 1866.
273 Legrand, A., Mons, Belgium ......... June 5, 1869.
274 Leslie, Andrew, Hebburn, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Sept. 7, 1867.
275 Lever, Ellis, West Gorton Works, Manchester ... 1861,
276 Lewis, G., Coleorton Colliery, Ashby-de-la-Zouch Aug. 6, 1863.
277 Lewis, Henry, Annesley Colliery, near Mansfield Aug. 2, 1866.
278 Lewis, Lewis Thomas, Gadlys Uchaf, Aberdare Feb. 1, 1868.
279 Lewis, T. Win., Abercanaid House, Merthyr
Tydvil ............... Sept. 3, 1864.
280 Lewis, Wm. Thomas, Mardy, Aberdare...... 1864.
281 Liddell, J. R., Nedderton, Northumberland ... Aug. 21, 1852.
282 Liddell, M., Tynemouth............ Oct. 1, 1852.
283 Lindop, James, Bloxwich, Walsall, Staffordshire Aug, 1, 1861.
(xxix)
elected.
284 Lishman, John, JJ"^ l, Ui(^'Darlington • •• 1857-
285 Lishman, Wm., JJj^ ^ Houses ... March 7, 1861.
286 LishnKuuW-: Bredbury Colhery, Bredhury,
287 Livesey, Wegg, ...... Aug. o, looo.
_. StOCkCmas,"chamhor Hail, Ho'llinwood,
288 Livesey, l nomas, ...... jggj
Manchester offices, Pontypool,
289 Llewelhn, David, warn ^ m^
Monmouthshire ...... *
290 Lloyd, Thomas H., Chapel Street, Brierly Hill, ^ ^
Worcestershire ...... 1ft~7
291 Logan, William, Litdetown, Durham ...... Sept. 7, 1807.
T Poet's Corner, Westminster,
292 Longridge, J, 3 Poets o , ^ ^ ^
London, S.W . ...... Q^
.seph, Brancepeth Colliery, Durham ... Sept. 5,1850.
294 Low, Wm., Vron Colliery, Wrexham, Denbigh-
...... Sept. 5, looo.
shire ... ••• ••• ••• r
295 Maddison, W., Woolley Colliery, Darton, Barnsley Dec. 6, 1862.
q, W. P., Thornhill Collieries, near Dews-bury ..................Oct. 6,
1859.
297 Mallet, Robert, C.E., F.R.S., 7, Westminster
Chambers, Westminster, London, S.W. ... Nov. 7, 1863. Mammatt, John
E., C.E., Barnsley, Yorkshire ... 1864. 299 Manners, G. T., Birtley Iron
Works, Gateshead 1866. i Marley, John, Mining Offices, Darlington
{Member of Council) Aug. 21, 1852.
301 Marshall, F. C, Jarrow, South Shields...... Aug. 2, 1866.
302 Marshall, John, Smithfold Colliery, Little Halton,
near Bolton ............... 1864.
shall, Robert, 10, Three Indian Kings Court,
Quayside, Newcastle-upon-Tyne ...... 1856.
304 Marston, William Beale, Mold, Flintshire ... Oct. 3, 1868.
Matthews, Richard F., South Hetton Colliery,
Fence Houses ... (Member of Council) March 5, 1857. irice, Arthur H, 3,
Temple Row, Wrexham,
Denbighshire...............Sept. 1, 1866.
307 May, George, North Hetton Colliery, Fence Houses March 6, 1862 3
McCulloch, H. J., Broxhill House, Oadby,
Leicester ...............Oct. 1, 1863.
(xxx)
elected.
309 McGhie, Thos., Cannock Chase Colliery, Walsall,
Staffordshire...............Oct. 1, 1857.
310 McMurtrie, J., Radstock Colliery, Bath...... Nov. 7, 1863.
311 Middleton, J., Davison's Hartley Office, Quay,
Newcastle-upon-Tyne ......... 1853.
312 Miller, Robert, Strafford Collieries, near Barnsley March 2, 1865.
313 Mitchinson, Robert, jun., Kibblesworth Colliery,
Gateshead ...............Feb. 4, 1865.
314 Monkhouse, Jos., Gilcrux Colliery, Cockermouth June 4, 1863.
315 Moor, Thomas, North Seaton Colliery, Morpeth Oct. 3, 1868.
316 Moore, J. H., Smeaton Park, Musselburgh, Edin-
burgh ..................Feb. 2, 1867.
317 Morison, David P., Bulman's Village, Newcastle-
on-Tyne ............... 1861.
318 Morison, J. A. R., Nursery Cottage, Elswick
Lane, Newcastle-upon-Iyne ..... Nov. 7, 1868.
319 Morris, William, Waldridge Colliery, Chester-le-
Street, Fence Houses ......... 1858.
320 Morrison, James, 34, Grey Street, Newcastle-
upon-Tyne ... (Mem her of Council) Aug. 5, 1853.
321 Morrison, H. M., 3, Lombard Street, Quay, New-
castle-on-Tyne ............Feb. 3, 1856.
322 Morton, H., Lambton, Fence Houses ...... 1852.
323 Morton, H. T., Lambton, Fence Houses ... Aug. 21, 1852.
324 Muckle, John, Monk Bretton, Barnsley...... March 7, 1861.
325 Mulcaster, Joshua, Crosby Colliery, Maryport ... June 4 1863.
326 Mulvany, Wm. Thomas, 1335, Carls Thor, Dus-
seldorf on the Rhine, Prussia ...... Dec. 3, 1857.
327 Murray, T. H., Chester-le-Street, Fence Houses April 18, 1861.
328 Napier, Colin, Westminster Colliery, Wrexham,
Denbighshire...............Aug. 1} 1861*.
329 Nasymth, James, Cornbrook Colliery, near Lud-
low, Shropshire ............Feb. 1, 1868.
330 Naylor, Joshua T., 10, West Clayton Street, New-
castle-upon-Tyne ... ......... Dec. 6, 1866.
331 Nelson, James, C.E., Bonner's Field, Sunder-
land (Member of Council) Oct. 4, 1866.
332 Newall, Robert Stirling, Ferndene, Gates-
head (Member of Council) May 2, 1863.
(xxxi)
elected.
333 Nicholson, Edwd., jun., Beamish Collier}^ by
Chester-le-Street, Fence Houses ,...... Aug. 7, 1869.
334 Nicholson, Marshall, Middleton Hall, Leeds ... Nov. 7, 1863.
335 Nicholson, William, Seghill Colliery, Newcastle-
upon-Tyne ...............Oct. 1,1863.
336 Noble, Captain, Jesmond, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Feb. 3, 1866.
337 North, Frederick W., Rowley Hall Colliery,
Dudley, Staffordshire .........Oct. 6, 1864.
338 Ogden, John M., Solicitor, Sunderland...... March 5, 1857.
339 Oliver, Geo., Brotton Ironstone Mines, Saltburn-
by-the-Sea ............... 1864.
340 Oliver, John, Victoria Colliery, Coventry April 1, 1865.
341 Oliver, Wm., Stanhope Burn Offices, Stanhope,
Darlington ... ... ... ... ••• 1862.
342 Pacey, Thomas, Hunwick and Newfield Collieries,
near Bishop Auckland ... ...... April 10, 1869.
343 Palmer, A. M., Wardley Colliery, Heworth,
Gateshead ............... 1853.
344 Palmer, C. M., Quay, Newcastle-upon-Tyne ... Nov. 5, 1852.
345 Pattinson, John, Bensham Lodge, Gateshead ... May 2, 1868. * 346
Peacock, David, Horseley, Tipton ...... Aug. 7, 1869.
347 Pearce, F. H., Bowling Iron Works, Bradford,
Yorkshire ................ Oct. 1, 1857.
348 Pease, J. W., M.P., Woodlands, Darlington ... March 5, 1857.
349 Peel, John, Springwell Colliery, Gateshead ... Nov. 1, 1860.
350 Perrot, Sam. W., Hibernia and Shamrock Col-
lieries, Gelsenkirchen, Dusseldorf...... June 2, 1866.
351 Pickersgill, Thomas, Waterloo Main Colliery, near
Leeds..................June 5, 1869.
352 Piggford, Jonathan, Hamsteels Colliery, near Esh,
County of Durham............ Aug. 2, 1866.
353 Pilkington, Wm., jun., St. Helen's, Lancashire... Sept. 6, 1855.
354 Potter, Addison, Heaton Hall, Newcastle-on-Tyne March 6, 1869.
355 Potter, W. A., Cramlington House, Northum-
berland ............ ••• 1853.
356 Powell, T., Coldea, Newport, Monmouthshire ... Sept. 6, 1855.
357 Prosser, Thomas, Architect, Newcastle-on-Tyne March 6, 1869.
?
(xxxii)
elected.
358 Rake, A. S., Consulting" Engineer and Naval
Architect, Newcastle-upon-Tyne ...... Sept. 7, 1867.
359 Ramsay, J. T., Walbottle Hall, near Blaydon-on-
Tyne..................au&- 3j 1853'
360 Ramsey, J. A., Widdrington, near Morpeth ... March 6, 1869.
361 Reed, Robert, Felling Colliery, Gateshead ... Dec. 3, 1863.
362 Rees, Daniel, Lletty Shenkin Colliery, Aberdare 1862.
363 Richardson, Henry, Backworth Colliery, New-
castle-upon-Tyne ............March 2, 1865.
364 Ridley, George, Cowpen Colliery, Blyth, Northum-
berland ...............Feb. 4, 1865.
365 Robinson, Robert, jun., Albion Cottage, Bishop
Auckland ...............Feb. 1, 1868.
366 Robinson, Robert Henry, Staveley Works, near
Chesterfield...............Sept. 5, 1868.
367 Robson, J. B., Paradise, Newcastle-on-Tyne ... May 8, 1869.
368 Robson, J. S., Butterknowle Colliery, Staindrop,
Darlington ... ... ... ... ... 1853.
369 Robson, Thomas, Lumley Colliery, Fence Houses Oct. 4, 1860.
370 Rogerson, John, Weardale Iron and Coal Co.,
Newcastle-on-Tyne............March 6, 1869.
371 Ronaldson, James, Clough Hall Coal and Iron
Works, Stoke-upon-Trent......... Aug. 2, 1866.
372 Roscamp, J., Acomb Colliery, Hexham...... Feb. 2, 1867.
373 Rose, Thomas, Merridale Grove, Wolverhampton 1862.
374 Ross, A., Shipcote Colliery, Gateshead...... Oct. 1, 1857.
375 Rosser, Wm., Mineral Surveyor, Llanelly, Car-
marthenshire ... ... ... ... ... 1856.
376 Routledge, William (J. B. Foord), 52, Old Broad
Street, London, E.C. ......... Aug. 6, 1857.
377 Rusby, W. J., Glass House Fields Engine Works,
Radcliffe, London, E..........Aug. 1, 1868.
378 Sanderson, R. B., West Jesmond, Newcastle-
upon-Tyne ............... 1853.
379 Sanderson, Thomas, Seaton Delaval, Dudley,
Northumberland ............Aug. 7, 1862.
380 Scarth, W. T., Raby Castle, Darlington ... April 4, 1868.
381 Scott, Andrew, Coanwood Colliery, Haltwhistle Dec. 7, 1867.
(xxxiii)
elected.
382 Seddon, William, Lower Moor Collieries, Oldham,
Lancashire ... ... ... ... ... Oct. 5, 1865.
383 Shield, Hugh, Lamb's Cottage, Gilesgate Moor,
Durham ...............March 6, 1862.
384 Shortreed, Thomas, Park House, Winstanley,
Wigan ...............April 3, 1856.
385 Simpson, John Bell, Hedgefield House, Blay-
don-on-Tyne ... (Member of Council) Oct. 4, 1860.
386 Simpson, J., Rhos Llantwit Colliery, Caerphilly,
near Cardiff...............Dec. 6, 1866.
387 Simpson, L., South Garesneld Colliery, Burnop-
field .................. 1855.
388 Simpson, R., Ryton Moor House, Blaydon-on-
Tyne ... ...... ......... Aug. 21, 1852.
389 Smith, Edmund J., 14, Whitehall Place, West-
minster, London, S.W..........Oct. 7, 1858.
390 Smith, F., Bridgewater Offices, Manchester ... Aug. 5, 1853.
391 Smith, J.,jun.,M.E.,ThornleyColliery, Sunderland Feb. 4, 1853.
392 Smith, Thomas Taylor, Oxhill, Chester-le-Street Aug. 2, 1866.
393 Snowball, James, Stourbridge Fire Clay Works,
Gateshead ..." ... ......... 1866.
394 Snowdon, Thomas, Stockton-on-Tees ...... Aug. 1, 1868.
395 Sopwith, A., 103, Victoria Street, Westminster,
London, S.W.............Aug. 1, 1868.
396 Sopwith, T., F.G.S., etc., 103, Victoria Street,
Westminster, London, S.W. ...... May 6, 1853.
397 Southern, Robert, Old Silkstone Collieries, near
Barnsley...............Aug. 3, 1865.
398 Spark, H. K., Darlington ......... 1856.
399 Spencer, T., Ryton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne ... Dec. 6, 1866.
400 Spencer, W., Thornley Colliery Office, Ferry Hill Aug. 21, 1852.
401 Steavenson, A. L., 13, Old Elvet, Durham
(Member of Council) Dec. 6, 1855.
402 Steel, Charles R., Ellenborough Colliery, Maryport March 3, 1864.
403 Stenson, W. T., Whitwick Colliery, Coalville,
near Leicester ............Aug. 5, 1853.
404 Stephenson, John, Seaton Delaval Colliery, Dudley,
Northumberland ............Sept. 5, 1868.
405 Stephenson, George R., 24, Great George Street,
Westminster, London S.W. ...... Oct. 4, 1860.
(xxxiv)
elected.
406 Stephenson, W. H., Summerhill Grove, Newcastle-
upon-Tyne ............... March 7, 1867.
407 Stobart, H. S., Witton-le-Wear, Darling-ton
(Member of Council) Feb. 2, 1854.
408 Stott, James, Chatham Hill, Manchester ... 1855.
409 Straker, John, West House, Tynemouth ... May 2, 1867.
410 Stutchbury, E., Mining* Engineer, Almondsbury,
near Bristol............... March 6, 1869.
411 Swallow, John, Harton Colliery, South Shields... Aug. 6, 1863.
412 Swallow, R. T., Pontop Colliery, Gateshead ... 1862.
413 Taylor, H., Tynemouth............Sept. 5, 1856.
414 Taylor, J., Earsdon, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
(Member of Council) Aug. 21, 1852.
415 Telford, W., Cramlington, Northumberland ... May 6, 1853.
416 Tennant, John, East Holvwell Colliery, near New-
castle-upon-Tyne ............April 4, 1868.
417 Thomas, William, Heyford Iron Works, near
Wreedon ............ Feb. 2, 1867.
418 Thompson, Astley, Kedwelly, Carmarthenshire... 1864.
419 Thompson, James, Bishop Auckland ...... June 2, 1866.
420 Thompson, John, Marley Hill Colliery, Gateshead Oct. 4, 1860.
421 Thompson, John, Field House, Hoole, Chester ... Sept. 2, 1865.
422 Thompson, Joseph, Norley Colliery, Wigan, Lan-
cashire ...............April 6, 1867.
423 Thompson, Robert, jun., North Brancepeth Col-
liery, near Durham......... ... Sept. 7, 1867.
424 Thompson, T. C, Milton Hall, Carlisle...... May 4, 1854.
425 Thorpe, Richard S, 17, Picton Place, Newcastle-
on-Tyne ............ ... Sept. 5, 1868.
426 Tinn, Joseph, C.E., Royal Insurance Buildings,
Corn Street, Bristol...... ...... Sept. 7, 1867.
427 Tone, John F., C.E , Westgate Street, Newcastle-
upon-Tyne ...............Feb. 7, 1856.
428 Trotter, J., Newnham, Gloucestershire...... Nov. 2, 1854.
429 Truran, Matthew, Dowlais Iron Works, Merthyr
Tydvil, Glamorganshire .........Dec. 1, 1859.
430 Turner, Wm. Barrow, C. and M.E., Barrow-in-
Furness............ ... Dec. 7, 1867.
431 Tweddell, Ralph Hart, Sunderland ...... Oct. 5, 1867.
(xxxv)
elected.
432 Tylden-Wright, C, Shireoaks Colliery, Worksop,
Nottinghamshire ........... 1862.
433 Ure, J. F., Engineer to the River Tyne Commis-
sioners, Newcastle-on-Tyne,......... May 8, 1869.
434 Vaughan, Thomas, Middlesbro'-on-Tees...... 1857.
435 Wadham, Edward, C. and M.E., Millwood, Dal-
ton-in-Furness ............Dec. 7, 1867.
436 Walker, Geo. W., Bulwell, near Notts...... Sept. 7, 1867.
437 Wallau, Jacob (Black, Hawthorn, & Co.), Gates-
head ... ............... Nov. 2, 1867.
438 Waller, William, 82, Northgate, Darlington ... 1866.
439 Walton, W., Upleatham Mines, Redcar...... Feb. 1, 1867.
440 Ward, Henry, Priestfield Iron Works, Oaklands,
Wolverhampton ............ March 6, 1862.
441 Warrington, John, Kippax, near Leeds ... ... Oct. 6, 1859.
442 Watkin, Wm. J. L., Pemberton Colliery, Wigan Aug. 7, 1862.
443 Watson, Henry, High Bridge, Newcastle-upon-
Tyne ... ...............March 7, 1868.
444 Webster, R. C, Ruabon Collieries, Ruabon, Den-
bighshire ...............Sept. 6, 1855.
445 Weeks, John G., North Gawber Colliery, near
Barnsley ......% ......... Feb. 4, 1865.
446 Westmacott, Percy G. B., Elswick Iron Works,
Newcastle-upon-Tyne (Member of Council) June 2, 1866.
447 Whalley, Thomas, Orrell Mount, Wigan ... Aug. 2, 1866.
448 White, Jos. T., 68, Westgate, Wakefield ... March 1, 1866.
449 Whitwell, Thomas, Thornaby Iron Works, Stock-
ton-on-Tees .........1 ...... Sept. 5, 1868.
450 Widdas, Cornelius, North Bitchburn Colliery,
Howden, Darlington............Dec. 5, 1868.
451 Williams, E., (Bolckow, Vaughan, and Co.,)
Middlesbro'-on-Tees (Member of Council) Sept. 2, 1865.
452 Willis, Edward, Clarence House, Willington,
Durham ...............Sept. 5, 1868.
453 Willis, James, Washington Colliery, Washington
Station, County of Durham.........March 5, 1857.
454 Wilmer, F. B., Duffryn Collieries, Aberdare ... June 6, 1856.
(xxxvi)
elected
455 Wilson, J. B., Haydock, near St. Helen's, Lan-
cashire ...............Nov- 6> 1852-
456 Wilson, J. Straker, Avon Yale Coal Company,
Britonferry, Glamorganshire ... ••• Dec. 2, 1858. , 457
Wilson, R., Flimby Colliery, Maryport...... April 3, 1856.
458 Wilson, Thomas Hay, 40, Dean Street, New-
castle-on-Tyne ............March 6, 1869.
459 Wood, Lindsay, Hetton Hall, Fence Houses
(Yice-President) Oct. 1, 1857.
460 Wood, C. L., Howlish Hall, Bishop Auckland ... 1853.
461 Wood, John, Flockton Collieries, Wakefield,
Yorkshire ...............April 2, 1863.
462 Wood, W. H., West Hetton, Ferryhill...... 1856.
463 Wood, William 0., Brancepeth Colliery, Willing-
ton, Durham...............Nov. 7, 1863.
464 Woodhouse, J. T., Midland Road, Derby ... Dec. 13, 1852.
465 Yardley, John, Burntree, Tipton ...... Nov. 3, 1866.
elected.
1 Armstrong, William, jun., Wingate, County of
Durham ............... April 7, 1867.
2 Atkinson, W., Rainton Colliery, Fence Houses ... June 6, 1868.
3 Booth, R. L., Medomsley, Burnopneld ...... 1864.
4 Clarke, Nathl., jun., Beamish Park, Fence Houses June 6, 1868.
5 Coates, C.'N., Skelton Mines, Guisbro'...... May 3, 1866.
6 Coulson, Francis, Shamrock House, Durham ... Aug. 1, 1868.
7 Cowlishaw, John, 74, Osmaston Street, Derby ... March 7, 1867.
8 Fletcher, Geo., Trimdon Colliery, Trimdon Grange April 4, 1868.
9 Forster, J. T., Washington, Gateshead ...... Aug. 1, 1868.
10 Grace, E. N., Lumley Colliery, Fence Houses ... Feb. 1, 1868.
11 Greenwell, G. C, jun., Towneley Colliery, Blaydon-
on-Tyne ............... March 6, 1869.
12 Hann, Edmund, Hetton Colliery, Fence Houses... Sept. 5, 1868.
13 Heckels, W. J., Wearmouth Colliery, Sunderland May 2, 1868.
14 Heslop, C, Upleatham Mines, Marske ...... Feb. 1, 1868.
15 Hilton, James, Wigan Coal and Iron Co., Limited,
Wigan, Lancashire............ Dec. 7, 1867.
16 Home, George, Rainton Colliery, Fence Houses... June 6, 1868.
(xxxvii)
elected.
17 Hunter, James, Peases' West Collieries, Darlington March 6, 1869. IS
Jenkins, John Herbert, Cramlington Collieries,
Northumberland ............March 6, 1869.
19 Longbotham, Jon., Waldridge Colliery, Chester-le-
° street..................May 2, 1868.
20 Marley, John William, Washington Colliery,
Washington Station, N.E. Railway...... Aug. 1, 1868.
21 Maughan, James A., Wallsend Colliery, Newcastle-
upon- Tyne...............Nov. 7, 1863.
22 Nevin, John, Mirfleld ............May 2, 1868.
23 Pamely, Caleb, Towneley Colliery, Blaydon-on-
Tyne.................Sept. 5, 1868.
24 Panton, Frederick S., 24, St. George's Square,
Sunderland...............Oct. 5, 1867.
25 Parrington, Matthew W., Page Bank Colliery,
Durham ... ............Dec. 1, 1864.
26 Peile, William, Corkickle Forge, Whitehaven ... Oct. 1, 1863.
27 Price, James R., Wigan Coal and Iron Company,
Wigan, Lancashire ... .........Aug. 1869.
28 Ramsay, Thomas Dunlop, South Durham Colliery,
via Darlington ............March 1, 1866.
29 Robson, James M., Rainton Colliery, near Leam-
side..................Dec. 5, 1868.
30 Sheraton, Frederick, Hetton Colliery, Fence Houses June 6, 1868.
31 Seddon, J. Frederick, Wigan Goal and Iron Works,
near Wigan......... ...... June 1, 1867.
32 Sopwith, T., jun., Towneley Colliery, Blaydon-on-
Tyne .'.................Nov. 2, 1867.
33 Sparkes, Charles, Peases' West Collieries, Darling-
ton..................Sept. 5, 1868.
34 Taylor, W. N., Ryhope Colliery, Sunderland ... Oct. 1, 1863.
35 Wardell, Stuart C, Radstock Colliery, Bath ... April 1, 1865.
36 Watson, Matthew, Thornley Colliery, Ferryhill ... March 7, 1868.
37 White, H., Moorhouse, near Durham ... ... ' 1866.
38 Wild, J. G., Peases' West Waterhouses Colliery,
by Durham...............Oct. 5, 1867.
39 Wilson, Win. Brumwell, Killingworth Colliery,
Newcastle-on-Tyne............Feb. 6, 1869.
40 Yerner, Frederick, Cowpen Colliery, Blyth ... March 7, 1867.
41 Yernon, John O., Brancepeth Colliery, Willington,
Durham ...............Sept. 7, 1867.
fist of ItobsifttMttJjj ^ollferfys.
Owners of Black Boy Colliery, Bishop Auckland,
j, Haswell Colliery, Fence Houses.
„ Hetton Collieries, Fence Houses.
„ Kepier Grange Colliery, by Durham.
„ Lambton Collieries, Fence Houses (Earl Durham),
„ Leasingthorne Colliery, Ferry Hill.
„ North Hetton Colliery, Fence Houses.
,, Rainton Collieries (Earl Vane).
,, Ryhope Colliery.
„ Seghill Colliery.
„ South Hetton and Murton Collieries, Fence Houses*
„ Stella Colliery, Ryton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
„ Westerton Colliery, Ferry Hill.
„ Whitworth Colliery, Ferry Hill.
1. —The objects of the North of England Institute of Mining Engineers are to
enable its members, comprising Mining and Mechanical Engineers, and other
persons connected with or interested in Mining*, to meet together at fixed
periods, and to discuss the means for the Ventilation of Coal and other
Mines, the Winning' and Working of Collieries and Mines, the Prevention of
Accidents, and the Advancement of the Sciences of Mining and Engineering
generally.
2. —The Members of the North of England Institute of Mining Engineers shall
consist of four classes of Members, viz. :—Ordinary Members, Life Members,
Graduates, and Honorary Members.
3. —Ordinary and Life Members shall be persons practising as Mining and
Mechanical Engineers, and other persons connected with or interested in
Mining.
4. —Graduates shall be persons engaged in study to qualify themselves for
the profession of Mining or Mechanical Engineers.
5. —Honorary Members shall be Mining Inspectors during the term of their
office, and other persons who have distinguished themselves by their
literary or scientific attainments, or who have made important
communications to the Society.
6. —The Annual Subscription of each Ordinary Member shall be 1'2 2s.,
payable in advance, and the same is to be considered due and payable on the
first Saturday of August in each year, or immediately after his election.
7. —The Annual Subscription of each Graduate shall be £1 Is., payable in
advance, and the same is to be considered due and payable on the first
Saturday of August in each year, or immediately after his election.
8. —All persons who shall at on*e time make a donation of £20 or upwards
shall be Life Members.
9. —Each Subscriber of £2 2s. annually (not being a member) shall he
entitled to a ticket to admit one person to the rooms, library, meet-lngs,
lectures, and public proceedings of the Society; and for every
'(si)
additional £2 2s., subscribed annually, another person shall be admissible
up to the number of five persons; and each such Subscriber shall also be
entitled for each £2 2s. subscription to have a copy of the Proceeding's of
the Institute sent to him.
10. —Persons desirous of being- admitted into the Institute as Ordinary
Members, Life Members, or Graduates, shall be proposed by three Ordinary or
Life Members, or both, at a General Meeting*. The nomination shall be in
writing", and signed by the proposers, and shall state the name and
residence of the individuals proposed, whose election shall be balloted for
at the next following General Meeting, unless it be then decided to elect by
show of hands, and during the interval notice of the nomination shall be
exhibited in the Society's room. Every person proposed as an Honorary Member
shall be recommended by at least five Members of the Society, and elected by
ballot at the following General Meeting, unless it be then decided to elect
by show of hands. A majority of votes shall determine every election.
11. —That the Officers of the Institute shall consist of a President, six
Vice-Presidents (four of whom only to be Mining Engineers), and eighteen
Councillors (twelve of whom only to be Mining Engineers), who, with the
Treasurer and Secretary (if Members of the Institute), shall constitute a
Council for the direction and management of the affairs of the Institute;
all of which Officers shall be elected at the Annual Meeting (except in case
of Vacancies), and shall be eligible for re-election, with the exception of
any President, or Vice-President, who may have held office for the three
immediately preceding years, and such three Councillors of the Mining
Engineers, and two other Councillors, who may have attended the fewest
Council Meetings during the past year, but such Members shall be eligible
for re-election after being one year out of office, and such elections to be
in manner following •_
A.—Ordinary and Life Members shall be at liberty to nominate in writing, and
send to the Secretary, not less than thirty days prior to the Annual or
Special Meeting, a signed list of such persons as are considered suitable to
fill the various offices, and to specify in such nominations respectively
who are intended to represent the Mining or Mechanical Engineers and other
persons interested in Mining; which list, having been duly stamped with the
Institute Stamp, together with the List of such Officers as may be eligible
for re-election, and a copy of this Rule shall be posted, at least fourteen
days previous to the Annual or Special Meeting to all Ordinary and Life
Members of the Institute, who must strike out from or add to such list, so
as to leave a record of their Votes for Officers, not
(xli)
exceeding the number to be elected; but nothing shall prevent any Ordinary
or Life Member nominating in writing subsequently (specifying the classes as
aforesaid), and up to, and on the day of, and prior to the election taking
place, any other Member or Members to fill the various Offices, nor shall
anything prevent the Ordinary or Life Members, whether present or absent,
from having power to vote for any other Member or Members, although he or
they may not be nominated as before provided for. The Voting Papers being so
filled up, must be returned through the post, addressed to the Secretary, or
be handed to him, or to the Chairman, in all cases so as to be received
before the hour fixed for the election of Officers.
B.—The Chairman shall, in all cases of voting, appoint Scrutineers of the
Lists, and the scrutiny shall commence on the conclusion of the other
business of the meeting, or at such other time as the Chairman may appoint.
On the conclusion of the scrutiny the Voting Papers shall be destroyed, and
the List, prepared and verified by the Scrutineers, shall be kept until the
.expiration of time for holding the ensuing three General Meetings.
C#—In the event of any vacancies occurring in the number of Officers
subsequent to the Annual or Special Meeting at which the election of
Officers shall have taken place, such vacancy or vacancies, except as to
President, occurring within the time for holding the three next General
Meetings, after such Annual or Special Meeting as aforesaid, shall be filled
up by appointing a successor from those standing next highest on the
Scrutineers' List, but in the case of a vacancy for President, a new
election by nomination and voting shall in all cases be proceeded with.
After the expiration of time for holding such three General Meetings, in the
event of any vacancy then occurring for Vice-Presidents and Councillors, the
Council shall have discretionary power either to appoint a successor or
successors, or instruct the Secretary to issue Nomination and Voting Papers
in the usual way.
D.—At Meetings of the Council five shall be a quorum, and the minutes of the
Council's proceedings shall be at all times open to the inspection of the
Members of the Institute.
12. —That tne Vice-Presidents who have become, or may become, ineligible,
from having held office for three years, shall be, ex-officio, Members of
the Council for the following year; and all past Presidents (they continuing
Members of the Institute) also to be, ex-officio, Members of the Council for
the following three years after their Presidentship.
13. —A General Meeting of the Institute shall be held on the first
(xlii)
Saturday of every month (except in January and July), at two o'clock; and
the General Meeting- in the month of August shall he the Annual Meeting, at
which a report of the proceedings, and an abstract of the accounts of the
previous year, shall be presented by the Council. A Special Meeting of the
Institute may be called whenever the Council shall think fit, and also on a
requisition to the Council, signed by ten or more Members.
14. —Every question which shall come before any meeting of the Institute
shall be decided by the votes of the majority of the Ordinary and Life
Members then present.
15. —The Funds of the Society shall be deposited in the hands of the
Treasurer, and shall be disbursed by him according to the direction of the
Council.
16. —All papers sent for the approval of the Council shall be accompanied by
a short abstract of their contents.
17. —The Council shall have power to decide on the propriety of
communicating to the Institute any papers which may be received, and they
shall be at liberty, when they think it desirable, to direct that any paper
read before the Institute shall be printed and transmitted to the Members.
Intimation, when practicable, shall be given at the close of each General
Meeting of the subject of the paper or papers to be read, and of the
questions for discussion, at the next meeting; and notice thereof shall be
affixed in the rooms of the Institute a reasonable time previously. The
reading of papers shall not be delayed beyond such hour as the President may
think proper, and if the election of Members or other business should not be
despatched soon enough, the President may adjourn such business until after
the discussion of the subject for the day.
18. —Members elected at any meeting between the Annual Meetings shall be
entitled to all papers issued in that year.
19. —The Copyright of all papers communicated to and accepted by the
Institute shall become vested in the Institute • and such communications
shall not be published for sale, or otherwise, without the permission of the
Council.
20. —All proofs of discussion forwarded to Members for correction must be
returned to the Secretary not later than seven days from the date of their
receipt, otherwise they will be considered correct and be printed off.
21. —The Institute is not, as a body, responsible for the facts and opinions
advanced in the papers which may be read, nor in the abstracts
(xliii)
0f the conversations which may take place at the meetings of the Institute.
22 —The Author of each paper read before the Institute shall be Ho wed
twelve copies of such paper (if ordered to be printed) for his own private
use.
03_The Transactions of the Institute shall not be forwarded to
Members whose subscription is more than one year in arrear.
24. —No duplicate copies of any portion of the proceedings shall be issued
to any of the Members unless by written order from the Council.
25._AH Members of the Institute shall have power to introduce a
stranger to any of the General Meetings of the Institute, and shall sign, in
a book kept for the purpose, his own name, as well as the name and address
of the person introduced \ but such stranger shall not take part in any
discussion or other business, unless permitted by the meeting to do so.
26. —No alteration shall be made in any of the Laws, Eules, or Regulations
of the Institute, except at the Annual General Meeting, or at a Special
Meeting, and the particulars of every such alteration shall be announced at
a previous General Meeting, and inserted in its minutes, and shall be
exhibited in the room of the Institute fourteen days previous to such Annual
or Special Meeting, and such Meeting shall have power to adopt any
modification of such proposed alteration of, or addi-to, the Rules.
E RR ATA.
Page 66, line 21, /br capacities to, capacities in preference to, Page
97, line 24, /for water per, read water evaporated per. Page 100, line 30,
for experiments, ^^requirements.
INDEX TO VOL. XVIII.
Address (inaugural) by G. Elliot, 19.— Formation of Institute,
20.—Ventilation of mines, 22.—Coal beds under the sea, 23.—Modes of working
coal, 24.— Abolishment of gunpowder in mines, 25.—Working seams above or
under each other, 27.—Increase of temperature below ground, 28.—Amalgamation
of Institute with other Mining Institutions recommended, 29. — Technical
education, 30. — Durham University prizes, 30.
Bainbridge, E., presented with books for services as engineer to Tail-rope
Committee, 41.
Barkus, James, exhibits new safety-cage, 2.
Bell, I. L., elected vice-president, 86.
Bewick, T. J., On Mining in the Mountain Limestone in the North of England,
163.
Boiler-flues of different lengths, experiments showing heat in, 124.
Boilers, steam : By W. Waller, 121.—Experiments showing the heat in flues of
different lengths, 124.—Comparative results of various experiments, 126.—
Discussed, 107. — Experiments with Juckes' furnaces on board a steamer,
112.—Success of Mr. Jordan's bars on board steamers, 114. Plates.
35- Mode of feeding the boilers by rotating apparatus, not in contact wh the
fire.—36. Proposed arrange-
ment of boiler and furnace for a plain cylinder boiler, 126. Boyd, E. F.,
elected president, 153. Boyd, W., On rivetting, 9. Bunning's rivetting
machine, description of, 14.—Experiments on smoke consumption on board the
"Weardale," 105.—Appendix on mining patents, end of volume.
Carboniferous limestone in the North of England, 164.
Catalogue of library, viii.
Coal, modes of working, 24, 27.
Coal beds under the sea, 23.
Coal getting, patents connected with, Appendix, 21.
Cochrane, W., On the Gruibal and Lemielle systems of rentilation, 139.
''Colorado" steamer, Jordan's fire-bars on board, 114.
Committees: Report of, on Technical Education, 3.—Report of, on smoke
consumption, 37.—Report of, on tail-ropes, discussed, 61, 71.
Cost of furnace and mechanical ventilation, 102.
Durham University prizes referred to by
G. Elliot, 30. Dykes in the mountain limestone of the
North of England district, 168.
Education, Technical, Report of Committee on, 3.
Elliot, G., inaugural address, 19.—Telegram from, 155.
Elswick Colliery, Juckes' bar3 at, 93. Errata, xliv.
Experiments: On board the "Weardale," 86, 105.—Showing heat in boiler flues
of different lengths, 124.—With Juckes' furnace at Elswick, 93.—On board a
steamer, 112.—With the Lemielle ventilator at Page Bank Colliery, 69.—At
Pelton, 141.—On mechanical stoking at Walker Iron Works, 47.—On board the
"Weardale," 86.—On Eivetting at Messrs. Hawthorn's, 10.—On steel, by
Kircaldy, 13—With Guibal's ventilator at Pelton, 100,104,148.—With Waddle's
ventilator at do., 101.
Explosive compounds, patents connected with, Appendix, 31.
Fire-bars, Jordan's, 53.—Success of, on board steamers, 114.—Plan of short
bars on board the "Weardale," 106.
Fowler, George, On abstracting gas from the goaves of coal mines, 151.
Furnace and boiler, proposed arrangement of, for a plain cylinder boiler,
126.
Furnace and mechanical ventilation, comparative cost of, 102.
Furnaces: Hall and Whitaker's, 52.— Jordan's, 53, 114.—Juckes',
52.—Experiments with, on board a steamer, 112.—Plan of short bars on board
the " Weardale," 106.—Vickers and Smith's, 53.
Gas, abstracting from the goaves of coal
mines, by G. Fowler, 151. Graduates, xxxvi.
Guibal and Lemielle system of ventilation, remarks on, by W. Cochrane, 139.
Guibal and Waddle ventilators at Pelton, remarks on, by D. P. Morison, 99.
Gunpowder, necessity of abolishing use of, in mines, 25.
Hall and Whitaker's furnace, 52.
Hann's safety-lamp exhibited and referred to committee, 5.
Honorary members, xvi.
Hydraulic rivetting machinery experiments, 12.—Drawings of, showing mode of
working, &c, 18.
Institute, formation of, 20.—Amalgamation of, with other Mining Institutes
recommended by G. Elliot, 29.
Jordan's bars, 53.—Success of, on board
steamers, 114. Juckes' furnace, 52.—At Elswick Colliery,
93. — Experiments with, on board a
steamer, 112.
Kircaldy's experiments on steel, 13.
Lemielle's ventilator at Page Bank Colliery, 63.
Lemielle and Guibal systems of ventilation, remarks on, by W. Cochrane, 139.
Life members, xvi.
Lifting and winding, patents connected
with, Appendix, 4. Longwall, plans of a portion of a pit
worked by, 162. Lundhill Colliery, plan of, at time of
accident, 162.
Machine rivetting, 9, 18.
" Manhattan " steamer, Jordan's fire-bars on board, 43.
Mechanical Engineers: Letter from Secretary of, thanking the Institute for
assistance rendered at their Newcastle Meeting, 150.
Mechanical and furnace ventilation, comparative cost of, 102.
Mechanical stoking, 51.—Experiments on, at Walker Iron Works, 47.—Ditto, on
board the " Weardale," 86.
Mechanical stoking of steam-boilers, by J. Nelson, 51.—Proper mode of firing
by hand, 51.—Juckes' revolving fur-
nace, and Hall and Whitaker's, 52.— Vickers and Smith's, 53.—Discussed,
41.—Kemarks on Jordan's bars on board the " Colorado" and "Nevada," 43.—
Ditto, on board the " Manhattan," 44. —Experiments at Walker Iron Works, 47.
— Again discussed, 86. — Experiments on board the "Weardale," 86.—
Experiments with Juckes' bars at Elswick Colliery, 93.
Members, list of, xviii.
Mines, abolishment of use of gunpowder in, 25.
Mines, ventilation of, 22.
Mining and sinking, patents connected with, Appendix, 5.
Mining in the mountain limestone of the North of England, by T. J. Bewick,
163—Mr. Sopwith's paper alluded to,
163. —The outcrop of the carboniferous limestone, 164.—The ores in the
limestone, 164.—The veins of the district,
164. —The dislocations, 165.— Dykes, 168.—Roman remains, 171.—Royalties of
the district, 172—Mode of leasing, 172.—Mode of working, 172.—Mode of
dressing, 176.—Mode of paying the miner, 176.—The principal adits orlevels
of the district, 177—Different modes of boring, 178—Hydraulic machinery
employed in, 179.—Mines free from accident, 180.—Health of the miners,
180.—Wages of miners, 181—Population of the district, 181.—Yield of the
district, 182.—Discussed, 150.
Plates.
Geological Map of the District: Section No. 1. From Crag Lough to South of
Willimontswyke.— Section No. 2. From Sewingshields to Cart's Bog
Colliery.—Section No. 3. From Shield-on-the-Wall to -Stublick.— Section No.
4. From Low Tepper-moor to Glendue.
.Modes of working coal, 24, 27.
Prison, D. P., remarks on Guibal's and Waddle's ventilators at Pelton, 99.
Morison, J. A. R., exhibits new safety lamp, 2.
Nelson, J., On mechanical stoking of
steam boilers, 51. " Nevada " steamer, Jordan's fire-bars on
board, 43.
Officers, xvii.
Ores in the North of England limestone, 164.
Page Bank Colliery: Lemielle's ventilator at, 63.—Experiments with ditto,
69.— With Guibal's and Lemielle's, 139.— Plan, elevations, and sections of
the ventilation; Diagrams showing result of experiments, 70.
Patents connected with mining operations, by T. W. Bunning, Appendix;
Introductory remarks, 3; Lifting and winding patents, description of, 4 ;
Mining and sinking, ditto, 5; Pumping, ditto, 6; Ventilating, ditto, 14;
Safety-lamps ditto, 18; Coal getting, ditto, 21; Explosive compounds, ditto,
31; Miscellaneous, ditto, 34.
Patr%ns, xv.
Pelton, experiments with Guibal's and Waddle's ventilators at, 99. — With
Guibal's and Lemielle's, 139.
Pumping, patents connected with, Appendix, 6.
Reports: Smoke Committee, 37.—Tail-rope Committee, discussed, 61, 71,—
Technical Education Committee, 3.
Rivetting, remarks on, by W. Boyd, 9.— Strength of single and double
rivetting; Counter-sinking, 9.—Experiments at Messrs. Hawthorn's, 10. —
Fixed hydraulic rivetting machine, 12.—Kircaldy's experiments on steel, 13.
— Description of Bunning's machine, 14. — Description of accumulator, 16. —
Diagrams of hydraulic rivetting, 17.— Discussed, 3, 82.
Plates.
1. Diagrams illustrating machine rivetting.—2. Stationary hydraulic
rivetting machine.—3. Accumulator for hydraulic machine.—4. Bunning's
portable hydraulic rivetter.—5. Mode of working ditto.—6. Diagrams from
fixed hydraulic rivetting machine, 18. Roman remains found in the mountain
limestone of the North of England district, 171. Royalties of the mountain
limestone of
the North of England district, 172. Rules, xxxix.
Rules: Special meeting to consider alteration of, 107.—Alteration of Nos.
X., XL, XIL, and XXV., 127.
Safety-cage, exhibited by J. Barkus, 2.
Safety-lamp, exhibited by J. A. R. Morison, 2.—rBy E. Hann (referred to
committee), 5.
Safety-lamps, patents connected with,
Appendix, 18. Sinking, patents connected with, Appendix, 5. Smith and
Yickers' furnace, 53. Smoke, consumption of, experiment! on board the "
Weardale," by T. W. Bun-ning, 105.
Plates, 106. 18. Furnace fitted with short fire bars on board the "
Weardale."—19 to 34. Diagrams showing the smoke equivalent. Smoke
consumption, report of committee, 37.
Smoke equivalent on board the " Wear-dale," diagrams showing, 106.
Steam boilers: mechanical stoking of, by J. Nelson, 51.—Proper mode of
firing by hand, 51.
Steavenson, A. L., on the Lemielle ventilator, 63.
Steel, Kircaldy's experiments on, 13. Strength of single and double
rivetting, 9.
Subscribing collieries, xxxviii.
Tail Rope Committee's report discussed, 61-71.
Technical education, remarks on, by G. Elliot, 30.
Temperature, increase of below ground, 28.
Veins of lead in the limestone of the North of England district, 164.
Ventilation, by mechanical means, by A. L. Steavenson, 133.
Ventilation, patents connected with, Appendix, 14.
Ventilation of mines, 22.—Comparative cost of, furnace and mechanical, 102.
Ventilation : Abstracting gas from the goaves of coal-mines, by Geo. Fowler,
151.—Discussed, 151. Plates.
1. Portion of the workings of a mine worked by long-wall.—2. Plan of the
Lundhill Colliery at the time of the accident, 162. Ventilation: The
Lemielle ventilator at Page Bank Colliery, by A. L. Steavenson, 63.—Table of
experiments, 69.— Discussed, 59.—Again discussed, 99,130. Plates.
7. Elevation of the Lemielle ventilator at Page Bank, 70. — 8. Horizontal
section of ditto.— 9. Vertical section of ditto.—10. Ground plan of ditto. —
11. Diagram showing the relative capacities of the discharge and
re-entries.—12. Diagram of the water-gauge obtained by different speeds of
ventilator.—13. Diagram showing the volumes of air obtained at different
speeds of ditto.—14, 15. Indicator diagrams from the engine working the
ventilator. Ventilation : Remarks on the Guibal and Waddle ventilators at
Pelton, by D. P* Morison, 99. — Table No. 1. Experiments with Guibal's
ventilator, 100.—
, Vn 2 Experiments with Waddle No.;. f ^ na 3 jwg ventilator, ioi. ^
fhowingthe water-gauge obtained by aching the air-way of the Guibal f n
102.—Table No. 4. Comparison between the cost of furnace and mechanics
ventilation, 102.-Table No. 5. Experiments with Guibal ventilator at pelton
Colliery, 104. Plates.
1G. Waddle ventilating fan at Pelton.
—17. End view of ditto, 104.
ilation : Remarks on the Guibal and Lemielle system of, by W. Cochrane, !
^.—Experiments at Page Bank and Pelton, 141.
Plates.
37. Diagram, illustrating the useful effect of the Guibal ventilator at
Pelton.— 38. Diagram, illustrating the useful effect of the Lemielle
ventilator at Page Bank.—39. Diagram.
illustrating the comparative useful effects of the Guibal and Lemielle
ventilators, 148.
Ventilation : Lemielle's at Page Bank, 63. —Guibal's and Waddle's at Pelton,
99.
Vickers and Smith's furnace, 53.
Waddle and Guibal ventilators at Pelton, remarks on, by D. P. Morison, 99.
Walker Iron Works, experiments on mechanical stoking at, 47.
Waller, W., On steam boilers, 121.
" Weardale," experiments on mechanical stoking, 86.—Smoke consumption, 105.
—Plan of short furnace bars, 106.— Diagrams, showing smoke equivalent, 106.
Whitaker and Hall's furnace, 52. Winding, patents connected with, Appendix,
4.
Working coal, modes of, 24, 27.
(JeMogtiF of InsfiMp Jufirarg,
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NORTH OF ENGLAND INSTITUTE
OF
I MINING ENGINEERS.
GENERAL MEETING, SATURDAY, SEPT. 5, 1868, IN THE ROOMS OF THE INSTITUTE,
NEVILLE HALL, NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE.
G. B. FORSTER, Esq., Vice-President of the Institute, in the Chair.
The Secretary read the minutes of the previous meeting and the minutes of
the Council, after which the following gentlemen were elected:—
Members-Robert Henry Robinson, Stavelcy Works, near Chesterfield. Alfred
Goodman, Walker Iron Works, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Richard S. Thorpe, 17,
Picton Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. 1 • Edward J. Grimshaw, Cowley Hill,
St. Helen's, Lancashire. William Hargreaves, Rothwell Haigh, Leeds. John
Bailes, Eelloe Colliery, Ferry Hill. James Archbold, Murton Colliery,
Sunderland. Richard Forster, Trimdon Grange Colliery, Ferry HilL Edward
Charlton, Evenwood Colliery, Bishop Auckland. Edward Willis, East Howie
Colliery, Ferry Hill. Matthew Hall, Peases' West Collieries, Darlington. S.
B. Gilroy, Moreton Hall and Preesgwyn Colliery Company, near Chirk. W. M.
HuTCHiNOS, Colliery Guardian Office, 5, Bouverie Street, Fleet Street,
London.
John Stephenson, Seaton Delaval Colliery, Dudley, Northumberland, Thomas
Whitwell, Thornaby Iron Works, Stockton-on-Tees.
Graduates-Caleb Pamely, Towneley Colliery, Blaydon-on-Tyne, Charles Sparkes,
Peases' West Collieries, Darlington. Edward Hann, Hetton Colliery, Fence
Houses.
Tke Secretary stated that he had a communication from Mr. W. Vol.
XVIIL—1869. A
2
Boyd, apologizing for not being ready with the promised paper on Rivetting,
and expressing a hope to be able to lay it before the next meeting.
Mr. James Barkus exhibited the model of a new safety-cage, provided with
weights and springs, which formed a subject for conversation.
Mr. James A. Richmond Morison explained a contrivance which he had invented
for preventing any tampering with safety-lamps. It applied to his'
brother's, as well as to the Stephenson-lamp, with the present lock, or to
any lamps which possessed the elements of safety. These could not be opened
when fitted with his arrangement, except when turned upside down, when the
products of combustion immediately extinguished the light, no key being
required except that now used for locking the lamps.
The Chairman said, he had recently seen a lamp worked with a small padlock.
Mr. Atkinson said, he thought there was one little difficulty— namely, the
oil might get into the lock-hole and clog the apparatus so that it would not
work. The consequence would bo that the lamp would go in unlocked.
Mr. Morison said, the lock was above the level of the oil.
The Chairman said, this contrivance seemed better than that of drawing clown
the wick.
Mr. Morison said, if they thought the invention worthy of approval he would
leave those lamps with the Institute.
Mr. Atkinson said, all these contrivances could be rendered nugatory by a
miner taking* with him a lucifer match. Still it was a very pretty idea
which Mr. Morison had carried out, and as he had given it to the Institute
without taking out a patent, they ought to give him a vote of thanks, and he
begged to mo\e one accordingly.
Mr. Greene seconded the motion, which was carried by show of hands.
The meeting then separated.
NORTH OF ENGLAND INSTITUTE
OF
I MINING ENGINEERS.
GENERAL MEETING, SATURDAY, OCT.* 3, 18G8, IN THE ROOMS OF THE INSTITUTE,
NEVILLE HALL, NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE.
G. B. FOESTER, Esq., Vice-Peesident of the Institute, in the Chair,
The Secretary read the Report of the Committee on Technical Education. He
said the subject had been carefully considered, and the draft copy of the
Report laid before the Parliamentary and Finance Committees of the Coal
Trade, who had most favourably received it.
The following new members were elected :—
Thomas Moor, North Seaton Colliery, Morpeth, William Beale Marston, Mold,
Flintshire. Edward Hall, Houghton-le-Spring,
Mr. W. Boyd then read a paper on Rivetting, with a description of a new
portable rivetting machine. The paper was illustrated by diagrams.
After reading the paper, Mr. Boyd, at the request of the meeting, explained
the working of the machine, one of which was exhibited.
In answer to Mr. Southern, Mr. Boyd said, the portable hydraulic Machine
would fasten two or three rivets in two minutes—rather better than one per
minute. When they were experimenting, they did it at a rapi(1 Pace, faster
than they could heat the rivets. The fixed steam ^clnne was very like the
fixed lr^draulic machine, although he preferred ^e latter. Where steam
machines had been made portable, he thought ^ at c*escription of machine
which was in fact a small portable steam ^mrner the best. The portable
hydraulic machine before them was not
a^ on this principle, but closed the rivets by direct pressure in all fPects
in the same way as if fixed.
4
Mr. Southern said, lie supposed the preference given to the hydraulic
machine was, that water was almost incompressible, while steam was elastic.
Did Mr. Boyd think that any injury would be sustained by the plate in
punching* the hole gradually by the hydraulic , machine ?
