352
T H E J O U R N A L O F I N D U S T R I A L A N D ENGI,VEERIiVG C H E M I S T R Y
this point of view blocks or columns of ferro-concrete might be used in insulating stands for high-tension insulators. Whether it is advisable to use the iron embedded in the concrete for the purpose of earthing such stands is another question. There might be mechanical damage by perforation of the concrete, though there would hardly be any electrolytic corrosion with high-tension alternating currents. TEMPERATURE REGULATOR A new tank temperature regulator is now offered under the trade name The “Sarco” Regulator. I t is easily installed and can be arranged to regulate the temperature of water or any other liquid. The internal construction of the apparatus is clearly shown in the cut. The thermostatic element “ A ” is a tubular receptacle containing a heavy h y d r o c a r b o n oil into which is inserted a piece of corrugated copper tubing, the length of which is extended or reduced by turning the regulator head “ C.” From this thermostatic element a piece of fine copper tubing “ D ” passes t o the controller “G,” which also contains a piece of corrugated tubing capable of compression when a n increase of temperature causes the surrounding liquid in “ A ” t o expand. It will be observed, t h a t the thermostatic element “A,” the connecting copp’er tube “ D ” and the controller “ G ” form one hermetically closed chamber. When temperature increases in “ A ” the pressure increases and is transmitted t o “G,” causing a compression of the copper tube “ F , ” which forces out the piston “ I ” and tends to close the valve. Spiral springs “ E ” and “ J ” operating in the opposite direction tend t o keep the valve open. Regulators can be furnished for the following ranges of tCmperature: 86-212’ F., 140-212’ F. and 176-212’ F., and others by special arrangement. The same thermostatic principle has been applied also t o room temperature regulator and to a mixing valve which makes possible a continuous discharge of water a t a constant temperature. STEAM RAISING BY GAS COKE The Journal of Gas Lighting and Water Supply, 125 (1914), 424, publishes some data on steam raising by gas coke, based, on evaporation tests officially conducted, under the direction of the London Coke Committee, on boilers a t a n important municipal pumping-station near London. The boilers are the ordinary Cornish type, and the full normal evaporative capacity was maintained during the tests without alteration of the existing furnaces or draught conditions. Ordi-
T‘ol. 6 , No. 4
nary medium-sized gas coke was fired exclusively during the tests, a t intervals of 30 to 40 minutes. The competing fuel was smokeless Welsh coal, which was usually stoked a t intervals of about 20 minutes. The results obtained demonstrate the comparatively high efficiency of gas coke as a steam-raising fuel, and its adaptability to existing conditions. The feed-water test-meter had been previously checked, and was correctly calibrated within fine limits. The coke fuel was weighed in small lots immediately before firing. Intervals of 1 ~ / 2 hours were allowed in order to establish coke-fires prior to the commencement of the tests, which were twice repeated with similar results. The draught (natural) available was 0.125 inch a t the furnace doors. Duration of t e s t s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 hours Steam pressure-Maximum. .............. 103.0 lbs. Minimum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101.0 “ Mean. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 5 ‘< Feed temperature, average. . . . . . . . . . . . . 175’ F Total coke f i r e d . , . , , , , . , , . , , , , , , , , , . . 1,680.0 Ibs. Average per square foot of grate per h o u r . . 12.7 ” Total water evaporated. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16,liO.O ‘’ Water evaporated per pound of coke, actual, 9 620 “ Factor of evaporation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.078 “ Water evaporated per pound of coke a s fired from and a t 212’ F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,370 “
Commenting on these figures, the Journal says: “Though gas coke is now being used extensively on all types of boilers in London, the Committee’s experience is that the efficiency of this fuel for steam-raising purposes is little understood by engineers in charge of boiler plants; and it is hoped that the above authenticated test figures may prove useful in dissipating prejudice and in extending the use of gas coke fuel for industrial purposes.” ENGINEERING REPORT ON ARGENTINE PETROLEUM Some time ago the Argentine Government appointed an engineer, to supervise the borings on the State reserves of Comodoro Rivadavia. According to the Buenos Aires correspondent of the Berliner Tageblatt the engineer has now presented a first report on the subject. It characterizes the depth of a n average of 1770 feet a t which petroleum has been bored as favorabl’e, especially when it is considered t h a t many very productive and remunerative deposits in other countries have to be pumped up from a depth of from 4000-5600 f t . The productivity of roo tons daily a t first and of from 20 tons to 2 5 tons later of the individual bore holes a t Comodoro Rivadavia leads to the conclusion that there is a possibility of working for many years. The Roumanian sources lie a t a depth of 2600 f t . and yield only I O t o 15 tons daily. Nothing definite can yet be stated as t o the extent of the Argentine deposits. The geological investigations which have been undertaken seem t o prove that the petroleum layers are situated in a stratum about 5 miles long and a few miles wide, which extends toward the Atlantic coast. It is assumed that deposits of bitumen exist in association with the oil, as certain gases and chemical substances have been found in the petroleum which would be able t o yield important byproducts on rational exploitation. The report proceeds to remark that i t can not yet be stated whether the expectations which have been raised will be fulfilled or, possibly, surpassed, until it is seen whether the sources of petroleum first bored in south Argentina only represent, as usual, the first of several superimposed layers or not. * * * The report suggests that the work should not be proceeded with too hastily, and that private capital as far as possible should be kept a t a distance or be so controlled by the Government that the greatest profit is not allowed t o be extracted within the shortest possible time, as this practice in other places has resulted in the waste of up to 70 per cent of the possible production of oil.
