Harpalion - Trial

TRIAL TRIP OF THE s.s. HARPALION

NEW FEATURES OF LOCALLY BUILT SHIP.

Northern Daily Mail June 12/11/10

The handsome steel screw steamer Harpalion, built by Messrs. Wm Gray and Co, Ltd., to the order of Messrs. J. and C. Harrison, Ltd., London, was taken for her trial trip on Thursday.

The Harpalion has been built to Lloyd’s highest class and is of the following dimensions, viz.: Length over all, 441ft., breadth, 53ft. 6in.; and depth, 31ft. 8 in.; with two decks laid, extra long bridge, poop, and top-gallant forecastle.

The machinery has been supplied by the Central Marine Engineering Works of the builders. The main propelling engines are of the triple-expansion type, with cylinders 28in., 45in., and 75in. with a piston stroke of 51in. A leading feature in the design is the very large port openings in the cylinders to insure an easy passage for the steam, and so obtain the maximum efficiency from it. The main condenser also has been designed to maintain a high vacuum in all seas, whilst special attention has been given to insure a high temperature in the boiler feed water. During the trial a vacuum of 28 ½ inches of mercury was maintained with the barometer standing at 29 ½.

Steam is generated in four large steel boilers of the builders well known ”flanged shell” type at a pressure of 180lbs. per square inch which in conjunction with Howden’s system of forced draught, will enable the vessel to maintain a speed of 11 knots per hour at sea.

The engine-room auxiliaries are very complete, and include a number of duplex pumps of the builders “Cmews” type and also one of the large atmospheric type winch condensers.

Special attention has been paid in the design and construction of the vessel and machinery to insure the utmost economy in fuel and upkeep. With this in view the vessel has been built  with fine lines and a bronze propeller has been fitted, which, with the special features of the engine design named above, will enable the maximum amount of cargo to be carried a fair average speed on a very low consumption of coal.

The hull and machinery have been constructed under the superintendence of Messrs. C.M. Burls and Partners on behalf of the owners, and Mr. Crandell of that firm, witnessed the trial. Mr. Frank Harrison represented the owners; Mr. McAuslan and Mr. Innes, Lloyd’s Register; Captain Murrell, the builders; and Mr. Gibb the central Marine Engine Works.

A speed of 13 ½ knots was obtained, the performance of the ship and machinery being entirely satisfactory.

After the trial the vessel proceeded on her voyage, under the command of Capt. Johnsen.

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