Mr. W. Boyd said, the machine did not punch the hole; it simply put in the
rivets. The advantage of the hydraulic machine was this—in all boilers,
however well the plates are put together, there is always a certain space
left between the plates before the rivet is put in. If the force used to
close the rivet was in the nature of a blow, this space would be suddenly
shut and would have a tendency to open again before the rivets had time to
cool and contract; but where the process was gradual, however much the space
was open, the plates were squeezed close up, and were never allowed to come
back.
Mr. Rake said, Garforth's machine kept the pressure on till the rivet was
cooled.
Mr. Steavenson thought the plan suggested for portable machines superior to
that of employing steam hammers, since hammering the rivets would
deteriorate them.
Mr. Nelson asked where the improvement was as compared with Fairbairn's
lever machine ?
Mr. W. Boyd said, one great advantage was this : the lever machine was so
set, as in each case to close a certain length of rivet; if by any chance
the rivet was a quarter or one-eighth of an inch longer, or the plate
changed in thickness, the pressure still came up, and something must break
or the machine must spring back. This defect was so great that Fairbairn's
machine had been gradually superseded by Cooke's and Garforth's steam
rivetting machine.
Mr. Rake said, he had had experience of Fairbairn's machine, and he could
quite corroborate Mr. Boyd's observations. There must be great care used in
such machines to obtain an exact thickness of plate, and a correct and
uniform length of rivet, or serious fracture would result.
Mr. W. Boyd, in answer to Mr. Nelson, who asked which power was to be
preferred, steam, water, or the use of a cam, certainly thought both the
former modes superior to the latter, since they each conformed themselves to
any extra length of rivet without chance of fracture ; and he had already
stated why he preferred hydraulic to steam power.
Mr. Tweddell said, that both the steam and hydraulic machines would make
good work even with a short rivet, when with Fairbairn's,
5
njer the same circumstances, the boiler would not be made tight at Lji- in
fact, both the former class of machines would accommodate I themselves
either to a short or a long rivet.
I Mr. W. Boyd said, he had to thank Mr. Tweddell for introducing the fixed
hydraulic machine to the notice of his firm.
Mr. Steavenson asked what would be the effect of the steel bar breaking in
the portable machine before them ?
Mr. W. Boyd—You would have to insert another in its place.
Mr. Steavenson—But would there not be danger to persons standing near ?
Mr. W. Boyd—None whatever; in the preliminary testing of the bars he had
been close behind when several had broken.
The Chairman then moved that the thanks of the Institute be presented to Mr.
Boyd for his paper.
Carried by show of hands.
Mr. Willis said, this being the first paper on mechanical engineering, he
hoped it would not be the last.
The Secretary read a letter from Mr. Spencer, stating that he was hardly
ready with his remarks, and promising to have them prepared by next meeting.
The Secretary also read a notice of Hann's safety-lamp, a specimen of which
was produced, and its properties pointed out.
After some conversation it was referred to the Lamp Committee. The meeting
then broke up.
TECHNICAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE'S EEPOET.
The Coal Trade Association having* requested the Mining- Institute to
consider in what way the Government Scheme for Technical Education could he
rendered available to the district, the matter was referred, at the annual
meeting- of the Institute, held on the 1st August, to Messrs. Lindsay Wood,
William Cochrane, J. B. Simpson, John Daglish, E. F. Boyd, A. L. Steavenson,
and G. B. Forster.
The Committee, after due examination of the subject, think that the scheme,
if properly carried out, might be made of great value to the working classes
of the Northern Counties, and considering that the Coal Trade Association in
requesting the Mining* Institute to report on the subject, were desirous of
practically carrying out its recommendation by supplying the necessary
funds, if a reasonable prospect of success were offered, recommend that the
offer of Mr. W. T. Rowden, to organize the Government scheme in this
district, should be accepted.
This gentleman has had considerable experience at Bristol and Woolwich, in
the mode of carrying out the details necessary for obtaining Government
grants for Educational purposes, is a successful teacher, has had great
experience with working men, and has so much confidence in the success of
the undertaking, that he would resign a present situation at Clifton College
of £300 a-year, if he were g-uaranteed £160 from an independent source for
the first year, and £150 for the second year, besides the necessary railway
expenses, relying entirely, during two • years, on such aid as he will
obtain from Government, upon the results °f his work, for all further
remuneration for himself and the necessary staff of assistants; at the end
of this period, either the Coal Trade Association or himself to be at
liberty to terminate the engagement, or to negotiate a continuance of his
services, on such terms as may be mutually arranged.
(Signed) WILLIAM COCHRANE, LINDSAY WOOD, JOHN DAGLISH, GEORGE BAKER
FORSTER, A. L. STEAYENSON.
REMARKS ON RIVETTING.
By WILLIAM BOYD.
In these remarks on rivetting it is proposed to introduce the subject to
your notice by briefly stating" the strength of joint obtained by the two
arrangements of rivets in most common use, viz., single and double
rivetting, and the power required to close the plates and form the rivet
heads of the size most usually employed.
According to statements published by Mr. Fairbairnin 1856 it would appear
that the proportionate strength of single and double rivetting was as
follows :—
Taking the original strength of the plates as ... 1000
Double rivetting is represented by........- 97?
Single .................. 761
or roughly as 10, 9, and 7.
There is also the system of countersinking rivets largely used in
shipbuilding, about which Mr. Fairbairn remarks :—"They do not add to the
strength of the joint but rather reduce it, and though this reduction is not
observable from the experiments, the simple fact of sinking the head of the
rivet into the plate and thus cutting out a greater portion of the metal
must of necessity weaken its strength, while the consequent reduction of the
heads of the rivets renders them less able to bear an oblique or transverse
strain." Some of the experiments by Mr. Fairbairn were repeated in order to
I shew the increase obtained by the use of Fairbairn's Rivetting Machine
°Ver tne ordinary hand rivetting, but this does not appear to have been I
^0ne throughout the entire series. When such trials were made the
proportionate strength of machine to hand rivetting was as 5 to 4; mothers I
ne^ly equal.
-The question of how much the friction between the surfaces of two I ^ates
united by rivets assists in adding to the strength of the joint is I So an
interesting one; and from experiments made at the time of the
Vr»t "va7ttt 1 q£n t>
10
construction of the Menai Bridge it seems as if this was of some value.
Three plates f in. thick were rivetted together by f in. rivets, the hole in
the centre plate being oval, and very much larger than the rivet. This
arrangement bore a strain of 5*6 tons before the centre plate slipped and
began to bear on the rivet. The addition of a plate or washer ^ in. thick
under the rivet heads enabled them to bear a weight of 7*9 tons before they
slipped. With T5W in. plates | in. rivets and in. washers this weight was
found to be 4*7 tons, and the whole result is of considerable importance, as
showing that the strain upon rivets is not wholly a shearing, but, to a
great extent, a tensile strain.
Your attention is now asked to a series of experiments made by Mr. Bunning
at Messrs. Hawthorn's to obtain information as to the absolute amount of
pressure required on the head of a rivet in an ordinary steam rivetting
machine.
These experiments were made with an ordinary steam rivetting machine having
a cylinder 36 inches diameter, the area of which is 1017 square inches, so
that every pound pressure in this cylinder represents a pressure on the head
of tbe rivet of 1017 lbs., or -4540 of a ton. The rivets were f in.
diameter, and the plates f in. and ^ in. thick.
By reference to the diagrams (Plate I.) it will be observed that three
different pressures of steam were employed, viz., 60 lbs., 40 lbs., and 30
lbs., and that at each pressure two different kinds of trials were made ; in
one the steam was admitted twice in each stroke, and each time suddenly, and
in the others the steam was admitted gradually.
Take the 60 lbs. pressure. The average of the three experiments made with
the steam admitted twice suddenly, shows a pressure on the rivet head of 27
tons. The average of the three experiments with the steam admitted gradually
shows also 27 tons on the rivet.
At 40 lbs., the pressures are suddenly 18 tons.
" " gradually 18 "
At 30 lbs. the pressures are suddenly 13 u " gradually 13 "
so that as far as the actual pressure on the rivet goes, the way in which
the steam is admitted does not seem to make much difference.
But if the diagrams are carefully examined an important difference is
exhibited in these modes of working, viz., that where the steam was admitted
twice suddenly the line of pressure goes much further back in the direction
of the original head of the rivet than in the cases where it was admitted
gradually.
Where the steam was suddenly applied, the line of pressure goes as
9
11
far back as beyond the thickness of the nearest plate, or, in other words,
nearly half an inch beyond the shoulder of the rivet head formed by the
machine. When the steam was admitted gradually, the line goes in some cases
nearly as far back • but the rebound, which is seen in the former case, is
not nearly so evident in this.
The cause of this position of the line of pressure is probably that the
holder-up, not being perfectly rigid, yields to that extent to the pressure
applied to it • and that this is so is confirmed by observations of the
diagrams, it being readily understood that when the steam is admitted
suddenly, the yielding of the holder-up would be greater than when it was
admitted gradually, and it will also account for the rebound noticeable in
all the diagrams, when the steam was suddenly admitted.
Your attention is particularly called to this point, as it will be referred
to hereafter.
These diagrams were very carefully made with the intention of ascertaining
the exact pressure necessary to produce a good rivet during the whole of the
process. In diagram No. 2 a rivet is shown in its position, ready to be
headed; and the heading cup, on the piston-rod of the machine, is shown in
its position when at rest. It will at once be seen that the whole of the
pressure shown during that part of the motion of the piston which precedes
the contact of the cup with the rivet, is required to overcome friction;
and, vis inertia, it will also be seen that m some cases this pressure is
much increased when the rivet is being ^fushed, but that in very many the
diagrams show really a very small increment of pressure as due to that
process; in fact, it would appear that when the rivet is perfectly hot, the
pressure necessary to crush it up to the head rarely exceeds 6 tons. Of
course, when once the head is formed, the pressure may be augmented to any
given height, compatible with the strength of the holder-up, since, when the
plates touch, there ls nothing left but the holder-up which can give way.
This ultimate pressure is, of course, in the diagrams limited to the
pressure of steam, beil*g 27 tons with 60 lbs., 18 tons with 40 lbs., and 13
tons with 30 lbs.
n a careful examination of the rivetting made under these diverse
circumstances there was no appreciable difference between the work done at
tne higher and that executed at the lower pressure. The samples
ere planed through the centre, and were all equally good. If there ^ere any
preference to be given, it would be in favour of the rivetting executed at
the lowest pressure, 30 lbs., probably owing to the plates, lu that case,
having been better punched.
Specimens of rivetting made under these various conditions are on
12
the table before you, and are numbered to correspond with the diagrams.
Rivetting by hydraulic power, which is more particularly the subject of this
paper, has been for some time past in operation at Sir W. G. Armstrong's,
and a machine which derives its power from this source, and which is at work
in the writer's own factory, is now submitted to you.
It consists of two upright standards (see Plate II., Fig. 1), one of which
contains a cylinder to which is fitted a ram or plunger, kept tight by a
leather packing in the ordinary way. The other acts as the holder-up, and is
connected to the first standard by a strong cast iron bed plate sunk into
the ground, to which each standard is securely bolted.
The diameter of this cylinder is 6J- inches, its area 33 square inches, its
maximum travel 5 inches, giving a content of 165 cubic inches. In ordinary
working this travel is about 2\ inches, giving a content of 82*5 cubic
inches.
The pressure employed is 13*5 cwts. per square inch, which gives an absolute
pressure on the head of the rivet of 22 tons, and from this most excellent
results have been obtained.
One rivet per minute can be put in in ordinary working, and boilers have
been tested to 120 lbs. with cold water made by this machine without the
slightest leak being visible.
A reserve of power is obtained by means of an accumulator (Plate III.). It
derives its pressure from the difference in the diameter of the vertical
standard at the point where it enters and leaves the chamber into which the
water is pumped.
The larger diameter of the standard is 4f inches, giving an area of 16*8
square inches; the smaller diameter of the standard is 3*£ inches, giving an
area of 12*1 square inches, giving an area for pressure of 4*7 square
inches.
The total weight of the accumulator is 62 cwts., which gives a pressure on
the above area of 1502 lbs. or 134 cwts.
A small pump, in connection with the engine, is constantly pumping into this
accumulator—when it reaches the extent of its travel in an upward direction,
a cord attached to it shuts the suction cock of the pump, and then until a
further demand is made upon it no more water enters the accumulator.
When a rivet is being closed, the weight falls, the cord slackens, and the
suction cock is opened by a balance weight, this enables the pump to
commence its operations afresh, which are continued until the weight again
reaches the top of its travel, when the cock is again shut, and the machine
is in readiness for another rivet.
Specimens of the work done by this machine are before you, showing I its
effect on the rivets of f inch, f inch, and 1 inch diameter, with I
corresponding thickness of plates, and it will be observed how perfectly the
I rivets are made to fill the holes, though some are by no means "fair." It
was to make boilers with these larger sizes of rivets that this great
pressure was arranged for, and a boiler with |in. rivets and ^£in. plates is
now under course of construction.
About two years ago, it occurred to your Secretary, Mr. Bunning, that a
machine might be designed which should derive its power from hydraulic
pressure, and be at the same time portable, having reference more
particularly to employment on girders, keels of ships, and other work which
could not be conveniently suspended over a fixed machine.
Before entering into a description of this machine, it may be stated that it
depends for its efficacy on the strength of a steel bar which should be able
in every case to pass through the holes to be subsequently occupied by the
rivets.
Many will be acquainted with a valuable work by Mr. Kirkcaldy, giving an
elaborate series of experiments on the strength of steel and iron bars. An
examination of this work will show that steel bars of best cast chisel steel
broke with a strain of 55*7 tons per square inch of their original section,
and 60*5 tons per square inch of their stretched section. Best cast tool
steel broke with 59*2 tons per square inch on original section \ and with
62*3 tons per square inch on stretched section. These specimens were forged
from rolled bars of the best cast steel, were re-heated after hammering and
allowed to cool gradually and slowly.
i If now the same quality of steel is taken and treated in various <^rways,
the results are most interesting.
A bar of best cast chisel steel Highly heated and cooled suddenly in oil
breaks with 96*1 tons per square inch. „ „ water „ 40'2 „
„ „ slowly in ashes „ 54'3 „
Heated to medium heat and cooled suddenly in oil breaks with 82*5 tons per
sq. in. „ „ tallow „ 79*6 „
„ slowly in ashes „ 53*2 „ Heated to a low heat and
cooled suddenly in oil breaks with 72*8 tons per sq. in. „ - „ tallow
„ 64'4 „
j, „ slowly in ashes „ 56*2 „
So that the breaking strain of a bar of cast steel highly heated and fC0°led
suddenly in oil, may be estimated at 96 tons per square inch, or a
14
bar | inch diameter or '44 inch area will have a breaking strain of 42*24
tons per square inch, or taking- a bar which should pass readily through a
hole f inch diameter, say ^ inch diameter and *37 inch area, its breaking
strain would be 32'6 tons per square inch.
Experiments were made on a few bars at Sir W. G. Armstrong's works, with a
view of confirming or otherwise Mr. Kirkcaldy's results, and these gave the
breaking strain on a bar of best cast steel allowed to cool gradually at 42
tons per square inch, and on one hardened in oil at 68*4 tons per square
inch. Referring back to Mr. Kirkcaldy's experiments we find these to be
somewhat less satisfactory results, but this is mainly attributable to the
form of the bars employed, which all broke through the line A B where the
strength was very considerably reduced by the corners being cut in sharp,
and not rounded off with a proper curve. (See Plate I.) At the same time it
will be observed that the relative increase of strength from hardening in
oil is essentially preserved.
This then was the basis of operation in the portable machine, and it was in
this form that it came before the writer two years ago.
By reference to Plate No. IV., it will be found to consist of a machine
comprising* three hydraulic cylinders, two horizontal and one vertical
cylinder, a, b, c; the two horizontal cylinders being for the purpose, the
one b of forming the rivet head, and the other a for compressing the plates
previous to the insertion of the rivet. The vertical cylinder c is larger in
diameter, and is for the purpose of securely holding one end of the steel
bar d which passes through the rivet hole, thereby obtaining a perfectly
firm and secure connection between the machine on one side of the plate, and
the holder-up e on the other.
In the two horizontal, or what may be called the rivetting, cylinders, are
fitted two rams—the one terminating in a cup/, of suitable form for making
the head of the future rivet, the other in a pin or drift g, for steadying
the machine, and with a shoulder for compressing the plate ready for the
subsequent insertion of the rivet. These rams are kept tight by leather in
the ordinary way, and the other ends of the cylinders are closed with screw
plugs so as to be perfectly water tight.
The ram in the vertical cylinder is prolonged through a leather packing, and
is attached to the top of a saddle h, which is one-half of what may be
termed the nut in which the end of the steel bar d is held; after the
pressure has been admitted and the head of the rivet formed, the rams in the
rivetting cylinders are drawn back by a handle i, and bar, to which are
attached two levers acting directly on the said rams, and which are thus
drawn back at the pleasure of the workman.
15
The vertical ram is lifted by means of a strong spring which comes into
operation as soon as the hydraulic pressure is taken off, which is done by
means of the lever k acting on a small double valve under the machine.
* The steel bar and its saddles or nuts were a problem, the solution of I
which offered the greatest obstacle to the success of the machine. The
various forms which were tried unsuccessfully on this part of the machine
need not now be detailed, since the present arrangement acts remarkably
well; and entirely obviates all difficulty. At the end of the steel bar a
square-threaded screw is cut deep at the furthest end, and running out to
nothing towards the centre of the bar. The edges of the thread are rounded
over to enable it freely to enter the saddles. At the deepest point of the
thread it will be evident that the bar is considerably weakened, while at
the other end it retains of course its original strength, so that the
reduction in strength is represented by the mean depth of the thread, which
is at a point somewhere in the middle of the saddle. There being a pressure
of some 20 tons on this saddle, much of the strain on the bar is transferred
to the saddle before it reaches the more weakened portion caused by the
screwing, so that as the depth of the screw increases, so in like proportion
does the strain at that part decrease, and this arrangement has been always
found to leave a sufficient margin, keeping the strength of the bar at each
part of its length equally in excess of the strain put upon it.
In the two halves of the saddle is also cut a square threaded screw, with
the edges rounded off, corresponding* in pitch to the thread cut on the
steel bar, so that they fit down readily on to the bar when it is pushed by
the holder-up into its place.
The holder-up e, consists of a casting, the steel bar passes through its
centre, and on one end is a cap to fit the head of the rivet when inserted
mto its place, and the other presses against the plate opposite to the drift
spoken off above.
Underneath the machine is a double valve, worked by the workman, for
admitting and cutting off the supply of hydraulic pressure.
The bar, as explained before, is of best cast steel, hardened in oil, as
also are the saddles and dies; the rams, holder-up, and the machine itself,
are all of malleable cast iron.
1 he action of the machine is as follows (see plate V.):—On the one side °f
the girder, or otherwise, to be rivetted, stands a man, having the holder-UP
with the steel bar attached to it, in readiness. On the other side is the
Machine, suspended over the place of operation from a light bar or other
In, o
means above it, and with a workman in attendance. A rivet being-heated, is
inserted into the first rivet hole by the boy; the steel bar is passed
through the second hole by the man behind; the machine is entered on to the
bar and pushed up against the hot rivet point; the man then opens the valve
admitting the pressure from the accumulator; the top half of the saddle is
immediately forced down on the bar by the vertical cylinder; simultaneously,
the rivet head is formed by the one horizontal or rivetting cylinder, while
the other is forced up against the plate with a pressure equal to that
employed against the head of the rivet.
When the workman considers that the head is properly formed, he shuts off
the hydraulic pressure, at the same time drawing back the ram in the
rivetting cylinder by the lever before-mentioned, and thereby forces out the
water through the escape pipe; the spring, also described above, lifts the
ram attached to the top half of the saddle, the bar is withdrawn, and the
machine is in readiness for the next rivet.
Another rivet being ready, it is inserted this time in the second hole from
the end; the bar goes through the third; the plate is compressed at the
fourth; and this operation is continued till the whole line of rivets is
complete.
The accumulator employed with this machine, and with which the specimens
before you were rivetted, is of the same character exactly as the one
already described, but with smaller contents, the area for pressure is 2*11
square inches, and the pressure per square inch is equal to 40 cwts.
The machine exhibited is arranged for working with rivets 2 inches apart,
which is the common practice in marine boilers. The rivetting cylinders are
each 2\ inches diameter, = area 4*9 square inches, which, with a pressure
per square inch from the accumulator of 2 tons, gives a pressure in each
cylinder of 9*8 tons, and a strain on the steel bar of 19*6 tons; the plates
are, therefore, first of all squeezed together with a pressure of 19*6 tons,
and the rivet closed in its place with 9*8 tons.
The diameter of the cylinder pressing upon the top half of the saddle is 3^
inches, = area 9*6, which, with a pressure of 2 tons from the accumulator,
gives a total pressure on the saddle holding the steel bar of 19-2 tons.
Referring back to the strength of the steel bar, stated previously as able
to bear a breaking strain of 32'6 tons, on a diameter of \\ inch, it will be
seen that we are clearly within the limits of safety, and that if thought
necessary the pressure per square inch might be increased to 2\ tons, giving
a pressure on the rivet of 12-25 tons, and on the bar of 24*5 tons.
^ iarger machine has been made suitable for girder work, with
Bi inch centres. Rivetting cylinders 3J inches diameter, = area 9*6 are
inches, which, with a pressure of 30 cwts. per square inch, would B^ve a
pressure of 14*5 tons on the rivet, or 29 tons on the bar, while a bar
E inch diameter, to pass through a § inch hole, will bear a breaking
Brain of 48 tons.
In conclusion, I would draw your attention to what appears to me the
advantage of hydraulic rivetting. From the experiments with the gteani
rivetting there appears a decidedly more uniform action on the head of the
rivet where the steam is admitted gradually, and surely this must be still
more the case were the rivet is squeezed gradually up by hydraulic
pressure?, which pressure is maintained in its entirety to the end of the
stroke, and the rivet not forced into shape by an action par-
¦taking more or less of the nature of a blow accompanied by its
corresponding rebound.
Since writing the above, some diagrams (see Plate VI.) have been taken
illustrating the pressures given out with hydraulic rivetting; they were
obtained by means of an indicator specially constructed for the purpose, and
will, in a great measure, explain themselves. The actual pressure exerted on
the head of the rivet amounts in the case of the f inch rivet to 17 tons 13
cwts.; and in the case of the f inch rivets to 19 tons 3 cwts. The loss of
pressure, as exhibited in these diagrams, when compared with the pressure
due to the accumulator as stated above, is owing partly to its requiring a
pressure of about 200 lbs. per square inch to overcome the friction of the
indicator, which was only hurriedly constructed.
Comparing these diagrams with those obtained from the steam rivetting
machine, they will be found to agree most nearly with these taken when the
pressure of steam was at 40 lbs., though in excess throughout. And it is
worthy of notice, in confirmation of the opinion •expressed above as to the
superiority of hydraulic rivetting, that while in the case of the steam
rivetting the yielding of the holder-up amounted to about 1 an inch; in the
hydraulic rivetting this yielding never exceeds Kfr of an inch, a fact
doubtless full of value in obtaining a perfectly Ipcure union of the plates
of the boiler.
M These diagrams also seem to show that the pressure necessary to f0rin the
head previously to the compression of the plates is very small, 1X1 foct, is
not shown on the diagram at all, so that in any case it cannot
|£**d ^ tons IS cwts., which was the pressure found by experiment to Je the
amount required to overcome the friction of the indicator. This Vol.
XVIII.-1868. c
18
compares very favourably with the amount found necessary to overcome the
friction of the steam rivetting- machine, which may be taken at about 6
tons. Thus, in the hydraulic machine the loss of friction in the machine
itself is very small, and as the force necessary to form the rivet head must
be a constant quantity in each case, the power thus saved is advantageously
employed in compressing the plates.
NORTH OF ENGLAND INSTITUTE
OF
I MINING ENGINEERS.
GENERAL MEETING, SATURDAY, NOV. 7, 18G8, IN THE ROOMS OF THE INSTITUTE,
NEVILLE HALL, NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE.
GEORGE ELLIOT, Esq., President of the Institute, in the Chair.
The Secretary having read the minutes of the previous meeting, and reported
the proceedings of the Council, The following gentlemen were elected
Members—
R. P. Clark, 9, St. Mary's Terrace, Newcastle. John Aekless, Tantoby,
Burnopfield.
J. A. R. Morison, Nursery Cottage, Elswick Lane, Newcastle.
The Secretary then read the Report of the Committee appointed to investigate
the Smoke Question.
After which, the President delivered the following
INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
Gentlemen,—During the sixteen years which have elapsed since °Ur Institute
commenced its corporate life, it has steadily advanced in position and
importance until it has taken its place among the learned ^ scientific
Associations of the country, and, as I venture to think, as become second to
none of them either in its services to humanity in |tne past, or its
capabilities of extended usefulness in the future. In ^dressing you for the
first time as your President, I have the satisfac-tlon of knowing that I
shall meet with friendly sympathy and support, f0* merely in the brief
sketch I purpose giving of the rise and progress
20
of our Society, but in the proposals I have to make for what I believe to be
the common good,—proposals which will be in strict accord with our original
scheme, and which have for their aim augmented benefits and increased
prosperity, not only to our profession, but to the community at large. The
North of England Institute of Mining Engineers originated, as one or two of
its older members will recollect, in consequence of a discussion which took
place on 23rd June, 1852, between Mr. T. E. Forster, Mr. Matthias Dunn, Mr.
T. C. Maynard, Mr. G. B. Forster, and some few other mining engineers,
including myself, immediately after the inquest which followed upon the
Seaton Colliery accident. The various viewers, and other authorities who had
given evidence before the jury, were assembled together, and had, as was
their habit, been debating as to the causes leading up to these terrible
disasters, as well as the best means of preventing their recurrence, when it
was proposed by your late President, Mr. Forster, and seconded by me, that
the advantages we were deriving from professional argument and discussion
should be extended to the rest of the coal-workers in the North of England;
and that what had then the character of a friendly coterie should become a
recognised body, working under fixed rules, and with aims which should be
clearly defined. The title, the regulations, and the constitution of this
Association were all settled that evening. Mr. Edward Sinclair, who
was-present, agreed to act as Honorary Secretary; and the present prosperous
Society was established. It speedily found favour with all interested in the
great mining operations of the country. It promised to supply a want which
had not been felt the less strongly because it had not yet been publicly
expressed; and in a few weeks from the inquest and decision I have adverted
to, our Institute held a formal meeting, and its rules and principles were
approved by the chief mining authorities of the day. We had the advantage of
securing the services of our late friend, Mr. Nicholas Wood, as the first
President, a position he occupied, until his death, to the great advantage
of us all. His well-stored mind and habits of philosophic research were of
infinite value to this Institute. It became as it were his favourite
professional child. His studies were directed to its advancement, and much
of his leisure was devoted to the same end. From the time of delivering his
inaugural address in September, 1852, until he was succeeded by my immediate
predecessor, Mr. Forster, in 1866, the Institution continued to expand under
his fostering care, until, as your last President remarked on assuming the
position I have now the honour to fill, it excelled all provincial
associations both in the
21
number of its members and the extent of its range. ' Of my friend Mr.
porster's services I shall not in his presence presume to speak. You all
know how cordially he lias worked with you and for you; how he has 1 'ven
his best energies to the furtherance of the objects we meet here to promote;
and how, on retiring from the chair, he hands over to his successor a
Society which he has not only strengthened numerically, but ^rliich has
gained in prestige and importance from the rule of one whose personal
popularity is as well founded as his professional reputation is assured, and
whose scientific skill is supplemented by practical experience of the most
varied kind.
And now, Gentlemen, if we are asked what our Institution has done, and what
it means to do, our best answer will, I think, be found in the published
volumes of its Transactions, in the valuable theories launched under its
auspices, in the scientific discoveries it has furthered, in the human
happiness it has promoted, and in the human life it has preserved. It is
impossible to over-estimate the value of the discussions which have taken
place at its periodical meetings; and it would be difficult to praise too
highly the exhaustive essays written by its members, and given to the world
under the sanction of its name. I have often thought that the minino-
engineer is to the earth below what the astronomer is to the heavens above.
He interprets signs and symbols which are "caviare to the general;" he has
hopes and fears and interests which the multitude cannot share; and he
prides himself upon the fact that scientific discovery lies only in the wake
of honest, patient, and conscientious labour. It has been wisely said that
there are only three kinds of men : the retrograde, the stationary, and the
progressive; and I venture to claim for the profession of mining engineer
that it is composed chiefly of the last-named class. Living, earnest,
intelligent movement is necessary, not merely to our prosperity, but to our
usefulness as professional guides.
all scientific pursuits men go back if they stand still; and in that ^'hich
we are discussing now, it is our glory to make the goal of yesterday ^he
starting-place of to-day. Working as we do in this spirit, Gentlemen, the
value of our discoveries and inventions, and the scope of our Institution,
are limited only by the extent of the civilised world. To take up a smgle
volume of our Transactions is to find problems of momentous ^ Merest treated
with judicial skill; to find the welfare and safety of the c°al-worker
occupying the anxious thoughts of men whose practical aowledge and long
experience give their opinions authority and weight; I ail(^ to become
acquainted with subjects than which, as it seems to me, : there are none
more important to the future of England, none of greater
22
value in the economy of the world. The young- professional man who makes
these records his study learns how vast and numerous have been the strides
taken in the art and practice of mining- • and sees further how copious is
the field-of knowledge to be yet opened out. The present age has shown
itself peculiarly favourable to discovery; and during the sessions before
us, it is to be hoped that many of the subjects which have been explored,
but not exhausted, will be treated again and again, and that other topics of
equal importance will be deliberated upon. Foremost among these is the
preservation of the lives and health of those working underground. Nothing
can be more important or more interesting to us than this. The ventilation
of our mines, the advantages and drawbacks attending the old and yet common
method of producing rarefaction by furnaces, as compared with the newer
system of ventilation by the aid of machinery, is a subject claiming our
earnest attention. The great depth at which many of our pits are worked, and
the vast extent of their lateral ramifications, make it more than ever
necessary that we should secure the best mode of rendering the supply of
pure air certain, regular, and safe. It is maintained that ventilating by
machinery insures these desiderata; that the nicety with which mechanical
appliances may be regulated, the delicate adjustment of power of which they
are capable, and the complete safety with which they may be worked, place
them far before the system they are intended to supersede. The extent of our
coal supply will be materially increased by the improvements of which this
is a type. Public attention has been properly called to the duration of our
coal-fields, and it is for us to consider how these may be beneficially
worked so as to insure their material wealth being made fully available. The
able and interesting inquiries of Professor Jevons, and the address
delivered by Sir William Armstrong before the British Association in this
town, are instances of the deep interest taken by scientific men, and by the
public generally, in this grave question. The Eoyal Commission, of which I
have the honour to be a member, has been most carefully constituted, and
many of the most eminent scientific men of the day are serving on it. It has
been busily engaged in investigating the entire subject, and I shall not
presume to anticipate its report. Competent witnesses from all parts of the
country have given, or will give, their evidence before that Commission; and
I have satisfaction in believing that the extent of our coal-fields will be
found to be much greater than was anticipated when the subject of their
duration was broached. I have no hesitation in expressing my own opinion
that the duration of our supply of coal depends in a great degree upon the
scien-
23 v
Bgc improvements we are able to make in our mode of ventilating the
Markings.
It is probable that the ordinary means of ventilation—whether by nace or
fan—-may be aided by a change in the force or agency em-
» 1 red for the purposes of haulage and other underground work. As instance
of my meaning, I may mention that the apparatus which I have introduced in
South Wales, and which, by means of compressed air used as a motive power
instead of steam, draws trams and pumps -water with complete success, is
found to generate ice in an atmosphere hich is naturally hot and oppressive.
The mechanical usefulness of these new air-engines seems capable of
indefinite extension; while, as their cooling properties form a collateral
advantage arising out of their use, it is at least possible that they may
prove valuable auxiliaries to the more regular means of ventilation in
extending the security and promoting the healthfulness of our mines. The
difficulties of ventilation once surmounted, the extent of coal at our
disposal is incalculably increased. The fields to be worked below the sea on
our east and west coasts, especially in the counties of Durham,
Northumberland, and Cumberland, are in themselves enormous, and will be for
all practical purposes as entirely within the reach of the mining engineer
as the ordinary workings out of which coal is hewed. Geology indicates that
in many districts the coal-strata extend seaward ten or twelve miles beyond
the shore • and it is my firm belief that by sinking ventilating shafts in
the German Ocean, the coal below it may be worked as safely and certainly as
it is beneath where I am now standing. Nor do I recognise any difficulty in
the transport of such coal. According to my estimates, it would neither be
more costly nor more laborious than it has been in days gone by to convey
coal the same distance after it was brought to the surface inland. You will
readily see the enormous importance of this when I point out that, out of
the minerals obtainable in Durham alone, one-third may be held to lie under
the sea; and, that all coal ^eWs having a similar inclination of strata and
bordering on the ocean
Ipill be similarly enlarged. This at once disposes of some of the fears
^Pressed as to the duration of the supply; and while I am quite aware ^at
these theories as to ocean-shafts and working under the sea may be
ehallenged, they are not put forward without due deliberation, and I am
c°ntent to stake my professional reputation on their practicability. Nor ^°
I think that the views entertained as to the rapid exhaustion of °Ur mland
coal fields should be hastily accepted as correct. No approxi-ate estimate
can be formed as to the extent of coal yet unworked.
24
That lying* under the Permian and New Red Sandstone has been comparatively
untouched; and according- to my estimate but a very small per centage of our
coal has been brought to the surface during the hundreds of years we have
been at work. In some districts, notably in South Wales, scarcely more than
one per cent, has been moved. If, therefore, we add the coal under the bed
of the ocean to that already at our disposal by known means, we find a
supply which is more than sufficient to allay the alarming fears which have
been expressed. It is unnecessary to dwell upon the national importance of
this fact. The power, the wealth, the happiness of England are so intimately
connected with the proper working and adequate supply of a material to which
so much of her present prosperity and pre-eminence are due, that to
pronounce upon the long continuance of the supply is to open out new vistas
of commerce, of enterprise, and of invention.
From coal itself it is natural to pass to the systems under which it is
obtained; and here I have to speak, not with censure, but with regret, of
the modes still adopted by the majority of my fellow-workers in the North of
England. Few men have better right to think highly and to speak well of the
pitmen of this county. I know their wants, their trials, their temptations,
and their sufferings—for the best of reasons: I have tasted of them myself.
Born in the midst of this great population of miners, and associating and
labouring with them from my earliest days, I am fully cognisant of the
sterling qualities by which they are distinguished; and that their industry,
self-reliance, courage, and skill are beyond praise. I would intrust to them
duties the most difficult and the most arduous, confident that what men
could do they would do, and that in no other section of society should I
meet more thorough, more conscientious, and more resolute work. But in
dealing with this branch of my subject, I am compelled to judge and speak by
results; and it is my experience—drawn not merely from Northumberland and
Durham, but from the other coal counties of England and Wales—that the best
means of working coal are not yet generally adopted in the North. The per
centage of small coal is larger here than in almost any other district; the
amount of large coal is not so great as might fairly be looked for from the
quality of the material and the experience of our mining engineers.
Furnishing, as we do, many of the leading men for all parts of the world in
which coal is worked, it is to me a matter of grave regret that we have not
yet accomplished the rudimentary art of adopting and holding fast by the
most perfect method of working our own material. Elsewhere the long wall,
the double stall, and several other systems have
25
D8en tried with advantage ; but here we have, with few exceptions, been
content to run on in the old grooves, and the result is, that we have far
reater waste than is at all necessary. I am the last man to advocate tjie
running after things that are new simply for the sake of their novelty; DUt
when statistics and analogy prove that other modes of working are attended
with more practical advantages than our own, it behoves us to look closely
into our daily practice, and to have the courage and energy to adopt
improvements, lest our fame should be tarnished, and our laurels dimmed,
merely because we have stood still while the world around us has advanced.
But this is a subject which I trust will be discussed by the members of the
Institution. No more valuable addition to our Transactions could be made
than carefully-digested facts argued out by experienced men, the conclusions
from which should enlighten us as to the comparative merits of the various
modes of working our coal. Fully aware of the difficulties attending any
great change of system, I am yet satisfied that the experience,
intelligence, and skill of my friends and neighbours, the coal-owners, and
engineers of the district, and the goodwill of the workmen, are sufficient
to enable those difficulties to be surmounted, and to give us a far more
satisfactory result than we are attaining now.
My next proposition is of the utmost importance, for it aims at
revolutionising^ the system under which coal is worked. It is simply that we
should abolish the use of gunpowder in our mines, and by so doing reduce the
number of deaths from colliery explosions to a minimum. For more than a
quarter of a century I have steadily looked forward to this end; have upon
all favourable occasions agitated the subject among my engineering friends;
have tried divers experiments; and have watched and tested with earnest
interest inventions which had the disuse of gunpowder for their aim. Nearly
twenty years ago, while giving evidence before Lord Wharncliffe's committee,
in the House of Lords, I had the honour of suggesting that the Government
should offer a premium to any one who succeeded in making such discovery. It
should never be forgotten that the existing necessity for the use of
gunpowder is the fruitful source of colliery accidents; once abolish it, and
the need for naked %hts is gone. Safety-lamps might be devised which the
pitmen could n°t open, and the grave disasters which it is one of the first
duties of this Institution to guard against, would be diminished to an
extent which lt is impossible to look for now. Until this change is brought
about, we ^annot hope for any material diminution in risk. At present, the
phrase safety-lamp" is a misnomer. No lamps yet invented are entirely safe.
Vol. XVIII.—1869. d
26
A series of experiments, tried by the late Mr. Nicholas Wood and myself,
several years ago at the Killing-worth Colliery, showed us that at a certain
velocity the flame passed all the lamps in existence, and until it is
possible to send our men into the pits with enclosed lights and cases which
are immovable, we shall not have grappled with the difficulties arising out
of fire-damp and gas.
I have the best reasons for knowing the substitution of mechanical means for
blasting by gunpowder to be fraught with difficulty; for, years ago, I, in
conjunction with a gentleman of great mechanical and chemical knowledge, the
late Mr. Hugh Lee Pattinson, held frequent and anxious conferences on the
subject. The experiments we then made were not successful. We endeavoured to
burst down the coal with quick-lime and other substances, but failed in
every instance, owing to the slowness of the operation. I have tried,
moreover, to force down the coal by hydraulic machinery, but failed also,
through the water percolating into the coal and exhausting itself by that
means. I have, however, the satisfaction of knowing that our labours have
not been altogether lost, for their results having been sedulously made
known among my younger engineering friends, they in their turn have brought
their energies to bear upon the point, and with considerable success. I have
recently seen three kinds of appliances for this purpose, some of which are
being worked at this moment in my collieries in South Wales, and —according
to the latest reports—working well. My conviction is, therefore, that
mechanical means will very soon make the use of gunpowder unnecessary; that
lights which it is possible to explode will in consequence be banished from
our pits; that our coal will be produced in a far better condition, as well
as at comparatively little risk to human life\ and that one great object of
my professional career will be attained.
I now wish to remark, that, as a general rule, pits of a less depth than
from 60 to 80 fathoms are almost free from gas• that at from 80 to 180
fathoms deep, gas is most dangerously prevalent• and that after the last
limit has been passed, the workings down to even 300 fathoms again become
comparatively pure. A feasible reason for this singular gradation is that,
in the zone first named, the gas has a natural vent at the mouth of the pit,
and by means of the various strata through which it can filter to the
surface. At the middle zone, or point of greatest danger, the gas has not
the same means of clearing itself, while that generated there is augmented
by the gas ascending from the greater depths, and the aggregate amount
stagnates, to the increased peril of those working* in it. Another reason
is, that the gas generated in coal at the lower
27
HLepths is increased in heat, owing to the additional weight of the
superincumbent strata—a principle to which I shall presently refer. The
heightened temperature causes it to expand and ascend, and so find its ¦way
to the middle distance, which becomes surcharged, through the ¦vents not
carrying it off with sufficient rapidity. And in my experience 11 have
found that in this zone (80 to 180 fathoms), a sudden fall in the barometer
produces a greater increase of gas than in either of the others; another
proof how much more it is charged.
In corroboration of this, I may mention that so far back as 1856, I read a
paper before this Institute, on the effects produced by working seams of
coal above or under each other—the effect, as subsequent knowledge has
taught, being almost the same. What I then stated has since been abundantly
confirmed. In the zone nearest the surface the working of seams one above
the other has not the same effect as in the other two. But by working seam
over or under seam at the middle distance, and at the greatest depths of
all, a wonderful improvement takes place in the condition of the coal. The
lateral workings provide the gas the same opportunity of escaping as at the
least dangerous depth. It finds its way through the strata from the opening
out of the seams above and below, just as it does to the surface in the
first zone. The result is that coal, which when it is first reached is soft
and crumbly, becomes hard and firm, and workings which were originally
surcharged with gas are made purer and more safe, as the seams above and
below them are displaced. At Monkwearmouth, Usworth, and other deep pits the
general improvement from this cause has been very marked.
We here see that the principle on which many of our colliery leases are
granted is erroneous. These contain stipulations that all upper seams
shall be worked first. But the clauses, designed as they are to preserve
the coal and avoid loss, defeat the object in view. To work seam under
seam and over seam concurrently, is advantageous both to lessor and essee;
it insures a purer atmosphere underground, and a better condition of coal,
and therefore merits the advocacy of all interested in our £°al-flelds and
the extent of their supply. And here let me distinguish e ween knowledge
and hypothesis. The increased freedom from gas * the distances cited, and
under the circumstances detailed, is a fact y°nd dispute. But the reasons
leading up to this state of things are Put forth as a theory only, but as a
theory based upon experience of the ^ePest workings in the kingdom, in all
of which the state of the atmos-^ e at the different depths has been as I
have described. Here, 0^ever, We have another matter, which it would be
useful to discuss,
28
and I should he glad if our members would test for themselves the
correctness of my assumptions. The fuller the argument and the more
exhaustive the discussions upon all points of this importance, the more
useful will be our labours, and the higher will be the position taken
hereafter by this Institution and its members.
Let me now call your attention to, and invite argument upon, a question
which has long puzzled philosophers, and which has given rise to a vast
number of ingenious theories ; I mean the cause of the increase in the
temperature below ground. The oldest belief is, that this is caused by a
vast volume of internal fire at the earth's centre, which, as it is
approached, naturally causes the heat to become more intense. Another view,
and one widely entertained, is, that the pressure of the atmosphere produces
the heat we have all experienced, and that the greater the column of air,
the warmer it will be below. These are the two leading theories of the
present day, but to me they both appear to be incorrect. They have been, as
I think you will admit, conclusively disposed of by some observations taken
at my request at Monkwearmouth, 1600 feet below the level of the sea, and in
South Wales, where the coal is on a level with the sea, but where the
workings are under a mountain 1600 feet above it. Of course, if internal
heat were the solution, the first place would be hotter than the last,
through being so much nearer the earth's centre. Again, if atmospheric
pressure accounted for increased heat, the Monkwearmouth pit would have a
proportionably higher temperature; for as the Welsh mine is worked laterally
from the sea's level, it has 1600 feet less atmospheric pressure than the
one first named. Instead of this, however, the thermometer shows precisely
the same temperature at each pit ; and, as I think, the plain inference is,
that the heat of our mines depends solely upon the weight of the
superincumbent strata, and not upon either central heat or the pressure of
the atmosphere. The depth below the level of the sea, and the height of the
mountain, put both places on equality in point of temperature. And, carrying
the argument a point farther, it will be seen that by abolishing the theory
of central heat we place our inland coal-working in a somewhat new light. If
the amount of superincumbent strata be the true cause of subterranean heat,
it follows that whenever we sink for coal, the height above the level of the
sea we are likely to reach will have to be taken into consideration when
estimating the probable temperature of deep workings. If, for example? we
had to sink a pit as deep as Monkwearmouth, at a point from which the
coal-seams run under mountains as high as those in South Wales, the
29
1 eat would become increased in the ratio of the distance from the summit f
the high ground, and would, therefore, be much greater than at Monk-
vearinouth, where the sinking takes place nearly at the sea-level. This
0pens out a new field of inquiry, and seems to favour my views as to
the practicability of working extensively under the sea. But it is only
rjo-ht to add that the course of experiments from which this general law is"
deduced has acquainted me with exceptional instances, in which the
temperature has not been so high under a mountain as its height would lead
one to expect. But in all such cases I have had reason to believe that the
apparent discrepancy between theory and fact could be accounted for by the
exudation of highly-compressed gas from the strata. This was sensibly cooler
to the touch, just as is the air which escapes from the high-pressure
pneumatic engines to which I have just referred. We thus see that some of
our inland coal-fields are at a positive disadvantage with those lying
untouched beneath the sea. For, if we take the sea-level as our
starting-point, all deep workings will be found to increase in heat in
proportion to their distance above it at the surface; an important
consideration for those interested in sinking pits from high ground.
I pass now to a proposition which I have much at heart, and which I
seriously think may exercise a beneficial influence upon the
rising-generation of mining engineers. It is simply that we should
endeavour to amalgamate with the other Mining Institutions of the country,
so as to insure a more general recognition of the importance and usefulness
°f our calling. By putting ourselves in official communication with the
authorities of the Government School of Mines, and the great Associations of
the Midland districts, of South Wales, and elsewhere, we might, I think,
evolve a national scheme which, while preserving to each continuity that
corporate individuality which is so valuable, would enable ming engineering
to take high rank as a scientific profession, and its members to be more
widely understood and appreciated than is the case As the oldest and largest
Institute of the kind, it would not be lought unbecoming in us to take the
initiative, and, by inviting our iren in other districts to discuss the
matter on equal terms, we ^ ^[(*> I am satisfied, end in working together to
the advantage of all.
}ler jealousy nor ill-feeling could arise out of a proposition to stand c
°ulo-er to shoulder for the common good; and there should be no diffi-y J
m cementing a professional alliance which would insure considerable etlt to
those joining in it. With this view I have recently been in Vindication
with the Senate of the Durham University, and the
30
leading- members of the Institution of Civil Engineers, in London. It is my
hope and belief that this Institution, and through it the profession
generally, may be greatly benefited by the facilities to be obtained from
both those distinguished bodies. The authorities of Durham University are
laudably anxious to fulfil the great purposes for which it was originated,
and their efforts to promote the cause of scientific education merit the
warmest thanks of the mining engineer. The additions now made to its
classes, and to the subjects taught, are strong-evidences of a renewed
youth, and will cause that foundation to render the same invaluable services
to the students of the present day, which it has been the glory of our
venerable colleges to bestow upon those of the past. At a time when the
importance of technical education is generally admitted, when, as the
interesting report of our own Technical Education Committee has just shown,
we are agreed to co-operate with the Coal Trade Association in making the
advantages offered by the Science and Art Department available for this
district, and when the munificence of private enterprise in making
endowments on behalf of technical education has received the approval and
co-operation of the Ministers of the Crown, there is something peculiarly
gratifying in the fact that so valuable a college as that of Durham should
express its willingness to promote the objects of this Institution, and, by
placing a portion of its prizes within the reach of our profession, provide
an honourable reward for, and supply a valuable stimulant to, the industry
of our youth. The provisions made by the University for education in mining
seem to me to be of an extremely liberal kind. The student who presents
testimonials of good conduct, and certificates that he has been engaged in
practical work connected with mining for a period of not less than two
years, may matriculate after keeping three terms of residence in the
University; that is, he may pursue practical work either as an articled
pupil or a colliery viewer, and may then go up, and by studying steadily for
eight months, fit himself for a public examination, and to compete for the
prizes offered by the University. A sum of from £700 to £800 a-year is, as I
understand, to be devoted to physical science, and will doubtless be
apportioned into scholarships, any one of which will be open to the
profession to which we belong. Nor does the liberality of the
University—which it is cheering to know was never in a healthier condition,
and never had more students at its classes than at this time —end here. It
is not even necessary that the three terms of residence should be kept
consecutively; a single term may be kept, and, should the student think it
desirable, he may then resume his practical mining,
31
£ter which he can return to the University for another term, until the
^eceSsary period of eight months is made up, and he is eligible for
^ainjnation and the competitions following on it. There are at present
engaged in the mathematical and scientific courses of the University a
professor of mathematics, a mathematical tutor, a lecturer in mining and
civil engineering, a lecturer in chemistry, and a teacher of modern
languages. The academical year extends over eight months, and a term
consists of seventy-four days. There are few men of talent about a colliery,
whatever their position, who could not, by industry and self-denial, spare
eight months for such a purpose as this, so that the University is in
practice opening a door to the entire community of practical coal-workers.
The University Mathematical Scholarship and the Gisborne Scholarship are
already open to students in engineering; and the Senate have the power, and
I believe the will, to throw open to general competition several
unrestricted scholarships. I have the best reason for knowing, further, that
the University is willing to co-operate with this Institution in providing
such other means of knowledge as may he thought desirable ; and I have full
confidence that when this fact is known, many members of our profession will
avail themselves of the privileges offered. It is impossible to exaggerate
the importance of this concession to the hard-working, capable mining
engineer, whose experience has hitherto been of a practical rather than a
scholastic kind. In no calling in the world is the lack of scientific
education more severely felt. -Without it, the most complete practical
knowledge falls short of its aim; with it, no position is shut out from the
intelligent and industrious aspirant. With ordinary application these eight
months' study at the Durham University would fit most of our clever young
men for positions ^hich no amount of mere pit-knowledge would entitle them
to look for, for there is in our calling a certain border-line or debatable
land which &e uneducated or the defectively educated have enormous
difficulty in passing. The sterling qualities without which no mining
engineer is fit 0r the trusts imposed upon him must be supplemented by
scientific acquirement before he can hope for the first rank in his
profession. I ^Ve m my life known admirable men kept back through the want
of very knowledge which the facilities I proclaim now would have . within
their grasp ; and as a twelve-months' study may now be ^pired to by any
intelligent pit-worker—from the pony-lads upwards— tinT Ck°°Ses t° display
energy, and exercise self-denial, I hope to see the
, 6 when this term of University study is regarded as a necessary
°u to the years passed below ground, or in the mastery of plans and 0rkings>
32
It will here he useful to remember that it is an Englishman's pride to do
for himself that which the citizens of many other countries have provided
for them by their Governments. The centralisation I have proposed is of a
strictly constitutional character. We should make our own laws, elect our
own officers, devise the regulations under which professional honours are to
be won, and prove generally that the mining engineer is not less capable of
corporate self-government than the other professions of the country. The
systematic course of instruction which would naturally grow up in course of
time would be less elaborate, but perhaps as practically useful as that
given in the state schools of Paris and of Freiberg.
No branch of physical science—and it is physical science which the
University of Durham unites with the classes for mining and
civil-engineering—but must be useful to us. The complex duties of our
profession, the emergencies certain to arise, in the course of which
scientific knowledge is indispensable, make it impossible to ignore the fact
that in the competition of the future the uneducated man will be left far
behind. There is, of course, much to work out before the connection which I
have shadowed forth between the University and our Institute becomes stable
and defined; but with a generous disposition for increased usefulness on the
one hand, and a judicious appreciation of the benefits to be gained on the
other, we may fairly anticipate a time when both Societies—representing as
they do, different ages and types of usefulness—shall work in complete
unison for the common good. We have seen the effects of this co-operation in
the medical school established at Newcastle, and there is no reasonable
doubt that the advantages enjoyed by the students of medicine may be shared
by those who adopt minino* engineering as their profession, and who make
proficiency in it the steady business of their lives.
