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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:31:01 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:31:01 -0700 |
| commit | 29ea61f647bf83c6f5b7b5e8e69aa9940e65a477 (patch) | |
| tree | eaadfc4e66cf2820ae6edfe9f150c3abbab89ffa /8144-h | |
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diff --git a/8144-h/8144-h.htm b/8144-h/8144-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6742867 --- /dev/null +++ b/8144-h/8144-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,19383 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <title> + The Principles Of Its Generation And Use, by F. H. Leeds and W. J. + Atkinson Butterfield + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + +body {margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; background-color: white} +img {border: 0;} +h1,h2,h3 {text-align: center;} +.ind {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} +hr {text-align: center; width: 50%;} +.ctr {text-align: center;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Acetylene, The Principles Of Its Generation +And Use, by F. H. Leeds and W. J. Atkinson Butterfield + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Acetylene, The Principles Of Its Generation And Use + +Author: F. H. Leeds + W. J. Atkinson Butterfield + + +Release Date: May, 2005 [EBook #8144] +This file was first posted on June 19, 2003 +Last Updated: May 17, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ACETYLENE *** + + + + +Produced by Richard Prairie, Tonya Allen, Juliet Sutherland, +Charles Franks, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + + + + +</pre> + + <h1> + ACETYLENE + </h1> + <h2> + THE PRINCIPLES OF ITS GENERATION AND USE + </h2> + <h3> + A PRACTICAL HANDBOOK ON THE PRODUCTION, PURIFICATION, AND SUBSEQUENT + TREATMENT OF ACETYLENE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER + </h3> + <h3> + BY + </h3> + <h2> + F. H. LEEDS, F.I.C. + </h2> + <h3> + FOR SOME YEARS TECHNICAL EDITOR OF THE JOURNAL "ACETYLENE" + </h3> + <h3> + AND + </h3> + <h2> + W. J. ATKINSON BUTTERFIELD, M.A. + </h2> + <h3> + AUTHOR OF "THE CHEMISTRY OF GAS MANUFACTURE" + </h3> + <h3> + Second Edition + </h3> + <h3> + REVISED AND ENLARGED + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + PREFATORY NOTE TO THE FIRST EDITION + </h2> + <p> + In compiling this work on the uses and application of acetylene, the + special aim of the authors has been to explain the various physical and + chemical phenomena: + </p> + <p> + (1) Accompanying the generation of acetylene from calcium carbide and + water. + </p> + <p> + (2) Accompanying the combustion of the gas in luminous or incandescent + burners, and + </p> + <p> + (3) Its employment for any purpose--(a) neat, (b) compressed into + cylinders, (c) diluted, and (d) as an enriching material. + </p> + <p> + They have essayed a comparison between the value of acetylene and other + illuminants on the basis of "illuminating effect" instead of on the + misleading basis of pure "illuminating power," a distinction which they + hope and believe will do much to clear up the misconceptions existing on + the subject. Tables are included, for the first time (it is believed) in + English publications, of the proper sizes of mains and service-pipes for + delivering acetylene at different effective pressures, which, it is hoped, + will prove of use to those concerned in the installation of acetylene + lighting systems. + </p> + <p> + <i>June</i> 1903 + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + NOTE TO THE SECOND EDITION + </h2> + <p> + The revision of this work for a new edition was already far advanced when + it was interrupted by the sudden death on April 30, 1908, of Mr. F. H. + Leeds. The revision was thereafter continued single-handed, with the help + of very full notes which Mr. Leeds had prepared, by the undersigned. It + had been agreed prior to Mr. Leeds' death that it would add to the utility + of the work if descriptions of a number of representative acetylene + generators were given in an Appendix, such as that which now appears at + the conclusion of this volume. Thanks are due to the numerous firms and + individuals who have assisted by supplying information for use in this + Appendix. + </p> + <p> + W. J. ATKINSON BUTTERFIELD + </p> + <p> + WESTMINSTER + </p> + <p> + <i>August 1909</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linki">CHAPTER I</a> + </p> + <p> + INTRODUCTORY--THE COST AND ADVANTAGES OF ACETYLENE LIGHTING + </p> + <p> + Intrinsic advantages<br /> Hygienic advantages<br /> Acetylene and paraffin + oil<br /> Blackened ceilings<br /> Cost of acetylene lighting<br /> Cost of + acetylene and coal-gas<br /> Cost of acetylene and electric lighting<br /> + Cost of acetylene and paraffin oil<br /> Cost of acetylene and air-gas<br /> + Cost of acetylene and candles<br /> Tabular statement of costs (<i>to face</i>)<br /> + Illuminating power and effect + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linkii">CHAPTER II</a> + </p> + <p> + THE PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF THE REACTION BETWEEN CARBIDE AND WATER + </p> + <p> + Nature of calcium carbide<br /> Storage of calcium carbide<br /> Fire risks + of acetylene lighting<br /> Purchase of carbide<br /> Quality and sizes of + carbide<br /> Treated and scented carbide<br /> Reaction between carbide and + water<br /> --chemical nature<br /> --heat evolved<br /> --difference between + heat and temperature<br /> --amount of heat evolved<br /> --effect of heat + on process of generation<br /> Reaction:<br /> --effects of heat<br /> + --effect of heat on the chemical reaction<br /> --effects of heat on the + acetylene<br /> --effects of heat on the carbide<br /> Colour of spent + carbide<br /> Maximum attainable temperatures<br /> Soft solder in + generators<br /> Reactions at low temperatures<br /> Reactions at high + temperatures<br /> Pressure in generators + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linkiii">CHAPTER III</a> + </p> + <p> + THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF ACETYLENE GENERATION ACETYLENE GENERATING + APPARATUS + </p> + <p> + Automatic and non-automatic generators<br /> Control of the chemical + reaction<br /> Non-automatic carbide-to-water generators<br /> Non-automatic + water-to-carbide generators<br /> Automatic devices<br /> Displacement + gasholders<br /> Action of water-to-carbide generators<br /> Action of + carbide-to-water generators<br /> Use of oil in generator<br /> Rising + gasholder<br /> Deterioration of acetylene on storage<br /> Freezing and its + avoidance<br /> Corrosion in apparatus<br /> Isolation of holder from + generator<br /> Water-seals<br /> Vent pipes and safety valve<br /> Frothing + in generator<br /> Dry process of generation<br /> Artificial lighting of + generator sheds + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linkiv">CHAPTER IV</a> + </p> + <p> + THE SELECTION OF AN ACETYLENE GENERATOR + </p> + <p> + Points to be observed<br /> Recommendations of Home Office Committee<br /> + British and Foreign regulations for the construction and installation of + acetylene generating plant + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linkv">CHAPTER V</a> + </p> + <p> + THE TREATMENT OF ACETYLENE AFTER GENERATION + </p> + <p> + Impurities in calcium carbide<br /> Impurities of acetylene<br /> Removal of + moisture<br /> Generator impurities in acetylene<br /> Filters<br /> Carbide + impurities in acetylene<br /> Washers<br /> Reasons for purification<br /> + Necessary extent of purification<br /> Quantity of impurities in acetylene<br /> + Purifying materials<br /> Bleaching powder<br /> Heratol, frankoline, + acagine, and puratylene<br /> Efficiency of purifying material<br /> Minor + reagent<br /> Method of a gas purifier<br /> Methods of determining + exhaustion of purifying material<br /> Regulations for purification<br /> + Drying<br /> Position of purifier<br /> Filtration<br /> General arrangement + of plans<br /> Generator residues<br /> Disposal of residue + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linkvi">CHAPTER VI</a> + </p> + <p> + THE CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF ACETYLENE + </p> + <p> + Physical properties<br /> Leakage<br /> Heat of combustion<br /> Explosive + limits<br /> Range of explosibility<br /> Solubility in liquids<br /> + Toxicity<br /> Endothermic nature<br /> Polymerisation<br /> Heats of + formation and combustion<br /> Colour of flame<br /> Radiant efficiency<br /> + Chemical properties<br /> Reactions with copper + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linkvii">CHAPTER VII</a> + </p> + <p> + MAINS AND SERVICE-PIPES--SUBSIDIARY APPARATUS + </p> + <p> + Meters<br /> Governors<br /> Gasholder pressure<br /> Pressure-gauges<br /> + Dimensions of mains and pipes<br /> Velocity of flow in pipes<br /> + Service-pipes and mains<br /> Leakage<br /> Pipes and fittings<br /> Laying + mains<br /> Expelling air from pipes<br /> Tables of pipes and mains + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linkviii">CHAPTER VIII</a> + </p> + <p> + COMBUSTION OF ACETYLENE IN LUMINOUS BURNERS--THEIR DISPOSITION + </p> + <p> + Nature of luminous flames<br /> Illuminating power<br /> Early burners<br /> + Injector and twin-flame burners<br /> Illuminating power of self-luminous + burners<br /> Glassware for burners + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linkix">CHAPTER IX</a> + </p> + <p> + INCANDESCENT BURNERS--HEATING APPARATUS--MOTORS--AUTOGENOUS SOLDERING + </p> + <p> + Merits of incandescent lighting<br /> Conditions for incandescent lighting<br /> + Illuminating power of incandescent burners<br /> Durability of mantles<br /> + Typical incandescent burners<br /> Acetylene for heating and cooking<br /> + Acetylene motors<br /> Blowpipes<br /> Autogenous soldering and welding + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linkx">CHAPTER X</a> + </p> + <p> + CARBURETTED ACETYLENE + </p> + <p> + Carburetted acetylene<br /> Illuminating power of carburetted acetylene<br /> + Carburetted acetylene for "power" + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linkxi">CHAPTER XI</a> + </p> + <p> + COMPRESSED AND DISSOLVED ACETYLENE--MIXTURES WITH OTHER GASES + </p> + <p> + Compression<br /> Dissolved acetylene<br /> Solution in acetone<br /> + Liquefied acetylene<br /> Dilution with carbon dioxide<br /> Dilution with + air<br /> Mixed carbides<br /> Dilution with, methane and hydrogen<br /> + Self-inflammable acetylene<br /> Enrichment with acetylene<br /> Partial + pressure<br /> Acetylene-oil-gas + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linkxii">CHAPTER XII</a> + </p> + <p> + SUNDRY USES + </p> + <p> + Destruction of noxious moths<br /> Destruction of phylloxera and mildew<br /> + Manufacture of lampblack<br /> Production of tetrachlorethane<br /> + Utilisation of residues<br /> Sundry uses for the gas + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linkxiii">CHAPTER XIII</a> + </p> + <p> + PORTABLE ACETYLENE LAMPS AND PLANT + </p> + <p> + Table and vehicular lamps<br /> Flare lamps<br /> Cartridges of carbide<br /> + Cycle-lamp burners<br /> Railway lighting + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linkxiv">CHAPTER XIV</a> + </p> + <p> + VALUATION AND ANALYSIS OF CARBIDE + </p> + <p> + Regulations of British Acetylene Association<br /> Regulations oŁ German + Acetylene Association<br /> Regulations of Austrian Acetylene Association<br /> + Sampling carbide<br /> Yield of gas from small carbide<br /> Correction of + volumes for temperature and pressure<br /> Estimation of impurities<br /> + Tabular numbers + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linkappendix">APPENDIX</a> + </p> + <p> + DESCRIPTIONS OP GENERATORS + </p> + <p> + America: Canada<br /> America: United States<br /> Austria-Hungary<br /> + Belgium<br /> France<br /> Germany<br /> Great Britain and Ireland + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linkindex">INDEX</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linkindex2">INDEX TO APPENDIX</a> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + ACETYLENE + </h1> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="linki" id="i">CHAPTER I</a> + </h2> + <h3> + INTRODUCTORY--THE COST AND ADVANTAGES OF ACETYLENE LIGHTING + </h3> + <p> + Acetylene is a gas [Footnote: For this reason the expression, "acetylene + gas," which is frequently met with, would be objectionable on the ground + of tautology, even if it were not grammatically and technically incorrect. + "Acetylene-gas" is perhaps somewhat more permissible, but it is equally + redundant and unnecessary.] of which the most important application at the + present time is for illuminating purposes, for which its properties render + it specially well adapted. No other gas which can be produced on a + commercial scale is capable of giving, volume for volume, so great a yield + of light as acetylene. Hence, apart from the advantages accruing to it + from its mode of production and the nature of the raw material from which + it is produced, it possesses an inherent advantage over other illuminating + gases in the smaller storage accommodation and smaller mains and + service-pipes requisite for the maintenance of a given supply of + artificial light. For instance, if a gasholder is required to contain + sufficient gas for the lighting of an establishment or district for + twenty-four hours, its capacity need not be nearly so great if acetylene + is employed as if oil-gas, coal-gas, or other illuminating gas is used. + Consequently, for an acetylene supply the gasholder can be erected on a + smaller area and for considerably less outlay than for other gas supplies. + In this respect acetylene has an unquestionable economical advantage as a + competitor with other varieties of illuminating gas for supplies which + have generally been regarded as lying peculiarly within their preserves. + The extent of this advantage will be referred to later. + </p> + <p> + The advantages that accrue to acetylene from its mode of production, and + the nature of the raw material from which it is obtained, are in reality + of more importance. Acetylene is readily and quickly produced from a raw + material--calcium carbide--which, relatively to the yield of light of the + gaseous product, is less bulky than the raw materials of other gases. In + comparison also with oils and candles, calcium carbide is capable of + yielding, through the acetylene obtainable from it, more light per unit of + space occupied by it. This higher light-yielding capacity of calcium + carbide, ready to be developed through acetylene, gives the latter gas a + great advantage over all other illuminants in respect of compactness for + transport or storage. Hence, where facilities for transport or storage are + bad or costly, acetylene may be the most convenient or cheapest + illuminant, notwithstanding its relatively high cost in many other cases. + For example, in a district to which coal and oil must be brought great + distances, the freight on them may be so heavy that--regarding the + question as simply one of obtaining light in the cheapest manner--it may + be more economical to bring calcium carbide an equal or even greater + distance and generate acetylene from it on the spot, than to use oil or + make coal-gas for lighting purposes, notwithstanding that acetylene may + not be able to compete on equal terms with oil--or coal-gas at the place + from which the carbide is brought. Likewise where storage accommodation is + limited, as in vehicles or in ships or lighthouses, calcium carbide may be + preferable to oil or other illuminants as a source of light. Disregarding + for the moment intrinsic advantages which the light obtainable from + acetylene has over other lights, there are many cases where, owing to + saving in cost of carriage, acetylene is the most economical illuminant; + and many other cases where, owing to limited space for storage, acetylene + far surpasses other illuminants in convenience, and is practically + indispensable. + </p> + <p> + The light of the acetylene flame has, however, some intrinsic advantages + over the light of other artificial illuminants. In the first place, the + light more closely resembles sunlight in composition or "colour." It is + more nearly a pure "white" light than is any other flame or incandescent + body in general use for illuminating purposes. The nature or composition + of the light of the acetylene flame will be dealt with more exhaustively + later, and compared with that afforded by other illuminants; but, speaking + generally, it may be said that the self-luminous acetylene light is + superior in tint, to all other artificial lights, for which reason it is + invaluable for colour-judging and shade-matching. In the second place, + when the gas issues from a suitable self-luminous burner under proper + pressure, the acetylene flame is perfectly steady; and in this respect it + in preferable to most types of electric light, to all self- luminous + coal-gas flames and candles, and to many varieties of oil-lamp. In + steadiness and freedom from flicker it is fully equal to incandescent + coal-gas light, but it in distinctly superior to the latter by virtue of + its complete freedom from noise. The incandescent acetylene flame emits a + slight roaring, but usually not more than that coming from an atmospheric + coal-gas burner. With the exception of the electric arc, self-luminous + acetylene yields a flame of unsurpassed intensity, and yet its light is + agreeably soft. In the third place, where electricity is absent, a + brilliancy of illumination which can readily be obtained from + self-luminous acetylene can otherwise only be procured by the employment + of the incandescent system applied either to coal-gas or to oil; and there + are numerous situations, such as factories, workshops, and the like, where + the vibration of the machinery or the prevalence of dust renders the use + of mantles troublesome if not impossible. Anticipating what will be said + later, in cases like these, the cost of lighting by self-luminous + acetylene may fairly be compared with self-luminous coal- gas or oil only; + although in other positions the economy of the Welsbach mantle must be + borne in mind. + </p> + <p> + Acetylene lighting presents also certain important hygienic advantages + over other forms of flame lighting, in that it exhausts, vitiates, and + heats the air of a room to a less degree, for a given yield of light, than + do either coal-gas, oils, or candles. This point in favour of acetylene is + referred to here only in general terms; the evidence on which the + foregoing statement is based will be recorded in a tabular comparison of + the cost and qualities of different illuminants. Exhaustion of the air + means, in this connexion, depletion of the oxygen normally present in it. + One volume of acetylene requires 2-1/2 volumes of oxygen for its complete + combustion, and since 21 volumes of oxygen are associated in atmospheric + air with 79 volumes of inert gases--chiefly nitrogen--which do not + actively participate in combustion, it follows that about 11.90 volumes of + air are wholly exhausted, or deprived of oxygen, in the course of the + combustion of one volume of acetylene. If the light which may be developed + by the acetylene is brought into consideration, it will be found that, + relatively to other illuminants, acetylene causes less exhaustion of the + air than any other illuminating agent except electricity. For instance, + coal-gas exhausts only about 6- 1/2 times its volume of air when it is + burnt; but since, volume for volume, acetylene ordinarily yields from + three to fifteen times as much light as coal-gas, it follows that the same + illuminative value is obtainable from acetylene by considerably less + exhaustion of the air than from coal-gas. The exact ratio depends on the + degree of efficiency of the burners, or of the methods by which light is + obtained from the gases, as will be realised by reference to the table + which follows. Broadly speaking, however, no illuminant which evolves + light by combustion (oxidation), and which therefore requires a supply of + oxygen or air for its maintenance, affords light with so little exhaustion + of the air as acetylene. Hence in confined, ill-ventilated, or crowded + rooms, the air will suffer less exhaustion, and accordingly be better for + breathing, if acetylene is chosen rather than any other illuminant, except + electricity. + </p> + <p> + Next, in regard to vitiation of the air, by which is meant the alteration + in its composition resulting from the admixture of products of combustion + with it. Electric lighting is as superior to other modes of lighting in + respect of direct vitiation as of exhaustion of the air, because it does + not depend on combustion. Putting it aside, however, light is obtainable + by means of acetylene with less attendant vitiation of the air than by + means of any other gas or of oil or candles. The principal vitiating + factor in all cases is the carbonic acid produced by the combustion. Now + one volume of acetylene on combustion yields two volumes of carbonic acid, + whereas one volume of coal-gas yields about 0.6 volume of carbonic acid. + But even assuming that the incandescent system of lighting is applied in + the case of coal-gas and not of acetylene, the ratio of the consumption of + the two gases for the development of a given illuminative effect will be + such that no more carbonic acid will be produced by the acetylene; and if + the incandescent system is applied either in both cases or in neither, the + ratio will be greatly in favour of acetylene. The other factors which + determine the vitiation of the air of a room in which the gas is burning + are likewise under ordinary conditions more in favour of acetylene. They + are not, however, constant, since the so-called "impurities," which on + combustion cause vitiation of the air, vary greatly in amount according to + the extent to which the gases have been purified. London coal-gas, which + was formerly purified to the highest degree practically attainable, used + to contain on the average only 10 to 12 grains of sulphur per 100 cubic + feet, and virtually no other impurity. But now coal-gas, in London and + most provincial towns, contains 40 to 50 grains of sulphur per 100 cubic + foot. At least 5 grains of ammonia per 100 cubic foot in also present in + coal-gas in some towns. Crude acetylene also contains sulphur and ammonia, + that coming from good quality calcium carbide at the present day including + about 31 grains of the former and 25 grains of the latter per 100 cubic + feet. But crude acetylene is also accompanied by a third impurity, viz., + phosphoretted hydrogen or phosphine, which in unknown in coal-gas, and + which is considerably more objectionable than either ammonia or sulphur. + The formation, behaviour, and removal of those various impurities will be + discussed in Chapter V.; but here it may be said that there is no reason + why, if calcium carbide of a fair degree of purity has been used, and if + the gas has been generated from it in a properly designed and smoothly + working apparatus-- this being quite as important as, or even more + important than, the purity of the original carbide--the gas should not be + freed from phosphorus, sulphur, and ammonia to the utmost necessary or + desirable extent, by processes which are neither complicated nor + expensive. And if this is done, as it always should be whenever the + acetylene is required for domestic lighting, the vitiation of the air of a + room due to the "impurities" in the gas will become much less in the case + of acetylene than in that of even well-purified coal-gas; taking equal + illuminating effect as the basis for comparison. + </p> + <p> + Acetylene is similarly superior, speaking generally, to petroleum in + respect of impurities, though the sulphur present in petroleum oils, such + as are sold in this country for household use, though very variable, is + often quite small in amount, and seldom is responsible for serious + vitiation of the atmosphere. + </p> + <p> + Regarding somewhat more closely the relative convenience and safety of + acetylene and paraffin for the illumination of country residences, it may + be remarked that an extraordinarily great amount of care must be bestowed + upon each separate lamp if the whole house is to be kept free from an + odour which is very offensive to the nostrils; and the time occupied in + this process, which of itself is a disagreeable one, reaches several hours + every day. Habit has taught the country dweller to accept as inevitable + this waste of time, and largely to ignore the odour of petroleum in his + abode; but the use of acetylene entirely does away with the daily cleaning + of lamps, and, if the pipe-fitting work has been done properly, yields + light absolutely unaccompanied by smell. Again, unless most carefully + managed, the lamp-room of a large house, with its store of combustible + oil, and its collection of greasy rags, must unavoidably prove a sensible + addition to the risk of fire. The analogue of the lamp- room when + acetylene is employed is the generator-house, and this is a separate + building at some distance from the residence proper. There need be no + appreciable odour in the generator-house, except during the times of + charging the apparatus; but if there is, it passes into the open air + instead of percolating into the occupied apartments. + </p> + <p> + The amount of heat developed by the combustion of acetylene also is less + for a given yield of light than that developed by most other illuminants. + The gas, indeed, is a powerful heating gas, but owing to the amount + consumed being so small in proportion to the light developed, the heat + arising from acetylene lighting in a room is less than that from most + other illuminating agents, if the latter are employed to the extent + required to afford equally good illumination. The ratio of the heat + developed in acetylene lighting to that developed in, <i>e.g.</i>, + lighting by ordinary coal-gas, varies considerably according to the degree + of efficiency of the burners, or, in other words, of the methods by which + light is obtained from the gases. Volume for volume, acetylene yields on + combustion about three and a half times as much heat as coal- gas, yet, + owing to its superior efficiency as an illuminant, any required light may + be obtained through it with no greater evolution of heat than the best + practicable (incandescent) burners for coal-gas produce. The heat evolved + by acetylene burners adequate to yield a certain light is very much less + than that evolved by ordinary flat-flame coal-gas burners or by oil-lamps + giving the same light, and is not more than about three times as much as + that from ordinary electric lamps used in numbers sufficient to give the + same light. More exact figures for the ratio between the heat developed in + acetylene lighting and that in other modes of lighting are given in the + table already referred to. + </p> + <p> + In connexion with the smaller amount of heat developed per unit of light + when acetylene is the illuminant, the frequently exaggerated claim that + acetylene does not blacken ceilings at all may be studied. Except it be a + carelessly manipulated petroleum-lamp, no form of artificial illuminant + employed nowadays ever emits black smoke, soot, or carbon, in spite of the + fact that all luminous flames commercially capable of utilisation do + contain free carbon in the elemental state. The black mark on a ceiling + over a source of light is caused by a rising current of hot air and + combustion products set up by the heat accompanying the light, which + current of hot gas carries with it the dust and dirt always present in the + atmosphere of an inhabited room. As this current of air and burnt gas + travels in a fairly concentrated vertical stream, and as the ceiling is + comparatively cool and exhibits a rough surface, that dust and dirt are + deposited on the ceiling above the flame, but the stain is seldom or never + composed of soot from the illuminant itself. Proof of this statement may + be found in the circumstance that a black mark is eventually produced over + an electric glow-lamp and above a pipe delivering hot water. Clearly, + therefore, the depth and extent of the mark will depend on the volume and + temperature of the hot gaseous current; and since per unit of light + acetylene emits a far smaller quantity of combustion products and a far + smaller amount of heat than any other flame illuminant except incandescent + coal-gas, the inevitable black mark over its flame takes very much longer + to appear. Quite roughly speaking, as may be deduced from what has already + been said on this subject, the luminous flame of acetylene "blackens" a + ceiling at about the same rate as a coal-gas burner of the best Welsbach + type. + </p> + <p> + There is one respect in which acetylene and other flame illuminants are + superior to electric lighting, viz., that they sterilise a larger volume + of air. All the air which is needed to support combustion, as well as the + excess of air which actually passes through the burner tube and flame in + incandescent burners, is obviously sterilised; but so also is the much + larger volume of air which, by virtue of the up-current due to the heat of + the flame, is brought into anything like close proximity with the light. + The electric glow-lamp, and the most popular and economical modern + enclosed electric arc-lamp, sterilise only the much smaller volume of air + which is brought into direct contact with their glass bulbs. Moreover, + when large numbers of persons are congregated in insufficiently ventilated + buildings--and many public rooms are insufficiently ventilated--the air + becomes nauseous to inspire and positively detrimental to the health of + delicate people, by reason of the human effluvia which arise from soiled + raiment and uncleansed or unhealthy bodies, long before the proportion of + carbonic acid by itself is high enough to be objectionable. Thus a certain + proportion of carbonic acid coming from human lungs and skin is more + harmful than the same proportion of carbonic acid derived from the + combustion of gas or oil. Hence acetylene and flame illuminants generally + have the valuable hygienic advantages over electric lighting, not only of + killing a far larger number of the micro-organisms that may be present in + the air, but, by virtue of their naked flames, of burning up and + destroying a considerable quantity of the aforesaid odoriferous matter, + thus relieving the nose and materially assisting in the prevention of that + lassitude and anćmia occasionally follow the constant inspiration of air + rendered foul by human exhalations. + </p> + <p> + The more important advantages of acetylene as an illuminant have now been + indicated, and it remains to discuss the cost of acetylene lighting in + comparison with other modes of procuring artificial light. At the outset + it may be stated that a very much greater reduction in the price of + calcium carbide--from which acetylene is produced--than is likely to ensue + under the present methods and conditions of manufacture will be required + to make acetylene lighting as cheap as ordinary gas lighting in towns in + this country, provided incandescent burners are used for the gas. On the + score of cheapness (and of convenience, unless the acetylene were + delivered to the premises from some central generating station) acetylene + cannot compete as an illuminant with coal-gas where the latter costs, say, + not more than 5s. per 1000 cubic feet, if only reasonable attention is + given to the gas-burners, and at least a quarter of them are on the + incandescent system. If, on the other hand, coal-gas is misused and wasted + through the employment only of interior or worn-out flat-flame burners, + while the best types of burner are used for acetylene, the latter gas may + prove as cheap for lighting as coal-gas at, say, 2s. 6d. per 1000 cubic + feet (and be far better hygienically); whereas, contrariwise, if coal-gas + is used only with good and properly maintained incandescent burners, it + may cost over 10s. per 1000 cubic feet, and be cheaper than acetylene + burned in good burners (and as good from the hygienic standpoint). More + precise figures on the relative costs of coal-gas lighting and acetylene + lighting are given in the tabular statement at the close of this chapter. + </p> + <p> + With regard to electric lighting it is somewhat difficult to lay down a + fair basis of comparison, owing to the wide variations in the cost of + current, and in the efficiency of lamps, and to the undoubted hygienic and + aesthetic claims of electric lighting to precedence. But in towns in this + country where there is a public electricity supply, electric lighting will + be used rather than acetylene for the same reasons that it is preferred to + coal-gas. Cost is only a secondary consideration in such cases, and where + coal-gas is reasonably cheap, and nevertheless gives place to electric + lighting, acetylene clearly cannot hope to supplant the latter. [Footnote: + Where, however, as is frequently the case with small public + electricity-supply works, the voltage of the supply varies greatly, the + fluctuations in the light of the lamps, and the frequent destruction of + fuses and lamps, are such manifest inconveniences that acetylene is in + fact now being generally preferred to electric lighting in such + circumstances.] But where current cannot be had from an electricity-supply + undertaking, and it is a question, in the event of electric lighting being + adopted, of generating current by driving a dynamo, either by means of a + gas-engine supplied from public gas-mains, by means of a special boiler + installation, or by means of an oil-engine or of a power gas-plant and + gas-engine, the claims of acetylene to preference are very strong. An + important factor in the estimation of the relative advantages of + electricity and acetylene in such cases is the cost of labour in looking + after the generating plant. Where a gas-engine supplied from public + gas-mains is used for driving the dynamo, electric lighting can be had at + a relatively small expenditure for attendance on the generating plant. But + the cost of the gas consumed will be high, and actually light could be + obtained directly from the gas by means of incandescent mantles at far + loss cost than by consuming the gas in a motor for the indirect production + of light by means of electric current. Therefore electric lighting, if + adopted under these conditions, must be preferred to gas lighting from + considerations which are deemed to outweigh those of a much higher cost, + and acetylene does not present so great advantages over coal-gas as to + affect the choice of electric lighting. But in the cases where there is no + public gas-supply, and current must be generated from coal or coke or oil + consumed on the spot, the cost of the skilled labour required to look + after either a boiler, steam-engine and dynamo, or a power gas-plant and + gas-engine or oil- engine and dynamo, will be so heavy that unless the + capacity of the installation is very great, acetylene will almost + certainly prove a cheaper and more convenient method of obtaining light. + The attention required by an acetylene installation, such as a country + house of upwards of thirty rooms would want, is limited to one or two + hours' labour per diem at any convenient time during daylight. Moreover, + the attendant need not be highly paid, as he will not have required an + engineman's training, as will the attendant on an electric lighting plant. + The latter, too, must be present throughout the hours when light is wanted + unless a heavy expenditure has been incurred on accumulators. Furthermore, + the capital outlay on generating plant will be very much less for + acetylene than for electric lighting. General considerations such as these + lead to the conclusion that in almost all country districts in this + country a house or institution could be lighted more cheaply by means of + acetylene than by electricity. In the tabular statement of comparative + costs of different modes of lighting, electric lighting has been included + only on the basis of a fixed cost per unit, as owing to the very varied + cost of generating current by small installations in different parts of + the country it would be futile to attempt to give the cost of electric + lighting on any other basis, such as the prime cost of coal or coke in a + particular district. Where current is supplied by a public electricity- + supply undertaking, the cost per unit is known, and the comparative costs + of electric light and acetylene can be arrived at with tolerable + precision. It has not been thought necessary to include in the tabular + statement electric arc-lamps, as they are only suitable for the lighting + of large spaces, where the steadiness and uniformity of the illumination + are of secondary importance. Under such conditions, it may be stated + parenthetically, the electric arc-light is much less costly than acetylene + lighting would be, but it is now in many places being superseded by + high-pressure gas or oil incandescent lights, which are steady and + generally more economical than the arc light. + </p> + <p> + The illuminant which acetylene is best fitted to supersede on the score of + convenience, cleanliness, and hygienic advantages is oil. By oil is meant, + in this connection, the ordinary burning petroleum, kerosene, or paraffin + oil, obtained by distilling and refining various natural oils and shales, + found in many countries, of which the United States (principally + Pennsylvania), Russia (the Caucasus chiefly), and Scotland are practically + the only ones which supply considerable quantities for use in Great + Britain. Attempts are often made to claim superiority for particular + grades of these oils, but it may be at once stated that so for as actual + yield of light is concerned, the same weight of any of the commercial oils + will give practically the same result. Hence in the comparative statement + of the cost of different methods of lighting, oil will be taken at the + cheapest rate at which it could ordinarily be obtained, including delivery + charges, at a country house, when bought by the barrel. This rate at the + present time is about ninepence per gallon. A higher price may be paid for + grades of mineral oil reputed to be safer or to give a "brighter" or + "clearer" light; but as the quantity of light depends mainly upon the care + and attention bestowed on the burner and glass fittings of the lamp, and + partly upon the employment of a suitable wick, while the safety of each + lamp depends at least as much upon the design of that lamp, and the + accuracy with which the wick fits the burner tube, as upon the temperature + at which the oil "flashes," the extra expense involved in burning + fancy-priced oils will not be considered here. + </p> + <p> + The efficiency (<i>i.e.</i>, the light yielded per pint or other unit + volume consumed) of oil-lamps varies greatly, and, speaking broadly, + increases with the power of the lamp. But as large or high-power lamps are + not needed throughout a house, it is fairer to assume that the light + obtainable from oil in ordinary household use is the mean of that afforded + by large and that afforded by small lamps. A large oil-lamp as commonly + used in country houses will give a light of about 20 candle- power, while + a convenient small lamp will give a light of not more than about 5 + candle-power. The large lamp will burn about 55 hours for every gallon of + oil consumed, or give an illuminating duty of about 1100 candle-hours (<i>i.e.</i>, + the product of candle-power by burning-hours) per gallon. The small lamp, + on the other hand, will burn about 140 hours for every gallon of oil + consumed, or give an illuminating duty of about 700 candle-hours per + gallon. Actually large lamps would in most country houses be used only in + the entrance hall, living-rooms, and kitchen, while passages and minor + rooms on the lower floors would be lighted by small lamps. Hence, making + due allowance for the lower rate of consumption of the small lamps, it + will be seen that, given equal numbers of large and small lamps in use, + the mean illuminating duty of a gallon of oil as burnt in country houses + will be 987, or, in round figures, 990 candle-hours. Usually candles are + used in the bedrooms of country houses where the lower floors are lighted + by means of petroleum lamps; but when acetylene is installed in such a + house it will frequently be adopted in the principal bed- and + dressing-rooms as well as in the living-rooms, as, unless candles are + employed very lavishly, they are really totally inadequate to meet the + reasonable demands for light of, <i>e.g.