Rensselaer Republican, Volume 18, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 February 1886 — BULBS FOR ENGINEERS AND FIREMEN. [ARTICLE]

BULBS FOR ENGINEERS AND FIREMEN.

For the Management and Care Of Steam' Boilers. ■' 'j.f 1. Condition of Water —The first duty of an engineer, when he enters liis boiler-room in the morning, is to ascertain how many gauges of water there are in his boilers. Never unbank or replenish the fires until this is done. Accidents have occurred, and many boilers have been entirely ruined from neglect of this precaution. 2. Low Water —ln case of low water, immediately cover the fires with ashes, or, if no ashes are at hatfclTnse fresh coal. ■ Don’t turret-on ({he feed under any circumstances, hqr_tamper with or open the safety valve. Let the steam outlets remain as they are. 3. In Cases of ‘ Foaming —Close throttle, and keep closed long enough to show true level of water. If that level is sufficiently high, feeding and blowing will usually suffice to correct the evil. In cases of violent foaming, caused by dirty water, or change from salt' to fresh, or vice versa, in addition to-' the action above stated, check 'draught and cover fires with fresh coal. 4. Leaks - -When leaks are discovered they should be repaired as soon as possible. 5. Blowing Off —Blow down,# under a pressure not exceeding twenty pounds, at.least once in two weeks.; every Saturday night would be better. In case the feed becomes muddy, blow out six or eight inches every day. Where surface blow-cocks are used, they should be often opened for a few moments at a time.

6. Filling Up the Boiler —After blowing down allow the boiler to becom,e cool before filling again. Cold watbr pumped into liot boilers is very injurious from sudden contraction. 7. Exterior of Boiler —Care should be taken —that no water comes in contact with the exterior of the boiler; J either from leaky joints or other causes. 8. Removing-Beposit and Sediment —ln tubular boilers, the handhole slionld be often opened, and all collections removed from over the fire. Also, when boilers are fed in front and blown off through the same pipe, the collection of mud and sediment in the rear end should be often removed. 9. Safety Valves —Raise the safety valves catitiously and frequently, as they are liable to become fast in tlieir seats, and useless for the purpose intended. 10. Safety Valve and Pressure Gauge —Should the gauge at any time indicate the limit of pressure allowed, see that the safety valves are blowing off. 11. Gauge Cocks, Glass Gauge — Keep gauge cocks clear, and in constant use. Glass gauges should not be relied on altogether. 12. Blisters —When a blister appears, there must be no delay in having it carefully examined, and trimmed or patched as the case may require. 13. Clean Sheets —Particular care should be taken to keep sheets and parts of boilers exposed to toe fire perfbetv clean, also all tubes, flues and commotions well swept. This is particularly necessary where w*pod|<jr s<Jsfc coal is used for fuel. 14. General Care of goiters and Connections^- Undfer all ifircumstances keep the gauges, cocks, etc., clean and in good order, and things generally in and about the engine and boiler-room in a neat condition. — Hartford SteamBoiler Inspection and Insurance Company.