Having endeavoured to show how the engineers of the future may have their
studies elevated and their usefulness increased, I have now to offer a
suggestion to which I have given equal thought, and which may, I trust,
receive the approval of those whom I may term the full-grown members of the
profession. It is simply that we should endeavour to co-operate with the
Institution of Civil Engineers of London, and, by affiliating ourselves with
an Association whose reputation is world-wide, obtain a professional
recognition which would be of the greatest value to our members. The
Association of Civil Engineers is, as you are doubtless aware, a body
possessing a Eoyal Charter and other privileges, and having the power of
conferring various degrees of professional rank upon those obtaining its
certificates. None of the learned
HLcieties occupy a more prominent position in the scientific world. It
¦Us heen presided over by the most eminent modern engineers; its
corresponding members date from all countries; its periodical meetings are
referred to with approval wherever engineering matters are discussed, and
Bits annual conversazione is regarded as one of the most brilliant of the
London season. Such men as Stephenson, Rennie, Brunei, and, more
I recently, Hawkshaw, Bidder, McClean, Fowler, and Charles Manby, have
presided over it, or taken an active interest in its welfare. The papers
read at its periodical meetings arc followed by discussions, which are
I absolutely free. It is open to all members, and to the friends they
introduce to these meetings, to question and to examine every statement put
forth; and the Institute offers many other advantages for study and
improvement, besides conferring upon its associates professional privileges
lof the highest value. It would, I think, be a satisfactory mode of
elevating our profession, if we could, whilst maintaining our independence,
graft ourselves upon this great Institution in such a way as to share the
advantages it gives. Having now had the honour of being a member of it for
many years, I can personally testify to the great benefits to be
¦ derived; and having recently conferred with several of its leading and
most thoughtful men, including some of those who have filled its chair, I am
able to speak hopefully as to the possibility of this Institution being
recognised, and of its members being admitted upon some footing to be
hereafter arranged. I purposely confine myself, as in the case of the Durham
University, to putting forth a suggestion rather than developing a plan, and
I make no doubt that some of the gentlemen
Ipresent will give the matter their candid consideration, and that the hints
thrown out will be adopted or rejected upon their merits. If the henefits to
be derived are in both cases as substantial as I believe, I trust we shall
soon see both university and professional honours brought nearer to the
mining engineer.
And now, Gentlemen, I have almost done. I promised in the outset at such
proposals as I made should be in conformity with the
¦ 8pmt m which this Institution was commenced; and while you have |tStened
indulgently, I claim to have kept my word. Our valued friend,
e late Mr. Nicholas Wood, in the course of the speech he made at le opening
of this Institution, defined its object to be, first, to so c°ncentrate
professional experience as to avert or alleviate the dreadful Unities
following upon accidents in mines; and, secondly, to establish I ny X.erar^
society, hy means of which the theory, art, and practice of
¦ $umn^ snouhl he fostered and understood. Passing, then, from the
ftgestions opened out by recent discoveries, and from our speculations Vol.
XVIiX—1869. ~
34
as to future modes of working", let us glance at the position of a mining
engineer, and consider how far, by the fusion of the several Institutes in
existence into a national union, he may hope to elevate his profession in
the social scale. By this I do not mean that he should aim at being grander,
but better; not more self-conscious, but more useful; and, as I think,
education for himself and recognition by the world are the things most
needed for these ends. I have seen it asked, " What is it to be a gentleman
? Is it to be honest, to be gentle, to be generous, to be brave, and to be
wise ? Ought a gentleman to be a loyal son, a true husband, an honest father
? Ought his life to be decent, his tastes to be high, his aims lofty and
noble?" In some such spirit would I like the question to be asked, "WJiat is
it to be a mining engineer?" Is it to become reverently acquainted with the
secrets of Nature ? Is it to show courage, wisdom, and tact in dealing with
grave scientific problems, and in the discharge of the delicate duties
pertaining to all called upon to be leaders of men ? For it should never be
forgotten that the example and precepts of those in charge of our pits
exercise an enormous influence for good or evil. Show me a community of
miners, and I will tell you the character of their chief; let me see their
daily habits, and I shall form my estimate of his. For the refining
influences of education, and the moral elevation attained by an earnest,
conscientious, God-fearing spirit in the colliery viewer, are attended with
marvellous results upon the character of those working under him. It is a
grave error to suppose that coarse language or a rough demeanour is
effective or necessary in dealing with our pitmen; firmness and discretion,
accompanied by urbanity and knowledge, have, on the contrary, infinitely
more effect than the most violent arguments or the roughest mien. I have
seen mild, soft-mannered men carry their point with miners by sheer tact,
when other and rougher means had brought matters to a standstill.
It is my happiness to know that the social and moral condition of the
working miner has been vastly improved during the present generation, and
that his amusements and daily habits may be compared with advantage with
those of other members of the community. This has been mainly brought about
by the different ways in which he can now spend his leisure; and I am a
strong advocate for the extension of all means of harmless recreation.
Cricket-matches and out-of-door sports generally? as well as reading-rooms
and in-door games, are, I am glad to say? gaining ground rapidly in our pit
villages; and amusements which were formerly confined to the privileged
classes are now warmly appreciated by men who would not have even heard
their names when I was a boy. I regard this with as much interest as I do
well-ordered discipline in
35
0rlcing hours, and am satisfied that it is for the best interests not merely
f the coal-owner and the mining engineer, but of the men, that a taste for
innocent amusement should be fostered to the utmost. These are points upon
which common sense tells us we should take a liberal view. The lifo of the
working pitman is at best a hard one—those who have filled the position only
know how hard; and it rests with the coal-owner or engineer under whom he
labours whether its alleviations shall elevate or degrade. The sympathies of
the employer react upon the men, and the habits of the men follow the tastes
and character of the employer, the sum-total of human happiness and human
good being diminished or increased in regular proportion.
Let us, then, Gentlemen, in estimating our profession, and in seeking to
gauge its future, be true to each other and ourselves. Let us regard our
discussions as means leading to a great end. With the advantages open to us
in the present day, it is surely not too much to hope that this Association
may join with its neighbours and assume a national title and character. The
time is long passed for our objects and aims to be even nominally limited to
a province or to a district. The United Kingdom itself need not represent
the limits from which the mining engineer may select, or the interests to
which he is to look. I submit, therefore, for your consideration, that we
should look forward to the title of our Institute taking a national rather
than a provincial form; and that when the words "Great Britain and Ireland"
have been substituted for "North of England" in our papers and documents,
that a corporate connection with the Institution of Civil Engineers should
be looked for; that the scholastic advantages offered to us by the Senate of
the University of Durham should be secured; and that we should thus follow
to their legitimate conclusions the principles we are united together to
uphold, and the aims it is our first duty to promote. Believe me, the
knowledge and skill of the physician, the chivalrous bravery of the soldier,
the gentle charity of the priest, the far-seeing toleration of the
philosopher, might all find an ample field for their display in the regular
duties and Professional emergencies of our career. No vocation can be more
useful, *nore worthy, or more honourable; there is none which we could
follow ^ith more advantage to others, or with greater moral and material
heneflt to ourselves. The teaching of our profession is as varied as it is
en<lless; and the wisest and best among us has but to strive humbly for
^sdom to comprehend and strength to improve upon the lessons of his auy
life, to become not merely a more skilful miner, but a more useful Cltizen
and a more worthy man.
EEPOET OF THE COMMITTEE
appointed by the
NOKTH OF ENGLAND INSTITUTE OE MINING ENGINEEKS,
to investigate the
SMOKE QUESTION.
OCTOBEE 24th, 1868.
On the 26th day of March last, Mr. Galloway having explained his views
before a special meeting of the Steam Collieries Association, the subject
was referred to the Institute, which at a meeting held on the 4th of April
heard the views of that gentleman. On the 2nd of May the discussion of the
subject was again renewed, and the matter referred to a Committee, who now
beg to hand you their Eeport.
They cannot, however, forbear remarking that there is really very little
left for them to do. A few years ago, in 1855, there was an impression that
the North County steam coal not only made smoke when burnt hut was of an
inferior evaporative power to that of the so-called smokeless Welsh coal.
Since then, on two subsequent occasions, this has been proved most
satisfactorily to have been an error. In 1856-7 experiments We?e made at
Elswick, conducted by Sir William Armstrong, Mr. J. A. ^ongridge, and Dr.
Richardson, which fully demonstrated that Hartley could give without smoke
12*9 lbs. and Welsh 12*35 lbs. of water eyaporated from 212° per pound of
coal in an ordinary marine boiler; and, in 1864, Mr. Miller, at the request
of the House of Commons, made * series of experiments which proved again
most satisfactorily that Hartley could give without smoke 10'68 lbs. and
Welsh 10-13 lbs. of ater evaporated from 100° per pound of coal. Again, at
Wigan, in
<> Messrs. Fletcher and Dr. Richardson conducted a series of experiments
proving most conclusively that a bituminous coal more difficult even- to
manipulate in the fire than the coal of this district, can be ec°Uomically
and smohelessly consumed. All these results have been
38
accomplished with the smallest possible alteration of the furnace and bars
of ordinary marine boilers. Your Committee, therefore, have from many and
various sources the highest authority for stating that, as far as
experiments can do so, the question is practically solved, and more
particularly in connection with any ordinary quality of round coal, and in
Cornish or marine boilers of ordinary construction. It could hardly be
expected that any further experiments would produce better or more
conclusive results, or be attested by gentlemen of higher reputation and
position.
Your Committee would also call attention to the great expense attending such
experiments. They think it quite out of the province of* the Institute to
provide funds amounting to many hundreds of pounds, to enable them to go
over the same ground that has so often been trodden before, and with such
conclusive results.
Believing as they do that the semi-bituminous steam coal of this district
can be burnt without smoke, so as to give as high, if not a higher and more
speedy evaporative power than Welsh (as might be expected by its chemical
composition), your Committee can by no means aver that this important fact
is comprehended by the great bulk of consumers ; but they are not of opinion
that any further experiments in this direction are necessary, as it seems to
them that data on this subject are so numerous already, that the public may
very properly be left to draw their own inferences therefrom.
If your Committee were asked for the reason for so much incredulity on a
subject so important to the interests of the northern coal owners, they
would suggest that it to a certain extent arises from the fact that the
steamships built in the neighbouring ports are not, as a rule, by any means
successful either in their attempts to prevent smoke, or to obtain the
highest results from the fuel of the district. These steamers, going from
port to port, and from country to country, assist in advocating the views of
those who refuse to recognise the value of the northern steam coal, and your
Committee regret that the boilers of these ships at least are not
constructed so as to bear out the results so laboriously obtained at such
large cost.
With regard to land engines, the same remarks apply to all boilers fired by
hand with round coal. A new element, however, appears here, when we come to
mechanical stoking, which seems to present many and great advantages over
hand stoking. Researches in this direction are not so plentiful as in that
of hand firing, and few, if any, have been published; in fact, there is
still a field open for experiments with self-
6V
BLeding' furnaces, an(* with the egg-ended boiler of the district. Your
Committee are glad to find that several members are now engaged in a ries of
elaborate and extensive experiments on self-feeding furnaces, me of which
were nearly ready for being brought before you at the eeting at Seaham.
These experiments are being* continued and extended, and will shortly be
read. Under these circumstances, your Committee suggest that nothing
further should be done in this direction until these papers are received.
Since framing the above Report, your Committee have inspected the
self-feeding furnaces at the water works at Durham, and at Mr. Henderson's
factory, where to all appearance, as far as regards the prevention of smoke,
they seemed to be working satisfactorily. By this they are strengthened in
their opinion that there is a legitimate field open here for further
experiment, in reference to the use of large coal in such furnaces,
especially as to the adaptability of the process to the purposes of
navigation, which they trust the association, at whose instigation this
Committee was formed, will take advantage of.
(Signed) G. B. FORSTER,
for the committee.
NORTH OF ENGLAND INSTITUTE
of
MINING ENGINEERS.
GENERAL MEETING, SATURDAY, DEC. 5, 1868, IN THE ROOMS OF THE INSTITUTE,
NEVILLE HALL, NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE.
G. B. FORSTER, Esq., Vice-President of the Institute, in the Chair.
The Secretary having- read the minutes of the previous meeting and . the
minutes of the Council, the recommendation contained therein, that books to
the value of £25 be presented to Mr. Emerson Bainbridge, as I an
acknowledgment of his services as Engineer to the Tail-rope Committee, was
put to the meeting and unanimously adopted. The following gentlemen were
elected :—
Members—
H. H. Bolton, Newchurch Collieries, near Manchester.
John Batey, Benwell Colliery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
A. Harkness, Birtley Iron Works, Fence Houses.
Cornelius Widdas, North Bitchburn Colliery, Howden, Darlington.
Thomas Hepplewhite, Hetton Colliery, Fence Houses.
Graduate-James M. Robson, Rainton Colliery, near Leamside.
| . A paper was then read by Mr. Nelson on the "Mechanical Stoking °f
Steam Boilers."
The Chairman stated that they were exceedingly indebted to Mr. Nelson for
his paper. At this particular time it was a subject of deep Merest to the
Coal Trade of this district, and if mechanical firing could De successfully
carried out both by land and sea, it would mark a new era in the use of
coal. It was, however, only by repeated and careful experiment that
practical results could be obtained.
Mr. W. Boyd observed that the question opened out by Mr. Nelson Was one of
the greatest importance to all, and especially to those con-Vol.
XVIII.—1869. f
42
cerned in steam navigation, and he watched its progress with considerable
interest and with many hopes that mechanical firing would ultimately
supersede hand stoking at sea. At the same time he could not conceal from
himself the fact that much had yet to be done. Mechanical stoking to be
effective on board ship, must not only save hands and render the products of
combustion invisible, but must get the same amount of calorific value out of
the coal as at present, and at an equal speed, and that without materially
enlarging the area of the fire grate or the space given up to the
stoke-hole, for every thing on board ship had from the necessities of the
case to be constructed so as to obtain the very highest possible results in
the smallest possible space, and no amount of saving in labour would
counterbalance the loss of any of the advantages now enjoyed. He was not so
competent as others to enter chemically into the perfect combustion of fuel,
but his experience had taught him that a free and adequate admission of air
in quantities proportioned to the composition of the various coals burnt was
required for perfectly and entirely consuming it, which in other words meant
producing a clean chimney top. If, while not obstructing the air, the fuel
could be evenly and uniformly distributed over the grate in the proportions
called for by the exigencies of the case by mechanical means, he thought
that success was not far off. But while admitting the great value of
mechanical stoking, he begged leave to differ from Mr. Nelson in his remarks
on hand stoking. With some opportunities of investigating the question he
unhesitatingly asserted that with proper furnaces, and firemen of only
moderate ability, they could smokelessly obtain the highest possible
calorific value from any coal at the utmost attainable speed \ he could
state from his own personal experience, that the steam coal of this district
could be so treated, and he saw from the experiments of Messrs. Fletcher and
Richardson, made lately at Wigan, that a still more bituminous coal had been
so treated by hand firing, and he would advise those interested in the
question of mechanical stoking not to ignore these results but rather to
endeavour to realize them, which he was afraid they had not yet succeeded in
doing. It appeared to him that Hall and Whitaker's furnace was more likely
to suit the requirements of steam navigation than Juckes', and he thought
that the Institute should be in possession of reliable data of the results
obtained at the Lambton collieries, where he understood these bars were
used. In conclusion, he would ask Mr. Nelson, who he conceived, had had
considerable experience in the manufacture of mechanical stoking apparatus,
what would be the comparative cost between Juckes' rotating bars and those
of Hall and
43
^¦/hitaker's, which only had a sort of undulating motion given them ? ^Iso,
he would ask if he was correct in understanding Mr. Nelson to gtate that the
largest quantity of coal that could be consumed per hour per square foot of
grate in Juckes' furnaces was 32 lbs ?
Mr. Nelson in reply stated, that the expense of Juckes' system would
probably be twice that of Hall and Whitaker's. He did not state that 32 lbs.
of coal per hour per square foot of grate was the limit of quantity that
could be satisfactorily consumed by that system, but that he had repeatedly
burnt that quantity per square foot in a Juckes' grate, and that not under
the most favourable circumstances.
Mr. W. Boyd remarked that it was usually considered that the most rapid
combustion possible was obtained in steamboat furnaces, and rarely reached
24 lbs. of coal per hour per square foot of grate, and he would think from
his knowledge of the working of several mechanically stoked furnaces that
their results were far below this.
Mr. Nelson in explanation stated that he considered the 32 lbs. per hour per
square foot of grate quite an average case, the coal used was analogous to
the steam coal of the district, but was small and contained a considerable
portion of duff. He did not deny but that coal might be smokelessly burnt by
hand firing, but thought that under any circumstances, even the most
favourable, much wTaste of heat must be caused by the necessity of the
stoker having to open the fire-door so often, the cold air which entered at
these times was also most injurious to the boilers. With regard to the cost,
the gear for giving motion to the bars would cost about the same in either
case, but the cost of the furnace part of Hall and Whitaker's would scarcely
reach one-half that of Juckes'. It must be borne in mind, however, that
Juckes' arrangement by having three times the length of bar employed than
that on which combustion is effected, and constantly presenting a fresh
portion of the bars to the action of the heat, would, therefore, last fully
three times as long as Hall and Whitaker's.
The Chairman observed, that although, doubtless, both Juckes' arrangement as
well as that of Hall and Whitaker's could be applied to ' steamboat boilers,
he thought that the latter was the more suitable of the two to that
particular service.
Mr. Boyd stated that Messrs. Palmer of Jarrow had fitted two boats, tne
"Colorado" and "Nevada," with bars the invention of Mr. Jordan of Liverpool
5 he had not yet seen them, but he understood that they Were very much like
those of Hall and Whitaker, but had provisions ^ade in them to hold loose
pieces where the heat was greatest, which Pleces could be replaced when worn
out.
44
Mr. Tweddell stated that these bars were, as Mr. Boyd had observed, similar
to Hall and Whitaker s, they had been first used on board the " Manhattan,'7
in three or four of her furnaces, and were a success, and the whole of the
furnaces, sixteen in number, in a similar steamship were being* fitted with
them; and a sufficient proof of the confidence reposed in this arrangement
after the preliminary trials in the s.s. Manhattan, was given, when they
trusted such a valuable ship on a long* voyage with no other means of
generating steam. Juckes' revolving bars had been also fitted into marine
boilers previous to Mr. Nelson doing so, but hitherto without success. He
thought the number of pieces and the complication of the fittings of Juckes'
furnaces were much against their * adoption on board ship, and should any
accident happen to the bars and they should drop down, the difficulty of
replacing them by ordinary bars under the exigencies of the service would be
very great, and prove, he feared, an insurmountable obstacle to their
introduction, whereas the arrangements of Jordan and Hall's admitted of
being worked as common bars should the driving gear fail.
Mr. Boyd would ask if Hall and Whitaker's had been placed on board any
steamer ?
Mr. Whitaker replied that more than twenty had been fitted with them.
The Chairman thought that this description of bar offered great advantages
for steamboat boilers, since they could be taken out and replaced so
readily, and if any thing happened to the machinery working them, they in
fact became common bars capable of being-stoked in the ordinary manner
without delay of any kind.
The Secretary remarked that he could not consistently with his duty to
another association allow certain remarks of Mr. Nelson's to pass without
observation. With some knowledge of the subject, he emphatically asserted
that the semi-bituminous steam coal of this district could be smokelessly
burnt in ordinary furnaces by ordinary stokers, if the general proportions
of these ordinary furnaces be conformable to the peculiar character of the
coal; and there can be no doubt but that, losing sight of this great fact,
has done considerable harm to the steam coal owners of this' district. Their
friends who come to assist them in overcoming an evil which never existed,
also do immense harm by exaggerating and inventing difficulties so that the
value of their suggestions might be enhanced. What has been the result of
all these experiments and contrivances which have been resorted to since the
unfortunate moment when it was supposed that this valuable coal was
defective in so important a quality ? Have they not served to prove, over
45
and over again, notwithstanding the high premiums that have been offered to
those who could improve it, that the coal does best when jet alone? Why
should they seek to improve that which only requires its qualities to be
recognised by those whose interest it is to do so in lorder to realize their
most sanguine desires ? This seeming admission of its friends that the North
Country coal had a visible defect, was one of the greatest obstacles that
had to be encountered at Devonport. At ^0 conclusion of each day's
experiment, it was taken for granted that the Welsh coal had made no smoke,
and that the North coal had; of course the experiment over, the smoke of
both had vanished, but the prejudice remained, and it was with despair that
the speaker sought some means of recording, not his own, but his opponent's
smoke. But as soon as the happy thought of registering the smoke marks each
minute occurred to him, the Merthyr Dale smokeless the day before was found
to have 100 smoke marks attached to it, while the Hartley got through its
day's work with 29; from that moment a new impulse was given to their
exertions, which culminated in the Government officers getting 10*71 lbs. of
water per pound of Hartley, with a speed of 43 cubic feet of water per hour,
and burning 24 lbs. of coal per square foot of grate per hour, with 3 4
smoke marks per hour; the very best Welsh result being 10*14 lbs. of water
per pound of coal, with a speed of 38*0, and burning 23 lbs. per square foot
of grate per hour, with 3*1 smoke marks per hour, thus gaining an advantage
of 5-|- per cent, in calorific value, and 13 per cent, in speed over the
Welsh, with an equally smokeless result. Considering that 3*4 smoke marks
per hour mean, that for three-arid-a-third minutes during that space of
time, only the faintest possible trace of smoke was visible, and 360 being
the highest possible mark that could be recorded, the difference ln per
centage between 3'4 and 3*1 is, therefore, practically imperceptible, both
results being, to all intents and purposes, perfect. What is the use of any
special apparatus after this 1 From the experience gained % these
experiments, the owners of this valuable mineral are in a Position to
decline all suggestions, having for their object the removal f£ * defect it
does not possess. On a recent occasion, when it was Urged before the Lords
of the Admiralty, that after such satisfactory experiments the Government
were treating the coal with the same llljustice as formerly, the speaker
could not avoid the remark, that in Reality the injustice was considerably
greater; for apart from the question ^ smoke (which may be considered as
greatly affecting both coals), at 16 f°riner period referred to, the
calorific value of the North coal was c°nsidered to be inferior to the
Welsh, and that, therefore, the use of it
46
would involve an extra expense on the nation; hut now it is admitted by
their own officers that the North Country coal had a higher calorific value
and a very much greater speed than the Welsh, this argument is reversed, and
the nation is actually mulcted to the advantage of the Welsh coal owner. The
speaker did not for a moment mean to aver that mechanical stoking on board
steamers would not be a very great advantage; on the contrary, it was
calculated to accomplish very im, portant and economical results, and he was
very glad that Mr. Nelson had specially applied himself to the question,
which, in such able, hands, cannot but be brought to a successful issue.
Mr. Waller would support the previous observations by the remark, that he
knew a boiler with four ordinary furnaces that was very hardly stoked with
Peases' West Hartlepool waste coal, without any smoke being produced, and
would further state that he had seen several cases reported in the papers
where the owners of Juckes' furnaces had been fined for producing smoke in
the neighbourhood of Halifax. Mr. Waller also gave the result of his
experience with one of a set of four plain cylinder egg-ended boilers, 40
feet long by 4^ feet diameter, with ordinary bars about 5 feet long,
hand-fired. It was found to evaporate 50J cubic feet of water per hour, and
the result was about 8 lbs. of water per 1 lb. of | fuel. The fires were 18
to 20 inches thick—the fuel very small Pease's West, and the above result
was attained without smoke. As the ashes were not thrown up, the residue was
(instead of 11 per cent.) increased | to about 30 per cent.
The Chairman observed that all these facts and many more that had come under
his observation proved undeniably that the coal of this district could be
burnt smokelessly, either when simply laid on by hand or by any mechanical
process.
The Secretary, in answer to a question by Mr. Tweddell, stated that the loss
arising from 3*4 smoke marks might be broadly stated thus:—Hartley coal
making, say 100 smoke marks per hour evaporated 8 lbs of water per pound of
coal, while the same coal, with 3*4 smoke marks, evaporated 107, the
difference of 96*6 smoke marks, losing' 2*7 lbs. of water; each smoke mark
might, therefore, in rough numbers be assumed to represent a loss of -03
lbs. of water; 3 4 marks would thus give *102 lbs. of water, and absolute
perfection might raise
107
to 108.
Mr. Whitaker observed that for sixteen years he had advocated mechanical
stoking, but must confess that he had never seen any system that could equal
hand stoking in its results.
The Secretary—That really was the whole secret of the question ;
I
^e io7 calorific value must be kept up, and the 24 to 30 lbs., burnt per
uare foot per hour, or mechanical stoking would never be a success on board
ship; added to this, the furnaces must be so that they could be •flstantly
adapted to hand stoking on any emergency arising.
Mr. Nelson observed, that at present the results had not been uniform ; in
many cases more steam had been generated by the introduction of mechanical
stoking, and in other cases less. And, in answer to a question by Mr.
Bunning, stated that the bridges of Juckes' furnaces, if properly
constructed, lasted 18 months; that the doors would last even a longer
period, but that sometimes the fire crept under them and burned the coal in
the hopper, but this only occurred when the draught was bad.
Mr. Goodman—There are some cases where you have not found the furnace answer
so well, probably when burning a caking coal. Mr. Lawrence, formerly at
Walker, by making the end tumblers of different diameters causes the chain
to travel at an unequal speed, by which he ' tries to prevent the coal from
caking. With regard to Mr. Whitaker's fornace, he would ask for what purpose
are the bars thickened at the end.
Mr Whitaker—It is to allow for the different sizes of coal. Mr. Goodman—Is
it of any use ? Would it not collect the whole of the slag 1
Mr. Whitaker—It is only half an inch higher than the rest of the bar.
Mr. Goodman stated that at Walker Iron Works he had been trying a different
description of bar. He wanted to get a breaking-up action of coal as well as
a moving forward action, and he found it succeeded admirably for the first
fortnight or three weeks, but ultimately the bridge %ot, as it were,
completely smeared over with slag, which adhered to toe bricks, and proved a
serious obstacle, by stopping* up the opening*, ^nch was only six inches
wide; and not only that, but after the first
0rtnight there was a great hollow^ burnt in front of the bars, which Were of
ordinary metal, and indeed, generally, the action of the fire was g°St
seyere on the bars, and he found them invariably burn away. ^ fancied the
same action would take place in Whitaker's. Might he
s Mr. Whitaker what he had air-doors for ?
Mr. Whitaker—We have no other way of getting air in to keep l*e <W cool.
i "^r- Goodman said he never let an atom of air in from above the thi ]
U0I> ^a(^ ^e an a^om °^ sm°ke- He made bars half the ordinary ness, and
got a more diffused motion. The action of the whole
48
of the air is under the bars, a deflecting" brick arch is thrown over the
hottest part of the furnace, which serves to bring" the gases generated from
the green coal into close contact with the incandescent fuel at the after '
end of the furnace, and this entirely prevents any smoke from the chimney.
He had been experimenting with it quietly for three or four months, trying
to bring out something to improve the system of mechanical firing and
prevention of smoke. The great objections to Juckes' were its expense and
complication. Supposing one of Juckes' should break on board a vessel, how
would you repair it? Whitaker's is different. There you could take a bar out
and replace it with another in a moment. He had met with a case where there
were three boilers working, but th*e boiler came so close to the wall that
there was no room left for Juckes' to work, as it required a pit. Juckes' he
fancied was altogether too complicated to come into general use in
steamboats. There is another arrangement, in which instead of the chain of
bars being fixed at both ends they were only fixed at one end, and they turn
over and clear themselves, and also accommodate themselves to the circular
form of the flue—these nearest the side lying nearly flat. This was as bad
and as complicated in its arrangement as Juckes'. . He had been trying a
plan which worked beautifully if he could only get the metal to stand, but
the bars were burnt hollow in two or three months. Then he tried to cure
this by putting a loose piece into the bar. Instead of replacing the whole
bar, he replaced (in weight of metal) about one-sixteenth. This he thought
would have been a success, but he found that as soon as the heat came on it
the bar split down wherever the fresh piece was put in.
The Chairman—These disadvantages would apply to Whitaker's, Jordan's, and
all of them.
Mr. Tweddell said, all the difficulties of detail which had been raised by
the previous speakers could be easily removed, but he thought the Society
should wait the result of the trial of Juckes' furnace, with Mr. Nelson's
experience brought to bear on it. Jordan placed in his furnace a
wrought-iron bar which did not split. Mr. Goodman wanted some material that
would stand fire. Jordan provided for the application of an incombustible
material instead of metal—such as fire-clay, ganister, etc.—and bolting it
on to the wrought-iron bar. This was an arrangement in which he had every
confidence. There was nothing to prevent its answering. He should like to
hear of the steamers that were using" Whitakers furnace, so as to compare
the results with those of other boats that were using Jordan's and other
furnaces, since they are stated to have answered well, and the results will
be of value.
Mr. Whitaker said the first time their bars were used was in the ^pgirius"
in her first voyage to Liverpool. Afterwards they were used in the " R°yal
William." Mr. Hall had spent a life-time and all he possessed n bringing out
these experiments. People thought him too far in advance. They must remember
that his patent expired three years ago. Efe did not suppose it would have
been brought forward on this occasion if jy|r. Goodman had not tried it at
Walker. Mr. Goodman had fulfilled every condition that Hall and Whitaker did
at the time.
Mr. Goodman said when he introduced these bars he was not aware that they
were in use elsewhere. His was certainly not a copy, though ]\|r. Whitaker's
furnace nearly assimilated to his.
Mr. Boyd here moved an adjournment of the discussion, which was I agreed to;
and thanks having been voted to Mr. Nelson for his paper, the meeting broke
up.
I
ON MECHANICAL STOKING OF STEAM BOILERS.
Head by JAMES NELSON, Sunderland.
In considering this subject the writer divides it into three parts.
The first bears on Mechanical Stoking, as a means of substituting machinery
for hand labour of the most menial, and laborious description.
The second and third parts relate to. the economy of fuel and the prevention
of smoke, which are the results of proper firing and of proper firing only.
With so many proofs before us, of the superiority of mechanical appliances,
(both as regards the economy and the quality of the work done,) wherever
they have replaced the arms and sinews of human beings, it seems
extraordinary that at the present day whenever the very first operation
common to every user of steam power, the first step in preparing to draw
coals from the pit, pump water, manufacture, or navigate by steam, the prima
causa, the first work to be commenced, the last to be left off, the labour
which must never cease from Monday till Saturday, or in case of a sea-voyage
from the beginning to the end, the labour which forms a standing expense in
every commercial undertaking, namely, the stoking of boiler fires, should be
now in the year 18G8 almost exclusively performed by hand.
Before beginning to describe or discuss mechanical stoking it is neces-sar3r
to particularise the desiderata in proper firing, which may be considered as
first, to put a small quantity of coals on at a time, and to do so
frequently (the fewer at once, and the oftener, the better). Secondly to put
the coal on the front of the fire, and when partially burned, to Pllsh it
back, and throw more on. Thirdly to conduct the whole opera-tlon with as
great regularity as possible. Fourthly to make the furnace °f Proportionate
size to the quantity of steam it has to generate in the Wler above it, and
fifthly by practice and experience to determine what ail*ount of coal can be
perfectly and economically burned upon the fur-nace in a given space of
time—since neither more nor less than that I amouut of fud should be
SUppiieCi to it.
52
All the foregoing" remarks seem to indicate that a machine is required to do
this work.
The boiler should of course possess adequate steam room, to allow for such
trifling variations of the engines, as occur in drawing coals, and the
intermittent strokes of a pumping engine, or such like.
If the supply of coal to the furnace is less than the proper quantity the
steam will of course fall, or if more than the quantity goes into the
furnace it will either be improperly burned, or generate more steam than is
requisite. The only plan to ensure this regularity, is by making a machine
entirely self-acting in all its parts, which will supply the coal to the
fire, and also carry or push it forward, and distribute it. Of these,
machines, the writer will only describe two, both of which have been
invented, and been before the public for many years, and the patents having
expired, they are free to be manufactured by any one, and no impediments
such as royalty charges or dues can be levied on consumers.
The first is Juckes' revolving furnace, which may be described as an
endless-chain of flat links of iron (cast or wrought) in breadth equal to
the breadth of the furnace, passed over tumblers at each end and supported
through its whole length by rollers or other means. The coal is supplied
from a hopper outside, and is carried into the furnace, by the motion of the
chain revolving, the quantity being regulated by the speed of the chain, and
the height of a sliding shutter which takes the place of the fire door. The
ashes and slag are passed over the back by the motion of the chain. The
speed of the bars and the thickness of coal-feed should vary for almost
every description and size of coal, and condition of draught, and it is no
use trying to lay down any rules. Perhaps 8 feet per hour may be said to be
an average speed, although the writer's experience would indicate that a
variation of speed of from 5 up to 18 feet per hour is necessary to suit
different classes and sizes of coal, and that generally the smaller the coal
the thinner should be the fire, its thickness varying from to 8 inches.
The second invention is the furnace of Hall and Whitaker. In this
arrangement the fire bars are made reaching the full length of the furnace
the front ends are moved with cams or eccentrics, which are placed side by
side on a shaft reaching across the front of the furnace, every alternate
cam being placed opposite the other. The back ends of the bars slide
forwards and backwards on a slab plate. The eccentric or cam shaft, is
turned round by a rachet or belt, and suitable gearing connected with the
engine or any other source of motive power. The action of the furnace is as
follows, while one half of the bars are rising and
HLus taking the weight of the fire upon themselves, they advance and carry
the fire with them, the other half of the bars during the same time fall;
recede, and in their turn come round, raise and propel the
Bfire towards the back of the furnace, where there is a flat space on to
which the ashes or cinders are delivered, and upon which they accumu-
Blate, and become completely consumed, if that operation has not already
I heen effected. They are removed at intervals by moving a handle, which
lets a hinged plate on which they rest fall, and so discharges them into the
ash-pit. The supply of coal is from a hopper and regulated in thickness
¦ by a sliding shutter or door similar to those used by Juckes.
The comparative advantages of these two systems are as follows, Juckes'
grate possesses extraordinary durability, a set of bars often lasting as
long as five or six years, while Hall and Whitaker's furnace, has the
advantage of smaller first cost, and may perhaps produce a little more steam
per superficial foot of grate surface than the Juckes', the durability of
the fire bars is about the same as common ones, but the disadvantage of
their wearing may be compensated by the fact that the cost of them is small
and a new one may be inserted without stopping or putting out the fire.
There have been several inventions introduced lately which are most direct
copies of this, one of these makes the bars with top pieces to fit on to
them. There is no advantage in this as these pieces are almost as costly,
and more difficult to replace, than an entire new bar in Hall and Whitaker's
arrangement.
Another plan which has taken considerably with the public is Vickers and
Smith's patent. This is a clumsy complication of Hall and Whitaker's, it
introduces a great number of wheels and extraneous motions, nearly doubles
the cost, misses the most vital point, and although the bars wear, "cieteris
paribus," as fast, they cannot be replaced without great delay.
It is needless to mention other inventions or rather patents whose name is
legion, which have been brought forward without the slightest plea of
novelty, or improvement, with views to monopoly. Never has the lmpetuosity
of inventors been so much demonstrated as in the patent reeords on this
subject, for identically the same ideas have been proofed over and over
again, by men who could not take time, or were ^t able, to ascertain what
had been done before.
On the second and third heads of this paper, there is little to say, eXcePt
that by the use of mechanical fires a saving of coal is effected ^r°vided
that the said fires are in the hands of competent men, may be P°nsidered as
sufficiently proved in practice - and as regards exceptional
54
failures it can only be said that bad construction or negligent attendance
will cause any machine to fail.
There is no doubt that the greatest difficulties have been placed against
the success of mechanical fires by the firemen, who are not sufficiently far
sighted to see that the introduction of machinery will benefit the labouring
classes, a result which has everywhere invariably followed its application.
The adoption of self-feeding fires obviates another great objection in ,
hand-firing, especially that frequent firing which is considered to be the
best plan, inasmuch as it prevents the incessant opening of fire-doors and
prevents cold air rushing along the boiler, causing it to contract, and to
expand again as soon as the coal bursts into a fierce flame. This evil
causes the greatest harm to boilers, and to it was attributed a recent
explosion which occurred in this neighbourhood.
The prevention of smoke is perfectly achieved by either of these systems of
firing and with a certainty which never can be arrived at with hand labour.
Every circumstance has gone to prove that North country bituminous coal,
cannot be burned, without producing smoke, unless fired with great care on
the part of the fireman.
If firing is to be carried out as theorists tell us it should be, the number
of men must be doubled, and a superior class employed.
Stoking on board ship is one of the greatest nuisances connected with Steam
Navigation, the firemen are, as a rule, the lowest grade of society, and
their labour is the hardest, the most unhealthy, and the dirtiest; In a
stoke-hole 5 feet 9 inches long, with the boiler and a row of furnaces
facing them, with the temperature from 120 to 130 degrees, who would listen
to a lecture on the correct mode of firing and preventing smoke I The
'stoker's plan is to get a fire which will last as long as possible and to
go where he can cool himself.
The cleaning of fires which entails so much labour and loss of steam (hence
of speed) is entirely obviated by mechanical firing, an advantage of itself
enough to turn the balance in favour of the machine.
Little has been done as yet in the application of mechanical firing' at sea.
The writer, however, hopes to be able shortly to report on some furnaces
which are being applied by him to steamboats.
It has been the object of the writer to avoid all mechanical details m this
paper, and simply to describe principles, leaving the proportions of the
apparatus to the manufacturer to work out for himself.
Small coal is generally used for these furnaces, any size however
55
1 niay De US('1^ tne most desirable being pieces from ^ inch to 1| inch
round free from dust, called " nuts."
The writer has under ordinary circumstances seen 32 lbs. of small coal
burned off per square foot of Juckes' grate per hour, and had the chimney
been higher (it was 50 feet) the result would have been better.
Mechanical firing considered as a complete and certain prevention of smoke,
is a most important subject of consideration, for the north Country
bituminous coal owners, as upon it hinges the applicability of this coal to
ships of war.
In all steam navigation, whether for purposes of defence or commerce, smoky
chimneys are a constant source of accident and collision (especially when
the wind is abaft) not to mention the dirt and discomfort they cause to
passengers and crew.
The writer is possessed of many authenticated statements relative to ftthe
economy of machine fires, but he deems it advisable only to present one to
this Institution, which was taken from the books of a large coal company in
this neighbourhood, and extends over a considerable space of time. Reckoning
the cost of small coal at 2s. 6d. per ton the saving annually amounted to
£50 on each furnace, labour and fuel combined.
As a rule the evaporative power of furnaces is increased by the adoption of
mechanical firing although there are exceptions. 1 The writer hopes shortly
to be able to lay before the members some results of mechanical firing as
applied to marine boilers.
NORTH OF ENGLAND INSTITUTE I MINING ENGINEERS.
GENERAL MEETING, SATURDAY, FEB. 6, 1869, IN THE ROOMS OF THEJ INSTITUTE,
NEVILLE HALL, NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE.
JOHN MARLEY, Esq., in the Chaik.
The minutes of the last meeting* and the minutes of the Council were read
and confirmed. Ii: The following gentlemen were then elected :—*
Members-Hubert Laws, 21, Collingwood Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. William
BeuttoN, M.E., Whitwood Collieries, near Normanton.
Graduate—
William Brumwell Wilson, Killingworth Colliery, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
Mr. A. L. Steavenson read a paper on " Lemielle's Ventilator." The 1 paper
was illustrated by various diagrams, and a large sheet of results of
Experiments. Mr. Steavenson stated that these plans had been given in ¦ a
former volume, but it was as far back as the sixth, and whether they should
be reprinted or not it would be for the Council to decide. He °ad thought
proper to bring them for reference. It would be found that the quantities
really did improve-with the speed. He did not know ^liat Mr. Cochrane would
say to this, but they were all gradually ^proving, showing a better yield
per revolution as they got to a higher : sPeed. On the question of
different conditions Mr. Cochrane was right, W he had brought this paper as
a statement of facts.
The Chairman said, having heard Mr. Steavenson's paper, they I ^ust all
admit that it was a subject of vital importance as connected Vol.
XVIII.—1869. h
58
with ventilation. According* to the rule, as amended, the subject was now
open for discussion; but the discussion would be renewed when the paper was
printed. Mr. Steavenson might give explanations either now or hereafter.
Mr. Cochrane said, they were indebted to Mr. Steavenson for being so kind as
to have followed, in the paper which he had read before them, the same
system of nomenclature as had been adopted in a previous communication on
the Guibal and Lemielle ventilators (Vol. XVI. of the Transactions), the
discussion on which had been postponed until the practical results of the
Lemielle ventilators, which were then in course of erection in this country,
had been tested and submitted to the Institute., The details given to them
in Mr. Steavenson's paper were in very close agreement with the conclusions
arrived at in the theoretical examination of the principles of the Lemielle
ventilator, and especially he called attention to the re-entries as
tabulated by Mr. Steavenson. So small were the differences between them and
the theoretical volumes, that he considered such differences were the result
only of imperfect observation. Mr. Cochrane gave the results of calculations
he had made from Mr. Steavenson's record of the experiments, to illustrate
this point, and said that the fuller development of the agreement of this
practical test with the theoretical principles laid down in the before
mentioned paper, would require more time than could be afforded at that
preliminary discussion. The figures showed that as the water-gauge
increased, the reentries into the ventilator increased considerably; and
taking Mr. Steavenson's figures, though he thought Mr. Steavenson had not
the correct value of Ve, he had calculated in accordance with the statement
made on page 71, Vol. XVI., that if a water-gauge of 20*81 inches were
attained (and he begged to inform the Institute that this ventilator was
guaranteed by the inventor- to produce 10 inches of water-gauge at a safe
working speed), no air at all would be extracted from the mine, but the
re-entries would be equal to the useful or effective volume. He could bear
witness that the construction of this Lemielle ventilator had been most
carefully attended to, and compared with those he had seen abroad, was much
less exposed to the serious losses by leakages at joints, hinges, slots, and
clearances of the vanes • but they must admit that in so large and
complicated a machine on this principle, these must, even with the best
arrangement of details, continue to be unavoidable, and present, in the
course of regular working, the risk of exaggerating themselves. He would
instance as the only system of ventilating machine upon this principle,
where they could hope to reduce the sources
£ leakages to a minimum, the ordinary blowing engine used at blast furnaces.
The members of the Institute would probably know the Nixon ventilating
machine of South Wales, which approximated to a piston blowing engine, and
might be described roughly as a Struve working horizontally; but the
necessarily slow speed at which so large a piston must work, and the
considerable loss by unavoidable leakages, render it a very undesirable
machine for the ventilation of mines. He hoped to be able to discuss Mr.
Steavenson's results more fully at next meeting, after the paper was in
their hands ,• and he concluded by remarking that the per centage of useful
effect obtained, which was the most important test of a mechanical
ventilator, was very inferior to that of the Guibal centrifugal system,
while the objections, which he had on a previous occasion laid before them,
to the Lemielle system of ventilator were, he submitted, entirely
corroborated by the practical test of this ventilator at Page Bank.
Mr. Willis said, he could not help thinking there must be something wrong in
the results Mr. Steavenson had given. Their machine, at Washington Colliery,
though but two-thirds the size of Mr. Steavenson's, gave more cubic feet
than his per revolution. He had tried experiments yesterday. In sixteen
revolutions he got an average of 8215 cubic feet per revolution.
Mr. A. L. Steavenson—What is the water-gauge 1 Mr. Willis—We had not the
water-gauge on; but the difference is so great that we could not help
thinking it was more than would be accounted for by the less water-gauge.
Mr. A. L. Steavenson—That accounts for it. Mr. Morison said, that Mr.
Steavenson had stated, in his paper, that he got a larger quantity of air
with the Lemielle fan than could be got with any other fan. They were using
at Pelton a Guibal fan, and as large, and in some cases a larger quantity of
air had been °btamed by it. He had a tabulated statement of results, and
would be £lad to lay it before the Institute at a future meeting. Sixty-two
Involutions was tneir usual working speed, and they obtained from
•000 to 106,000 cubic feet of air. The water-gauge was 2*8 inches. ^
A. L. Steavenson said, theirs was 6f inches. Mr. Willis must ave had an
extreme quantity.
Willis—134,000 at 16 revolutions. Daglisii said, Mr. Willis must be getting
more. Co ^°CHRAXE—^° reliable conclusions can be drawn until all the
nditions are given.
60
Mr. Daglish suggested, that they should have a committee to investigate the
fan ventilation, as there seemed to he four or five fans at work.
The Chairman said, no doubt such would be a beneficial committee; but he did
not know whether the time had arrived for it. The discussion would not end
to-day. They would expect to hear from Mr. Willis on the subject.
Mr. Willis—Our fan is perfectly open to any one.
The Chairman—May we ask you to promise that you will give ns some statistics
of the working of your fan, either at the next meeting or the meeting after.
Mr. Willis said, he had some remarks in preparation and he hoped to have
them completed soon. He thought their fan showed a greater efficiency than
Mr. A. L. Steavenson's had shown to-day.
Mr. Cochrane said, as regarded the machinery, that of Mr. Willis must be
something very superior to produce better results than those at Page Bank.
The day he was there everything worked splendidly.
Mr. Willis said, he thought the fault was in the building; either by reason
of the lining being irregular and thereby causing extra leakage; or possibly
the height of the " inlet" drift is much lower than the height of the
machine itself, in which case the upper part of the machine would have
little effect.
Mr. G. B. Forster asked Mr. Steavenson at how many revolutions he could run
the fan constantly ?
Mr. A. L. Steavenson—14 to 16.
Mr. Cochrane—Do you think it safe to run 14 1
Mr. A. L. Steavenson—Yes; he thought so. It is a very strong machine. We can
get something like 100,000 feet with four inches water-gauge.
After some conversation in favour of reprinting the plans, Mr. Morison asked
Mr. Steavenson if he took the water-gauge in the mine.
Mr. A. L. Steavenson said, there was a slight difference of about
half-an-inch. The difference between the top and bottom was not great-Mr.
Morison—The difference is what is due to the shaft. Mr. J. Cooke asked what
would be the effect of trying 12 inches ? Mr* A. L. Steavenson said, he
would not think himself warranted in putting on a greater pressure than six
inches water-gauge.
Mr. G. B. Forster moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Steavenson for his paper,
and hoped the Council would see the propriety of printing
61
Bll the plans. There were a great many members who had not the gixth
volume.
$[r. Willis seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.
REPORT OP THE TAIL-ROPE COMMITTEE. The chair being vacated by Mr. Marley (he
being obliged to leave warty)' ft was ta^en °.T ^ir- B. Forster.
Mr. G. B. Forster said, if any one had any observations to make or questions
to ask, the members of the Tail-rope Committee were here, 1 and would be
glad to answer them.
Mr. Lishman said, "there was one question he would like to ask. ft At what
gradient would one of the endless-chains work without the application of the
engine ?
Mr. G. B. Forster said, it was self-acting at 2^ inches to the yard.
Ordinary self-acting inclines would work at a great deal less; but an
endless-chain would work along the level for some distance from the incline.
Mr. Lishman said, he thought this was over-stated. He had tried one 160
yards in length, with six inches to the yard for forty yards. The remainder
of the plane was level, the average gradient would be an inch to the yard.
Mr. G. B. Forster—A self-acting incline will act at less than an inch;
three-quarters.
Mr. G. B. Forster asked Mr. Burn how he liked the endless-chain which he had
in use ?
Mr. Burn said, he liked the endless-chain very well. The engine Was
underground, and the boiler on the surface.
A conversation then took place as to the expense incurred in supply-lng' the
machinery for working the endless-chain. R Mr. Burn stated, that in the
Committee's Report £276 was put down as sufficient to fit up a pit with
engine, shafting, &c, for the endless-chain. This he believed to be very
much below the actual cost, I.-since judging from the cost of machinery in
use at the Rainton Colliery, °r w°rking the endless-chain, the cost of
gearing at the Burnley °hieries, as reported by the Committee, seemed very
low. Mr. Bainbridge thought Mr. Burn would find that the difference Ween the
cost of gearing at the Burnley and Rainton Collieries was * enJ due to the
fact, that at the former collieries the engines and faring were of a very
cheap and inferior description, whilst at Rainton ey Were exceedingly strong
and of the best quality.
62
Mr. G. B. Forster said, the figures were given from actual costs; and the
person who built the engines was prepared to build as many more as might be
required on the same terms. The object they had fn view was to ascertain
whether an engine-plane worked with a tail-rope or an endless-chain was
cheapest and best.
Mr. Burn said, there would be a considerable saving in stone work. In four
years they had spent £2,000 in making wagonways for the tail-rope, and if
the same length of road had been to make for the endless-chain it would only
have cost £800. This would be a saving of £300 per year. Some of their
wagonways cost 10s. per yard, and now that they did not take any stone down
for the chain way, the travelling way could be made for 3s. per yard. The
putting is another item of saving. He ' calculated they would save from 2d.
to 3d. per score, as they could always have the chain close to the face; and
this would save them from £200 to £300 per year.
Mr. A. L. Steavenson said, did he understand rightly that the endless-chain
requires less outlay than the tail-rope ?
Mr. G. B. Forster—It requires no stone work.
Mr. A. L. Steavenson—How are your horses got in ?
Mr. G. B. Forster—You send them in on a tram.
Mr. Bainbridge said, that as far as the first cost of a wagonway was
concerned, at Burnley the endless-chain roads were no larger than ordinary
workmg places, and stone work was avoided owing to the facility with which
the endless-chain could be applied on heavy gradients. Neither horses nor
ponies were used underground at the Burnley Collieries, as branch ways were
so quickly constructed. The coals were put by hand to the terminus of the
engine-plane.
Mr. Lisiiman said, there was a greater liability to breakage with the
tail-rope than with the endless-chain.
After some further conversation, thanks were voted to Mr. Marley and Mr. G.
B. Forster, for their services in the chair, and the meeting then separated.
ON SOME EXPERIMENTS
with
THE LEMIELLE VENTILATOR
at
PAGE BANK COLLIERY.
By A. L. STEAYENSON.
On the occasion of the October meeting, in 1866, the writer had the pleasure
of bringing under your notice the merits of the Guibal ventilator, and then
reminded you that since Mr. Atkinson read his very complete paper on the
comparative merits of furnaces and machines, in respect to the consumption
of fuel, the members of this Institute have no longer any occasion to
hesitate in determining as to the adoption of a fan in preference to a
furnace. There are exceptional cases where, from the great depth of the
shaft, furnaces may be efficient, but the conditions which must prevail,
when this is the case, are easily learnt.
By the term " efficient," he implied not only the means of saving coal, hut
also of exhausting air, under conditions so severe in the amount of drag,
that furnaces cannot attain the same effect. He refers to this subject
again, because in some districts where the question has arisen the minds of
mining authorities are still "exercised" upon it, and they even put the
question of merit as one to be tested solely by the difference in value of
large and small coals. But it is for us to remember at the circumstances of
one colliery, or even of one district, which reuder the fan or the furnace
advisable, have nothing to do with the real ^estion.