</i>, a lady dressing for dinner. + Where acetylene displaces candles as well as lamps in a country house, it + is necessary, in comparing the cost of the new illuminant with that of the + candles and oil, to bear in mind the superior degree of illumination which + is secured in all rooms, at least where candles were formerly used. + </p> + <p> + In regard to exhaustion and vitiation of the air, and to heat evolved, + self-luminous petroleum lamps stand on much the same footing as coal-gas + when the latter is burned in flat-flame burners, if the comparison is + based on a given yield of light. A large lamp, owing to its higher + illuminating efficiency, is better in this respect than a small one-- + light for light, it is more hygienic than ordinary flat-flame coal-gas + burners, while a small lamp is less hygienic. It will therefore be + understood at once, from what has already been said about the superiority + on hygienic grounds of acetylene to flat-flame coal-gas lighting, that + acetylene is in this respect far superior to petroleum lamps. The degree + of its superiority is indicated more precisely by the figures quoted in + the tabular statement which concludes this chapter. + </p> + <p> + Before giving the tabular statement, however, it is necessary to say a few + words in regard to one method of lighting which, may possibly develop into + a more serious competitor with acetylene for the lighting of the better + class of country house than any of the illuminating agents and modes of + lighting so far referred to. The method in question is lighting by + so-called air-gas used for raising mantles to incandescence in upturned or + inverted burners of the Welsbach-Kern type. "Air-gas" is ordinary + atmospheric air, more or less completely saturated with the vapour of some + highly volatile hydrocarbon. The hydrocarbons practically applied have so + far been only "petroleum spirit" or "carburine," and "benzol." "Petroleum + spirit" or "carburine" consists of the more highly volatile portion of + petroleum, which is removed by distillation before the kerosene or burning + oil is recovered from the crude oil. Several grades of this highly + volatile petroleum distillate are distinguished in commerce; they differ + in the temperature at which they begin to distil and the range of + temperature covered by their distillation, and, speaking more generally, + in their degree of volatility, uniformity, and density. If the petroleum + distillate is sufficiently volatile and fairly uniform in character, good + air-gas may be produced merely by allowing air to pass over an extended + surface of the liquid. The vapour of the petroleum spirit is of greater + density than air, and hence, if the course of the air-gas is downward from + the apparatus at which it is produced, the flow of air into the apparatus + and over the surface of the spirit will be automatically maintained by the + "pull" of the descending air-gas when once the flow has been started until + the outlet for the air-gas is stopped or the spirit in the apparatus is + exhausted. Hence, if the apparatus for saturating air with the vapour of + the light petroleum is placed well above all the points at which the + air-gas is to be burnt-- <i>e.g.</i>, on the roof of the house--the + production of the air-gas may by simple devices become automatic, and the + only attention the apparatus will require will be the replenishing of its + reservoir from time to time with light petroleum. But a number of + precautions are required to make this simple process operate without + interruption or difficulty. For instance, the evaporation of the spirit + must not be so rapid relatively to its total bulk as to lower its + temperature, and thereby that of the overflowing air, too much; the + reservoir must be protected from extreme cold and extreme heat; and the + risk of fire from the presence of a highly volatile and highly inflammable + liquid on or near the roof of the house must be met. This risk is one to + which fire insurance companies take exception. + </p> + <p> + More commonly, however, air-gas is made non-automatically, or more or less + automatically by the employment of some mechanical means. The light + petroleum, benzol, or other suitable volatile hydrocarbon is volatilised, + where necessary, by the application of gentle heat, while air is driven + over or through it by means of a small motor, which in some cases is a + hot-air engine operated by heat supplied by a flame of the air-gas + produced. These air-gas producers, or at least the reservoir of volatile + hydrocarbon, may be placed in an outbuilding, so that the risk of fire in + the house itself is minimised. They require, however, as much attention as + an acetylene generator, usually more. It is difficult to give reliable + data as to the cost of air-gas, inclusive of the expenses of production. + It varies considerably with the description of hydrocarbon employed, and + its market price. Air-gas is only slightly inferior hygienically to + acetylene, and the colour of its light is that of the incandescent light + as produced by coal-gas or acetylene. Air-gas of a certain grade may be + used for lighting by flat-flame burners, but it has been available thus + for very many years, and has failed to achieve even moderate success. But + the advent of the incandescent burner has completely changed its position + relatively to most other illuminants, and under certain conditions it + seems likely to be the most formidable competitor with acetylene. Since + air-gas, and the numerous chemically identical products offered under + different proprietary names, is simply atmospheric air more or less loaded + with the vapour of a volatile hydrocarbon which is normally liquid, it + possesses no definite chemical constitution, but varies in composition + according to the design of the generating plant, the atmospheric + temperature at the time of preparation, the original degree of volatility + of the hydrocarbon, the remaining degree of volatility after the more + volatile portions have been vaporised, and the speed at which the air is + passed through the carburettor. The illuminating power and the calorific + value of air-gas, unless the manufacture is very precisely controlled, are + apt to be variable, and the amount of light, emitted, either in + self-luminous or in incandescent burners, is somewhat indeterminate. The + generating plant must be so constructed that the air cannot at any time be + mixed with as much hydrocarbon vapour as constitutes an explosive mixture + with it, otherwise the pipes and apparatus will contain a gas which will + forthwith explode if it is ignited, <i>i.e.</i>, if an attempt is made to + consume it otherwise than in burners with specially small orifices. The + safely permissible mixtures are (1) air with less hydrocarbon vapour than + constitutes an explosive mixture, and (2) air with more hydrocarbon vapour + than constitutes an explosive mixture. The first of these two mixtures is + available for illuminating purposes only with incandescent mantles, and to + ensure a reasonable margin of safety the mixing apparatus must be so + devised that the proportion of hydrocarbon vapour in the air-gas can never + exceed 2 per cent. From Chapter VI. it will be evident that a little more + than 2 per cent. of benzene, pentane or benzoline vapour in air forms an + explosive mixture. What is the lowest proportion of such vapours in + admixture with air which will serve on combustion to maintain a mantle in + a state of incandescence, or even to afford a flame at all, does not + appear to have been precisely determined, but it cannot be much below 1- + 1/2 per cent. Hence the apparatus for producing air-gas of this first + class must be provided with controlling or governing devices of such + nicety that the proportion of hydrocarbon vapour in the air-gas is + maintained between about 1-1/2 and 2 per cent. It is fair to say that in + normal working conditions a number of devices appear to fulfil this + requirement satisfactorily. The second of the two mixtures referred to + above, viz., air with more hydrocarbon vapour than constitutes an + explosive mixture, is primarily suitable for combustion in self-luminous + burners, but may also be consumed in properly designed incandescent + burners. But the generating apparatus for such air-gas must be equipped + with some governing or controlling device which will ensure the proportion + of hydrocarbon vapour in the mixture never falling below, say, 7 per cent. + On the other hand, if saturation of the air with the vapour is practically + attained, should the temperature of the gas fall before it arrives at the + point of combustion, part of the spirit will condense out, and the product + will thus lose part of its illuminating or calorific intensity, besides + partially filling the pipes with liquid products of condensation. The loss + of intensity in the gas during cold weather may or may not be inconvenient + according to circumstances; but the removal of part of the combustible + material brings the residual air-gas nearer to its limit of + explosibility--for it is simply a mixture of combustible vapour with air, + which, normally, is not explosive because the proportion of spirit is too + high--and thus, when led into an atmospheric burner, the extra amount of + air introduced at the injector jets may cause the mixture to be an + explosive mixture of air and spirit, so that it will take fire within the + burner tube instead of burning quietly at the proper orifice. This matter + will be made clearer on studying what is said about explosive limits in + Chapter VI., and what is stated about incandescent acetylene (carburetted + or not) in Chapters IX. and X. Clearly, however, high-grade air-gas is + only suitable for preparation at the immediate spot where it is to be + consumed; it cannot be supplied to a complete district unless it is + intentionally made of such lower intensity that the proportion of spirit + is too small ever to allow of partial deposition in the mains during the + winter. + </p> + <p> + It is perhaps necessary to refer to the more extended use of candles for + lighting in some few houses in which lamps are disliked on aesthetic, or, + in some cases, ostensibly on hygienic grounds. Candle lighting, speaking + broadly, is either very inadequate so far as ordinary living-rooms are + concerned, or, if adequate, is very costly. Tests specially carried out by + one of the authors to determine some of the figures required in the + ensuing table show that ordinary paraffin or "wax" candles usually emit + about 20 per cent. more light than that given by the standard spermaceti + candle, whose luminosity is the unit by which the intensity of other + lights is reckoned in Great Britain; and also that the light so emitted by + domestic candles is practically unaffected by the sizes--"sixes," + "eights," or "twelves"--burnt. In the sizes examined the light evolved has + varied between 1.145 and 1.298 "candles," perhaps tending to increase + slightly with the diameter of the candle tested. Hence, to obtain + illumination in a room equal on the average to that afforded by 100 + standard candles, or some other light or lights aggregating 100 candle- + power, would require the use of only 80 to 85 ordinary paraffin, + ozokerite, or wax candles. But actually the essential objects in a room + could be equally well illuminated by, say, 30 candles well distributed, as + by two or three incandescent gas-burners, or four or five large oil- + lamps. Lights of high intensity, such as powerful gas-burners or oil- + lamps, must give a higher degree of illumination in their immediate + vicinity than is really necessary, if they are to illuminate adequately + the more distant objects. The dissemination and diffusion of their light + can be greatly aided by suitable colouring of ceilings, walls and + drapings; but unless the illumination by means of lights of relatively + high intensity is made almost wholly indirect, candles or other lights of + low intensity, such as small electric glow-lamps, can, by proper + distribution, be made to give more uniform or more suitably apportioned + illumination. In this respect candles have an economical and, in some + measure, a material advantage over acetylene also. (But when the method of + lighting is by flames--candle or other--the multiplication of the number + of units which is involved when they are of low intensity, seriously + increases the risk of fire through accidental contact of inflammable + material with any one of the flames. This risk is much greater with naked + flames, such as candles, than with, say, inverted incandescent gas flames, + which are to all intents and purposes fully protected by a closed glass + globe.) Hence, in the tabular statement which follows of the comparative + cost, &c., of different illuminants, it will be assumed that 30 good + candles would in practice be equally efficient in regard to the + illumination of a room as large oil-lamps, acetylene flames, or + incandescent gas-burners aggregating 100 candle-power. + </p> + <p> + For the same reason it will be assumed that electric glow-lamps of low + intensity (nominally of 8 candle-power or less), aggregating 70-80 + candle-power, will practically serve, if suitably distributed, equally as + well as 100 candle-power obtained from more powerful sources of light. + Electric glow-lamps of a nominal intensity of 16 candles or thereabouts, + and good flat-flame gas-burners, aggregating 90-95 candle-power, will + similarly be taken as equivalent, if suitably distributed, to 100 candle- + power from more powerful sources of light. Of the latter it will be + assumed that each source has an intensity between 20 and 30 candle-power, + such as is afforded by a large oil-lamp, a No. 1 Welsbach-Kern upturned, + or a "Bijou" inverted incandescent gas-burner, or a 0.70-cubic-foot-per- + hour acetylene burner. Either of these sources of light, when used in + sufficient numbers, so that with proper distribution they light a room + adequately, will be taken in the tabular statement which follows as + affording, per candle-power evolved, the standard illuminating effect + required in that room. The same illuminating effect will be regarded as + attainable by means of candles aggregating only 35 per cent., or small + electric glow-lamps aggregating 77 per cent., or large electric glow- + lamps and flat-flame gas-burners aggregating 90 to 95 per cent. of this + candle-power; while if sources of light of higher intensity are used, such + as Osram or Tantalum electric lamps, or the larger incandescent gas- + burners (the Welsbach "C" or "York," or the Nos. 3 or 4 Welsbach-Kern + upturned, or the No. 1 or larger size inverted burners) or incandescent + acetylene burners, it will be assumed that their aggregate candle-power + must be in excess by about 15 per cent., in order to compensate for the + impossibility of obtaining equally well distributed illumination. These + assumptions are based on general considerations and data as to the effect + of sources of light of different intensities in giving practically the + same degree of illumination in a room; it would occupy too much space here + to discuss more fully the grounds on which they have been made. It must + suffice to say that they have been adopted with the object of being + perfectly fair to each means of illumination. + </p> + <p> + COST PER HOUR AND HYGIENIC EFFECT OF LIGHTING BY DIFFERENT MEANS + </p> + <p> + The data (except in the column headed "cost per 100 candle-hours") refer + to the illumination afforded by medium-sized (0.5 to 0.7 cubic foot per + hour) acetylene burners yielding together a light of about 100 candle- + power, and to the approximately equivalent illumination as afforded by + other means of illumination, when the lighting-units or sources of light + are rationally distributed. + </p> + <p> + Interest and depreciation charges on the outlay on piping or wiring a + house, on brackets, fittings, lamps, candelabra, and storage accommodation + (for carbide and oil) have been taken as equivalent for all modes of + lighting, and omitted in computing the total cost. The cost of labour for + attendance on acetylene plant, oil lamps, and candles is an uncertain and + variable item--approximately equal for all these modes of lighting, but + saved in coal-gas and electric lighting from public supply mains. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ______________________________________________________________________ +| | | | | | | +| | |Candle- | Number |Aggregate| Cost | +| | |Power of| of | Candle- | per | +| | Description of | each |Lighting | Power | 100 | +|Illuminant. | Burner or Lamp. |Lighting| Units |Afforded.|Candle-| +| | | Unit. |Required.|(About.) |Hours. | +| | |(About.)| | |Pence. | +|____________|____________________|________|_________|_________|_______| +| | | | | | | +| |Self-luminous; 0.5 | | | | | +| | cubic foot per hour| 18 | 5 | 90 | 1.11 | +| |Self-luminous; 0.7 | | | | | +| Acetylene | cubic foot per hour| 27 | 4 | 108 | 1.02 | +| |Self-luminous; 1.0 | | | | | +| | cubic foot per hour| 45.5 | 3 | 136 | 0.85 | +| |Incandescent; 0.5 | | | | | +| | cubic foot per hour| 50 | 3 | 150 | 0.49 | +|____________|____________________|________|_________|_________|_______| +| | | | | | | +| Petroleum | Large lamp . . . . | 20 | 5 | 100 | 0.84 | +| (paraffin | | | | | | +| oil) | Small lamp . . . . | 5 | 14 | 70 | 1.31 | +|____________|____________________|________|_________|_________|_______| +| | | | | | | +| |Flat flame (bad) 5 | | | | | +| | cubic feet per hour| 8 | 10 | 80 | 3.75 | +| |Flat flame (good) 6 | | | | | +| Coal Gas | cubic feet per hour| 16 | 6 | 96 | 2.25 | +| |Incandescent (No. 1 | | | | | +| | Kern or Bijou In- | 25 | 4 | 100 | 0.38 | +| | verted); 1-1/2 | | | | | +| | cubic feet per hour| | | | | +|____________|____________________|________|_________|_________|_______| +| | | | | | | +| Candles |"Wax" (so-called) . | 1.2 | 30 | 35 | 6.14 | +|____________|____________________|________|_________|_________|_______| +| | | | | | | +| | Small glow . . . . | 7 | 11 | 77 | 2.81 | +| | Large glow . . . . | 13 | 7 | 91 | 2.90 | +| Electricity| | | | | | +| | Tantalum . . . . . | 19 | 5 | 95 | 1.52 | +| | Osram . . . . . . | 14 | 7 | 98 | 1.00 | +|____________|____________________|________|_________|_________|_______| +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ___________________________________________________________________ +| | | | | +| | | | | +| | | | Equivalent | +| | Description of | Assumed Cost | Illumin- | +|Illuminant. | Burner or Lamp. | of Illuminant. | ation. | +| | | | Pence. | +| | | | | +|____________|____________________|____________________|____________| +| | | | | +| |Self-luminous; 0.5 | Calcium carbide | | +| | cubic foot per hour| (yielding 5 | 1.00 | +| |Self-luminous; 0.7 | cubic feet of | | +| Acetylene | cubic foot per hour| acetylene per | 1.10 | +| |Self-luminous; 1.0 | lb.) at 15s. | | +| | cubic foot per hour| per cwt., inclu- | 1.16 | +| |Incandescent; 0.5 | ding delivery | | +| | cubic foot per hour| charges. | 0.74 | +|____________|____________________|____________________|____________| +| | | | | +| Petroleum | Large lamp . . . . | Oil, 9d. per gal- | 0.84 | +| (paraffin | | lon, including | | +| oil) | Small lamp . . . . | delivery charges. | 0.92 | +|____________|____________________|____________________|____________| +| | | | | +| |Flat flame (bad) 5 | | | +| | cubic feet per hour| Public supply | 3.00 | +| |Flat flame (good) 6 | from small | | +| Coal Gas | cubic feet per hour| country works, | 2.16 | +| |Incandescent (No. 1 | at 5s. per 1000 | | +| | Kern or Bijou In- | cubic feet. | 0.38 | +| | verted); 1-1/2 | | | +| | cubic feet per hour| | | +|____________|____________________|____________________|____________| +| | | | | +| Candles |"Wax" (so-called) . | 5d. per lb. | 2.60 | +|____________|____________________|____________________|____________| +| | | | | +| | Small glow . . . . | Public supply | 2.16 | +| | Large glow . . . . | from small | 2.64 | +| Electricity| | town works | | +| | Tantalum . . . . . | at 6d. per | 1.45 | +| | Osram . . . . . . | B.O.T. unit. | 0.98 | +|____________|____________________|____________________|____________| +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + _______________________________________________________________________ +| | | | | | | +| | |Inci- | Exhaus- |Vitiation | Heat | +| | | den- | tion of | of Air. |Produced.| +| | Description of | tal |Air.Cubic|Cubic Feet|Number of| +|Illuminant. | Burner or Lamp. |Expen-|Feet Dep-| of Car- |Units of | +| | | ces. |rived of |bonic Acid| Heat. | +| | | | Oxygen. | Formed. |Calories.| +|____________|____________________|______|_________|__________|_________| +| | | | | | | +| |Self-luminous; 0.5 | | | | | +| | cubic foot per hour| [1] | 29.8 | 5.0 | 900 | +| |Self-luminous; 0.7 | | | | | +| Acetylene | cubic foot per hour| | 33.3 | 5.6 | 1010 | +| |Self-luminous; 1.0 | | | | | +| | cubic foot per hour| | 35.7 | 6.0 | 1000 | +| |Incandescent; 0.5 | | | | | +| | cubic foot per hour| [2] | 17.9 | 3.0 | 545 | +|____________|____________________|______|_________|__________|_________| +| | | | | | | +| Petroleum | Large lamp . . . . | | 140.0 | 19.6 | 3630 | +| (paraffin | | [3] | | | | +| oil) | Small lamp . . . . | | 154.0 | 21.6 | 4000 | +|____________|____________________|______|_________|__________|_________| +| | | | | | | +| |Flat flame (bad) 5 | | | | | +| | cubic feet per hour| Nil | 270.0 | 27.0 | 7750 | +| |Flat flame (good) 6 | | | | | +| Coal Gas | cubic feet per hour| Nil | 195.0 | 19.5 | 5580 | +| |Incandescent (No. 1 | | | | | +| | Kern or Bijou In- | [4] | 27.0 | 2.7 | 775 | +| | verted); 1-1/2 | | | | | +| | cubic feet per hour| | | | | +|____________|____________________|______|_________|__________|_________| +| | | | | | | +| Candles |"Wax" (so-called) . | Nil | 100.5 | 13.7 | 2700 | +|____________|____________________|______|_________|__________|_________| +| | | | | | | +| | Small glow . . . . |2s.6d.| Nil | Nil | 285 | +| | Large glow . . . . |2s.6d.| " | " | 360 | +| Electricity| | [5] | | | | +| | Tantalum . . . . . |7s.6d.| " | " | 172 | +| | Osram . . . . . . | 6s. | " | " | 96 | +|____________|____________________|______|_________|__________|_________| +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Interest and depreciation charges on generating and purifying + plant = 0.15 penny. Purifying material and burner renewals = 0.05 penny.] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Mantle renewals as for coal-gas.] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: Renewals of wicks and chimneys = 0.02 penny.] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: Renewals and mantles (and chimneys) at contract rate of 3s. + per burner per annum.] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: Renewals of lamps and fuses, at price indicated per lamp per + annum.] + </p> + <p> + The conventional method of making pecuniary comparisons between different + sources of artificial light consists in simply calculating the cost of + developing a certain number of candle-hours of light--<i>i.e.</i>, a + certain amount of standard candle-power for a given number of hours--on + the assumption that as many separate sources of light are employed as may + be required to bring the combined illuminating power up to the total + amount wanted. In view of the facts as to dissemination and diffusion, or + the difference between sheer illuminating power and useful illuminating + effect, which have just been elaborated, and in view of the different + intensities of the different unit sources of light (which range from the + single candle to a powerful large incandescent gas-burner or a metallic + filament electric lamp), such a method of calculation is wholly illusory. + The plan adopted in the following table may also appear unnecessarily + complicated; but it is not so to the reader if he remembers that the + apparently various amount of illumination is corrected by the different + numbers of illuminating units until the amount of simple candle-power + developed, whatever illuminant be employed, suffices to light a room + having an area of about 300 square feet (<i>i.e.</i>, a room, 17-1/2 feet + square, or one 20 feet long by 15 feet wide), so that ordinary print may + be read comfortably in any part of the room, and the titles of books, + engravings, &c., in any position on the walls up to a height of 8 feet + from the ground may be distinguished with ease. The difference in cost, + &c., of a greater or less degree of illumination, or of lighting a + larger or smaller room by acetylene or any other of the illuminants named, + will be almost directly proportional to the cost given for the stated + conditions. Nevertheless, it should be recollected that when the + conventional system is retained--useful illuminating effect being + sacrificed to absolute illuminating power--acetylene is made to appear + cheaper in comparison with all weaker unit sources of light, and dearer in + comparison with all stronger unit sources of light than the accompanying + table indicates it to be. In using the comparative figures given in the + table, it should be borne in mind that they refer to more general and more + brilliant illumination of a room than is commonly in vogue where the + lighting is by means of electric light, candles, or oil- lamps. The + standard of illumination adopted for the table is one which is only + gaining general recognition where incandescent gas or acetylene lighting + is available, though in exceptional cases it has doubtless been attained + by means of oil-lamps or flat-flame gas-burners, but very rarely if ever + by means of carbon-filament electric glow-lamps, or candles. It assumes + that the occupants of a room do not wish to be troubled to bring work or + book "to the light," but wish to be able to work or read wheresoever in + the room they will, without consideration of the whereabouts of the light + or lights. + </p> + <p> + It should, perhaps, be added that so high a price as 5s. per 1000 cubic + feet for coal-gas rarely prevails in Great Britain, except in small + outlying towns, whereas the price of 6d. per Board of Trade unit for + electricity is not uncommonly exceeded in the few similar country places + in which there is a public electricity supply. <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="linkii" id="ii">CHAPTER II</a> + </h2> + <h3> + THE PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF THE REACTION BETWEEN CARBIDE AND WATER + </h3> + <p> + THE NATURE OF CALCIUM CARBIDE.--The raw material from which, by + interaction with water, acetylene is obtained, is a solid body called + calcium carbide or carbide of calcium. Inasmuch as this substance can at + present only be made on a commercial scale in the electric furnace--and so + far as may be foreseen will never be made on a large scale except by means + of electricity--inasmuch as an electric furnace can only be worked + remuneratively in large factories supplied with cheap coal or water power; + and inasmuch as there is no possibility of the ordinary consumer of + acetylene ever being able to prepare his own carbide, all descriptions of + this latter substance, all methods of winning it, and all its properties + except those which concern the acetylene-generator builder or the gas + consumer have been omitted from the present book. Hitherto calcium carbide + has found but few applications beyond that of evolving acetylene on + treatment with water or some aqueous liquid, hygroscopic solid, or salt + containing water of crystallisation; but it has possibilities of further + employment, should its price become suitable, and a few words will be + devoted to this branch of the subject in Chapter XII. Setting these minor + uses aside, calcium carbide has no intrinsic value except as a producer of + acetylene, and therefore all its characteristics which interest the + consumer of acetylene are developed incidentally throughout this volume as + the necessity for dealing with them arises. + </p> + <p> + It is desirable, however, now to discuss one point connected with solid + carbide about which some misconception prevails. Calcium carbide is a body + which evolves an inflammable, or on occasion an explosive, gas when + treated with water; and therefore its presence in a building has been said + to cause a sensible increase in the fire risk because attempts to + extinguish a fire in the ordinary manner with water may cause evolution of + acetylene which should determine a further production of flame and heat. + In the absence of water, calcium carbide is absolutely inert as regards + fire; and on several occasions drums of it have been recovered uninjured + from the basement of a house which has been totally destroyed by fire. + With the exception of small 1-lb. tins of carbide, used only by cyclists, + &c., the material is always put into drums of stout sheet-iron with + riveted or folded seams. Provided the original lid has not been removed, + the drums are air- and water-tight, so that the fireman's hose may be + directed upon them with impunity. When a drum has once been opened, and + not all of its contents have been put into the generator, ordinary + caution--not merely as regards fire, but as regards the deterioration of + carbide when exposed to the atmosphere--suggests either that the lid must + be made air-tight again (not by soldering it), [Footnote: Carbide drums + are not uncommonly fitted with self-sealing or lever-top lids, which are + readily replaced hermetically tight after opening and partial removal of + the contents of the drum.] or preferably that the rest of the carbide + shall be transferred to some convenient receptacle which can be perfectly + closed. [Footnote: It would be a refinement of caution, though hardly + necessary in practice, to fit such a receptacle with a safety-valve. If + then the vessel were subjected to sudden or severe heating, the expansion + of the air and acetylene in it could not possibly exert a disruptive + effect upon the walls of the receptacle, which, in the absence of the + safety-valve, is imaginable.] Now, assuming this done, the drums are not + dependent upon soft solder to keep them sound, and so they cannot open + with heat. Fire and water, accordingly, cannot affect them, and only two + risks remain: if stored in the basement of a tall building, falling + girders, beams or brickwork may burst them; or if stored on an upper + floor, they may fall into the basement and be burst with the shock--in + either event water then having free access to the contents. But drums of + carbide would never be stored in such positions: a single one would be + kept in the generator-house; several would be stored in a separate room + therein, or in some similar isolated shed. The generator-house or shed + would be of one story only; the drums could neither fall nor have heavy + weights fall on them during a fire; and therefore there is no reason why, + if a fire should occur, the firemen should not be permitted to use their + hose in the ordinary fashion. Very similar remarks apply to an active + acetylene generator. Well built, such plant will stand much heat and fire + without failure; if it is non-automatic, and of combustible materials + contains nothing but gas in the holder, the worst that could happen in + times of fire would be the unsealing of the bell or its fracture, and this + would be followed, not at all by any explosion, but by a fairly quiet + burning of the escaping gas, which would be over in a very short time, and + would not add to the severity of the conflagration unless the + generator-house were so close to the residence that the large flame of + burning gas could ignite part of the main building. Even if the heat were + so great near the holder that the gas dissociated, it is scarcely + conceivable that a dangerous explosion should arise. But it is well to + remember, that if the generator-house is properly isolated from the + residence, if it is constructed of non-inflammable materials, if the + attendant obeys instructions and refrains from taking a naked light into + the neighbourhood of the plant, and if the plant itself is properly + designed and constructed, a fire at or near an acetylene generator is + extremely unlikely to occur. At the same time, before the erection of + plant to supply any insured premises is undertaken, the policy or the + company should be consulted to ascertain whether the adoption of acetylene + lighting is possibly still regarded by the insurers as adding an extra + risk or even as vitiating the whole insurance. + </p> + <p> + REGULATIONS FOR THE STORAGE OF CARBIDE: BRITISH.--There are also certain + regulations imposed by many local authorities respecting the storage of + carbide, and usually a licence for storage has to be obtained if more than + 5 lb. is kept at a time. The idea of the rule is perfectly justifiable, + and it is generally enforced in a sensible spirit. As the rules may vary + in different localities, the intending consumer of acetylene must make the + necessary inquiries, for failure to comply with the regulations may + obviously be followed by unpleasantness. + </p> + <p> + Having regard to the fact that, in virtue of an Order in Council dated + July 7, 1897, carbide may be stored without a licence only in separate + substantial hermetically closed metal vessels containing not more than 1 + lb. apiece and in quantities not exceeding 5 lb. in the aggregate, and + having regard also to the fact that regulations are issued by local + authorities, the Fire Offices' Committee of the United Kingdom has not up + to the present deemed it necessary to issue special rules with reference + to the storage of carbide of calcium. + </p> + <p> + The following is a copy of the rules issued by the National Board of Fire + Underwriters of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA for the storage of calcium + carbide on insured premises: + </p> + <p> + RULES FOR THE STORAGE OF CALCIUM CARBIDE. + </p> + <p> + (<i>a</i>) Calcium carbide in quantities not to exceed six hundred (600) + pounds may be stored, when contained in approved metal packages not to + exceed one hundred (100) pounds each, inside insured property, provided + that the place of storage be dry, waterproof and well ventilated, and also + provided that all but one of the packages in any one building shall be + sealed and the seals shall not be broken so long as there is carbide in + excess of one (1) pound in any other unsealed package in the building. + </p> + <p> + (<i>b</i>) Calcium carbide in quantities in excess of six hundred (600) + pounds must be stored above ground in detached buildings, used exclusively + for the storage of calcium carbide, in approved metal packages, and such + buildings shall be constructed to be dry, waterproof and well ventilated. + </p> + <p> + (<i>c</i>) Packages to be approved must be made of metal of sufficient + strength to insure handling the package without rupture, and be provided + with a screwed top or its equivalent. + </p> + <p> + They must be constructed so as to be water- and air-tight without the use + of solder, and conspicuously marked "CALCIUM CARBIDE--DANGEROUS IF NOT + KEPT DRY." + </p> + <p> + The following is a summary of the AUSTRIAN GOVERNMENT rules relating to + the storage and handling of carbide: + </p> + <p> + (1) It must be sold and stored only in closed water-tight vessels, which, + if the contents exceed 10 kilos., must be marked in plain letters "CALCIUM + CARBIDE--TO BE KEPT CLOSED AND DRY." They must not be of copper and if + soldered must be opened by mechanical means and not by unsoldering. They + must be stored out of the reach of water. + </p> + <p> + (2) Quantities not exceeding 300 kilos. may be stored in occupied houses, + provided the single drums do not exceed 100 kilos. nominal capacity. The + storage-place must be dry and not underground. + </p> + <p> + (3) The limits specified in Rule 2 apply also to generator-rooms, with the + proviso also that in general the amount stored shall not exceed five days' + consumption. + </p> + <p> + (4) Quantities ranging from 300 to 1000 kilos. must be stored in special + well-ventilated uninhabited non-basement rooms in which lights and smoking + are not allowed. + </p> + <p> + (5) Quantities exceeding 1000 kilos. must be stored in isolated fireproof + magazines with light water-tight roofs. The floors must be at least 8 + inches above ground-level. + </p> + <p> + (6) Carbide in water-tight drums may be stored in the open in a fenced + enclosure at least 30 feet from buildings, adjoining property, or + inflammable materials. The drums must be protected from wet by a light + roof. + </p> + <p> + (7) The breaking of carbide must be done by men provided with respirators + and goggles, and care taken to avoid the formation of dust. + </p> + <p> + (8) Local or other authorities will issue from time to time special + regulations in regard to carbide trade premises. + </p> + <p> + The ITALIAN GOVERNMENT rules relating to the storage and transport of + carbide follow in the main those of the Austrian Government, but for + quantities between 300 and 2000 kilos sanction is required from the local + authorities, and for larger quantities from superior authorities. The + storage of quantities ranging from 300 to 2000 kilos is forbidden in + dwelling-houses and above the latter quantity the storage-place must be + isolated and specially selected. No special permit is required for the + storage of quantities not exceeding 300 kilos. Workmen exposed to carbide + dust arising from the breaking of carbide or otherwise must have their + eyes and respiratory organs suitably protected. + </p> + <p> + THE PURCHASE OF CARBIDE.--Since calcium carbide is only useful as a means + of preparing acetylene, it should be bought under a guarantee (1) that it + contains less impurities than suffice to render the crude gas dangerous in + respect of spontaneous inflammability, or objectionable in a manner to be + explained later on, when consumed; and (2) that it is capable of evolving + a fixed minimum quantity of acetylene when decomposed by water. Such + determination, however, cannot be carried out by the ordinary consumer for + himself. A generator which is perfectly satisfactory in general behaviour, + and which evolves a sufficient proportion of the possible total make of + gas to be economical, does not of necessity decompose the carbide + quantitatively; nor is it constructed in a fashion to render an exact + measurement of the gas liberated at standard temperature and pressure easy + to obtain. For obvious reasons the careful consumer of acetylene will keep + a record of the carbide decomposed and of the acetylene generated--the + latter perhaps only in terms of burner- hours, or the like; but in the + event of serious dispute as to the gas- making capacity of his raw + material, he must have a proper analysis made by a qualified chemist. + </p> + <p> + Calcium carbide is crushed by the makers into several different sizes, in + each of which all the lumps exceed a certain size and are smaller than + another size. It is necessary to find out by experiment, or from the + maker, what particular size suits the generator best, for different types + of apparatus require different sizes of carbide. Carbide cannot well be + crushed by the consumer of acetylene. It is a difficult operation, and + fraught with the production of dust which is harmful to the eyes and + throat, and if done in open vessels the carbide deteriorates in gas- + making power by its exposure to the moisture of the atmosphere. True dust + in carbide is objectionable, and practically useless for the generation of + acetylene in any form of apparatus, but carbide exceeding 1 inch in mesh + is usually sold to satisfy the suggestions of the British Acetylene + Association, which prescribes 5 per cent, of dust as the maximum. Some + grades of carbide are softer than others, and therefore tend to yield more + dust if exposed to a long journey with frequent unloadings. + </p> + <p> + There are certain varieties of ordinary carbide known as "treated + carbide," the value of which is more particularly discussed in Chapter + III. The treatment is of two kinds, or of a combination of both. In one + process the lumps are coated with a strong solution of glucose, with the + object of assisting in the removal of spent lime from their surface when + the carbide is immersed in water. Lime is comparatively much more soluble + in solutions of sugar (to which class of substances glucose belongs) than + in plain water; so that carbide treated with glucose is not so likely to + be covered with a closely adherent skin of spent lime when decomposed by + the addition of water to it. In the other process, the carbide is coated + with or immersed in some oil or grease to protect it from premature + decomposition. The latter idea, at least, fulfils its promises, and does + keep the carbide to a large extent unchanged if the lumps are exposed to + damp air, while solving certain troubles otherwise met with in some + generators (cf. Chapter III.); but both operations involve additional + expense, and since ordinary carbide can be used satisfactorily in a good + fixed generator, and can be preserved without serious deterioration by the + exercise of reasonable care, treated carbide is only to be recommended for + employment in holderless generators, of which table-lamps are the most + conspicuous forms. A third variant of plain carbide is occasionally heard + of, which is termed "scented" carbide. It is difficult to regard this + material seriously. In all probability calcium carbide is odourless, but + as it begins to evolve traces of gas immediately atmospheric moisture + reaches it, a lump of carbide has always the unpleasant smell of crude + acetylene. As the material is not to be stored in occupied rooms, and as + all odour is lost to the senses directly the carbide is put into the + generator, scented carbide may be said to be devoid of all utility. + </p> + <p> + THE REACTION BETWEEN CARBIDE AND WATER.