OCR Text |
Show HEATING CITIES BY STEAM. The success of the Holly system of water works in Burlington has caused some of our capitalists to look favorably on another scheme, that of the steam-heating system patented by the same inventor, and there is a strong probability of the organization of a company here to introduce the system in our city. The system has been successfully introduced in several cities, and is no longer an experiment, but has been known to be all that has been claimed by the inventor, and furnishes sufficient heat for houses at the minimum cost. The distance that the steam is taken from the boilers is much greater than one would suppose, as by many trials the inventor has at last reached the plan which gives the best results. The boilers for furnishing the steam are located in some central place, and from there the pipes extend in all directions through the streets. In order to retain the steam the pipes are covered with a wrapping of felt, and this also has another covering of asbestos. This is made just the size to fit into a wooden tube, which is laid in the trench with an outside covering of tanbark. The non-conducting properties of these materials allow the steam to be carried several miles without losing its heat-giving properties. Steam pipes are distributed throughout the houses, and an abundant supply of steam is furnished to heat all the rooms, and, if required, to do the cooking. The cost of it all is comparatively light, and the convenience, as well as the economy of the system is what will make it popular. In other cities where this method of heating is in operation the steam pipes are laid to the water hydrants, where a steam hydrant is also placed. The patentee of the system has also made a fire engine that can be taken to this hydrant and at the same place furnished with both steam and water. This, however, would only be necessary in those cities that have a reservoir system of water works, and would not be needed here. The plan for furnishing cities with the necessary heat at a small cost is an important one for the people to consider, and should a company be organized to introduce the system in Burlington we believe it would become popular and would be financially beneficial to the company. - Hawkeye. |