1 It may be shortly stated thus. What is the depth required with a j^en
average temperature in the upcast, produced by a furnace, to equal ^ effect
the consumption of coals by a ventilating machine in lbs., per
°Ur> per horse power expended? pla ^ matters not to us* as an Institute,
what the price of coals is, at any e> we know that heat means power, and
power represents a money
84
value all the world over; so we determine how the most power is to he got
out of a certain quantity of heat; and we know that if by the applj cation
of a boiler, engine, and fan, we can get four, six, or eight times more
force out of the same quantity of heat generated, than by a furnace ' that
the mercantile or money question may safely be left to take care ' of
itself. We measure our air and ascertain the amount of drag which the
passages of the mine oppose to it, and having thus the force, in horse power
required, we have the simple question for solution, how can this, or still
greater results, be most effectively obtained ?
Having arrived, we will suppose, at the conclusion (as we most probably will
in nine cases out of ten), that a fan is more suitable than a furnace, we
have then to decide upon the principle which is best adapted to the purpose,
and we have two from which to make choice, viz.: Centrifugal, or as it was
lately termed " impulsion," and that of " varying capacities," or the common
pump.
Notwithstanding* that the writer had fully examined the merits of the former
by experiment and the study of the paper on the Guibal system already
referred to, he was induced from analogy in the case of raising water and,
by the advice of French engineers who had seen the two systems of the Guibal
and Lemielle in operation upon the Continent, to recommend the principle of
"varying capacities" to " centrifugal force," knowing that for raising water
an ordinary pump very far exceeds a centrifugal one in its powers of
exhaustion, and that in ventilating a thin seam this should form one of the
first considerations.
A reference to the results obtained would, he thought, satisfactorily show
that he has not been mistaken, and although the re-entry is large at
present, he hopes with practice to reduce it, and to prove that re-entry is
more to be feared as a defect in construction than in its effects, under the
principles of its action.
He would describe the machine by a reference to the plans first, then
explain the tabulated experiments, and lastly, give observations upon the
results of the experiments, and treat of them as subject to the lawS
affecting speed of machine, and drag of the mine.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FAN. On referring to the accompanying plans, Nos. 7, 8,
9, and 10, you will observe a circular chamber of masonry marked A, which
communicates by an air passage with the mine; on the opposite side is the
outlet. In this chamber revolves a drum B, placed eccentric with the
circumference °f the chamber, and to this drum are attached three wings, C C
C, moveable
| 65
I on hinges at their base, whose outer edge by means of the eccentric rods I
p D A which work upon a fixed metal shaft S in the centre ot the chamber, is
kept close to the walls, so that they enclose and should throw I ut three
volumes of air at every revolution, hereafter referred to as Ve. The weight
of the drum and wings is carried partly by a collar F, placed between two
malleable iron girders G, partly by the footstep H, 'and the remainder by
three wheels I, fitted with bearing springs, the axles being radial to the
centre. Motion is given by the horizontal ; engine on the top.
As misapprehension frequently occurs on a first examination of this machine,
he especially directs your attention to the centre column, which is
stationary, its chief duty being to throw out the wings by the eccentrics
which revolve upon it—and that it is a matter of first importance to make
the wings fit as closely to the circumference as possible, since I any
leakage which occurs increases rapidly, as the work to be done or I the drag
becomes greater. This leakage is hereafter referred to as re-entry and is
expressed as Vr.
The experiments he had made were tabulated so as to be readily compared, and
it is necessary, therefore, only to point out that in order to test the fan
thoroughly every experiment was made under two different conditions of the
mine, viz.:—First, when everything was in its ordinary condition; and,
secondly, when the separation doors at the pit bottom were open so that a
considerable proportion of the air was allowed to return immediately to the
upcast pit, relieving the drag as shown by the water-gauge in column L, and
upon the diagrams- Every care was used that the indicator diagrams, and
other measurements were taken at the same time by means of signals, and each
of the experiments extended over five minutes.
The readings of the anemometer are corrected by formulae which were
carefully prepared from observations at a high speed (see columns I and J).
The total quantity of air in cubic feet per minute is given under K,
and described as Vu, therefore, — the quantity generated per revolution,
R^s ~ (see column W), leaves the re-entry as per column X.
In order to show the increase of water-gauge at the different Velocities he
had prepared a diagram (plan No. 12); and another ^agram (plan No. 13) gives
the quantities of air, distinguished in uke manner, the dotted lines showing
the quantities due to the water-| ^nge under the law yu = yu J V_9
Plan 11 is a diagram showing the
| Native capacities of the discharge and re-entries.
Vol. XVIII.—1869. I
66
Plans Nos. 14 and 15 are copies of the diagrams taken from- the engine by a
Richard's indicator, and show the pressure at each end of the cylinder
during each experiment (see columns 0, P, Q, R, page 69.)
The results show that very large quantities of air are obtained under heavy
water-gauges, which he had always anticipated. They would observe No. 13
experiment gave 134,110 cubic feet under 4*55 inches of water-gauge, at
16*50 revolutions of the fan per minute, and that No, 7 experiment, the
doors being shut, at 16 revolutions, with 6*65 inches, he got 97,338 j this
latter is a slight error, the correct quantity being 104,000.
The theoretical law that these machines yield an equal volume of air per
revolution at various speeds, under similar conditions, does not appear to
be confirmed exactly; but if we take the average of the first series-, we *
get Q, or — = 6250; and we see that in column Y, some are rather less
and others rather more, so that the differences are apparently accidental,
and owing to the difficulty of measuring such high speeds of air
y
accurately. Assuming this average of —- or Q == 6250 to be correct,
and treating all the experiments of the first series with this as a basis,
we get (see column K and K') :—
By Theory. By Experiment.
V v ^
Water- y--H_ Vu
Rev. gauge. 11 ii
Equalled. Equalled.
No. i_ 8-60 x 6250 at 1-83 = 53,750 =...... 56,621 6,583
„ 2— 10 53,750 J = 62,887 = 6,288 60,757 6,075
„ 3 and 4 are the same.
„ 5—11-95 53,750 = 72,562 = 6,072 75,962 6>356
p 6— 14-50 53,750 J = 90,837 = 6,264 98,165 6,770
v 7_ 16 0 53,750 J *™ =102,662 = 6,416 97,338 6,083 ^ 1*83
The difficulty of getting the water-gauge perfectly correct is quite
sufficient to account for any apparent discrepancy in these results, and we
have now only to see how at similar speeds, with the conditions of the mine
altered by opening the separation doors, we find the machine fulfils the
law,
n
m 67
w}iich requires a diminution of useful volume under increased water-Kauge at
equal speeds, as in the notation already referred to,
Q = £ and Q< = £ If the laws we have just considered are correct, then our
best way to B'coire at the exact quantities, Q and Q', is to take the
average of the results obtained under each different condition, and we thus
get, With doors open, Q' =5 7,806 cubic feet. With doors shut, Q = 6,250 do.
Vu pi7
Then to prove Q' = J |— take say No. 6 and 11 experiments 'for comparison at
14-50 revolutions,
\M0 SopS. By Experiment.
When with doors shut 6250 J ^ = 7750 7858
The others give results equally near, and warrant us in assuming the law to
be the correct one—if it is so, then the object of first importance is to
reduce the re-entry to the lowest possible proportion; At present, with
doors open Yr = 3223 or 29 % with doors shut V'r = 4779 or 43 %
It is thus clear that under certain conditions of drag the re-entry would
equal the amount generated, or Yr = Ye, and this we find would take place if
the water-gauge indicated 18*10 inches, rather an unusual state of things
certainly.
These facts are held up by the advocates of centrifugal fans as quite
sufficient to condemn any system but their own. Curiously enough we are
never told what the centrifugal fans will do under these extreme
water-gaUges? neither has it ever been thought advisable to tell us how they
act under different conditions, and it is, therefore, desirable to °htain
this information at once.
It now only remains for me to state, practically, the benefit obtained V the
application of the fan in the present instance.
The furnace yielded, when at its best, 39,997 cubic feet under 0*90 uiches
water-gauge, and to prove the accuracy of this if we compare it wUh our
first fan experiment we get the theoretical duty of the furnace,
-J .QO
39,997 cubic feet = 57,195 cubic feet.
7 n 'do 7
The fan gives, at 1*83 water-gauge, 56,621, which is as nearly as
Possible correct.
The furnace was then consuming 41*10 lbs. of coal per horse-power
68
per hour. As soon as engine power is applied this is reduced to the usual
standard of 12 lbs. per horse-power applied, and in the case of a fan
utilising* 45 per cent, this becomes 26 lbs., or 36 per cent, less coals
with the fan than with the furnace—this upon the quantity of air now passing
through the mine amounts to a saving in coals and wages of £448 per annum,
assuming* that the furnace could have done the work but it could not do more
than it was doing, whereas we have now nearly doubled the air and have a
good margin in hand for future requirements.
When the time for discussion upon these remarks arrives the writer will
probably be able to report improvement as to the re-entry, and also to give
some comparative experiments with the Guibal under various con-* ditions,
meanwhile he believes he has fully established facts which will serve for
reference as well as a confirmation of important theories.
NORTH OF ENGLAND INSTITUTE
OF
I MINING ENGINEERS.
GENERAL MEETING. SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 1869, IN THE ROOMS OF THE INSTITUTE,
NEVILLE HALL, NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE. '
G. C. GREENWELL, Esq., in the Chair.
The Secretary read the minutes of the previous meeting" and the minutes of
the Council.
The following* new members were then elected:—
Members— J. A. Ramsay, Widdrington Colliery. c. P. Douglas, Consett Iron
Works, Gateshead. Thomas Hay Wilson, 40, Dean Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Addison Potter, Heaton Hall, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. John Rogerson, Weardale
Iron and Coal Company, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. A. m. Chambers, Thorncliffe Iron
Works, near Sheffield. Thomas Prosser, Architect, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. e.
Stutchbury, Mining Engineer, Almondsbury. George Caldwell, Moss Hall
Colliery, near Wigan. I. b. Everard, Mining Engineer, Leicester. Archibald
Matthias Dunn, Architect, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. "William James Joicey,
Tanfield Lea Colliery, Burnopfield. John Wilmot FearN, Chesterfield. "Wm. h.
Day, Monk Bretton, Barnsley.
Graduates—
John Herbert Jenkins, Cramlington Collieries, Northumberland. I James
Hunter, Peases' West Collieries, by Darlington.
c. Greenwell, Jun., Towneley Colliery, Blaydon-on-Tyne.
TAIL-ROPE COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
Uo ^ ^HAIIlMAN saic^ tne ^ePort or* tne Tail-rope Committee was °pen for
discussion. Before coming into the room he had
Vol. XVIII. -1868. k
72
heard the subject discussed very freely, and he thought, perhaps, it would
be as well if a little of the discussion was imported into that I meeting,
which was the proper place in which to entertain it. There was one point he
might mention. The other day he was in the Burnley district, and speaking to
one of the managers of the colliery, he made the following remark:—" Seeing
that many of the roofs of the North of England collieries were bad"—they
would bear him out that this was the case in the five-quarter seam—"to make
a wide road, such as would be necessary for using an Endless-chain, a very
considerable expense would have to be incurred, which seems not necessary in
a district where the roofs are chiefly Post and generally good." The answer
of that gentleman was, "Well, but our roofs are not good; in the Cliviger*!
Colliery all the main levels had to be arched." He (the Chairman) did not
know that this precise case had come under the consideration of the
Tail-rope Committee. All the main levels at Cliviger Colliery—some of them
eight feet wide or upwards—were arched. He would ask whether this had been
taken into consideration, and whether it would operate in favour of the
Tail-rope as compared with the Endless-chain ?
Mr. G. B. Forster said, he supposed the Endless-chain would require ; a road
nine feet wide. This was only a foot or two wider than the ordinary road.
The Chairman said, the colliery to which he had referred, was the adjoining
colliery to Towneley; but at Towneley the examinations were made in the
Mountain mines. The works in the adjoining colliery were in the Ardley
mines, where, for 300 yards, the roofs were arched in the levels.
Mr. G. B. Forster—It would have to be arched for a single way.
The Chairman said, he did not think it would be necessary for single ways to
be arched where they were in the main level; they had Tail-rope roads here
without arching where they had not double ways put in. Arching in the
North was the exception.
Mr. G. B. Forster said, it would be found that the Committee had been very
strict on this point. He did not mean to say that the Endless-chain was
recommended in all cases; it was only under certain circumstances. Of
course, if great expense had to be incurred in constructive arches, they
would not recommend it.
Mr. Lindsay Wood said, there were a great number of distric ^ where the
Endless-chain was worked, and no arches were used. He di not think he saw
any road that was arched. ^
Mr. E. Bainbridge said, in regard to the original cost of r°a
73
£or the Endless-chain as compared with the Tail-rope, he might state that at
Burnley they were usually nine feet wide and about three feet high. Tlie
roads for tne Tail-rope system in the North were seldom of jeSS width than
this, owing to the space required by the Tail-rope at the side of the way;
and besides this, extra width is also generally pro-1 vided in the way for a
travelling road, whilst at Burnley a twin intake I is used for this purpose.
The difficulty, therefore, arising from the necessity of arching where the
roof is bad would apply nearly equally to I both systems.
The Chairman asked Mr. Bainbridge if the roads he referred to at Burnley
Colliery were in the Mountain Mine or in the Ardley Mine ?
Mr. Bainbridge—In the Mountain Mine.
The Chairman—Where it is a Post roof, and not soft ?
Mr. Bainbridge—If a soft roof, it is generally arched.
The Chairman—The question is, if the workings are in a seam with a soft
roof, where in the one case it is not necessary to put arches in, whereas,
on the other hand, the increased width required, renders an arched roof
imperative, what difference would that make in the comparative cost between
the Tail-rope and the Endless-chain?
Mr. Bainbridge said, the roads at Burnley were no wider than those of the
North of England, namely, nine feet; and there were probably very few ways
in the North of England less than this.
Mr. Daglish said, the way must be wider necessarily for a double road than a
single road. Both for Endless-chains and Tail-ropes it was the custom on
extensive planes to have a travelling road. When they commenced at Rainton
Colliery with the Endless-chain they made a separate travelling way
altogether. K The Chairman said, if they had a certain width of road
necessary for the Tail-rope, and they substituted for this a double road for
the sake of introducing the Endless-chain system, they must consider what
^crease of cost was incurred in making it a double road; and the Necessity
of making such double road must be taken into account in estimating the
proportionate cost of working by the Tail-rope system ^ the Endless-chain. I
^ Mr. Southern said, he quite agreed with the Chairman, and he °ught the
remark of Mr. Daglish, too, was very important with regard / a separate
travelling way where the road was so entirely filled up with * double way.
As to having refuge stalls, they were certainly provided by the Act; but it
did not follow that because they had refuge stalls ey must not prepare a
travelling road besides, where, as had been said,
74
the space was entirely filled up by the two ways, in which case the
travelling road would he indispensable.
Mr. G. B. Forster said, the case which the Chairman had put was where a bad
roof confined them to a limited way. Now, in that case, he thought there was
a great deal more danger with a Tail-rope going at a great speed, than with
an Endless-chain. He considered that a travelling road was more necessary in
the case of a Tail-rope going at a high speed, than in the case of an
Endless-chain.
Mr. A. L. Steavenson said, it appeared to him very difficult to reconcile
the statement that they would be able to make and work a double width of
road as cheaply as a single one, especially if the first cost was taken into
account. It might indeed be said that an engine plane on the Endless-chain
system could be worked without having the top taken down. But there was an
advantage in taking the top down; and if it were possible to work by an
Endless-chain without the top being taken down, it would be as easy to work
with a Tail-rope under the same conditions. Further, they would find that
the Tail-rope was able to work in places where it was impossible for the
Endless-chain to work at all, and, therefore, the systems could not be
fairly compared. Brought before them very ably as it had been, still they
should give their individual opinions on this question, and there were one
or two elements to which he thought it desirable to call their attention.
One was, the effect of the gradients. It had been stated that where the
Endless-chain was employed, a gradient falling with the load assisted the
engine, under circumstances where, with the Tail-rope, no benefit would be
received, and that the application of the brake in the Tail-rope system, in
a descending gradient, was a loss which was not incurred in the
Endless-chain system, which, on the contrary, obtained the full benefit of
the descending gradient in dragging the tubs in. This was hardly so
important a matter as it might seem, because the inclination would cause the
set to run so much quicker ; and if the set was running some distance it was
so much gained. On the other hand, if the gradient was heavy, it would run
too fast, but still it might be possible for the governor of the engine to
regulate it. If they had always a descending gradient, whatever advantage it
might give with an Endless-chain, it would be equally beneficial if they had
a Tail-rope. Then there was the weight of the chain to be taken into
account, in one instance thirty-seven tons. This could not but have its
effect in friction, when running, on the wheels. Very often the sheaves were
larger than the wheels on the tubs, consequently, the effect of friction on
the wheels was greater than on the fixed sheaves. The weigh*
75
( of the chain, 13 lbs„ per fathom, w^s, at all events, twice as much as the
weight of the rope, which was only 7 or 8 lbs.; and if he was correct in
this assertion, it was a very important item. He was not prepared with
statistics, because he had been busy with his paper on the Ventilator;
I but in the previous year, Mr. Daglish read a paper on Haulage by
Tail-r°Pes; where the friction of dragging the ropes was given as 43 per
cent, of the entire power used. He (Mr. S.) made experiments shortly after,
at Page Bank, and found it the same; but when they looked at the friction
given here, they found that it varied from 54 to 83 per cent.; so that in
this respect the Endless-chain had not the advantage of the comparison.
Then, as to cost. There was one case in which the Endless-chain appeared to
cost something like 4d. per ton. He did not see if in one case it cost 4d.
how in another case it should cost one penny. This seemed to require a
little reconciliation. He believed the cost of applying the Tail-rope, if
thoroughly tested, would show that it was not so deficient as had been
represented. He was unwilling to admit that South Country practice was able
to beat them to this extent. He felt it to be a reflection on the district.
Mr. G. B. Forster wished to know in what district it was impossible to work
the Endless-chain, and possible to work the Tail-rope ?
Mr. A. L. Steavenson—In your own report it is stated that the Endless-chain
may be applied with few exceptions; and that the Tail-rope system should be
used where there are numerous branches to be worked.
Mr. G. B. Forster—The report says the Tail-rope is more economical m some
cases, but not that the chain is impossible.
Mr. A. L. Steavenson—Impossible, with due regard to economy.
The Chairman said, there was one question put by Mr. Steavenson as to cost.
He said in some cases the cost was 4d. per ton, and in other cases a penny;
this could be very easily accounted for, since the cost of Managing a road
was the same whether the quantity of work done was great or small,
therefore, if the same number of men were employed and only one-fourth of
the quantity carried, the cost would be four times the a»iount per ton.
Mr. L. Wood said, that was what caused the great difficulty in c°ttiparing
the actual cost of the two systems. There were so very few °f the engine
planes working up to their maximum quantity. With ^egard to Mr. Steavenson's
remark of the great loss of power required to rao the chain, although the
weight of the chain is carried on the tops the tubs., the friction is less
than with the Tail-rope which is carried
76
on rollers, the spindles of which are much smaller and revolve at a much
greater rate than the axles of the tubs which carry the chain, added to
which, the Tail-rope being so near the ground it is frequently in contact
with it, which causes a great loss of power.
Mr. E. Bainbridge said, Mr. Steavenson had drawn attention to the
discrepancy between the results of Mr. Daglish's experiments as compared
with these given in the Underground Haulage Report in respect to the per
centage of power exerted in working the ropes by the Tail-rope system. Mr.
Steavenson would find that the variation was caused chiefly by the variation
of the gradient. Thus at Seaton Delaval, where the plane was nearly level,
the proportion of power expended on the rope was 72 per cent. ; whereas at
Murton and Seaton, where the planes ' had average gradients of 1 in 83 and 1
in 64 respectively, the per centage of power required for the rope was much
less.
Mr. G. B. Forster said, with respect to the power required for the
Endless-chain, the engines were usually a third of the size used for the
Tail-rope. He never saw more than two 12-inch cylinders. It appeared to him
that the great difference between the Endless-chain and the Tail-rope lay in
the rate of speed. It was acknowledged by engineers that there was great
advantage in the use of trains travelling at a slow speed. Nothing so
increased the cost of a railway as express trains. Here they had an
Endless-chain travelling at a slow rate and requiring very little power to
move it, while the Tail-rope was travelling at very great speed and
requiring large power. In the Endless-chain the power exerted is nearly
always the same, and, therefore, it requires only the average power. In the
Tail-rope the power required is sometimes very large and sometimes very
small, and the engine must be large enough for the maximum power required at
any time. The rope travelling at an ' immense speed must cause more
friction. Mr. Steavenson's expression of regret that this district should be
thrown into the shade was one in which he (Mr. F.) joined. He went to
Lancashire with quite as strong an opinion in favour of the Tail-rope as Mr.
Steavenson had expressed; but if men would not go to other districts to
learn they must come to grief. The more they went away from home and learnt
from other people the better it would be for themselves.
Mr. Daglish said, he had taken down Mr. Steavenson's observation^ but they
had been mostly answered by others since he did so. Fir^ it was said that
there was no great loss in running the set m 1 the brake were put on; but
they must remember that the engine was exerting its force in pulling the
Tail-rope. The horse-power require
! 77
I to pull the rope was not reduced in the slightest by the set running inbye
retarded by the brake, the engine was pulling the Tail-rope all the time.
The second point had been answered by Mr. Wood; but he
I ^ould add a single remark. Besides the difference in friction between
I the Chain and the Tail-rope, a very great loss was attributed to the
resistance by the bending of the rope and from the power required to lift it
as it went over every roller. In the experiments which were made to
ascertain the actual horse-power exerted by the engine, it was found that
more resistance had to be overcome in working by the Tail-rope than was
required by simply calculating the friction of the rollers and gravity of
the tubs; and this was partly due to the extra power required to lift the
Tail-rope over the rollers. Again, Mr. Steavenson said, that in the paper
which he (Mr. D.) had the honour to read to the Institute, he gave 43 per
cent, as the power absorbed by the rope. It might be so in that particular
case, but it was quite possible to be 90 per cent, if the rope were long
enough. The amount of per centage depended on the length of the ways. Then
there was the great advantage of the chain obtaining the benefit of the
gradients. If they had a certain number of districts in the pit; some
inclined towards the pit, and some the opposite way; and these were all
connected with one engine, they would get the benefit of all the descending
planes; and this was a large amount. He believed the whole of the gentlemen
on the Tail-rope Committee went to Lancashire very much disposed in favour
of the Tail-rope; but they could not but observe, with surprise, the small
power that was required to work the Endless-chain. He had applied a small
engine at Rainton Colliery, and he was quite sure that an engine four times
the size could not have done the work with the Tail-rope. It was quite
possible if they had workings coming from the higher part of I the pit, they
might work coals from the dip without any engine at all, if* they had a
preponderance of coals coming from the rise. He would he glad if any
gentleman would visit Rainton Colliery; Mr. Burns would be happy to show the
working of the chain there.
||v The Chairman said, with regard to the power required in lifting the rope
between the pulleys, he would remark that as the rope fell on each side of
the pulley the one fall would balance the other, possibly there might be a
loss of power in tightening the rope which otherwise w°uld fall down
considerably more.
Mr. Daglish—Not with such a length of rope as he was supposing, 8ay a
thousand yards, with the pulleys sixteen yards apart. Here they w°uld have a
fall of from six to eight inches; and before this rope had
78
the whole of the thousand yards run off, they would have the fall to lift
over every pulley before it reached to the far end.
Mr. Southern said, there would be scarcely so much loss due to the fall as.
to the extra friction caused by bending* the rope over the sheaves.
Mr. Nelson said, the per centage of friction of ropes was in proportion to
the bending of the ropes over the return sheaves, or on partial bends. He
had made some experiments on the subject, and he found that by having a
pulley suspended with rope of equal weight on each side, a considerable per
centage was added on one side before the motion commenced, over and above
the friction of the sheaves. He saw Mr. Morison present, and the credit of
these experiments was principally due to him.
Mr. Morison said, there was friction due to the rigidity of the rope beyond
what he would have expected to find from the friction of the axle of the
sheave, and in corroboration of what was said of the friction of ropes
passing round the pulleys, he would mention one instance that occurred at
Pelton, where the Tail-rope passed one-fourth round a six foot sheave with a
pump attached. Even when the pump was disconnected, the increase of engine
power required to overcome the friction due to this sheave alone was fifteen
per cent, of the total power necessary to take in the empty set.
Mr. W. 0. Wood said, they had a wagon engine working at the surface, and
they had sheaves every ten yards; but the friction of the extra rollers
somewhat retarding the action of the engine they took every other sheave
out, and the consequence was the engine could go with a wagon or two more.
Mr. A. L. Steavenson—Then if you had taken them all out it ' would have
gone easier still ?
Mr. G. B. Forster—So it would, if the rope could have been kept from
touching the ground.
Mr. W. Boyd suggested, that the power required to overcome the bending to
which Mr. Daglish referred, might be partially estimated by multiplying the
mean depth of the curve to which the rope between the two points of
suspension would hang, into the weight of the rope between those points of
support. Supposing the pulleys were 10 feet apart, and the rope weighed 12
lbs. per fathom, and that it hung to a mean depth of 2\ inches, that
multiplied over 1,000 or 20,000 yards, as the case might be, would give a
representation in part of the amount of that portion of power the engine had
to exert in pulling the rope
I 0ver the pulleys; to this must be added the power required actually to
bend the rope, and the friction of the pulley spindles.
Mr. Daglish said, that was so. There was also a loss of power in the
I mere bending of the rope. Every time they bent the rope a certain
I amount of power was required to overcome the resistance.
Mr. Nelson said, no doubt it was so to a considerable extent. There were no
tables which gave the rigidity of wire-ropes, though, gtrange enough, the
rigidity of these was very much liko that of
I kemp. This seemed curious, considering the difference of the material.
The sheaves should be proportioned to the size of the rope.
Mr. Steavenson said, he thought Mr. Daglish had not understood what he meant
in regard to the gradients. He still thought that the Tail-rope got the
advantage of a gradient running towards the shaft. If tubs were running down
hill for a hundred yards, the journey did not take the same force of the
engine as if it were level; therefore, either they had the effect in
increased speed or the steam on tne engine was reduced, and the speed was
slackened by the man shutting the steam off. He was not obliged to put the
brake on to make the tubs run slower.
Mr. Daglish repeated what he had said, that in running the empty set inbye,
the engine was pulling the Tail-rope all the time, and getting no assistance
from the descending set. At Seaham Colliery there was quite sufficient power
for the tubs to run a great part of the way, the engine working up to 23 to
30 horse-power, doing nothing but pull the Tail-rope.
Mr. Steavenson—But there is a benefit from the gradient; it is helping the
tubs in.
Mr. Daglisii—On the contrary, this is obtained with the Endless-chain. But
with the Tail-rope the drum of the main rope is detached, and is then out of
gear with the engine, and cannot transmit any benefit to it, added to which
the set is retarded by means of the brake.
Mr. Steavenson said, that was very rarely the case. If they had any
quickening gradients they were quite as much benefit with the r°pe as with
the chain. There was another point which was brought as a charge against the
Tail-rope. It was said there were numerous Sections, and lads had to be
employed where the Tail-rope was working Xnto the various districts;
whereas, with the Endless-chain there was :0l% one district and fewer lads
had to be employed. But it was a £reat advantage to be able to work more
than one district.
Mr. Southern said, in connection with any saving of power by Vol.
XVIIL—1869. l
80
the Endless-chain system, he confessed he could not see how it was to he
gained; because with the Endless-chain the sending out of full tubs was
irregular; which would often necessitate the introduction of empty tubs. The
Chairman—That stops the work.
Mr. Southern—Tf it stops the work where is the advantage 1 Mr. G. B.
Forster—If no work is coming out it stops the Tail-rope equally.
Mr. Southern—They do put empty tubs on to the chain as well as full ones.
Mr. G. B. Forster—Equally so with the Tail-rope.
Mr. Southern—Having an uneven gradient it is not always possible to have the
advantage of full tubs.
Mr. G. B. Forster—No; but an empty tub can help the full tub.
Mr. Douglas—In the case of self-acting inclines with heavy gradients worked
in the ordinary way, there cannot be any question but that a large amount of
power is available, and, generally speaking, entirely lost. It would seem
desirable to make such available power useful; and to effect this he had
introduced on two inclines the Endless-chain. In one case there were some
200 yards of level road between the bottom of the incline and the bottom of
a single rope Engine bank, between which points the work was done by horses.
The excess of power now given out on the incline enabled the coals to be
carried along the level, and so by means of the chain he laid off the one or
two horses otherwise required. In the other case a greater distance of level
road was worked, owing to the gradient of the incline being heavier. Of
course, could the lengths of these inclines have been prolonged by
diminishing the gradient, a like saving might have been effected, and the
sets have been run in the ordinary way; but in underground work, as in these
instances, doing this usually involved too serious an outlay. One great
objection he had found in the use of ropes was the introduction of certain
descriptions of offtake joints, or links, which he found invariably to
destroy the upper coils of rope laid on to the drum, so that, where a number
of these existed, a rope really was, in a measure, rendered useless long
before it was worn out. He had used several different kinds without yet
being satisfied, and would be glad to hear what link other gentlemen found
best adapted for the purpose. In the case of broken ropes, he found it much
better to splice them, and not allow a socket to remain on longer than
circumstances rendered necessary.
Mr. Steavenson said, he must consent to be non-suited. He hoped
81
I when these gentlemen had got their Tail-ropes done away with, and I chains
applied, that twelve months after this time, they would come and I give the
results of their experience.
Mr. W. 0. Wood wished to call attention to the comparative economy 1 of
engines working underground with boilers at the surface, and those m working
on the surface with the ropes taken down the shaft. He ¦believed there was a
difference. There was a loss in the condensation of K steam by the steam
passing down the pipes; and there was a loss in the K ventilation in taking
so much air to ventilate the engine-house ; and I, there was an extra
quantity of oil and tallow used to lubricate the engine.
Mr. G. B. Forster said, underground engines were an advantage. . I He had
seen the ventilation raised from 30,000' to 70,000 feet, entirely 1; by the
introduction of underground engines.
Mr. Marley said, when the gentlemen of the North of England 1; visited
Manchester, and before this Tail-rope Committee was appointed, he happened
to be present, and he remembered a number of remarks made which were rather
derogatory to the chain system. He hoped | that all engineers, wherever they
came from, would not be above learn-! ing wherever they went. They had found
more advantages in the chain system than they expected; yet, notwithstanding
this, he thought ||. there had not yet been sufficient weight given to the
difference of ropes B|nd the difference of roads, and to carrying out the
Inspection Act in the spirit and not in the letter with regard to travelling
ways. He agreed with Mr. Daglish that though they might have their refuge
stalls and might be doing everything that could be done in the letter they
might still not be in the spirit. Gentlemen of the North of England must not
rush wildly and alter what had been in practice many years, till they had
fully weighed the questions of roads and travelling ways; as, although it
had been attempted in general to attribute advantages to the use of the
Endless-chain, he thought they would find there were localities in which the
peculiarities of either system might be advantageously utilized. They, above
all things, ought carefully to consider the cases under consideration before
rushing to a general change. Therefore, this discussion having taken place
to-day, and the publication of the Tail-rope Committee being in the hands of
members, he hoped when *t was resumed (and he had no doubt the subject would
be put down for further discussion) every member would come fully prepared
with points on which they wished information, or with points of attack. He
concluded by moving that the discussion be resumed at a future Meeting.
82
Mr. G. B. Forster seemed the motion, which was carried by show of hands; it
being* undergo that the Council would decide at what meeting- the adjourned
discao should take place.
MECLUCAL RIVETTING. Mr. Waller said, thati; noticed in Mr. Boyd's paper the
strengths of the joints for lap single Tutting was given as '76, and double
rivetting •97, on the authority of Milrbairn, but he believed that later
experiments,, by the same authorkiiad proved that the strengths were '66 and
•7 of the plate. With regaft) steam rivetting he noticed that the forces
employed were given at 27M, and 13 tons, and thought that if 13 tons were
sufficient to close a tin thoroughly, the remainder of the force exerted
would be used upoil plates themselves and be injurious. In steam rivetting
it was founlfct a rivet could be used one quarter of an inch longer than by
hand rring, and this quantity of iron being forced into the holes formed a s
ler or washer between the plates. In punching the holes they wri;lways found
to be taper owing to the die being larger than the puii and so when the
rivets filled the holes it was almost impossible to re the rivets out again.
As an instance he quoted a case where 24 ci rivets had to be renewed and
only two could be knocked out, the leaving to be drilled out. The heads were
not true to the rivet in suitcases; indeed they had been found to be
altogether at one side of th >ts, which would be caused by the plates being
in motion when the Was struck, or by the spring of the holder-up. He looked
upon stesirivetting as an advantage to the boiler-maker at the expense of th
ixiler user, for he believed that this might be partly the cause of
"seairips." Hydraulic pressure was a slower application of the same piple,
and in both there was the same objection. Another feature 1 considered was
the heating of the rivets. In the handwork the riviere frequently heated
only at the points, and at once knocked downwr the plates without the holes
being filled; but in power rivetting the ri were heated all over, which
accounted for more iron being used and Holes filled ; so that there was
necessity for the foreman to see that tie rivets were properly heated and
the work carefully done in the one cstrhile in the other the machine might
be left to itself. He preferred a k -made boiler to one rivetted by power,
and thought that any one examuig the two processes would agree with him in
the conclusion that for Srs it was not judicious at least to employ so great
force as exerted by put rivetting.
Mr. W. Boyd said, th gentleman who had just spoken had missed
83
one or two points. In reading the paper he (Mr. B.) disapproved almost as
gtrongly as himself of the system of steam rivetting'. He had distinctly
expressed it as his opinion that that system was open to many and serious
objections; and he endeavoured to show as far as lay in his power the way in
which hydraulic rivetting had a distinct superiority over steam. There waS
one point to which he had alluded—he had not a copy of his paper with
him—Du^ as mr as his recollection went, he had stated that the holder-up in
the case of steam rivetting went back three-eighths or half-an-inch; hut in
the case of their own rivetting by hydraulic power the shrinking of the
holder-up was one-sixteenth. That that could have any deleterious effect he
distinctly denied. A shrinking' to that amount might be fairly taken as
closing the rivet against an unyielding body. Again, as to the 'washer which
the gentleman had spoken of a's existing between the two plates, he would
state that at the time the paper was read a large number of specimens were
exhibited, and not a single washer was in any one of them. The question
resolved itself into one of advantage, not into a question of cost to the
manufacturer, which was hardly a fair way of looking at it in a discussion
like this. It was brought forward to be discussed as a mechanical
arrangement. It was in this relation he wished to urge its superiority over
hand rivetting. In his own practice they were constantly in the habit of
making boilers by hydraulic pressure, testing them with 120 or 140 lbs.
water to the square inch. Rivets that leak under these tests w^ere rivets
put in by hand labour, and not those by the machine. There was another
remark he made when reading the paper; the way in which the rivet was closed
in the hydraulic machine was different from the way in which the same rivet
was closed by steam rivetting. They had the case of a washer in steam
rivetting' in one of the plates struck by a sudden blow. The plates when put
together always had a tendency to open. But suppose the plates were ever so
open they would be closed, and in the case of the hydraulic rivetting
Machines they had no opportunity of springing back, the pressure being
gradually and steadily applied.
Mr. Waller said, if a rivet were inserted in the plates, and pressure Verted
on the ends, such pressure would be equal over the rivet, which would expand
till it met with resistance, and if the plates were not close together a
shoulder must be formed. Unless they had a man to close the plates and keep
them together during the process of rivetting, they c°uld not ensure them
"being close together, and the rivet without a shoulder.
Mr, Southern thought, this was a most interesting question and
84
a very important one to all classes of engineers. So far as the rivetting of
boilers was concerned it required the very close study of all mining
engineers; and more so now than ever, seeing there were so many mishaps, and
so much mystery connected with boiler explosions.
Mr. A. L. Steavenson said, if there was any peculiarity such as Mr Waller
spoke of it required a different adaptation of the rivetter.
Mr. W. Boyd—In the portable machine there are special means for closing the
plates before the rivetting commences—for one of the cylinders has no tiling
to do but to close them, while the other rivets them, and he referred to the
specimens which he had produced.
Mr. A. L. Steavenson said, in the specimens Mr. Boyd exhibited there was no
collar such as Mr. Waller spoke of. He had exhibited * some specimens sawn
in two which looked perfect.
Mr. Nelson said, they would come across good work and bad in both cases.
The discussion then closed.
NORTH OF ENGLAND INSTITUTE
op
MINING ENGINEERS.
GENERAL MEETING, SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 1868, IN THE ROOMS OF THE INSTITUTE,
NEVILLE HALL, NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE.
G. B. FORSTER, Esq., in the Chair.
The Secretary having read the minutes, the following new members were
elected:—
Members—
Jacob Joicey, Forth Banks "West Factory, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. William
Carrington, Sunderland.
Thomas Pacey, Hunwick and Newfield Collieries, near Bishop Auckland.
ELECTION OF VICE-PRESIDENT.
Mr. Marley said, he was quite sure they would all regret that Mr. J. F.
Spencer had resigned the office of Vice-President, on account of ill health,
and it was now their duty to elect some person as his successor. As the
current year would end in August, it was a pity to be at the trouble ai*d
expense of issuing voting papers; and as the Secretary had informed them
that the old voting papers had been kept under lock and key, *t Was thought
the best course, under these circumstances, to elect tbe mechanical engineer
whose name stood next on the list; and if the election should fall on any
gentleman who was already in the Council, ^en the vacancy so made in the
Council might be filled up in like banner. He begged to move that this
course be pursued; and as two °f the last scrutineers, Mr. L. Wood and Mr.
T. G. Hurst, were present, he suggested that these gentlemen should retire,
and after a scrutiny of
voting papers, report who stands next on the list.
Mr. Cochrane seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.
86
The scrutineers having- reported that the name of Mr. Isaac Lowthian Bell
stood next on the list, that gentleman was elected Vice-President.
MECHANICAL FIRING OF BOILERS.
The discussion on Mr. Nelson's paper was then resumed.
The Secretary said, he took the liberty of making a few observations on
stoking; amongst other reasons, because the paper prepared by Dr. Richardson
and himself, which appeared in Vol. XIV., had never been discussed, owing to
the unavoidable absence at that time of Dr. Richardson and himself, and he
thought that now it might be discussed with advantage, especially as since
the last meeting the coal-owners had had the good fortune to succeed in
getting the qualities of their North Country steam coal recognised by the
Government. He was very glad to be able to state that the question was now
in the hands of a gentleman who thoroughly understood his work, and that the
old mode of buying had been set aside, so that he hoped this mineral would
now be purchased on its merits by persons capable of judging thereon,
without any middle interposition whatever. Having secured this result, it
was of the greatest possible consequence that they should retain it; and he
hoped that all interested in the matter would see the importance of good
stoking and a careful adaptation of the furnaces of steam ships, so that it
may be proved to the world that here, at least, the coal can be economically
consumed without smoke. He had the permission of Mr. Straker to lay before
the Institute the results of experiments on board the steam ship "Weardale,"
which began at the fall of last year and had been going on during the
winter, and which had proved completely successful. The only alteration, he
might state, which was made in the "Weardale," was shortening the bars. That
seemed to answer all the purpose required, and it fully bore out the
experiments made by Mr. Miller, at Devonport. There the bars were shortened
to three feet, and not only did they burn the coal more economically, but
the boiler with a short bar was actually more powerful; more coal was burnt,
per square foot, of grate surface. Short bars were also found to burn the
coal more rapidly, and produce a better result, in the "Weardale." By a vote
of the Steam Coal Trade Association, the matter was placed in his hands to
see if this simple alteration in the furnace would be beneficial, and cause
the smoke to disappear. Seeing how desirable it was that the condition of
the "Weardale," as a smoke consumer, should be carefully ascertained before
any alteration was made, he sent a man on board for a voyage, and explained
to hit*1 the mode of arriving at the smoke equivalent according to the rule
87
ILgreed to by the Government. That mode was already before the I ^embers
of the Institute in Vol. XIV".; but it might be as well ' fere to mention,
that the smoke issuing from the chimney had to be I noted every minute of
the hour. Of course, in ordinary circumstances, I with bad stoking and
appliances, this would be a tedious affair; but when I practised in the
"Weardale" it was not tedious. Only four or five minutes per hour
required to be noted. The mode of noting was simply I this. Very black
smoke was called six, and very light smoke was t called one; the
intermediate quantities gave the other numbers. These I were booked in a
printed form every minute for an hour, were added up, I and the addition was
called the smoke equivalent. He (the Secretary) 1 was very anxious that
this mode of computing smoke should become general, as it afforded the
opportunity of comparing the relative qualities of different coals. A man
said, such a chimney was smoky. Well, but bow smoky? There should be a
standard. The man he sent on board the " Weardale" was to ascertain first,
what was her usual smoke equivalent, as she was reported to be tolerably
smokeless already, but it was found that her equivalent was 107*9. The
bars were then shortened from five feet to three feet six, and the result
was that 107*9 was reduced on an average of 18 hours to 7*7. He had not
seen any of the experiments himself, his duties confining him here; but the
vessel had made frequent voyages to London, and he was assured, both by the
captain and the engineer, confirmed by the owners, that what he had stated
was substantially correct. She was now considered as burning North Country
coal in a smokeless way. It was the knowledge of this fact that induced
the Chairman of the Steam Coal Trade Association, at the interview of the
deputation with Mr. Childers, to say, that with a small alteration of the
furnace North Country coals could be burnt as smokelessly as Welsh. It had
been observed with respect to hand stoking that if great care was necessary
to stoke in order to prevent smoke it could not be attended with economy.
A better class of stokers w°uld have to be employed; and their duties being
multiplied they would have to be employed in greater numbers. This was
urged against our I coal, and not against Welsh coal. He contended, and
he believed with justice, that this objection was groundless. In reality
Welsh coal reared as careful stoking, and as delicate manipulation as North
Country |coal. The nature of Welsh coal required that it should be burnt
in a I thin layer over the bars. If it was put on thickly the produce of
c°uibustion ceased to be carbonic acid, and became carbonic oxide. It | had
not consumed the whole of its carbon but wasted a large portion, Vol.
XVIII.—1869. m
90
find any very material difference in the consumption of coal, whether the
smoke was burnt or not, though they could immediately stop the production of
smoke by air getting in at the back. From the report of the engineer he
could not find any material difference in the amount of coal burnt on the
voyage. In other words, though the coal was more truly burnt and a certain
quantity of heating power produced, yet a less quantity of steam was
proportionately raised. He was not able to put it in figures, but the one
somewhere about balanced the other.
The Secretary said, he did not make any allusion to the admission of air
behind the bridge, for this reason. At Devonport when the bars were
shortened there were bricks, as in this case, behind the furnace, but they
were built up solid, and seeing that the smoke was effectually consumed, he
was not prepared to admit, with Mr. Boyd, the importance of air being
supplied at the back. Again, there was but a small hole at the bottom of the
bridge plate in the "Weardale." That hole was very small—four inches
square—and the quantity of air admitted behind this bridge was very
insignificant. When this hole became partially filled with ashes the
quantity was still less, and he thought Mr. Boyd was attaching more
importance to this point than it deserved. That gentleman further remarked
that he was disappointed in finding that consumption of smoke did not
produce an extra amount of steam. He was inclined to think that this arose
from admitting air too freely behind the bridges. If the bars of steamers
were only reduced to three feet or three feet six inches, there would be
little or no necessity for admitting air behind the bridge. One thing was
very important, smoke must not be made; when once made it was impossible to
consume it. In conclusion, he begged to acknowledge the courtesy and
assistance he had at all times received from Mr. Boyd in conducting these
experiments.
Mr. Wm. Cochrane—What is really the rationale of shortening the I bars ?
Mr. Bunning did not give the reason.
The Secretary said, the only account he could give of it was this- I First,
it was very much easier to put the coal on short bars. If a 1118,11 I
pitched a shovel full of coals at the bottom of a six feet bar, it
immediately I gave off its gas. With a short bar a man could not do this. If
he pitched I it at the back it was still comparatively in front,
particularly with hot I bricks behind. There was this also in favour of
short bars, with a I perforated plate in front; if this door was a foot high
it was equivale11 I to increasing the air entry by a foot—if the bar was
three feet long tb® I area of the air getting to the coals was increased by
a third—the I being piled up in front; whereas if the bars were six feet
long, and I
91
I jo0r was perforated, the air entry was only increased one-sixth. The I
piace in which the coal rests is accessible to the air on each side, and it
gets more completely enveloped in air than with a long bar. The shortness of
the bar prevented the stoker from accidently throwing coals too far over.
Mr. Boyd alluded to the way in which the " Weardale " was fitted. Behind the
bridge she had bricks fitted with air spaces between, j^t the bottom of this
bridge there is a hole which admits air, and is supposed to assist in
consuming the smoke. This hole was very small. In the experiments he made at
Devonport there was one solid mass of brick work behind the bridge, and as
the results were equally good in either case, he was not prepared to admit
the importance of getting air behind.
Mr. Boyd said, in one of the steamers they had fitted, and in which the air
was admitted through holes at the back, there had been a deficiency of
steam. They then placed a brick in to prevent the air getting in there; but
they did not find any appreciable difference in the steam, but immediately
there was an immense volume of smoke; the length of bars was 4 feet 6
inches.
Mr. A. L. Steavenson said, it was quite possible that this was owing to not
allowing sufficient air to enter by the door.
Mr. Boyd said that, apart from the question of the consumption of smoke
short bars were aimed at for marine engines. They tended to economise the
consumption of coal, therefore every day they were trying to get the bars as
short as they could, to raise the necessary quantity of steam. Having got
the bars reduced, and air admitted through the brick-work, there was hardly
any smoke at all.
Mr. A. L. Steavenson—For what reason do you expect economy?
Mr. Boyd—The quantity of fire-bar surface at the disposal of the fireman was
reduced.
Mr. Southern—How is the air admitted 1
Mr. Boyd—Through the open bars at the back.
Mr. Wm. Cochrane said, Mr. Boyd spoke of the admission of cold air behind
the bridge, and to that he attributed the prevention of smoke. ^Now, what is
required is sufficient oxygen at a proper temperature to mix with the gases
which escape unconsumed from the grate; if air 18 thrown in at a lower
temperature than that at which combination will 0e effected, the result is
simply a deposit of soot, i.e., finely divided °ar°on, which goes off in
dense smoke and cannot be utilized. The brickwork behind the bridge would no
doubt heat the air to the proper teQlperature.
Mr. Boyd said, that possibly he had not conveyed his ideas correctly.
92
He by no means meant to convey tbe idea that they should admit absolutely
cold air, but that no special provision for heating* it was used. The
favourite idea was that the best way of consuming* this smoke was to put a
pipe in directly above the furnace, the cold air passing* through the pipe
is then heated.
Mr. Wm. Cochrane—No matter how the heat was got, provision must be made to
obtain this temperature. Throwing air in at any lower temperature would
result in a dense deposit of smoke.
Mr. Boyd (referring to the drawing of the " Weardale" furnace as altered,
see Plate XVIII.) said, the stopping of the opening B below the bridge
distinctly made smoke, and the opening of it distinctly prevented smoke. In
the first case the air was admitted of a certain temperature sufficient to
prevent smoke. When this was closed, it was not cold air that was admitted,
but no air at all. He used the expression cold air comparatively, as
distinct from air heated by any special arrangement.
Mr. Southern said, it was an important point with regard to the air being
heated or not. Cold air would do injury to the boiler.
Mr. Morison said, he differed from Mr. Boyd. At Pelton Colliery they had
Juckes' apparatus, and they had tried air passages along each side of the
fire, and the air was thus first admitted at the back of the bridge. This
produced smoke from Juckes' furnace. To remedy this they tried to bring the
air in front of the bridge. The smoke still continued, and they had to stop
up the air passages altogether; Their object in bringing in air at the side
was that the process of combustion should not be so rapid; but they found it
had the effect of producing an enormous amount of smoke.
Mr. Wm. Cochrane said, this carried out what he was saying. The principle of
Juckes' system was that no more gas was given off from the coal than oxygen
was supplied to consume it. Therefore they did not want the process of
admitting air at the back. The admission of cooler air at this point seemed
to lead to the result he spoke of—the gases which would otherwise be
consumed being deposited in the shape of soot. Mr. Boyd said, the passage of
the air through this mass of brickwork was sufficient to prevent smoke. The
bricks when heated would be of the average temperature of the gases.
Mr. Morison—It is not possible to work the Juckes' with air admitted behind
the fire. The quantity of air passed through the fire is diminished, and the
gases evolved from the front are not consumed.
The Chairman—It appears that no air was passed in behind.
The Secretary said, at Devonport they had no air whatever throng" these
bricks. They brought all the air through the bars. Anything whic
|: diminishes the draft causes smoke. All modes would be successful with |'
short bars if there was a good draft. It was his impression, from what he If
jaw at Devonport, that it was not necessary to pass the air behind. Suffi-I
cient should be admitted through the door and under the. bars.
Mr. Boyd—The shortness of the bar must be taken in connection with the width
of the furnace.
Mr. A. L. Steavenson said, he regretted the absence of Mr. Nelson, | who, in
his paper, asserted that by mechanical firing a saving in coal could be
effected—but it appeared to him that in wages and the preven-I tion of smoke
were to be found the only elements of advantage. Some persons seemed to
think that the coals knew whether they were thrown Mpn by hand or by
mechanical means, forgetting that if the conditions l/mecessary for perfect
combustion were fulfilled that the results afforded pfoy the coals must be
the same in either case. If air was admitted to K$he fire in proper
quantities the gases and hot carbon would yield the same equivalent in heat
; whether the air was admitted hot or cold it made no difference, if it was
hot more was required to supply the oxygen. He had tried the admission of
air behind the bridge but got no benefit, and he did not see the object to
be attained by short bars.
Mr. Wm. Cochrane said, he had prepared a few memoranda connected with the
use of Juckes' bars, at Elswick Colliery, which he would give to the
meeting':—•
June, 18G5, two boiler fires were set to work. January, 1806, two ditto.
April, 1866, two ditto. August, 18GGy one ditto. ' Boilers 30 feet long by
5 feet diameter. Each set of Juckes' cost £85 to £90, and £5 more for
connecting shafting, &c."
One engine, 10 inch cylinder by 18 inches stroke, drives seven sets ajid
feeds the boilers.
I Since 1865 only one pinion has broken, the bars in this case having £°t
fast; one worm casting has been worn out for each set; two worm wheels have
broken; six water pipes at the back of the fire have been
llrnt through (the water deposits heavily and stops the flow through taese
pipes); the bridges require rebuilding and furnace sides repairing ¦saeh
three months; the boilers are at work day and night.
Bars.—Ten complete sets of inside bars (the outside bars last much °nger)
have been supplied to this date (August, 1868) to replace the Wear and tear;
cost including labour of fixing, £21 each set; average
94
duration of a set is, therefore, about eighteen months (day and night
working).
Previously, with Argand fire-bars, a set of pokers and rakes was required
for each furnace, and with almost monthly repairs were replaced in twelve
months; there was also a heavy destruction of fire-bricks in the bridges and
furnace linings, when breaking off the strong clinkers; now only two pokers
and two prickers are used for the seven boilers, and these have not been
renewed.
A set of Argand fire-bars (with air spaces cast in the bar itself) cost £7
5s., and lasted about nine months.