--The reaction which occurs when + calcium carbide and water are brought into contact belongs to the class + that chemists usually term double decompositions. Calcium carbide is a + chemical compound of the metal calcium with carbon, containing one + chemical "part," or atomic weight, of the former united to two chemical + parts, or atomic weights, of the latter; its composition expressed in + symbols being CaC_2. Similarly, water is a compound of two chemical parts + of hydrogen with one of oxygen, its formula being H_2O. When those two + substances are mixed together the hydrogen of the water leaves its + original partner, oxygen, and the carbon of the calcium carbide leaves the + calcium, uniting together to form that particular compound of hydrogen and + carbon, or hydrocarbon, which is known as acetylene, whose formula is + C_2H_2; while the residual calcium and oxygen join together to produce + calcium oxide or lime, CaO. Put into the usual form of an equation, the + reaction proceeds thus-- + </p> + <p> + (1) CaC_2 + H_2O = C_2H_2 + CaO. + </p> + <p> + This equation not only means that calcium carbide and water combine to + yield acetylene and lime, it also means that one chemical part of carbide + reacts with one chemical part of water to produce one chemical part of + acetylene and one of lime. But these four chemical parts, or molecules, + which are all equal chemically, are not equal in weight; although, + according to a common law of chemistry, they each bear a fixed proportion + to one another. Reference to the table of "Atomic Weights" contained in + any text-book of chemistry will show that while the symbol Ca is used, for + convenience, as a contraction or sign for the element calcium simply, it + bears a more important quantitative significance, for to it will be found + assigned the number 40. Against carbon will be seen the number 12; against + oxygen, 16; and against hydrogen, 1. These numbers indicate that if the + smallest weight of hydrogen ever found in a chemical compound is called 1 + as a unit of comparison, the smallest weights of calcium, carbon, and + oxygen, similarly taking part in chemical reactions are 40, 12, and 16 + respectively. Thus the symbol CaC_2, comes to convoy three separate ideas: + (<i>a</i>) that the substance referred to is a compound of calcium and + carbon only, and that it is therefore a carbide of calcium; (<i>b</i>) + that it is composed of one chemical part or atom of calcium and two atoms + of carbon; and (<i>c</i>) that it contains 40 parts by weight of calcium + combined with twice twelve, or 24, parts of carbon. It follows from (<i>c</i>) + that the weight of one chemical part, now termed a molecule as the + substance is a compound, of calcium carbide is (40 + 2 x 12) = 64. By + identical methods of calculation it will be found that the weight of one + molecule of water is 18; that of acetylene, 26; and that of lime, 56. The + general equation (1) given above, therefore, states in chemical shorthand + that 64 parts by weight of calcium carbide react with 18 parts of water to + give 26 parts by weight of acetylene and 56 parts of lime; and it is very + important to observe that just as there are the same number of chemical + parts, viz., 2, on each side, so there are the same number of parts by + weight, for 64 + 18 = 56 + 26 = 82. Put into other words equation (1) + shows that if 64 grammes, lb., or cwts. of calcium carbide are treated + with 18 grammes, lb., or cwts. of water, the whole mass will be converted + into acetylene and lime, and the residue will not contain any unaltered + calcium carbide or any water; whence it may be inferred, as is the fact, + that if the weights of carbide and water originally taken do not stand to + one another in the ratio 64 : 18, both substances cannot be entirely + decomposed, but a certain quantity of the one which was in excess will be + left unattacked, and that quantity will be in exact accordance with the + amount of the said excess--indifferently whether the superabundant + substance be carbide or water. + </p> + <p> + Hitherto, for the sake of simplicity, the by-product in the preparation of + acetylene has been described as calcium oxide or quicklime. It is, + however, one of the leading characteristics of this body to be + hygroscopic, or greedy of moisture; so that if it is brought into the + presence of water, either in the form of liquid or as vapour, it + immediately combines therewith to yield calcium hydroxide, or slaked lime, + whose chemical formula is Ca(OH)_2. Accordingly, in actual practice, when + calcium carbide is mixed with an excess of water, a secondary reaction + takes place over and above that indicated by equation (1), the quicklime + produced combining with one chemical part or molecule of water, thus-- + </p> + <p> + CaO + H_2O = Ca(OH)_2. + </p> + <p> + As these two actions occur simultaneously, it is more usual, and more in + agreement with the phenomena of an acetylene generator, to represent the + decomposition of calcium carbide by the combined equation-- + </p> + <p> + (2) CaC_2 + 2H_2O = C_2H_2 + Ca(OH)_2. + </p> + <p> + By the aid of calculations analogous to those employed in the preceding + paragraph, it will be noticed that equation (2) states that 1 molecule of + calcium carbide, or 64 parts by weight, combines with 2 molecules of + water, or 36 parts by weight, to yield 1 molecule, or 26 parts by weight + of acetylene, and 1 molecule, or 74 parts by weight of calcium hydroxide + (slaked lime). Here again, if more than 36 parts of water are taken for + every 64 parts of calcium carbide, the excess of water over those 36 parts + is left undecomposed; and in the same fashion, if less than 36 parts of + water are taken for every 64 parts of calcium carbide, some of the latter + must remain unattacked, whilst, obviously, the amount of acetylene + liberated cannot exceed that which corresponds with the quantity of + substance suffering complete decomposition. If, for example, the quantity + of water present in a generator is more than chemically sufficient to + attack all the carbide added, however largo or small that excess may be, + no more, and, theoretically speaking, no less, acetylene can ever be + evolved than 26 parts by weight of gas for every 64 parts by weight of + calcium carbide consumed. It is, however, not correct to invert the + proposition, and to say that if the carbide is in excess of the water + added, no more, and, theoretically speaking, no less, acetylene can ever + be evolved than 26 parts by weight of gas for every 36 parts of water + consumed, as might be gathered from equation (2); because equation (1) + shows that 26 parts of acetylene may, on occasion, be produced by the + decomposition of 18 parts by weight of water. From the purely chemical + point of view this apparent anomaly is explained by the circumstance that + of the 36 parts of water present on the left-hand aide of equation (2), + only one-half, <i>i.e.</i>, 18 parts by weight, are actually decomposed + into hydrogen and oxygen, the other 18 parts remaining unattacked, and + merely attaching themselves as "water of hydration" to the 56 parts of + calcium oxide in equation (1) so as to produce the 74 parts of calcium + hydroxide appearing on the right-hand side of equation (2). The matter is + perhaps rendered more intelligible by employing the old name for calcium + hydroxide or slaked lime, viz., hydrated oxide of calcium, and by writing + its formula in the corresponding form, when equation (2) becomes + </p> + <p> + CaC_2 + 2H_2O = C_2H_2 + CaO.H_2O. + </p> + <p> + It is, therefore, absolutely correct to state that if the amount of + calcium carbide present in an acetylene generator is more than chemically + sufficient to decompose all the water introduced, no more, and + theoretically speaking no less, acetylene can ever be liberated than 26 + parts by weight of gas for every 18 parts by weight of water attacked. + This, it must be distinctly understood, is the condition of affairs + obtaining in the ideal acetylene generator only; since, for reasons which + will be immediately explained, when the output of gas is measured in terms + of the water decomposed, in no commercial apparatus, and indeed in no + generator which can be imagined fit for actual employment, does that + output of gas ever approach the quantitative amount; but the volume of + water used, if not actually disappearing, is always vastly in excess of + the requirements of equation (2). On the contrary, when the make of gas is + measured in terms of the calcium carbide consumed, the said make may, and + frequently does, reach 80, 90, or even 99 per cent. of what is + theoretically possible. Inasmuch as calcium carbide is the one costly + ingredient in the manufacture of acetylene, so long as it is not wasted-- + so long, that is to say, as nearly the theoretical yield of gas is + obtained from it--an acetylene generator is satisfactory or efficient in + this particular; and except for the matter of solubility discussed in the + following chapter, the quantity of water consumed is of no importance + whatever. + </p> + <p> + HEAT EVOLVED IN THE REACTION.--The chemical reaction between calcium + carbide and water is accompanied by a large evolution of heat, which, + unless due precautions are taken to prevent it, raises the temperature of + the substances employed, and of the apparatus containing them, to a + serious and often inconvenient extent. This phenomenon is the most + important of all in connexion with acetylene manufacture; for upon a + proper recognition of it, and upon the character of the precautions taken + to avoid its numerous evil effects, depend the actual value and capacity + for smooth working of any acetylene generator. Just as, by an immutable + law of chemistry, a given weight of calcium carbide yields a given weight + of acetylene, and by no amount of ingenuity can be made to produce either + more or less; so, by an equally immutable law of physics, the + decomposition of a given weight of calcium carbide by water, or the + decomposition of a given weight of water by calcium carbide, yields a + perfectly definite quantity of heat--a quantity of heat which cannot be + reduced or increased by any artifice whatever. The result of a production + of heat is usually to raise the temperature of the material in which it is + produced; but this is not always the case, and indeed there is no + necessary connexion or ratio between the quantity of heat liberated in any + form of chemical reaction--of which ordinary combustion is the commonest + type--and the temperature attained by the substances concerned. This + matter has so weighty a bearing upon acetylene generation, and appears to + be so frequently misunderstood, that a couple of illustrations may with + advantage be studied. If a vessel full of cold water, and containing also + a thermometer, is placed over a lighted gas-burner, at first the + temperature of the liquid rises steadily, and there is clearly a ratio + between the size of the flame and the speed at which the mercury mounts up + the scale. Finally, however, the thermometer indicates a certain point, + viz., 100° C, and the water begins to boil; yet although the burner is + untouched, and consequently, although heat must be passing into the vessel + at the same rate as before, the mercury refuses to move as long as any + liquid water is left. By the use of a gas meter it might be shown that the + same volume of gas is always consumed (<i>a</i>) in raising the + temperature of a given quantity of cold water to the boiling- point, and + another equally constant volume of gas is always consumed (<i>b</i>) in + causing the boiling water to disappear as steam. Hence, as coal-gas is + assumed for the present purpose to possess invariably the same heating + power, it appears that the same quantity of heat is always needed to + convert a given amount of cold water at a certain temperature into steam; + but inasmuch as reference to the meter would show that about 5 times the + volume of gas is consumed in changing the boiling water into steam as is + used in heating the cold water to the boiling-point, it will be evident + that the temperature of the mass is raised as high by the heat evolved + during the combustion of one part of gas as it is by that liberated on the + combustion of 6 times that amount. + </p> + <p> + A further example of the difference between quantity of heat and sensible + temperature may be seen in the combustion of coal, for (say) one + hundredweight of that fuel might be consumed in a very few minutes in a + furnace fitted with a powerful blast of air, the operation might be spread + over a considerable number of hours in a domestic grate, or the coal might + be allowed to oxidise by exposure to warm air for a year or more. In the + last case the temperature might not attain that of boiling water, in the + second it would be about that of dull redness, and in the first it would + be that of dazzling whiteness; but in all three cases the total quantity + of heat produced by the time the coal was entirely consumed would be + absolutely identical. The former experiment with water and a gas-burner, + too, might easily be modified to throw light upon another problem in + acetylene generation, for it would be found that if almost any other + liquid than water were taken, less gas (<i>i.e.</i>, a smaller quantity of + heat) would be required to raise a given weight of it from a certain low + to a certain high temperature than in the case of water itself; while if + it were possible similarly to treat the same weight of iron (of which + acetylene generators are constructed), or of calcium carbide, the quantity + of heat used to raise it through a given number of thermometric degrees + would hardly exceed one-tenth or one- quarter of that needed by water + itself. In technical language this difference is due to the different + specific heats of the substances mentioned; the specific heat of a body + being the relative quantity of heat consumed in raising a certain weight + of it a certain number of degrees when the quantity of heat needed to + produce the same effect on the same weight of water is called unity. Thus, + the specific heat of water being termed 1.0, that of iron or steel is + 0.1138, and that of calcium carbide 0.247, [Footnote: This is Carlson's + figure. Morel has taken the value 0.103 in certain calculations.] both + measured at temperatures where water is a liquid. Putting the foregoing + facts in another shape, for a given rise in temperature that substance + will absorb the most heat which has the highest specific heat, and + therefore, in this respect, 1 part by weight of water will do the work of + roughly 9 parts by weight of iron, and of about 4 parts by weight of + calcium carbide. + </p> + <p> + From the practical aspect what has been said amounts to this: During the + operation of an acetylene generator a large amount of heat is produced, + the quantity of which is beyond human control. It is desirable, for + various reasons, that the temperature shall be kept as low as possible. + There are three substances present to which the heat may be compelled to + transfer itself until it has opportunity to pass into the surrounding + atmosphere: the material of which the apparatus is constructed, the gas + which is in process of evolution, and whichever of the two bodies-- + calcium carbide or water--is in excess in the generator. Of these, the + specific heat at constant pressure of acetylene has unfortunately not yet + been determined, but its relative capacity for absorbing heat is + undoubtedly small; moreover the gas could not be permitted to become + sufficiently hot to carry off the heat without grave disadvantages. The + specific heat of calcium carbide is also comparatively small, and there + are similar disadvantages in allowing it to become hot; moreover it is + deficient in heat-conducting power, so that heat communicated to one + portion of the mass does not extend rapidly throughout, but remains + concentrated in one spot, causing the temperature to rise objectionably. + Steel has a sufficient amount of heat-conducting power to prevent undue + concentration in one place; but, as has been stated, its specific heat is + only one-ninth that of water. Water is clearly, therefore, the proper + substance to employ for the dissipation of the heat generated, although it + is strictly speaking almost devoid of heat-conducting power; for not only + is the specific heat of water much greater than that of any other material + present, but it possesses in a high degree the faculty of absorbing heat + throughout its mass, by virtue of the action known as convection, provided + that heat is communicated to it at or near the bottom, and not too near + its upper surface. Moreover, water is a much more valuable substance for + dissipating heat than appears from the foregoing explanation; for + reference to the experiment with the gas- burner will show that six and a + quarter times as much heat can be absorbed by a given weight of water if + it is permitted to change into steam, as if it is merely raised to the + boiling-point; and since by no urging of the gas-burner can the + temperature be raised above 100° C. as long as any liquid water remains + unevaporated, if an excess of water is employed in an acetylene generator, + the temperature inside can never-- except quite locally--exceed 100° C., + however fast the carbide be decomposed. An indefinitely large consumption + of water by evaporation in a generator matters nothing, for the liquid may + be considered of no pecuniary value, and it can all be recovered by + condensation in a subsequent portion of the plant. + </p> + <p> + It has been said that the quantity of heat liberated when a certain amount + of carbide suffers decomposition is fixed; it remains now to consider what + that quantity is. Quantities of heat are always measured in terms of the + amount needed to raise a certain weight of water a certain number of + degrees on the thermometric scale. There are several units in use, but the + one which will be employed throughout this book is the "Large Calorie"; a + large calorie being the amount of heat absorbed in raising 1 kilogramme of + water 1° C. Referring for a moment to what has been said about specific + heats, it will be apparent that if 1 large calorie is sufficient to heat 1 + kilo, of water through 1° C. the same quantity will heat 1 kilo. of steel, + whose specific heat is roughly 0.11, through (10/011) = 9° C., or, which + comes to the same thing, will heat 9 kilos, of steel through 1° C.; and + similarly, 1 large calorie will raise 4 kilos. of calcium carbide 1° C. in + temperature, or 1 kilo. 4° C. The fact that a definite quantity of heat is + manifested when a known weight of calcium carbide is decomposed by water + is only typical; for in every chemical process some disturbance of heat, + though not necessarily of sensible (or thermometric) character, occurs, + heat being either absorbed or set free. Moreover, if when given weights of + two or more substances unite to form a given weight of another substance, + a certain quantity of heat is set free, precisely the same amount of heat + is absorbed, or disappears, when the latter substance is decomposed to + form the same quantities of the original substances; and, <i>per contra</i>, + if the combination is attended by a disappearance of heat, exactly the + same amount is liberated when the compound is broken up into its first + constituents. Compounds are therefore of two kinds: those which absorb + heat during their preparation, and consequently liberate heat when they + are decomposed--such being termed endothermic; and those which evolve heat + during their preparation, and consequently absorb heat when they are + decomposed--such being called exothermic. If a substance absorbs heat + during its formation, it cannot be produced unless that heat is supplied + to it; and since heat, being a form of motion, is equally a form of + energy, energy must be supplied, or work must be done, before that + substance can be obtained. Conversely, if a substance evolves heat during + its formation, its component parts evolve energy when the said substance + is being produced; and therefore the mere act of combination is + accompanied by a facility for doing work, which work may be applied in + assisting some other reaction that requires heat, or may be usefully + employed in any other fashion, or wasted if necessary. Seeing that there + is a tendency in nature for the steady dissipation of energy, it follows + that an exothermic substance is stable, for it tends to remain as it is + unless heat is supplied to it, or work is done upon it; whereas, according + to its degree of endothermicity, an endothermic substance is more or less + unstable, for it is always ready to emit heat, or to do work, as soon as + an opportunity is given to it to decompose. The theoretical and practical + results of this circumstance will be elaborated in Chapter VI., when the + endothermic nature of acetylene is more fully discussed. + </p> + <p> + A very simple experiment will show that a notable quantity of heat is set + free when calcium carbide is brought into contact with water, and by + arranging the details of the apparatus in a suitable manner, the quantity + of heat manifested may be measured with considerable accuracy. A lengthy + description of the method of performing this operation, however, scarcely + comes within the province of the present book, and it must be sufficient + to say that the heat is estimated by decomposing a known weight of carbide + by means of water in a small vessel surrounded on all sides by a carefully + jacketed receptacle full of water and provided with a sensitive + thermometer. The quantity of water contained in the outer vessel being + known, and its temperature having been noted before the reaction + commences, an observation of the thermometer after the decomposition is + finished, and when the mercury has reached its highest point, gives data + which show that the reaction between water and a known weight of calcium + carbide produces heat sufficient in amount to raise a known weight of + water through a known thermometric distance; and from these figures the + corresponding number of large calories may easily be calculated. A + determination of this quantity of heat has been made experimentally by + several investigators, including Lewes, who has found that the heat + evolved on decomposing 1 gramme of ordinary commercial carbide with water + is 0.406 large calorie. [Footnote: Lewes returns his result as 406 + calories, because he employs the "small calorie." The small calorie is the + quantity of heat needed to raise 1 gramme of water 1° C.; but as there are + 1000 grammes in 1 kilogramme, the large calorie is equal to 1000 small + calories. In many respects the former unit is to be preferred.] As the + material operated upon contained only 91.3 per cent. of true calcium + carbide, he estimates the heat corresponding with the decomposition of 1 + gramme of pure carbide to be 0.4446 large calorie. As, however, it is + better, and more in accordance with modern practice, to quote such data in + terms of the atomic or molecular weight of the substance concerned, and as + the molecular weight of calcium carbide is 64, it is preferable to + multiply these figures by 64, stating that, according to Lewes' + researches, the heat of decomposition of "1 gramme- molecule" (<i>i.e.</i>, + 64 grammes) of a calcium carbide having a purity of 91.3 per cent. is just + under 26 calories, or that of 1 gramme-molecule of pure carbide 28.454 + calories. It is customary now to omit the phrase "one gramme-molecule" in + giving similar figures, physicists saying simply that the heat of + decomposition of calcium carbide by water when calcium hydroxide is the + by-product, is 28.454 large calories. + </p> + <p> + Assuming all the necessary data known, as happens to be the case in the + present instance, it is also possible to calculate theoretically the heat + which should be evolved on decomposing calcium carbide by means of water. + Equation (2), given on page 24, shows that of the substances taking part + in the reaction 1 molecular weight of calcium carbide is decomposed, and 1 + molecular weight of acetylene is formed. Of the two molecules of water, + only one is decomposed, the other passing to the calcium hydroxide + unchanged; and the 1 molecule of calcium hydroxide is formed by the + combination of 1 atom of free calcium, 1 atom of free oxygen, and 1 + molecule of water already existing as such. Calcium hydroxide and water + are both exothermic substances, absorbing heat when they are decomposed, + liberating it when they are formed. Acetylene is endothermic, liberating + heat when it is decomposed, absorbing it when it is produced. + Unfortunately there is still some doubt about the heat of formation of + calcium carbide, De Forcrand returning it as -0.65 calorie, and Gin as + +3.9 calories. De Forcrand's figure means, as before explained, that 64 + grammes of carbide should absorb 0.65 large calorie when they are produced + by the combination of 40 grammes of calcium with 24 grammes of carbon; the + minus sign calling attention to the belief that calcium carbide is + endothermic, heat being liberated when it suffers decomposition. On the + contrary, Gin's figure expresses the idea that calcium carbide is + exothermic, liberating 3.9 calories when it is produced, and absorbing + them when it is decomposed. In the absence of corroborative evidence one + way or the other, Gin's determination will be accepted for the ensuing + calculation. In equation (2), therefore, calcium carbide is decomposed and + absorbs heat; water is decomposed and absorbs heat; acetylene is produced + and absorbs heat; and calcium hydroxide is produced liberating heat. On + consulting the tables of thermo-chemical data given in the various + text-books on physical chemistry, all the other constants needed for the + present purpose will be found; and it will appear that the heat of + formation of water is +69 calories, that of acetylene -58.1 calories, and + that of calcium hydroxide, when 1 atom of calcium, 1 atom of oxygen, and 1 + molecule of water unite together, is +160.1 calories. [Footnote: When 1 + atom of calcium, 2 atoms of oxygen, and 2 atoms of hydrogen unite to form + solid calcium hydroxide, the heat of formation of the latter is 229.1 (cf. + <i>infra</i>). This value is simply 160.1 + 69.0 = 229.1; 69.0 being the + heat of formation of water.] Collecting the results into the form of a + balance-sheet, the effect of decomposing calcium carbide with water is + this: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +_Heat liberated._ | _Heat absorbed._ + | +Formation of Ca(OH)_2 16O.1 | Formation of acetylene 58.1 +| Decomposition of water 69.0 + | Decomposition of carbide 3.9 + | Balance 29.1 + _____ | _____ + | + Total 160.1 | Total 160.1 +</pre> + <p> + Therefore when 64 grammes of calcium carbide are decomposed by water, or + when 18 grammes of water are decomposed by calcium carbide (the by- + product in each case being calcium hydroxide or slaked lime, for the + formation of which a further 18 grammes of water must be present in the + second instance), 29.1 large calories are set free. It is not possible yet + to determine thermo-chemical data with extreme accuracy, especially on + such a material as calcium carbide, which is hardly to be procured in a + state of chemical purity; and so the value 28.454 calories experimentally + found by Lewes agrees very satisfactorily, considering all things, with + the calculated value 29.1 calories. It is to be noticed, however, that the + above calculated value has been deduced on the assumption that the calcium + hydroxide is obtained as a dry powder; but as slaked lime is somewhat + soluble in water, and as it evolves 3 calories in so dissolving, if + sufficient water is present to take up the calcium hydroxide entirely into + the liquid form (<i>i.e.</i>, that of a solution), the amount of heat set + free will be greater by those 3 calories, <i>i.e.</i>, 32.1 large calories + altogether. + </p> + <p> + THE PROCESS OF GENERATION.--Taking 28 as the number of large calories + developed when 64 grammes of ordinary commercial calcium carbide are + decomposed with sufficient water to leave dry solid calcium hydroxide as + the by-product in acetylene generation, this quantity of heat is capable + of exerting any of the following effects. It is sufficient (1) to raise + 1000 grammes of water through 28° C., say from 10° C. (50° F., which is + roughly the temperature of ordinary cold water) to 38° C. It is sufficient + (2) to raise 64 grammes of water (a weight equal to that of the carbide + decomposed) through 438° C., if that were possible. It would raise (3) 311 + grammes of water through 90° C., <i>i.e.</i>, from 10° C. to the + boiling-point. If, however, instead of remaining in the liquid state, the + water were converted into vapour, the same quantity of heat would suffice + (4) to change 44.7 grammes of water at 10° C. into steam at 100° C.; or + (5) to change 46.7 grammes of water at 10° C. into vapour at the same + temperature. It is an action of the last character which takes place in + acetylene generators of the most modern and usual pattern, some of the + surplus water being evaporated and carried away as vapour at a + comparatively low temperature with the escaping gas; for it must be + remembered that although steam, as such, condenses into liquid water + immediately the surrounding temperature falls below 100° C., the vapour of + water remains uncondensed, even at temperatures below the freezing- point, + when that vapour is distributed among some permanent gas--the precise + quantity of vapour so remaining being a function of the temperature and + barometric height. Thus it appears that if the heat evolved during the + decomposition of calcium carbide is not otherwise consumed, it is + sufficient in amount to vaporise almost exactly 3 parts by weight of water + for every 4 parts of carbide attacked; but if it were expended upon some + substance such as acetylene, calcium carbide, or steel, which, unlike + water, could not absorb an extra amount by changing its physical state + (from solid to liquid, or from liquid to gas), the heat generated during + the decomposition of a given weight of carbide would suffice to raise an + equal weight of the particular substance under consideration to a + temperature vastly exceeding 438° C. The temperature attained, indeed, + measured in Centigrade degrees, would be 438 multiplied by the quotient + obtained on dividing the specific heat of water by the specific heat of + the substance considered: which quotient, obviously, is the "reciprocal" + of the specific heat of the said substance. + </p> + <p> + The analogy to the combustion of coal mentioned on a previous page shows + that although the quantity of heat evolved during a certain chemical + reaction is strictly fixed, the temperature attained is dependent on the + time over which the reaction is spread, being higher as the process is + more rapid. This is due to the fact that throughout the whole period of + reaction heat is escaping from the mass, and passing into the atmosphere + at a fairly constant speed; so that, clearly, the more slowly heat is + produced, the better opportunity has it to pass away, and the less of it + is left to collect in the material under consideration. During the action + of an acetylene generator, there is a current of gas constantly travelling + away from the carbide, there is vapour of water constantly escaping with + the gas, there are the walls of the generator itself constantly exposed to + the cooling action of the atmosphere, and there is either a mass of + calcium carbide or of water within the generator. It is essential for good + working that the temperature of both the acetylene and the carbide shall + be prevented from rising to any noteworthy extent; while the amount of + heat capable of being dissipated into the air through the walls of the + apparatus in a given time is narrowly limited, depending upon the size and + shape of the generator, and the temperature of the surrounding air. If, + then, a small, suitably designed generator is working quite slowly, the + loss of heat through the external walls of the apparatus may easily be + rapid enough to prevent the internal temperature from rising objectionably + high; but the larger the generator, and the more rapidly it is evolving + gas, the less does this become possible. Since of the substances in or + about a generator water is the one which has by far the largest capacity + for absorbing heat, and since it is the only substance to which any + necessary quantity of heat can be safely or conveniently transmitted, it + follows that the larger in size an acetylene generator is, or the more + rapidly that generator is made to deliver gas, the more desirable is it to + use water as the means for dissipating the surplus heat, and the more + necessary is it to employ an apparatus in which water is in large chemical + excess at the actual place of decomposition. + </p> + <p> + The argument is sometimes advanced that an acetylene generator containing + carbide in excess will work satisfactorily without exhibiting an + undesirable rise in internal temperature, if the vessel holding the + carbide is merely surrounded by a large quantity of cold water. The idea + is that the heat evolved in that particular portion of the charge which is + suffering decomposition will be communicated with sufficient speed + throughout the whole mass of calcium carbide present, whence it will pass + through the walls of the containing vessel into the water all round. + Provided the generator is quite small, provided the carbide container is + so constructed as to possess the maximum of superficial area with the + minimum of cubical capacity (a geometrical form to which the sphere, and + in one direction the cylinder, are diametrically opposed), and provided + the walls of the container do not become coated internally or externally + with a coating of lime or water scale so as to diminish in heat- + transmitting power, an apparatus designed in the manner indicated is + undoubtedly free from grave objection; but immediately any of those + provisions is neglected, trouble is likely to ensue, for the heat will not + disappear from the place of actual reaction at the necessary speed. + Apparent proof that heat is not accumulating unduly in a water-jacketed + carbide container even when the generator is evolving gas at a fair speed + is easy to obtain; for if, as usually happens, the end of the container + through which the carbide is inserted is exposed to the air, the hand may + be placed upon it, and it will be found to be only slightly warm to the + touch. Such a test, however, is inconclusive, and frequently misleading, + because if more than a pound or two of carbide is present as an undivided + mass, and if water is allowed to attack one portion of it, that particular + portion may attain a high temperature while the rest is comparatively + cool: and if the bulk of the carbide is comparatively cool, naturally the + walls of the containing vessel themselves remain practically unheated. + Three causes work together to prevent this heat being dissipated through + the walls of the carbide vessel with sufficient rapidity. In the first + place, calcium carbide itself is a very bad conductor of heat. So + deficient in heat-conducting power is it that a lump a few inches in + diameter may be raised to redness in a gas flame at one spot, and kept hot + for some minutes, while the rest of the mass remains sufficiently cool to + be held comfortably in the fingers. In the second place, commercial + carbide exists in masses of highly irregular shape, so that when they are + packed into any vessel they only touch at their angles and edges; and + accordingly, even if the material were a fairly good heat conductor of + itself, the air or gas present between each lump would act as an + insulator, protecting the second piece from the heat generated in the + first. In the third place, the calcium hydroxide produced as the + by-product when calcium carbide is decomposed by water occupies + considerably more space than the original carbide--usually two or three + times as much space, the exact figures depending upon the conditions in + which it is formed--and therefore a carbide container cannot advisedly be + charged with more than one-third the quantity of solid which it is + apparently capable of holding. The remaining two-thirds of the space is + naturally full of air when the container is first put into the generator, + but the air is displaced by acetylene as soon as gas production begins. + Whether that space, however, is occupied by air, by acetylene, or by a + gradually growing loose mass of slaked lime, each separate lump of hot + carbide is isolated from its neighbours by a material which is also a very + bad heat conductor; and the heat has but little opportunity of + distributing itself evenly. Moreover, although iron or steel is a notably + better conductor of heat than any of the other substances present in the + carbide vessel, it is, as a metal, only a poor conductor, being + considerably inferior in this respect to copper. If heat dissipation were + the only point to be studied in the construction of an acetylene + apparatus, far better results might be obtained by the employment of + copper for the walls of the carbide container; and possibly in that case a + generator of considerable size, fitted with a water- jacketed decomposing + vessel, might be free from the trouble of overheating. Nevertheless it + will be seen in Chapter VI. that the use of copper is not permissible for + such purposes, its advantages as a good conductor of heat being + neutralised by its more important defects. + </p> + <p> + When suitable precautions are not taken to remove the heat liberated in an + acetylene apparatus, the temperature of the calcium carbide occasionally + rises to a remarkable degree. Investigating this point, Caro has studied + the phenomena of heat production in a "dipping" generator-- <i>i.e.</i>, + an apparatus in which a cage of carbide is alternately immersed in and + lifted out of a vessel containing water. Using a generator designed to + supply five burners, he has found a maximum recording thermometer placed + in the gas space of the apparatus to give readings generally between 60° + and 100° C.; but in two tests out of ten he obtained temperatures of about + 160° C. To determine the actual temperature of the calcium carbide itself, + he scattered amongst the carbide charge fragments of different fusible + metallic alloys which were known to melt or soften at certain different + temperatures. In all his ten tests the alloys melting at 120° C. were + fused completely; in two tests other alloys melting at 216° and 240° C. + showed signs of fusion; and in one test an alloy melting at 280° C. began + to soften. Working with an experimental apparatus constructed on the + "dripping" principle-- <i>i.e.</i>, a generator in which water is allowed + to fall in single drops or as a fine stream upon a mass of carbide--with + the deliberate object of ascertaining the highest temperatures capable of + production when calcium carbide is decomposed in this particular fashion, + and employing for the measurement of the heat a Le Chatelier + thermo-couple, with its sensitive wires lying among the carbide lumps, + Lewes has observed a maximum temperature of 674° C. to be reached in 19 + minutes when water was dripped upon 227 grammes of carbide at a speed of + about 8 grammes per minute. In other experiments he used a laboratory + apparatus designed upon the "dipping" principle, and found maximum + temperatures, in four different trials, of 703°, 734°, 754°, and 807° C., + which were reached in periods of time ranging from 12 to 17 minutes. Even + allowing for the greater delicacy of the instrument adopted by Lewes for + measuring the temperature in comparison with the device employed by Caro, + there still remains an astonishing difference between Caro's maximum of + 280° and Lewes' maximum of 807° C. The explanation of this discrepancy is + to be inferred from what has just been said. The generator used by Caro + was properly made of metal, was quite small in size, was properly designed + with some skill to prevent overheating as much as possible, and was worked + at the speed for which it was intended--in a word, it was as good an + apparatus as could be made of this particular type. Lewes' generator was + simply a piece of glass and metal, in which provisions to avoid + overheating were absent; and therefore the wide difference between the + temperatures noted does not suggest any inaccuracy of observation or + experiment, but shows what can be done to assist in the dissipation of + heat by careful arrangement of parts. The difference in temperature + between the acetylene and the carbide in Caro's test accentuates the + difficulty of gauging the heat in a carbide vessel by mere external touch, + and supplies experimental proof of the previous assertions as to the low + heat-conducting power of calcium carbide and of the gases of the + decomposing vessel. It must not be supposed that temperatures such as + Lewes has found ever occur in any commercial generator of reasonably good + design and careful construction; they must be regarded rather as + indications of what may happen in an acetylene apparatus when the + phenomena accompanying the evolution of gas are not understood by the + maker, and when all the precautions which can easily be taken to avoid + excessive heating have been omitted, either by building a generator with + carbide in excess too large in size, or by working it too rapidly, or more + generally by adopting a system of construction unsuited to the ends in + view. The fact, however, that Lewes has noted the production of a + temperature of 807° C. is important; because this figure is appreciably + above the point 780° C., at which acetylene decomposes into its elements + in the absence of air. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless the production of a temperature somewhat exceeding 100° C. + among the lumps of carbide actually undergoing decomposition can hardly be + avoided in any practical generator. Based on a suggestion in the "Report + of the Committee on Acetylene Generators" which was issued by the British + Home Office in 1902, Fouché has proposed that 130° C., as measured with + the aid of fusible metallic rods, [Footnote: An alloy made by melting + together 55 parts by weight of commercial bismuth and 45 parts of lead + fuses at 127° C., and should be useful in performing the tests.] should be + considered the maximum permissible temperature in any part of a generator + working at full speed for a prolonged period of time. Fouché adopts this + figure on the ground that 130° C. sensibly corresponds with the + temperature at which a yellow substance is formed in a generator by a + process of polymerisation; and, referring to French conditions, states + that few actual apparatus permit the development of so high a temperature. + As a matter of fact, however, a fairly high temperature among the carbide + is less important than in the gas, and perhaps it would be better to say + that the temperature in any part of a generator occupied by acetylene + should not exceed 100° C. Fraenkel has carried out some experiments upon + the temperature of the acetylene immediately after evolution in a + water-to-carbide apparatus containing the carbide in a subdivided + receptacle, using an apparatus now frequently described as belonging to + the "drawer" system of construction. When a quantity of about 7 lb. of + carbide was distributed between 7 different cells of the receptacle, each + cell of which had a capacity of 25 fluid oz., and the apparatus was caused + to develop acetylene at the rate of 7 cubic feet per hour, maximum + thermometers placed immediately over the carbide in the different cells + gave readings of from 70° to 90° C., the average maximum temperature being + about 80° C. Hence the Austrian code of rules issued in 1905 governing the + construction of acetylene apparatus contains a clause to the effect that + the temperature in the gas space of a generator must never exceed 80° C.; + whereas the corresponding Italian code contains a similar stipulation, but + quotes the maximum temperature as 100° C. (<i>vide</i> Chapter IV.). + </p> + <p> + It is now necessary to see why the production of an excessively high + temperature in an acetylene generator has to be avoided. It must be + avoided, because whenever the temperature in the immediate neighbourhood + of a mass of calcium carbide which is evolving acetylene under the attack + of water rises materially above the boiling-point of water, one or more of + three several objectionable effects is produced--(<i>a</i>) upon the gas + generated, (<i>b</i>) upon the carbide decomposed, and (<i>c</i>) upon the + general chemical reaction taking place. + </p> + <p> + It has been stated above that in moat generators when the action between + the carbide and the water is proceeding smoothly, it occurs according to + equation (2)-- + </p> + <p> + (2) CaC_2 + 2H_2O = C_2H_2 + Ca(OH)_2 + </p> + <p> + rather than in accordance with equation (1)-- + </p> + <p> + (1) CaC_2 + H_2O = C_2H_2 + CaO. + </p> + <p> + This is because calcium oxide, or quicklime, the by-product in (1), has + considerable affinity for water, evolving a noteworthy quantity of heat + when it combines with one molecule of water to form one molecule of + calcium hydroxide, or slaked lime, the by-product in (2). If, then, a + small amount of water is added to a large amount of calcium carbide, the + corresponding quantity of acetylene may be liberated on the lines of + equation (1), and there will remain behind a mixture of unaltered calcium + carbide, together with a certain amount of calcium oxide. Inasmuch as both + these substances possess an affinity for water (setting heat free when + they combine with it), when a further limited amount of water is + introduced into the mixture some of it will probably be attracted to the + oxide instead of to the carbide present. It is well known that at ordinary + temperatures quicklime absorbs moisture, or combines with water, to + produce slaked lime; but it is equally well known that in a furnace, at + about a red heat, slaked lime gives up water and changes into quicklime. + The reaction, in fact, between calcium oxide and water is reversible, and + whether those substances combine or dissociate is simply a question of + temperature. In other words, as the temperature rises, the heat of + hydration of calcium oxide diminishes, and calcium hydroxide becomes + constantly a less stable material. If now it should happen that the + affinity between calcium carbide and water should not diminish, or should + diminish in a lower ratio than the affinity between calcium oxide and + water as the temperature of the mass rises from one cause or other, it is + conceivable that at a certain temperature calcium carbide might be capable + of withdrawing the water of hydration from the molecule of slaked lime, + converting the latter into quicklime, and liberating one molecule of + acetylene, thus-- + </p> + <p> + (3) CaC_2 + Ca_2(OH) = C_2H_2 + 2CaO. + </p> + <p> + It has been proved that a reaction of this character does occur, the + temperature necessary to determine it being given by Lewes as from 420° to + 430° C., which is not much more than half that which he found in a + generator having carbide in excess, albeit one of extremely bad design. + Treating this reaction in the manner previously adopted, the thermo- + chemical phenomena of equation (3) are: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +_Heat liberated._ | _Heat liberated._ + | +Formation of 2CaO 290.0 | Formation of acetylene 58.1 + | Decomposition of Ca(OH)_2 [1] 229.1 + | Decomposition of carbide 3.9 + Balance 1.1 | + ______ | _____ + | + 291.1 | 291.1 +</pre> + <p> + [1 Footnote: Into its elements, Ca, O_2, and H_2; <i>cf.</i> footnote, p: + 31.] + </p> + <p> + Or, since the calcium hydroxide is only dehydrated without being entirely + decomposed, and only one molecule of water is broken up, it may be + written: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +Formation of CaO 145.0 | Formation of acetylene 58.1 + | Decomposition of Ca(OH)_2 15.1 + | Decomposition of water 69.0 + Balance 1.1 | Decomposition of carbide 3.9 + _____ | _____ + | + 146.1 | 146.1 +</pre> + <p> + which comes to the same thing. Putting the matter in another shape, it may + be said that the reaction between calcium carbide and water is exothermic, + evolving either 14.0 or 29.1 calories according as the byproduct is + calcium oxide or solid calcium hydroxide; and therefore either reaction + proceeds without external assistance in the cold. The reaction between + carbide and slaked lime, however, is endothermic, absorbing 1.1 calories; + and therefore it requires external assistance (presence of an elevated + temperature) to start it, or continuous introduction of heat (as from the + reaction between the rest of the carbide present and the water) to cause + it to proceed. Of itself, and were it not for the disadvantages attending + the production of a temperature remotely approaching 400° C. in an + acetylene generator, which disadvantages will be explained in the + following paragraphs, there is no particular reason why reaction (3) + should not be permitted to occur, for it involves (theoretically) no loss + of acetylene, and no waste of calcium carbide. Only one specific feature + of the reaction has to be remembered, and due practical allowance made for + it. The reaction represented by equation (2) proceeds almost + instantaneously when the calcium carbide is of ordinarily good quality, + and the acetylene resulting therefrom is wholly generated within a very + few minutes. Equation (3), on the contrary, consumes much time for its + completion, and the gas corresponding with it is evolved at a gradually + diminishing speed which may cause the reaction to continue for hours--a + circumstance that may be highly inconvenient or quite immaterial according + to the design of the apparatus. When, however, it is desired to construct + an automatic acetylene generator, <i>i.e.</i>, an apparatus in which the + quantity of gas liberated has to be controlled to suit the requirements of + any indefinite number of burners in use on different occasions, equation + (3) becomes a very important factor in the case. To determine the normal + reaction (No. 2) of an acetylene generator, 64 parts by weight of calcium + carbide must react with 36 parts of water to yield 26 parts by weight of + acetylene, and apparently both carbide and water are entirely consumed; + but if opportunity is given for the occurrence of reaction (3), another 64 + parts by weight of carbide may be attacked, without the addition of any + more water, producing, inevitably, another 26 parts of acetylene. If, + then, water is in chemical excess in the generator, all the calcium + carbide present will be decomposed according to equation (2), and the + action will take place without delay; after a few minutes' interval the + whole of the acetylene capable of liberation will have been evolved, and + nothing further can possibly happen until another charge of carbide is + inserted in the apparatus. If, on the other hand, calcium carbide is in + chemical excess in the generator, all the water run in will be consumed + according to equation (2), and this action will again take place without + delay; but unless the temperature of the residual carbide has been kept + well below 400° C., a further evolution of gas will occur which will not + cease for an indeterminate period of time, and which, by strict theory, + given the necessary conditions, might continue until a second volume of + acetylene equal to that liberated at first had been set free. In practice + this phenomenon of a secondary production of gas, which is known as + "after-generation," is regularly met with in all generators where the + carbide is in excess of the water added; but the amount of acetylene so + evolved rarely exceeds one-quarter or one-third of the main make. The + actual amount evolved and the rate of evolution depend, not merely upon + the quantity of undecomposed carbide still remaining in contact with the + damp lime, but also upon the rapidity with which carbide naturally + decomposes in presence of liquid water, and the size of the lumps. Where + "after-generation" is caused by the ascent of water vapour round lumps of + carbide, the volume of gas produced in a given interval of time is largely + governed by the temperature prevailing and the shape of the apparatus. It + is evident that even copious "after-generation" is a matter of no + consequence in any generator provided with a holder to store the gas, + assuming that by some trustworthy device the addition of water is stopped + by the time that the holder is two-thirds or three-quarters full. In the + absence of a holder, or if the holder fitted is too small to serve its + proper purpose, "aftergeneration" is extremely troublesome and sometimes + dangerous, but a full discussion of this subject must be postponed to the + next chapter. + </p> + <p> + EFFECT OF HEAT ON ACETYLENE.--The effect of excessive retention of heat in + an acetylene generator upon the gas itself is very marked, as acetylene + begins spontaneously to suffer change, and to be converted into other + compounds at elevated temperatures. Being a purely chemical phenomenon, + the behaviour of acetylene when exposed to heat will be fully discussed in + Chapter VI. when the properties of the gas are being systematically dealt + with. Here it will be sufficient to assume that the character of the + changes taking place is understood, and only the practical results of + those changes as affecting the various components of an acetylene + installation have to be studied. According to Lewes, acetylene commences + to "polymerise" at a temperature of about 600° C., when it is converted + into other hydrocarbons having the same percentage composition, but + containing more atoms of carbon and hydrogen in their molecules. The + formula of acetylene is C_2H_2 which means that 2 atoms of carbon and 2 + atoms of hydrogen unite to form 1 molecule of acetylene, a body evidently + containing roughly 92.3 per cent. by weight of carbon and 7.7 per cent. by + weight of hydrogen. One of the most noteworthy substances produced by the + polymerisation of acetylene is benzene, the formula of which is C_6H_6, + and this is formed in the manner indicated by the equation-- + </p> + <p> + (4) 3C_2H_2 = C_6H_6. + </p> + <p> + Now benzene also contains 92.3 per cent. of carbon and 7.7 per cent. by + weight of hydrogen in its composition, but its molecule contains 6 atoms + of each element. When the chemical formula representing a compound body + indicates a substance which is, or can be obtained as, a gas or vapour, it + convoys another idea over and above those mentioned on a previous page. + The formula "C_2H_2," for example, means 1 molecule, or 26 parts by weight + of acetylene, just as "H_2" means 1 molecule, or 2 parts by weight of + hydrogen; but both formulć also mean equal parts by volume of the + respective substances, and since H_2 must mean 2 volumes, being twice H, + which is manifestly 1, C_2H_2 must mean 2 volumes of acetylene as well. + Thus equation (4) states that 6 volumes of acetylene, or 3 x 26 parts by + weight, unite to form 2 volumes of benzene, or 78 parts by weight. If + these hydrocarbons are burnt in air, both are indifferently converted into + carbon dioxide (carbonic acid gas) and water vapour; and, neglecting for + the sake of simplicity the nitrogen of the atmosphere, the processes may + be shown thus: + </p> + <p> + (5) 2C_2H_2 + 5O_2 = 4CO_2 + 2H_2O. + </p> + <p> + (6) 2C_6H_6 + 15O_2 = 12CO_2 + 6H_2O. + </p> + <p> + Equation (5) shows that 4 volumes of acetylene combine with 10 volumes of + oxygen to produce 8 volumes of carbon dioxide and 4 of water vapour; while + equation (6) indicates that 4 volumes of benzene combine with 30 volumes + of oxygen to yield 24 volumes of carbon dioxide and 12 of water vapour. + Two parts by volume of acetylene therefore require 5 parts by volume of + oxygen for perfect combustion, whereas two parts by volume of benzene need + 15--<i>i.e.</i>, exactly three times as much. In order to work + satisfactorily, and to develop the maximum of illuminating power from any + kind of gas consumed, a gas-burner has to be designed with considerable + skill so as to attract to the base of the flame precisely that volume of + air which contains the quantity of oxygen necessary to insure complete + combustion, for an excess of air in a flame is only less objectionable + than a deficiency thereof. If, then, an acetylene burner is properly + constructed, as most modern ones are, it draws into the flame air + corresponding with two and a half volumes of oxygen for every one volume + of acetylene passing from the jets; whereas if it were intended for the + combustion of benzene vapour it would have to attract three times that + quantity. Since any flame supplied with too little air tends to emit free + carbon or soot, it follows that any well-made acetylene burner delivering + a gas containing benzene vapour will yield a more or lens smoky flame + according to the proportion of benzene in the acetylene. Moreover, at + ordinary temperatures benzene is a liquid, for it boils at 81° C., and + although, as was explained above in the case of water, it is capable of + remaining in the state of vapour far below its boiling-point so long as it + is suspended in a sufficiency of some permanent gas like acetylene, if the + proportion of vapour in the gas at any given temperature exceeds a certain + amount the excess will be precipitated in the liquid form; while as the + temperature falls the proportion of vapour which can be retained in a + given volume of gas also diminishes to a noteworthy extent. Should any + liquid, be it water or benzene, or any other substance, separate from the + acetylene under the influence of cold while the gas is passing through + pipes, the liquid will run downwards to the lowest points in those pipes; + and unless due precautions are taken, by the insertion of draw-off cocks, + collecting wells, or the like, to withdraw the deposited water or other + liquid, it will accumulate in all bends, angles, and dips till the pipes + are partly or completely sealed against the passage of gas, and the lights + will either "jump" or be extinguished altogether. In the specific case of + an acetylene generator this trouble is very likely to arise, even when the + gas is not heated sufficiently during evolution for polymerisation to + occur and benzene or other liquid hydrocarbons to be formed, because any + excess of water present in the decomposing vessel is liable to be + vaporised by the heat of the reaction--as already stated it is desirable + that water shall be so vaporised--and will remain safely vaporised as long + as the pipes are kept warm inside or near the generator; but directly the + pipes pass away from the hot generator the cooling action of the air + begins, and some liquid water will be immediately produced. Like the + phenomenon of after- generation, this equally inevitable phenomenon of + water condensation will be either an inconvenience or source of positive + danger, or will be a matter of no consequence whatever, simply as the + whole acetylene installation, including the service-pipes, is ignorantly + or intelligently built. + </p> + <p> + As long as nothing but pure polymerisation happens to the acetylene, as + long, that is to say, as it is merely converted into other hydrocarbons + also having the general formula C_(2n)H_(2n), no harm will be done to the + gas as regards illuminating power, for benzene burns with a still more + luminous flame than acetylene itself; nor will any injury result to the + gas if it is required for combustion in heating or cooking stoves beyond + the fact that the burners, luminous or atmospheric, will be delivering a + material for the consumption of which they are not properly designed. But + if the temperature should rise much above the point at which benzene is + the most conspicuous product of polymerisation, other far more complicated + changes occur, and harmful effects may be produced in two separate ways. + Some of the new hydrocarbons formed may interact to yield a mixture of one + or more other hydrocarbons containing a higher proportion of carbon than + that which is present in acetylene and benzene, together with a + corresponding proportion of free hydrogen; the former will probably be + either liquids or solids, while the latter burns with a perfectly + non-luminous flame. Thus the quantity of gas evolved from the carbide and + passed into the holder is less than it should be, owing to the + condensation of its non-gaseous constituents. To quote an instance of + this, Haber has found 15 litres of acetylene to be reduced in volume to 10 + litres when the gas was heated to 638° C. By other changes, some + "saturated hydrocarbons," <i>i.e.</i>, bodies having the general formula + C_nH_(2n+2), of which methane or marsh-gas, CH_4 is the best known, may be + produced; and those all possess lower illuminating powers than acetylene. + In two of those experiments already described, where Lewes observed + maximum temperatures ranging from 703° to 807° C., samples of the gas + which issued when the heat was greatest were submitted to chemical + analysis, and their illuminating powers were determined. The figures he + gives are as follows: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I. II. + Per Cent. Per Cent. + Acetylene 70.0 69.7 + Saturated hydrocarbons 11.3 11.4 + Hydrogen 18.7 18.9 + _____ _____ + + 100.0 100.0 +</pre> + <p> + The average illuminating power of these mixed gases is about 126 candles + per 5 cubic feet, whereas that of pure acetylene burnt under good + laboratory conditions is 240 candles per 5 cubic feet. The product, it + will be seen, had lost almost exactly 50 per cent. of its value as an + illuminant, owing to the excessive heating to which it had been, exposed. + Some of the liquid hydrocarbons formed at the same time are not limpid + fluids like benzene, which is less viscous than water, but are thick oily + substances, or even tars. They therefore tend to block the tubes of the + apparatus with great persistence, while the tar adheres to the calcium + carbide and causes its further attack by water to be very irregular, or + even altogether impossible. In some of the very badly designed generators + of a few years back this tarry matter was distinctly visible when the + apparatus was disconnected for recharging, for the spent carbide was + exceptionally yellow, brown, or blackish in colour, [Footnote: As will be + pointed out later, the colour of the spent lime cannot always be employed + as a means for judging whether overheating has occurred in a generator.] + and the odour of tar was as noticeable as that of crude acetylene. + </p> + <p> + There is another effect of heat upon acetylene, more calculated to be + dangerous than any of those just mentioned, which must not be lost sight + of. Being an endothermic substance, acetylene is prone to decompose into + its elements-- + </p> + <p> + (7) C_2H_2 -> C_2 + H_2 + </p> + <p> + whenever it has the opportunity; and the opportunity arrives if the + temperature of the gas risen to 780° C., or if the pressure under which + the gas is stored exceeds two atmospheres absolute (roughly 30 lb. per + square inch). It decomposes, be it carefully understood, in the complete + absence of air, directly the smallest spark of red-hot material or of + electricity, or directly a gentle shock, such as that of a fall or blow on + the vessel holding it, is applied to any volume of acetylene existing at a + temperature exceeding 780° or at a gross pressure of 30 lb. per square + inch; and however large that volume may be, unless it is contained in + tubes of very small diameter, as will appear hereafter, the decomposition + or dissociation into its elements will extend throughout the whole of the + gas. Equation (7) states that 2 volumes of acetylene yield 2 volumes of + hydrogen and a quantity of carbon which would measure 2 volumes were it + obtained in the state of gas, but which, being a solid, occupies a space + that may be neglected. Apparently, therefore, the dissociation of + acetylene involves no alteration in volume, and should not exhibit + explosive effects. This is erroneous, because 2 volumes of acetylene only + yield exactly 2 volumes of hydrogen when both gases are measured at the + same temperature, and all gases increase in volume as their temperature + rises. As acetylene is endothermic and evolves much heat on decomposition, + and as that heat must primarily be communicated to the hydrogen, it + follows that the latter must be much hotter than the original acetylene; + the hydrogen accordingly strives to fill a much larger space than that + occupied by the undecomposed gas, and if that gas is contained in a closed + vessel, considerable internal pressure will be set up, which may or may + not cause the vessel to burst. + </p> + <p> + What has been said in the preceding paragraph about the temperature at + which acetylene decomposes is only true when the gas is free from any + notable quantity of air. In presence of air, acetylene inflames at a much + lower temperature, viz., 480° C. In a manner precisely similar to that of + all other combustible gases, if a stream of acetylene issues into the + atmosphere, as from the orifices of a burner, the gas catches fire and + burns quietly directly any substance having a temperature of 480° C. or + upwards is brought near it; but if acetylene in bulk is mixed with the + necessary quantity of air to support combustion, and any object exceeding + 480° C. in temperature comes in contact with it, the oxidation of the + hydrocarbon proceeds at such a high rate of speed as to be termed an + explosion. The proportion of air needed to support combustion varies with + every combustible material within known limits (<i>cf.</i> Chapter VI.), + and according to Eitner the smallest quantity of air required to make + acetylene burn or explode, as the case may be, is 25 per cent. If, by + ignorant design or by careless manipulation, the first batches of + acetylene evolved from a freshly charged generator should contain more + than 25 per cent. of air; or if in the inauguration of a new installation + the air should not be swept out of the pipes, and the first makes of gas + should become diluted with 25 to 50 per cent. of air, any glowing body + whose temperature exceeds 480° C. will fire the gas; and, as in the former + instance, the flame will extend all through the mass of acetylene with + disastrous violence and at enormous speed unless the gas is stored in + narrow pipes of extremely small diameter. Three practical lessons are to + be learnt from this circumstance: first, tobacco-smoking must never be + permitted in any building where an escape of raw acetylene is possible, + because the temperature of a lighted cigar, &c., exceeds 480° C.; + secondly, a light must never be applied to a pipe delivering acetylene + until a proper acetylene burner has been screwed into the aperture; + thirdly, if any appreciable amount of acetylene is present in the air, no + operation should be performed upon any portion of an acetylene plant which + involves such processes as scraping or chipping with the aid of a steel + tool or shovel. If, for example, the iron or stoneware sludge-pipe is + choked, or the interior of the dismantled generator is blocked, and + attempts are made to remove the obstruction with a hard steel tool, a + spark is very likely to be formed which, granting the existence of + sufficient acetylene in the air, is perfectly able to fire the gas. For + all such purposes wooden implements only are best employed; but the remark + does not apply to the hand-charging of a carbide-to-water generator + through its proper shoot. Before passing to another subject, it may be + remarked that a quantity of air far less than that which causes acetylene + to become dangerous is objectionable, as its presence is apt to reduce the + illuminating power of the gas unduly. + </p> + <p> + EFFECT OF HEAT ON CARBIDE.--Chemically speaking, no amount of heat + possible of attainment in the worst acetylene generator can affect calcium + carbide in the slightest degree, because that substance may be raised to + almost any temperature short of those distinguishing the electric furnace, + without suffering any change or deterioration. In the absence of water, + calcium carbide is as inert a substance as can well be imagined: it cannot + be made to catch fire, for it is absolutely incombustible, and it can be + heated in any ordinary flame for reasonable periods of time, or thrown + into any non-electrical furnace without suffering in the least. But in + presence of water, or of any liquid containing water, matters are + different. If the temperature of an acetylene generator rises to such an + extent that part of the gas is polymerised into tar, that tar naturally + tends to coat the residual carbide lumps, and, being greasy in character, + more or less completely protects the interior from further attack. Action + of this nature not only means that the acetylene is diminished in quantity + and quality by partial decomposition, but it also means that the make is + smaller owing to imperfect decomposition of the carbide: while over and + above this is the liability to nuisance or danger when a mass of solid + residue containing some unaltered calcium carbide is removed from the + apparatus and thrown away. In fact, whenever the residue of a generator is + not so saturated with excess of water as to be of a creamy consistency, it + should be put into an uncovered vessel in the open air, and treated with + some ten times its volume of water before being run into any drain or + closed pipe where an accumulation of acetylene may occur. Even at + temperatures far below those needed to determine a production of tar or an + oily coating on the carbide, if water attacks an excess of calcium carbide + somewhat rapidly, there is a marked tendency for the carbide to be "baked" + by the heat produced; the slaked lime adhering to the lumps as a hard skin + which greatly retards the penetration of more water to the interior. + </p> + <p> + COLOUR OF SPENT CARBIDE.--In the early days of the industry, it was + frequently taken for granted that any degradation in the colour of the + spent lime left in an acetylene generator was proof that overheating had + taken place during the decomposition of the carbide. Since both calcium + oxide and hydroxide are white substances, it was thought that a brownish, + greyish, or blackish residue must necessarily point to incipient + polymerisation of the gas. This view would be correct if calcium carbide + were prepared in a state of chemical purity, for it also is a white body. + Commercial carbide, however, is not pure; it usually contains some foreign + matter which tints the residue remaining after gasification. When a + manufacturer strives to give his carbide the highest gas-making power + possible he frequently increases the proportion of carbon in the charge + submitted to electric smelting, until a small excess is reached, which + remains in the free state amongst the finished carbide. After + decomposition the fine particles of carbon stain the moist lime a bluish + grey tint, the depth of shade manifestly depending upon the amount + present. If such a sludge is copiously diluted with water, particles of + carbon having the appearance and gritty or flaky nature of coke often rise + to the surface or fall to the bottom of the liquid; whence they can easily + be picked out and identified as pure or impure carbon by simple tests. + Similarly the lime or carbon put into the electric furnace may contain + small quantities of compounds which are naturally coloured; and which, + reappearing in the sludge either in their original or in a different state + of combination, confer upon the sludge their characteristic tinge. Spent + lime of a yellowish brown colour is frequently to be met with in + circumstances that are clearly no reproach to the generator. Doubtless the + tint is due to the presence of some coloured metallic oxide or other + compound which has escaped reduction in the electric furnace. The colour + which the residual lime afterwards assumes may not be noticeable in the + dry carbide before decomposition, either because some change in the + colour-giving impurity takes place during the chemical reactions in the + generator or because the tint is simply masked by the greyish white of the + carbide and its free carbon. Hence it follows that a bad colour in the + waste lime removed from a generator only points to overheating and + polymerisation of the acetylene when corroborative evidence is + obtained--such as a distinct tarry smell, the actual discovery of oily or + tarry matters elsewhere, or a grave reduction in the illuminating power of + the gas. + </p> + <p> + MAXIMUM ATTAINABLE TEMPERATURES.--In order to discover the maximum + temperature which can be reached in or about an acetylene generator when + an apparatus belonging to one of the best types is fed at a proper rate + with calcium carbide in lumps of the most suitable size, the following + calculation may be made. In the first place, it will be assumed that no + loss of heat by radiation occurs from the walls of the generator; + secondly, the small quantity of heat taken up by the calcium hydroxide + produced will be ignored; and, thirdly, the specific heat of acetylene + will be assumed to be 0.25, which is about its most probable value. Now, a + hand-fed carbide-to-water generator will work with half a gallon of water + for every 1 lb. of carbide decomposed, quantities which correspond with + 320 grammes of water per 64 grammes (1 molecular weight) of carbide. Of + those 320 grammes of water, 18 are chemically destroyed, leaving 302. The + decomposition of 64 grammes of commercial carbide evolves 28 large + calories of heat. Assuming all the heat to be absorbed by the water, 28 + calories would raise 302 grammes through (28 X 1000 / 302) = 93° C., <i>i.e.</i>, + from 44.6° F. to the boiling-point. Assuming all the heat to be + communicated to the acetylene, those 28 calories would raise the 26 + grammes of gas liberated through (28 X 1000 / 26 / 0.25) = 4308° C., if + that were possible. But if, as would actually be the case, the heat were + distributed uniformly amongst the 302 grammes of water and the 20 grammes + of acetylene, both gas and water would be raised through the same number + of degrees, viz., 90.8° C. [Footnote: Let x = the number of large calories + absorbed by the water; then 28 - x = those taken up by the gas. Then-- + </p> + <p> + 1000x / 302 = 1000 (28 - x) / (26 X 0.25) + </p> + <p> + whence x = 27.41; and 28 - x = 0.59. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, for water, the rise in temperature is-- + </p> + <p> + 27.41 X 1000 / 302 = 90.8° C.; + </p> + <p> + and for acetylene the rise is-- + </p> + <p> + 0.59 X 1000 / 26 / 0.25 = 90.8° C.] + </p> + <p> + If the generator were designed on lines to satisfy the United States Fire + Underwriters, it would contain 8.33 lb. of water to every 1 lb. of carbide + attacked; identical calculations then showing that the original + temperature of the water and gas would be raised through 53.7° C. Provided + the carbide is not charged into such an apparatus in lumps of too large a + size, nor at too high a rate, there will be no appreciable amount of local + overheating developed; and nowhere, therefore, will the rise in + temperature exceed 91° in the first instance, or 54° C. in the second. + Indeed it will be considerably smaller than this, because a large + proportion of the heat evolved will be lost by radiation through the + generator walls, while another portion will be converted from sensible + into latent heat by causing part of the water to pass off as vapour with + the acetylene. + </p> + <p> + EFFECT OF HIGH TEMPERATURES ON GENERATORS.--As the temperature amongst the + carbide in any generator in which water is not present in large excess may + easily reach 200° C. or upwards, no material ought to be employed in the + construction of such generators which is not competent to withstand a + considerable amount of heat in perfect safety. The ordinary varieties of + soft solder applied with the bitt in all kinds of light metal-work usually + melt, according to their composition, at about 180° C.; and therefore this + method of making joints is only suitable for objects that are never raised + appreciably in temperature above the boiling-point of water. No joint in + an acetylene generator, the partial or complete failure of which would + radically affect the behaviour of the apparatus, by permitting the charges + of carbide and of water to come into contact at an abnormal rate of speed, + by allowing the acetylene to escape directly through the crack into the + atmosphere, or by enabling the water to run out of the seal of any vessel + containing gas so as to set up a free communication between that vessel + and the air, ought ever to be made of soft solder--every joint of this + character should be constructed either by riveting, by bolting, or by + doubly folding the metal sheets. Apparently, a joint constantly immersed + in water on one side cannot rise in temperature above the boiling-point of + the liquid, even when its other side is heated strongly; but since, even + if a generator is not charged with naturally hard water, its fluid + contents soon become "hard" by dissolution of lime, there is always a + liability to the deposition of water scale over the joint. Such water + scale is a very bad heat conductor, as is seen in steam boilers, so that a + seam coated with an exceedingly thin layer of scale, and heated sharply on + one side, will rise above the boiling-point of water even if the liquid on + its opposite side is ice-cold. For a while the film of scale may be quite + water-tight, but after it has been heated by contact with the hot metal + several times it becomes brittle and cracks without warning. But there is + a more important reason for avoiding the use of plumbers' solder. It might + seem that as the natural hard, protective skin of the metal is liable to + be injured or removed by the bending or by the drilling or punching which + precedes the insertion of the rivets or studs, an application of soft + solder to such a joint should be advantageous. This is not true because of + the influence of galvanic action. As all soft solders consist largely of + lead, if a joint is soldered, a "galvanic couple" of lead and iron, or of + lead and zinc (when the apparatus is built of galvanised steel), is + exposed to the liquid bathing it; and since in both cases the lead is + highly electro-negative to the iron or zinc, it is the iron or zinc which + suffers attack, assuming the liquid to possess any corrosive properties + whatever. Galvanised iron which has been injured during the joint-making + presents a zinc-iron couple to the water, but the zinc protects the iron; + if a lead solder is present, the iron will begin to corrode immediately + the zinc has disappeared. In the absence of lead it is the less important + metal, but in the presence of lead it is the more important (the + foundation) metal which is the soluble element of the couple. Where + practicable, joints in an acetylene generator may safely be made by + welding or by autogenous soldering ("burning"), because no other metal is + introduced into the system; any other process, except that of riveting or + folding, only hastens destruction of the plant. The ideal method of making + joints about an acetylene generator is manifestly that of autogenous + soldering, because, as will appear in Chapter IX. of this book, the most + convenient and efficient apparatus for performing the operation is the + oxy-acetylene blow-pipe, which can be employed so as to convert two + separate pieces of similar metal into one homogeneous whole. + </p> + <p> + In less critical situations in an acetylene plant, such as the partitions + of a carbide container, &c., where the collapse of the seam or joint + would not be followed by any of the effects previously suggested, there is + less cause for prohibiting the use of unfortified solder; but even here, + two or three rivets, just sufficient to hold the metal in position if the + solder should give way, are advisedly put into all apparatus. In other + portions of an acetylene installation where a merely soldered joint is + exposed to warm damp gas which is in process of cooling, instead of being + bathed in hard water, an equal, though totally dissimilar, danger is + courted. The main constituent of such solders that are capable of being + applied with the bitt is lead; lead is distinctly soluble in soft or pure + water; and the water which separates by condensation out of a warm damp + gas is absolutely soft, for it has been distilled. If condensation takes + place at or near a soldered joint in such a way that water trickles over + the solder, by slow degrees the metallic lead will be dissolved and + removed, and eventually a time will come when the joint is no longer tight + to gas. In fact, if an acetylene installation is of more than very small + dimensions, <i>e.g.