THE CONQUEST OF NATURE 



"As there are no reciprocating parts in a steam tur- 

 bine, and as a perfect balance of its rotating parts is 

 absolutely essential to its successful operation, vibration 

 is reduced to such a small element that the simplest 

 foundations will suffice, and it is safe to locate steam 

 turbines on upper floors of a factory if this be desirable 

 or necessary. 



"The perfect balance of the moving parts and the 

 extreme simplicity of construction tend to minimize the 

 wear and increase the life of a turbine, and at the same 

 time to reduce the chance of interruption in its operation 

 through derangement of, or damage to, any of its essen- 

 tial parts. 



"Although hardly beyond the stage of its first advent 

 in the motive-power field, the steam turbine has met 

 with much favor, and there is promise of its wide use for 

 the purposes to which it is particularly adapted. At 

 present, however, its uses are restricted to service that 

 is continuous and regular, its particular adaptability 

 being for the driving of electrical generators, pumps, 

 ventilating fans, and similar work, especially where 

 starting under load is not essential. 



"Steam turbines are now being built in the United 

 States in all sizes up to 3,000 horse-power. Their use 

 abroad covers a longer period and has become more 

 general. The largest turbines thus far attempted are 

 those of the Metropolitan District Electric Traction 

 Company, of London, embracing four units of 10,000 

 horse-power each. Several turbines of large size have 

 been operated successfully in Germany." 



It should be added that the compound turbine wheel 

 [130] 