"With the Argand bars the small coals consumed were 50 to 55 cwts., average
per boiler, per 24 hours, under the same boilers the steam pressure
averaging 35 lbs. per square inch, evaporating 3,100 gallons
per boiler per hour, i.e. jjl^g^ = *53 gallons or 5*3 lbs. of water per
pound of small coals; where with Juckes' bars 60 to 65 cwts. per 24 hours
were consumed (bars travelling 9 feet per hour) evaporating
4250
4,250 gallons per boiler per hour, i.e. 112 x 62Jr 6° gallons or 6'° lbs. of
water per pound of small coals—6£ boilers are taken as the average number at
work.
Advantages of Juckes'.—Perfect combustion of fuel; three firemen in 24 hours
instead of six previously employed, and one of these three attends to the
ventilator engine. The additional steam produced by the Juckes' enabled one
boiler in five to be laid off.
Mr. Southern said, that in Juckes' the quality of the metal was more
important than in ordinary bars. He was at a colliery in his dis- j trict
where some of Juckes' furnaces were used. In one furnace the bars were in a
good state of preservation, while in the furnace adjoining, which was fired
by the same coals, they were nearly worn out; and those that were in a good
state of preservation had been twice the time at work.
Mr. Lawrence said, as to the duration of bars in Juckes', one set of bars
might have been neglected—that is, by some mismanagement, being allowed to
stand still during the night—as much damage might be done in this night as
in ordinary working would be done in six months, or even twelve months. He
had had one working for three years twelve hours per day at a carpet
factory, so that Mr. Cochrane's one-and-a-half year was just equal to that.
95
Mr. Morison said, at their colliery the bars of two furnaces had been
working 24 hours per day since the middle of 1865, and those bars were
really in a good state of preservation yet. He had made some 1 notes on the
subject. They had a Juckes' on each boiler. There was one fireman saved for
every two boilers—that was Is. 6d. per day of 24 hours for each fire. The
coal saved was one ton or 2s. 6d. per day. Each boiler consumed four tons
per day, and it formerly required five tons. So that there was a saving per
day of Is. 6d. on labour and 2s. 6d on coals, making a total of 4s. per
boiler, which at the end of the year amounted to £73, off which interest
upon capital and a few other items had to be taken.
Mr. L. Wood—Almost every set of Juckes' bars burns a different quality of
coal. Mr. Morison burns less coal; but he (Mr. Wood) generally found Juckes'
burns more coal per foot of grate than the common bars, which enabled him to
do away with a portion of the boilers and get more steam. The quantity of
coal burnt depends greatly on the width of the set of bars.
Mr. Southern said, he was surprised to hear that more coals were used by
Juckes'. He thought there was a saving by this apparatus.
Mr. L. Wood—There is a saving; for although they burn more coals per foot of
grate, they burn less per pound of water evaporated.
Mr. Boyd said, Mr. Nelson stated that he was going to try experiments in
Lord Durham's steamers, he would wish to know, what result had been
obtained.
Mr. Marley said, he was sorry Mr. Nelson was not here, but he was glad that
he had read the paper which had brought out this discussion. It was a
disgrace to the North of England that so little was done for the prevention
of smoke; for this district exceeded most others m producing it. The
discussion had rather wandered from the original subject, which was the
merits of mechanical firing as against hand firing, for to-day it had
principally touched on the combustion of smoke. They would agree with him
that this should not be obtained at a sacrifice of the effective power of
their coals. As regards the irking of Juckes' apparatus he had before him
the result of four ^ five years' experience with a different result from
that given by r- Steavenson. He knew, as regarded his own experience, that
taking the amount of work done, there were less boilers, less coals, §pd
less firemen. Speaking approximately, in the number of tons of ^0als there
was a saving of not less than 25 per cent. The saving in I emen was very
much in the same ratio as named by Mr. Cochrane,
so in every other department. In the wear and tear of the boilers Vol.
XVIII.—1869. N
96
he found an immense saving in connection with Juckes'. Occasionally they
might hear it said—how does it happen that certain parties have had to take
Juckes' out? The answer Mr. Lawrence gave was the true solution of this
question. That in most instances people were put to superintend them who did
not know what they were doing; and then when the apparatus was burnt or
choked up, or spoiled, they had not the honesty to tell how the injury was
done. Such he knew was the case. Coming back to the subject of the
mechanical mode of firing boilers, Mr. Steavenson had not told them of the
method he had been using at Page Bank for supplying fuel to the apparatus,
which was one of Vickers', and from Mr. Nelson's account very similar to
Hall and Whitaker's. He thought the mode of supplying the fuel in this was
an improvement. He hoped Mr. Steavenson would favour them with an account of
its working. The drawing before them showed Juckes', where the whole of the
coals were put on at the outside 5 but in Vickers' the coal was put on from
above the end of the boiler, and dropped in by machinery almost as gradually
as if it were sprinkled in by hand, the result being that the coal would be
in combustion almost before it reached the grate. He should be glad if Mr.
Steavenson would favour the meeting with particulars.
Mr. A. L. Steavenson said, the only description he could give of it was that
it was worked by an eccentric.
Mr. Marley said, he hoped Mr. Steavenson would favour the Institute by
supplying a drawing of the apparatus.
Mr. A. L. Steavenson—The eccentric rod was applied, so that it picked off a
small quantity of coals which fell by gravity on the fire. He did not see
the benefit of it himself. They had taken out the grate. He hoped they did
not suppose that he disapproved of Juckes'. He would like to see it applied
to every boiler. He only said it did not evaporate more water per pound of
coal. He should be glad to take two boilers of equal dimensions, and put in
common bars in one, and he would guarantee better effects with it than the
other if fitted with Juckes'. f Mr. Southern said, he supposed there were
instances where Juckes suffered from mismanagement? Mr. Marley—Many
instances.
Mr. Southern said, he thought there were many other circumstances to
consider, for instance, the description of coals used. He had kno^*1 I
instances where Juckes' had been used in one or more collieries, and after
they had been properly investigated they were done away with. ^ I other
collieries of a similar extent they had been in use for some tii*1*3' I
97
and were still continued. This was very probably owing to the different
descriptions of coal used.
Mr. Marley said, he was glad Mr. Southern had given him an opportunity of
explaining. He had had it used with four or five different classes of coal,
and it was found that at first only it did not answer with some of them. But
experience had remedied this difficulty, for with every different class of
coals they had to vary the width of the bars.
Mr. E. F. Boyd wished to ask Mr. Cochrane from what seams his coals were
taken ?
Mr. Wm. Cochrane—The Elswick Colliery coals are from the Brockwell Seam.
Mr. E. F. Boyd—That would account for the difference. The Hut-ton Seam had a
large quantity of clinkers.
Mr. Wm. Cochrane—With respect to this, Mr. Lawrence had the direction of the
manufacture of the first set of bars for Losh, Wilson, and Bell. They gave a
good deal of trouble at first. Nothing but dust coal was used, and they were
obliged to decrease the width of the bars. The speed of travel and also the
thickness of coal on the bars must be experimented upon for each different
class of coal; but Juckes' could be adapted to any class of coals.
Mr. L. Wood—Did you use dust coal when firing by hand as well as on Juckes'
bars ?
Mr. Wm. Cochrane—Yes, in both cases. In the one case it was 6*3 lbs., and
in the other 6 lbs. of water per pound of coal. Mr. L. Wood—It has been
foufid greater than 6 lbs. The Secretary, in reply to the remark of Mr.
Marley that smoke consumption should not be attended with sacrifice of fuel,
begged to state that as far as the " Weardale" was concerned the prevention
of smoke tad been attained with a corresponding saving of fuel, and he asked
Mr. Forster to confirm him in that remark; because all their trouble would
he cast away if these results were attended with a loss of fuel. He most
jNistinctly stated, that as far as the "Weardale" was concerned they
prevented the smoke with a beneficial result.
Mr. Marley said, his remark with regard to hand labour applied squally to
mechanical firing. He had no doubt that they could have the pre-,; Mention
of smoke. His. remark was simply to say that they frequently ob-Pfoined the
prevention of smoke at a sacrifice of fuel; but they need not necessarily do
so. With regard to his experiments he could depend on i' Mechanical firing
when he could not depend on hand firing. He was not calling in question
the experiments to which the Secretary had alluded.
98
Mr. Morison said, with reference to the remarks which had been made as to
his experiments, there might he some error; hut he could assure Mr.
Steavenson that he had very carefully gone into the matter and he had proved
that the saving in coals alone was 26 per cent.
Mr. Marley begged to move that the discussion be adjourned.
Mr. Southern seconded the motion.
The Chairman said this was a very important discussion. No doubt the
prosperity of this district depended on their carrying out these
arrangements for preventing smoke, and more especially in marine boilers.
They might congratulate themselves that owing* to the exertions of their
worthy Secretary in introducing short bars, they had made the North Country
coal a smokeless coal. He could confirm what Mr. Bunning had said, that the
" Weardale" had not used any more coal than she did before. And with respect
to Juckes' furnaces he had no doubt, speaking from what he had seen of the
working of one at the Durham Water Works, whilst there with Mr. Boyd and Mr.
Bunning, that it was a great saving of power. There had been three boilers,
and one was now laid off entirely. In the case of the water works they had a
certain quantity of water to pump, so that there could be no mistake with
regard to the power exerted. The meeting had better settle the point raised
by Mr. Crone, whether the details of the experiments should be published. In
an ordinary way, the Council had the power to decide; but this was not
original matter, as they heard to-day it had been published by the Coal
Trade before; therefore, the meeting had better decide. He would first take
the opinion of the meeting as to the adjournment.
The meeting decided by show of hands that the discussion be adjourned.
Mr. Crone said, though these experiments had been published by the Coal
Trade, still to strictly adhere to ordinary practice it was really necessary
that the general meeting pass a resolution that those experiments j with the
plans be published. He, therefore, moved that they be published by the
Institute.
Mr. Marley seconded the motion.
Mr. Wm. Cochrane said, it was an unnecessary expense for them to publish
what had already been published by the Coal Trade. The documents could be
bought for a very small sum.
Mr. L. Wood—All that is necessary to publish is on the black board.
The Chairman—Let the motion be that these, so far as necessary; I with the
plans, be published in the Transactions.
Carried by show of hands.
99
FAN VENTILATION.
The meeting" then proceeded with the discussion of Mr. Steavenson's paper on
the Lemielle Ventilator.
Mr. A. L. Steavenson said, he had no further remarks at present, jje thought
Mr. Willis had promised a paper on the subject.
Mr. Willis said, he did make a sort of promise about a paper which he had
not as yet been able to complete. He had made more experiments which would
bear out what he had said as to obtaining 60 per cent. He would have the
experiments ready for next meeting.
Mr. Morison said, he had a few notes on the performance of the Guibal and
Waddle ventilators, at Pelton Colliery, which he would lay before the
meeting:—
1. —GUIBAL.
This ventilator, constructed by a Belgian firm, was completed and set to
work in September, 1865. The dimensions are as follows:— Diameter, 29 feet
10^ inches; breadth, 9 feet 11 inches; eight vanes or blades; engine
cylinder, 23§ inches diameter; stroke, 23f inches. On its starting work a
most complete set of experiments were instituted under the direction of Mr.
Atkinson, the Government Inspector of Mines for the district, at which
Messrs. Daglish, Cochrane, Armstrong, and several other gentlemen were
present.
By these experiments (see Table No. I.) it was found that the average of
useful effect realised by the ventilator, at its working speed of
sixty-|Tfour strokes, was 59*1 per cent, of the power indicated on the
engine, and subsequent experiments increased that average to 63 per cent.
At the above speed the quantity of air obtained varied from 91,000 to
106,000, according to the position of the regulating shutter; the
water-gauge at the fan also varied from 27 to 3 inches. filAfew experiments
(see Table No. III.) were made recently to determine the amount of
water-gauge obtainable by reducing the area of the fan drift, but owing to
the difficulty of managing the doors with so heavy a volume of air as was
then passing through them (about 140,000 cubic feet per minute) it was not
practicable to have them properly completed. They appear, however,
conclusively to prove the fact that, with the Guibal fan, owing to its
peculiar construction, it is possible to obtain a higher Water-gauge than
with any other centrifugal fan.
These experiments will be resumed, and it is hoped will be laid ^ore the
Institute in a more complete form.
2. —WADDLE.
In May last year this fan was started, having the same underground
100
conditions to fulfil as the Guibal. Diameter to exterior of trumpet-shaped
circumference, 31 feet 6 inches; to circumference of blades 28 feet 10
inches.
The useful effect was found by experiments, given in a tabulated form (see
Table No. II.), to be only 39^ per cent.; and although different means were
adopted for altering the conditions of the fan, in the hope of increasing
that per centage, none of them succeeded in so doing.
By a comparison of the Guibal fan with the furnace, of which some data are
subjoined in Table No. IV., it appears, in round numbers, that the quantity
of air is doubled by the use of the ventilator, while the quantity of coal
consumed is reduced by one-third; and that the comparative annual cost of
the two is in favour of the fan by about £100.
Since that note was written he had made some further experiments by altering
the shutter (see Table No. V.).
Mr. A.L. Steavenson said, Mr. Morison was overlooking the question he had
asked him—whether he had a difference of result at the same speed from the
different water gauges—the conditions of the mine being altered ?
Mr. Morison said, in the experiments of the water gauge by diminishing the
drift the water gauge differed from 3*55 to 4'3 in the same sleugh.
Mr. A. L. Steavenson—By altering the condition of it one-tenth of an inch
something like 20,000 feet of air is lost.
Mr. W. Cockburn—I wish to ask Mr. Steavenson whether in his further
experiments they would get any information as to the original cost of the
two fans ?
Mr. A. L. Steavenson—The cost of the fan at Page Bank was very great; but if
no Guibal will do the work, what is the use of comparing ?
Mr. Wm. Cochrane—That is not yet proved. He had no hesitation in stating
that the Guibal ventilator could be adapted more economically than any other
ventilator for any practical experiments of mine ventilation whatever—and,
that it would be a satisfactory apparatus under the combined circumstances
of high water-gauge and large volume, where the Lemielle would entirely
fail.
Mr. Willis said, he would give the cost of the Washington Ventilator» With
the furnace they used nearly 72 lbs., and now but 12 lbs. per j effective
horse power per hour. I
Mr. A. L. Steavenson—By increasing the drag of air with the j Guibal it
would soon produce no air at all.
The discussion was then adjourned, and the meeting separated.
EXPERIMENTS
TABLE No. II.
ON WADDLE'S tVENTILATOE AT PELTON COLLIEEY. AUGUST 29th, 1868.
II jeriment. tperiment. periment. Average Indicated
Pressure on Piston. Indicated Horse Power.
Revolutions op Anemometeik. V=Vl"27 Ha+1B195 Quantities
op Air per Minute. Water Gauges. ie
Air at ie. Proportions of Powers that were Utilized. 5 of
Engine, s of Fan. Boilers. per ltevolu-Fan.
earn!
8
o
Date of of the Ex] r of the E: of the Ex g. On Steam Side
haust Sidi i! SI wer on St Side. beyond th d in exhai he Steam.
[utton. Busty. w Main. Hutton. Area 48 Feet. Busty. Area 534 Feet. w
Main, a 27 Feet. 'otal. i Mine, ton Seam. .t Ouie. ower
in tli the On iss Power sam Side. er exclusii required ti xhaust. )le
Strokes evolution: ?am in the tity of Air tion of Indicator
used.
6 & Lette: Hour W a o Excess c over E:
Gross Po Power employe ingt H h!
o <» n M <; o O o ft cc Quan
1868. 1 lbs. lbs. lbs. H.P. HP.
Cubic Ft. Cubic Ft. Cbic; Cubic Ft. | Ft.
in. In. °/o °/o lbs. Cubic Ft.
a e f g h i k 1 I m n
n' n" P P' p" P'" s r t U
V w X F. G.
Aug. 29. l A 12-45 26-075
94-369 875 700 95 47,760 44,298 4644 96,702 1-7 2-4
36 573 38-75 66 35 1465 Pelton & Daglish's Both
Kichards'.
l B 12-50! 25-750 93192 865
700 103 47,232 44,298 4806 96,336 1-6 2-4 36-433
39*09 66 35 1459 Do.
„ l C 12-55; 25-975 96'855 875
700 104 47,760 44,298 4333 96,891 1-7 2-4 36642
38-04 68 35 1425 Do.
2 A lJ 26-2625 103-688 884
730 106 48,240 46,598 4861 99,699 1-75 26 40-486
39-04 72 36 1384 Do.
a B 118 26-2875 105-228 885
732 108 48,288 46,705 4914 99,907 1-75 2-65 41719
39-64 73 36| 1369 Do.
m » C 1-22 25-600 101-072 885
730 120 48,288 46,598 5157 100,043 1-75 2'6 40-987
40-55 72 36| 1389 Do.
» D 1-27 25-9625 102-503 890
732 132 48,576 46,705 5427 100,708 1-75 2-6 41-260
40-25 72 37 1399 Do.
» 3 A 1-45 26-575 106-379 898
735 130 48,984 46,919 5373 101,276 1-95 2-65 42 290
39-75 73 38 1387 Do.
„ B 1-49 26-0375 104-227 898
734 128 48,984 46,866 5319 101,169 1-97 2*65 42-246
40-53 73 38 1386 Do.
C 1-53 26-200 104-878 898
735 128 48,984 46,919 5319 101,222 1-9 2-65 42-268
40-30 73 371 1387 Do.
- D 1-58 26-200 103-441 898
736 132 48,984 46,973 5427 101,384 1-9 2-6 41-537
40-15 72 37* 1408 Do.
Average Proportion of Power Utilized 39'645 °/0.
Two furnaces placed in the Hutton-seam ventilated both that seal*1 and the
Busty Bank. Area of fire-grate, 48 square feet; average i temperature of
upcast, 207°; depth of upcast, 53 fathoms.
103
The Guibal ventilator which replaced them was set to work to ventilate both
the above seams, and the above results were obtained at an average speed of
56 revolutions. The above horse-power obtained is that in the mine for the
sake of comparison, the actual consumption at that time was 7 lbs. per
indicated horse-power per hour, or about 11 lbs. for utilized horse-power.
I EXPERIMENTS ON BOARD THE " WEARDALE."
I
The following* tables or diagrams hardly call for any further explanation
than that already appended by the author in the discussion. Each I
experiment is of an hour's duration, and records every operation performed I
by the stoker. It will be seen that each diagram is divided into squares,
numbered in the top row from 1 to 60,* these squares represent the minutes
during* the hour occupied by each experiment, thus, by recording" any
observation in the square representing" the minute at which it was made, the
different operations of firing, slicing, pricking, &c, and the exact amount
of smoke made by such operation are placed clearly and relatively as to time
before the observer. The figures 1 to 6, in the squares along the row styled
smoke marks, indicate the intensity with which smoke issued from the chimney
at that precise minute; a simple dot showing that no smoke whatever was
visible; 1, that the very faintest indication of light coloured gas
appeared; 2, that this was slightly increased, and so on to G, which
represents dense black smoke. The addition of all these marks, recorded
during one hour, gives the " smoke equivalent" for that time. It will be
seen that before the alteration this smoke equivalent averaged 107*9 over 25
experiments, that frequently and for several consecutive minutes dense smoke
was issuing from the chimney, and that there was rarely any actual cessation
from smoke, while after the alteration no smoke of greater intensity than 2
was ever visible, and this only nine times in 18 hours, for a minute each
time, and that during the same 18 hours the average smoke equivalent was
7*7, an(l as each mark so rarely exceeded 1 this indicates that the very
latest possible smoke was visible, only for 7*7 minutes each hour, no Slnoke
whatever being visible for the other 52*3 minutes, it would be in Vain to
look for nor indeed can better results be found even when the ^est of the
so-called smokeless coals are burnt; for all practical purposes, ^erefbre,
good Hartley coal, as consumed in the " Weardale," may be considered as
smokeless as any known coal. The plate shows the altera-
106
tion made to the fire bars and bridge ; the former were reduced from 5 I
feet to 3 feet 6 inches. The doors were not changed, and those shown I
are those used by the Admiralty, admitting air through the bottom The secret
of burning the North Country steam coal, and in fact all I other good steam
coal, is to put it on as large as possible, as thick as possible, and to
have as great a draught as possible, so as to burn off as large an amount
per square foot of grate surface as possible.
As far as the saving of fuel is concerned the owners affirm that the
quantity supplied cannot accurately be given, but that since the alteration
it has been somewhat less.
The chief value of these experiments is that they confirm the Government
ones at Devonport, and form an interesting record of the exact process of
stoking with medium and short bars at sea under the ordinary circumstances
of a voyage, and in the absence of " dillitante."
The author has to acknowledge the kindness of the owners of the steamer, and
to state that he is indebted to the captain and engineer in charge, and also
to the engineer sent out to register the smoke equivalent, for the very
intelligent way in which they carried out the operations decided on.
NORTH OF ENGLAND INSTITUTE
of
MINING ENGINEERS.
GENERAL MEETING, SATURDAY, MAY 8, 1869, IN THE ROOMS OP THE INSTITUTE,
NEVILLE HALL, NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE.
ISAAC LOWTHIAN BELL, Esq., Vice-President of the Institute, in the Chair.
The Secretary read the minutes, after which the following new members were
elected :—
Jessie Hoyt, Acadia Coal Mines, Pictou, Nova Scotia.
James Dunn, Drummond Colliery, Pictou, Nova Scotia.
Joseph Cook, Junior, Washington Iron Works, Gateshead.
J. F. Ure, Engineer to the River Tyne Commissioners, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
J. B. Robson, Paradise, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
Mr. Marley said, as they expected in August next to have the pleasure of
meeting the Mechanical Engineers from Birmingham as visitors, it was thought
that it would be better to give notice to-day to fciake the June meeting
special to consider certain proposed alterations |in the rules, which he
would now hand to the Secretary. This would take away as much routine as
possible from the August meeting. Mr. Marley then handed to the Secretary
notice of the proposed alterations, stating that at the June meeting he
would give his views why taey should be adopted.
STEAM BOILERS. Mr. Waller read a paper on steam boilers, premising that it
bore 011 the discussion of Mr. Nelson's paper which came on to-day, though
lt ^as put down as an independent paper. He added that this paper p^as
written before he saw the advertisement of the Whittle boilers, with ^hich
he had no connection. At the request of Mr. Wm. Cochrane,
108
Mr. Waller made a sketch of his proposed arrangement on the black board.
(See Plate XXXV.)
Mr. Wm. Cochrane—It cannot be cleaned at all without taking, out the tank.
Mr. Waller—But the tank can be easily removed, or being made of sheet iron
can be turned up at the sides.
Mr. Wm. Cochrane said, notwithstanding- Mr. Waller's remark that besides
effecting; a circulation, it afforded greater facilities for cleaning the
boiler, he was of opinion that incrustation would be very difficult to
remove from the boiler, when it took place below the tank.
Mr. A. L. Steavenson said, there were three important points in the
paper—one was the mode of keeping a boiler clean, another was the comparison
between the Cornish and other boilers, and the third was the distribution of
air. As regarded the plain boiler he always preferred it himself to every
other, not only for results, but because he thought it was safer. The inner
tank was an idea which he had had for some time. Twelve months ago, he had
spoken to one of their men to get a sheet iron tank, not for the purpose of
saving fuel, but as a means of promoting the circulation of heat. The water
was apt to be hot at one end and cold at the other. Mr. Waller confirmed
what he had said about Juckes' bars. They do not economise fuel, but prevent
smoke and save labour.
Mr. G. B. Forster wished to ask Mr. Waller whether the quality and
description of coal used are given in his experiments ? Mr. Waller—Yes.
Mr. G. B. Forster said, it was most important they should be. So manv
different results had been got from Juckes' and other furnaces that it was
necessary to know the different kinds of coal used. One might be suitable
for Tickers' and another for Juckes'.
The Secretary wished to know if any of these tanks had been in operation,
and with what results \ whether any formation of sediment took place in the
tank ?
Mr. Waller said, the idea was originally obtained from an oM work of
Galloway's, published in 1832, or thereabouts. The object of this separate
tank was to collect all—both scum and the stuff held m ; solution, and with
this addition, he did not anticipate anything would be deposited at the
bottom of the boiler. With regard to cleansing t*10 inside, he proposed to
have the tank to stand on a frame. It was made of thin plate, and simply
rested on a few bricks. It was suggested to put it on points of studs but he
would put bricks in, in preference.
109
The Chairman said, the average number of boilers held by the
gentlemen in that room must be considerable, and he hoped to hear
remarks from some of them.
Mr. W. 0. Wood said, that at Brancepeth Colliery tbey had been using I
Juckes', and after a month's experience he was sorry to say they had not I
given the result expected, or that they had been led to expect. They [;!had
five ordinary cylindrical boilers, and two Cornish boilers. Before I they
got Juckes' they could easily get steam with four of the ordinary I boilers
and two Cornish ones. Since they had got Juckes' put in, though I they had
taken great pains to get them put right in every possible way, I they could
scarcely get steam with all the boilers they had. They did I not boil off
nearly the water, or give nearly the results they had from
the ordinary furnaces. At Oakenshaw, Vickers' improved furnace was
used, and it gave satisfactory results. It boiled off a large quantity of I
water, as much or rather more than the hand firing, and it made no I smoke
at all. Not having any water meter, he could not say what quan-|| tity of
water was evaporated in the respective cases. He took the I practical
results as compared with the work got from the boilers before. | They could
not get the same quantity of coals drawn at Brancepeth
Colliery as before Juckes' were put in.
The Chairman—That is not a very bad way of judging.
Mr. W. Spencer said, that it had often occurred to him whether
it would not be better to cleanse the water before it was admitted into pthe
boiler instead of taking measures to collect or blow off the scum or |
sediment, or prevent damage done by the sediment after it was there.
Mr. Bell's chemical knowledge being superior to that of most mining I
engineers, he hoped he would kindly favour them with some opinion on B$he
subject if it wore not asking too much.
Mr. A. L. Steavenson said, the results he had obtained confirmed
Mr. Wood's experience, although many difficulties might be obviated by
making the bars wider and using larger coals. With respect to Vickers', ^
the experiments lie had made showed that it had obtained good results, RSts
only fault being that instead of working at the present day it was plying*
in the waste lamp. He gave it every chance; a short trial, however, I had
proved that it was of no use. At the last meeting, Mr. Marley had | called
attention to a method of putting coals on to the fire, which was
aWst like Juckes'.
Mr. Mar ley said, he saw the Vickers' feeding operation at Page Hpank, and
he thought it was a great improvement.
Mr. A. L. Steavenson said, they had another mode of feeding
110
supplied by the same parties—the plunger—which he thought better than the
arrangement of Juckes'. The difficulty was to get the coals carried forward
over the grate. All the bars were entirely burnt away in the Vickers'
supplied to him.
Mr. W. 0. Wood said, they had had Vickers' in operation six weeks, and the
fire was never touched from morning to night. There was no feeding at the
front end of the bars necessary. He thought the difference was merely owing
to the mode of construction.
Mr. A. L. Steavenson said, they had had Vickers' man himself to superintend
their erection, so that it could not be from any fault of their own.
Mr. Southern said, the statements with respect to Juckes' and Vickers' were
incomplete. He thought it was desirable that some of the members of the
Institute should test the results in figures. Let them give the quantity of
coal used and the water evaporated—whether steam coals were used, and
whether the boilers were connected with the same engine. He would be very
glad indeed if some one would take it up and give them experiments.
Mr. A. L. Steavenson suggested the use of a square box containing 50 gallons
at a time, which could be pumped out, and which would avoid the necessity of
a water meter altogether.
Mr. Nelson remarked that when he read his paper he stated that the results
were conflicting. With one class of coals one or two boilers might be
dispensed with out of six. In others, if they had six boilers, one or two
must be added. As far as he could see steam coal was well adapted, and soft
coal was not well adapted to Juckes' system.. He inferred from what Mr.
Steavenson had said, that they used soft coal.
Mr. Wm. Cochrane said, he used soft coals. The government inspector had
thrown out a very proper suggestion. Let them ascertain how many pounds
weight of water they could evaporate per pound of coal—not whether more
boilers were wanted, or less j because it was quite possible that in hand
firing, they were abusing their boilers and wasting a great deal of coal.
This would be the only fair way of comparison. In hand firing" with too few
boilers, everybody knew a great quantity of coal was burnt with great damage
to the boilers and waste of fuel. By having an increased number of boilers
the wear and tear would be much less.
Mr. W. 0. Wood said, he did not find that in his case the hand firing did
any such injury to the boilers as Mr. Cochrane seemed to expect. As a proof
of this, two boilers had been taken out recently which had been at work no
less than 27 years, and replaced with
111
I ones, This was as a precautionary measure, and not because there was i any
fault in the condition of the boilers. Apparently they were in very B|pod
condition, but he thought they had done duty long enough.
Mr. Wm. Cochrane said, he had given the results per pound of '-coal with
Juckes', and then with hand firing. He had also given a
careful record of the cost of the bars.
Mr. Cockb tjrn said, a pamphlet had come into his hands con-ptaining a paper
read by Mr. Head, at the Institute of Cleveland Engineers. IvOne question
lie raised was, how much water could be evaporated with I 0ne pound of coal.
It appeared that he tried a 45 feet boiler of four feet £ diameter, with a
flash Hue of the usual proportions. The water was I measured in the way
suggested by Mr. Steavenson. The top of the I boiler was protected. The coal
was first-class South Durham coal, I giving one-and-a-half per cent of ash.
He used the usual mode of Hiking good coal. 750 degrees escaped from the
boiler, and one pound ' of coal evaporated 7*3 lbs. of water. He did not
say whether they were
small coals or round B'i Mr. Nel son said, he obtained like results with a
Juckes' furnace { ,2 feet by 3 feet 6 inches. Having all his coals to buy,
he could observe
the saving, and he found in a decidedly pleasant way that it was very
considerable.
I! The Chairman—You did not mention what the saving was.
Mr. N elson—It is mentioned in some instances, but in general terms. I Mr.
T. Doug las said, that in looking at the arrangements at Pa°*e Bank, which
Mr. Steavenson had kindly allowed him to do, he thought something might be
said as to the kind of coal employed; he thought he ¦piced at the time, and
made the remark that it was unscreened coal; ^ and that at the end of the
bars there seemed to be passed over coal merely charred, and to a
considerable extent unconsumed. It always struck him—though not having
much experience he could not speak with authority—that coal of a thin
character or size was most adapted for these Juckes' furnaces. He would
ask Mr. Steavenson if he had ped small coal, and what result he had secured.
He thought, however, K|t that time he was using unscreened coal ?
Mr. A. L. Steavenson—Yes, on that particular occasion, but generally he used
small. Small was almost as valuable as the rough. * the coal fell over
unburnt it was put on the fire again. He did not tniiik this loss of coal,
as Mr. Douglas seemed to imply, was the cause °* tueir not obtaining
economy. He was not aware of the difference in
112
consumption when using* large and small. When they used large coal they
could afford to have the bars more open; and to burn a larger quantity per
foot of grate.
Mr. Waller said, the experiments which Mr. Head conducted gave 50 cubic feet
of water per hour for 126 hours per week. He had taken 7 lbs. of water to 1
lb. of coal as the standard, to which other boilers were expected to come
up. The plain cylinder gave 7*3; he took it another way and got 7'5. The
coals were South Durham small.
Mr. W. Boyd said, at the last meeting he asked a question, but Mr. Nelson
unfortunately was not present, and he could not get it answered. He ventured
to ask it again; that was, whether he had not made some experiments in some
steamers with Juckes' bars, for the prevention of smoke ?
Mr. Nelson said, he was unavoidably absent at the last meeting. The furnace
tried, on board the steamer, was the ordinary construction of Juckes', but
it was tried for two voyages only, and though it was not successful, the
failure was attributable to circumstances which, he thought, could be
remedied. Certain objections which were previously I raised, and which, in
point of fact, were most serious objections, were I answered. It was said
that it was a complicated apparatus, and if such j a thing went wrong on
board ship the results might be serious. On the second voyage the thing
did go wrong. It was then fired by hand, and as much steam was got as if
it had not been there. He had no hesitation in I saying, if the thing were
followed out—for it required a certain amount of experiment—it could be
brought to perfection. His opinions were j confirmed by what he saw on the
voyage. One feature in firing all mechanical furnaces was in the
fire-brick arch in the front. It was necessary that the fire-brick arch
should be raised to a certain temperature before the furnace began to work
properly. Great importance was attached to the placing of this arch. If
it was more than a certain distance off the fire would not work. He found
great difficulty m attaching this to a marine boiler. That kind of boiler
required some special construction before it could be applied.
Mr. W. Boyd said, he would like to know whether all idea of prosecuting the
experiments further had been abandoned.
Mr. Nelson said, some experiments had yet to be made.
Mr. W. Boyd—With large or small coals ?
Mr. Nelson—The first trials were made with nut coal, but the coal was so
extremely small, and not being steam coal it did not work s° .
I • 113
well as large steam coal would have done; though he believed if steam nUt
coal had been used it would have been the best coal that could be
I trjed. But it was not steam coal at all, it was a soft friable gas coal.
Mr. W. Boyd asked in what particular respect the furnaces had
-failed?
Mr. Nelson—They gave way owing to the intense heat of the I furnace. The
draught was so very str ng, and the expansion of the bars became so great
that they stuck. Every provision was made against a I deficient draught;
but when the thing was fairly got to work it was found that provision was
necessary against an excessive draught; so that all the provision had been
made in the wrong direction. Things which ought to have been stronger than
usual were lighter than usual. The experi-j ments, however, proved that it
was possible to burn an amount of coal per I: hour by Juckes' apparatus
which was previously considered impossible. Mr. W. Spencer said, he observed
the distance of the grate from the boiler was not mentioned. He had known
a very great difference arise from putting it nearer to or further from the
bottom of the boiler.
Mr. W. 0. Wood—At first we put our Juckes' 2 feet 2 inches below the boiler.
They were then altered to 18 inches, which answered much better. The
furnaces have flash flues.
I Mr. Forstek—Are you burning as many coals as before ?
Mr. W. 0. Wood—Quite as many—in some cases more. At the A Pit we are using
small coals. In one instance Juckes' is using nearly twice the quantity.
It is only fair, however, to state that this is owino- • to the nature of
the coal.
Mr. Nelson said, when the apparatus got out of order on board the steamer
and they had to fire by hand the results were the same as before; he meant
before any apparatus was introduced. Only one furnace was tried out of
three. The apparatus was put in to try its efficiency for steam getting. In
answer to Mr. Waller, he knew one ^stance in which considerably more steam
was raised by Juckes' system, and where seven furnaces did rather more work
than was previously done with nine; although this might be owing to other
circumstances.
Mr. G. B. Fohstkr said, this showed the desirability of keeping to Mr.
Cochrane's plan to ascertain the quantity of water boiled off. With regard
to Mr. Wood's experiments, perhaps the engine had gone wrong, I and
something was the matter with the condenser. HB-Mr. W. 0. Wood said, the
engine was perfectly right.
Mr. T. Douglas said, Mr. Coxon was here. Perhaps that gentleman
114
would favour them with his experience of Juckes' furnaces as constructed at
Pensher.
Mr. Coxon said, they had tried two of Juckes' at Pensher Colliery. The
engine was driven by two boilers which required very hard firino-by hand.
After they had put in Juckes', they had to have another boiler j to work the
engine. He had made some experiments as to the comparative power of
mechanical firing, and he found that he could raise one pound more of water
per pound of coal by hand firing than by Juckes'. He had taken out Juckes',
and would be glad to sell it to any gentleman.
The Secretary said, perhaps his friend Mr. Wallau could give them
particulars respecting some mechanical furnaces which had been used for
steamboats at Messrs. Palmer Brothers, and which he had heard had been
eminently successful.
Mr. Wallau said, he had left Messrs. Palmer's, but Mr. Tweddell could give
the information.
Mr. Tweddell said, he had mentioned before a mechanical arrangement which
had answered when Juckes' had entirely failed. It was put in by Mr. Jordan,
of Liverpool. It was something similar to Hall and Whitaker's, but not
exactly the same; it was patented; it was first fitted on board the "
Manhattan," and afterwards in other steamers, where without smoke, the
quantity of water raised per lb. of coal was better, he believed, than that
obtained by hand stoking on board of the same class of steamers. These
steamers were running in competition with the Inman and Cunard lines, and
they answered well. The bars which Mr. Nelson alluded to melted away, and
yielded no advantage whatever. Simply as a matter of construction, he would
be glad to hear why Vickers' seemed to answer and Juckes' did not. It seemed
to be simply a matter of mechanical arrangement. However, Jordan's answered
every purpose on board ship.
The Secretary wished to ask if they had any mechanical contrivance connected
with the firing apparatus which took the coal from the bunkers and placed it
on the bars ?
Mr. Tweddell said, the "bunkers were of the ordinary construction, and he
did not think there was any special apparatus for bringing the coal from
them.
The Secretary said, that mechanical stoking, as applied to steamboat
purposes, was a most important matter. No doubt a large number of stokers
could be dispensed with if some mechanical apparatus could be fitted up
where they had a long row of furnaces—some large ships ha as many as forty.
It would tend to economy in the working of the ship;
115
I and also increase the comfort of the stoke-hole, as this part in ships of
war was entirely under water. It was desirable that these experiments
I should continue and the system of mechanical stoking on board steamers
• oe perfected as much as possible. He hoped Mr. Nelson, with his
I experience, would not be discouraged by the little check he had met
I with. He (Mr. B.) had had a long conversation with Mr. Straker on the
subject of putting Juckes' furnaces into his ships, and strongly urged the
desirability of so fitting not one only, but the whole, for it
[ could not be ascertained if the smoke was done away if only one furnace
was put in. Also, there were many improvements for taking the coals from the
bunkers, and many other arrangements that could be made to
' perfect the apparatus and give it a fair trial, if all the furnaces were
so
I fitted, which it would be hardly worth while to go into where only one was
altered; and if the coals are put into the hopper by hand, it would
I* require almost the same amount of stokers as to stoke at once by hand.
Mr. Bake inquired whether the furnaces in the " Manhattan" were all fitted
with Jordan's bars, or only a portion ?
Mr. Tweddell said, he believed only three. But the " Colorado" had 32
furnaces, all fitted up with these bars.
The Chairman' said, he agreed with Mr. Waller as to the desirability of
keeping a record of experiments; but it should be a record of all
experiments, successful and unsuccessful. He might mention that a
|:,machine something like that which was laid down in the drawing (see Plate
XXXV.) was made at Washington by himself, for the purpose
ijiOf feeding the fire gradually, but instead of the moveable furnace being
so placed that its machinery was liable to destruction by the fire, it
occurred to him that the regular feeding might be accomplished without
exposing
Hie apparatus to the action of the fire. There was no difficulty in
con-||fuming fuel without smoke, if the air going into the furnace regularly
was sufficient to combine with the hydro-carbon which was given off by the
supply of coal, but the moment this was not the case they had smoke. The
youngest student of chemistry was aware that the hydrogen *n the
hydro-carbon, having a greater affinity for oxygen, was the first to be
consumed and converted into water; and the portion o£ the carbon
pthat was not so oxydized escaped in the form of smoke. To prevent Sl*ioke
we must always give the furnace the same work to do, and this he was enabled
to do by means of a travelling web of cloth, which Applied coal with the
regularity with which oil was delivered to a ppoderator lamp. This was
the idea he had in his mind when he
I instructed the apparatus; but there was an unforeseen difficulty uP°n
which he had not calculated. The value of our Northern small Vol.
XVIII.—1869, Q
116
coal consisted in each small piece having the agglomerating power 0f
attaching itself to another fragment, and so forming a mass of larger pieces
of fuel. Now, the consequences of the arrangement described above was that
each fragment of coal was separately coked when it got into the fire-place.
Each piece, when used in the ordinary way, however small, went to form, as
it were, a large piece of coal, which was only broken up by the fireman. But
his process, which on paper looked very welt, and for a time answered
perfectly, eventuated in an entire failure. The fire became a mass of
separate small minute cinders, in which no vivid combustion could be kept
up, as there was no getting air through it. Mr. Spencer had appealed to him
to say whether there was any means of purifying the water before putting it
into the boiler. In many cases it was quite easy to do so. For example,
Professor Clark, of Aberdeen, had taken out a patent * for providing
purified water. The impurity of water, generally speaking, consisted of
bi-carbonate of lime. Professor Clark added another equivalent of lime, and
thus forming two equivalents of insoluble proto-carbon, threw them both
down. Another way would be to boil the water by which they would get quit of
most of jfche lime, but there was another substance—sulphate of lime—which
was not so easily got rid of. Then there were impurities brought into the
boiler in the shape of mud —and occasionally iron dissolved in carbonic
acid. This on being boiled was precipitated. They all knew that flocculent
matter suspended in water was much more speedily precipitated after boiling
than it was before. "Whether this apparatus of Mr. Waller was capable of
doing all that he proposed seemed rather doubtful. He should have been much
better pleased with the plan if Mr. Waller could have referred to a boiler
in which the plan had been in operation for six months, and had never
produced any incrustation. He must himself confess some little fear whether
the process of circulation would not deliver into the exterior space a
portion of flocculent or precipitated matter. With regard to the important
question as to the greatest amount of work they could obtain from their
coal, of one thing they must be perfectly satisfied, that a pound of coal or
anything else that they distinguished by the name of a combustible*, when
perfectly burnt, never gave more and never gave less heat at one time than
another. It was quite true that our coal was not always perfectly burnt,
from a variety of causes—one of which met them in the most offensive form in
the shape of smoke. He blamed the North of England, himself included, with
this manifestation of imperfect combustion as evidenced by the smoke which
they saw around them-
* Clark's Patent, No. 8875, 1841.
I . H7
1 ]3ut while he said this, he must protest against the nostrums of the smoke
1 doctors and mechanical furnace speculators. He seldom had met with I one
of them in his own experience who did not claim the power to ij effect a
saving of 30 per cent. Now, the first thing which we have to consider was
the quantity of material given off in smoke. They could calculate the number
of thousand feet of gas in a given quantity of coal, and knowing the
composition of hydro-carbon it was easy to ascertain the amount of carbon in
every cubic foot of gas. He spoke froi$ recollection, but he had been at
the trouble to ascertain the extent of carbon in I smoke given off from our
coal when under combustion. Taking the worst furnace, not much above
one-third of the time was the smoke visible, and the total quantity of
carbon given off in that smoke was from 5 to 10 per cent, reckoned on the
weight of the coal. On what principle, then, could these gentlemen effect
a saving of 33 per cent, from the I consumption of smoke, a portion of which
was still burnt even with | the worst furnace ? This, however, was only
one way which caused j: loss of fuel. There was another to which he had
always attached some importance, and that was the imperfect way in which the
solid portion of the coal was frequently consumed, and this Juckes' bars
avoid, they .^consume the coal better, and they consume it with the
regularity of a machine. The question, as Mr. Cochrane had put it was,
what was the effect of a pound of coal measured by pounds of water
evaporated? It Jpras of great importance to determine to what extent the
heat was pseaping up their chimney, as well as whether they burnt their coal
mo as to get all the heating power from it. Every degree the tempera-Iture
of the flue at the far end was above that which was necessary to get |#
perfect draught, was a direct loss. It had been laid down by
experi-jfbents, and proved mathematically, that every degree of heat in the
phimney above 572° F. was a loss. He did not know that he had anything
more to say, further than assuring them it was a question in which : he took
a great interest, and he should be glad to assist the mining pngineers in
the prosecution of so important a question as the combustion Kf coal.
Mr. W. Boyd inquired if it was a boiler furnace to which the self-: feeding
apparatus was applied alluded to by Mr. Bell ? m. The Chairman—It was a
boiler furnace.
Mr. Nelson remarked, that when he read his paper he was being |6upported in
many ways by Mr. Whitaker, about whose furnaces he |had made some
observations. That gentleman died, without a day's |Ulness, very suddenly,
between his reading the paper and the first
118
discussion; so that in this discussion and the experiments, he had been
deprived of that gentleman's valuable assistance.
Mr. Marley said, he partly expected the Chairman would have followed up his
excellent address with some proposal for testing the merits of Juckes' and
other furnaces. Mr. Steavenson, on the one hand said, he had taken out
Vickers' and left Juckes'; and Mr. Wood on the other, said, Juckes' does not
answer and Vickers' does. It had been suggested* to him whether they should
have a committee appointed to carry out experiments; but perhaps it would be
better to ask voluntary assistance from those who actually had these various
apparatus, Juckes' and Vickers', at work, or better still, first let the
Council agree on certain rules to be laid down by which to carry out these
experiments, each stating the class of coal used, the depth and length of
bars, and also the area of furnace, and what distance the grates are from
the boilers, so that they might have some data to go upon in deciding
whether Juckes', or Vickers', or hand-firing was the best. He suggested that
it would be best for the Council to lav down fundamental specifications, and
then ask the volunteers to pursue their experiments over a specified number
of hours. He did not know whether it was necessary to move a resolution on
the subject. The Chairman, in one part of his address, spoke as though the
only mode by which Juckes', Vickers', or other apparatus could effect
economy was by per-fectly consuming the fuel and preventing smoke, but there
was another advantage, viz., prevention of waste, which, he felt sure, every
person would willingly accord to every self-acting contrivance, who had seen
the barrows of half-burnt and even wholly untouched fuel which were
constantly wheeled away from hand-stoked boilers. With regard to the mode of
conveying the coals to the furnace, the Chairman had not stated at what
period of his experiments the fires were put out ; but he would suggest
whether a remedy might not be found in connection with the cloth, if once
per hour, or at some other interval, some small quantity of coal was put on
by hand, and so still have the advantage of mechanical feeding for the bulk
of the time. Another point alluded to was the impurity found in water. Now,
it appeared somewhat paradoxical when he stated that a friend of his in
connection with a large mining establishment in Cleveland, where they had
eight or nine boilers, which had only been erected a short time, found they
had suffered considerable injury; and after the best investigation by
chemists, as well as by himself, it was ascertained that this injury arose
from the purity 0 the water. They had to add impurities of a given class;
and until the)
119
1) did this, the plates were positively cut, and the deterioration of the I
boilers was very alarming.
The Chairman said, Mr. Marley's remarks as to the essential purity i of
water affecting iron were borne out by his own experience. At Clarence I
they put in surface condensers, and delivered the water so condensed to a I
locomotive. The result was, that they found a considerable deterioration §
of the iron of the boiler; and this was remedied by using a proportion of I
water that had not passed through the condenser. If the matter was I
inquired into this result was not so paradoxical as it might appear, how-I
ever unexpected it might be. It was quite possible, however, that pure I
water might set up between the "different portions of iron an electric 1
action. If they immersed metal of a perfectly uniform character in any 1
liquid no electric action could be set up. They must have two poles in 1
order that action be set up. Iron, however, was not perfectly uniform in
character. There was an oxide which iron-makers called scum. No doubt
between the silicate of iron and the metal itself an electric action ||was
set up; and it would seem as if pure water was best adapted to promote that
action. A quantity of impurity being constantly found in the iron, the
more perfectly pure the water was the more the boilers suffered.
Mr. Marley said, in the case he had just alluded to, where the water had
been found so excessively pure, a certain proportion of lime was added in
the cistern through which the water had to pass before it got to the boiler.
This formed a thin film on the plate which could be rubbed off with the
finger without causing injury to the boiler. BThe Chairman—Water had been
looked upon as an indifferent substance; but it had ceased to occupy that
position. It was looked upon Mpw- as an agent, he would not say of great
intensity of action, but it was quite possible that pure water might have
this action in the highest degree.
Mr. W. Spencer said, he had known great damage arise from tallow. : The
Chairman—Yes, if it contained acid. For instance, the acid w°uld act on
copper.
Mr. W. Boyd said, in marine engines with surface condensers the f'^ater was
used over and over again, and was found to act on the boiler. • ^his was
remedied by a certain admixture of salt water. This action HN generally
about the water level. The same effect was produced by Hp fresh water of the
lake of Windermere, where the water was very Pure. The boilers in each case
were eaten into small holes, something H|e the marks of small-pox.
120
The Secretary said, some years ago the Admiralty used deliberately to
whitewash their boilers inside, and this prevented corrosive action
entirely, where surface condensers were used.
Mr. Nelson said, a small quantity of salammoniac introduced was beneficial.
It did not act on the plate, but simply on the carbonate of lime. The
salammoniac became decomposed. Of course it should be introduced with very
great caution.
The Chairman—It greatly depended on the nature of the impurity. Its action
produced carbonate of ammonia and chloride of potassium, both of which were
extremely soluble.
Mr. Marley said,, that in the case of the pure water he had alluded to,
there were occasionally to be found in the boiler the pimples, compared by
Mr. Boyd to small-pox, but the more serious and particular action was a
regular marking in the plate, so that ultimately the plate would have been,
as it were, cut through.
The meeting then broke up; the discussion on Lemielle's Ventilator
being adjourned.
ON STEAM BOILERS.
By WILLIAM WALLER.
IAs this is more a supplement to several of the valuable papers which f form
the Proceedings of this Institute than an independent paper, it I will be
unnecessary to preface the remarks. The object of the writer is
jbo lay before the members, in a concise form, the results of some experi-t
-Bients which might otherwise not become known to them, but which are
at least worthy of being recorded, and to draw from them certain
conclusions for consideration, if not for adoption, and to invite discussion
upon them.
f: It has often been a matter of regret that there has been no place in
which to record, for reference, experiments that have been made, and,
therefore, the same, or similar, have been repeatedly gone into without
Klny result being known except by the persons making them; but it is to be
hoped that the Proceedings of this Institute may in future receive such
communications as will enable the time and labour thus expended to be made
available to others wishing to follow similar investigations.
It seems to have been admitted that the two examples of tubular boilers, the
locomotive and marine, are the most economical generators
HBj.SSteam, but whether this position can be maintained in future
experiments, seems open to doubt; next to these have been placed the Cornish
(one tube), the Lancashire or Fairbairn (two tube), and the Galloway
boilers; while lowest on the list comes the plain egg-ended cylindrical
boiler, the boiler of this district, and the one especially adapted for
colliery and other out-door work.
| But in the reverse order to the above, as to their first cost, the cost
^^Hfpairs, and their durability, these boilers offer scope for enquiry;
although it is not proposed to enter upon this part of the question now. KA.
series of experiments, not yet completed, have shown the quantity BP; water
evaporated by one of the plain cylinder boilers, with Juckes' fenace, as
from 4 to 6 lbs. water per 1 lb. of small smudge or refuse coal. With the
wheel flue and hand firing the result has been 5 2 to 5 5
122
per 1 lb. fuel as above. The Cornish has given from 7*5 to 87 per 1 10 of
the same fuel.
The plain cylinder, with flash flue and hand fired, has given results from
6*9 to above 9 lbs. water per 1 lb. of the same fuel.
The writer hopes to be in a position to lay these experiments in detail
before a future meeting, but the results of the experiments given in the
tables annexed will show how far the assumption of the superiority of one
class of boiler over another is justified.
The writer was quite prepared to find the low results given by Juckes'
furnace, as he has almost invariably found that where that has been applied
to avoid smoke the boiler has been found to be insufficient. That the wheel
flue is not so efficient as the flash flue has been before proved, and in
the above instance there appears to be a reason for the difference. The
boilers were exactly alike, but one had been altered to the flash flue and
more fuel was consumed than with that set with the wheel flue, in the same
time and with increased economy. The value of the method of seating with the
wheel flue may be better estimated by reference to the Wigan experiments
given, where by dispensing with the external flues the evaporation was
reduced only about 14 per cent.
The one tube (Cornish) was tried under exactly similar circumstances as the
plain cylinder boiler, and the chief reason for it not giving a better
result appears to be that a sufficient quantity of fuel cannot be consumed
on the bars.