</i>, when it is intended to supply any building as + large as, or larger than, the average country residence, if it is to give + satisfaction to both constructor and purchaser by being quite trustworthy + and, possessed of a due lease of life, say ten or fifteen years, it must + be built of stouter materials than the light sheets which alone are + suitable for manipulation with the soldering-iron or for bending in the + ordinary type of metal press. Sound cast-iron, heavy sheet-metal, or light + boiler-plate is the proper substance of which to construct all the + important parts of a generator, and the joints in wrought metal must be + riveted and caulked or soldered autogeneously as mentioned above. So + built, the installation becomes much more costly to lay down than an + apparatus composed of tinplate, zinc, or thin galvanised iron, but it will + prove more economical in the long run. It is not too much to say that if + ignorant and short-sighted makers in the earliest days of the acetylene + industry had not recommended and supplied to their customers lightly built + apparatus which has in many instances already begun to give trouble, to + need repairs, and to fail by thorough corrosion--apparatus which + frequently had nothing but cheapness in its favour--the use of the gas + would have spread more rapidly than it has done, and the public would not + now be hearing of partial or complete failures of acetylene installations. + Each of these failures, whether accompanied by explosions and injury to + persons or not, acts more powerfully to restrain a possible new customer + from adopting the acetylene light, than several wholly successful plants + urge him to take it up; for the average member of the public is not in a + position to distinguish properly between the collapse of a certain + generator owing to defective design or construction (which reflects no + discredit upon the gas itself), and the failure of acetylene to show in + practice those advantages that have been ascribed to it. One peculiar and + noteworthy feature of acetylene, often overlooked, is that the apparatus + is constructed by men who may have been accustomed to gas-making plant all + their lives, and who may understand by mere habit how to superintend a + chemical operation; but the same apparatus is used by persons who + generally have no special acquaintance with such subjects, and who, very + possibly, have not even burnt coal-gas at any period of their lives. Hence + it happens that when some thoughtless action on the part of the country + attendant of an acetylene apparatus is followed by an escape of gas from + the generator, and by an accumulation of that gas in the house where the + plant is situated, or when, in disregard of rules, he takes a naked light + into the house and an explosion follows, the builder dismisses the episode + as a piece of stupidity or wilful misbehaviour for which he can in nowise + be held morally responsible; whereas the builder himself is to blame for + designing an apparatus from which an escape of gas can be accompanied by + sensible risks to property or life. However unpalatable this assertion may + be, its truth cannot be controverted; because, short of criminal intention + or insanity on the part of the attendant, it is in the first place a mere + matter of knowledge and skill so to construct an acetylene plant that an + escape of gas is extremely unlikely, even when the apparatus is opened for + recharging, or when it is manipulated wrongly; and in the second place, it + is easy so to arrange the plant that any disturbance of its functions + which may occur shall be followed by an immediate removal of the surplus + gas into a place of complete safety outside and above the generator-house. + </p> + <p> + GENERATION AT LOW TEMPERATURES.--In all that has been said hitherto about + the reaction between calcium carbide and water being instantaneous, it has + been assumed that the two substances are brought together at or about the + usual temperature of an occupied room, <i>i.e.</i>, 15 degrees C. If, + however, the temperature is materially lower than this, the speed of the + reaction falls off, until at -5 degrees C., supposing the water still to + remain liquid, evolution of acetylene practically ceases. Even at the + freezing-point of pure water gas is produced but slowly; and if a lump of + carbide is thrown on to a block of ice, decomposition proceeds so gently + that the liberated acetylene may be ignited to form a kind of torch, while + heat is generated with insufficient rapidity to cause the carbide to sink + into the block. This fact has very important bearings upon the + manipulation of an acetylene generator in winter time. It is evident that + unless precautions are taken those portions of an apparatus which contain + water are liable to freeze on a cold night; because, even if the generator + has been at work producing gas (and consequently evolving heat) till late + in the evening, the surplus heat stored in the plant may escape into the + atmosphere long before more acetylene has to be made, and obviously while + frost is still reigning in the neighbourhood. If the water freezes in the + water store, in the pipes leading therefrom, in the holder seal, or in the + actual decomposing chamber, a fresh batch of gas is either totally + incapable of production, because the water cannot be brought into contact + with the calcium carbide in the apparatus, or it can only be generated + with excessive slowness because the carbide introduced falls on to solid + ice. Theoretically, too, there is a possibility that some portion of the + apparatus--a pipe in particular--may be burst by the freezing, owing to + the irresistible force with which water expands when it changes into the + solid condition. Probably this last contingency, clearly accompanied as it + would be by grave risk, is somewhat remote, all the plant being + constructed of elastic material; but in practice even a simple + interference with the functions of a generator by freezing, ideally of no + special moment, is highly dangerous, because of the great likelihood that + hurried and wholly improper attempts to thaw it will be made by the + attendant. As it has been well known for many years that the solidifying + point of water can be lowered to almost any degree below normal freezing + by dissolving in it certain salts in definite proportions, one of the + first methods suggested for preventing the formation of ice in an + acetylene generator was to employ such a salt, using, in fact, for the + decomposition of the carbide some saline solution which remains liquid + below the minimum night temperature of the winter season. Such a process, + however, has proved unsuitable for the purpose in view; and the + explanation of that fact is found in what has just been stated: the + "water" of the generator may admittedly be safely maintained in the fluid + state, but from so cold a liquid acetylene will not be generated smoothly, + if at all. Moreover, were it not so, a process of this character is + unnecessarily expensive, although suitable salts are very cheap, for the + water of the generator is constantly being consumed, [Footnote: It has + already been said that most generators "consume" a much larger volume of + water than the amount corresponding with the chemical reaction involved: + the excess of water passing into the sludge or by- product. Thus a + considerable quantity of any anti-freezing agent must be thrown aside each + time the apparatus is cleaned out or its fluid contents are run off.] and + as constantly needs renewal; which means that a fresh batch of salt would + be required every time the apparatus was recharged, so long as frost + existed or might be expected. A somewhat different condition obtains in + the holder of an acetylene installation. Here, whenever the holder is a + separate item in the plant, not constituting a portion of the generating + apparatus, the water which forms the seal of a rising holder, or which + fills half the space of a displacement holder, lasts indefinitely; and it + behaves equally well, whatever its temperature may be, so long as it + retains a fluid state. This matter will be discussed with greater detail + at the end of Chapter III. At present the point to be insisted on is that + the temperature in any constituent of an acetylene installation which + contains water must not be permitted to fall to the freezing-point; while + the water actually used for decomposition must be kept well above that + temperature. + </p> + <p> + GENERATION AT HIGH TEMPERATURES.--At temperatures largely exceeding those + of the atmosphere, the reaction between calcium carbide and water tends to + become irregular; while at a red heat steam acts very slowly upon carbide, + evolving a mixture of acetylene and hydrogen in place of pure acetylene. + But since at pressures which do not materially exceed that of the + atmosphere, water changes into vapour at 100° C., above that temperature + there can be no question of a reaction between carbide and liquid water. + Moreover, as has been pointed out, steam or water vapour will continue to + exist as such at temperatures even as low as the freezing-point so long as + the vapour is suspended among the particles of a permanent gas. Between + calcium carbide and water vapour a double decomposition occurs chemically + identical with that between carbide and liquid water; but the physical + effect of the reaction and its practical bearings are considerably + modified. The quantity of heat liberated when 30 parts by weight of steam + react with 64 parts of calcium carbide should be essentially unaltered + from that evolved when the reagent is in the liquid state; but the + temperature likely to be attained when the speed of reaction remains the + same as before will be considerably higher for two conspicuous reasons. In + the first place, the specific heat of steam in is only 0.48, while that of + liquid water is 1.0. Hence, the quantity of heat which is sufficient to + raise the temperature of a given weight of liquid water through <i>n</i> + thermometric degrees, will raise the temperature of the same weight of + water vapour through rather more than 2 <i>n</i> degrees. In the second + place, that relatively large quantity of heat which in the case of liquid + water merely changes the liquid into a vapour, becoming "latent" or + otherwise unrecognisable, and which, as already shown, forms roughly + five-sixths of the total heat needed to convert cold water into steam, has + no analogue if the water has previously been vaporised by other means; and + therefore the whole of the heat supplied to water vapour raises its + sensible temperature, as indicated by the thermometer. Thus it appears + that, except for the sufficient amount of cooling that can be applied to a + large vessel containing carbide by surrounding it with a water jacket, + there is no way of governing its temperature satisfactorily if water + vapour is allowed to act upon a mass of carbide--assuming, of course, that + the reaction proceeds at any moderate speed, <i>e.g.</i>, at a rate much + above that required to supply one or two burners with gas. + </p> + <p> + The decomposition which with perfect chemical accuracy has been stated to + occur quantitatively between 36 parts by weight, of water and 64 parts of + calcium carbide scarcely ever takes place in so simple a fashion in an + actual generator. Owing to the heat developed when carbide is in excess, + about half the water is converted into vapour; and so the reaction + proceeds in two stages: half the water added reacting with the carbide as + a liquid, the other half, in a state of vapour, afterwards reacting + similarly, [Footnote: This secondary reaction is manifestly only another + variety of the phenomenon known as "after-generation" (cf. <i>ante</i>). + After-generation is possible between calcium carbide and mechanically damp + slaked lime, between carbide and damp gas, or between carbide and calcium + hydroxide, as opportunity shall serve. In all cases the carbide must be in + excess.] or hardly reacting at all, as the case may be. Suppose a vessel, + A B, somewhat cylindrical in shape, is charged with carbide, and that + water is admitted at the end called A. Suppose now (1) that the exit for + gas is at the opposite end, B. As the lumps near A are attacked by half + the liquid introduced, while the other half is changed into steam, a + current, of acetylene and water vapour travels over the charge lying + between the decomposing spot and the end B. During its passage the second + half of the water, as vapour, reacts with the excess of carbide, the first + make of acetylene being dried, and more gas being produced. Thus a second + quantity of heat is developed, equal by theory to that previously evolved; + but a second elevation in temperature, far more serious, and far less + under control, than the former also occurs; and this is easily sufficient + to determine some of those undesirable effects already described. + Digressing for a moment, it may be admitted that the desiccation of the + acetylene produced in this manner is beneficial, even necessary; but the + advantages of drying the gas at this period of its treatment are + outweighed by the concomitant disadvantages and by the later inevitable + remoistening thereof. Suppose now (2) that both the water inlet and the + gas exit of the carbide cylinder are at the same end, A. Again half the + added water, as liquid, reacts with the carbide it first encounters, but + the hot stream of damp gas is not permitted to travel over the rest of the + lumps extending towards B: it is forced to return upon its steps, leaving + B practically untouched. The gas accordingly escapes from the cylinder at + A still loaded with water vapour, and for a given weight of water + introduced much less acetylene is evolved than in the former case. The + gas, too, needs drying somewhere else in the plant; but these defects are + preferable to the apparent superiority of the first process because + overheating is, or can be, more thoroughly guarded against. + </p> + <p> + PRESSURE IN GENERATORS.--Inasmuch as acetylene is prone to dissociate or + decompose into its elements spontaneously whenever its pressure reaches 2 + atmospheres or 30 lb. per square inch, as well as when its temperature at + atmospheric pressure attains 780° C., no pressure approaching that of 2 + atmospheres is permissible in the generator. A due observance of this + rule, however, unlike a proper maintenance of a low temperature in an + acetylene apparatus, is perfectly easy to arrange for. The only reason for + having an appreciable positive pressure in any form of generating plant is + that the gas may be compelled to travel through the pipes and to escape + from the burner orifices; and since the plant is only installed to serve + the burners, that pressure which best suits the burners must be thrown by + the generator or its holder. Therefore the highest pressure it is ever + requisite to employ in a generator is a pressure sufficient (<i>a</i>) to + lift the gasholder bell, or to raise the water in a displacement holder, (<i>b</i>) + to drive the gas through the various subsidiary items in the plant, such + as washers and purifiers, (<i>c</i>) to overcome the friction in the + service-pipes, [Footnote: This friction manifestly causes a loss of + pressure, <i>i.e.</i>, a fall in pressure, as a gas travels along a pipe; + and, as will be shown in Chapter VII., it is the fall in pressure in a + pipe rather than the initial pressure at which a gas enters a pipe that + governs the volume of gas passing through that pipe. The proper behaviour + and economic working of a burner (acetylene or other, luminous or + incandescent) naturally depend upon the pressure in the pipe to which the + burner is immediately attached being exactly suited to the design of that + burner, and have nothing to do with the fall in pressure occurring in the + delivery pipes. It is therefore necessary to keep entirely separate the + ideas of proper burner pressure and of maximum desirable fall in pressure + within the service due to friction.] and (d) to give at the points of + combustion a pressure which is required by the particular burners adopted. + In all except village or district installations, (<i>c</i>) may be + virtually neglected. When the holder has a rising bell, (<i>a</i>) + represents only an inch or so of water; but if a displacement holder is + employed the pressure needed to work it is entirely indeterminate, being + governed by the size and shape of the said holder. It will be argued in + Chapter III. that a rising holder is always preferable to one constructed + on the displacement principle. The pressure (d) at the burners may be + taken at 4 inches of water as a maximum, the precise figure being + dependent upon the kind of burners--luminous, incandescent, boiling, &c.--attached + to the main. The pressure (<i>b</i>) also varies according to + circumstances, but averages 2 or 3 inches. Thus a pressure in the + generator exceeding that of the atmosphere by some 12 inches of water--<i>i.e.</i>, + by about 7 oz., or less than half a pound per square inch--is amply + sufficient for every kind of installation, the less meritorious generators + with displacement holders only excepted. This pressure, it should be + noted, is the net or effective pressure, the pressure with which the gas + raises the liquid in a water-gauge glass out of the level while the + opposite end of the water column is exposed to the atmosphere. The + absolute pressure in a vessel containing gas at an effective pressure of + 12 inches of water is 7 oz. plus the normal, insensible pressure of the + atmosphere itself--say 15-1/4 lb. per square inch. The liquid in a + barometer which measures the pressure of the atmosphere stands at a height + of 30 inches only, because that liquid is mercury, 13.6 times as heavy as + water. Were it filled with water the barometer would stand at (30 X 13.6) + = 408 inches, or 34 feet, approximately. Gas pressures are always measured + in inches of water column, because expressed either as pounds per square + inch or as inches of mercury, the figures would be so small as to give + decimals of unwieldy length. + </p> + <p> + It would of course be perfectly safe so to arrange an acetylene plant that + the pressure in the generating chamber should reach the 100 inches of + water first laid down by the Home Office authorities as the maximum + allowable. There is, however, no appreciable advantage to be gained by so + doing, or by exceeding that pressure which feeds the burners best. Any + higher original pressure involves the use of a governor at the exit of the + plant, and a governor is a costly and somewhat troublesome piece of + apparatus that can be dispensed with in most single installations by a + proper employment of a well-balanced rising holder. <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="linkiii" id="iii">CHAPTER III</a> + </h2> + <h3> + THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF ACETYLENE GENERATION--ACETYLENE GENERATING + APPARATUS + </h3> + <p> + Inasmuch as acetylene is produced by the mere interaction of calcium + carbide and water, that is to say, by simply bringing those two substances + in the cold into mutual contact within a suitable closed space, and + inasmuch as calcium carbide can always be purchased by the consumer in a + condition perfectly fit for immediate decomposition, the preparation of + the gas, at least from the theoretical aspect, is characterised by extreme + simplicity. A cylinder of glass or metal, closed at one end and open at + the other, filled with water, and inverted in a larger vessel containing + the same liquid, may be charged almost instantaneously with acetylene by + dropping into the basin a lump of carbide, which sinks to the bottom, + begins to decompose, and evolves a rapid current of gas, displacing the + water originally held in the inverted cylinder or "bell." If a very minute + hole is drilled in the top of the floating bell, acetylene at once escapes + in a steady stream, being driven out by the pressure of the cylinder, the + surplus weight of which causes it to descend into the water of the basin + as rapidly as gas issues from the orifice. As a laboratory experiment, and + provided the bell has been most carefully freed from atmospheric air in + the first instance, this escaping gas may be set light to with a match, + and will burn with a more or loss satisfactory flame of high illuminating + power. Such is an acetylene generator stripped of all desirable or + undesirable adjuncts, and reduced to its most elementary form; but it is + needless to say that so simple an apparatus would not in any way fulfil + the requirements of everyday practice. + </p> + <p> + Owing to the inequality of the seasons, and to the irregular nature of the + demand for artificial light and heat in all households, the capacity of + the plant installed for the service of any institution or district must be + amply sufficient to meet the consumption of the longest winter + evening--for, as will be shown in the proper place, attempts to make an + acetylene generator evolve gas more quickly than it is designed to do are + fraught with many objections--while the operation of the plant, must be + under such thorough control that not only can a sudden and unexpected + demand for gas be met without delay, but also that a sudden and unexpected + interruption or cessation of the demand shall not be followed by any + disturbance in the working of the apparatus. Since, on the one hand, + acetylene is produced in large volumes immediately calcium carbide is + wetted with water, so that the gas may be burnt within a minute or two of + its first evolution; and, on the other, that acetylene once prepared can + be stored without trouble or appreciable waste for reasonable periods of + time in a water-sealed gasholder closely resembling, in everything but + size, the holders employed on coal-gas works; it follows that there are + two ways of bringing the output of the plant into accord with the + consumption of the burners. It is possible to make the gas only as and + when it is required, or it is possible in the space of an hour or so, + during the most convenient part of the day, to prepare sufficient to last + an entire evening, storing it in a gasholder till the moment arrives for + its combustion. It is clear that an apparatus needing human attention + throughout the whole period of activity would be intolerable in the case + of small installations, and would only be permissible in the case of + larger ones if the district supplied with gas was populous enough to + justify the regular employment of two men at least in or about the + generating station. But with the conditions obtaining in such a country as + Great Britain, and in other lands where coal is equally cheap and + accessible, if a neighbourhood was as thickly populated as has been + suggested, it would be preferable on various grounds to lay down a coal- + gas or electricity works; for, as has been shown in the first chapter, + unless a very material fall in the price of calcium carbide should take + place--a fall which at present is not to be expected--acetylene can only + be considered a suitable and economical illuminant and heating agent for + such places as cannot be provided cheaply with coal-gas or electric + current. To meet this objection, acetylene generators have been invented + in which, broadly speaking, gas is only produced when it is required, + control of the chemical reaction devolving upon some mechanical + arrangement. There are, therefore, two radically different types of + acetylene apparatus to be met with, known respectively as "automatic" and + "non-automatic" generators. In a non-automatic generator the whole of the + calcium carbide put into the apparatus is more or less rapidly decomposed, + and the entire volume of gas evolved from it is collected in a holder, + there to await the moment of consumption. In an automatic apparatus, by + means of certain devices which will be discussed in their proper place, + the act of turning on a burner-tap causes some acetylene to be produced, + and the act of turning it off brings the reaction to an end, thus + obviating the necessity for storage. That, at any rate, is the logical + definition of the two fundamentally different kinds of generator: in + automatic apparatus the decomposition of the carbide is periodically + interrupted in such fashion as more or less accurately to synchronise with + the consumption of gas; in the non-automatic variety decomposition + proceeds without a break until the carbide vessels are empty. + Unfortunately a somewhat different interpretation of these two words has + found frequent acceptance, a generator being denominated non-automatic or + automatic according as the holder attached to it is or is not large enough + to store the whole of the acetylene which the charge of carbide is capable + of producing if it is decomposed all at once. Apart from the fact that a + holder, though desirable, is not an absolutely indispensable part of an + acetylene plant, the definition just quoted was sufficiently free from + objection in the earliest days of the industry; but now efficient + commercial generators are to be met with which become either automatic or + non-automatic according to the manner of working them, while some would be + termed non-automatic which comprise mechanism of a conspicuously self- + acting kind. + </p> + <p> + AUTOMATIC AND NON-AUTOMATIC GENERATORS.--Before proceeding to a detailed + description of the various devices which may be adopted to render an + acetylene generator automatic in action, the relative advantages of + automatic and non-automatic apparatus, irrespective of type, from the + consumer's point of view may be discussed. The fundamental idea underlying + the employment of a non-automatic generator is that the whole of the + calcium carbide put into the apparatus shall be decomposed into acetylene + as soon after the charge is inserted as is natural in the circumstances; + so that after a very brief interval of time the generating chambers shall + contain nothing but spent lime and water, and the holder be as full of gas + as is ever desirable. In an automatic apparatus, the fundamental idea is + that the generating chamber, or one at least of several generating + chambers, shall always contain a considerable quantity of undecomposed + carbide, and some receptacle always contain a store of water ready to + attack that carbide, so that whenever a demand for gas shall arise + everything may be ready to meet it. Inasmuch as acetylene is an + inflammable gas, it possesses all the properties characteristic of + inflammable gases in general; one of which is that it is always liable to + take fire in presence of a spark or naked light, and another of which is + that it is always liable to become highly explosive in presence of a naked + light or spark if, accidentally or otherwise, it becomes mixed with more + than a certain proportion of air. On the contrary, in the complete absence + of liquid or vaporised water, calcium carbide is almost as inert a body as + it is possible to imagine: for it will not take fire, and cannot in any + circumstances be made to explode. Hence it may be urged that a + non-automatic generator, with its holder always containing a large volume + of the actually inflammable and potentially explosive acetylene, must + invariably be more dangerous than an automatic apparatus which has less or + practically no ready-made gas in it, and which simply contains water in + one chamber and unaltered calcium carbide in another. But when the + generating vessels and the holder of a non-automatic apparatus are + properly designed and constructed, the gas in the latter is acetylene + practically free from air, and therefore while being, as acetylene + inevitably is, inflammable, is devoid of explosive properties, always + assuming, as must be the case in a water-sealed holder, that the + temperature of the gas is below 780° C.; and also assuming, as must always + be the case in good plant, that the pressure under which the gas is stored + remains less than two atmospheres absolute. It is perfectly true that + calcium carbide is non-inflammable and non-explosive, that it is + absolutely inert and incapable of change; but so comprehensive an + assertion only applies to carbide in its original drum, or in some + impervious vessel to which moisture and water have no access. Until it is + exhausted, an automatic acetylene generator contains carbide in one place + and water in another, dependence being put upon some mechanical + arrangement to prevent the two substances coming into contact prematurely. + Many of the devices adopted by builders of acetylene apparatus for keeping + the carbide and water separate, and for mixing them in the requisite + quantities when the proper time arrives, are as trustworthy, perhaps, as + it is possible for any automatic gear to be; but some are objectionably + complicated, and a few are positively inefficient. There are two + difficulties which the designer of automatic mechanism has to contend + with, and it is doubtful whether he always makes a sufficient allowance + for them. The first is that not only must calcium carbide and liquid water + be kept out of premature contact, but that moisture, or vapour of water, + must not be allowed to reach the carbide; or alternatively, that if water + vapour reaches the carbide too soon, the undesired reaction shall not + determine overheating, and the liberated gas be not wasted or permitted to + become a source of danger. The second difficulty encountered by the + designer of automata is so to construct his apparatus that it shall behave + well when attended to by completely unskilled labour, that it shall + withstand gross neglect and resist positive ill-treatment or + mismanagement. If the automatic principle is adopted in any part of an + acetylene apparatus it must be adopted throughout, so that as far as + possible--and with due knowledge and skill it is completely + possible--nothing shall be left dependent upon the memory and common sense + of the gasmaker. For instance, it must not be necessary to shut a certain + tap, or to manipulate several cocks before opening the carbide vessel to + recharge it; it must not be possible for gas to escape backwards out of + the holder; and either the carbide-feed gear or the water-supply mechanism + (as the case may be) must be automatically locked by the mere act of + taking the cover off the carbide store, or of opening the sludge-cock at + the bottom. It would be an advantage, even, if the purifiers and other + subsidiary items of the plant were treated similarly, arranging them in + such fashion that gas should be automatically prevented from escaping out + of the rest of the apparatus when any lid was removed. In fact, the + general notion of interlocking, which has proved so successful in railway + signal-cabins and in carburetted water gas-plant for the prevention of + accidents duo to carelessness or overnight, might be copied in principle + throughout an acetylene installation whenever the automatic system is + employed. + </p> + <p> + It is no part of the present argument, to allege that automatic generators + are, and must always be, inherently dangerous. Automatic devices of a + suitable kind may be found in plenty which are remarkably simple and + highly trustworthy; but it would be too bold a statement to say that any + such arrangement is incapable of failure, especially when put into the + hands of a person untrained in the superintendence of machinery. The more + reliable a piece of automatic mechanism proves itself to be, the more + likely is it to give trouble and inconvenience and utterly to destroy + confidence when it does break down; because the better it has behaved in + the past, and the longer it has lasted without requiring adjustment, the + less likely is it that the attendant will be at hand when failure occurs. + By suitable design and by an intelligent employment of safety-valves and + blow-off pipes (which will be discussed in their proper place) it is quite + easy to avoid the faintest possibility of danger arising from an increase + of pressure or an improper accumulation of gas inside the plant or inside + the building containing the plant; but every time such a safety-valve or + blow-off pipe comes into action a waste of gas occurs, which means a + sacrifice of economy, and shows that the generator is not working as it + should. + </p> + <p> + As glass is a fragile and brittle substance, and as it is not capable of + bearing large, rapid, and oft-repeated alterations of temperature in + perfect safety, it is not a suitable material for the construction of + acetylene apparatus or of portions thereof. Hence it follows that a + generator must be built of some non-transparent material which prevents + the interior being visible when the apparatus is at work. Although it is + comparatively easy, by the aid of a lamp placed outside the generator- + shed in such a position as to throw its beams of light through a window + upon the plant inside, to charge a generator after dark; and although it + is possible, without such assistance, by methodical habits and a + systematic arrangement of utensils inside the building to charge a + generator even in perfect darkness, such an operation is to be deprecated, + for it is apt to lead to mistakes, it prevents any slight derangement in + the installation from being instantly noticed, and it offers a temptation + to the attendant to break rules and to take a naked light with him. On all + those grounds, therefore, it is highly desirable that every manipulation + connected with a generator shall be effected during the daytime, and that + the apparatus-house shall be locked up before nightfall. But owing to the + irregular habits engendered by modern life it is often difficult to know, + during any given day, how much gas will be required in the ensuing + evening; and it therefore becomes necessary always to have, as ready-made + acetylene, or as carbide in a proper position for instant decomposition, a + patent or latent store of gas more than sufficient in quantity to meet all + possible requirements. Now, as already stated, a non-automatic apparatus + has its store of material in the form of gas in a holder; and since this + is preferably constructed on the rising or telescopic principle, a mere + inspection of the height of the bell--on which, if preferred, a scale + indicating its contents in cubic feet or in burner-hours may be + marked--suffices to show how near the plant is to the point of exhaustion. + In many types of automatic apparatus the amount of carbide remaining + undecomposed at any moment is quite unknown, or at best can only be + deduced by a tedious and inexact calculation; although in some generators, + where the store of carbide is subdivided into small quantities, or placed + in several different receptacles, an inspection of certain levers or + indicators gives an approximate idea as to the capacity of the apparatus + for further gas production. In any case the position of a rising holder is + the most obvious sign of the degree of exhaustion of a generator; and + therefore, to render absolutely impossible a failure of the light during + an evening, a non-automatic generator fitted with a rising holder is best. + </p> + <p> + Since calcium carbide is a solid body having a specific gravity of 2.2, + water being unity, and since 1 cubic foot of water weighs 62.4 lb., in + round numbers 137 lb. of <i>compact</i> carbide only occupy 1 cubic foot + of space. Again, since acetylene is a gas having a specific gravity of + 0.91, air being unity, and since the specific gravity of air, water being + unity, is 0.0013, the specific gravity of acetylene, water being unity, is + roughly O.00116. Hence 1 cubic foot of acetylene weighs roughly 0.07 lb. + Furthermore, since 1 lb. of good carbide evolves 5 cubic feet of gas on + decomposition with water, acetylene stored at atmospheric pressure + occupies roundly 680 times as much space as the carbide from which it has + been evolved. This figure by no means represents the actual state of + affairs in a generator, because, as was explained in the previous chapter, + a carbide vessel cannot be filled completely with solid; and, indeed, were + it so "filled," in ordinary language, much of its space would be still + occupied with air. Nevertheless it is incontrovertible that an acetylene + plant calculated to supply so many burners for so long a period of time + must be very much larger if it is constructed on the non-automatic + principle, when the carbide is decomposed all at once, than if the + automatic system is adopted, when the solid remains unattacked until a + corresponding quantity of gas is required for combustion. Clearly it is + the storage part of a non-automatic plant alone which must be so much + larger; the actual decomposing chambers may be of the same size or even + smaller, according to the system of generation to which the apparatus + belongs. In practice this extra size of the non-automatic plant causes it + to exhibit two disadvantages in comparison with automatic apparatus, + disadvantages which are less serious than they appear, or than they may + easily be represented to be. In the first place, the non- automatic + generator requires more space for its erection. If acetylene were an + illuminating agent suitable for adoption by dwellers in city or suburb, + where the back premises and open-air part of the messuage are reduced to + minute proportions or are even non-existent, this objection might well be + fatal. But acetylene is for the inhabitant of a country village or the + occupier of an isolated country house; and he has usually plenty of space + behind his residence which he can readily spare. In the second place, the + extra size of the non-automatic apparatus makes it more expensive to + construct and more costly to instal. It is more cosily to construct and + purchase because of its holder, which must be well built on a firm + foundation and accurately balanced; it is more costly to instal because a + situation must be found for the erection of the holder, and the + apparatus-house may have to be made large enough to contain the holder as + well as the generator itself. As regards the last point, it may be said at + once that there is no necessity to place the holder under cover: it may + stand out of doors, as coal-gas holders do in England, for the seal of the + tank can easily be rendered frost-proof, and the gas itself is not + affected by changes of atmospheric temperature beyond altering somewhat in + volume. In respect of the other objections, it must be remembered that the + extra expense is one of capital outlay alone, and therefore only increases + the cost of the light by an inappreciable amount, representing interest + and depreciation charges on the additional capital expenditure. The + increased cost of a year's lighting due to these charges will amount to + only 10 or 15 per cent, on the additional capital sunk. The extra capital + sunk does not in any way increase the maintenance charges; and if, by + having a large holder, additional security and trustworthiness are + obtained, or if the holder leads to a definite, albeit illusive, sense of + extra security and trustworthiness, the additional expenditure may well be + permissible or even advantageous. + </p> + <p> + The argument is sometimes advanced that inasmuch as for the same, or a + smaller, capital outlay as is required to instal a non-automatic apparatus + large enough to supply at one charging the maximum amount of light and + heat that can ever be needed on the longest winter's night, an automatic + plant adequate to make gas for two or three evenings can be laid down, the + latter must be preferable, because the attendant, in the latter case, will + only need to enter the generator-house two or three times a week. Such an + argument is defective because it ignores the influence of habit upon the + human being. A watch which must be wound every day, or a clock which must + be wound every week, on a certain day of the week, is seldom permitted to + run down; but a watch requiring to be re-wound every other day, or a + fourteen-day clock (used as such), would rarely be kept going. Similarly, + an acetylene generator might be charged once a week or once a day without + likelihood of being forgotten; but the operation of charging at irregular + intervals would certainly prove a nuisance. With a non-automatic apparatus + containing all its gas in the holder, the attendant would note the + position of the bell each morning, and would introduce sufficient carbide + to fill the holder full, or partly full, as the case might be; with an + automatic apparatus he would be tempted to trust that the carbide holders + still contained sufficient material to last another night. + </p> + <p> + The automatic system of generating acetylene has undoubtedly one advantage + in those climates where frost tends to occur frequently, but only to + prevail for a short period. As the apparatus is in operation during the + evening hours, the heat evolved will, or can be made to, suffice to + protect the apparatus from freezing until the danger has passed; whereas + if the gas is generated of a morning in a non-automatic apparatus the + temperature of the plant may fall to that of the atmosphere before + evening, and some portion may freeze unless special precautions are taken + to protect it. + </p> + <p> + It was shown in Chapter II that overheating is one of the chief troubles + to be guarded against in acetylene generators, and that the temperature + attained is a function of the speed at which generation proceeds. Seeing + that in an automatic apparatus the rate of decomposition depends on the + rate at which gas is being burnt, while in a non-automatic generator it + is, or may be, under no control, the critic may urge that the reaction + must take place more slowly and regularly, and the maximum temperature + therefore be lower, when the plant works automatically. This may be true + if the non-automatic generator is unskilfully designed or improperly + manipulated; but it is quite feasible to arrange an apparatus, especially + one of the carbide-to-water or of the flooded-compartment type, in such + fashion that overheating to an objectionable extent is rendered wholly + impossible. In a non-automatic apparatus the holder is nothing but a + holder and may be placed wherever convenient, even at a distance from the + generating plant; in an automatic apparatus the holder, or a small + similarly constructed holder placed before the main storage vessel, has to + act as a water-supply governor, as the releasing gear for certain + carbide-food mechanism, or indeed as the motive power of such mechanism; + and accordingly it must be close to the water or carbide store, and more + or less intimately connected by means of levers, or the like, with the + receptacle in which decomposition occurs. Sometimes the holder surrounds, + or is otherwise an integral part of, the decomposing chamber, the whole + apparatus being made self-contained or a single structure with the object + of gaining compactness. But it is evident that such methods of + construction render additionally awkward, or even hazardous, any repair or + petty operation to the generating portion of the plant; while the more + completely the holder is isolated from the decomposing vessels the more + easily can they be cleaned, recharged, or mended, without blowing off the + stored gas and without interfering with the action of any burners that may + be alight at the time. Owing to the ingenuity of inventors, and the + experience they have acquired in the construction of automatic acetylene + apparatus during the years that the gas has been in actual employment, it + is going too far boldly to assert that non-automatic generators are + invariably to be preferred before their rivals. Still in view of the + nature of the labour which is likely to be bestowed on any domestic plant, + of the difficulty in having repairs or adjustments done quickly in + outlying country districts, and of the inconvenience, if not risk, + attending upon any failure of the apparatus, the greater capital outlay, + and the larger space required by non-automatic generators are in most + instances less important than the economy in space and prime cost + characteristic of automatic machines when the defects of each are weighed + fairly in the balance. Indeed, prolonged experience tends to show that a + selection between non-automatic and automatic apparatus may frequently be + made on the basis of capacity. A small plant is undoubtedly much more + convenient if automatic; a very large plant, such as that intended for a + public supply, is certainly better if non-automatic, but between these two + extremes choice may be exercised according to local conditions. + </p> + <p> + CONTROL OF THE CHEMICAL REACTION.