October 10, 1929
INDUSTRIAL
AND ENGINEERING
New Explosion-Proof Motor for Hazardous Industries BY E. P . PARTRIDGE 1440 East Park P1., Ann Arbor, Mich.
Direct drive of equipment by electric motor has been rapidly replacing older and more cumbersome methods, b u t some difficulty has heretofore been experienced i n motorizing equipment for use in explosive atmospheres. In order to eliminate trie
CHEMISTRY
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the motor will n o t extend t o the atmosphere surrounding it. This end is attained b y using extra long and tight fits of the bearing brackets on the motor frame, and special sleeves with extra long and close clearances around the shaft where it passes through the bearing brackets. Severe tests by the Underwriters' Laboratories indicated that the flame from a n explosion within the motor could not be propagated through any openings in the motor, even after the motor hearings had been drilled out so that the rotor was almost striking the stator. Tests were conducted with air-vapor mixtures of gasoline, benzene, ethyl acetate, toluene, and a lacquer solvent containing 55 per cent toluene, 25 per cent ethyl acetate, and 20 per cent butyl alcohol. I n all cases t h e explosions produced within the motor by means of a spark plug tapped into the casing did not extend to t h e explosive vapor with which t h e motor was surrounded, although the pressure within the motor in some cases rose t o as high a s 58 pounds per square inch. A burn-out test on a stalled motor likewise failed to cause ignition of t h e explosive atmosphere surrounding it. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate two typical installations of selfventilated explosion-proof motors. Figure 1 shows a verticaltype motor driving a Tolhurst extractor. I n Figure 2 a horizontal-type motor is driving a Viking pump handling solvents. These motors are now being built for use on alternating current in sizes up to 2 5 hp. They offer the first practicable lightweight units, interchangeable with standard open-type motors, for t h e motorization of chemical engineering equipment in industries where there is an explosion hazard.
Research Scholarships a n d Fellowships Supported b y I n d u s t r y Supplementary List B Y C. J . WEST AND CALLIE HULL
F i g u r e 1—Louis Allis V e r t i c a l - T y p e Explosion-Proof Motor Driving T o l h u r s t Extractor
hazard from sparking, grounding, short circuits, and burn-outs, motors have been installed in some cases in outside rooms with line shafts and belts extended through walls, ceilings, or floors. In other cases totally enclosed motors or special pipe-ventilated
National Research Council, Washington, D. C.
The following fellowships and scholarships supported by industry have been reported to the Research Information Service, National Research Council, since the publication of the list i n the NEWS EDITION, July 20, 1929. AMERICAN MFRS. O F TOILET ARTICLES, three fellows at Columbia University, for research in t h e field of perfume, total fund, $7500. COLUMBIAN
CARBON CO. RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP, a t West Virginia Uni-
versity, for study on the manufacture of carbon black, $600 for ten months. E. I. DU P O N T DE N E M O U R S AND CO. FELLOWSHIPS:
At Stanford University, for the study of chemistry, $750 At University of Virginia, for the study of chemistry, $750. EVAPORATED
MILK ASSOCIATION FELLOWSHIPS:
At University of Chicago, t w o for research in physiological chemistry; o n e in home economics. At Northwestern University Medical School, for research in physiological chemistry. At University of California Medical School, for study in medicine. At University of Kansas, for study in chemistry. FKITZSCHE BROS., INC., FELLOWSHIP, at Columbia University, for research in perfume chemistry, S3000. FERRO ENAMELING COMPANY O F CLEVELAND FELLOWSHIP, at Western Re-
serve University, for study of fundamental reactions involved in manufacture of enamel, S900 to $1500. MEECII AND STODDARD, INC., RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP, a t Wesleyan Uni-
Figure 2—Solvents H a n d l e d by M e a n s of Viking P u m p Driven b y L o u i s Allis H o r i z o n t a l - T y p e Explosion-Proof M o t o r
motors have been used, b u t even these precautions do not meet the requirements of the Underwriters' Laboratories and the National Electric Code covering the use of motors in explosive atmospheres. An explosion-proof self-ventilated motor developed by the Louis Allis Co., Milwaukee, Wis., has been recently approved, by the Underwriters' Laboratories for use in atmospheres containing lacquer solvent or gasoline vapors. A t the Exposition of Chemical Industries in New York last May motors of this type were exhibited for the first time. They were shown as the drive units, respectively, for a Tolhurst extractor and a Sharpies centrifuge. The construction of the new explosion-proof motor is similar to that of a totally enclosed motor as far as t h e inner motor casing itself is concerned. The use of an outer casing, through which air is forced by means of a n aluminum fan mounted on the shaft, has, however, allowed a great reduction in size and weight from the ordinary type of totally enclosed motor. The 5-hp., 1750r. p. m., explosion-proof self-ventilated motor, for example, weighs approximately half as much as the usual totally enclosed motor of this rating, and is only 33 pounds heavier than a standard open motor, with which it is interchangeable in mounting dimensions. The new type of explosion-proof motor is not intended t o be entirely vapor-tight, but is so designed t h a t an explosion within
versity, for study in petroleum, chemistry. NATIONAL C A N N E R S ASSOCIATION:
At Columbia University, for the study of the nutritive value of food, S4000. At University o f California, for the study of the nutritive value of food, S19,00O. At University o f Chicago, for the study of the nutritive value of food.
