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PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION J. 137 
8._SAFETY APPLIANCES ON STEAM BOILERS. 
By A. O. Sacuse, C.E., M.E., M.S.E., London, F.R.G.S. 
[ Abstract. | 
Tue paper refers particularly to the perfunctory manner and 
“ penny-wise pound-foolish” policy in which steam boilers are 
mounted with safety appliances. Mountings are sometimes used, 
_ sometimes not (just in accordance with specifications), irrespective, 
in most instances, of the exact capacity or requirements of the 
special pattern of the boiler, its method of setting, quality, or 
kind of fuel to be used, and other local peculiarities ; and thus it 
is that the same sized mountings of orthodox patterns are placed 
on boilers of different sizes and peculiarities. 
The writer refers at length to the many defects in the design 
and adjustment of such apparatus as are now in use, dilating 
particularly on the unreliability of low water metallic plugs 
and whistle alarms, and strongly deprecates the crass inatten- 
tion to the safety valves, and the unsuitability of some of 
the materials of their construction. He, moreover, advocates a 
dual system of pressure gauge dials and water glasses; and 
expresses a high opinion of the value of a late invention of an 
automatic safety apparatus, which, by means of a float appliance, 
ingeniously connected with a battery, an alarm is given to the 
attendant when a “low” or “high” level of water or undue 
pressure of steam is attained, and if required registering in a 
manager’s office, or other convenient position, an undeniable 
record of the height or pressure which the water or steam had 
attained ; the probability of oxidation to contact points being 
obviated in this invention by the use of diminutive mercury 
baths. ‘ 
Such a system as the latter, he predicts, will be found very 
valuable, as not only does its use call the immediate attention of 
the stoker to a sense of his duty, by the alarm (which is 
sounded at low water level, or undue pressure limit,) but, if this 
is disregarded, a second alarm commences, and at the same time 
records against him to his superior officer, thus bringing the 
culprit immediately under the notice of his employer. Finally, 
the author emphasises the importance of a strict care in specifying 
all steam boiler safety fittings, and a close periodical scrutiny of 
their adjustment and condition, and, in conclusion, advises all 
intending users of steam to erect boilers of /arger capacity than 
is actually requisite at the time, so that easy stoking, a thorough 
combustion (and consequently an economy) of fuel will be 
obtained over those steam boilers which have to be driven to 
their utmost, and strained in being made to give forth their 
maximum power. 
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