184) Dr Fyfe on the Use of Steam. 



ted along with the steam, so as to keep up the combustion of 

 the inflammable products, formed by the decomposition of the 

 steam itself. Hence, in those experiments in \\ hich I introduced 

 steam in too great quantity, while, at the same time, the air 

 was not admitted in proportion, the heat, instead of being in- 

 creased, was diminished. 



I may here mention, that in some trials which I have made 

 with high pi'essu re-steam, which of course, when allowed to 

 escape, rushed with great force upon the fuel, the effect was, to 

 diminish the heat in the immediate vicinity of the point of 

 escape, in fact, almost to extinguish the combustion at that par- 

 ticular part. I had no means of ascertaining at the time, whe- 

 ther, in its ascent through the furnace, it would undergo de- 

 composition and combustion ; most probably it would, provided 

 the heat was sufficient, and there was also a proper supply 

 of air. 



The same high pressure-steam, I may also state, almost com 

 pletely extinguished a chauffer containing coke ; indeed I was 

 prepared to expect this, the heat in the chauffer not being suffi- 

 cient to effect the decomposition of the steam, and the conse- 

 quent combustion of its gaseous inflammable matter. 



From what has now been said, I conceive that those engaged 

 in processes where fuel is used extensively, would be justified in 

 making trials on a large scale, how far there may be a saving in 

 the use of steam ; and should any be inclined to trj' it, I would 

 suggest the introduction of steam of ordinary pressure at dif- 

 ferent parts of the furnace, at the same time admitting airjree- 

 lij. There is also another suggestion which I would offer ; it 

 is, that if there is any benefit derived, it would be worthy of 

 trial, whether or not there would be any advantage by passing 

 the steam through pipes imbedded in the furnace, so as to raise 

 its temperature considerably before admitting it to the fuel, as 

 in the process of using heated air, recommended by Mr Neilson 

 of Glasgow, and now in general use in the iron-works of this 

 country. 



