Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1880 [PAGE 213]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

211

RADIATORS AND HEATING COILS.

There were in the Callisthenics and Modeling rooms and under the main corridor, not less than ten large coils, of various capacity, which different changes in the building had put out of use. These were repaired, when repairs were needed, and were used to satisfy the requirements of the new form of ventilation, and where else they could be most useful. The smaller coils which they replaced were substituted for yet smaller ones, successively, until the heating power in most of the rooms on the north front of the University was enlarged, in some degree, though not in ali cases as much as could be wished. Aside from this work, much attention was given to refitting of valves and the insertion of new ones, where needed, and to a general simplification and perfection of all arrangements for warming and ventilating.

THE RETURN WATER.

In the old system the returns lead directly to the boiler, and form, essentially, part of it. Hence it follows that throughout the basement story, water constantly stands in the returns, at the same level as in the boiler itself. The greater size of the new boiler places this water level about two feet higher than in the old, and subtracts so much from the scanty fall from all heating coils placed in the basement for warming the first story. This evil is pa ticularly felt in those which warm the chapel, since that floor is depressed two feet below the other floors of the same story. The ordinary height of return water is about on a level with the outlet of these coils. Evidently, this condition of things prevents the proper circulation of steam through these coils, and exposes the return pipes to great danger of freezing, in severe weather, as occurred last winter. It is true, that we have so arranged that, it need be, this water may be allowed to escape into the ground, but at a loss of sofi water which should go back to the boiler. To meet these evils, and to perfect our system, it has been thought best to gather all the return water into an adequate iron tank, to be placed in the ground, in the basement, at a level entirely below that of any of the return pipes. This tank will drain them all, will improve the circulation of steam, and will save the condensed soft water, which will be returned to the boiler by the pumps, as wanted. This tank is now daily expected, and will be in place before the beginning of another term.

THE VENTILATING DUCTS

and heating coils in the two series of tower rooms appear to be doing their work satisfactorily. So far, they warm the rooms quickly, and maintain a constant volume of sweet and pure air. If any defects exist, they must be disclosed in the severe weather which may now be at any time expected.

THE SHOP BOILER.

In November, one of the tubes of this boiler began to leak, and, upon examination, it appeared that the lower tier of six tubes should be replaced. The case was pressing, as al. work at the shops had to be suspended until the repairs could be made. New tubes, with such fittings as were needed, were obtained from New York, at a cost, with freight, of $61.33. As these repairs are the necessary result of continued use, I respectfully ask that the above amount be passed to the credit of the shop, leaving only the labor and incidentals of setting to be charged to shop expenses. The Machine Shop has had all the work it could do during the term. The new cylinder for the engine approaches completion, and we hope may be put in during the vacation. The drill-press has served as practice for the Sophomore mechanical engineers, who have shown great interest in both its design and in so much of the execution as they have had time for. We can hardly afford to wait to have it finished by class-practice, as we greatly need the tool. It seems to me but justice to refer to the skill, energy and patience shown by the foreman, Mr. Kimball, under his multitudinous calls, and to the earnest efforts of Mr. Baker, in his endeavors to make the heating apparatus of the buildings under his charge successful. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. H. PEABODY, Prof, of Mech. Eng. and Physics.

PEOFESSOE OF AECHITECTUEE.

ILLINOIS INDUSTRIAL UNIVERSITY,

To the Regent and Board of Trustees of the Illinois Industrial

December 15,1879. University:

GENTLEMEN: I beg leave to report in behalf oi the School of Architecture, as follows: The classes have been small this year, but have, I believe, done as good work as usual, and as much. My attention has been largely devoted to the class in Architectural shop practice, and I have taught the class personally, with assistance of the foreman, for one hour daily. The course of study has been revised, much extended and improved, and