(152.)

The proportion of water-space in the boiler to its evaporating power should also be regulated, so that the introduction of the feed at a comparatively low temperature may not unduly chill the water in the boiler. Supposing the feed to be introduced in a low pressure boiler at the temperature of 100°, and that the necessary temperature within the boiler be 225°, the quantity of water it contains should be about five times the quantity evaporated, and therefore also five times the quantity introduced through the feed per hour. For every cubic foot of water per hour therefore, intended to be evaporated by the boiler, water-space for five cubic feet should be provided. It is, however, right to repeat that this (like almost every other so called rule) is the result not of any exact general calculation, but one deduced from the custom which has obtained among the manufacturers of steam-engines.