$8000. ROGERS AND HUBBARD FERTILIZER C o . RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP, at Wes-
leyan University, for t h e study of tobacco by-products, $1500. SHELL COMPANY O F CALIFORNIA RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS:
At University of California, for research in chemistry, $900. At Stanford University, for fundamental thermodynamic data for organic compounds, S900. E. R . SQUIBB AND SONS FELLOWSHIPS:
A t Johns Hopkins University, in the School of Hygiene. A t University of California, for the study of oral hygiene. A t University of Wisconsin, for the study of agricultural chemistry.
Meeting of Hawaiian Sugar Technologists During the week of October 14 the Association of Hawaiian Sugar Technologists will hold their annual meeting in Honolulu. At this time there will be many reports from those who attended the recent meeting of the International Sugar Technologists in Java.
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NEWS EDITION Cooperation! Where Do W e Stand?
Vol. 7, No. 19
teachers of chemistry, and in this way endeaver to b e of material aid and assistance to them and a t the same time give the highschool man a reason for taking a n interest in the club. The club expects to hold about four meetings next year at various places in t h e three states.
How to get the best speakers for local section meetings has always been a gray-hair producer. The larger sections, with perhaps plenty of money to spend, have been able to d o creditably. The less affluent sections have had t o p u t up with any kind of a talk. Frequently this did not result i n swelling the exchequer. Lehigh Valley Section. This year a new step was taken, which should soon prove its worth. Ellice McDonald, of Philadelphia, has undertaken to The one hundred and seventeenth meeting of the section was held help program chairmen get speakers of the desired type. In this Wednesday evening, September 25, at the Gayley Chemical and locality key men have been appointed in the various zones. Metallurgical Laboratory, Lafayette College, Easton, Pa. I. W. Grote, of the Detroit Section, was appointed key m a n The dinner meeting a t 6:30 was held a t the Hotel Kaston, and for this territory—Detroit, Ann Arbor, Toledo, and East Lan- following i t Edward Hart, one of the founders of "the section, sing. In close and very pleasant cooperation with L . C. Anderson, spoke on "Reminiscences." Colin G. Fink, of Columbia Uniof the Ann Arbor Section, and E. C. Mathis, of the Toledo versity, the speaker of the evening, gave a very interesting and Section, we have already practically completed our schedule entertaining talk on "The Electrochemical Restoration of Minfor September, 1929, to May, 1930, inclusive. eralized Bronzes." Sixty-two members and guests were present. The Ann Arbor and Toledo Sections also have practically completed their programs. We can truthfully say that such, a condition has never been possible before. We have been able Oklahoma Section to work out our schedules beautifully, and t h e cost to each section is thus materially decreased. The annual fall meeting of the section will be held i n the ChemFollowing are our dates and speakers: istry Building, Oklahoma A. and M. College, at 10:00 A.M., October 2 3 Saturday, October 26. Irving Langmuir November 13 C. C. Sturgis A business meeting will be held a t which officers for the coming December 10 H. W. Gillett year will be elected. Following the business meeting the members January 16 J. B. C o n a n t February 19 and guests will b e addressed by Herman Schlundt, of Missouri Majoi -General Gilchrist March 18 M. Gomberg University, on "Radium Poisoning April 17 C. E. K. Mees (tentative) Luncheon will be held at 12:30. M a y 14 S. C. Lind A feature in t h e way of entertainment will b e a football game between West Virginia University and Oklahoma A . a n d M. Deeds speak! EDW. LYONS College, kick-off t o be a t 2:30 P.M. Chairman, Detroit Section
I n d i a n a Section The first monthly meeting of the season will be held on Saturday, October 12, at De Pauw University, Greencastle, Ind. Stanley Coulter, dean emeritus of Purdue University, will talk on the work of the Indiana State Conservation Commission, of which he is a member. Dinner will be served a t the Christian Church at 8:30 P.M., followed immediately b y the talk. Purdue Section has been invited to join the Indiana Section at this meeting. I n the afternoon visiting members will be guests of the university at a football game between De Pauw University and Earlham College. Tuesday noon luncheon meetings that have been arranged for the month of October include the following: Oct.
