However, in the process of coking production using a coking oven, the coal tar produced can extract many by-products. Although most by-products cannot be refined and utilized at the current chemical level of almost zero, there are several products that are relatively easy to obtain and are very useful, such as asphalt, lubricating oil, etc.
Moreover, the manufacturing of coke ovens is not complicated. In addition to a few parts that require iron sheets, the basic material is to build a barrel-shaped shape with refractory bricks. In addition, coking coke ovens can also increase the coke rate. From the perspective of saving resources, it is still very necessary. Therefore, Shang Yi also plans to manufacture coke ovens in the next step. Of course, this must be done after the recovery of Nanjing.
After walking around the refining plant, Shang Yi was also very satisfied with the current progress. When he returned to the office, Shang Yi listened to Song Yingxing's report on the steel plant, and also approved Song Yingxing's suggestion to build two more iron furnaces, because this would get more high-quality iron anchors and thus supply the raw materials needed for the arsenal. At the same time, Shang Yi also told Song Yingxing the plan of the coke oven, and promised to build the coke oven after Nanjing recovered.
After hearing this, Song Yingxing couldn't help but become more excited, because after following Shang Yi's method, not only did he greatly improve the efficiency of iron smelting and steelmaking, but he also refined high-quality steel. Now Song Yingxing has admired Shang Yi so much that he is full of curiosity about what Shang Yi said about the coking plant. However, he also knows that the current form is indeed not the time to develop new technologies.
At this time, Song Yingxing said again: "Sir, I have made three models of the drawings of the steam engine you gave me. Please go with me to take a look. I wonder if it is up to you."
After listening to this, Shang Yi was also very interested because the steam engine was the research project he attached the most, which could even be said to be related to China's future social development. Recently, if the steam engine can be successfully applied to social production as soon as possible, it can greatly improve the current production efficiency and make Zhejiang maintain its leading position for a longer time.
Therefore, Shang Yi immediately said: "Okay, let's take a look. Mr. Sun, you can go and have a look together."
This was the first time Sun Heding heard a steam engine, and he thought in his heart whether it was steaming buns or steaming rice. What was the point, but seeing Shang Yi's appearance, it was hard to say no, so he had to follow him.
Song Yingxing brought them to his laboratory. This was a factory building of more than 200 square meters, piled up with a large number of tools and half-time products. On one side, one big and two small, three steam engines were made according to the drawing style provided by Shang Yi. However, the size of these three steam engines was smaller than the normal size in Shang Yi's impression. The larger one was more than one person taller, while the smaller one was just as close to the chest, which was obviously all experimental products.
As soon as he entered the production workshop, Sun Heding's gaze was attracted by these three steams, because these three steams were all running, and each steam engine was responsible for shoveling carbon to make a fire, while hot water was placed on the side. The steam continued to come out with the pistons, driving the rotor to rotate, making a "squeak" sound from time to time. The two small steam engines were connected to two spinning wheels, and the spinning wheels were rotating "gululu". The large steam engine was connected to a large stone plate, which was also rotating continuously.
Although Sun Heding was interested in making firearms, he was also a skilled craftsman. Therefore, he was shocked when he saw the steam engine. At the same time, he was also very curious about the principle of movement. He hurried to the vicinity of the steam engine and watched it carefully. He reached out to touch it regardless of the heat.
In fact, Shang Yi was also amazed. Although these three steam engines do not have much practical value, because the power is too low. Shang Yi knew that the power of the Nuremberg steam engine is between five and seven horsepower, while the Watt steam engine can reach fifteen to twenty horsepower. This number can basically provide power to most machinery in this era. The power of these three steam engines is only about one or two horsepower, but this is indeed a real steam engine, and its meaning is still unusual.
Although it is not difficult to create a steam engine after having the drawings and mastering the principles, it is not easy to create three almost successful models in just half a year. At least, the development of the steam engine has already been on the right track, and what to do below is to increase the size of the steam engine, increase the power, and make the steam engine truly apply to production. It seems that the wisdom and ability of the Chinese working people cannot be underestimated.
After watching it, Sun Heding returned to Shang Yi and listened to Song Yingxing's introduction to the manufacturing process of the steam engine. In fact, in the past seven months, Song Yingxing had built more than ten steam engines. These three steam engines were the last batch, which were done a month ago, but later two major repairs were carried out. Finally, the Yang Jie, who Shang Yi and Sun Heding, was running for two hours every afternoon every afternoon. Now they have been running for five consecutive days, and there are no major accidents. But they are still under test.
After listening to Song Yingxing’s speech, Sun Heding also praised the steam engine and immediately asked: “Mr. Song, how much weight can a steam engine like this drive.”
Song Yingxing said: "This large steam engine can only weigh up to fifteen kilograms at present."
After hearing this, Sun Heding was quite disappointed. After understanding the operation of the steam engine, he immediately thought that since the steam engine can drive spinning wheels and stone mills, then having several steam engines in the arsenal to drive some equipment will of course greatly improve production efficiency. However, if the steam engine can only drive a weight of fifteen kilograms, it is obviously not enough.
Shang Yi of course knew Sun Heding’s idea, which was originally his ultimate goal, so he said: "Mr. Sun, don’t be in a hurry. If one cannot be carried, we can use a double-piston steam engine to drive it. In addition, the size of the steam engine can be increased and the power of the steam engine can be increased. In short, this kind of steam engine will be used in large quantities not only in the arsenal, but also in other factories in the future."
Song Yingxing also said: "Sir, I am now preparing to make an increased-sized piston cylinder, intending to double the power of the steam engine, and also try to make a steam engine running with dual-piston cylinders. If the test can be successful, I believe that the new steam engine can be used in the arsenal. I think that day should not be far away."