The Mechanical Handling and Storing of Material

THE MECHANICAL HANDLING OF MATERIAL in the latest turbine battleships are situated in the bottom ot ths ships, so that an ash discharge vertically downwards would make it possible for some of the ashes to be taken into the suctions, with disastrous results. Stone’s underline pneumatic ash and Fig. 323. Diagram of Stone’s Patent Hydro- Pneumatic Underline Ash Expeller used for Naval Purposes. clinker expeller consists of a hopper into which the ashes, etc., are shovelled as they come from the furnace : from the hopper the mate- rial falls into a pair of crushing jaws, which reduce it to a convenient size for effectual discharge. The ashes so reduced are now admitted intermittently into a revolving drum, which at one period of its revolution receives a charge, whilst at another period it allows this charge to escape into the sea, whilst at no time does it allow a communication between the sea and the ship’s compartment. Finally, a gate valve is built between the exit and the working part of the apparatus, to be closed only if repair should be necessary. An engine combined with an air compressor furnishes the driving power for the crusher and drum, and also the pneumatic supply for the same. Figs. 324 and 325 show the crushing jaws i and h-, the latter is'fixed, whilst the former is hinged at the top, and reciprocates at its lower end by means of a three- Figs. 324 and 325. Arrangement of Crusher for Breaking Clinker for Discharge through Stone’s Expeller. lobed cam, which is keyed to the spindle m. A draw-back rod, actuated by a spring p, in case keeps the face of the jaws always in contact with the cam face r. The shaft is driven by roller chain and chain wheels at a speed of 60 revs, per minute, giving the hinged jaw about 180 double strokes per minute. There is an inspection door to give access to the lower part of the hopper, and the whole apparatus can be