Improvement in Steam Engine Boilers. 13 



(less the above 1966 grains,) which, in proportion to the demand I'or 

 the formation of water, would be 83520 grains. Thus, about half 

 the hydrogen would combine with the air, more or less in proportion 

 to the ratio of that producing the greatest heat ; the other half in 

 the ratio which the carburetted hydrogen demands oxygen. 



Such may be lEe comparative basis of calculation ; and as 2 

 vols, pure hydrogen require 1 vol. oxygen to form water and 1 vol. 

 carburetted hydrogen, 2 vols, oxygen to be consumed.* The ratio 

 of effect of the latter must be J to the former, supposing the com- 

 bustion to be under equally favorable circumstances. 



Whatever would be the effect of 1 lb. of pure hydrogen gas in 

 raising the temperature of water, it would thus seem that the effect 

 of 8 lbs. of the light carburetted hydrogen after proper deductions 

 would be about f of 8 lbs. or 6 lbs. besides the effect of the sur- 

 plus hydrogen combined with atmospheric oxygen. Practical use, 

 experimentally, authorizes the belief, that the carburetted hydrogens 

 as fuel, will be economical in point of first cost. And the incidental 

 advantages of this improvement may be thus stated. The command 

 and discontinuance of a voluminous flame in locomotives, in boats, 

 and in stationary rail-way engines, ferry boats, gun boats, packets, 

 canal and small river steam boats. The fuel to be carried to produce a 

 given effect, is much less in weight than if it were coal or wood. 

 The activity of this fire will better keep up the full tension of the 

 steam, while the engine is rapidly at work. 



I therefore declare and claim the principle of the aforesaid im- 

 provement in steam boilers and fuel to be, and consist of, the adap- 

 tation of boilers as aforesaid, to the reception and use of the carbu- 

 retted hydrogen gases and vapors, and the combination therewith of 

 a receiver or generator of the said vapor or gases for that purpose. 



JVevj York, Jan. 24th, 1831. J. L. Sullivan. 



* See Prof. Silliman's Elements, Vol. I, p. 402, (i.) 



