Rapid and Dustless Coaling.

Progress, Volume VI, Issue 9, 1 July 1911, Page 740

Rapid and Dustless Coaling.

The Holland-Johnston System.

(From Paper read by Mr. Higby before the Institution of Mining Engineers.) The “Herald,” a twin-screw coaling vessel, is fitted with two Elevators, and has an output of 200 tons per hour. The pictures show her bunkering the L. & N. W. Co.’s steamer “Anglia,” and also two vessels at once. A larger vessel fitted in the same way might have three, four or five elevators, and each of these elevators having an output of 100 tons per hour, it' would be possible for such a vessel to discharge herself at the rate of 500 tons per hour. Large ocean liners being coaled by large vessels of the “Herald” type with one of these on either side of . the liner, such as the “Mauretania” or “Lusitania,” and the big vessels of the White Star Line, could be coaled at 1000 tons per hour. In this system, different shoots are put through the side bunker doors in different parts of the vessel and coaling is thus going on simultaneously in practically all parts of the vessel’s bunkers, consequently

the only delay with this method will be ,at the final trimming in the top of the bunkers, which must always be a slow operation.

The elevators are driven by a very ingenious multiple gear in the top pentagon drum; the small engine necessary for the purpose being contained at the head of the elevator between the top and bottom trunks. The exhaust steam from this engine is admitted into the head of the elevator in a suitable position, and is directed along the shoots into the vessel’s bunker doors. It was found by experience that coal dust is unable to rise through the steam, and therefore coal and dust is carried straight into the vessel’s bunkers with the steam, thus ensuring an extremely cleanly method of coaling steamers. The steam does not in any way wet the coal, as may be seen on any vessel by stirring the coal about in the bunkers after it has been delivered thereinto by the “Herald.’’

The crew, of seven men and the. master, are sufficient for everything. The advantages are: Flexibility as regards the shoots, cleanliness, rapidity and economy, all of which points will, I am sure, appeal to those who have anything to do ' with the bunkering of our large ocean liners.