1+ STEAM BOILER TESTS — ROBB. 



temperature of escaping gases ma}^ be taken by inserting a brass 

 or copper pipe with closed end in the smoke connection where it 

 leaves the boiler ; this cup, which should reach the centre of the 

 escaping gases, may be filled with oil and a high registering 

 thermometer placed in it. 



Previous to the hour for starting, say at 6.30 o'clock, steam 

 should be up to the working pressure, and the tubes and all sur- 

 faces and flues should be swept clean. The ash pit should be 

 cleaned and the first charge of kindling and coal, or the fuel to 

 be used, should be weighed ; every man should be at his post ; 

 those who are to note the various readings provided with ruled 

 forms for recording the g^ross, tare, and net weights of fuel and 

 water, and others for the pressure of steam temperatures of feed- 

 water and escaping gases, which should be noted every quarter 

 hour. At the hour for starting, the height of water in the boiler 

 should be marked on the gauge glass, so that it may be brought 

 to the same place at the close of the test, and the fire should be 

 drawn quickly and replaced with the weighed kindlings and fuel, 

 (wood kindlings are generally taken at 4-10 the value of coal by 

 weight.) The working of the boiler may be conducted as usual in 

 every way, the stoking should be done carefully, so that no waste 

 may occur through dead spots or holes in the fire, or uneven dis- 

 tribution of fuel. If the fire be too thick, some of the gas will pass 

 off unconsumed for want of sufficient air, and if the fire be too thin 

 too much air will be admitted. The draught or air supply should be 

 regulated by the ash pit doors or registers, and an even fire and 

 steady pressure of steam maintained throughout the test. If work 

 is to be suspended at raid-day, or any time during the lest, 

 the drafts may be closed, the fire banked, and an attendant 

 left in charge who will regulate the fire if necessary, so as to 

 keep the pressure constant. At the close of the test the water 

 should be brought to the same level in the boiler as at the 

 beginning, and the fire withdrawn and deadened quickly with 

 water. The remaining coal should be weighed and deducted 

 from the quantity charged to the boiler, and the ashes may 

 also be weighed. The net weights of coal and water may 