8—L. G. Zertas, of Eli Lilly & Co.. will talk on "Sodium A m y t a l . " a new anesthetic. Oct. 15—H. R. Rulpieu, of Indiana University, School of Medicine, will speak on "Toxicity of Cyanides." Oct. 22—T. Harvey Barnard, of t h e Commercial Laboratories, Inc., will outline "New Developments in the B a k i n g Industry." Oct. 29—David Ross will discuss "Surgery, Old a n d New."
These luncheon meetings are held each Tuesday noon a t 12:15 a t the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, second floor. Members of the A. C. S. who happen to be i n the city are urged to "drop in" and attend a meeting with the section.
Toledo Section Cooperation between the Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Toledo Sections, guided by the fine and unselfish efforts of Doctor Grote and Mr. Lyons, of Detroit, has resulted in the following program: October 23—Joint meeting: with t h e Detroit Section, at Detroit, a t which Irving Langmuir, President of t h e AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY, will the t h e speaker. November 15—W. O. Hebler, of Charles Engletzard, I n c . , " I n d u s t r i a l Temperature Measurement." December 11—H. W . Gillette director of Battelle Memorial I n s t i t u t e , "Metallurgical Research from a Chemical Point of View."
Columbus Section The new officers of the section are: Chairman, O. L. Barnebey; Vice Chairman, Charles B. Morrey; Secretary-Treasurer, John B. Brown; Councilors, James R. Withrow and Wm. E. Henderson.
Glass Container Research Fellowship H. V. Amy, chairman of the Committee on Colored Class Containers of t h e American Pharmaceutical Association, announces the completion of a $2000 fund creating a two-year fellowship for the study of t h e deterioration of chemicals and pharmaceuticals under t h e influence of light. The $2000 was raise d by eighteen donations of $100 each from firms and individuals and by a $200 grant from the research fund of t h e American Pharmaceutical Association. Abraham Steinberg, Seabury Prize Scholar of Columbia University College of Pharmacy 1928—29, has been selected a s research fellow. Mr. Steinberg will enroll as a fifth-year student in the graduate course of Columbia University leading t o the degree of doctor of pharmacy, and will devote most of his time t o the research on the influence of light in chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
Laboratory E q u i p m e n t The Committee of the National Research Council o n the Construction and Equipment of Chemical Laboratories h a s its report in press, and expects to publish it in book form by the e n d of October. A s the book cannot carry any advertising, the committee, wishing to consult the convenience of laboratory planners, will issue with each copy a separate pamphlet containing the names and addresses of all firms dealing i n equipment and materials for chemical laboratories, stating the nature of their products, provided such information be sent before October 25 t o the chairman of the committee, George L. Coyle, S . J., Georgetown University, Washington, D. C.
Revised Motor Gasoline Specifications Available T h e Sioux Valley C h e m i s t s ' Club On May 10, 1929, a group of twenty-five chemists from northwestern Iowa, northeastern Nebraska, and southeastern South Dakota gathered together for dinner a t the West Hotel, Sioux City, Iowa, to form an organization of chemists resident in that territory. After considerable discussion it was decided to organize for one year as a club, to be known as the Sioux Valley Chemists' Club, and then if the organization, is successful to petition the AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY for a charter
for a local section. I t will be the policy of t h e club to include in each of t h e programs something of interest t o high-school
The revision of the United States Government Master Specification for Motor Gasoline, which became effective September 11, 1929, has been made available in the form of an insert to Bureau of Mines Technical Paper 323B. Copies of Technical Paper 323B are obtainable from t h e Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C, at 15 cents. The revisions cover the grade of gasoline used by the United States Government as a fuel for automobiles, truck, tractor, motor boat, and similar engines, and also a special grade of fuel which may be used for ambulances, fire engines, emergency vehicles, military and naval equipment, and for other equipment under special conditions.