--Coming now to study the principles + underlying the construction of an acetylene generator more closely it will + be seen that as acetylene is produced by bringing calcium carbide into + contact with water, the chemical reaction may be started either by adding + the carbide to the water, or by adding the water to the carbide. + Similarly, at least from the theoretical aspect, the reaction, may be + caused to stop by ceasing to add carbide to water, or by ceasing to add + water to carbide. Apparently if water is added by degrees to carbide, + until the carbide is exhausted, the carbide must always be in excess; and + manifestly, if carbide is added in small portions to water, the water must + always be in excess, which, as was argued in Chapter II., is emphatically + the more desirable position of affairs. But it in quite simple to have + carbide present in large excess of the water introduced when the whole + generator is contemplated, and yet to have the water always in chemical + excess in the desired manner; because to realise the advantages of having + water in excess, it is only necessary to subdivide the total charge of + carbide into a number of separate charges which are each so small that + more than sufficient water to decompose and flood one of them is permitted + to enter every time the feed mechanism comes into play, or (in a + non-automatic apparatus) every time the water-cock is opened; so arranging + the charges that each one is protected from the water till its + predecessor, or its predecessor, have been wholly decomposed. Thus it is + possible to regard either the carbide or the water as the substance which + has to be brought into contact with the other in specified quantity. It is + perhaps permissible to repeat that in the construction of an automatic + generator there is no advantage to be gained from regulating the supply of + both carbide and water, because just as the mutual decomposition will + begin immediately any quantity of the one meets any quantity of the other, + so the reaction will cease (except in one case owing to + "after-generation") directly the whole of that material which is not in + chemical excess has been consumed-quite independently of the amount of the + other material left unattacked. Being a liquid, and possessing as such no + definite shape or form of its own irrespective of the vessel in which it + is held, water is by far the more convenient of the two substances to move + about or to deliver in predetermined volume to the decomposing chamber. A + supply of water can be started instantaneously or cut oil as promptly by + the movement of a cock or valve of the usual description; or it may be + allowed to run down a depending pipe in obedience to the law of + gravitation, and stopped from running down such a pipe by opposing to its + passage a gas pressure superior to that gravitational force. In any one of + several obvious ways the supply of water to a mass of carbide may be + controlled with absolute certainty, and therefore it should apparently + follow that the make of acetylene should be under perfect control by + controlling the water current. On the other hand, unless made up into + balls or cartridges of some symmetrical form, calcium carbide exists in + angular masses of highly irregular shape and size. Its lumps alter in + shape and size directly liquid water or moisture reaches them; a loose + more or loss gritty powder, or a damp cohesive mud, being produced which + is well calculated to choke any narrow aperture or to jam any moving + valve. It is more difficult, therefore, by mechanical agency to add a + supply of carbide to a mass of water than to introduce a supply of water + to a stationary mass of carbide; and far more difficult still to bring the + supply of carbide under perfect control with the certainty that the + movement shall begin and stop immediately the proper time arrives. + </p> + <p> + But assuming the mechanical difficulties to be satisfactorily overcome, + the plan of adding carbide to a stationary mass of water has several + chemical advantages, first, because, however the generator be constructed, + water will be in excess throughout the whole time of gas production; and + secondly, because the evolution of acetylene will actually cease + completely at the moment when the supply of carbide is interrupted. There + is, however, one particular type of generator in which as a matter of fact + the carbide is the moving constituent, viz., the "dipping" apparatus (cf. + <i>infra</i>), to which these remarks do not apply; but this machine, as + will be seen directly, is, illogically perhaps, but for certain good + reasons, classed among the water-to-carbide apparatus. All the mechanical + advantages are in favour, as just indicated, of making water the moving + substance; and accordingly, when classified in the present manner, a great + majority of the generators now on the markets are termed water-to-carbide + apparatus. Their disadvantages are twofold, though these may be avoided or + circumvented: in all types save one the carbide is in excess at the + immediate place and time of decomposition; and in all types without + exception the carbide in the whole of the generator is in excess, so that + the phenomenon of "after- generation" occurs with more or less severity. + As explained in the last chapter, after-generation is the secondary + production of acetylene which takes place more or less slowly after the + primary reaction is finished, proceeding either between calcium hydroxide, + merely damp lime, or damp gas and calcium carbide, with an evolution of + more acetylene. As it is possible, and indeed usual, to fit a holder of + some capacity even to an automatic generator, the simple fact that more + acetylene is liberated after the main reaction is over does not matter, + for the gas can be safely stored without waste and entirely without + trouble or danger. The real objection to after-generation is the + difficulty of controlling the temperature and of dissipating the heat with + which the reaction is accompanied. It will be evident that the balance of + advantage, weighing mechanical simplicity against chemical superiority, is + somewhat even between carbide-to-water and water-to-carbide generators of + the proper type; but the balance inclines towards the former distinctly in + the ease of non-automatic apparatus, and points rather to the latter when + automatism is desired. In the early days of the industry it would have + been impossible to speak so favourably of automatic carbide-to-water + generators, for they were at first constructed with absurdly complicated + and unreliable mechanism; but now various carbide-feed gears have been + devised which seem to be trustworthy even when carbide not in cartridge + form is employed. + </p> + <p> + NON-AUTOMATIC CARBIDE-TO-WATER GENERATORS.--There is little to be said in + the present place about the principles underlying the construction of + non-automatic generators. Such apparatus may either be of the carbide-to- + water or the water-to-carbide type. In the former, lumps of carbide are + dropped by hand down a vertical or sloping pipe or shoot, which opens at + its lower end below the water-level of the generating chamber, and which + is fitted below its mouth with a deflector to prevent the carbide from + lodging immediately underneath that mouth. The carbide falls through the + water which stands in the shoot itself almost instantaneously, but during + its momentary descent a small quantity of gas is evolved, which produces + an unpleasant odour unless a ventilating hood is fixed above the upper end + of the tube. As the ratio of cubical contents to superficial area of a + lump is greater as the lump itself is larger, and as only the outer + surface of the lump can be attacked by the water in the shoot during its + descent, carbide for a hand-fed carbide-to-water generator should be in + fairly large masses--granulated material being wholly unsuitable--and this + quite apart from the fact that large carbide is superior to small in + gas-making capacity, inasmuch as it has not suffered the inevitable slight + deterioration while being crushed and graded to size. If carbide is + dropped too rapidly into such a generator which is not provided with a + false bottom or grid for the lumps to rest upon, the solid is apt to + descend among a mass of thick lime sludge produced at a former operation, + which lies at the bottom of the decomposing chamber; and here it may be + protected from the cooling action of fresh water to such an extent that + its surface is baked or coated with a hard layer of lime, while + overheating to a degree far exceeding the boiling-point of water may occur + locally. When, however, it falls upon a grid placed some distance above + the bottom of the water vessel, the various convection currents set up as + parts of the liquid become warm, and the mechanical agitations produced by + the upward current of gas rinse the spent lime from the carbide, and + entirely prevent overheating, unless the lumps are excessively large in + size. If the carbide charged into a hand-fed generator is in very large + lumps there is always a possibility that overheating may occur in the + centre of the masses, due to the baking of the exterior, even if the + generator is fitted with a reaction grid. Manifestly, when carbide in + lumps of reasonable size is dropped into excess of water which is not + merely a thick viscid cream of lime, the temperature cannot possibly + exceed the boiling-point--<i>i.e.</i>, 100° C.--provided always the + natural convection currents of the water are properly made use of. + </p> + <p> + The defect which is, or rather which may be, characteristic of a hand-fed + carbide-to-water generator is a deficiency of gas yield due to solubility. + At atmospheric temperatures and pressure 10 volumes of water dissolve 11 + volumes of acetylene, and were the whole of the water in a large generator + run to waste often, a sensible loss of gas would ensue. If the carbide + falls nearly to the bottom of the water column, the rising gas is forced + to bubble through practically the whole of the liquid, so that every + opportunity is given it to dissolve in the manner indicated till the + liquid is completely saturated. The loss, however, is not nearly so + serious as is sometimes alleged, because (1) the water becomes heated and + so loses much of its solvent power; and (2) the generator is worked + intermittently, with sufficiently long intervals to allow the spent lime + to settle into a thick cream, and only that thick cream is run off, which + represents but a small proportion of the total water present. Moreover, a + hand-fed carbide-to-water generator will work satisfactorily with only + half a gallon [Footnote: The United States National Board of Fire + Underwriters stipulates for the presence of 1 (American) gallon of water + for every 1 lb. of carbide before such an apparatus is "permitted." This + quantity of liquid might retain nearly 4 per cent. of the total acetylene + evolved. Even this is an exaggeration; for neither her, nor in the + corresponding figure given in the text, is any allowance made for the + diminution in solvent power of the water as it becomes heated by the + reaction.] of liquid present for every 1 lb. of carbide decomposed, and + were all this water run off and a fresh quantity admitted before each + fresh introduction of carbide, the loss of acetylene by dissolution could + not exceed 2 per cent. of the total make, assuming the carbide to be + capable of yielding 5 cubic feet of gas per lb. Admitting, however, that + some loss of gas does occur in this manner, the defect is partly, if not + wholly, neutralised by the concomitant advantages of the system: (1) + granted that the generator is efficiently constructed, decomposition of + the carbide is absolutely complete, so that no loss of gas occurs in this + fashion; (2) the gas is evolved at a low temperature, so that it is + unaccompanied, by products of polymerisation, which may block the leading + pipes and must reduce the illuminating power; (3) the acetylene is not + mixed with air (as always happens at the first charging of a water-to- + carbide apparatus), which also lowers the illuminating power; and (4) the + gas is freed from two of its three chief impurities, viz., ammonia and + sulphuretted hydrogen, in the generating chamber itself. To prevent the + loss of acetylene by dissolution, carbide-to-water generators are + occasionally fitted with a reaction grid placed only just below the + water-level, so that the acetylene has no more than 1 inch or so of liquid + to bubble through. The principle is wrong, because hot water being lighter + than cold, the upper layers may be raised to the boiling-point, and even + converted into steam, while the bulk of the liquid still remains cold; and + if the water actually surrounding the carbide is changed into vapour, + nearly all control over the temperature attending the reaction is lost. + </p> + <p> + The hand-fed carbide-to-water generator is very simple and, as already + indicated, has proved itself perhaps the best type of all for the + construction of very large installations; but the very simplicity of the + generator has caused it more than once to be built in a manner that has + not given entire satisfaction. As shown at L in Fig. 6, p. 84, the + generator essentially consists of a closed cylindrical vessel + communicating at its top with a separate rising holder. At one side as + drawn, or disposed concentrically if so preferred, is an open-mouthed pipe + or shoot (American "shute") having its lower open extremity below the + water-level. Into this shoot are dropped by hand or shovel lumps of + carbide, which fall into the water and there suffer decomposition. As the + bottom of the shoot is covered with water, which, owing to the small + effective gas pressure in the generator given by the holder, stands a few + inches higher in the shoot than in the generator, gas cannot escape from + the shoot; because before it could do so the water in the generator would + have to fall below the level of the point <i>a</i>, being either driven + out through the shoot or otherwise. Since the point <i>b</i> of the shoot + extends further into the generator than <i>a</i>, the carbide drops + centrally, and as the bubbles of gas rise vertically, they have no + opportunity of ascending into the shoot. In practice, the generator is + fitted with a conical bottom for the collection of the lime sludge and + with a cock or other aperture at the apex of the cone for the removal of + the waste product. As it is not desirable that the carbide should be + allowed to fall directly from the shoot into the thicker portion of the + sludge within the conical part of the generator, one or more grids is + usually placed in the apparatus as shown by the dotted lines in the + sketch. It does not seem that there is any particular reason for the + employment of more than one grid, provided the size of the carbide + decomposed is suited to the generator, and provided the mesh of the grid + is suited to the size of the carbide. A great improvement, however, is + made if the grid is carried on a horizontal spindle in such a way that it + can be rocked periodically in order to assist in freeing the lumps of + carbide from the adhering particles of lime. As an alternative to the + movable grid, or even as an adjunct thereto, an agitator scraping the + conical sides of the generator may be fitted which also assists in + ensuring a reasonably complete absence of undecomposed carbide from the + sludge drawn off at intervals. A further point deserves attention. If + constructed in the ideal manner shown in Fig. 6 removal of some of the + sludge in the generator would cause the level of the liquid to descend + and, by carelessness, the level might fall below the point <i>a</i> at the + base of the shoot. In these circumstances, if gas were unable to return + from the holder, a pressure below that of the atmosphere would be + established in the gas space of the generator and air would be drawn in + through the shoot. This air might well prove a source of danger when + generation was started again. Any one of three plans may be adopted to + prevent the introduction of air. A free path may be left on the gas-main + passing from the generator to the holder so that gas may be free to return + and so to maintain the usual positive pressure in the decomposing vessel; + the sludge may be withdrawn into some vessel so small in capacity that the + shoot cannot accidentally become unsealed; or the waterspace of the + generator may be connected with a water-tank containing a ball-valve + attached to a constant service of water be that liquid runs in as quickly + as sludge is removed, and the level remains always at the same height. The + first plan is only a palliative and has two defects. In the first place, + the omission of any non-return valve between, the generator and the next + item in the train of apparatus is objectionable of itself; in the second + place, should a very careless attendant withdraw too much liquid, the + shoot might become unsealed and the whole contents of the holder be passed + into the air of the building containing the apparatus through the open + mouth of the shoot. The second plan is perfectly sound, but has the + practical defect of increasing the labour of cleaning the generator. The + third plan is obviously the best. It can indeed be adopted where no real + constant service of water is at hand by connecting the generator to a + water reservoir of relatively large size and by making the latter of + comparatively large transverse area, in proportion to its depth; so that + the escape of even a largo volume of water from the reservoir may not + involve a large reduction in the level at which it stands there. + </p> + <p> + The dust that always clings to lumps of carbide naturally decomposes with + extreme rapidity when the material is thrown into the shoot of a carbide- + to-water generator, and the sudden evolution of gas so produced has on + more than one occasion seriously alarmed the attendant on the plant. + Moreover, to a trifling extent the actual superficial layers of the + carbide suffer attack before the lumps reach the true interior of the + generator, and a small loss of gas thereby occurs through the open mouth + of the shoot. To remove these objections to the hand-fed generator it has + become a common practice in large installations to cause the lower end of + the shoot to dip under the level of some oil contained in an appropriate + receptacle, the carbide falling into a basket carried upon a horizontal + spindle. The basket and its support are so arranged that when a suitable + charge of carbide has been dropped into it, a partial rotation of an + external hand-wheel lifts the basket and carbide out of the oil into an + air-tight portion of the generator where the surplus oil can drain away + from the lumps. A further rotation of the hand-wheel then tips the basket + over a partition inside the apparatus, allowing the carbide to fall into + the actual decomposing chamber. This method of using oil has the advantage + of making the evolution of acetylene on a large scale appear to proceed + more quietly than usual, and also of removing the dust from the carbide + before it reaches the water of the generator. The oil itself obviously + does not enter the decomposing chamber to any appreciable extent and + therefore does not contaminate the final sludge. The whole process + accordingly lies to be favourably distinguished from those other methods + of employing oil in generators or in the treatment of carbide which are + referred to elsewhere in this book. + </p> + <p> + NON-AUTOMATIC WATER-TO-CARBIDE GENERATORS.--The only principle underlying + the satisfactory design of a non-automatic water-to-carbide generator is + to ensure the presence of water in excess at the spot where decomposition + is taking place. This may be effected by employing what is known as the + "flooded-compartment" system of construction, <i>i.e.</i>, by subdividing + the total carbide charge into numerous compartments arranged either + vertically or horizontally, and admitting the water in interrupted + quantities, each more than sufficient thoroughly to decompose and saturate + the contents of one compartment, rather than in a slow, steady stream. It + would be quite easy to manage this without adopting any mechanism of a + moving kind, for the water might be stored in a tank kept full by means of + a ball-valve, and admitted to an intermediate reservoir in a slow, + continuous current, the reservoir being fitted with an inverted syphon, on + the "Tantalus-cup" principle, so that it should first fill itself up, and + then suddenly empty into the pipe leading to the carbide container. + Without this refinement, however, a water-to-carbide generator, with + subdivided charge, behaves satisfactorily as long as each separate charge + of carbide is so small that the heat evolved on its decomposition can be + conducted away from the solid through the water- jacketed walls of the + vessel, or as the latent heat of steam, with sufficient rapidity. Still it + must be remembered that a water-to-carbide generator, with subdivided + charge, does not belong to the flooded- compartment type if the water runs + in slowly and continuously: it is then simply a "contact" apparatus, and + may or may not exhibit overheating, as well as the inevitable + after-generation. All generators of the water-to- carbide type, too, must + yield a gas containing some air in the earlier portions of their make, + because the carbide containers can only be filled one-third or one-half + full of solid. Although the proportion of air so passed into the holder + may be, and usually is, far too small in amount to render the gas + explosive or dangerous in the least degree, it may well be sufficient to + reduce the illuminating power appreciably until it is swept out of the + service by the purer gas subsequently generated. Moreover, all + water-to-carbide generators are liable, as just mentioned, to produce + sufficient overheating to lower the illuminating power of the gas whenever + they are wilfully driven too fast, or when they are reputed by their + makers to be of a higher productive capacity than they actually should be; + and all water-to-carbide generators, excepting those where the carbide is + thoroughly soaked in water at some period of their operation, are liable + to waste gas by imperfect decomposition. + </p> + <p> + DEVICES TO SECURE AUTOMATIC ACTION,--The devices which are commonly + employed to render a generator automatic in action, that is to say, to + control the supply of one of the two substances required in the + intermittent evolution of gas, may be divided into two broad classes: (A) + those dependent upon the position of a rising-holder bell, and (B) those + dependent upon the gas pressure inside the apparatus. As the bell of a + rising holder descends in proportion as its gaseous contents are + exhausted, it may (A^1) be fitted with some laterally projecting pin + which, arrived at a certain position, actuates a series of rods or levers, + and either opens a cock on the water-supply pipe or releases a mechanical + carbide-feed gear, the said cock being closed again or the feed-gear + thrown out of action when the pin, rising with the bell, once more passes + a certain position, this time in its upward path. Secondly (A^2), the bell + may be made to carry a perforated receptacle containing carbide, which is + dipped into the water of the holder tank each time the bell falls, and is + lifted out of the water when it rises again. Thirdly (A^3), by fitting + inside the upper part of the bell a false interior, conical in shape, the + descent of the bell may cause the level of the water in the holder tank to + rise until it is above some lateral aperture through which the liquid may + escape into a carbide container placed elsewhere. These three methods are + represented in the annexed diagram (Fig. 1). In Al the water-levels in the + tank and bell remain always at <i>l</i>, being higher in the tank than in + the bell by a distance corresponding with the pressure produced by the + bell itself. As the bell falls a pin <i>X</i> moves the lever attached to + the cock on the water- pipe, and starts, or shuts off, a current passing + from a store-tank or reservoir to a decomposing vessel full of carbide. It + is also possible to make <i>X</i> work some releasing gear which permits + carbide to fall into water--details of this arrangement are given later + on. In A^1 the water in the tank serves as a holder seal only, a separate + quantity being employed for the purposes of the chemical reaction. This + arrangement has the advantage that the holder water lasts indefinitely, + except for evaporation in hot weather, and therefore it may be prevented + from freezing by dissolving in it some suitable saline body, or by mixing + with it some suitable liquid which lowers its point of solidification. It + will be observed, too, that in A^1 the pin <i>X</i>, which derives its + motive power from the surplus weight of the falling bell, has always + precisely the same amount of work to do, viz., to overcome the friction of + the plug of the water-cock in its barrel. Hence at all times the pressure + obtaining in the service-pipe is uniform, except for a slight jerk + momentarily given each time the cock is opened or closed. When <i>X</i> + actuates a carbide-feed arrangement, the work it does may or may not vary + on different occasions, as will appear hereafter. In A^2 the bell itself + carries a perforated basket of carbide, which is submerged in the water + when the bell falls, and lifted out again when it rises. As the carbide is + thus wetted from below, the lower portion of the mass soon becomes a layer + of damp slaked lime, for although the basket is raised completely above + the water-level, much liquid adheres to the spent carbide by capillary + attraction. Hence, even when the basket is out of the water, acetylene is + being produced, and it is produced in circumstances which prevent any + control over the temperature attained. The water clinging to the lower + part of the basket is vaporised by the hot, half-spent carbide, and the + steam attacks the upper part, so that polymerisation of the gas and baking + of the carbide are inevitable. In the second place, the pressure in the + service-pipe attached to A^2 depends as before upon the net weight of the + holder bell; but here that net weight is made up of the weight of the bell + itself, that of the basket, and that of the carbide it contains. Since the + carbide is being gradually converted into damp slaked lime, it increases + in weight to an indeterminate extent as the generator in exhausted; but + since, on the other hand, some lime may be washed out of the basket each + time it is submerged, and some of the smaller fragments of carbide may + fall through the perforations, the basket tends to decrease in weight as + the generator is exhausted. Thus it happens in A^2 that the combined + weight of bell plus basket plus contents is wholly indefinite, and the + pressure in the service becomes so irregular that a separate governor must + be added to the installation before the burners can be expected to behave + properly. In the third place, the water in the tank serves both for + generation and for decomposition, and this involves the employment of some + arrangement to keep its level fairly constant lest the bell should become + unsealed, while protection from frost by saline or liquid additions is + impossible. A^2 is known popularly as a "dipping" generator, and it will + be seen to be defective mechanically and bad chemically. In both A^1 and + A^2 the bell is constructed of thin sheet- metal, and it is cylindrical in + shape; the mass of metal in it is therefore negligible in comparison with + the mass of water in the tank, and so the level of the liquid is sensibly + the same whether the bell be high or low. In A^3 the interior of the bell + is fitted with a circular plate which cuts off its upper corners and + leaves a circumferential space <i>S</i> triangular in vertical section. + This space is always full of air, or air and water, and has to be deducted + from the available storage capacity of the bell. Supposing the bell + transparent, and viewing it from above, its effective clear or internal + diameter will be observed to be smaller towards the top than near the + bottom; or since the space <i>S</i> is closed both against the water and + against the gas, the walls of the bell may be said to be thicker near its + top. Thus it happens that as the bell descends into the water past the + lower angle of <i>S</i>, it begins to require more space for itself in the + tank, and so it displaces the water until the levels rise. When high, as + shown in the sketch marked A^3(a), the water-level is at <i>l</i>, below + the mouth of a pipe <i>P</i>; but when low, as in A^3(b), the water is + raised to the point <i>l'</i>, which is above <i>P</i>. Water therefore + flows into <i>P</i>, whence it reaches the carbide in an attached + decomposing chamber. Here also the water in the tank is used for + decomposition as well as for sealing purposes, and its normal level must + be maintained exactly at <i>l</i>, lest the mouth of <i>P</i> should not + be covered whenever the bell falls. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/081.png"><img src="images/081th.png" + alt="FIG. 1.--TYPICAL METHODS OF AUTOMATIC GENERATION CONTROLLED BY BELL GASHOLDER" /></a> + </p> + <p> + The devices employed to render a generator automatic which depend upon + pressure (B) are of three main varieties: (B^1) the water-level in the + decomposing chamber may be depressed by the pressure therein until its + surface falls below a stationary mass of carbide; (B^2) the level in a + water-store tank may be depressed until it falls below the mouth of a pipe + leading to the carbide vessel; (B^3) the current of water passing down a + pipe to the decomposing chamber may be interrupted by the action of a + pressure superior to the force of gravitation. These arrangements are + indicated roughly in Fig. 2. In B^1, D is a hollow cylinder closed at all + points except at the cock G and the hole E, which are always below the + level of the water in the annulus F, the latter being open to the air at + its top. D is rigidly fastened to the outer vessel F so that it cannot + move vertically, and the carbide cage is rigidly fastened to D. Normally + the water-levels are at <i>l</i>, and the liquid has access to the carbide + through perforations in the basket. Acetylene is thus produced; but if G + is shut, the gas is unable to escape, and so it presses downwards upon the + water until the liquid falls in D to the dotted line <i>l"</i>, rising in + F to the dotted line <i>l'</i>. The carbide is then out of water, and + except for after-generation, evolution of gas ceases. On opening G more or + less fully, the water more or less quickly reaches its original position + at <i>l</i>, and acetylene is again produced. Manifestly this arrangement + is identical with that of A^2 as regards the periodical immersion of the + carbide holder in the liquid; but it is even worse than the former + mechanically because there is no rising holder in B^1, and the pressure in + the service is never constant. B^2 represents the water store of an + unshown generator which works by pressure. It consists of a vessel divided + vertically by means of a partition having a submerged hole N. One-half, H, + is cloned against the atmosphere, but communicates with the gas space of + the generator through L; the other half, K, is open to the air. M is a + pipe leading water to the carbide. When gas is being burnt as fast as, or + faster than, it is being evolved, the pressure in the generator is small, + the level of the water stands at <i>l</i>, and the mouth of M is below it. + When the pressure rises by cessation of consumption, that pressure acts + through L upon the water in H, driving it down in H and up in K till it + takes the positions <i>l"</i>, and <i>l'</i>, the mouth of M being then + above the surface. It should be observed that in the diagrams B^1 and B^3, + the amount of pressure, and the consequent alteration in level, is grossly + exaggerated to gain clearness; one inch or less in both cases may be + sufficient to start or retard evolution of acetylene. Fig. B^3 is somewhat + ideal, but indicates the principle of opposing gas pressure to a supply of + water depending upon gravitation; a method often adopted in the + construction of portable acetylene apparatus. The arrangement consists of + an upper tank containing water open to the air, and a lower vessel holding + carbide closed everywhere except at the pipe P, which leads to the + burners, and at the pipe S, which introduces water from the store-tank. If + the cock at T is closed, pressure begins to rise in the carbide holder + until it is sufficient to counterbalance the weight of the column of water + in the pipe S, when a further supply is prevented until the pressure sinks + again. This idea is simply an application of the displacement-holder + principle, and as such is defective (except for vehicular lamps) by reason + of lack of uniformity in pressure. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/084.png"><img src="images/084th.png" + alt="FIG. 2.--TYPICAL METHODS OF AUTOMATIC GENERATION CONTROLLED BY INTERNAL GAS PRESSURE" /></a> + </p> + <p> + DISPLACEMENT GASHOLDERS.--An excursion may here be made for the purpose of + studying the action of a displacement holder, which in its most elementary + form is shown at C. It consists of an upright vessel open at the top, and + divided horizontally into two equal portions by a partition, through which + a pipe descends to the bottom of the lower half. At the top of the closed + lower compartment a tube is fixed, by means of which gas can be introduced + below the partition. While the cock is open to the air, water is poured in + at the open top till the lower compartment is completely full, and the + level of the liquid is at <i>l</i>. If now, gas is driven in through the + side tube, the water is forced downwards in the lower half, up through the + depending pipe till it begins to fill the upper half of the holder, and + finally the upper half is full of water and the lower half of gas an shown + by the levels <i>l'</i> and <i>l"</i>. But the force necessary to + introduce gas into such an apparatus, which conversely is equal to the + force with which the apparatus strives to expel its gaseous contents, + measured in inches of water, is the distance at any moment between the + levels <i>l'</i> and <i>l"</i>; and as these are always varying, the + effective pressure needed to fill the apparatus, or the effective pressure + given by the apparatus, may range from zero to a few inches less than the + total height of the whole holder. A displacement holder, accordingly, may + be used either to store a varying quantity of gas, or to give a steady + pressure just above or just below a certain desired figure; but it will + not serve both purposes. If it is employed as a holder, it in useless as a + governor or pressure regulator; if it is used as a pressure regulator, it + can only hold a certain fixed volume of gas. The rising holder, which is + shown at A^1 in Fig. 1 (neglecting the pin X, &c.) serves both + purposes simultaneously; whether nearly full or nearly empty, it gives a + constant pressure--a pressure solely dependent upon its effective weight, + which may be increased by loading its crown or decreased by supporting it + on counterpoises to any extent that may be required. As the bell of a + rising holder moves, it must be provided with suitable guides to keep its + path vertical; these guides being arranged symmetrically around its + circumference and carried by the tank walls. A fixed control rod attached + to the tank over which a tube fastened to the bell slides + telescope-fashion is sometimes adopted; but such an arrangement is in many + respects less admirable than the former. + </p> + <p> + Two other devices intended to give automatic working, which are scarcely + capable of classification among their peers, may be diagrammatically shown + in Fig. 3. The first of these (D) depends upon the movements of a flexible + diaphragm. A vessel (<i>a</i>) of any convenient size and shape is divided + into two portions by a thin sheet of metal, leather, caoutchouc, or the + like. At its centre the diaphragm is attached by some air-tight joint to + the rod <i>c</i>, which, held in position by suitable guides, is free to + move longitudinally in sympathy with the diaphragm, and is connected at + its lower extremity with a water-supply cock or a carbide-feed gear. The + tube <i>e</i> opens at its base into the gas space of the generator, so + that the pressure below the diaphragm in <i>a</i> is the same as that + elsewhere in the apparatus, while the pressure in <i>a</i> above the + diaphragm is that of the atmosphere. Being flexible and but slightly + stretched, the diaphragm is normally depressed by the weight of <i>c</i> + until it occupies the position <i>b</i>; but if the pressure in the + generator (<i>i.e.</i>, in <i>e</i>) rises, it lifts the diaphragm to + somewhat about the position <i>b'</i>--the extent of movement being, as + usual, exaggerated in the sketch. The movement of the diaphragm is + accompanied by a movement of the rod <i>c</i>, which can be employed in + any desirable way. In E the bell of a rising holder of the ordinary typo + is provided with a horizontal striker which, when the bell descends, + presses against the top of a bag <i>g</i> made of any flexible material, + such as india-rubber, and previously filled with water. Liquid is thus + ejected, and may be caused to act upon calcium carbide in some adjacent + vessel. The sketch is given because such a method of obtaining an + intermittent water-supply has at one time been seriously proposed; but it + is clearly one which cannot be recommended. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/086.png"><img src="images/086th.png" + alt="FIG. 3.--TYPICAL METHODS OF AUTOMATIC GENERATION CONTROLLED BY A FLEXIBLE DIAPHRAM OR BAG" /></a> + </p> + <p> + ACTION OF WATER-TO-CARBIDE GENERATORS.--Having by one or other of the + means described obtained a supply of water intermittent in character, it + remains to be considered how that supply may be made to approach the + carbide in the generator. Actual acetylene apparatus are so various in + kind, and merge from one type to another by such small differences, that + it is somewhat difficult to classify them in a simple and intelligible + fashion. However, it may be said that water-to-carbide generators, <i>i.e.