Disposition of the fires and furnace

— Fig. 586. represents, upon a scale three times larger than fig. 585. , the section of the fire X , of which the plan is seen in fig. 585. , and the elevation in fig. 583. ; as also in the outside view of the blast furnace, fig. 589. IMG:4147767755307473660_illo0696b.png:Section of fire The grate is at L ; the fuel is introduced by the door P , fig. 583. ; the flame rises above the bridge I K , and proceeds along the vaulted flue towards the chimney H . Through a length of about 13 feet including the grate, the furnace is on each side supported by oblong plates of cast iron, which are bound together by 4 upright ribbed or feathered bars, also on each side; these bars n being bound together by iron rods furnished with screw nuts at their ends ( figs. 583 , 585 , 586. ) Beyond this distance, the outside of the furnace is mere brickwork. The fires Y and Z have exactly a like disposition with the above. IMG:4147767755307473660_illo0696c.png:Furnace and pipe Fig. 586. indicates the dimensions and the curvature of the arch above the grate, near the bridge; fig. 587. represents the section of the furnace and of the pipe beyond the cast-iron casing. I find that the furnace is only about 3 feet wide at the bottom, and that the elevation of the arch above the bottom is no more than 30 inches. Perhaps it might be made a little wider with advantage; the combustion would be more vigorous and effective; and if the sides also were a little thicker, the heat would be better confined. | The distance from the fire-place | X to the chimney H, is | 43 | 1⁄2 | feet. | | | The di — ance from the fire — | Y to the point C, is | 13 | | — | | | The di — ance from the fire — | Z to the chimney, is | 29 | | — | including the turn of the elbow E. | IMG:4147767755307473660_illo0696d.png:Pipes and couplings