Samuel HallDied 21 Nov 1863 (born 1781).English engineer who invented the surface condenser for steam boilers (patented 1834), an important milestone of its era, because it possible to recirculate fresh water instead of using corrosive salt water in the boilers of ocean-going steam ships. Steam passed through a number of small condensing tubes cooled on the outside surfaces by the circulation of cold sea water around them. By keeping the boilers free of salt, a considerable saving of fuel was realized, and repair expenses were reduced. Initial trials were unsuccessful until improved by a patent by Spencer who inserted an indiarubber ring around each end of the tube to keep them properly water tight. Hall held more than 20 patents, mostly relating to steam engines and boilers. |