</i>, + such as employ water as the moving material, may be divided into four + categories: (F^1) water is allowed to fall as single drops or as a fine + stream upon a mass of carbide--this being the "drip" generator; (F^2) a + mass of water is made to rise round and then recede from a stationary + vessel containing carbide--this being essentially identical in all + respects save the mechanical one with the "dip" or "dipping" generator + shown in A^2, Fig. 1; (F^3) a supply of water is permitted to rise round, + or to flow upon, a stationary mass of carbide without ever receding from + the position it has once assumed--this being the "contact" generator; and + (F^4) a supply of water is admitted to a subdivided charge of carbide in + such proportion that each quantity admitted is in chemical excess of the + carbide it attacks. With the exception of F^2, which has already been + illustrated as A^2 Fig. 1, or as B^1 in Fig. 2, these methods of + decomposing carbide are represented in Figs. 4 and 5. It will be observed + that whereas in both F^1 and F^3 the liberated acetylene passes off at the + top of the apparatus, or rather from the top of the non-subdivided charge + of carbide, in F^1 the water enters at the top, and in F^3 it enters at + the bottom. Thus it happens that the mixture of acetylene and steam, which + is produced at the spot where the primary chemical reaction is taking + place, has to travel through the entire mass of carbide present in a + generator belonging to type F^3, while in F^1 the damp gas flows directly + to the exit pipe without having to penetrate the lumps of solid. Both F^1 + and F^3 exhibit after-generation caused by a reaction between the liquid + water mechanically clinging to the mass of spent lime and the excess of + carbide to an approximately equal extent; but for the reason just + mentioned, after-generation due to a reaction between the vaporised water + accompanying the acetylene first evolved and the excess of carbide is more + noticeable in F^3 than in F^1; and it is precisely this latter description + of after-generation which leads to overheating of the most ungovernable + kind. Naturally both F^1 and F^3 can be fitted with water jackets, as is + indicated by the dotted lines in the second sketch; but unless the + generating chamber in quite small and the evolution of gas quite slow, the + cooling action of the jacket will not prove sufficient. As the water in + F^1 and F^3 is not capable of backward motion, the decomposing chambers + cannot be employed as displacement holders, as is the case in the dipping + generator pictured at B^1, Fig. 2. They must be coupled, accordingly, to a + separate holder of the displacement or, preferably, of the rising type; + and, in order that the gas evolved by after-generation may not be wasted, + the automatic mechanism must cut off the supply of water to the generator + by the time that holder is two-thirds or three-quarters full. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/088.png"><img src="images/088th.png" + alt="FIG. 4.--TYPICAL METHODS OF DECOMPOSING CARBIDE (WATER TO CARBIDE)" /></a> + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/089.png"><img src="images/089th.png" + alt="FIG. 5.--TYPICAL METHODS OF DECOMPOSING CARBIDE (WATER TO CARBIDE)" /></a> + </p> + <p> + The diagrams G, H, and K in Figs. 4 and 5 represent three different + methods of constructing a generator which belongs either to the contact + type (F^3) if the supply of water is essentially continuous, <i>i.e.</i>, + if less is admitted at each movement of the feeding mechanism than is + sufficient to submerge the carbide in each receptacle; or to the flooded- + compartment type (F') if the water enters in large quantities at a time. + In H the main carbide vessel is arranged horizontally, or nearly so, and + each partition dividing it into compartments is taller than its + predecessor, so that the whole of the solid in (1) must be decomposed, and + the compartment entirely filled with liquid before it can overflow into + (2), and so on. Since the carbide in all the later receptacles is exposed + to the water vapour produced in that one in which decomposition is + proceeding at any given moment, at least at its upper surface, some + after-generation between vapour and carbide occurs in H; but a partial + control over the temperature may be obtained by water-jacketing the + container. In G the water enters at the base and gas escapes at the top, + the carbide vessels being disposed vertically; hero, perhaps, more after- + generation of the same description occurs, as the moist gas streams round + and over the higher baskets. In K, the water enters at the top and must + completely fill basket (1) before it can run down the depending pipe into + (2); but since the gas also leaves the generator at the top, the later + carbide receptacles do not come in contact with water vapour, but are left + practically unattacked until their time arrives for decomposition by means + of liquid water. K, therefore, is the best arrangement of parts to avoid + after-generation, overheating, and polymerisation of the acetylene whether + the generator be worked as a contact or as a flooded-compartment + apparatus; but it may be freely admitted that the extent of the + overheating due to reaction between water vapour and carbide may be kept + almost negligible in either K, H, or G, provided the partitions in the + carbide container be sufficient in number--provided, that is to say, that + each compartment holds a sufficiently small quantity of carbide; and + provided that the quantity of water ultimately required to fill each + compartment is relatively so large that the temperature of the liquid + never approaches the boiling-point where vaporisation is rapid. The type + of generator indicated by K has not become very popular, but G is fairly + common, whilst H undoubtedly represents the apparatus which is most + generally adopted for use in domestic and other private installations in + the United Kingdom and the Continent of Europe. The actual generators made + according to the design shown by H usually have a carbide receptacle + designed in the form of a semi-cylindrical or rectangular vessel of steel + sliding fairly closely into an outside container, the latter being either + built within the main water space of the entire apparatus or placed within + a separate water-jacketed casing. Owing to its shape and the sliding + motion with which the carbide receptacle is put into the container these + generators are usually termed "drawer" generators. In comparison with type + G, the drawer generator H certainly exhibits a lower rise in temperature + when gas is evolved in it at a given speed and when the carbide + receptacles are constructed of similar dimensions. It is very desirable + that the whole receptacle should be subdivided into a sufficient number of + compartments and that it should be effectively water-cooled from outside. + It would also be advantageous if the water- supply were so arranged that + the generator should be a true flooded- compartment apparatus, but + experience has nevertheless shown that generators of type H do work very + well when the water admitted to the carbide receptacle, each time the feed + comes into action, is not enough to flood the carbide in one of the + compartments. Above a certain size drawer generators are usually + constructed with two or even more complete decomposing vessels, + arrangements being such that one drawer can be taken out for cleaning, + whilst the other is in operation. When this is the case a third carbide + receptacle should always be employed so that it may be dry, lit to receive + a charge of carbide, and ready to insert in the apparatus when one of the + others is withdrawn. The water-feed should always be so disposed that the + attendant can see at a glance which of the two (or more) carbide + receptacles is in action at any moment, and it should be also so designed + that the supply is automatically diverted to the second receptacle when + the first is wholly exhausted and back again to the first (unless there + are more than two) when the carbide in the second is entirely gasified. In + the sketches G, H, and K, the total space occupied by the various carbide + receptacles is represented as being considerably smaller than the capacity + of the decomposing chamber. Were this method of construction copied in + actual acetylene apparatus, the first makes of gas would be seriously + (perhaps dangerously) contaminated with air. In practice the receptacles + should fit so tightly into the outer vessel and into one another that when + loaded to the utmost extent permissible--space being left for the swelling + of the charge and for the passage of water and gas--but little room should + be left for the retention of air in the chamber. + </p> + <p> + ACTION OF CARBIDE-TO-WATER GENERATORS.--The methods which may be adopted + to render a generator automatic when carbide is employed as the moving + material are shown at M, N, and P, in Fig. 6; but the precise devices used + in many actual apparatus are so various that it is difficult to portray + them generically. Moreover it is desirable to subdivide automatic + carbide-to-water generators, according to the size of the carbide they are + constructed to take, into two or three classes, which are termed + respectively "large carbide-feed," "small carbide-feed," and "granulated + carbide-feed" apparatus. (The generator represented at L does not really + belong to the present class, being non-automatic and fed by hand; but the + sketch is given for completeness.) M is an automatic carbide-feed + generator having its store of carbide in a hopper carried by the rising- + holder bell. The hopper is narrowed at its mouth, where it is closed by a + conical or mushroom valve <i>d</i> supported on a rod held in suitable + guides. When the bell falls by consumption of gas, it carries the valve + and rod with it; but eventually the button at the base of <i>c</i> strikes + the bottom of the generator, or some fixed distributing plate, and the rod + can descend no further. Then, when the bell falls lower, the mushroom <i>d</i> + rises from its seat, and carbide drops from the hopper into the water. + This type of apparatus has the defect characteristic of A^2, Fig. 1; for + the pressure in the service steadily diminishes as the effective weight of + bell plus hopper decreases by consumption of carbide. But it has also two + other defects--(1) that ordinary carbide is too irregular in shape to fall + smoothly through the narrow annular space between the valve and its seat; + (2) that water vapour penetrates into the hopper, and liberates some gas + there, while it attacks the lumps of carbide at the orifice, producing + dust or causing them to stick together, and thus rendering the action of + the feed worse than ever. Most of these defects can be avoided by using + granulated carbide, which is more uniform in size and shape, or by + employing a granulated and "treated" carbide which has been dipped in some + non-aqueous liquid to make it less susceptible to the action of moisture. + Both these plans, however, are expensive to adopt; first, because of the + actual cost of granulating or "treating" the carbide; secondly, because + the carbide deteriorates in gas-making capacity by its inevitable exposure + to air during the granulating or "treating" process. The defects of + irregularity of pressure and possible waste of gas by evolution in the + hopper may be overcome by disposing the parts somewhat differently; making + the holder an annulus round the hopper, or making it cylindrical with the + hopper inside. In this case the hopper is supported by the main portion of + the apparatus, and does not move with the bell: the rod and valve being + given their motion in some fashion similar to that figured. Apparatus + designed in accordance with the sketch M, or with the modification just + described, are usually referred to under the name of "hopper" generators. + On several occasions trouble has arisen during their employment owing to + the jamming of the valve, a fragment of carbide rather larger than the + rest of the material lodging between the lips of the hopper and the edges + of the mushroom valve. This has been followed by a sudden descent of all + the carbide in the store into the water beneath, and the evolution of gas + has sometimes been too rapid to pass away at the necessary speed into the + holder. The trouble is rendered even more serious should the whole charge + of carbide fall at a time when, by neglect or otherwise, the body of the + generator contains much lime sludge, the decomposition then proceeding + under exceptionally bad circumstances, which lead to the production of an + excessively high temperature. Hopper generators are undoubtedly very + convenient for certain purposes, chiefly, perhaps, for the construction of + table-lamps and other small installations. Experience tends to show that + they may be employed, first, provided they are designed to take granulated + carbide--which in comparison with larger grades is much more uniform and + cylindrical in shape--and secondly, provided the quantity of carbide in + the hopper does not exceed a few pounds. The phenomenon of the sudden + unexpected descent of the carbide, popularly known as "dumping," can + hardly be avoided with carbide larger in size than the granulated variety; + and since the results of such an accident must increase in severity with + the size of the apparatus, a limit in their capacity is desirable. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/092.png"><img src="images/092th.png" + alt="FIG. 6.--TYPICAL METHODS OF DECOMPOSING CARBIDE (CARBIDE TO WATER)" /></a> + </p> + <p> + When it is required to construct a carbide-feed generator of large size or + one belonging to the large carbide-feed pattern, it is preferable to + arrange the store in a different manner. In N the carbide is held in a + considerable number of small receptacles, two only of which are shown in + the drawing, provided with detachable lids and hinged bottoms kept shut by + suitable catches. At proper intervals of time those catches in succession + are knocked on one side by a pin, and the contents of the vessel fall into + the water. There are several methods available for operating the pins. The + rising-holder bell may be made to actuate a train of wheels which + terminate in a disc revolving horizontally on a vertical axis somewhere + just below the catches; and this wheel may bear an eccentric pin which + hits each catch as it rotates. Alternatively the carbide boxes may be made + to revolve horizontally on a vertical axis by the movements of the bell + communicated through a clutch; and thus each box in succession may arrive + at a certain position where the catch is knocked aside by a fixed pin. The + boxes, again, may revolve vertically on a horizontal axis somewhat like a + water-wheel, each box having its bottom opened, or, by a different system + of construction, being bodily upset, when it arrives at the bottom of its + circular path. In no case, however, are the carbide receptacles carried by + the bell, which is a totally distinct part of the apparatus; and therefore + in comparison with M, the pressure given by the bell is much more uniform. + Nevertheless, if the system of carbide boxes moves at all, it becomes + easier to move by decrease in weight and consequent diminution in friction + as the total charge is exhausted; and accordingly the bell has less work + to do during the later stages of its operation. For this reason the plan + actually shown at N is preferable, since the work done by the moving pin, + <i>i.e.</i>, by the descending bell, is always the same. P represents a + carbide-feed effected by a spiral screw or conveyor, which, revolved + periodically by a moving bell, draws carbide out of a hopper of any + desired size and finally drops it into a shoot communicating with a + generating chamber such as that shown in L. Here the work done by the bell + is large, as the friction against the blades of the screw and the walls of + the horizontal tube is heavy; but that amount of work must always be + essentially identical. The carbide-feed may similarly be effected by means + of some other type of conveyor instead of the spiral screw, such as an + endless band, and the friction in these cases may be somewhat less than + with the screw, but the work to be done by the bell will always remain + large, whatever type of conveyor may be adopted. A further plan for + securing a carbide-feed consists in employing some extraneous driving + power to propel a charge of carbide out of a reservoir into the generator. + Sometimes the propulsive effort is obtained from a train of clockwork, + sometimes from a separate supply of water under high pressure. The + clockwork or the water power is used either to drive a piston travelling + through the vessel containing the carbide so that the proper quantity of + material is dropped over the open mouth of a shoot, or to upset one after + another a series of carbide receptacles, or to perform some analogous + operation. In these cases the pin or other device fitted to the acetylene + apparatus itself has nothing to do beyond releasing the mechanism in + question, and therefore the work required from the bell is but small. The + propriety of employing a generator belonging to these latter types must + depend upon local conditions, <i>e.g.</i>, whether the owner of the + installation has hydraulic power on a small scale (a constant supply of + water under sufficient pressure) at disposal, or whether he does not + object to the extra labour involved in the periodical winding up of a + train of clockwork. + </p> + <p> + It must be clear that all these carbide-feed arrangements have the defect + in a more or less serious degree of leaving the carbide in the main + storage vessel exposed to the attack of water vapour rising from the + decomposing chamber, for none of the valves or operating mechanism can be + made quite air-tight. Evolution of gas produced in this way does not + matter in the least, because it is easy to return the gas so liberated + into the generator or into the holder; while the extent of the action, and + the consequent production of overheating, will tend to be less than in + generators such as those shown in G and H of Figs. 4 and 5, inasmuch as + the large excess of water in the carbide-feed apparatus prevents the + liquid arriving at a temperature at which it volatilises rapidly. The main + objection to the evolution of gas in the carbide vessel of a + carbide-to-water generator depends on the danger that the smooth working + of the feed-gear may be interfered with by the formation of dust or by the + aggregation of the carbide lumps. + </p> + <p> + USE OF OIL IN GENERATORS.--Calcium carbide is a material which is only + capable of attack for the purpose of evolving acetylene by a liquid that + is essentially water, or by one that contains some water mixed with it. + Oils and the like, or even such non-aqueous liquids as absolute alcohol, + have no effect upon carbide, except that the former naturally make it + greasy and somewhat more difficult to moisten. This last property has been + found of service in acetylene generation, especially on the small scale; + for if carbide is soaked in, or given a coating of, some oil, fat, or + solid hydrocarbon like petroleum, cocoanut oil, or paraffin wax, the + substance becomes comparatively indifferent towards water vapour or the + moisture present in the air, while it still remains capable of complete, + albeit slow, decomposition by liquid water when completely immersed + therein. The fact that ordinary calcium carbide is attacked so quickly by + water is really a defect of the substance; for it is to this extreme + rapidity of reaction that the troubles of overheating are due. Now, if the + basket in the generator B^1 of Fig. 2, or, indeed, the carbide store in + any of the carbide-to-water apparatus, is filled with a carbide which has + been treated with oil or wax, as long as the water-level stands at <i>l'</i> + and <i>l"</i> or the carbide still remains in the hopper, it is + essentially unattacked by the vapour arising from the liquid; but directly + the basket is submerged, or the lumps fall into the water, acetylene is + produced, and produced more slowly and regularly than otherwise. Again, + oils do not mix with water, but usually float thereon, and a mass of water + covered by a thick film or layer of oil does not evaporate appreciably. + If, now, a certain quantity of oil, say lamp paraffin or mineral + lubricating oil, is poured on to the water in B^1, Fig. 2, it moves + upwards and downwards with the water. When the water takes the position <i>l</i>, + the oil is driven upwards away from the basket of carbide, and acetylene + is generated in the ordinary manner; but when the water falls to <i>l"</i> + the oil descends also, rinses off much of the adhering water from the + carbide lumps, covers them with a greasy film, and almost entirely stops + generation till it is in turn washed off by the next ascent of the water. + Similarly, if the carbide in generators F, G, and H (also K) has been + treated with a solid or semi-solid grease, it is practically unattacked by + the stream of warm damp gas, and is only decomposed when the liquid itself + arrives in the basket. For the same reason treated carbide can be kept for + fairly long periods of time, even in a drum with badly fitting lid, + without suffering much deterioration by the action of atmospheric + moisture. The problem of acetylene generation is accordingly simplified to + a considerable degree by the use of such treated carbide, and the + advantage becomes more marked as the plant decreases in size till a + portable apparatus is reached, because the smaller the installation the + more relatively expensive or inconvenient is a large holder for surplus + gas. The one defect of the method is the extra cost of such treated + carbide; and in English conditions ordinary calcium carbide is too + expensive to permit of any additional outlay upon the acetylene if it is + to compete with petroleum or the product of a tiny coal-gas works. The + extra cost of using treated carbide falls upon the revenue account, and is + much more noticeable than that of a large holder, which is capital + expenditure. When fluid oil is employed in a generator of type B^1, + evolution of gas becomes so regular that any holder beyond the + displacement one which the apparatus itself constitutes is actually + unnecessary, though still desirable; but B^1, with or without oil, still + remains a displacement apparatus, and as such gives no constant pressure. + It must be admitted that the presence of oil so far governs the evolution + of gas that the movement of the water, and the consequent variation of + pressure, is rendered very small; still a governor or a rising holder + would be required to give the best result at the burners. One point in + connexion with the use of liquid oil must not be overlooked, viz., the + extra trouble it may give in the disposal of the residues. This matter + will be dealt with more fully in Chapter V.; here it is sufficient to say + that as the oil does not mix with the water but floats on the surface, + care has to be taken that it is not permitted to enter any open stream. + The foregoing remarks about the use of oil manifestly only apply to those + cases where it is used in quantity and where it ultimately becomes mixed + with the sludge or floats on the water in the decomposing chamber. The + employment of a limpid oil, such as paraffin, as an intermediate liquid + into which carbide is introduced on its way to the water in the + decomposing vessel of a hand-fed generator in the manner described on page + 70 is something quite different, because, except for trifling losses, one + charge of oil should last indefinitely. + </p> + <p> + RISING GASHOLDERS.--Whichever description of holder is employed in an + acetylene apparatus, the gas is always stored over, or in contact with, a + liquid that is essentially water. This introduces three subjects for + consideration: the heavy weight of a large body of liquid, the loss of gas + by dissolution in that liquid, and the protection of that liquid from + frost in the winter. The tanks of rising holders are constructed in two + different ways. In one the tank is a plain cylindrical vessel somewhat + larger in diameter than the bell which floats in it; and since there must + be nearly enough water in the tank to fill the interior of the bell when + the latter assumes its lowest position, the quantity of water is + considerable, its capacity for dissolving acetylene is large, and the + amount of any substance that may have to be added to it to lower its + freezing-point becomes so great as to be scarcely economical. All these + defects, including that of the necessity for very substantial foundations + under the holder to support its enormous weight, may be overcome by + adopting the second method of construction. It is clear that the water in + the centre of the tank is of no use,--all that is needed being a narrow + trough for the bell to work in. Large rising holders are therefore + advantageously built with a tank formed in the shape of an annulus, the + effective breadth of which is not more than 2 or 3 inches, the centre + portion being roofed over so as to prevent escape of gas. The same + principle may be retained with modified details by fitting inside a plain + cylindrical tank a "dummy" or smaller cylinder, closed by a flat or curved + top and fastened water- and air-tight to the bottom of the main vessel. + The construction of annular tanks or the insertion of a "dummy" may be + attended with difficulty if the tank is wholly or partly sunk below the + ground level, owing to the lifting force of water in the surrounding soil. + Where a steel tank is sunk, or a masonry tank is constructed, regard must + be paid, both in the design of the tank and in the manner of construction, + to the level of the underground water in the neighbourhood, as in certain + cases special precautions will be needed to avoid trouble from the + pressure of the water on the outside of the tank until it is balanced by + the pressure of the water with which the tank is filled. So far as mere + dissolution of gas is concerned, the loss may be reduced by having a + circular disc of wood, &c., a little smaller in diameter than the + boll, floating on the water of a plain tank. + </p> + <p> + EFFECT OF STORAGE IN GASHOLDER ON ACETYLENE.--It is perfectly true, as has + been stated elsewhere, that the gas coming from an acetylene generator + loses some of its illuminating power if it is stored over water for any + great length of time; such loss being given by Nichols as 94 per cent, in + five months, and having been found by one of the authors as 0.63 per cent. + per day--figures which stand in fair agreement with one another. This + wastage is not due to any decomposition of the acetylene in contact with + water, but depends on the various solubilities of the different gases + which compose the product obtained from commercial calcium carbide. + Inasmuch as an acetylene evolved in the best generator contains some + foreign ingredients, and inasmuch as an inferior product contains more (<i>cf.</i> + Chapter V.), the contents of a holder are never pure; but as those + contents are principally made up of acetylene itself, that gas stands at a + higher partial pressure in the holder than the impurities. Since acetylene + is more soluble in water than any of its diluents or impurities, + sulphuretted hydrogen and ammonia excepted, and since the solubility of + all gases increases as the pressure at which they are stored rises, the + true acetylene in an acetylene holder dissolves in the water more rapidly + and comparatively more copiously than the impurities; and thus the + acetylene tends to disappear and the impurities to become concentrated + within the bell. Simultaneously at the outer part of the seal, air is + dissolved in the water; and by processes of diffusion the air so dissolved + passes through the liquid from the outside to the inside, where it escapes + into the bell, while the dissolved acetylene similarly passes from the + inside to the outside of the seal, and there mingles with the atmosphere. + Thus, the longer a certain volume of acetylene is stored over water, the + more does it become contaminated with the constituents of the atmosphere + and with the impurities originally present in it; while as the acetylene + is much more soluble than its impurities, more gas escapes from, than + enters, the holder by diffusion, and so the bulk of stored gas gradually + diminishes. However, the figures previously given show that this action is + too slow to be noticeable in practice, for the gas is never stored for + more than a few days at a time. The action cannot be accepted as a valid + argument against the employment of a holder in acetylene plant. Such + deterioration and wastage of gas may be reduced to some extent by the use + of a film of some cheap and indifferent oil floating on the water inside + an acetylene holder; the economy being caused by the lower solubility of + acetylene in oils than in aqueous liquids not saturated with some saline + material. Probably almost any oil would answer equally well, provided it + was not volatile at the temperature of the holder, and that it did not dry + or gum on standing, <i>e.g.</i>, olive oil or its substitutes; but mineral + lubricating oil is not so satisfactory. It is, however, not necessary to + adopt this method in practice, because the solvent power of the liquid in + the seal can be reduced by adding to it a saline body which simultaneously + lowers its freezing-point and makes the apparatus more trustworthy in + winter. + </p> + <p> + FREEZING OF GASHOLDER SEAL.--The danger attendant upon the congelation of + the seal in an acetylene holder is very real, not so much because of the + fear that the apparatus may be burst, which is hardly to be expected, as + because the bell will be firmly fixed in a certain position by the ice, + and the whole establishment lighted by the gas will be left in darkness. + In these circumstances, hurried and perhaps injudicious attempts may be + made to thaw the seal by putting red-hot bars into it or by lighting fires + under it, or the generator-house may be thoughtlessly entered with a naked + light at a time when the apparatus is possibly in disorder through the + loss of storage-room for the gas it is evolving. Should a seal ever + freeze, it must be thawed only by the application of boiling water; and + the plant-house must be entered, if daylight has passed, in perfect + darkness or with the assistance of an outside lamp whining through a + closed window. [Footnote: By "closed window" is to be understood one + incapable of being opened, fitted with one or two thicknesses of stout + glass well puttied in, and placed in a wall of the house as far as + possible from the door.] There are two ways of preventing the seal from + freezing. In all large installations the generator-house will be fitted + with a warm-water heating apparatus to protect the portion of the plant + where the carbide is decomposed, and if the holder is also inside the same + building it will naturally be safe. If it is outside, one of the + flow-pipes from the warming apparatus should be led into and round the + lowest part of the seal, care being taken to watch for, or to provide + automatic arrangements for making good, loss of water by evaporation. If + the holder is at a distance from the generator-house, or if for any other + reason it cannot easily be brought into the warming circuit, the seal can + be protected in another way; for unlike the water in the generator, the + water in the holder-seal will perform its functions equally well however + much it be reduced in temperature, always providing it is maintained in + the liquid condition. There are numerous substances which dissolve in, or + mix with, water, and yield solutions or liquids that do not solidify until + their temperature falls far below that of the natural freezing- point. + Assuming that those substances in solution do not attack the acetylene, + nor the metal of which the holder is built, and are not too expensive, + choice may be made between them at will. Strictly speaking the cost of + using them is small, because unless the tank is leaky they last + indefinitely, not evaporating with the water as it is vaporised into the + gas or into the air. The water-seal of a holder standing within the + generator-house may eventually become so offensive to the nostrils that + the liquid has to be renewed; but when this happens it is due to the + accumulation in the water of the water-soluble impurities of the crude + acetylene. If, as should be done, the gas is passed through a washer or + condenser containing much water before it enters the holder the + sulphuretted hydrogen and ammonia will be extracted, and the seal will not + acquire an obnoxious odour for a very long time. + </p> + <p> + Four principal substances have been proposed for lowering the freezing- + point of the water in an acetylene-holder seal; common salt (sodium + chloride), calcium chloride (not chloride of lime), alcohol (methylated + spirit), and glycerin. A 10 per cent. solution of common salt has a + specific gravity of 1.0734, and does not solidify above -6° C. or 21.2° + F.; a 15 per cent. solution has a density of 1.111, and freezes at -10° C. + or 14° F. Common salt, however, is not to be recommended, as its solutions + always corrode iron and steel vessels more or less quickly. Alcohol, in + its English denatured form of methylated spirit, is still somewhat + expensive to use, but it has the advantage of not increasing the viscosity + of the water; so that a frost-proof mixture of alcohol and water will flow + as readily through minute tubes choked with needle- valves, or through + felt and the like, or along wicks, as will plain water. For this reason, + and for the practically identical one that it is quite free from dirt or + insoluble matter, diluted spirit is specially suitable for the protection + of the water in cyclists' acetylene lamps, [Footnote: As will appear in + Chapter XIII., there is usually no holder in a vehicular acetylene lamp, + all the water being employed eventually for the purpose of decomposing the + carbide. This does not affect the present question. Dilute alcohol does + not attack calcium carbide so energetically as pure water, because it + stands midway between pure water and pure alcohol, which is inert. The + attack, however, of the carbide is as complete as that of pure water, and + the slower speed thereof is a manifest advantage in any holderless + apparatus.] where strict economy is less important than smooth working. + For domestic and larger installations it is not indicated. As between + calcium chloride and glycerin there is little to choose; the former will + be somewhat cheaper, but the latter will not be prohibitively expensive if + the high-grade pure glycerins of the pharmacist are avoided. The following + tables show the amount of each substance which must be dissolved in water + to obtain a liquid of definite solidifying point. The data relating to + alcohol were obtained by Pictet, and those for calcium chloride by + Pickering. The latter are materially different from figures given by other + investigators, and perhaps it would be safer to make due allowance for + this difference. In Germany the Acetylene Association advocates a 17 per + cent. solution of calcium chloride, to which Frank ascribes a specific + gravity of 1.134, and a freezing-point of -8° C. or 17.6° F. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Freezing-Points of Dilute Alcohol.</i> + _________________________________________________________ +| | | | +| Percentage of | Specific Gravity. | Freezing-point. | +| Alcohol. | | | +|_______________|___________________|_____________________| +| | | | | +| | | Degs. C. | Degs. F. | +| 4.8 | 0.9916 | -2.0 | +28.4 | +| 11.3 | 0.9824 | 5.0 | 23.0 | +| 16.4 | 0.9761 | 7.5 | 18.5 | +| 18.8 | 0.9732 | 9.4 | 15.1 | +| 20.3 | 0.9712 | 10.6 | 12.9 | +| 22.1 | 0.9689 | 12.2 | 10.0 | +| 24.2 | 0.9662 | 14.0 | 6.8 | +| 26.7 | 0.9627 | 16.0 | 3.2 | +| 29.9 | 0.9578 | 18.9 | -2.0 | +|_______________|___________________|__________|__________| +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Freezing-Points of Dilute Glycerin.</i> + _________________________________________________________ +| | | | +| Percentage of | Specific Gravity. | Freezing-point. | +| Glycerin. | | | +|_______________|___________________|_____________________| +| | | | | +| | | Degs. C. | Degs. F. | +| 10 | 1.024 | -1.0 | +30.2 | +| 20 | 1.051 | 2.5 | 27.5 | +| 30 | 1.075 | 6.0 | 21.2 | +| 40 | 1.105 | 17.5 | 0.5 | +| 50 | 1.127 | 31.3 | -24.3 | +|_______________|___________________|__________|__________| +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Freezing-Points of Calcium Chloride Solutions.</i> + _________________________________________________________ +| | | | +| Percentage of | Specific Gravity. | Freezing-point. | +| CaCl_2. | | | +|_______________|___________________|_____________________| +| | | | | +| | | Degs. C. | Degs. F. | +| 6 | 1.05 | -3.0 | +26.6 | +| 8 | 1.067 | 4.3 | 24.3 | +| 10 | 1.985 | 5.9 | 21.4 | +| 12 | 1.103 | 7.7 | 18.1 | +| 14 | 1.121 | 9.8 | 14.4 | +| 16 | 1.140 | 12.2 | 10.0 | +| 18 | 1.159 | 15.2 | 4.6 | +| 20 | 1.170 | 18.6 | -1.5 | +|_______________|___________________|__________|__________| +</pre> + <p> + Calcium chloride will probably be procured in the solid state, but it can + be purchased as a concentrated solution, being sold under the name of + "calcidum" [Footnote: This proprietary German article is a liquid which + begins to solidify at -42° C. (-43.6° F.), and is completely solid at -56° + C. (-69)° F.). Diluted with one-third its volume of water, it freezes + between -20° and -28° C. (-4° and-l8.4° F.). The makers recommend that it + should be mixed with an equal volume of water. Another material known as + "Gefrierschutzflüssigkeit" and made by the Flörsheim chemical works, + freezes at -35° C. (-3° F.). Diluted with one-quarter its volume of water, + it solidifies at -18° C. (-0.4° F.); with equal parts of water it freezes + at -12° C. (10.4° F.). A third product, called "calcidum oxychlorid," has + been found by Caro and Saulmann to be an impure 35 per cent. solution of + calcium chloride. Not one of these is suitable for addition to the water + used in the generating chamber of an acetylene apparatus, the reasons for + this having already been mentioned.] for the protection of gasholder + seals. Glycerin itself resembles a strong solution of calcium chloride in + being a viscid, oily-looking liquid; and both are so much heavier than + water that they will not mix with further quantities unless they are + thoroughly agitated therewith. Either may be poured through water, or have + water floated upon it, without any appreciable admixture taking place; and + therefore in first adding them to the seal great care must be taken that + they are uniformly distributed throughout the liquid. If the whole + contents of the seal cannot conveniently be run into an open vessel in + which the mixing can be performed, the sealing water must be drawn off a + little at a time and a corresponding quantity of the protective reagent + added to it. Care must be taken also that motives of economy do not lead + to excessive dilution of the reagent; the seal must be competent to remain + liquid under the prolonged influence of the most severe frost ever known + to occur in the neighbourhood where the plant is situated. If the holder + is placed out of doors in an exposed spot where heavy rains may fall on + the top of the bell, or where snow may collect there and melt, the water + is apt to run down into the seal, diluting the upper layers until they + lose the frost- resisting power they originally had. This danger may be + prevented by erecting a sloping roof over the bell crown, or by stirring + up the seal and adding more preservative whenever it has been diluted with + rain water. Quite small holders would probably always be placed inside the + generator-house, where their seals may be protected by the same means as + are applied to the generator itself. It need hardly be said that all + remarks about the dangers incidental to the freezing of holder seals and + the methods for obviating them refer equally to every item in the + acetylene plant which contains water or is fitted with a water-sealed + cover; only the water which is actually used for decomposing the calcium + carbide cannot be protected from frost by the addition of calcium chloride + or glycerin--that water must be kept from falling to its natural + freezing-point. From Mauricheau-Beaupré's experiments, referred to on page + 106, it would appear that a further reason for avoiding an addition of + calcium chloride to the water used for decomposing carbide should lie in + the danger of causing a troublesome production of froth within the + generator. + </p> + <p> + It will be convenient to digress here for the purpose of considering how + the generators of an acetylene apparatus themselves should be protected + from frost; but it may be said at the outset that it is impossible to lay + down any fixed rules applicable to all cases, since local conditions, such + as climate, available resources, dimensions, and exposed or protected + position of the plant-house vary so largely in different situations. In + all important installations every item of the plant, except the holder, + will be collected in one or two rooms of a single building constructed of + brick or other incombustible material. Assuming that long-continued frost + reigns at times in the neighbourhood, the whole of such a building, with + the exception of one apartment used as a carbide store only, is + judiciously fitted with a heating arrangement like those employed in + conservatories or hothouses; a system of pipes in which warm water is kept + circulating being run round the walls of each chamber near the floor. The + boiler, heated with coke, paraffin, or even acetylene, must naturally be + placed in a separate room of the apparatus-house having no direct (indoor) + communication with the rooms containing the generators, purifiers, &c. + Instead of coils of pipe, "radiators" of the usual commercial patterns may + be adopted; but the immediate source of heat should be steam, or + preferably hot water, and not hot air or combustion products from the + stove. In exposed situations, where the holder is out of doors, one branch + of the flow-pipe should enter and travel round the seal as previously + suggested. Most large country residences are already provided with + suitable heating apparatus for warming the greenhouses, and part of the + heat may be capable of diversion into the acetylene generator-shed if the + latter is erected in a convenient spot. In fact, if any existing hot-water + warming appliances are already at hand, and if they are powerful enough to + do a little more work, it may be well to put the generator-building in + such a position that it can be efficiently supplied with artificial warmth + from those boilers; for any extra length of main necessary to lead the gas + into the residence from a distant generator will cost less on the revenue + account than the fuel required to feed a special heating arrangement. In + smaller installations, especially such as are to be found in mild + climates, it may be possible to render the apparatus-house sufficiently + frost-proof without artificial heat by building it partly underground, + fitting it with a double skylight in place of a window for the entrance of + daylight, and banking up its walls all round with thick layers of earth. + The house must have a door, however, which must open outwards and easily, + so that no obstacle may prevent a hurried exit in emergencies. Such a door + can hardly be made very thick or double without rendering it heavy and + difficult to open; and the single door will be scarcely capable of + protecting the interior if the frost is severe and prolonged. Ventilators, + too, must be provided to allow of the escape of any gas that may + accidentally issue from the plant during recharging, &c.; and some + aperture in the roof will be required for the passage of the vent pipe or + pipes, which, in certain types of apparatus, move upwards and downwards + with the bell of the holder. These openings manifestly afford facilities + for the entry of cold air, so that although this method of protecting + generator-houses has proved efficient in many places, it can only be + considered inferior to the plan of installing a proper heating + arrangement. Occasionally, where local regulations do not forbid, the + entire generator-house may be built as a "lean-to" against some brick wall + which happens to be kept constantly warm, say by having a furnace or a + large kitchen stove on its other side. + </p> + <p> + In less complicated installations, where there are only two distinct items + in the plant to be protected from frost--generator and holder--or where + generator and holder are combined into one piece of apparatus, other + methods of warming become possible. As the reaction between calcium + carbide and water evolves much heat, the most obvious way of preventing + the plant from freezing is to economise that heat, <i>i.e.