While the small value of the side flues is proved, the great value of bottom
heat is also confirmed, and from these it would seem that the extension of
the flash flue up the sides of the boiler was wrong. It has come within the
knowledge of the writer that where the side flues of the flash flue have
been lowered there has been more regularity in working.
There are some boilers in this district now being seated with flash flues,
having the grates and flues the width of the boilers, but the upper portion
of the flues gathered in to about two-thirds of that width so as to keep the
whole of the flame under the boiler without any being lost in the brickwork.
There is another advantage in this plan which, though trivial at first
sight, will be found to be of great value. The knees and brackets may be
dispensed with, and the boiler lies upon its bed in the same way as the
Cornish and Lancashire boilers. The boilers referred to above are 4 feet 6
inches diameter, and the flue is contracted at the top to 3 feet 6 inches,
the boiler forming the crown of the arch, a pl»* suggested by Mr. Giers, of
Middlesbro', and they are to be worked with , only 1 foot 9 inches of water
in them, giving large steam space. ^nl9 j
123
Rplan, combined with the inverted bridges adopted at Wigan, consider-I ably
increases the value of the plain cylindrical boiler, and dispenses I with
the knees, which are such a continual source of leakage and I expense.
• It may be interesting to know what are the objections raised to the I;
plain cylinder boiler, of which it is fair to assume there are fully eight I
times as many in use as of any other kind. It is called "treacherous,"
"dangerous," but why? It is certain that when at rest, the earthy matter
W:previously held in the water that has been evaporated, and kept in H
circulation by that water remaining in the boiler with itself, is allowed
Ifto fall to the bottom and become a-deposit upon the plates upon which the
fire acts, so the free transmission of heat is stopped by this nonconducting
covering, and the plates suffer from the flame. But while admitting such
to be the case, it will be fair before accepting the condemnation of the
boiler, to see in what way we are behind those who are advocating the
Lancashire boiler and Juckes' furnace combined; for it may not be known that
here also the furnace is under the bottom and the furnace tubes are return
flues! The evil exists in the one case as much as in the other, and,
therefore, instead of condemning the plain cylinder boiler they ought rather
to assist in finding a remedy for the evil above-mentioned. Before
continuing the question as to the remedy, there is a subject which the
writer has not seen named before, to which he wishes to call attention.
During the experiments with the plain cylinder boilers, it was found that
when ebullition became very rapid, there was a wave formed in the boiler;
this may be verified by watching the motion of the floats or the water in
the gauge-glass, and may have given rise to the theory of gases formed under
the water; but it will be easily accounted for by the large fierce furnaces
under the front of the boiler, causing all the circulation to h&from the
front to the back, without any arrangement f°r a supply to the front, which
may be obviated by a pipe being brought from the back to the front of the
boiler. There is a plan now being tried, which will meet both these evils,
and its simplicity will not be its least recommendation. A sheet iron
liner, or internal tank, placed about four inches from the bottom and sides
of the boiler, and extending to about the centre, but below the water line,
and nearly the whole length of the boiler, is provided, and into this the
feed water is carried. It will be seen that the circulation will be up the
outside of vessel, while inside of it the water will be in a comparative
state of M|t, allowing the earthy matters to be deposited, and the
circulation will ¦pnilate to that of the Cornish and Lancashire boilers in
the point for ^"hich their superiority is claimed.
124
By this simple and inexpensive plan the cost of repairs and cleaning, will
he lessened, and a superiority obtained over any other boiler at present in
use.
One important consideration is the best length for a boiler. Boilers are in
use up to 83 feet long. About four years ago there was some difference about
this point, and from the results of experiments then made, 60 feet was
adopted. In some more recent experiments a small boiler was placed at
certain distances, in a flue, which passed the heated gases from a boiler to
the chimney stalk, and the time taken to raise steam to 10 lbs., and so on
to 50 lbs. was noted.
_ Average No. of mm. fur tach further increase of 10 lbs.
At 39 ft. ... 10 lbs. steam was raised in 39 min. ... 50 lbs. in 55 min....
4 50 ft. ... 10 lbs. „ „ 62 min. ... 50 lbs. in 94 min.... 8
63 ft. ... „ „ 80 min. ... 160 min.... 20
70 ft. ... „ „ 90 min. ... 190 min.... 25
80 ft.... „ „ 130 min. ... 322 min.... 48
So that in this case 50 to 60 feet was adopted also.
In the question as to the fire-grate, so little remains to be said, that it
is hardly worth alluding to it, except for one point. It has been shown that
thick hand firing, with short bars, is unsurpassed; on the other hand the
evil of admitting air cold, while firing, is urged against hand-firing, and
justly, but there is no reason why cold air should be admitted even then, if
the furnace is withdrawn from under the boiler altogether, which arrangement
presents also other great advantages, both in the saving to the plates, the
greater quantity of fuel that may be burnt with even a small tube Cornish
boiler, and consequent better result per pound of fuel. There is no new
theory involved—it is but a slight variation of the deflecting arches or
inverted bridges of the Wigan experiments, and with reference to Plate
XXXVI. may be described as follows:—
The boiler a is provided with a liner or inner case b <?, extending the full
length, but with the front end b "lipped" to allow the water to pass over
there, and to regulate the circulation. The furnace front # may be made of
firebrick or iron bars, and either fixed or rocking; 1 rocking the motion
may regulate the feed, as well as prevent the fue^ caking over. At the
bottom of this front is a space / left for clearing out clinkers and ashes,
the bottom grate also allowing ashes to fall as m the present bars. The
furnace has a back wall or bridge g, between this and e the fuel is burnt.
Behind the bridge g is a hanging bridge or deflecting arch h, protecting the
end of the boiler from ^ direct impact of the flame and cold air, and a
similar bridge at the hac
I , .125
fiend closes the combustion chamber or flue^'. The wall h may be pro-|
tected by water boxes or air chambers. The furnace is made on wheels ,j or
fixed, the former being preferred for the more ready opportunity of \
leaning and examining the bottom of the boiler. The furnace, when |'in rise,
is placed within the arched chamber i. The hopper being I filled with fuel,
various means may be used for feeding the furnace by j mechanical action,
such as rollers, brush, or vibrating plate. Air is j; admitted through the
front of the furnace e for the combustion of the I fuel, and the gases
evolved receive a further supply passing through the pop of the front where
little, if any, fuel will be regularly kept, and I these passing over the
bridge strike the hanging bridge h, and pass I; downwards into the flue. Any
cold air which may be admitted will be I mixed with the gases and heated by
the brickwork before reaching the I boiler itself, and a steam jet may be
introduced through the bridge wall |ft Instead of the heat being carried
along the sides of the boiler, the I whole is kept under the bottom as more
effective, and the communication I with the chimney is at the bottom of the
flue instead of being at its | highest level; thus the denser gases are
taken away instead of the
lighter, and the heat is detained under the boiler. The advantages to I be
derived are more steam space and drier steam, greater duty from yeach pound
of fuel, fewer repairs, and the absence of furring on the
inside of the boiler. One furnace may be made to provide heat for
several boilers, on a plan similar to that adopted with the gases from
the blast furnaces.
|: Since the above was written, the Iron and Coal Trades Review of |April 21
has appeared, containing an advertisement of the "Whittle Boiler," which is
somewhat similar to what- is recommended here, but differs in some essential
particulars, such as the level of the water and the bottom pipes.
NORTH OF ENGLAND INSTITUTE
or
MINING ENGINEERS.
1 SPECIAL AND GENERAL MEETING, SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 1869, IN THE LECTURE ROOM
OF THE I/ITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY.
G. B. FORSTER, Esq., Vice-President of the Institute, in the Chair. ¦
The Secretary read the minutes of the previous meeting-, and also : the
minutes of the Council. A communication had been received from Mr. Willis,
stating* that circumstances had prevented him from getting his paper ready.
The following* new members were elected :—
Honorary Member— Warrington W. Smyth, Jermyn Street, London.
Members—
: Thomas Douthwaite, Wallsend, near Newcastle-on-Trne. ; Thomas Gray,
Underbill, Taibach.
Monsr. Legrand, Mons, Belgium.
Monsr. baeck, Mons, Belgium.
George Bailey, Colliery Proprietor, Wakefield.
Thomas Pickersgill, Waterloo Main Colliery, near Leeds.
John Cross, 78, Cross Street, Manchester.
Mr. Marley brought forward the proposed alteration of rules, which, fewith
some modifications by Mr. Cochrane and Mr. Waller, were ||-adopted by the
meeting; Eules 10, 11, 12, and 25 will now stand as HPlows.
10.—Persons desirous of being admitted into the Institute as Ordi-
128
nary Members, Life Members, or Graduates, shall be proposed by three
Ordinary or Life Members, or both, at a General Meeting*. The nomination
shall be in writing, and signed by the proposers, and shall state the name
and residence of the individuals proposed, whose election shall be balloted
for at the next following General Meeting, unless it be then decided to
elect by show of hands, and during the interval notice of the nomination
shall be exhibited in the Society's room. Every person proposed as an
Honorary Member shall be recommended by at least five Members of the
Society, and elected by ballot at the following General Meeting*, unless it
be then decided to elect by show of hands. A. majority of votes shall
determine every election.
11.—That the Officers of the Institute shall consist of a President, six
Vice-Presidents (four of whom only to be Mining Engineers), and eighteen
Councillors (twelve of whom only to be Mining Engineers), who, with the
Treasurer and Secretary (if Members of the Institute), shall constitute a
Council for the direction and management of the affairs of the Institute;
all of which Officers shall be elected at the Annual Meeting (except in case
of Vacancies), and shall be eligible for re-election, with the exception of
any President, or Vice-President, who may have held office for the three
immediately preceding years, and such three Councillors of the Mining
Engineers, and two other Councillors, who may have attended the fewest
Council Meetings during the past year, but such Members shall be eligible
for re-election after being one year out of office, and such elections to be
in manner following :—
A.—Ordinary and Life Members shall be at liberty to nominate in writing, and
send to the Secretary, not less than thirty days prior to the Annual or
Special Meeting, a signed list of such persons as are considered suitable to
fill the various offices, and to specify in such nominations respectively
who are intended to represent the Mining or Mechanical Engineers and other
persons interested in Mining; which list, having been duly stamped with the
Institute Stamp, together with the List of such Officers as may be eligible
for re-election, and a copy of this Rule shall be posted, at least fourteen
days previous to the Annual or Special Meeting, to all Ordinary and Life
Members of the Institute, who must strike out from or add to such list, so
as to leave a record of their Votes for Officers, not exceeding the number
to be elected; but nothing shall prevent any Ordinary or Life Member
nominating in writing* subsequently (specifying the classes as aforesaid),
and up to, and on the day of, and prior to the election taking* place, any
other Member or Members to fill the various Offices; nor shall anything
prevent the Ordinary or Life Members, whether pre-
129
pisent or absent, from having power to vote for any other Member or 1
Members, although lie or they may not be nominated as before provided i for.
The Voting Papers being so filled up, must be returned through the |; post,
addressed to the Secretary, or be handed to him, or to the Chairman, in all
cases so as to be received before the hour fixed for the election Kof
Officers.
B. —The Chairman shall, in all cases of voting, appoint Scrutineers I of the
Lists, and the scrutiny shall commence on the conclusion of M the other
business of the meeting*, or at such other time as the Chairman
may appoint. On the conclusion of the scrutiny the Voting Papers shall I be
destroyed, and the List, prepared and verified by the Scrutineers, shall |.
be kept until the expiration of time for holding the ensuing three General
Meetings.
C. —In the event of any vacancies occurring in the number of |Officers
subsequent to the Annual or Special Meeting at which the elec-Ption of
Officers shall have taken place, such vacancy or vacancies, except Etas to
President, occurring witjiin the time for holding the three next 1 General
Meetings, after such Annual or Special Meeting as aforesaid, || shall be
filled up by appointing a successor from those standing next | highest on
the Scrutineers' List, but in the case of a vacancy for Presi-fedent, a new
election by nomination and voting shall in all cases be pro-|j ceeded with.
After the expiration of time for holding such three General H Meetings, in
the event of any vacancy then occurring for Vice-Presidents
and Councillors, the Council shall have discretionary powder either to
appoint a successor or successors, or instruct the Secretary to issue
Nomination and Voting Papers in the usual way.
D. --At Meetings of the Council five shall be a quorum, and the minutes of
the Council's proceedings shall be at all times open to the inspection of
the Members of the Institute.
12.—That the Vice-Presidents who have become, or may become, Bpeligible,
from having* held office for three years, shall be, ex-officio, ^Hpmbers of
the Council for the following year; and all past Presidents I (they
continuing Members of the Institute) also to be, ex-officio, Members |pf the
Council for the following* three years after their Presidentship. I
25.—All Members of the Institute shall have power to introduce a stranger to
any of the General Meetings of the Institute, and shall sign, m a book kept
for the purpose, his own name as well as the name and address of the person
introduced; but such stranger shall not take part Hf any discussion or other
business, unless permitted by the meeting to Br So-
130
FAN VENTILATION.
Mr. A. L. Steavenson's paper on the Lemielle Ventilator then came on for
discussion, and that gentleman read a supplementary paper on the subject,
after which,
Mr. W. Cochrane said, he also had prepared a few notes on the subject. He
was glad Mr. Steavenson had entered so fully into it, and it was only a pity
they had not yet got the paper promised by Mr. Willis because there was much
trouble required to work out these comparisons and if the results were so
different at Washington from what Mr. Steavenson had obtained at Page Bank,
they would have to reconsider the whole matter. Before reading his notes, he
would make a few remarks on what Mr. Steavenson had just communicated to
them. The working of the fan at Elsecar had been referred to, and the
conclusion to which Mr. Atkinson had come was stated to be that a
centrifugal fan was not adapted to overcome heavy drags. Mr. Atkinson's
remarks were confined to the Elsecar open running fan, which differed in a
most vital point from Guibal's. Mr. Steavenson thought the speed of 150
revolutions per minute, as mentioned in the paper on the Guibal Ventilator,
had been an exaggeration. At that time, he believed, the diameter of 23 feet
was the largest that had been made. Now, they were frequently made of 30 and
36 feet diameter. There was one started the day before yesterday, of 40 feet
diameter. The speed of 150 revolutions per minute might easily be obtained
from one of 23 feet diameter. The Elswick ventilator had been worked without
any trouble at 120, and it was no exaggeration to say that they could be
worked at 150 revolutions per minute : it was a common speed of these
ventilators in Belgium, and he as well as the Chairman had seen them working
at this speed for the ordinary ventilation of the mine. Another point
alluded to by Mr. Steavenson was the water-guage yielded by the Guibal
ventilator. When he made the remarks that the water-gauge produced by the
Guibal was greater than the water-gauge theoretically calculated, the
theoretical water-gauge alluded to was that due to centrifugal force only,
as Mr. Steavenson could not fail to observe in following the calculations.
Another element enters into the consideration of the maximum wat^er-gauge,
which is possible to be attained in the case of a perfect fan, and if he
would refer to Rankine's work, a reliable authority on the action of fans,
he would see it explained that such maximum water-gauge is twice the height
due to the centrifugal force, and not that calculated from the velocity of
the periphery of the fan only. When he (Mr. C.) said he obtained a
water-gauge greater than the theoretical, he ought to have said
131
than that due to the velocity of the periphery. The last point he would
notice was opening the separation doors at the bottom of the shaft, and
expecting the fan to go at a higher speed.
Mr. Steavenson said, that it was contrary to what at first sight would be
expected.
Mr. Cochrane—If you close all access of air you will find the fan run away;
as you decrease the opening and prevent air from reaching the fan, thus
giving the fan less work to do, the same power being applied, the velocity
of the fan must increase ; and the reverse action takes place if you
increase the opening. It was simply the result of a natural law.
SOME KEMAEKS ON
MECHANICAL VENTILATION.
By A. L. STEAVENSON.
When this question was last before you, it was understood that the I, whole
subject of fan ventilation was to be re-discussed. The writer has, I
therefore, prepared a few remarks, first, upon it generally, recalling how*
j! and to what extent in our earlier volumes it has been noticed, and next,
I upon the merits of the two rival systems of " varying capacities and |
centrifugal force." *
The first notice he finds was in a comparison between the furnace I and fan
made by Mr. Atkinson, see Vol. III., p. 112, when the Hartz
ventilator was shown to require only 9*78 lbs. of coal per minute to I
produce a quantity of air, which under the furnace system at Haswell, | the
pit being 150 fathoms deep, required 17*32 lbs., the quantity of air
being 94,900 cubic feet per minute.
The various formulas which these results are intended to illustrate
are very interesting, and well worth the study of any one wishing to I
understand thoroughly this important question.
|> In the same year 1855, Mr. T. J. Taylor supplied us with information 1
about Struve's ventilator, at Middle Duffryn Colliery, which, being upon
||the principle of varying capacities, yielded fths of the quantity 1
generated.
The machine had two 20 ft. cylinders of 4, 6, or 8 ft. stroke, and Rfwas
worked up to 12 strokes per minute. With both cylinders working [Iand at
8^ strokes, the estimated quantity was 64,000 cubic ft. per minute; the
actual 55 to 56,000.
With one cylinder at 12 strokes the quantity generated was 45,200 and the
quantity yielded 38,500. : In this case a yield of 86 per cent., in the
other 85, showing in both cases very good results.
In the year 1857, we had brought under our notice the Lemielle I system by
Mons. Laurent; it was simply described, and no very important
134
information given. This led Mr. Atkinson to give ns his interesting paper "
On the Consumption of Fuel by Furnaces and Ventilating Machines/' which it
is impossible and unnecessary to refer to, further than to point out that at
p. 145, Vol. VI., he shows in experiments upon Struve's machine, and Fabry's
pneumatic wheels, more than 60 per cent, of the engine power was utilized,
these being upon the principle of varying capacities.
Very shortly after this, from the same gentleman, we have experiments on
Brunton's fan applied at Gelly Gare Colliery; the fan is not described, but
the quantity of air discharged was directly proportional to the number of
revolutions of the fan, and that if the pressure or W.G. were proportional
to the square of the quantity of air circulating in the unit of time, the
revolutions in the unit of time should be proportional to the square root of
the water-gauge indicating the resistance. And these results are shown to
have been actually obtained. This subject is again referred to, by Mr.
Atkinson, at page 235 of the same volume, as an additional evidence of the
square of the quantity of air being proportional to the resistance.
We heard nothing more about mechanical ventilation until the year 18G1, when
we had a paper upon the Elsecar fan by Mr. Atkinson. The concluding remarks
upon this fan (a centrifugal fan) are to the effect that the Elsecar fan "is
capable of circulating large quantities of air at a low water-gauge, and
that it is not adapted to overcoming heavy drags, that it only gave 12*69
per cent, as compared with Struve's and Fabry's pump system.
Three years after this, in 1864-5, we first heard of the Guibal, or covered
centrifugal fan at Elswick and Tursdale, in a paper read by Mr. Cochrane. We
are told that it is so constructed that one 23 feet diameter and 6 feet 6f
inches wide is able to run up to 150 or 200 revolutions. This speed seems
excessive, and would probably cause much wear if continued. Mr. Cochrane
also states that it was resolved to adopt the covering and chimney to the
Tursdale fan. In this paper it is marked as worthy of notice, that the
water-gauge obtained by the fan is " greater than the theoretical result
obtained by calculation," out it seems probable that the theory has been
erroneous or the observations incorrect, rather than that the laws of nature
have been deceived.
We next come to the paper on Guibal's fan, read by the writer, to which he
will refer hereafter; and then the controversial contribution by Mr.
Cochrane on the Lemielle introduced a discussion which v'e are here to-day
to go into more fully.
I
135
Having been supplied with the Lemielle experiments, and the | Jjemielle and
Guibal fans being taken as types of the rival systems, : we have got to
consider first, the charges brought against the Lemielle; I second, the
properties, laws of action, and demerits of centrifugal fans. The first and
greatest alleged defect in the Lemielle is that "if there are sources of
leakage in the apparatus, the volume of exterior air, which is thus let in,
will increase as the depression increases, and, therefore, the air drawn
from the mine will proportionally diminish," that is 1 when the variation of
the water-gauge is caused by an altered condition of the mine.
When the mine continues in the same condition, by varying the I 6peed the
water-gauge is altered, then the quantity of air per revolution continues
the same.
These laws the experiment (given in the writer's paper on the I Lemielle)
appear to confirm, although he is not yet prepared to say SI that he is
perfectly satisfied of their correctness, further experiments seem desirable
to establish them. • The effect of the first law is exemplified by Mr.
Cochrane, when speaking of the Lemielle ventilator at |;Creusot, in the
following words, "It.is easy to see, as the useful effect in air yielded
decreases from '71 to *33 when the depression of water-gauge increases from
1*95 inches to 11*70 inches, that there will be a depression Hp which there
will be no air drawn from the mine." Such, he says, 1 would be the case
when the water-gauge at 16 revolutions equalled H|k16 inches.
Allow, for argument sake, this to be true—what then ? Surely a I fan that
can produce a water-gauge of 25 inches must be superior to any other that
can only produce a half or a third of such a result.
Notwithstanding that it is almost idle to talk of fans upon mines ^working
under these great depressions, yet to enable us properly to understand the
subject, and to arrive at the true principles of action, it hecomes a
necessity.
The common pump, raising water, ceases to yield anything when applied to
draw water above a depth equal to the pressure of the atmosphere, and so all
fans must have a limit, but we require to know for the sake of comparison,
whether the consequences predicted of the pLemielle are not to be feared in
a tenfold extent in the Guibal.
And first, as to the laws and properties of centrifugal fans. A i
centrifugal fan, properly proportioned and employed merely in displacing I
air; i. e. under no drag, should deliver (at a velocity equal to the tips of
**"8 blades) a stream of air having a sectional area equal to the breadth
136
of its blades at their outer ends, multiplied by the circumference of the
circle described by those ends.
While the general principle of their action under varying drags or
depressions is, for each fan driven at a certain speed, there is a certain
pressure which is the maximum pressure against which it will deliver or
rather there is a certain opposing pressure which will first cause all
delivery to cease. Let us call this pressure A. Now the delivery against any
pressure less than this (which we may call B) will be to the maximum
delivery of the fan when working against no opposing pressure, as \/A—B to
\/A.
The greatest water-gauge which any centrifugal fan can afford, is dependent
upon the speed at which the tips of the blades can safely be driven.
Experiments prove that the shutter and chimney give a certain amount of
benefit, which will hereafter be shown; but if we take the case of a 36 feet
fan, and allow it to run at 70 revolutions per minute, we shall then be
doing as much as any fan now being constructed will
V2
safely bear, and we find from the law h = gj- that the water-gauge thus
obtained by an ordinary centrifugal fan would be 3'95 inches; a Guibal would
probably exceed this to a slight extent.
It seems well here shortly to refer to the efficiency of Guibal's' I
chimney, and to enquire how far it is possible for it to effect economy by I
a saving in final velocity. At p. 20, Vol. XVI., it is stated the effect of
I the chimney is rendered visible by the vacuum shown at its base, now I
that there is some benefit in the chimney, it is not for a moment denied, I
but that it has such an effect as is stated on p. 20 of that volume, is, to
I say the least, doubtful.
That " if the chimney did not exist the depression or vacuum in the I air
chamber would be reduced from 2*28" to 0*92", an obstruction to be 1 added
to the resistances of the air in the ventilator.''
It seems desirable to read this by the light of Mr. Atkinson's paper; ¦ in
the year 1854, Vol. III., p. 95, where he says—" It is highly probable I
that a smaller proportion than even 6 per cent, of the ventilating pressure,
¦ as in this case, will in other less effectually ventilated mines, be
employ3 ¦ in creating the final velocity, more particularly in cases where
the upcaS^B shaft is of greater area in proportion to the extent of the
galleries ¦ requiring ventilation."
I will now only detain you by a short reference to some of the resul^B
obtained in experiments upon the Guibal fan under different conditi°nS'B
137
II see Vol. XVI. Thus, with the fan in its usual condition, the greatest
jlyield was at 89 revs., 50,328 c. ft. 3'34 in. W.G. (see table of
experi-Hjents).
MM. Baux and Franquet made as many communications as possible | between the
down and upcast. The results were at 87 revs. 175,620 Hft., and 1-99 in W.G.
Thus a difference of 1^ inches reduced the quantity 73 per cent. Other
experiments to a similar purpose might be quoted, but the I writer will only
refer to a few cases, showing how closely the water-
Hl v2
f gauge obtained agrees with the theory, h = when V = speed of Hpe tips of
vanes per second.
At Trimdon Colliery, with a Guibal fan 24 ft. dia., on July 20th, 11867,
experiments were tried mainly with a view to ascertain the best Imposition
of the shutter.
Shutter Actual Theo.
Kv fti Revs. or glide. W. Gauge. W. Gauge. Error.
48 ... I Open ... 0*80 ... 0-826 ...
0*026 H I 64 .,. I Open ... 1*50 ... 1*470
... 0*030 64 ... i Open ... 1*60 ... 1*470
... 0*130 64 ... | Open ... 1*50 ... 1*470
... 0*030 I' 64 ... | Shut ... 1*20 ... 1*470
... 0*270
76 ... I Open ... 2*20 ... 2*070 ...
0*130 pThe effect is seen in the wTater-gauge, from one-half to
seven-eighths open appears to give results much alike, and both slightly in
excess of the theoretical quantity.
B|t does not seem necessary to do more than point out how the Lemielle
system is practically without a limit, the water-gauge it can afford being
25 inches, whereas, the Guibal of the largest dimensions fails to reach the
odd 5 inches. RHowever, in many cases a Guibal fan will do good work, and it
has |proved itself to be very efficient under small water-gauges, which has
I never been disputed. Of course all fans are more effective, as the work
tQey do increases, the dead weight being less in proportion; and this was
|clearly shown in the Lemielle experiments.
REMARKS
on the
GUIBAL & LEMIELLE SYSTEMS OP VENTILATION.
By WILLIAM COCHRANE.
In connection with the paper on the Page Bank Lemielle Ventilator and the
resulting discussion, the following points seem to require attention:—
Can Vu = Ve —• Vr in practice ever become zero ? Would not the Lemielle
ventilator always draw some air from the mine so long as the access of air
is open to it ?
From the formula it is quite clear that theoretically Vu = 0 if Vr — Ve, and
though the practical objection seems at first sight plausible it will not
bear examination; if the mine is placed under the required conditions, so
that Vr = Ve, there will actually be no air drawn from the >;mine by the
Lemielle ventilator.
To render this clear, suppose a Lemielle L and another ventilator G upon the
upcast and downcast shafts of a mine, each capable of producing
| respectively a depression fi, under whicn a volume Kjpf Vu per minute
circulates in the mine; this | depression h, to which the mine is subjected,
| being that calculated from the formula h =
lOvO X ^ at w^c^ ^e re"entry °f air ^ would be equal to the
I volume generated Ve of the Lemielle ventilator. Let the Lemielle stand, I
there will be drawn through its sources of leakage a volume =Vr by the I
other ventilator in operation. Now, let the Lemielle be worked simul-I
taneously to such a speed as would alone discharge a volume from the lyErine
of Vr = Ve. The ventilator G still draws Vr = Ve through L, land the useful
effect on the mine by the Lemielle must be nil.
In the paper under discussion it is questioned whether the Guibal \could do
the work of the Page Bank Lemielle; and it is asserted that |: though no
facts have been given as to the action of centrifugal fans Vol. XVIII.—1869.
t
140
under extreme water-gauges, by increasing the drag of the air the Guibal
would soon produce no air at all.
The author of the paper will probably remember that at the time the Lemielle
Ventilator at Page Bank was under consideration, a Guibal Ventilator was
offered to do the same work, viz.:—Under a 10-inch water-gauge to produce
120,000 cubic feet of air per minute—a result which it will probably be
admitted would be a serious risk to attempt to attain with the Lemielle, as
already at 16 revolutions per minute with water-gauge of 6*65 inches, and a
volume of 97,338 cubic feet, the apparatus is strained to a dangerous
extent, as an inspection of it will prove. The re-entering volume, if the
apparatus did work satisfactorily, would be 6,064 cubic feet at a 10-inch
water-gauge, hence Vu = 11,029 — 6,064 = 4,965 cubic feet, would be quantity
of air per revolution of the ventilator drawn from the mine, requiring a
speed of
120,000 0, , ..
- A = 24*17 revolutions per minute. 4,96o r
It will probably be admitted that the Page Bank Lemielle Ventilator could
not work long under such conditions; and it will shortly be proved that the
Guibal Ventilator is equal to such a result.
The dimensions of a Guibal Ventilator to do the maximum work of this
Lemielle, namely, 97,338 cubic feet per minute under a 6*65 inch
water-gauge, are, diameter 36 feet 8 inches, breadth 10 feet, steam cylinder
36 inches diameter, 32 inches stroke, steam being supplied at an average
pressure throughout the stroke of about 20 lbs. to the square inch, the
ventilator making 75 to 80 revolutions per minute, that is the periphery
travelling at the rate of 1*75 miles per minute. Some ventilators of these
dimensions are in course of erection in this country, and one of 40 feet
diameter is set to work abroad.
Some interesting experiments were made by Mr. Morison at Pelton Colliery,
and are recorded in the last issue of our Proceedings.
In order to make an accurate comparison of these experiments conducted upon
different mines, it is of great importance that the same conditions of mine
be operated upon, that is, that each apparatus be doing similar work,
exhausting a given volume of air under the same drag or depression of
water-gauge.
To express this mechanically let Q be the volume exhausted in thousands of
cubic feet per minute, and h the water-gauge in hundredths of inches at one
mine, and Q1 hx the respective volumes and water-gauges
Q2 Q2
at another. If = -j- this condition would be satisfied.
Examining the Page Bank and Pelton tables of experiments it is Ifound that
No. 8 experiment of Page Bank, where f = «f = 36.09, I and No. 9 of Pelton
which is^the medium one of the three, with shutters
¦roperly adjusted, where $- = _ on nwMa , ~ . .
K ' hx 185 ~* 60 M Present sufficiently
I S'mirlr ™mJ0»S °f mine> ^ they are, therefore, taken for comparison
LJ,V f ^ Bank th6 miDe iS n0t in ifs binary working
|«ondition; the separation doors were opened.
142
In No. 9 of Pelton the mine was in its ordinary working* condition.
These two experiments, however, are as nearly as possible the same as if the
two ventilators had been working* side by side upon the same mine, as the
Guibal and Waddle ventilators are arranged at Pelton.
The comparisons of the No. 8 Page Bank and No. 9 Pelton are these :—
LEMIELLE. GUIBAL.
Water-gauge.............. •••
1*10 1*85
Volume in cubic feet per minute......... 62,983 81,495
Volume in cubic feet re-entering......... 28,560 Nil.
Per centage of useful effect ......... 25*48 58*70'
By increasing the speed of the Lemielle, a similar water-gauge to the Guibal
could have been obtained, and consequently the same volume of air. In this
case the useful effect would probably have been increased as the experiments
show an improved useful effect as the speeds become higher. It is fair to
assume, from the results of the other experiments, that it would be 35 per
cent, to compare with the Guibal, 58 per cent, if either ventilator was
working on a mine with a co-efficient of
condition of S- = 36, that is each drawing the same volume of air at it
the same depression of water-gauge.
In the case of the Lemielle the useful volume of air drawn from a mine
remaining constant, and the water-gauge increasing, by increasing the drag,
the re-entering volume increases, and the apparatus must work so much more
quickly to maintain the same current through the mine; a source of greatly
increased loss of power in overcoming the friction of the apparatus, and,
therefore, a still further decrease of useful effect.
In the case of the Guibal, if the same constant volume is maintained, and
the water-gauge increased, the ventilator must also work at a higher speed,
and an increase of friction is the result, also diminishing its useful
effect, but it is not subject to the re-entering volume, and has, therefore,
only one source of depreciation of useful effect instead of two.
The Lemielle experiment No. 5 (a medium result, see column V), the power in
the air discharged from the mine is -5762 of the power due to the volume
generated, that is of the volume which ought to be discharged from the mine
if there were no re-entries, and the power corresponding to this volume
generated is in this experiment *5450 of the power apphe^ in the steam
cylinder, therefore the product of these two '5450 X * = -3140 should be the
useful effect, which is confirmed by the experiment, that is 31*431 per
cent, utilized. If in this experiment the water-gauge had been increased to
8 inches by throttling the air-wa) ?
143
| and the same speed of the machine maintained, the useful volume from the
mine would have been only *35 instead of *5762, and supposing the
I resistances of the apparatus to be overcome to be the same (in such case
they would in reality be greater with the heavier strain on machinery),
I the useful effect in this case would be *35 x *545 = -19 or 19 per cent.,
J instead of 3P4 per cent. If in experiment 5 Page Bank the one nearest the
average, instead of 3*35 inches, the ventilator had been working under 8
inches water-gauge, the speed of ventilator not being increased,
but the air currents throttled, Vr which was 4673 would be 4673 8
< 3-35
= 7243, and Ve = 11,029, whence, Vu = 3786, i.e., total volume drawn
from mine would be3786 X 11*95 = 45,242 cufrc feet per minute. What, I under
similar circumstances, would be the result of the Guibal ? Take
No. 13 experiment, Page Bank, where the maximum water-gauge was I 4'55, and
volume 134,110 cubic feet, with a useful effect of 44-65 per i cent., and
No. 11 experiment, Pelton, where the water-gauge was 2-9
inches, volume 102,771 cubic feet, and useful effect 66*21 per cent. I Now,
let the Guibal be worked so as to produce 455 inches water-gauge,
and the volume of 134,110 cubic feet, the speed necessary would be
J 602 x o.qq == revolutions per minute.
The volume of air will be at this increased speed ^— v 102 771 =
60 ;
I 128,635 cubic feet, and the useful effect represented by 28>636J< ^*5'2 =
92-23 H.P.
Now, the Guibal ventilator, as will be seen from a comparison of the I
Pelton experiments, increases its useful effect as the speed increases, and
I it would be a fair inference to draw, that at 75 revolutions per minute |
the per centage would be higher than 66*21, which is the result at 60 \
revolutions, but so as not to raise any doubt let us suppose that this
remains the same at the higher speed, p 90-23
The power to be applied will, therefore, be 100 x gg-^j = 139-3 H.P.,
;; and as the volume of air in the above supposition is 134,100 •— 128,635 I
= 5,475 cubic feet inferior to the Lemielle, there will be required at
5 475 X 8 x 5*2
| the same speed the additional power to be applied of—-^qqq-=
6*9 H.P. to produce the exact results of the Lemielle. That is a useful m:
.92*23
effect of jjg7g == ^ Per cent-; f°r which, as shown in the Page Bank ex-
144
periments, 215 193 H.P. are required, with a useful effect of only 44-65 per
cent. There is, no doubt, however, that the assumption made with respect to
the useful effect of the Guibal at the increased speed is placing this
ventilator at a disadvantage which is contradicted by the other experiments.
Considering now the extreme case of the eight inches water-gauge in which
the Lemielle would yield only 19 per cent, of useful effect, the Pelton
Guibal would require to be driven at a speed of 99*6 revolutions per
8~ 99-6 602 X 0g = 99*6, and the volume of air would be-g^- x
102,771 == 170,598 cubic feet. The horse-power in the air would be
170,59asooo^ 53 = 215'°H,R'andat66'21 per cent useMeffect>
215'06
the power to be applied would be 100 X ^..^ = 324*8 H.P. But
instead of the volume of 170,598 cubic feet the Lemielle would draw
only 45,242 cubic feet. Therefore, the useful effect at a speed of 99 6
45 242 X 8 x 5*2 has to be reduced to —'~ - = 57*03 H.P. instead of 215 06,
that is, by 158*03 H.P.; hence the power applied would be 324*8 — 57*03
158*03 = 166-77 or ^qq^> == 34*2 per cent, to compare with 19 per
cent., or nearly twice as good results as the Lemielle.
The accompanying parabolic curves (see Plates 37, 38, and 39), constructed
in reference to the power applied and the useful effect which are the true
basis of comparison of any machine, show more distinctly than the schedule
of experiments where the practical results of the Guibal ventilator surpass
those of the Lemielle. In Plate 37 are shown two curves, constructed upon
the results of No. 9 experiment, and in dotted lines two curves on No. 12
experiment j a comparison of the ordinates drawn through these curves at any
point will show that the useful effect of the Guibal increases as the drag
decreases. In plate 38 are shown six curves constructed upon the results of
Nos. 4 and 8 experiments at Page Bank. It will be seen from them that the
horse-power of the re-entering volume, which is expressed by the length of
ordinate intercepted between the curves of the horse-power in the air and of
the horse-power of the volume generated increases in the case of the heavier
drag and diminishes when the separation doors are opened. In Plate 3# are
brought together the curves of horse-power applied in each case f°r the same
useful effect produced, and from this it will be seen that a Guib^
145
I and a Lemielle working under the same conditions of mine, the Lemielle
requires a much greater power applied, and as the speed increases, in I
order to produce a higher useful effect on the same mine, the divergence I
of the curves increases still more rapidly.
The comparative scale for the revolutions of each ventilator was I found to
be as 1 is to 4*648, as follows, viz. : the horse-power of air I utilized,
Pu, and of the re-entering volume, Pr, and of the power applied, I Pa, vary
as the cube of number of revolutions, or Pu = a N8, Pr == b N* SP»'= cN*,
and upon these formulae the various curves are constructed.
P 10*917
In No. 8 experiment, Page Bank, a = ~ = = -01909,
P' 23'711
• and No. 9 experiment, Pelton, a; = = —g^r = '00019.
Now, for the same value of Pu, a N3 = a' N/J, so that if N revolutions
i Guibal = x units on the scale, and N revolutions Lemielle = - units
n >
Hhen a x3 = a' ^ j and
I "a7 1^01909 „____
n = i a = 4 -00019 = ^10° 5 = 4^8*
Mr. Steavenson's experiments give an average of 35*54 per cent, [useful
effect at various speeds in ordinary condition of mine, and with I'the
separation doors in the mine open, that is, with a less drag than the
223*13
tordinary working conditions, an average useful effect of —ttj— = 37*19
I per cent, slightly in excess of the ordinary conditions.
Comparing the Guibal experiments at Pelton, the average useful I 172 99
|effect in the usual condition is g = 57*66 per cent., and with less M
207*56 „nift B.
parag —^— = 09*19 per cent., according to the experiments of the 15th
¦March, but in neither case was the shutter adjusted, which was at once
detected in taking out the proportion jr,; so that though each apparatus
pas in common the property of improving its useful effect under the
cir-|cumstances of a reduced drag, the Guibal shows a considerably more
;rapid improvement than the Lemielle.
In a new series of experiments, on the 5th of April, the shu ter was
pdjusted for the ordinary conditions of the mine when the average
146
useful effect was ^~ = 6073 per cent, for ordinary conditions, and 193
37
with less drag* -^g— = 64*45 per cent.
This adjustment, which was effected by lowering the shutter, will he seen to
have improved the per centage of useful effect in the ordinary conditions of
the mine from 57*66 to 6073, hut, as was anticipated, injured the result for
a less drag, reducing it from 61*19 to 64*45.
Mr. Steavenson, seeing in the Guibal experiments that under the ordinary
conditions, at a speed of forty revolutions 61,063 cubic feet, j and with a
less drag at the same speed of forty revolutions, 83,876 cubic feet per
minute were put into circulation, hazarded the opinion that by increasing
the drag with the Guibal it would soon draw no air at all from the I mine.
Had this remark been made upon the Lemielle, it would, as already j pointed
out, have been strictly accurate, but with the Guibal it is not so. This
diminution of volume of air, and also the diminished useful effect, are
properties of all machines alike—the Lemielle as well as the Guibal. Only in
the Lemielle system is the more serious .principle peculiar to that
arrangement superadded, that of the re-entries of air, and hence the j
greatly inferior useful effect.
If Pa be the power applied, Pu the power utilized, Pr the dead resistances
to overcome,
Pa - Pu + Pr,
P P
and the co-efficient of useful effect ^ = p—~, which increases or
Pa Pu ~t" Pr
diminishes as Pu, if Pr remains constant.
In the Guibal ventilator Pu = Qh, where Q is the volume of air per minute,
and h the water-gauge, so that the useful effect is expressed by
—-——, and since h is constant for the same speed, if the shutter is
Q h "f~ Pr
properly adjusted, the useful effect will be expressed by the form; _9-—
which shows that increasing the volume of air supplied to the
q + p;
ventilator at the same water-gauge, a higher useful effect is produced.
If the volume circulated is small, the utilized power can only be sma >
though the power applied may be large; for the power applied must equal to
the utilized power, and that required to overcome the resistances of the
apparatus Pa = Pu + Pr. These resistances vary with the spee ,
147
of the machine. If the speed is constant, the loss of power in overcoming
the resistances remains constant, and, therefore, if the volume of air
circulated, and, consequently, the utilized power be increased, it is clear
I the useful effect must increase also. For example, a ventilator is worked
I by 20 H.P. applied, and the volume of air displaced, multiplied by the I
depression produced, represents 10 H.P.; that is, the useful effect is 1 or
50 per cent, while 10 H.P. is absorbed in overcoming the resistances of all
kinds of the apparatus at this particular speed.
At the same speed the same resistances will have to be overcome, viz., I 10
H.P. But if double the volume of air be drawn by the ventilator, the 1
useful effect will be 20 H.P. instead of 10 H.P., and the power applied 1
will have to be increased by 10 H.P., making it 30 H.P. The useful I effect,
therefore, in this case, will be fg-, or 66 per cent. Now, at the same speed
let the volume of air be only one-half, the useful effect 1 will be 5 H.P.,
the power to be applied 10 + 5 = 15, and the useful I effect, therefore, is
reduced to -^v = 33 per cent.
If the shutter had been properly regulated for the altered conditions I of
the mine, the value of h under column r of the Pelton experiments I would
have been maintained in each experiment at the same speed. For I the
water-gauge, being dependent on the speed only, can be maintained I quite
independently of volume. Thus a correspondingly larger volume of 1 air would
have been circulated, making-the useful effect still higher than H is shown.
The Guibal ventilator, at a given speed, will produce the highest 1 useful
effect under the conditions of the admission of air to it being the |
maximum that it can discharge. Increase' the resistances of the air | coming
into the ventilator, and following a natural law, the useful effect
de-if/Creases.
NORTH OF ENGLAND INSTITUTE
op
MINING ENGINEERS.
ANNUAL MEETING, SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 1869, IN THE LECTURE ROOM OF THE
LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY.
G. B. FORSTER, Esq., Vice-President of the Institute, in the Chair.
The meeting- proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing I: year,
and Mr. S. C. Crone, Mr. Thos. Douglas, and Mr. A. L. Steavenson | were
appointed scrutineers.
The Secretary then read the reports of the Council, and the reports I of the
Treasurer and Finance Committee, and also the report of the Technical
Education Committee.
The following gentlemen were elected,
Members— I Henry Johnson, Dudley, Worcestershire. Edward Nicholson, Jun.,
Beamish Colliery, by Chester-le-Street, Fence Houses. T. Crawford, Jun.,
Littletown Colliery, near Durham. I David Peacock, President of the
Institute of South Staffordshire Mining Engineers.
Thomas Checkley, Mining Engineer, Walsall. William Kirkwood, Larkhall
Colliery, Hamilton. ; Aymer Ainslie, Iron Ore Master, Ulverstone.
| Frederick Walter Hall, 23, St. Thomas' Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne. Thomas
Johnson, Wigan Coal and Iron Company, Wigan, Lancashire.
Graduate—
1; James Rothwell Price, Wigan Coal and Iron Company, Wigan, Lancashire.
The Chairman thought they would agree with him that the Tech-| nical
Education Committee had presented a very satisfactory report, for I
considering the short time during which the scheme had been worked,
150
and the difficulty of introducing* so great a novelty over such a laro-e
district, the results had been of the most gratifying character. He had
great pleasure in bearing testimony to the ability, energy, industry, and
perseverance of Mr. Rowden, and he hoped all the members who had the
opportunity would impress upon the pupils the desirability of keeping up
what had been so happily begun and so successfully carried out up to the
present time. There had also been a difficulty with the pupils who at first
thought the task of passing the examinations too great for them to
accomplish. He trusted, however, that this would be avoided next year, and
that the scheme would progress, and the good results flowing from it be
increased to a much, greater extent. He would also congratulate them on the
satisfactory state of their finances.
The following letter was read by the Secretary :—
Institution of Mechanical Engineers,
81, Newhall Street, Birmingham,
6th August, 1889.
My dear Sir,—I have the pleasure of conveying to you, by the instructions of
the Council of this Institution, the expression of their special thanks to
the Council, the Reception Committee, and the members generally of the
Institute of Mining Engineers, and to yourself as the Secretary, for the
very cordial welcome that the members of this Institution have received on
the occasion of the Newcastle Meeting, and for the important and valuable
aid that has been so kindly rendered in the very successful arrangements for
the meeting of this Institution in Newcastle. I remain, my dear Sir,
Yours, very truly,
Theo. Wood. Bunning, Esq., WILLIAM P. MARSHALL,
Secretary, Secretary. Institute of Mining Engineers.
Mr. W. Waller said, as reference was made in the report of the Council to
the visit of the Mechanical Engineers to this town, he might perhaps be
allowed to mention that he had met with several of their late guests, who
had unanimously expressed their belief that the meeting m Newcastle had been
one of the most successful they had ever held, and they wished particularly
to thank those gentlemen who had so kindly opened their works for the
inspection of the members.
A paper by Mr. T. J. Bewick was read " On Mining in the Mountain Limestone
of the North of England."
The Chairman was sure the meeting would be very much obliged to Mr. Bewick
for his able paper. The subject was one that had been
151
1 very much neglected in their Transactions, but he hoped it would receive
] more attention in future than it had hitherto done. There was hardly
time to enter upon a discussion of the paper to-day, as they had so much
business to get through, but if any gentleman wished to make |) any remarks
they would be glad to hear them.
Mr. E. F. Boyd drew attention to a remark made by Mr. Bewick in 1 his paper
that the centre of the Durham district was more prolific in lead I ore than
either the northern or southern district of the mountain lime-I stone. He
would like to know if there was any particular reason why i; there were so
few veins in Northumberland, and, with the exception of 1 one district
belonging to the Duke of Devonshire, and another at Kettle-I well, there
were scarcely any in Yorkshire. Could any explanation bo I given as to the
deposit being so remarkably confined to a particular local R district of
Durham ?.
Mr. Bewick suggested that one reason might be that the districts |;
mentioned were as yet insufficiently developed ; as, for instance, the
district near Clitheroe, which until recently was not known to be productive
I of lead ore, had now become very important* lead ore was also found I"
extending in other parts, and no doubt there were undeveloped districts | in
Northumberland, and other counties included in the map, that con-litained
deposits of ore, but it must be remarked that much of the lime-I stone
formation in the north and west of Northumberland is composed |;of beds
occurring beneath the Whin Sill j whereas, those in the county i of Durham
and southward rest on, or, at any rate, are in a relatively I higher
position than that rock.
The Chairman then proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Bewick for his 1 paper,
which was carried unanimously.
A paper by Mr. Geo. Fowler, " On a method of Abstracting Explo-Reive Gas
from the Goaves of Coal Mines, and of assisting the drainage of H'gas from
the solid coal," was then read.
The Chairman remarked that this was a paper on a subject of the I very
greatest importance to them as mining engineers, and he was sure 1. that an)
thing which tended to prevent or reduce the number of those pcalamities
which unfortunately had lately so distracted some districts ¦fpould meet
with the greatest attention from the Institution.
Mr. W. Cochrane understood that Mr. Fowler proposed to exhaust jphe gas from
the goaves of the mines, which could not be done except I by isolating them
by brick or other air-tight walls, and by carrying drifts Rrom these goaves
to the pump at the upcast shaft.
152
Mr. Fowler said, he would make the downcast shaft air-tight, and exhaust
generally from the whole of the workings. The goaves would be exhausted with
the rest, and filled with fresh air from the working part of the mine on the
re-opening of the downcast shaft. The advisability of carrying special
drifts to the goaves would very much depend on their position and on other
circumstances.
Mr. J. J. Atkinson thought that a change in the barometer might counteract
all the advantages contemplated, but his opinion was that the effect would
be to foul the pit and fill it full of gas, it would then have to be drained
afresh, and the same amount of gas would still be generated after the
temporary exhaustion as before.
Mr. Fowler considered that the flow of gas from the goaf would be increased
during the time the mine was exhausted, but that on the re-admission of air
the gas would be held back.
Mr. J. J. Atkinson doubted this, because he had never known gas, if present,
fail to come off.
Mr. Willis observed that, supposing a machine or pump could be made to
reduce the pressure, after a time there would cease to be air, and only the
gas out of the coal would be left to be abstracted, which would fill the
workings and be pushed back into the goaves when the air was re-admitted;
and thus the mine would be in precisely the same position as before.
Mr. J. J. Atkinson said, if the ventilation in a fiery pit was suspended,
and this it was virtually proposed to do, the whole atmosphere of the mine
would become charged with gas.
Mr. I. L. Bell—Understanding from the author of the paper that it was
intended to put the entire workings of the coal mine under an exhaustion of
from five to six inches of mercury, he considered that a physical
impossibility would be involved j because, in order to exhaust any vessel it
was necessary to have it air-tight. As it was, he thought some proof would
be required to show that any mine could be regarded in the light of a vessel
hermetically sealed; there were the dislocatures 1 of the strata, every
crevice of which would have to be filled up or it would destroy the vacuum
which this pump was to cause. It would m j fact be a physical
impossibility to produce the exhaustion proposed by j Mr. Fowler.
Mr. Fowler—If it is impossible to create a partial vacuum i*1 a I mine, how
is it possible to keep water out of it ? We know that water ¦ met with in
sinking shafts may generally be kept back by tubbing; aT1 j does not find
its way through the strata, though at great pressure. 1 *1<3 J
153
I small feeders which are often met with in mines, and which must find I
their way in under great pressure, are not likely to be sensibly increased I
by a diminution of 2 or 3 lbs. in the counter pressure of the atmosphere.
Mr. S. B. Coxon thought they would require machines of immense I magnitude
to place the mine in the condition required by Mr. Fowler.
Mr. J. J. Atkinson remarked that the idea was old. It had been £ thoroughly
considered before, and it was his opinion that it would be I attended with
very much greater danger than the ordinary mode. He I thought the effect
would simply be to foul the pit once a-week.
Mr. D. P. Morison observed that the horses would have to be drawn I out of
the pit when the vacuum was produced, and that seeing the diffi-I culty of
keeping the stoppings tight under an ordinary pressure, it I would be almost
impossible to keep them tight under the extraordinary |: pressure
contemplated by Mr. Fowler.
Mr. J. J. Atkinson said, as far as the horses were concerned the difficulty
had been provided for in the paper, and he did not himself I consider there
could be much difficulty with the stoppings.
The Chairman understood that it was contemplated to effectively I seal the
downcast shaft, and when that was done the other stoppings I would not
present any difficulty He said, they were much obliged to Mr. Fowler for
his paper, and proposed a vote of thanks to that gentle-I man.
The resolution was passed unanimously.
