Harpalyce - Trial

LAUNCH (Trial) AT WEST HARTLEPOOL

(Northern) Daily Mail 13/6/11

The handsome steel screw steamer (Harpalyce), built by Wm Gray and Co, Ltd., to the order of Messrs. J. and C. Harrison, Ltd., of London, had her trial trip on Wednesday last, to the 21st inst.

She has been built to the highest class in Lloyd’s Register, and her principle dimensions are : 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 from the Central Marine Engineering Works of the builders. The main propelling engines are of the triple-expansion type, with cylinders 28in., 45in., and 75in. and a piston stroke of 51in. The cylinders have very large port openings in to insure an easy passage of 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 equal to 28 ½ inches of mercury was maintained.

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.

The engine-room auxiliaries are very complete, and include a number of duplex pumps of the builders “cmew” type also one of their 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 on fine lines and a bronze propeller has been fitted, which, with the special features named above, will enable the maximum amount of cargo to be carried a fair average speed on a very low consumption of coal.

On behalf of the owners there were present Messrs. John and Frank Harrison, J. White and W. Crandell, the last named gentleman having supervised the construction of hull and machinery. Messrs. George H. Bains, Maurice S. Gibb, and Arnold Jones represented the builders, and Mr. James Innes Lloyd’s Registry. A speed of 13 knots was obtained, the engines running smoothly and well and the performance of ship being entirely satisfactory.

The vessel afterwards proceeded to Cardiff to load.

Related items :