The Scrutineers having announced the election of Mr. E. F. Boyd to the
office of President, that gentleman, on taking the chair, said he felt a
certain amount of diffidence in rising to address them, notwithstanding the
handsome manner in which they had elected him, for he felt that he was now
occupying the place which had been filled by such worthy men as Nicholas
Wood, T. E. Forster, and ' George Elliot. He could, however, assure them
that nothing should be wanting on his part or in his sincere desire to serve
them to the utmost of his ability in any capacity, and as they had done him
the honour to elect him as their President, he would endeavour, on all
occasions, by every means in his power, to render himself available for the
purposes for which the President of their Institution was elected. He
thought they ought not to separate without looking generally at the past as
well as the future. In the general report of their Council, they had all the
data laid before them, showing that their Institute was in a flourishing
condition for the purposes for which it was commenced. He
154
had a pleasing* recollection of his association with the late Mr. Nicholas
Wood, a very early friend of the Institute, and knowing something 0f that
gentleman's mind, and what his purposes were in the establishment of such an
Institution, he need hardly say that it had gone quite up to the mark which
Mr. Wood intended, if not far beyond it. He believed that the purpose, in
the first instance, was to search for the causes producing accidents in
mines; in the next place, the ventilation of works of large extent; and the
third question was, that they should have a sort of record of each
improvement as it took place. Then, again, they had to note, if possible,
the transactions which took place in the mines, with plans of the mines
themselves. He might, perhaps, be allowed to doubt if they had exactly
followed out that last intention, for he believed there were cases in which
the proprietors of mines would feel a delicacy in recording all their
workings to be deposited as public property ; this was a matter that seemed
to come within the range of argument 5 for if the public good was the object
they had in view, it would require but little self-denial on their part to
give up the idea of privacy, for the satisfaction of recording what had been
done in the mines of the country generally. As to the future, he would say
but little now. They knew the difficulty they had in obtaining a sufficient
number of papers for discussion, and of a sufficiently high standard to make
the expense of printing thorn come within the range of the intention of this
Institute; and they had lately tried to overcome the difficulties they found
by forming Committees. He felt sure they would all agree with him, it was a
source of great gratification that the members of these Committees had given
their labours with very great earnestness, and had brought their works to a
high point of minuteness and distinctness. At the same time they could
hardly expect those gentlemen would be constantly called upon for this
purpose. Was it not the duty of the President, under such circumstances, to
urge the young members not to be always listeners 1 He thought that, from a
similar point of view, they should get over the difficulty-— that papers
should all be of the highest character—and content themselves with recording
circumstances within their own observation, on geology, ventilation,
engineering, or the mode of getting the coal, or the mode of draining the
coal. Any one of these things might be made the subject of a paper that
would attract attention. Was it not within the range of their younger
members to devote a certain amount of time to these subjects 1 He believed
the simplest contribution in that way would be very acceptable ; and if the
papers were not printed, what then • When a man knew that he had done his
best to advance the cause wluc'J
155
j; thoy all had so sincerely at heart, he could not be otherwise than
satis-I fied with the efforts he had put forth with that object in view.
With 1 regard to the funds of their Institution, he thought they would not
be I surprised at his coming to the conclusion, to ask them to appoint ,
another gentleman to succeed him as Treasurer. He had done his best I from
the commencement up to the present time, and he thought he was \ not making
an improper request in asking them to relieve him of I his office.
The meeting then separated; the President and a large number of i the
members afterwards attended the annual dinner, when the following telegram
was read from Mr. Elliot, the late President :—
6th August, 7*20 p.m. Elliot, Paris, to Forster, 7, Ellison Place,
Newcastle.
Greatly regret cannot attend Engineers' Banquet. Unexpectedly called to
Bfaris by his Excellency Nubar Pasha on important Egyptian business. Please
I express to my successor my personal regard. Best wishes for prosperity of
I Institution.
ON A METHOD OF ABSTRACTING
EXPLOSIVE GAS FKOM THE GOAYES OP COAL MINES,
AND OF
ASSISTING THE DRAINAGE OP GAS FROM THE SOLID COAL.
By GEORGE FOWLER.
One of the great difficulties in modern Coal Mining* is the question—How to
deal with the goaves or places where the coal has been got 1 In every
colliery which is removing the whole of the coal there is a yearly
increasing I area of wrought mine, through which it is impossible by the
means of ventilation in present use, to keep a circulation of air sufficient
to carry away the gas that lies in it. There is, in fact, a constantly
increasing ; magazine of gas sufficiently diluted to be explosive, and
ebbing* and flowing with every change of atmospheric pressure. It is to
this, whatever may have been the immediate cause, that the magnitude of some
of the colliery explosions is due. After the occurrence of a heavy
explosion there is I generally some variety of opinion as to the immediate
cause. There are sufficient known instances of the occurrences of blowers
to make these a possible source of the accident. It is, however, a
significant fact, which I a reference to the Inspectors' Reports will
verify, that most of the heavy \ explosions have been in mines, where there
have been patches of goaf r amongst pillars of solid coal, and it is
submitted that it is to the gas I lying in these goaves, that the magnitude
of the accident is due. How ! this is brought out of the goaves suddenly by
a vibration of the air, I or gradually by change of barometrical pressure,
is perfectly well known I to every mining engineer.' The nearest approach
to goaf ventilation is I the practice which obtains in some of the mines
where the coal is I worked long-wall, of coursing the air freely up and down
the roads packed I through the goaf.
The diagram No. 1 of a small portion of a long-wall mine will illus-I trate
this clearly. It will be seen that the air circulates freely up and Vol.
XVIII.—1869. y
158
down the broad gates, and across the faces in such a manner that it not only
sweeps along the faces, but finds its way through any openings in the goaf
far back from the face, until the superincumbent weight has closed
everything tight. There is probably no method of working coal which leaves
so little goaf-room as in those long-wall pits where' the principle is fully
carried out. It is astonishing where a large area of coal has been got out
free from pillars and ribs how dense and solid the goaf becomes. In whatever
way, however, the goaf may have been made, it is certain that there are,
more or less, hollow spaces in which the gas can accumulate, and it appears
to be a question worthy of consideration whether it is not possible to
remove these accumulations and to prevent them forming.
There are two properties which atmospheric air, and explosive gas possess,
which might be made useful in solving the problem. They are perfectly
elastic, and have a very strong desire to mix together if they are brought
in contact. Is it then possible, to expand the gas lying in the goaves ? To
bring it by this means into the open mine, to replace it by fresh air, and
then by a series of expansions and contractions to dilute and draw away the
explosive gas from the goaves, and indeed to a certain extent from the solid
mine as well. It is to this theory that the writer is desirous of calling
attention with a hope that it may have a useful practical application.
The atmospherical pressure is undergoing continual alterations, but of small
amount. As the mercury falls the goaf gases expand and come off into the
working places of the mine; as it rises, they retreat, and the fresh air
follows them in, and it is owing to this continual ebbing and flowing which
is constantly bringing, but to a small amount, gas and air into contact,
that the goaves are never filled with pure gas, but with more or less
explosive compounds of gas and air. There is very frequently a doubt
expressed whether the law of the diffusion of gases, or the natural desire
which different gases when in contact possess to intermingle, is found true
in mining experience. It is submitted that careful examination will remove
that doubt. It will be found that at every point of issue explosive gas
rapidly becomes mixed with air, and that we conclude erroneously that, that
is pure gas, which is probably but a mixture of one part of gas to four or
five of air.
There is little doubt that the natural law is always in action, but that its
action is not sufficiently energetic to keep the whole of a mine, m which
the ventilation is stagnant, at the same degree of dilution.
To state the case then in a concrete form, is it possible to close up
159
the greater portion of a mine and to reduce the pressure to a sufficient
amount, and with sufficient frequency to draw away the gases lying in the
goaves, and by repeating the operations at certain intervals to prevent the
re-accumulation of the gas and keep the normal condition of the I mine one
of perfect freedom from explosive gas ?
The cubic contents of every mine bear some proportion to the amount of coal
extracted. If no goaf is formed, and if no part of the mine I heaves at
the floor, it must be exactly equal to the cubic contents of the coal drawn.
When, however, any general surface settlement has taken place this
quantity is very materially reduced, and over large areas of I goaf the open
spaces are not one-tenth of the original bulk of the coal. I In a case of a
long-wall mine which was flooded, and the water subse-I quently drawn, it
appeared that, including all the open pillar roads, the I cubic contents of
the mine were but one-sixth of the original bulk of the I coal, and over
large areas of long-wall goaf, as before-mentioned, it I would not be more
than one-tenth.
The great difficulty with the goaves appears to occur where there are |
small patches located here and there amongst pillar roads, and a reference |
to the plans attached to the Inspectors' Reports will confirm this
statement.
In these cases the goaf does not become solid, but the goaf chambers 1 < up
thus, and here the gas lodges.
A mine working thirty years, and drawing 150,000 tons per annum, I would
extract about 120,000,000 cubic feet of coal.
Allowing for a very small amount of surface settlement, it may be I assumed
that there is a void of 80,000,000 cubic feet in the mine. As I before
instanced, by long-wall work, there would be about 20,000,000, mbut this
method is still far from being general.
Assuming that the barometer stands at 30 inches, the power required 1 to
reduce it 1 inch in every 1,000,000 cubic feet of air, or in other I;
wor-ds, to abstract one-thirtieth of the air is as follows :—The pressure 1
against an exhausting pump would rise from 0 to 68 lbs. per square I foot,
the mean pressure being 34 lbs. At the commencement of the 1 operation the
exhausting cylinder would abstract an amount of air, at
160
atmospheric pressure, equal to the cubic contents of the cylinder, but at
the close only f# of the contents at atmospheric pressure. The calcula-
1,000,000 QQQQQ r • ,
tion, therefore, stands as follows, —^- = 06,666 cubic feet at
34 lbs. per foot = 1,133,333 foot lbs., but to abstract this amount the
pumping cylinder must sweep through one-sixtieth more, 1,133,333 +
¦i -iqq OOq 1 152 222
6Q = 1,162,222 foot lbs. in pumping cylinder, ^ JQQ- = 35
H.P. nearly; or taking the whole, 80,000,000, and giving 25 hours to perform
the operation, the calculation stands thus :—
If, then, to lower the pressure by 1 inch of mercury absorbs 2 H.P. work in
pump, to reduce it to 2 inches would require 22 x 2 = 8 H.P., to 4 inches 42
x 2 = 32 H.P., to 5 inches 53 x 2 = 50 H.P. It thus appears that a moderate
amount of exhaustion is attainable with small engine power, but that
anything approaching entire exhaustion is unattainable.
In an operation of this kind, primarily for the purpose of extracting the
gas out of the goaves, but also with a view to drain the solid coal, it is
clear that it is desirable, as much as possible, to draw as directly as
possible from the goaf. Assume, for instance, a large patch of goaf equal
in cubic contents to one-thirtieth of the mine. If the exhaustion could be
made to take effect at the centre of the goaf, the major part of the gas
would be replaced by the air of the mine when 1 inch of exhaustion was
obtained. It is, of course, impossible to ensure that the exhaustion
shall take effect wholly from the centre of the goaf; if it were so, a very
small degree of exhaustion would avail, but it is possible to connect the
neighbourhood of the goaf by the most direct route with the exhausting
pumps, and so, that the expansion may take effect in the first instance in
the neighbourhood of the goaf, and the flow of air from the pillar-work be
towards the goaf. In the diagram No. 2, which is a plan of the Lundhill
Colliery at the time of the accident, the headways are supposed to be
connected with the exhausting apparatus, so that the drainage may take
effect from the goaf, and the flow of air from the pillar roads be towards
the goaf. In some cases it would be desirable to use certain pillar roads
solely for this purpose of gas drainage, m others the ordinary returns would
be applicable.
The practical application of the method would thus be somewhat
161
after the following fashion. Strong air-tight doors- must be made to close
the mine and sever it from the furnace, stables, and pit bottom, and then in
those mines provided with hauling engines, pumping cylinders of thirty or
forty inches bore would be connected with them and effect the operation.
Where there is no underground engine, a pipe, connected with an engine at
the top, would effect the same end; but it will be seen that pumps will not
work so effectively at the top as the bottom of the shaft column. In cases
where the stables are far inbye it would, of course, be necessary to bring
the horses for the time to the shaft bottom.
It will be admitted by most engineers that there are few mines in which this
could not be done, and the real question about which there is room for
variety of opinion is, first, if done would it be effective ? and second,
could the same result be more readily obtained?-It is scarcely possible to
answer the first query without some knowledge of the amount of gas which is
given off hour by hour in a large mine, and there happens to be an excellent
case on record. In Mr. Dickenson's report on the Oaks Explosion, we find
after the explosion, when the mine was shut up, and consequently no fresh
faces of coal ever being exposed, but on the other hand when the mine was
considerably heated by fire and thus more likely to give off gas, that the
yield of gas was about 550 cubic feet per minute. From the gassy nature of
that seam, and the immense area of coal exposed, there are, probably, few
mines which give off more gas; the great majority even of those which are
reckoned fiery give off much less, indeed measurably, an inconsiderable
quantity. This gas is also rarely given off in the goaves, but in the
facings and headings where the ordinary ventilation should remove the bulk
of it. For the sake of argument, however, let it be assumed that one-half of
the regular feeder of gas, say, 250 cubic feet per minute, finds its way
back into the goaf, what proportion does this bear to a weekly exhaustion of
one-sixth of the cubic contents of the mine ?
that is, that if the feeder of gas to the goaf be 250 feet per minute, the
weekly drain is equivalent to about 1,350 feet per minute, so that after the
goaves were once cleared, a weekly exhaustion would suffice to keep them so,
or in other words, after a week's work, the mine could be shut off on
Saturday night, the air be partially exhausted, and the ordinary
162
ventilation of the mine he restored ready for coal drawing on Monday
mornin"-. To empty the goaves in the first instance, much would depend upon
the proportion which their cubic contents bore to the open mine, and to the
greater or less facility with which the exhaustion might be made to take
effect in the neighbourhood of the goaf. In certain cases, it might be
desirable to maintain one or two packed roads through the goaf, so as to
give freer egress for the gas contained, but an exhaustion of 4 or 5 inches
of mercury giving a pressure of 50 or 60 inches water-gauge, is a powerful
agent in finding a channel.
In the ordinary course of working, dealing with water-gauge pressures of 1
and 2 inches, it is difficult to realize the effect of so powerful an agency
as this, and nothing but practical trial can make it thoroughly apprehended.
The quantity of gas which comes into the most fiery mine is really small in
proportion to the air which an efficient ventilation will circulate.
There appears, however, to be little chance of reasonable safety, as long*
as stores of <ras are harboured below.
It is almost unnecessary to add, in conclusion, that this system is
suggested with no idea that it will in any way dispense with the need of
ordinary ventilation.
When the pumping was discontinued and the mine re-opened, some little time
would be occupied in clearing the mine; with a current of 2 miles, at an
average speed of 200 feet per minute about an hour would be thus occupied.
on
MINING IN THE MOUNTAIN LIMESTONE
op the
NORTH OF ENGLAND.
By T. J. BEWICK, C.E., F.G.S.
In the Transactions of this Institution, the district to which the
following' observations refer, has not had so much of the attention of the
members, as the coal and iron fields of the East Coast, which are more
densely populated, more accessible from the hives of industry, and which
afford employment to an amount of capital and labour in proportion largely
in excess of the lead mining districts.
That this latter district has not been more generally treated of, or
discussed by the members of this Institution, probably arises not from its
want of interest or importance, but owing to its distance from the main
highways of commerce and the quiet unobtrusive way in which the mining
operations therein are conducted.
This almost total isolation is very vividly portrayed to the traveller, by
the heaps of valuable pig lead, which he will find piled up, waiting
transit, at road sides in romantic spots with no habitation visible.
In Vol. XIII. of the Transactions of the Institution is a short paper by Mr.
Sopwith, on the subject, and the present may be considered a ! continuation
or amplification of that paper, which is confined to the I district in which
the principal lead mines are situated j this essay extends the area, and
comprises the no inconsiderable portion of the island I occupied by the
out-crop or bassett of the mountain or carboniferous I limestone of the
northern part of England, abutting at its northern I extremity on the south
east corner of Scotland, and extending southwards I through the counties of
Northumberland, Durham, Cumberland, West-I moreland, Yorkshire, and into
Lancashire, terminating near Clitheroe, I in which latter locality are the
recently discovered and productive White-r well Lead Mines.
164
This outcrop forms a range of hills, for the most part of considerable
altitude, and represents the "back bone," as it has not inaptly been called,
of this part of the island.
The maximum length north to south is 136 miles, and the breadth from east to
west varies from about 45 to 16 miles, the total area being about 4,000
square miles.
The general line of direction is north and south, commencing at its south
end near the Irish Sea, and terminating on the east coast at
Berwick-on-Tweed, thus having a diagonal direction through that part of the
island which it occupies.
Although a portion of the district at the extreme north and south ends is
but little above sea level, yet taking it generally, the elevation of the
ground varies from 500 to 1,500 feet, the greatest height being the summit
of Cross Fell Mountain, which is 2,901 feet above the sea.
This territory is especially interesting to the geologist, from the position
and contortions of the strata, and the intersection of, and dislocations
affected by the numerous dykes and veins; to the paleontologist from the
fossils which abound in the rocks; to the mineralogist from the variety and
beauty of the minerals it contains; to the mining engineer and miner from
the extent and the diversity of the workings, the intricacies of the lodes,
and the ground yet undeveloped; to the man of commerce by reason of the
richness and value of the products it yields; and to the agriculturist from
the difference in altitude, and the diversity and economic value of its
soils, the fertility of which is greatly augmented by the limestones which
prevail.
In the area under consideration are extensively wrought mineral deposits of
great value the circumstances and extraction of which it is the object of
this paper to explain.
They consist of galena or lead ore; blende, the ore of zinc, the "black
jack" of the miner; iron pyrites or sulphur; barytes; fluor spar; iron ores;
and other minerals of less frequent occurrence, and little commercial value,
all of which are found in veins, having a vertical or nearly vertical
position, whilst there are also thin seams of coal, vast beds of limestone
and sandstone, clay and other sedimentary deposits of more or less value.
The veins, or lodes and dykes, are numerous and of many varieties; they
intersect and dislocate the strata, and are generally traceable m every bed
or layer of rock, from the uppermost downwards to an unknown depth. > #t
Could the various dislocations be shown on a map of the district, i
165
would appear a complete net-work of lines, the meshes would not however be
uniform either in shape or size, nor yet would the cords themselves if laid
down to scale be regular in thickness.
These dislocations, productive and unproductive, vary in direction, in
thickness, and in importance. We have north and south or cross, east and
west and quarter-point veins, and these are again distinguished according to
their size as dykes, veins, strings, leads, threads, and joints, and some of
these have local names, as in Yorkshire, a vein or string having a bearing
at or near right angles to an east and west vein is called a crossing-.
Then, again, there are fissures almost exclusively in the limestone which
are occasionally productive of lead ore, and in this respect only do they
resemble the ordinary dislocation.
Following up the net work in a large territory it would be void of
regularity, inasmuch as the veins or dislocations are in nests; thus we have
the important ore producing districts of Tynedale, Allendale, Alston Moor,
Weardale, Derwent, and Teesdale, Arkindale and Swale-dale, Pateley Bridge,
Hebden Moor, Grassington, and Whitewell, these being again subdivided,
whilst between two or more of these nests are vast areas of ground almost
unproductive of ore, and others, so far as yet known, without veins.
Geologically, the rocks are known as part of the primary or paloeozoic
formation, lying immediately above the old red sandstone and below the
millstone-grit. These rocks are of three principal descriptions: limestones,
sandstones, and shales, for the most part in alternating beds of various
thicknesses, with occasional seams of coal.
It is not in these rocks we find the mineral, but they are intersected by
veins in which the ores form the most valuable and important part.
That the rocks, although of prior formation to the veins, nevertheless
influenced in some unknown way the deposition or formation of the mineral,
is clear from the fact that veins are more productive when the sides are
formed of limestone, than if they were of sandstone; and, again, the yield
is greater when sandstone, rather than shale, forms the walls; in other
words, veins in limestone, as a rule, are most productive, next those in
sandstone, and least so those in shale, in fact veins in the latter rarely
carry ore. The direction or line of bearing of a vein has also much to do
with its productiveness; thus, in this district, veins having an easterly
and westerly direction are richest in mineral, whilst those having a
contrary bearing do not often yield minerals of value; and, as a rule, it
may be assumed that lodes having a bearing west of north and Vol.
XVIII.—1869. z
166
east of south, are more productive than those pointing through the other
half of the compass.
It must not, however, he supposed that there are not productive veins having
the objectionable bearing- this sometimes happens in the district under
consideration, and in Cornwall and other places the most productive lead
lodes are those bearing north and south, whilst the east and west veins
contain copper and tin.
Generally, in the North of England, the dykes bear north and south, and have
great dislocations, being usually unproductive of mineral.
The matrix of the vein has much to do with its productiveness, and this
again varies in different strata and localities. Thus, in the Tynedale mines
the sulphate and carbonate of barytes prevail ; in the Alston Moor,
Allendale, Weardale, and Teesdale mines, fluor spar, carbonate of lime,-and
quartz are the principal; in Yorkshire, carbonate of lime; and further
south, quartz and carbonate of lime are the predominating matrices.
Most veins have distinct sides or walls; these are known as cheeks, and
sometimes there is a main or leading cheek in the body of the vein. Not
unfrequently these cheeks are striated, and, occasionally, are highly
polished with a thin coating of lead ore, and when in this state are called
slickensides.
Lead ore is the most important of the minerals raised, but the veins often
contain many others, such as iron, blende, p}rrites, copper in small
quantities, and all these minerals may be found together in the same vein.
The body of the veins and the adjacent rocks, for some distance on each
side, are generally ferruginous in character, sometimes highly so; and the
rock, when thus impregnated, is known as " rider."
It also not unfrequently happens that the veins contain a considerable
proportion of stiff black clay or "dowke;" and it is in the discrimination
of the value of these and other circumstances as indications of the
productiveness of a vein, that the practical experience, knowledge, and
skill of the mining engineer is of service.
There are also two other circumstances in connection with these veins which
must not be overlooked; these are the throw or break; and the hade or
underlay. The former being the amount of dislocation of the strata, and the
latter the variation from the perpendicular which the lode assumes. These
circumstances vary exceedingly even in the limits of this field. In some of
the districts, a few feet throw is considered favourable; whilst in other
places the throw of the most pr°
167
ductive veins is reckoned by fathoms. The value of a throw, whatever it may
be, is estimated by the strata which are brought opposite each other on
contrary sides of the vein, as before explained.
There is an almost universal law in the throw and hade of veins; thus, a
vein hading downwards or underlying to the south, throws the south side
down, and vice versa. The extent of throw and hade of a vein is extremely
variable, and occasionally the same vein changes its throw and hade.
Sometimes the veins flat, that is, on one or bofh sides there is a
horizontal deposit of mineral, occasionally several fathoms in*width, and up
to 6 or 8 feet high; but generally its height is only 2 to 4 feet.
These flats occur at about the middle of the principal bed of limestone,
known in the more northern part of the district as the great limestone, and
in Yorkshire and southwards as the main or twelve fathoms lime. There are
three distinct flats in this stratum called the high, middle, and low flats,
the first being the most general, and yielding large quantities of lead ore;
sometimes the mass is nearly pure galena, but more frequently the ore is
intermixed with fluor spar and other minerals, or interspersed throughout
the rock, and in this latter state is difficult to extract.
Similar, but much less frequent flats, occur in the scar limestone.
Flats of ore are most common in Allendale, Weardale, and Alston Moor, and
usually occur where two or more veins form a junction, or where there are
strings or leads in connection with the vein, and they are always in the
same relative position in the limestone, and thus have a throw or
dislocation similar to the strata.
In almost every part of the district, as before briefly mentioned, the
matrix of the veins, and not unfrequently the adjacent rocks, are more or
less ferruginous; and at Alston Moor and WTeardale so much so that separate
leases of the ironstone are granted, and for many years past the Spathose
and other iron ores occurring in the latter locality have been extensively
wrought, and the ore manufactured at the Tow Law Iron Works, of the Weardale
Iron Company, into a superior class of iron.
The Alston Moor iron ores have likewise been wrought, but to a much less
extent than those of Weardale.
These ores are for the most part obtained by open workings on the backs of
the lodes and at the outburst of the limestones where intersected by veins
and strings, but not unfrequently the operations are entirely underground,
and of a mining character.
Sometimes the beds of liznestone are, owing to the multiplicity of
168
veins and strings, almost solid masses of ironstone over a considerable
area.
The ores of lead and iron are in these localities much intermixed • this, in
many instances, is an advantage, inasmuch as from the povertv of the iron
ore, and the smallness of the quantity of lead ore, neither of them would be
remunerative to extract separately, whilst the two together may yield a
satisfactory return ; large quantities of both ores have thus been obtained
which would not otherwise have been realised.
Dykes and cross veins form an important feature in the net work before
alluded to, and have much influence on the ore bearing veins, which
frequently cease to be productive after being intersected by them. Of these
dykes there are some which call for special notice, and the first, as
the'best known, is the 90 fathom, or Stublick Slip Dyke, which is not only
supposed to pass from east to west through the mountain limestone formation,
but is well known to intersect the coal measures from the east coast at
Cullercoats to the outcrop of the lowest seams south of Mickley, throughout
which district it throws the north side down 90 fathoms or upwards.
Westwards of the coal-field its course is less known, but is generally
assumed to be a little south of Riding Mill, crossing the Devil's Water,
near Linnel's Bridge, thence having a pretty direct course to Stublick, near
Haydon Bridge, crossing the river Allen, near Staward Peel, passing up
Whitfield to Coanwood, and westwards to Tindale Fell, beyond which it has
not been traced.
That great dislocations in the strata exist at or near all these places is
certain, but doubts are entertained as to their forming a continuous dyke.
It is not impossible there may be two dykes entirely unconnected with each
other, being parallel or nearly so, having gradually less influence as they
approach. It is, however, quite certain that the strata all along the line
described are many fathoms lower on the north side than on the south side,
and thus it is we have patches of the lower seams of the Newcastle
Coal-field at Stublick, Coanwood, Tindale Fell, and other places.
This dyke, or dykes, does not appear to have any influence on the lead ore
deposits, and in this respect differs from the Burtree or Burtree Ford Dyke,
so well known in the dales of the Allen, the Wear, and the Tees.
The Burtree Dyke has a north and south bearing nearly at right angles with
the Stublick Dyke, and throws the east side down in places 80 or more
fathoms.
These two dykes intersect at Staward Peel, where this and other
169
geological phenomena present a field of observation rarely to be met with.
To the north of the Stublick Dyke little is known of the Burtree
dislocation, but that the two actually cross each other seems certain, for
within a mile north of Stublick Dyke a break is observed throwing the Little
Limestone on the west side to nearly the same level as the Fell Top
Limestone on the east, equivalent to a throw of from fifty to sixty fathoms.
Southwards the Burtree Dyke is supposed to cross the East Allen River, about
two miles north of Allendale Town, and is traceable at various places on the
west side of that river to Allenheads, where mining operations have been
carried on, on both sides of it.
In the Weardale Mines, too, it has been intersected, and is observable
across that'dale, especially at Burtree Ford, where in the bed of the stream
a fine section of the strata from the four fathoms limestone to the whin
sill can be seen, each successive bed being distinctly visible until the
whin itself, in a stratified form, is reached.
Further south in Burnhope, and Ireshope, the course of this great upheaval
is distinctly visible, as it is also in Teesdale, until it is lost in the
mass of basalt which developes itself in the neighbourhood of High Force,
and. Cauldron Snout, in that dale.
Though this is spoken of as a dyke, it is not the opinion of the writer that
it is a continuous dislocation. North of, and close to the Stublick Dyke, it
doubtless is so; but in many places further south, on approach-
170
ing it from the east, the strata at from 200 to 500 fathoms distance assume
a greater rise, which gradually increases until they are nearly vertical,
when on reaching the line of the supposed dyke, the inclination of the beds
suddenly changes, and they become level, or have a slight dip to the west
for some distance, and then again take the regular rise of the measures, as
is represented in the sketch-section on the preceding page.
Thus, in these places, the great difference of level amounting to 80 or 90
fathoms, assumes somewhat the form of an anticlinal lfne without any actual
dislocation of the strata.
That this dyke or upheaval has had an important influence in the formation
of some of the most productive veins of the district seems conclusive, from
the difference in the characteristics of such veins on the east and west
sides of the dyke respectively, and from the fact, that as yet no vein has
been traced through, or found productive on both sides.
On the east side of this dyke most of the veins are wide and soft, the
matrix consisting generally of fluor spar, whilst on the west side they are
contracted, contain little spar, and the matrix and adjacent rock are of a
more ferruginous character.
In addition to these two great dykes we have others, such as the Back-bone
of the earth, and Carr's cross vein, in Alston Moor; the Wharmley Whin Dyke,
in Tynedale; and numerous others well known in the coal-field.
The last do not seem to have any effect on the deposition of minerals, yet,
in a commercial sense, they are not unimportant, from the fact that the
material of which they are composed, is the best for paving and macadamizing
streets and roads subject to heavy traffic, and in whin paving setts and
road metalling there is an' increasing trade from this field.
The dip and rise of the strata vary considerably both in direction and angle
of inclination. As a rule, the dip is eastwards, sometimes northeast, and at
other places south-east, but generally it ranges between tnese two points.
The veins and dykes, especially the latter, have much influence on the dip
of the strata, and sometimes there are great changes without apparent cause.
On the north side of the Stublick Dyke, the beds rise quickly to the north,
and this extends to the outcrop-of the whin sill, which, for a considerable
distance, is nearly parallel with the dyke.
This rapid rise of the beds, is not, however, continuous even to the whin
sill, for north of Haydon Bridge, and about midway between that
171
place and the Roman Wall, the strata for some distance dip to the north, as
is shown on sections Nos. 2 and 3.
The better to illustrate this, which, however, is only one of many instances
that might be given, four sections of the strata have been prepared, and
accompany this paper. These sections are taken nearly parallel to each
other, extending across the valley of the South Tyne, from north to south,
and represent the effect of the veins and dykes on the strata of this
particular locality.
Owing to the irregularities in the rise and dip of the strata, and the
various intersections and throws, there is sometimes much difficulty in
tracing the beds, not unfrequently leading to mistakes in, their
identification.
That mines have been wrought and produced lead ore at a very remote period
is evidenced by the pigs of lead which have from time to time been found at
different places in the country. A valuable collection of these antiquities
is in the British Museum. From these we gather, that as early as the year
44, pigs of lead were manufactured, but the earliest evidence bearing on
this district dates from the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian, a.d. 81.
In 1734, two pigs of lead were found on Hayshaw Moor, eight miles N.W. of
Ripley, in the West Riding of Yorkshire, on which is an inscription as above
indicated.
These pigs are supposed to have been made from ore raised at Green-how Hill,
in Yorkshire, not far from the spot where they were found.
It is remarkable that the shape of pigs of lead has varied little in the
last 1800 years. The earliest example was found in Somersetshire; its weight
is 163 lbs. (11 stones 9 lbs.) and length 24 inches, and so with all others
deposited in the British Museum, they vary between 20 and 24 inches in
length, and from 9 to 16 stones in weight.
How the mineral was extracted at these early periods can only be surmised.
No doubt the ore was, at the outset, exclusively obtained by open-workings,
quarry fashion, on the backs of the veins; gradually this method would give
way to shallow shafts and short adits, and these again would be succeeded by
more extended workings, until we have the pits of the present day hundreds
of fathoms in depth; adits several miles in length; and galleries, sumps,
rises, and all the other varieties of mining operations now common to
important mining fields. The old miners displayed considerable sagacity in
opening out the veins, and choosing those which seemed to afford the best
prospect of yielding the greatest profit. This the modern miner finds to his
disadvantage, when he comes upon the " old man," the local term for ancient
workings.
172
The numerous shaft heaps that may he seen on the line of all old worked
veins, and on the course of ancient adits, where the distance apart is not
more than from 10 to 20 or 30 yards, is evidence of the great amount of
labour which must have been expended in mining- in earlier times before the
invention of gunpowder, that most powerful of all the miner's agents.
In examining the narrow adits and cross cuts of ancient times, rarely
exceeding two feet in width, we see with what skill they have been projected
and with what careful exactness and neatness they have been cut through the
solid rock by the aid of the pick alone.
Locally and nationally these mines are of much consideration, they yield to
a certainty large returns to the Lord of the Manor and not unfrequently, but
with much less certainty, are equally remunerative to the adventurer; they
are the means directly or indirectly of employing vast numbers of workmen,
who in return have to be provided with all the necessaries of life. The
mineral riches of a district bring about the cultivation of the land, the
making of roads and railways, and thus it is that but for these valuable
deposits, for which the enthusiastic miner delights to search and to
develope, much of the large tract represented on the map, would be
mere"'sheep walks uncultivated and untraversed by even a decent cart road.
Then, again, in a national point of view, the employment of labour and
capital finds vent, money is circulated, trade and commerce benefitted, the
earth yields up its riches at the point of the pick and jumper in the shape
of raw material; this has to be separated from the dross, manufactured into
merchantable goods, conveyed to market, exported, and thus it is we find the
W.B. and our other superior brands of lead, and our equally excellent
Weardale iron, in the uttermost corners of the earth, our national
industries encouraged and our commerce improved.
The royalties of the district are for the most part held in extensive
territories, the property of landowners or lords; thus, for instance, large
tracts in Tynedale, including Alston Moor, form part of the Greenwich
Hospital estate, others belong to the Duke of Northumberland; Allendale, to
Wentworth Blackett Beaumont, Esq.; Weardale, to the Ecclesiastical
Commissioners for England; Derwent, to the trustees of Lord Crewe's estate,
Mr. Skottowe's heirs, Mr. Silvertop, and Messrs. Joicey; Teesdale, to the
Duke of Cleveland; Arkindale, to Gilpin Brown, Esq.; Swaledale, to Sir
George W. Denys and others, and to the Crown; Wensleydale, to Lord Bolton ;
Grassington and Cononley, to the Duke of Devonshire, and Whitewell, to
Colonel Towneley.
Generally these royalties are not worked by the owners, but by lessees
173
holding an entire royalty, and sometimes two or more; in other cases, as in
Alston Moor, the tract is subdivided, and lessees may have a "square lease"
or a "vein lease." The former being a plot of ground defined by objects on
the surface, such as a river, stream, or fence, or by special stones or
marks fixed for the purpose, whilst the latter is a length of 1,200 yards on
the line of the vein to be worked, and 40 yards on each side of that vein,
these undefined side boundaries being known as the " Cords."
The latter mode of leasing mines is objectionable on account of its being
indefinite, and as leading to litigation, for it not unfrequently happens
that veins divide or form branches, and it is difficult, nay, sometimes
impossible, as the workings advance to define which is the main or original
vein.
The celebrated and costly law-suit between the Hudgill Burn and Galligill
Syke Companies, which after well nigh 20 years of litigation terminated in
1844 in a sort of "give and take" decision, is perhaps the most striking
instance in modern times.
To the leasing system there are two important exceptions, namely, Mr.
Beaumont in Allendale, and the Duke of Devonshire at Grassinffton, who each
work their own royalties, and the former is also the lessee of a very large
tract in Weardale.
The leases are generally for long terms of years, with a fixed dead or
certain rent merging in the dues or royalty, which vary from one-fifth to
one-twentieth of the produce, and this royalty or rent is sometimes paid in
money according to the market price of lead or lead-ore, in other instances
it is a proportion of raw material, or dressed mineral, and occasionally it
is a proportion of the manufactured article or lead.
It is common to bind the lessees to employ a fixed number of miners on "
dead work," or exploration, in lieu of the dead or certain rent, and thus
the development of the property is secured without cost to the lessor.
The working of mineral veins is extremely speculative, and speaking
commercially accompanied by considerable risk. Veins not unfrequently
suddenly cease to be productive, sometimes vertically, at other times
horizontally, so that to develope a mine and work it as a current going and
continuous concern requires much skill, constant watchfulness, and great
forethought.
Experienced persons generally take care to have several distinct
investments, or in the case of a large royalty several explorations in
progress at the same time, and when this is judiciously done, lead mining
seldom fails to be remunerative.
Vol. XVIII.—1869. a a
174
This district being stratified, the first step in the development of a
royalty, is to ascertain the thickness and relative position of the rocks
and their ore bearing quality, the number, direction, and characteristics of
the veins and dykes, and how these affect the strata and each other. This
may be done by an examination of the beds of rivers and streams, cliffs,
quarries, and outbursts of the strata, and by shallow sinkings or trial
holes.
After these preliminaries, adits are driven from favourable points as
regards elevation, convenience for depositing the material, and for the
supply of water for the cleansing or dressing of the ores, and for working
machinery; the strata to be driven through, the veins to be intersected, and
the means of working and ventilation are all matters which call for the
exercise of skill and judgment on the part of the engineer.
The vein or veins having been discovered, the next step is to develope it or
them, and in so doing, keep in view the future economical extraction of the
mineral, the ventilation of the workings, and the probabilities of further
discoveries.
. On the first intersection of a vein, it is usual to drive a level in it,
and from this at convenient and favourable points "rise" above, and if free
from water sink below the level, and from these "rises" and "sumps" make
other levels or drifts in the vein.
The operation is thus continued sometimes for a mile or more, driving
horizontal levels at different elevations or "randoms," and making rises or
sinking sumps so that the vertical workings in a vein bear a resemblance to
the horizontal levels and bords of a coal mine, or in other words, an
elevation or longitudinal section of the workings in a mineral vein is
similar to the horizontal or ground plan of a coal seam.
If the vein is productive, the extraction of the ore is effected by these
horizontal levels or galleries, which are usually from 8 to 12 or 15 fathoms
apart, and by the sumps and rises connecting the galleries at regular
intervals, varying according to the custom of the locality or the
circumstances of the workings. These communications are generally in the
vein, and thus serve the double purpose of exploration and ventilation, and
are usually 10 to 25 fathoms apart.
For the purposes of communication, the rises and sumps have ladders or
stemples fixed in them, and are not unfrequently partitioned, one half being
used as a waygate or passage for the workmen, the other half being a hopper
or receptacle for the discharge of the material from the upper to the lower
levels, the bottom being provided with a door or slide
175
in the roof or on the side of the lower level, which on being opened allows
the material to fall into wagons placed in the level.
After the mine has been laid open by horizontal galleries and vertical
communications, the ore is extracted by means of roof and sole workings.
On the roof being worked away for a few feet in height, and the material
removed to the dressing floor, a bunding, or floor of timber, is fixed at
the level roof, and from this the workings for ore are continued upwards,
the material falling down on the bunding, and forming a continually rising
floor on which the miner prosecutes his work, an additional bunding being
added on the height of the working becoming too great to be reached by
ladders. Sometimes it is convenient to leave the bouse or mineral which has
been wrought, and is in its undressed state, in the mine for a considerable
period for the purpose of aiding the working,-the miner being enabled by
this means always to reach the roof by standing on the bouse, a proportion
only of disengaged mineral being drawn from below equivalent to the
difference between the material in the solid vein and the corresponding mass
when in the state of bouse.
Veins of great width, say from 30 to 60 feet, exist, and in such cases it is
impossible to apply timber for the support of the sides, and the method just
described of leaving a large quantity of bouse in the mine has sometimes
been resorted to.
It not unfrequently happens that owing to a want of ore or to the
unsoundness of the walls or cheeks, pieces of the vein are left unwrought
and are called middlings, and occasionally these middlings or horizontal
pillars are a necessary part of the system of working; at other times when
the vein contains sufficient ore to pay the expense, whilst it is necessary
to secure the sides, timber stemples or horizontal props are used to support
the walls, in other cases rough masonry is put in and occasionally " deads "
or rubbish is taken back into the mine to fill the vacancy made by the
extraction of the ore. Owing to the cost this last method, however, cannot
be resorted to except where the vein yields very much ore.
The main levels, waygates, and air and water passages of a mine which it is
necessary to keep open, if not drifted in sound rock, are either timbered or
walled and arched. For permanent roads the latter is preferable and
generally resorted to, and although more costly at the outset is ultimately
more efficient and economical.
Timber underground not unfrequently rots quickly, and taking into account
its cost and the expense and inconvenience of setting- it, its use is a
matter of serious consideration. There are, however, instances of
176
insecure foundations, by reason of lower workings, where walling and
archino- would collapse, and where in fact it is impracticable.
The removal of the bouse from the place of working to the dressing floor or
bouse teams at the surface is sometimes costly; if under level it is raised
mostly by manual labour in a kibble or jonkit suspended to a rope wound on
to a jack-roll or drum, from this it is emptied into wagons and taken to the
surface or "day" by horses or ponies, occasionally the operation of lifting
and hauling has to be repeated before the material reaches the washing
floors.
More frequently the ore is worked above level, in which case it is wagoned
or harrowed by manual labour to a rise or hopper, and from the bottom of it
emptied into the wagons in the lower level by a slide or door.
On being taken to the washing or dressing floors the bouse is emptied into
teams or dep6ts, and from them usually taken to the grate in barrows or
wagons by boys. There it is put into a stream of water and passes through
the process of grating, hotching, knocking, huddling, or crushing, according
to the quality or description. Sometimes however the bouse is not grated,
but put direct through the crushing mill without undergoing any previous
manipulation.
When cleared of impurities it is put into a bingstead and there weighed and
sent in bags, containing a hundredweight, by carts to the smelt mill.
Another method, and probably the better where the system of paying* the
miner for raising the ore admits, is to put all the bouse into one team and
pass it direct on to the grate.
In lead mining, as in all other underground operations, it does not answer
to have work done by the day, and the great object to be aimed at is that it
be made equally the interest of the employed and the employer to get the
greatest quantity with the least waste of ore and labour —this is secured by
the bingtale plan. In a young mine, however, this is not always convenient
to carry into execution, inasmuch as it necessitates the entire separation
of each partnership's bouse, calls for more conveniences in the floors, and
is attended with a little extra expense in the dressing operations; but on
the whole, wherever practicable, it is preferable; and in the case of a
large, well-developed mine its adoption is of much importance.
There are a variety of ways of paying the miner for getting the ore ,* the
principle in all cases is almost exclusively one of contract, sometimes it
is by a fixed price or rate per " bing" of 8 cwts. of clean dressed ore,
177
at other times so much in the pound for what the ore brings in the market is
paid—this in Cornwall is called «tribute." It is also very common to pay the
miner by the square fathom of vein or the cubic fathom, and in case of «
dead work" or " tutwork" by the lineal fathom.
In the dressing operations there is always a little of the finely-powdered
ore carried off in the water—this, before it leaves the floors, is conducted
into a pool or catch pit, where the water has a very slight current, for the
purpose of allowing the various orey and earthy matters to subside. The
sediment is called " slime," and after being removed from the catch pit, is
operated upon and the ore separated from the earth * and objectionable
minerals by various simple processes—the principle being the same
throughout, of mixing the material with water (the quantity varying
according to the condition as regards size, &c), and thus getting it into a
state of partial suspension and bringing the natural laws of gravitation to
bear upon it, the particles taking their position according to their
specific gravity.
Comparing the underground operations of the mines of this district with the
coal workings of Northumberland, Durham, and Lancashire, or with the tin,
copper, and lead mines of Cornwall, they are shallow, rarely reaching
sea-level. The deepest mines are in Alston Moor, Allendale, Weardale, and
Derwent; but sinkings in these localities do not often exceed 150 yards, and
the deepest may be taken at under 300 yards.
The gradual rise of the strata westwards from the sea, and the undulations
of the surface, are favourable to the exploration and working of veins by
adits, and it is an uncommon occurrence to sink below such adits until a
vein has been proved to be productive and promising.
Adits or levels driven horizontally into a mountain in metallic mining serve
a similar purpose to shaft sinking in coal mining; they each intersect the
deposit, in search of which they are executed, at right angles.
Of the principal adits or levels in the district we have some fine
examples'—the Nent Force level in Alston Moor, designed and carried out by
Smeaton, for unwatering and exploring' a large territory, the property of
the Commissioners of Greenwich Hospital, is one of great magnitude.
The mouth of this adit is close to the town of Alston, and commences
underneath the scar limestone, on the edge of the river Nent, up which
valley it continues to Nenthead, a distance of about five miles.
The first four miles to Nentsberry shaft is driven so nearly level that by
damming the water at the mouth it is navigable by a shallow boat for a
considerable distance, and the craft is propelled by taking hold of plugs
fixed in the side at regular intervals and at a convenient elevation.
178
The dimensions of this level are about 6 to 8 feet square, and its
continuation from Nentsberry to Nenthead, a distance of about a mile, is at
a higher random than the first portion.
In Arkindale and Swaledale, Yorkshire, are several excellent adits, the
drifting of the most of which has been attended with satisfactory results.
These adits are for the most part driven straight to the intersection of the
vein, and are from 6 to 7 feet high, and 4 to 5 feet wide at the belly.
The most recent and perfect thing of the kind is the Blackett leve], now in
course of execution at the Allendale lead mines.
The length of this level from its commencement, near Allendale Town, to
Allenheads, to which place it is designed to extend, is seven miles.
It is nearly straight from end to end, there being only two slight angles ;
its transverse section is of the usual form, that of an egg, having its
major axis placed vertically, with one end cut off to rest upon.
The height is 8 feet, greatest width 5 feet, and the gradient 8 feet per
mile.
To accelerate the driving of this level there are four shafts upon it, and
its termination at Allenheads is at an old shaft about 80 fathoms in depth;
by this arrangement, with all the shafts sunk to the proper depth, ten
foreheads might be kept in operation.
To drive long levels is a most costly and tedious operation; a more speedy
method than manual labour of accomplishing this description of work is much
needed. Many attempts have from time to time been made to introduce
mechanical appliances for the purpose, from what was known as the "iron
man," some 40 or 50 years ago, to the more recent inventions of Sommellier,
Penrice, Westmacott, Low, Dcering, Haupt, Beaumont, and others.
None have, however, been entirely successful, as applied to the ordinary
operations of metalliferous mining*.
Sommellier's patented machinery at the Mont Cenis Railway Tunnel has perhaps
been most successful. Dcering's machine has been at work for some time past
at the Tincroft Mine, in Cornwall, and is about to be introduced on a larger
scale at some other Cornish mines. Haupt's, or the American Borer, will
shortly be put to work at the Old Gang* Lead Mines in Yorkshire, and the
Diamond Borer, for the introduction and practical application of which we
are indebted to Captain Beaumont, R.E. (M.P. for South Durham), is working
satisfactorily at some slate quarries in North Wales.
179
Except the last-mentioned, all these machines are percussive in principle ;
this causes great wear and tear of machinery, and thus, in a measure,
prevents their application, but the great obstacle has been the difficulty
in angling the borers, or, in other words, to adapt them to execute all the
various operations of the miner; this the Diamond Borer accomplishes.
A most striking circumstance in the field under consideration is the almost
entire absence of steam engines, several of the largest concerns not having
either in the mining or smelting operations any such engine.
This absence of steam engines and smoke gives to the country around a quiet,
unobtrusive aspect unusual to mining districts.
Water is the agent employed, and some of the machinery to which it is
applied is of first-class character.
The overshot water-wheel is the commonest form of motive power, but there
are several instances of the use of hydraulic machinery erected by Sir
William Armstrong and others, as well as of the turbine.
The most notable instance of the application of hydraulic machinery is at
the W.B. Lead Mines, where the utilization of the water is carried to great
perfection. The high hills and deep valleys which prevail favour the
application of water-power, and by the arrangements the same feeder is made
to flow over several wheels or engines one above the other either at the
same spot or at a considerable distance, and thus its power is made
available at several successive places. In one instance in the vale of the
Allen the water is used in driving no less than 18 different water wheels or
hydraulic engines in a distance of less than eight miles.
Water thus applied is of great importance in a locality in which coal,
considering the near proximity of the coal-field, is costly. This is owing
to the distance from the pits, the existing means of conveying it by road,
and the want of public railways.
In the collection and economic application of the water as a motive power
the abilities of the engineer are brought into play. Channels or races have
to be formed so as to make available the greatest number of springs and
secure the largest and best gathering ground at the highest possible
elevation ; in these the water is collected and conveyed to storage
reservoirs, from which it is taken by metal pipes in the case of hydraulic
machinery, and in troughs or pipes to the first or highest water-wheel, and
from the tail or bottom of it in another race, or by troughs or pipes to the
second, and so on to each successive motor.
These races or channels are not unfrequently continued for long distances,
bringing the water from the side of one mountain, many hundred
180
feet above the bottom of the valley beneath, by a coutour several miles in
length to the slope on the opposite mountain, not, perhaps, a mile distant
from the first commencement, there to be applied in the various operations
of pumping, winding, crushing, dressing, and smelting.
The strata, except near the outcrop, does not generally contain large
quantities of water, and thus, with the natural drainage of the upper beds
by the adits, the pumping of the water does not form a serious item of cost
in the working of lead mines in the North of England.
From the fact that the greatest quantity of water is tapped in the upper
strata, adits, in addition to the exploration of the ground, have a most
beneficial effect in the drainage of a mine.
Lead mines generally, and particularly those in this district, are
remarkably free from accidents to the workmen; there are no explosive gases
generated as in coal mines, and few falls from the roofs ; the workings are
for the most part carried on with a strict regard to safety to the miner,
who is not limited in the quantity of timber or other means of support he
may require in his operations, and thus it is that, in a measure, accidents
are of rare occurrence.
The lead miners, however, are notoriously short lived, the average of life
of grown-up men being under fifty years. This, in the opinion of the writer,
arises partly from commencing to work at too early an age, and also from a
want of proper attention to bodily cleanliness, if the use of the bath was
more common we should have a longer lived race of miners.
Usually the lead miners are a well-grown athletic body of men, it is rare to
find one who is not a native, and they have little inclination to remove
from the place of their birth. Some few have, from time to time, when a
mania occurs (such as that for gold digging, not many years ago), emigrated
to Australia or America, where, from their experience in mining, if steady
and industrious, they prosper.
They have an early training to their occupation; as boys at ten years of
age, or soon afterwards, they are employed in the dressing of the ores, or
in working air. machines, driving underground ponies, and such like.
On the whole they are a steady, hard working, respectable body; drunkenness
is not common, and crime very rare indeed—religious influences form a marked
feature in their character, and the majority are members of the prevailing
sects of Wesleyan or Primitive Methodists, or attend these places of
worship.
The system of payment of wages is in some parts of the district peculiar.
The workmen receive subsistence or lent money each lunar
181
month, and a settlement is made half-yearly. With a body of men who are not
given to changes or to move about from one Works to another, this system is
found to answer a good purpose. The principal reason for deferring the
settlement six months, arises from the peculiarity of the work executed,
this applies to the mode of working by bingtale, where the result is not
known for some weeks or even months, when the bouse has been drawn out of
the mine and dressed, and even this last operation is not unfrequently
delayed in winter by the severe and long continued frosts, which often
prevail at the high lying position of most of the mines, and in summer from
the want of water during droughts.
The wages or earnings of the miners do not vary materially in different
localities. When employed by the day the wages of an able-bodied labourer or
miner may be taken at 2s. as a minimum, and 3s.. 6d. as a maximum. When
working by contract it is usual to allow a little higher ra,te, say from 2s.
6d,. to 4s., but the last only occurs under particular circumstances of
danger or emergency. Including the value of candles, tools, &c, used, the
annual average cost of a miner may be taken at from £50 to £60. Boys begin
work at the washing floors at about ten years of age at sixpence per day,
generally rising twopence per day per annum for six or eight years,
according to circumstances, when they are drafted into the mines.
These wages are small, but it must not be forgotten that the occupation of
the lead miner is unattended with the risk from explosive gases which
accompanies that of the coal miner; it is regular, not interfered with by
the weather like those employed on the surface, and the hours are short,
enabling him to devote attention to his garden or a little farm, to the
occupancy of which lead miners aspire.
Formerly women and girls were much employed in the dressing-operations, but
now they are so at only a few places and in small numbers.
The hours of work vary according to the custom of different districts, the
situation of the mines in respect to the homes of the bulk of the workmen,
and also whether the occupation is at the surface or underground. At surface
work nine to ten hours per day and five to eight hours on Saturdays, or from
fifty to fifty-eight hours per week is usual, whilst a miner is rarely
occupied over forty hours per week, in some districts working five
eight-hour shifts, and &t other places six days of six hours each.
According to the census of 1861 there were upwards of 8,000 miners Vol.
XVIII.—1869. b b
182
and about 2,000 other workmen employed in raising the ores and manufacturing
them into metals in the district to which this paper refers, adding those
engaged in limestone and sandstone quarries, and in the removal of the
material to market or port and otherwise occupied in connection therewith,
it may be assumed that the products of the mountain limestone formation give
employment to from 12,000 to 13,000 people, upwards of two-thirds of whom
are engaged in the lead trade.
Hunt's Mineral Statistics, published annually under Government' authority,
give the quantity and value of the principal mineral products of the
country, but do not include limestones and sandstones. Taking these
statistics as a basis, the writer estimates the total annual yield of the
tract under consideration, exclusive of coal, at, in round numbers, 200,000
tons, of the value of £550,000 at the place of work, and the following
proportions are an approximation of the weight and value of each description
of mineral, viz.:—
Weight per Cent. Value per Cent.
Iron ore ............ 60*0 ... 10*0
Lead ore and silver......... 18*0 ... 88*2
Zinc ore ............ 0*2 ... 0*3
Barytes, &c....... ...... 1*8 ... 0*5
Limestone, &c. .,....... 20*0 ... 1*0
100-0 10Q-0
APPENDIX.
a
DESCRIPTION OF PATENTS
connected WITH
MINING OPERATIONS,
Taken out between Dec. 31, 1866, and Oct. 1, 1868, BEING A CONTINUATION OF
APPENDIX 2, VOL. XVIL
By THEO. WOOD BUNNING.
The writer, at the desire of the Council, has continued the list published
in Vol. XVII., which included all patents applied for up to Dec. 31, 1866,
and extended it to Sept. 30, 1868.
The patents have been described more to afford a general view of the .
nature of the invention than to ensure accuracy. For all practical pur- »
poses, a very slight sketch will show the general principles involved, and
the details, if required, can be readily obtained from the Blue Books. The
words used are generally those employed by the patentee. The patents are
classified thus :—
1. —Lifting and winding, including safety hooks, &c.
2. —Mining and sinking.
3. —Pumping, subdivided into new modes of raising water, rotary and
centrifugal pumps, and miscellaneous inventions.
4. —Ventilation.
5. —Safety-lamps and lighting mines.
6. —Coal-cutting, getting, and breaking down.
7. —Explosive compounds.
8. —Miscellaneous mining patents.
FIRST DIVISION.
LIFTING AND WINDING, INCLUDING SAFETY HOOKS, &c.
1867. No. 389. Bernier. lOd. An improved safety apparatus.
1867. No. 573. Broadbent. 6d. A hook in two parts, with projecting-
horns which come against a fixture, and open the hook to liberate the cage
or other article when it is at the proper height. 1867. No. 754.
Harper. (Provl.) 4d. The winding rope becomes disconnected from the cage
or other lift, by means of catches of peculiar fork-like construction. 1867.
No. 1777. Fatrley. lOd. The cage in its ascent when nearing the top
strikes a lever which shuts off the steam or puts the eccentric out of gear.
1867. No. 1781. Edwards. 8d. This invention consists in making both
the horizontal and vertical framing of lifts or cages of iron or steel
tubing. 1867. No. 2044. Bernier. lOd. The catches are kept raised by
means of levers or other similar mechanism so long as the tension on the
draught cable or chain does not change.
1867. No. 2073. Wrigley. lOd. Improvements in pulleys and chains.
1867. No. 2144. Marley. (Provl.) Is. 4d.
To prevent the overwinding of the cage, independently of the detaching hook,
when it is drawn beyond the safe point of ihe "settle-board/' a catch is
actuated which shuts off the steam from the engine and applies it to a
steam-brake. 1867. No. 2350. Ormerod. lOd. Releases the pin of the
shackle connecting the rope and cage together.
1867. No. 2934. King. Is. 4d. Hook and jambing levers.
1868. ^No. 1919. Johnson. 8d. Brings the arresting -levers or slides
into action by the gravity of the
counterweights of the cage or lift, in lieu of using springs.
SECOND DIVISION. MINING AND SINKING.
--
1867. No. 859. Davies. I0d. Improvements in rotary digging machines,
and in teeth for the same.
1867. No. 1916. Chaudron. lOd. Improvements in digging wells, and in
apparatus and tools employed for that purpose.
1867. No. 2981. Norton. Is. A simple pipe or tube of metal is forced,
screwed, or driven into the soil, without removing any earth, until
sufficient water is reached.
186?. No. 3285. Tilley. 6d. Improvements in couplings for boring
tools.
1867. No. 3572. Gwynne. (Provl.) 4d. Sinks tubes or cylinders, and
excavates from their interior the accumulated
soil by means of an internal screw or tool.
1868. No. 699. Norton. 10d. Horse hair or other filtering material is
wound around the inner tube
of the well pipe, or if an inner tube be not employed, the end of the outer
tube where there are perforations is filled with horse hair or other
filtering material. 1868. No. 2813. Warner. 8d. Bores into the
ground, a lining tube being used to prevent the sides o£ the hole falling
in. When the water stratum is arrived at, the suction pipe of the pump is
put down inside the lining tube; this tube is then withdrawn and the earth
rammed in around the suction pipe.
THIRD DIVISION. PUMPING—DIVIDED INTO FOUR SECTIONS.
lst, new methods; 2nd, eotaey; 3rd, poetable; 4th, sundey.
FIRST SECTION.—NEW METHODS.
1867. No. 686. Nation. (Provl.) 4d. This invention consists in
constructing* pumps of a compressible elastic
tubular passage or pipe, communicating at one end with the supply pipe for
the fluid, and at the other end with the delivery pipe. Along the external
surface of this passage two or more rollers or pressers are passed in
succession in the direction from the supply end towards the delivery end,
and so as to compress the passage and force the fluid contained therein
towards the delivery end. The passage, by virtue of its elasticity, opens
out again as soon as the roller has passed over it.
1868. No. 613. Dracopulo. (Provl.) 4d. The power of compressed air
is applied by a pipe to a jacket surrounding
a receptacle placed at the bottom of a ship or mine, from which receptacle a
main tube ascends to the desired height. 1868. No. 2632. Dracopulo. .
8d.
A new apparatus for raising or forcing water, applicable to ships, mines,
and other purposes. According to this invention the power of compressed
air is applied by a pipe to a jacket surrounding a receptacle placed at the
bottom of a ship or mine, from which receptacle a main tube ascends to the
desired height. 1868. No. 2993. Lambert. (Provl.) 4d. Consists in
an arrang*ement of apparatus, whereby the reciprocating action of a hollow
air-tight piston or plunger is unimpeded by the necessity of raising a
column of water in the ordinary way. 1868. No. 634. Bousfield. 2s.
10d.
Apparatus constructed with the view of realizing the effective power . of
steam issuing from a boiler, by allowing the steam to act gradually on the
water, and gradually diminishing the velocity of the steam, and
transferring* the power gained out of each lessening of the velocity to the
body of water to be set in motion; also, by
7
effecting a gradual and thorough condensation of the steam by allowing it to
act at intervals upon different separate lots of water, and thus obtaining
several distinct and perfect times of direct contact between the steam and
the water to be propelled. 1868. No. 2300. Waldo. Is. Pumps, by the direct
application of steam, first, by the vacuum resulting from its condensation
causing the water to rush into the chamber or vessel, and then by the direct
application of the steam pressure to the therein contained water, causing
the same to be ejected therefrom.
•SECOND SECTION.—ROTARY PUMPS.
1867. No. 755. Lake. 6d. This invention relates to that class of
rotatory engines and pumps in which pistons on separate shafts connected
with each other rotate together inside a casing formed by the intersection
or junction of two cylinders.
1867. No. 833. Winder. (Provl.) 4d. Consists in the use of a screw
or parts of screws of one or more threads or wings applied upon an axis to
work within a cylindrical case. 1867. No. 1181. Newton. lOd.
Constructing two rotating interlocking abutments, having concave and convex
surfaces, so that in revolving together, the contact between them is
preserved. 1867. No. 1529. Hughes and Head. 4d. An annular cylinder
is used in which rotates a piston made tight and carrying round with it on
either side an induction and an eduction pipe; these pipes connect with the
centre pipe, which also forms the axis and medium of motion. 1867. No.
1671. Bricknell. 8d. A cylindrical chamber in which revolves a cylindrical
centre piece fixed upon a suitable axis, with sliding pistons which are
acted upon by cams at the times desired to enable them to pass an abutment
or partition.
1867. No. 1791. Hughes and Head. (Provl.) 4d. An annular cylinder
in which rotates one or more pistons and concentric, with which rotates a
centre piece.
1867. No. 1828. Wilson and Hall. 8d. An eccentric cylinder, with
sliding discs working in another.
8
1867. No. 1984. Archer. (Provl.) 4d. The steam cylinder in which
the piston works, is made of a circular figure, and has in its axis a
vertical shaft to which rotary motion is to be given.
1867. No. 2246. Bewley. (Provl.) 4d. In this invention the case in which the
disc or impeller revolves is constructed with an annular groove or space
adapted to receive a ring formed round the circumference of the revolving
disc, the respective parts of the ring and case being turned and bored to
fit cylin-drically. The parts of the case between which the ring revolves,
and in which are water passages leading into the ring at the centre and out
of it at the circumference, haveB radial partitions to prevent rotary motion
of the water.
1867. No. 2278. Marshall and Stewart. 8d. \4 drum is made to revolve in a
casing so constructed that part of its internal surface is concentric to the
drum, but with a space left between the two, through which the fluid can be
moved by the action of one or more sliding plungers or vanes carried round
by the drum. The remaining part of the above-mentioned surface is eccentric
with the drum, and at one place in contact with the same, while the ends of
the drum are fitting mechanically to the insides of the ends of the casing.
1867. No. 2334. Leachman and Holroyd. 8d. Consists in the use of a
rotary cylinder to which vanes are connected, working upon a fixed shaft in
a chamber of irregular cylindrical shape in accordance with the shape of the
cam or eccentric by which the vanes are actuated.
1867. No*. 2536. Hubner. (Provl.) 4d. In the circumference of a wheel of
large diameter is made a rectangular hollow groove turned on each face,
within which is placed a heavy semi-circular metallic ring adjusted to slide
easily within the groove. This semi-circular ring acts both as a piston and
a cylinder bottom, and its object is to counterbalance, by its weight, the
pressure of the steam introduced in the hollow groove.
1867. No. 3219. Newton. Is. Consists of two cylinders, one within and
eccentric to the other, and sliding pistons arranged radially to the inner
cylinder and connected together by links.
1867. No. 3304. Hughes. (Provl.) 4d. This Provisional Specification
describes a rotary engine and pump m which the fluid enters and escapes at
the axis.
9
1868. No. 839. Naylor. : Is. 4d.
A wheel, having curved blades projecting from its periphery, is mounted on a
horizontal axis in a narrow channel of masonry. Water is supplied at the
bottom of this channel from the lower level, and when the wheel is driven it
raises the water to the higher level. 1868. No. 1279. Cooke. lOd.
Relates to the construction of such rotary pumps and engines as have a
cylindrical piston rotating eccentrically in a cylinder, and which have also
a shutter constantly kept near to tne same and passing in and out through a
suitable part of the circumference of the cylinder so as to divide the inlet
from the outlet. 1868. No. 1712. Clark. (Provl.) Is. Consists of a
cylinder, the interior of which is made of a heart shape, which is provided
with a hollow axis mounted in bearings at each end, in which axis is fitted
a piston having a sliding motion combined with the rotary motion of the
axis, so as to permit of its following the curve of the steam chamber. 1868.
No. 2006. Austin and Austin. 8d. Comprises a cylindrical drum fixed
on a tubular shaft having two or more equidistant wings or pistons fixed on
it and working concentrically in a cylindrical casing. 1868. No. 2185.
Wright. 3s. 4d.
1868. No. 2398. Gwynne and Gwynne. Is. Relates, 1st, in constructing
centrifugal pumps without side discs and forming them of cast steel. 2nd, in
arranging parts of frictional gearing, by which the groove is formed of two
discs capable of being drawn together by means of screws, upon the same
shaft, and may be employed for the purpose of transmitting motion to other
machinery. 3rd, a novel mode of utilizing the heat-abstracting power due to
the flow of water through the suction or delivery pipe of a centrifugal pump
and such-like hydraulic machinery; and in a novel arrangement of condensing
apparatus formed by encasing the suction or delivery pipe of the centrifugal
pump, into which casing or chamber steam to be condensed is exhausted. 1868.
No. 2328. Smith. 2s. lOd.
Improvements in machinery for obtaining rotary motion, and for raising,
forcing, and measuring fluids. Relates to that class of engines in which a
number of blades working within a cylinder are caused to rotate around an
axis at the centre of the said cylinder. 1868. No. 2651. Hall. lOd.
Improvements in patent No. 18, 1864.
Vol. XVIII., Appendix,—1869, a
10
THIRD SECTION.—PORTABLE PUMPS.
1867. No. 1827. Holman. 8d. Secures the general arrangement.
1867. No. 3531. Death. (Provl.) 4d. General arrangement.
1867. No. 3630. Walker and Holt. 4d. General arrangement.
1868. No. 545. Kirkland. lOd. General arrangement.
1868. No. 1046. Holman. lOd. Forms the pump and steam cylinders in one
piece and causes the pistons to force water from one side whilst being acted
upon by the steam on the other.
1868. No. 1153. Moreland and Thomson. lOd. Improvements in pumping
engines and steam boilers therefore, which steam boilers are also applicable
to other purposes, and consists in connecting the steam cylinder rigidly and
compactly to the pump cylinder.
1868. No. 1334. Hardick and Hardick. 8d. The piston-rods of the water
cylinder and the steam cylinder are connected together.
1868. No. 1655. Tuou. 8d. Consists of a peculiar arrangement of
direct-acting steam pump, wherein the working cylinder is provided with a
cylindrical valve, which receives a partial rotatory motion in its valve
case, from a scroll grooved rocking frame in connection with the valve
spindle itself. 1868. No. 1675. Messenger. 10d. General arrangement.
1868. No. 2195. Nibbs. (Provl.) 4d. Relates to portable and other
pumps.
FOURTH SECTION.-MISCELLANEOUS INVENTIONS.
1867. No. 69. Hughes. 10d. Consists in the arrangement and
construction of pumps, called differential pumps, capable of being made to
discharge at pleasure variable quantities of liquids. 1867. No. 485.
West and Darlington. 8d. Consists in counterbalancing more effectually and
cheaply the long and weighty pump-rods used in mining operations, and for
various other purposes where counterbalancing weights are necessary.
11
1867. No. 860. Matthews. (Provl.) M. Consists substantially in providing a
double-action force pump, which is placed in a proper position at the bottom
of the shaft, and in placing the engine and boiler and all the apparatus
which supplies the motive power below the surface, by preference at the
bottom of the shaft.
1867. No. 1026. MattheWs. (Provl.) 4d. Consists in combining a ram
with one or more pump buckets, and only one foot valve, by which a
continuous stream of water may be thrown.
1867. No. 1027. Adair. 8d. This pump is double-acting, but by
removing the cover it becomes single-acting.
1867. No. 1045. Lake. 8d, < Is a combined water meter and force pump.
1867. No. 1821. Reddicliffe. Is. 2d.
Improvements in buckets for pumps, especially suited for pumps for mines.
1867. No. 1898. Zaroubine. 8d. A sucking and forcing hydro-pneumatic
pump with no piston.
1867. No. 2022. Holmes. Is. From the middle of an ordinary pump
barrel having a double piston, a pipe is carried down which terminates at
its lower end in the liquid to be raised, a pipe leads from the upper part
of the barrel to deliver the liquid raised by the first-named pipe. From
the bottom of the pump barrel a pipe is carried down which also terminates
at its lower end in a box immersed in the liquid and filled therewith, such
box being closed at all points, except that it is provided with inlet
valves, and that a pipe is carried up from its lower part to • deliver the
liquid. 1867. No. 2289. Ludeke. (Provl.) 4d. This Provisional
Specification describes an apparatus consisting of two eones, each mounted
on an axis turning in suitable bearings, and so arranged that the cones are
in contact. 1867. No. 2408. Clark. 8d. Consists of a stationary
cylinder in which is a floating piston alternately depressed by steam for
raising the water, and then again elevated by the water, the steam being
condensed by the water as soon as the piston is down. 1867. No. 2716.
Wilkinson. is. 4d.
The suction pipe is arranged to rise up in a chamber at the side of the
12
pump cylinder. The cylinder communicates at its lower end with this chamber
by a passage having a valve opening into the cylinder, and the cylinder
contains a valved piston. The suction valve is mounted on the top of the
suction pipe above the level of the piston. The water is delivered through
the piston passing the valve therein, and it escapes by a spout at the upper
end of the cylinder above the piston. 1867. No. 2809. Williams.
(Provl.) 4d.
Consists in combining a ram with one or more pump buckets, and only one foot
valve in the construction of a combined lift and force pump, by which a
continuous stream of water may be thrown, 1867. No. 3027. Payne and
Fraser. lOd.
Is applicable to ships' and other pumps.
1867. No. 3062. Clegg. 6d.
Employs a cam or eccentric wheel working on an axis within a cage or frame
in the interior of the body of the pump, at the lower or bottom end of this
cage or frame is the piston, one revolution of the axis causes the piston to
be raised or lowered three times. 1867. No. 3179. Payne. 10d.
Casts on each side of the opening for the clack or bucket grooves into which
the door slides, and gives such a slope or inclination to the inside face of
the groove and the outside of the door which fits against it as shall have
the effect, when the door is let down, of causing it to press against the
face of the clack or bucket door piece, so as to make a tight joint. 1867.
No. 3228. Wainman. 8d.
The chief objects of this invention are to raise water from mines or wells,
and to force water to a great height from a reservoir or water-race for
driving a water-wheel.
1867. No. 3590. Gilbee. 2s. 2d. Consists in an improved pump,
constructed of a well bored cylinder, the
piston of which is formed of a ring furnished with valves opening upwards,
the rod of the piston being connected to a crank on a horizontal shaft
worked by the gearing hereinbefore mentioned.
1868. No. 452. Schlotter. Is. 2d. Uses pipes with valves at their
bottoms. By inserting and alternately
raising and lowering these pipes in water, it will rise in them over their
tops and so escape. 1868. No. 471. Barron. (Provl.) 4o\ The usual
suction and delivery valves are dispensed with and their functions performed
by means of a sliding action of the barrel.
13
1868. No. 484. Taunton. 4d.
An annular space is formed within the pump head, and a hollow cylindrical
bucket, packed on one or both surfaces, and fitted with a valve on its upper
end, to which the spear rod is attached, is caused to reciprocate therein.
1868. No. 1058. Jones. • 2s. lOd.
Describes working the pumps which raise the water by means of engines at the
bottom of the mine worked by compressed air or water brought down by pipes
from the mouth of the pit. Also a method of lessening the concussion of
the valves of pumps. 1868. No. 1872. Watson, Baker, and Baker. lOd.
Consists of a series of tubes joined together, a straight-fluted or
rifle-grooved penetrator revolving easily in the bottom length, which has
orifices for admission of water, and a valve to prevent its returning.
1868. No. 2258. Meldrum. (Provl.) 4d. Consists of several chambers,
the lower one being a condenser with a central tube through which a piston
rod works a piston in the upper or steam chamber, and this has an inlet from
a well, and an outlet or discharge passage. Proper valves and passages and
a second piston are provided so as to ensure the machine effecting the
desired result. 1868. No. 2457. Edwards. 2s. Consists in making force
pumps with flexible rings instead of pistons, and flexible discs instead of
valves. 1868. No. 2512. Winsborrow. Is. 4d.
The liquid is directed through valves to the opposite ends of cylinders in
succession, such cylinders being placed by preference perpendicularly, and
opening at their opposite ends into separate chambers. 1868.. No. 2831.
Benson. is. 2d.
Consists in constructing a steam engine with a cylinder and piston suited to
each other, so that the piston will perform the functions of a valve in
opening and closing the ports of steam passages. 1868. No. 2863.
Newton. is. A pair of cylinders, the pistons of which are on the same rod,
are mounted horizontally above a water supply pipe provided with inlet
valves to admit water to a chamber, from which it is expelled on the return
stroke. 1868. No. 2933. Death and Ellwood. 4d. An arrangement of
mechanism for driving a pair of horizontal pumps by means of spur gear
combined with horse gear.
FOURTH DIVISION. VENTILATION.
1867. No. 40. Pownall. (Provl.) 4d. Consists of constructing- in various
parts of the underground workings air chambers capable of holding a number
of men, which are to be supplied with fresh air by air pumps or fans
conducted through pipes to the chambers. In these chambers the miners can
seek refuge from the noxious gases till relief be afforded to them or till
they can make their way to the bottom of the shaft by the help of air bags
or belts, a number of which it is proposed to keep in such chambers, and
which can be charged with fresh air from the supply pipe in each chamber.
1867. No. 117. James. (Provl.) 4d.
Consists in two distinct systems of pipes laid down the shafts and main
passages of mines, with branches having regulating valves leading into the
workings, through one of which systems of pipes the foul air is drawn out of
the mine, while fresh air is forced into the mines through the other system
of pipes. 1867. No. 235. Hopkinson. 4d. Consists in the use of
superheated steam, for causing the "up-cast" current employed in ventilating
mines. 1867. No. 552. Pownall. (Provl.) 4d. Consists in making
recesses in the roof of the mine over those places where the noxious gases
accumulate, and from these recesses pipes are laid communicating with
exhausting air pumps or fans. 1867. No. 565. Harbert and Goodman.
lOd. Gases are destroyed in the most distant workings of coal and other
mines by exploding them by currents of electricity. 1867. No. 827.
Haseltine. 6d. Ventilates by utilising the exhaust steam "from a steam
engine.
1867. No. 1181. Newton. lOd. Constructing two rotating interlocking
abutments, having concave and convex surfaces, so that in revolving together
the contact between them is preserved.
15
1867. No. 1194. Lemielle. (Provl. refused.) 8d. As was shown in my first
patent, No. 1031, in the year 1854, the ventilator consists of a cylinder
receiving a rotatory movement round its axis. This cylinder is provided with
doors of the same height (doing duty for pistons) and of rectangular form,
of which one side is in the surface of the cylinder and parallel with its
axis, which serves for an oscillating centre. The opposite side describes a
circular movement which engenders another cylinder outside the other, but
with a different centre. The surface engendered by this last mentioned
movement is fixed and constitutes the casing of the ventilator* its axis is
the iron beam of the ventilator, from which branch out the arms which
conduct the generating of the second cylinder. These door pistons, which are
called the wings of the ventilator, there describe a movement which refolds
them by inclining by different degrees on the cylindrical surface, and which
opens them by enlarging this inclination. When we have found the largest
section comprised between two wings we fix on the other side of each of
these limits, apertures in the casing for the exit and entrance of the
maximum of air that the machine will supply. But the most perfect way, and
which in itself constitutes a new invention, consists in superseding the
upper curves and lower curves in the beam, replacing them with a straight
one, and making it take the place of the axis of the casing. In this case
the upper pivot is done away with, and the cylinder of the ventilator is
supported on the circumference of its lower base. 1867. No. 1678.
Lloyd. lOd.
Describes the transmitting motion to the piston of an air pump from the
driving shaft t>f a steam engine by gearing so arranged that whilst the
driving shaft of the engine revolves at an even speed, the piston of the air
pump moves faster at the commencement than at the end of each stroke. 1867.
No. 2200. Jones. 4d.
For extinguishing fires and destroying explosive fire-damp in coal mines.
The patentee takes oxides of manganese, iron, soda, potash, carbon, or any
other oxides, muriatic or chloric acid, or such substances of which these
are composed or produce, caustic liquor, iron, or any other caustic,
ammonia, lime, or any other alkali, mixed in a suitable quantity of water.
1867. No. 2324. Sturtevant. 8d.
Improvements in blowers for furnaces and other purposes.
16
1867. No. 2677. Cooke. (Provl.) 4d. A tube or shaft open at both
ends, with openings at the sides and inner tubes, so arranged as to prevent
the down draught and facilitate the up draught.
1867. No. 2684. Bevan. (Provl.) 4d. Applies a fan to the break
carriage lor introducing a current of air in underground railways.
1867. No. 2964. Lemielle. (Provl.) 4d. This invention consists
essentially in rendering airtight the inner parts
of ventilators of that class for which Letters Patent were granted to
Theodore Lemielle, dated the 8th day of May, 1854, No. 1031.
1868. No. 898. Smith. (Provl.) 4d. Consists in extracting foul air
from mines, by pipes connected to the
inlet valve or valves of one or more bellows. 1868. No. 915.
Cretin-Borne. (Provl.) . 4d.
A pipe from an exhausting fan leads down the mine shaft and along the main
gallery ,* branch pipes lead along the other workings. The fan exhausts the
air and fresh air is supplied down the shaft. Another set of pipes is
carried to the same parts as the first set j this second set communicates
with the open air and serves to keep up a current if a portion of the roof
falls. 1868. No, 1058. Jones. 2s. lOd.
For hauling minerals in mines by engines worked by compressed air at the
ends of the roads. 1868. No. 1104. Davies. 8d.
Consists, firstly, in the addition to the circumference of the casing of an
annular chamber serving as a receptacle for the air drawn to the centre of
the apparatus, and which is compressed by the rapid movement of the wings or
vanes j and, secondly, in the substitution for the vanes of a circular brush
made of horse-hair, whalebone, or metallic wire.
1868. No. 1279. J. Cooke. lOd. Relates to the construction of such
rotary engines as have a cylindrical piston rotating eccentrically in a
cylinder, and which have also a shutter constantly kept near to the same,
and passing in and out through a suitable part of the circumference of the
cylinder, so as to divide the inlet from the outlet. 1868. No. 2496.
Hughes. (Void.) 4d. Describes a turbine with two discs, one close, the
other open in the centre,
17
with a fixed ring round the opening, so that it can revolve air tight in an
opening in the front end of the casing. 1868. No. 2608. Rammell. lOd. An
improved form of machine obtained by reducing, according to certain rules,
the collective transverse area of the internal ducts or passages, relatively
to that of the central apertures by which the air is admitted.
FIFTH DIVISION. SAFETY-LAMPS.
1867. No. 137. Harding. 6d. The use of a soft and cheap rivet as a
fastening* for mining1 lamps.
1867. No. 252. Fanshawe. (Provl.) 4d. Consists in the use of a new
description of lamps hermetically sealed as to the air of the mine, and
receiving their supplies of gas and air, and discharging the vitiated air
without the mine, and consists further in the application of electricity for
lighting the gas within the lanterns or lamps from the exterior thereof.
1867. No. 525. Young. 8d. The construction of burners for lamps to
be used for burning mineral oils. The body and wick spout of miners' lamps
are constructed in one piece, so as to prevent the spout from being melted
off when the miner is at work. 1867. No. 611. Macrae. (Provl.) 4d.
This invention consists in the admixture of camphor with the hydrocarbon
oils for the purpose of enabling them to be consumed without giving off
offensive odours. The proportion of camphor used is dependent upon the
specific gravity of the oils. 1867. No. 617. Rowley. (Provl.) 4d.
Lamps to convey evidence within themselves of their having been opened.
1867. No. 992. Waldenstrom. (Provl.) 4d. Consists in a lever and
spring catch, which extinguishes the light when the gauze is unscrewed.
1867. No. 1597. Jones. 8d. For extinguishing the flame, should the
miner attempt to remove the protecting wire gauze. 1867. No. 1908.
Dubrulle. (Provl.) 4d. Consists in so forming the lamp, that on the
removal of the safety wire gauze the lamp cannot be lighted until the said
wire gauze has been replaced ; also in applying a lock, so that the wire
gauze cannot be removed except with the aid of a particular key. 1867. No.
1938. Morison. 8d. Placing a metal shield over the apertures through
which air is admitted
19
to support combustion. Causing such air to pass through several rings and
discs of wire gauze or perforated copper before reaching the flame of the
lamp. Substituting a cylinder of brass or other metal in place of the wire
gauze cylinder for the top of the lamp. 1867. No. 2230. Higgs.
(Provl.) 4d
Describes a method of encasing ordinary safety lamps with a tube made partly
of glass and partly of gauze. 1867. No. 2521. Gardner. 8d. '
Consists in adapting to the ordinary miner's safety lamp, a bolt fastener or
lock, consisting of a tube through which the lamp is fed with oil, the said
tube forming when in position, a lock or fastener that retains the oil in
the lamp, and at the same "time effectually prevents any tampering. 1867.
No. 2818. Mays. (Refused.) 4d.
Extinguishing lights by cutting off the supply of fresh air which is
necessary for the process of combustion. 1867. No. 3209. Lowther and
Bennett. (Provl.) 4d.
Fixing the rods and wire gauze to the oil vessels of the said lamps, so that
the protecting gauze cannot possibly be removed unless wilfully broken.
1867. No. 3376. Horn. (Provl.) 4d. Consists in applying an air
chamber above the old reservoir, such air chamber being perforated
circumferentially, the said perforations being moreover guarded against gas
blowers and draughts of air by a surrounding shield.
1867. No. 3427. Foster. (Provl.) 4d. The application of an extinguisher in
miners' lamps carried by a. fusible spindle, so that should the temperature
exceed a certain degree the spindle will fuse and the extinguisher fall. The
construction of three concentric rings when used with Argand burners. These
rings support or carry the glass and the double gauzes of the lamp.
1867. No. 3640. Rowe. 8d. Consists in connecting the cap and the wick
tube to the bottom of the
lamp by studs fitting in grooves like a bayonet joint; also in applying an
elastic and metal ring to make the joint air-tight; also in an improved lock
and key to secure the cap to the bottom of the lamp, which lock cannot be
opened except by the proper key.
1868. No. 203. Thomas. (Provl.) 4d. Consists in the construction of
the miner's safety-lamp in such a manner
as to enable petroleum and other mineral oils to be consumed
20
therein in lieu of animal or vegetable oils as at present used, and the
production thereby of an increased light to the miner with considerably less
danger. 1868. No. 375. Desens. (Provl.) 4d. In the lamp the light
is extinguished when trying clandestinely to take off the gauze.
1868. No. 419. Hann. 8d.
This Provisional Specification describes forming safety-lamps with
numerous tubes of small diameter, or with concentric cylinders with narrow
spaces between them to carry off the products of combustion from the flame
of the lamp. 1868. No. 1766. Horn. 8d.
Relates to a means of obtaining an increased amount of light and more
perfect combustion in miners' safety-lamps • also to an improved lock for
fastening all the parts of the improved lamp together. 1868. No. 1991.
Heppell. 8d.
Relates to an improved arrangement of safety-lamp by which the risk of
explosion is diminished, the light from the flame of the lamp being
transmitted through suitably arranged glass surfaces, and thus furnishing a
less obscure light than is obtained from lamps where the light is
transmitted through wire gauze. 1868. No. 2464. Hann and Hann. 8d.
Preventing any current passing between the wire gauze cylinder and the glass
chimney; the means of admitting air to the burner, and the caps or tops of
safety-lamps. 1868. No. 2891. Desens. (Provl.) 4d.
The wick holder (a small tube moving up and down in the interior of a
cylindrical tube by means of three small teeth, gearing with an endless
screw for regulating the wick) is put out of gear with the screw by means of
a detent fixed at the side of the gallery surrounding the entrance to the
body of the lamp.
SIXTH DIVISION.
COAL GETTING.
1867. No. 43. Dcering. Is. 8d.
This consists primarily in distributing from one or more cylinders the steam
or other fluid to one or more other cylinders, the pistons of the first
cylinders being worked from a cross-head connected to the piston-rod of the
engine. This applies where a distribution of the fluid is required to work
different parts of the mechanism at different parts of the stroke of the
engine, but it is specially intended for boring engines. 1867. No.
296. Crease. Is.
According to a former patent, No. 2624, 1863, the feed and exhaust ports of
the piston valves were so arranged that the piston of the boring machine
must go nearly the entire length of the stroke before the motive agent could
act upon the piston valve. To obtain the rotary motion of the borer and feed
motion of the machine, a ratchet brace is fitted to work loosely on the
spindle which enters the back of the machine, the ratchet baing fixed. The
paul which has a spill on its lower end is dropped into a hole in a lever
below the ratchet, and an opening is left in the lower end of the lever for
a spiral spring forced up round the spill. The plug fitting into this lever,
works in an opening in a rod connecting two pistons in a supplementary
cylinder at the back of the boring machine. The fluid works as
follows:—Either each end of this cylinder is connected by pipes to the
ordinary steam passages of the main cylinder, or, as the chief power is
required on one side of the cylinder, that end of the nearest ordinary steam
passage is connected, thus securing the inlet and exhaust to that end, the
other end of the supplementary cylinder being connected to the feed direct.
1867. No. 457. Walker. (Provl.) 4d.
Consists in the use of a horizontal wheel, provided with teeth on its
periphery, to cut a channel at the lower part of a face of coal, which also
propels itself along by self-acting means. 1867. No. 535. Howat.
lOd.
Relates to a machine for cutting longitudinal and vertical grooves in
24
the rails between the floor and roof of the mine. Fourthly, in novel means
for carrying", holding* down, and keeping* up to their work, coal mining*
machines generally. Fifthly, in a novel arrangement of arms or levers and
cutters to plane or pare away coal or other mineral so as to form deep
shallow channels or grooves therein. 1867. No. 1566. Snell. Is. 4d.
Consists of two chisels, attached to the pistons of two cylinders worked
either by steam or condensed air, which*act on the coal or stone to be cut*
the leading chisel cutting to a given depth, and the second increasing the
depth of the cut * when the chisels arrive at the end of a cut they are
reversed and work back again. The two pistons are connected by a beam, so
that the recoil of each aids the momentum of the other.
1867. No. 1704. Dcering. 2s. 4d.
A cushion of air is maintained on the small side of all the small pistons •
this in the valve and rotary motion cylinders, is overcome as required by
air from a port in the main cylinder, while the advance cylinder is not able
to act until its larger side is exhausted by a port in the main cylinder
being sufficiently opened by the forward stroke * or the piston of the
advance may be operated by pressure on its larger side. (See No. 2922, 1866,
and No. 43, 1867.) 1867. No. 1783. Jones. Is. 8d.
Describes a peculiar construction of frame to be used for supporting
coal-cutting machines when driving headings in coal mines. By the
arrangement described, the machine can readily be moved to one side of the
heading whilst the coal is being removed after being wedged down. Also,
modes of constructing hydraulic apparatus for wedging or breaking down coal
and other minerals. Also, of attaching a lever pick to its axis, by which
the depth of cut can be adjusted.
1867.' No. 1927. Sturgeon. Is. lOd.
Dispenses with the aid of the usual rails or guides, using a portable
engine, which may be readily moved from place to place, and to which the
cutters are geared in such a manner as to be capable of being traversed
along their work for some distance without shifting the engine by which they
are actuated. Various descriptions of cutters may be used, but the use of a
cutter rocking to and fro on a centre after the manner of a pick is
preferred. 1867. No. 2027. Newton. Is. 4d.
Comprises two principal parts, viz., a continuous rotating piercing
25
machine and a kind of carriage to contain one or more of these machines,
which may be employed for tunnelling or underground work. The piercing
machine is composed of a metallic frame on which is placed one of Perret's
engines worked by water pressure. This motive engine communicates motion to
a hollow iron shaft which has its outside made hexagonal. At one end of
this shaft is placed the piercing tool and at the other extremity is a
piston to which the necessary pressure is applied for working the boring
tools. 1867. No. 2451. Elliott. (Provl.) 4d. Consists in the use of
machinery wherein the cutting discs revolve with, and advance on, a central
axle, the inner end of which rests in a bearing fixed in or to the substance
intended to be cut, the other end being suitably supported. The forward
motion of the cutting discs on the central axle is produced by ropes or
bands passed over friction rollers on an arm fixed to the inner end of the
central axle, and carried back to a circular plate and connected with a rope
or band, from which is suspended a suitable descending weight.
1867. No. 2503. During. Is. 6d.
An arrangement of boring engine in which the cylinder acts as a distributor.
In addition to the ordinary ports and a supply port, the cylinder has two
ports in communication respectively with the back end of the valve and the
back end of the advance movement cylinder. The piston rod has three pistons,
forming* two chambers, the forward one of which communicates with the outer
air through the rod. Constant pressure is maintained in front of the valve,
which is of smaller area than the back ,* the valve rod has four pistons,
the two outer being the piston proper, and the others acting to open and
close the ordinary main ports. 1867. No. 2607. McKean. Is. 6d.
A cylinder of cast iron or other material is employed in which a piston is
moved by any elastic or inelastic fluid, the drill or other cutting-tool
being attached to the piston rod. A pivot is arranged at the top or bottom
of the cylinder, by means of which, and by certain clamps and rods, the
drilling apparatus is rapidly fixed and clamped in any desired position. The
cylinder is provided with the usual valve chamber, valve, and orifices for
the admission and emission of the actuating fluid—air or steam being
preferred. 1867. No. 2830. Love, Armstrong, and Widdowson.
(Provl.) 4d.
Consists of a drill carried at one end of a long screw which works Vol.
XVIII.—1869. c
26
through a nut carried by a post, which can he fixed between the floor and
roof of the mine. The screw is turned by a crank handle or otherwise, and
thus a forward motion, together with a rotary motion, is imparted to the
drill. The nut through which the screw works can be raised or lowered, and
can also turn on an axis at right angles to the post. 1867. No. 3076.
Sturgeon. 6d.
Relates to "opening out" on driving headings, and consists in an improved
arrangement of machinefv described in a provisional specification filed by
him on the 2nd July, 1867, No. 1927, by which improvement, the nicks are cut
in a curvilinear or arched form. This is done by having the cutter on a
frame capable of turning on a central axis. A feed motion is imparted to the
frame, and causes the cutter to travel in a circular arc as it is elevated.
In a pick action machine, the pick being worked as described in his
provisional specification, 2nd July, 1867, and mounted as in a specification
of patent granted to him and others on November 28th, 1864, No. 2962, the
requisite rotary feed motion is imparted to the headstock on which the pick
is mounted, and the cutter is thus caused to travel through a circular arc.
1867. No. 3311. Munro. 8d.
Forms boring tools of chilled cast iron, whereby the labour and expense
hitherto attendant on the formation of such tools of steel is greatly
reduced.
1867. No. 3386. Jordan and Darlington. lOd. A cylinder fitted with a
piston and rod, to which the boring bar is fixed,
one side of the piston being open to the atmosphere, and the other subject
to the pressure of water or other suitable fluid thrown into the cylinder by
a force pump, and withdrawn again by the back stroke of the said pump. A
driving plunger or force pump constructed for the above purpose; force pumps
and pipes for transmitting power by an enclosed circuit of water or other
suitable fluid, and of rendering this power active in any part of the
aforesaid circuit without discharging the fluid.
1868. No. 116. Pittar. 8d. Consists in the application and arrangement
of various mechanical appliances for working the drill used in perforating
rocks.
1868. No. 162. Hosking. 8d. Consists in arranging the cutters upon
the cutting head, in a curved line or lines (such curved line or lines not
being portions of circles) having the centre of the cutting head for their
centre.
27
1868. No. 458. Melling. Is. 6d.
Consists, first, in regulating the passage of air or other fluid from one
side of the piston to the other; secondly, in bringing the piston back by a
part of the air used to propel it; thirdly, in making the piston-rod
eccentric to the piston, to bring the cutters near the lower surface of the
coal to be cut; fourthly, in connecting the cutters to the piston-rod so
that the cutters are rigid when cutting, and fall back from the coal when
drawn back; four or other number of cutters are fixed to a rod. Fifthly, in
supporting the apparatus on additional wheels placed at right angles to the
propelling wheels for the convenience of transport. 1868. No. 600.
Firth. lOd.
Describes arranging picks used in machines for cutting coal and other
minerals so that any number of picks may be worked in the same breadth of
roadway as is required for one pick. 1868. No. 813. Barlow.
(Provl.) * 4d.
Describes forming tunnels by forcing forwards a cylinder into the ground and
removing the earth from within the cylinder to allow of an iron or other
lining for the tunnel being fitted together within the rear end of the
cylinder. The forward end of the cylinder is closed, with the exception of
an opening at or below its centre, so that should water break into the end
of the tunnel the upper part of the tunnel may always be kept full of air.
1868. No. 1183. Lake. Is. 6d.
Consists in the novel construction of the valve which admits the steam or
other fluid into the cylinder, and in the peculiar mode of, and devices for
operating^the said valve; in the novel construction and arrangement of the
feeding mechanism; in the mode of securing the drill or cutting implement;
in the feed screw or holder; in the means for more effectually supporting
the frame which carries the drill cylinders; and in the employment of a
frame of peculiar construction for supporting the machinery to work in a
vertical direction.
1868. No. 1219. Rothery. 3s. Proposes to combine together end to end, two
cylinders of different diameters open at their outer ends, and each having a
piston working therein. These two pistons are both fitted on to the same rod
which works through a stuffing-box in a stationary division or partition
between the two cylinders; the object of the smaller cylinder and piston is
to produce the return or back stroke of the
28
pick or cutter, whilst the larger cylinder serves to give the cutting blow
or stroke to the said pick or cutter. The connecting rod which transmits
motion to the pick axis is partly contained within the actuating cylinder
itself, thus economizing space. Two cylinders of the same or different
diameters arranged as above described may be used as a motive power engine
for various purposes.
1868. No. 1220. Ridley and Rothery. (Provl.) 4d. Consists in the employment
of a quadrant cylinder secured to the framing of a truck or carriage, within
which quadrant or cylinder a diaphragm or piston reciprocates on an axis,
such axis forming' the axis of the vibrating pick or cutting tool itself,
thereby dispensing with lever arms, connecting rods, and piston rods.
1868. No. 1223. Donisthorpe. (Provl.) 4d. Describes using a lever pick in
combination with a rectilinear reciprocating pick, the lever pick being used
to make smooth and even the bottom of the4 groove formed by the rectilinear
reciprocating* pick, and also to undercut each slice or strip of coal before
it is cut off by such reciprocating pick. The lever arm of the lever pick
carries a plate which is to receive upon it the pieces of coal or mineral as
they are cut away, and carry them back out of the groove, or the arm itself
is caused to sweep back the pieces out of the groove.
1868. No. 1482. Chubb. Is. 6d.
Minerals are obtained without " holing," " kirving," or " nicking" being
necessary, by means of hydraulic apparatus with an elongated plunger, or
with several plungers on one bar. The apparatus is inserted into a hole
formed in the working face, and is then expanded so as to force the mineral
out. Or sometimes a flexible bag is used with a rod passing through it, and
on the rod, stops are fixed to restrain the bag from expanding endwise. The
bag is enclosed in an expanding metal case. 1868. No. 1511. Penrice.
lOd.
The head of the machine is a strong disc, which is divided into four or
other number of broad arms, with radial sides, by a corresponding number of
spaces being left in it of sufficient size for a workman to pass from one
side of the disc to the other when it is in the tunnel.
1868. No. 1512. Husband and During. lOd. For securing or holding the
stands or frames of rock, boring or exca-
29
vating machines; the stands or frames are held by atmospheric pressure. A
disc of rubber or other material is placed on the floor of the tunnel, and a
vacuum is formed below it. 1868. No. 1718. Holmes. Is.
Mounts the chisels or tools in a cutter head, to which a rocking motion is
imparted by a crank eccentric or toggle joint, so as to cause the tool to
strike in succession a number of smart blows on the stone as the cutter
travels along. 1868. No. 1752. Reidy. 6d.
Introduces a socket at the end of each pick, so that the points, being made^
of cast steel to the full length required, can be put in and taken out at
pleasure. 1868. No. 1961. Booth. 2s. 4d.
Relates in part, to means for giving rotary motion to cutters when using
lever or other handles for them, so that the opposite sides of the cutting
edges thereof, may be used alternately. 1868. No. 1989. Dcering and
Twigg. . lOd.
Comprises, firstly, a boring engine in which there is no valve to the
cylinder. The piston rod has four pistons, forming between them three
chambers; a constant supply of motive fluid is maintained in the central
chamber. When the pistons are at the back of their stroke, a passage
communicates between the central chamber and the back of the cylinder, so
that the pistons are caused to make their forward stroke; when the forward
stroke is completed, the central chamber communicates by a passage with the
front end of the cylinder, so that the pistons are caused to make their back
stroke.
1868. No. 2198. Brunton. lOd. Consists in a new form of tool for
cutting slate and other rocK; and, further, in a machine for the purpose of
applying the chisel to cut grooves or slots.*
1868. No. 2643. Gillott and Copley. lOd. Propose to employ a
horizontal revolving wheel or disc having a series of cutters mounted on the
periphery thereof, such cutters being made to cut outwards or from the
bottom of the groove, or undercut to the face of the working, whilst the
body of the machine itself takes its bearing against the face, in order to
resist thje strain of the cut. 1868. No. 2965. Dcering. 10d. The
forward movement of the engine, according to the progress of the work, is
regulated by a valve or cock, which regulates the supply
30
of water to, and the outlet of water from, a cylinder attached and adjacent
to the main cylinder, the said valve being worked in a manner already known,
by motive fluid distributed from the main cylinder to a small cylinder, the
piston of which is connected to the valve.
SEVENTH DIVISION.
EXPLOSIVE COMPOUNDS.
1867. No. 52. Prentice. 10d. Describes encasing a cartridge or
other article in India-rubber- the India-rubber is blown out into a bubble
like form, the article is introduced into the interior and the bubble is
allowed to collapse upon it. /
1867. No. 989. Reeves. (Provl.) 4d. Describes the making gun
cotton from vegetable fibre.
1867. No. 1129. Prentice and Richardson. (Provl.) 4d. Describes the
treating gun cotton with paraffin dissolved in paraffin oil or other
solvent.
1867. No. 1345. Newton. 4d.
Pulverized charcoal, silica, or other substance capable of absorbing liquids
is impregnated with nitro-glycerine, which is thereby rendered less
dangerous to use. 1867. No. 1408. Neumeyer. 4d.
This invention has reference to patent No. 1636 of 1865. In place of
preparing the ingredients for the powder as described in the specification
to the said patent, about 72 parts by weight of saltpetre are mixed with
about 18 parts by weight of ordinary charcoal, and then about 10 parts by
weight of flowers of sulphur are added, the whole being gently stirred
together in a vessel with revolving arms for about 15 minutes, and in the
presence of water in the proportion of about 40 parts by weight to every 100
parts of the compound. The compound is then removed and dried without being
subjected to the process of granulation. 1867. No. 3458. Johnson. 4d.
Consists substantially in mixing and diluting nitro-glycerine with porous
combustible substances, and the employment of such material for blasting and
other similar purposes. 1867. No. 3469. Designolle and Casthelaz. 6d.
Has for its object, to apply to the manufacture of powders, the easy
combustion of the picrates of potash, of the salts formed by picric acid, of
the derivatives of picric acid, and of their salts, and also
32
of picric carbazotic or trinitrophenic acid, and the quantity of useful gas
which is developed during the said combustion.
1867. No. 3652. Abel. 4d. Relates to the preparation of improved
explosive compounds. Consists
in producing intimate mixtures of gun cotton in the filamentous condition or
in the form of pulp with large proportions (from 30 to 60 per cent.) of an
oxidizing salt, such as nitrate of potash or soda, or chlorate of potash,
and with a small proportion (about one per cent.) of an alkali or an
alkaline carbonate. Consists also in producing still more highly explosive
compounds by impregnating either partly or completely with nitro-glycerine
any one of the explosive mixtures above described, and in afterwards coating
the impregnated grains, discs, or masses of other forms, with any known
impervious material, such as paraffin, bees-wax, India-rubber, gutta-percha,
collodion, shellac, or other resins.
1868. No. 342. Bolton. (Provl.) 4d. Consists in taking carbonate of
copper about 8 parts, graphite about 10
parts, prepared quicklime about 15 parts, prepared alum about 50 parts,
nitrate of soda about 350 parts, soda-ash about 20 parts, ferro-cyanide of
potassium about 300 parts, charcoal about 30 parts, prepared sugar about 350
parts, and carbonate of potash about 450 parts. One-half the graphite and
one-half the charcoal are to be combined with the carbonate of copper, lime,
nitrate of soda, soda-ash, and carbonate of potash, to constitute one part
of the powder-the other halves of the graphite and charcoal being combined
with the other ingredients to form another part of the powder • and in this
partly combined but divided state each powder is inexplosive and
consequently harmless, and when required for use the mixture of the two
renders the whole highly and powerfully explosive. 1868. No. 1210. Clark.
lOd. Cleansing and purifying- vegetable fibre in powder or particles, by
extracting and separating from it foreign substances, by treating such
powder or particles with high pressure steam solutions of alkalis and acids
and animal charcoal in a close steam tight vessel.
1868. No. 1375. Nisser. 4d. Consists in mixing a compound of nitrate
of potassia or nitrate of soda, or both, with either chlorate or
per-chlorate of potassia in the manufacture of an explosive compound for
blasting. Also of a compound* of saccharum album, or white lump sugar, and
sub-
33
limate of sulphur mixed either with vegetable fibre, or charcoal, or both.
1868. No. 2542. Shaen. 4d. Consists in combining nitro-glycerine or
Schultze's wood powder, either alone or together, with other explosive
substances.
1868. No. 2865. Lake. 4d. Uses chlorate of potash, sulphur, and charcoal,
for blasting purposes.
EIGHTH DIVISION. MISCELLANEOUS.
1867. No. 1273. Lomax. lOcl. Wagons for collieries, &c. Consists in
forming the corners of the wagon by welding together two pieces of angle
iron for each corner, leaving between them a space sufficient to receive the
ends of the timber or planks forming the ends and ^ides of the wagon.
1867. No. 1282. Dutton. lOd. Consists in constructing revolving screens
of two or more concentric
cylinders, made of bars, wire gauze, or perforated metal, revolving within
one another.
1868. No. 37. Nixon. Is. lOd. Transferring coal or minerals from
railway wagons into barges.
1868. No. 728. Burton and Lawrence. 8d. For screening coals,
cinders, and other matters.
1867. No. 48. Claus. 8d. Describes a mode of raising brine from
bore-holes, by closing the top of the bore-hole with a u cover," and forcing
air or water beneath the cover by a force-pump, causing the brine to rise up
through a delivery pipe which passes to the surface. 1867. No. 87.
Blagden. 4d. Separating silver from lead by the application of electricity
to the molten lead, with which a small quantity of zinc has been
incorporated. 1867. No. 620. Breckon and Dixon. lOd. Consists in the
use of an endless-chain of buckets to convey the coke or other material from
the ovens or elsewhere, to a sloping spout mounted on wheels and turning on
a pivot, to distribute the coke in the hopper. The distributor is made
with a screen to allow small particles to escape, and the hopper has doors
below which are openings to discharge the coke into the wagons.