</i>, to retain + as much of it as is necessary within the apparatus. Such a process, + clearly, is only available if the plant is suitable in external form, is + practically self-contained, and comprises no isolated vessels containing + an aqueous liquid. It is indicated, therefore, rather for carbide-to- + water generators, or for water-to-carbide apparatus in which the carbide + chambers are situated inside the main water reservoir--any apparatus, in + fact, where much water is present and where it is all together in one + receptacle. Moreover, the method of heat economy is suited for application + to automatic generators rather than to those belonging to the opposite + system, because automatic apparatus will be generating gas, and + consequently evolving heat, every evening till late at night--just at the + time when frost begins to be severe. A non-automatic generator will + usually be at work only in the mornings, and its store of heat will + accordingly be much more difficult to retain till nightfall. With the + object of storing up the heat evolved in the generator, it must be covered + with some material possessed of the lowest heat-conducting power possible; + and the proper positions for that material in order of decreasing + importance are the top, sides, and bottom of the plant. The generator may + either be covered with a thick layer of straw, carpet, flannel, or the + like, as is done in the protection of exposed water- pipes; or it may be + provided with a jacket filled with some liquid. In view of the + advisability of not having any organic or combustible material near the + generator, the solid substances just mentioned may preferably be replaced + by one of those partially inorganic compositions sold for "lagging" + steam-pipes and engine-cylinders, such as "Fossil meal." Indeed, the exact + nature of the lagging matters comparatively little, because the active + substance in retaining the heat in the acetylene generator or the + steam-pipe is the air entangled in the pores of the lagging; and therefore + the value of any particular material depends mainly on its exhibiting a + high degree of porosity. The idea of fitting a water jacket round an + acetylene generator is not altogether good, but it may be greatly improved + upon by putting into the jacket a strong solution of some cheap saline + body which has the property of separating from its aqueous solution in the + form of crystals containing water of crystallisation, and of evolving much + heat in so separating. This method of storing much heat in a small space + where a fire cannot be lighted is in common use on some railways, where + passengers' foot-warmers are filled with a strong solution of sodium + acetate. When sodium acetate is dissolved in water it manifestly exists in + the liquid state, and it is presumably present in its anhydrous condition + (i.e., not combined with water of crystallisation). The common crystals + are solid, and contain 3 molecules of water of crystallisation--also + clearly in the solid state. Now, the reaction + </p> + <p> + NaC_2H_3O_2 + 3H_2O = NaC_2H_3O_2.3H_2O + </p> + <p> + (anhydrous acetate) (crystals) + </p> + <p> + evolves 4.37 calories (Berthelot), or 1.46 calorie for each molecule of + water; and whereas 1 kilo. of water only evolves 1 large calorie of heat + as its temperature falls 1° C., 18 grammes of water (1 gramme-molecule) + evolve l.46 large calorie when they enter into combination with anhydrous + sodium acetate to assist in forming crystals--and this 1.46 calorie may + either be permitted to warm the mass of crystals, or made to do useful + work by raising the temperature of some adjacent substance. Sodium acetate + crystals dissolve in 3.9 parts by weight of water at 6° C. (43° F.) or in + 2.4 parts at 37° C. (99° F.). If, then, a jacket round an acetylene + apparatus is filled with a warm solution of sodium acetate crystals in + (say) 3 parts by weight of water, the liquid will crystallise when it + reaches some temperature between 99° and 43° F.; but when the generator + comes into action, the heat liberated will change the mass of crystals + into a liquid without raising its sensible temperature to anything like + the extent that would happen were the jacket full of simple water. Not + being particularly warm to the touch, the liquefied product in the jacket + will not lose much heat by radiation, &c., into the surrounding air; + but when the water in the generator falls again (after evolution of + acetylene ceases) the contents of the jacket will also cool, and finally + will begin to crystallise once more, passing a large amount of + low-temperature heat into the water of the generator, and safely + maintaining it for long periods of time at a temperature suitable for the + further evolution of gas. Like the liquid in the seal of an isolated + gasholder, the liquid in such a jacket will last indefinitely; and + therefore the cost of the sodium acetate in negligible. + </p> + <p> + Another method of keeping warm the water in any part of an acetylene + installation consists in piling round the apparatus a heap of fresh stable + manure, which, as is well known, emits much heat as it rots. Where horses + are kept, such a process may be said to cost nothing. It has the advantage + over methods of lagging or jacketing that the manure can be thrown over + any pipe, water-seal, washing apparatus, &c., even if the plant is + constructed in several separate items. Unfortunately the ammonia and the + volatile organic compounds which are produced during the natural + decomposition of stable manure tend seriously to corrode iron and steel, + and therefore this method of protecting an apparatus from frost should + only be employed temporarily in times of emergency. + </p> + <p> + CORROSION IN APPARATUS.--All natural water is a solution of oxygen and may + be regarded also as a weak solution of the hypothetical carbonic acid. It + therefore causes iron to rust more or less quickly; and since no paint is + absolutely waterproof, especially if it has been applied to a surface + already coated locally with spots of rust, iron and steel cannot be + perfectly protected by its aid. More particularly at a few inches above + and below the normal level of the water in a holder, therefore, the metal + soon begins to exhibit symptoms of corrosion which may eventually proceed + until the iron is eaten away or becomes porous. One method of prolonging + the life of such apparatus is to give it fresh coats of paint + periodically; but unless the old layers are removed where they have + cracked or blistered, and the rust underneath is entirely scraped off + (which is practically impossible), the new paint films will not last very + long. Another more elegant process for preserving any metal like iron + which is constantly exposed to the attack of a corrosive liquid, and which + is readily applicable to acetylene holders and their tanks, depends on the + principle of galvanic action. When two metals in good electrical contact + are immersed in some liquid that is capable of attacking both, only that + metal will be attacked which is the more electro-positive, or which (the + same thing in other words) is the more readily attacked by the liquid, + evolving the more heat during its dissolution. As long as this action is + proceeding, as long, that is, as some of the more electro- positive + material is present, the less electro-positive material will not suffer. + All that has to be done, therefore, to protect the walls of an + acetylene-holder tank and the sides of its bell is to hang in the seal, + supported by a copper wire fastened to the tank walls by a trustworthy + electrical joint (soldering or riveting it), a plate or rod of some more + electro-positive metal, renewing that plate or rod before it is entirely + eaten away. [Footnote: Contact between the bell and the rod may be + established by means of a flexible metallic wire; or a separate rod might + be used for the bell itself.] If the iron is bare or coated with lead + (paint may be overlooked), the plate may be zinc; if the iron is + galvanised, <i>i.e.</i>, coated with zinc, the plate may be aluminium or + an alloy of aluminium and zinc. The joint between the copper wire and the + zinc or aluminium plate should naturally be above the water-level. The + foregoing remarks should be read in conjunction with what was said in + Chapter II., about the undesirability of employing a soft solder + containing lead in the construction of an acetylene generator. Here it is + proposed intentionally to set up a galvanic couple to prevent corrosion; + there, with the same object in view, the avoidances of galvanic action is + counselled. The reason for this difference is self-evident; here a foreign + metal is brought into electrical contact with the apparatus in order that + the latter may be made electro-negative; but when a joint is soldered with + lead, the metal of the generator is unintentionally made electro-positive. + Here the plant is protected by the preferential corrosion of a cheap and + renewable rod; in the former case the plant is encouraged to rust by the + unnecessary presence of an improperly selected metal. + </p> + <p> + OTHER ITEMS IN GENERATING PLANT.--It has been explained in Chapter II. + that the reaction between calcium carbide and water is very tumultuous in + character, and that it occurs with great rapidity. Clearly, therefore, the + gas comes away from the generator in rushes, passing into the next item of + the plant at great speed for a time, and then ceasing altogether. The + methods necessarily adopted for purifying the crude gas are treated of in + Chapter V.; but it is manifest now that no purifying material can prove + efficient unless the acetylene passes through it at a uniform rate, and at + one which is as slow as other conditions permit. For this reason the + proper position of the holder in an acetylene installation is before the + purifier, and immediately after the condenser or washer which adjoins the + generator. By this method of design the holder is filled up irregularly, + the gas passing into it sometimes at full speed, sometimes at an + imperceptible rate; but if the holder is well balanced and guided this is + a matter of no consequence. Out of the holder, on the other hand, the gas + issues at a rate which is dependent upon the number and capacity of the + burners in operation at any moment; and in ordinary conditions this rate + is so much more uniform during the whole of an evening than the rate at + which the gas is evolved from the carbide, that a purifier placed after + the holder is given a far better opportunity of extracting the impurities + from the acetylene than it would have were it situated before the holder, + as is invariably the case on coal-gas works. + </p> + <p> + For many reasons, such as capacity for isolation when being recharged or + repaired, it is highly desirable that each item in an acetylene plant + shall be separated, or capable of separation, from its neighbours; and + this observation applies with great force to the holder and the + decomposing vessel of the generator. In all large plants each vessel + should be fitted with a stopcock at its inlet and, if necessary, one at + its outlet, being provided also with a by-pass so that it can be thrown + out of action without interfering with the rest of the installation. In + the best practice the more important vessels, such as the purifiers, will + be in duplicate, so that unpurified gas need not be passed into the + service while a solitary purifier is being charged afresh. In smaller + plants, where less skilled labour will probably be bestowed on the + apparatus, and where hand-worked cocks are likely to be neglected or + misused, some more, automatic arrangement for isolating each item is + desirable. There are two automatic devices which may be employed for the + purposes in view, the non-return valve and the water-seal. The non-return + valve is simply a mushroom or ball valve without handle, lifted off its + seat by gas passing from underneath whenever the pressure of the gas + exceeds the weight of the valve, but falling back on to its seat and + closing the pipe when the pressure decreases or when pressure above is + greater than that below. The apparatus works perfectly with a clean gas or + liquid which is not corrosive; but having regard to the possible presence + of tarry products, lime dust, or sludge, condensed water loaded with + soluble impurities, &c., in the acetylene, a non-return valve is not + the best device to adopt, for both it and the hand-worked cock or screw- + down valve are liable to stick and give trouble. The best arrangement in + all respects, especially between the generator and the holder, is a + water-seal. A water-seal in made by leading the mouth of a pipe delivering + gas under the level of water in a suitable receptacle, so that the issuing + gas has to bubble through the liquid. Gas cannot pass backwards through + the pipe until it has first driven so much liquid before it that the level + in the seal has fallen below the pipe's mouth; and if the end of the pipe + is vertical more pressure than can possibly be produced in the apparatus + is necessary to effect this. Omitting the side tube <i>b</i>, one variety + of water-seal is shown at D in Fig. 7 on page 103. The water being at the + level <i>l</i>, gas enters at <i>a</i> and bubbles through it, escaping + from the apparatus at <i>c</i>. It cannot return from <i>c</i> to <i>a</i> + without driving the water out of the vessel till its level falls from <i>f</i> + to <i>g</i>; and since the area of the vessel is much greater than that of + the pipe, so great a fall in the vessel would involve a far greater rise + in <i>a</i>. It is clear that such a device, besides acting as a + non-return valve, also fulfils two other useful functions: it serves to + collect and retain all the liquid matter that may be condensed in the pipe + <i>a</i> from the spot at which it was originally level or was given a + fall to the seal, as well as that condensing in <i>c</i> as far as the + spot where <i>c</i> dips again; and it equally acts as a washer to the + gas, especially if the orifice <i>g</i> of the gas-inlet pipe is not left + with a plain mouth as represented in the figure, but terminates in a large + number of small holes, the pipe being then preferably prolonged + horizontally, with minute holes in it so as to distribute the gas + throughout the entire vessel. Such an apparatus requires very little + attention. It may with advantage be provided with the automatic + arrangement for setting the water-level shown at <i>d</i> and <i>e</i>. <i>d</i> + is a tunnel tube extending almost to the bottom of the vessel, and <i>e</i> + is a curved run-off pipe of the form shown. The lower part of the upper + curve in <i>e</i> is above the level <i>f</i>, being higher than <i>f</i> + by a distance equal to that of the gas pressure in the pipes; and + therefore when water is poured into the funnel it fills the vessel till + the internal level reaches <i>f</i>, when the surplus overflows of itself. + The operation thus not only adjusts the quantity of water present to the + desired level so that <i>a</i> cannot become unsealed, but it also renews + the liquid when it has become foul and nearly saturated with dissolved and + condensed impurities from the acetylene. It would be a desirable + refinement to give the bottom of the vessel a slope to the mouth of <i>e</i>, + or to some other spot where a large-bore draw-off cock could be fitted for + the purpose of extracting any sludge of lime, &c., that may collect. + By having such a water-seal, or one simpler in construction, between the + generator and the holder, the former may be safely opened at any time for + repairs, inspection, or the insertion of a fresh charge of carbide while + the holder is full of gas, and the delivery of acetylene to the burners at + a specified pressure will not be interrupted. If a cock worked by hand + were employed for the separation of the holder from the generator, and the + attendant were to forget to close it, part or all of the acetylene in the + holder would escape from the generator when it was opened or disconnected. + </p> + <p> + Especially when a combined washer and non-return valve follows immediately + after a generator belonging to the shoot type, and the mouth of the shoot + is open to the air in the plant-house, it is highly desirable that the + washer shall be fitted with some arrangement of an automatic kind for + preventing the water level rising much above its proper position. The + liquid in a closed washer tends to rise as the apparatus remains in use, + water vapour being condensed within it and liquid water, or froth of lime, + being mechanically carried forward by the stream of acetylene coming from + the decomposing chamber. In course of time, therefore, the vertical depth + to which the gas-inlet pipe in the washer is sealed by the liquid + increases; and it may well be that eventually the depth in question, plus + the pressure thrown by the holder bell, may become greater than the + pressure which can be set up inside the generator without danger of gas + slipping under the lower edge of the shoot. Should this state of things + arise, the acetylene can no longer force its way through the washer into + the holder bell, but will escape from the mouth of the shoot; filling the + apparatus-house with gas, and offering every opportunity for an explosion + if the attendant disobeys orders and takes a naked light with him to + inspect the plant. + </p> + <p> + It is indispensable that every acetylene apparatus shall be fitted with a + safety-valve, or more correctly speaking a vent-pipe. The generator must + have a vent-pipe in case the gas-main leading to the holder should become + blocked at any time, and the acetylene which continues to be evolved in + all water-to-carbide apparatus, even after the supply of water has been + cut off be unable to pass away. Theoretically a non-automatic apparatus + does not require a vent-pipe in its generator because all the gas enters + the holder immediately, and is, or should be, unable to return through the + intermediate water seal; practically such a safeguard is absolutely + necessary for the reason given. The holder must have a safety-valve in + case the cutting-off mechanism of the generator fails to act, and more gas + passes into it than it can store. Manifestly the pressure of the gas in a + water-sealed holder or in any generator fitted with a water-sealed lid + cannot rise above that corresponding with the depth of water in the seal; + for immediately the pressure, measured in inches of water, equals the + depth of the sealing liquid, the seal will be blown out, and the gas will + escape. Such an occurrence, however, as the blowing of a seal must never + be possible in any item of an acetylene plant, more especially in those + items that are under cover, for the danger that the issuing gas might be + fired or might produce suffocation would be extremely great. Typical + simple forms of vent-pipe suitable for acetylene apparatus are shown in + Fig. 7. In each case the pipe marked "vent" is the so-called safety-valve; + it is open at its base for the entry of gas, and open at its top for the + escape of the acetylene into the atmosphere, such top being in all + instances carried through the roof of the generator-house into the open + air, and to a spot distant from any windows of that house or of the + residence, where it can prove neither dangerous nor a nuisance by reason + of its odour. At A is represented the vent-pipe of a displacement vessel, + which may either be part of a displacement holder or of a generator + working on the displacement principle. The vent-pipe is rigidly fixed to + the apparatus. If gas is generated within the closed portion of the holder + or passes through it, and if the pressure so set up remains less than that + which is needed to move the water from the level <i>l</i> to the levels <i>l'</i> + and <i>l"</i>, the mouth of the pipe is under water, and acetylene cannot + enter it; but immediately such an amount of gas is collected, or such + pressure is produced that the interior level sinks below <i>l"</i>, which + is that of the mouth of the pipe, it becomes unsealed, and the surplus gas + freely escapes. There are two minor points in connexion with this form of + vent-pipe often overlooked. At the moment when the water arrives at <i>l"</i> + in the closed half of the apparatus, its level in the interior of the + vent-pipe stands at <i>l'</i>, identical with that in the open hall of the + apparatus (for the mouth of the vent-pipe and the water in the open hall + of the apparatus are alike exposed to the pressure of the atmosphere + only). When the water, then, descends just below <i>l"</i> there is an + amount of water inside the pipe equal in height to the distance between <i>l'</i> + and <i>l"</i>; and before the acetylene can escape, it must either force + this water as a compact mass out of the upper mouth of the vent-pipe + (which it is clearly not in a position to do), drive it out of the upper + mouth a little at a time, or bubble through it till the water is gradually + able to run downwards out of the pipe as its lower opening is more fully + unsealed. In practice the acetylene partly bubbles through this water and + partly drives it out of the mouth of the pipe; on some occasions + temporarily yielding irregular pressures at the burners which cause them + to jump, and always producing a gurgling noise in the vent- pipe which in + calculated to alarm the attendant. If the pipe is too small in diameter, + and especially if its lower orifice is cut off perfectly horizontal and + constricted slightly, the water may refuse to escape from the bottom + altogether, and the pipe will fail to perform its allotted task. It is + better therefore to employ a wide tube, and to cut off its mouth + obliquely, or to give its lower extremity the shape of an inverted funnel. + At the half of the central divided drawing marked B (Fig. 7) is shown a + precisely similar vent-pipe affixed to the bell of a rising holder, which + behaves in an identical fashion when by the rising of the bell its lower + end is lifted out of the water in the tank. The features described above + as attendant, upon the act of unsealing of the displacement-holder + vent-pipe occur here also, but to a less degree; for the water remaining + in the pipe at the moment of unsealing is only that which corresponds with + the vertical distance between <i>l'</i> and <i>l"</i>, and in a rising + holder this is only a height always equal to the pressure given by the + bell. Nevertheless this form of vent-pipe produces a gurgling noise, and + would be better for a trumpet-shaped mouth. A special feature of the pipe + in B is that unless it is placed symmetrically about the centre of the + bell its weight tends to throw the bell out of the vertical, and it may + have to be supported at its upper part; conversely, if the pipe is + arranged concentrically in the bell, it may be employed as part of the + guiding arrangement of the bell itself. Manifestly, as the pipe must be + long enough to extend through the roof of the generator-house, its weight + materially increases the weight of the bell, and consequently the gas + pressure in the service; this fact is not objectionable provided due + allowance is made for it. So tall a vent-pipe, however, seriously raises + the centre of gravity of the bell and may make it top-heavy. To work well + the centre of gravity of a holder bell should be as low as possible, any + necessary weighting being provided symmetrically about its circumference + and close to its bottom edge. The whole length of an ascending vent-pipe + need not be carried by the rising bell, because the lower portion, which + must be supported by the bell, can be arranged to slide inside a wider + length of pipe which is fixed to the roof of the generator-house at the + point where it passes into the open air. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/111.png"><img src="images/111th.png" + alt="FIG. 7.--TYPICAL FORMS OF VENT-PIPES OR SAFETY-VALVES" /></a> + </p> + <p> + A refinement upon this vent-pipe is represented at C, where it is rigidly + fastened to the tank of the holder, and has its internal aperture always + above the level of the water in the apparatus. Rigidly fixed to the crown + of the bell is a tube of wider diameter, <i>h</i>, which is closed at its + upper end. <i>h</i> is always full of gas, and its mouth is normally + beneath the level of the water in the seal; but when the bell rises to its + highest permissible position, the mouth of <i>h</i> comes above the water, + and communication is opened between the holder and the outer atmosphere. + No water enters the vent-pipe from the holder, and therefore no gurgling + or irregular pressure is produced. Another excellent arrangement of a + vent-pipe, suggested by Klinger of Gumpoldskirchen, is shown at D, a + drawing which has already been partly considered as a washer and + water-seal. For the present purpose the main vessel and its various pipes + are so dimensioned that the vertical height <i>g</i> to <i>f</i> is always + appreciably greater than the gas pressure in the service or in the + generator or gasholder to which it is connected. In these circumstances + the gas entering at <i>a</i> depresses the water in the pipe below the + level <i>f</i> to an extent equal to the pressure at which it enters that + pipe--an extent normally less than the distance <i>f</i> to <i>g</i>; and + therefore gas never passes into the body of the vessel, but travels away + by the side tube <i>b</i> (which in former references to this drawing was + supposed to be absent). If, however, the pressure at <i>a</i> exceeds that + of the vertical height <i>f</i> to <i>g</i>, gas escapes at <i>g</i> + through the water, and is then free to reach the atmosphere by means of + the vent <i>c</i>. As before, <i>d</i> serves to charge the apparatus with + water, and <i>e</i> to ensure a proper amount being added. Clearly no + liquid can enter the vent-pipe in this device. Safety-valves such as are + added to steam-boilers and the like, which consist of a weighted lever + holding a conical valve down against its seat, are not required in + acetylene apparatus, for the simpler hydraulic seals discussed above can + always be fitted wherever they may be needed. It should be noticed that + these vent-pipes only come into operation in emergencies, when they are + required to act promptly. No economy is to be effected by making them + small in diameter. For obvious reasons the vent-pipe of a holder should + have a diameter equal to that of the gas-inlet tube, and the vent-pipe of + a generator be equal in size to the gas-leading tube. + </p> + <p> + FROTHING IN GENERATORS.--A very annoying trouble which crops up every now + and then during the evolution of acetylene consists in the production of + large masses of froth within the generator. In the ordinary way, + decomposition of carbide is accompanied by a species of effervescence, but + the bubbles should break smartly and leave the surface of the liquid + reasonably free from foam. Sometimes, however, the bubbles do not break, + but a persistent "head" of considerable height is formed. Further + production of gas only increases the thickness of the froth until it rises + so high that it is carried forward through the gas-main into the next item + of the plant. The froth disappears gradually in the pipes, but leaves in + them a deposit of lime which sooner or later causes obstructions by + accumulating at the angles and dips; while during its presence in the main + the steady passage of gas to the holder is interrupted and the burners may + even be made to jump. Manifestly the defect is chiefly, if not always, to + be noticed in the working of carbide-to-water generators. The phenomenon + has been examined by Mauricheau-Beaupré, who finds that frothing is not + characteristic of pure carbide and that it cannot be attributed to any of + the impurities normally present in commercial carbide. If, however, the + carbide contains calcium chloride, frothing is liable to occur. A 0.1 per + cent. solution of calcium chloride appears to yield some foam when carbide + is decomposed in it, and a 1 per cent. solution to foam in a pronounced + manner. In the absence of calcium chloride, the main cause of frothing + seems to be the presence in the generator of new paint or tar. If a + generator is taken into use before the paint in any part of it which + becomes moistened by warm lime-water has had opportunity of drying + thoroughly hard, frothing is certain to occur; and even if the carbide has + been stored for only a short time in a tin or drum which has been freshly + painted, a production of froth will follow when it is decomposed in water. + The products of the polymerisation of acetylene also tend to produce + frothing, but not to such an extent as the turpentine in paint and the + lighter constituents of coal-tar. Carbide stored even temporarily in a + newly painted tin froths on decomposition because it has absorbed among + its pores some of the volatile matter given off by the paint during the + process of desiccation. + </p> + <p> + THE "DRY" PROCESS OF GENERATION.--A process for generating acetylene, + totally different in principle from those hitherto considered, has been + introduced in this country. According to the original patents of G. J. + Atkins, the process consisted in bringing small or powdered carbide into + mechanical contact with some solid material containing water, the water + being either mixed with the solid reagent or attached to it as water of + crystallisation. Such reagents indeed were claimed as crude starch and the + like, the idea being to recover a by-product of pecuniary value. Now the + process seems to be known only in that particular form in which granulated + carbide is treated with crystallised sodium carbonate, <i>i.e.</i>, common + washing soda. Assuming the carbide employed to be chemically pure and the + reaction between it and the water of crystallisation contained in ordinary + soda crystals to proceed quantitatively, the production of acetylene by + the dry process should be represented by the following chemical equation: + </p> + <p> + 5CaC_2 + Na_2CO_3.10H_2O = 5C_2H_2 + 5Ca(OH)_2 + Na_2CO_3. + </p> + <p> + On calculating out the molecular weights, it will be seen that 286 parts + of washing soda should suffice for the decomposition of 320 parts of pure + calcium carbide, or in round numbers 9 parts of soda should decompose 10 + parts of carbide. In practice, however, it seems to be found that from 1 + to 1.5 parts of soda are needed for every part of carbide. + </p> + <p> + The apparatus employed is a metal drum supported on a hollow horizontal + spindle, one end of which is closed and carries a winch handle, and the + other end of which serves to withdraw the gas generated in the plant. The + drum is divided into three compartments by means of two vertical + partitions so designed that when rotation proceeds in one particular + direction portions of the two reagents stored in one end compartment pass + into the centre compartment; whereas when rotation proceeds in the + opposite direction, the material in the centre compartment is merely mixed + together, partly by the revolution of the drum, partly with the assistance + of a stationary agitator slung loosely from the central spindle. The other + end compartment contains coke or sawdust or other dry material through + which the gas passes for the removal of lime or other dust carried in + suspension as it issues from the generating compartment. The gas then + passes through perforations into the central spindle, one end of which is + connected by a packed joint with a fixed pipe, which leads to a seal or + washer containing petroleum. Approached from a theoretical standpoint, it + will be seen that this method of generation entirely sacrifices the + advantages otherwise accruing from the use of liquid water as a means for + dissipating the heat of the chemical reaction, but on the other hand, + inasmuch as the substances are both solid, the reaction presumably occurs + more slowly than it would in the presence of liquid water; and moreover + the fact that the water employed to act upon the carbide is in the solid + state and also more or less combined with the rest of the sodium carbonate + molecule, means that, per unit of weight, the water decomposed must render + latent a larger amount of heat than it would were it liquid. Experiments + made by one of the authors of this book tend to show that the gas evolved + from carbide by the dry process contains rather less phosphorus than it + might in other conditions of generation, and as a fact gas made by the dry + process is ordinarily consumed without previous passage through any + chemical purifying agent. It is obvious, however, that the use of the + churn described above greatly increases the labour attached to the + production of the gas; while it is not clear that the yield per unit + weight of carbide decomposed should be as high as that obtained in wet + generation. The inventor has claimed that his by-product should be + valuable and saleable, apparently partly on the ground that it should + contain caustic soda. Evidence, however, that a reaction between the + calcium oxide or hydroxide and the sodium carbonate takes place in the + prevailing conditions is not yet forthcoming, and the probabilities are + that such decomposition would not occur unless the residue were largely + diluted with water. [Footnote: The oldest process employed for + manufacturing caustic soda consisted in mixing a solution of sodium + carbonate with quick or slaked lime, and it has been well established that + the causticisation of the soda will not proceed when the concentration of + the liquid is greater than that corresponding with a specific gravity of + about 1-10, <i>i.e.</i>, when the liquid contains more than some 8 to 10 + per cent, of sodium hydroxide.] Conversely there are some grounds for + believing that the dry residue is less useful than an ordinary wet residue + for horticultural purposes, and also for the production of whitewash. From + a financial standpoint, the dry process suffers owing to the expense + involved in the purchase of a second raw material, for which but little + compensation can be discovered unless it is proved that the residue is + intrinsically more valuable than common acetylene-lime and can be sold or + used advantageously by the ordinary owner of an installation. The + discarding of the chemical purifier at the present day is a move of which + the advantage may well be overrated. + </p> + <p> + ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING OF GENERATOR SHEDS.--It has already been argued that + all normal or abnormal operations in connexion with an acetylene + generating plant should be carried out, if possible, by daylight; and it + has been shown that on no account must a naked light ever be taken inside + the house containing such a plant. It will occasionally happen, however, + that the installation must be recharged or inspected after nightfall. In + order to do this in safety, a double window, incapable of being opened, + should be fitted in one wall of the house, as far as possible from the + door, and in such a position that the light may fall on to all the + necessary places. Outside this window may be suspended an ordinary hand- + lantern burning oil or paraffin; or, preferably, round this window may be + built a closed lantern into which some source of artificial light may be + brought. If the acetylene plant has an isolated holder of considerable + size, there is no reason at all why a connexion should not be made with + the service-pipes, and an acetylene flame be used inside this lantern; but + with generators of the automatic variety, an acetylene light is not so + suitable, because of the fear that gas may not be available precisely at + the moment when it is necessary to have light in the shed. It would, + however, be a simple matter to erect an acetylene burner inside the + lantern in such a way that when needed an oil-lamp or candle could be used + instead. Artificial internal light of any kind is best avoided; the only + kind permissible being an electric glow-lamp. If this is employed, it + should be surrounded by a second bulb or gas-tight glass jacket, and + preferably by a wire cage as well; the wires leading to it must be + carefully insulated, and all switches or cut-outs (which may produce a + spark) must be out of doors. The well-known Davy safety or miner's lamp is + not a trustworthy instrument for use with acetylene because of (<i>a</i>) + the low igniting-point of acetylene; (<i>b</i>) the high temperature of + its flame; and (<i>c</i>) the enormous speed at which the explosive wave + travels through a mixture of acetylene and air. For these reasons the + metallic gauze of the Davy lamp is not so efficient a protector of the + flame as it is in cases of coal-gas, methane, &c. Moreover, in + practice, the Davy lamp gives a poor light, and unless in constant use is + liable to be found out of order when required. It should, however, be + added that modern forms of the safety lamp, in which the light is + surrounded by a stout glass chimney and only sufficient gauze is used for + the admission of fresh air and for the escape of the combustion products, + appear quite satisfactory when employed in an atmosphere containing some + free acetylene. <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="linkiv" id="iv">CHAPTER IV</a> + </h2> + <h3> + THE SELECTION OF AN ACETYLENE GENERATOR + </h3> + <p> + In Chapter II. an attempt has been made to explain the physical and + chemical phenomena which accompany the interaction of calcium carbide and + water, and to show what features in the reaction are useful and what + inconvenient in the evolution of acetylene on a domestic or larger scale. + Similarly in Chapter III. have been described the various typical devices + which may be employed in the construction of different portions of + acetylene plant, so that the gas may be generated and stored under the + best conditions, whether it is evolved by the automatic or by the non- + automatic system. This having been done, it seemed of doubtful utility to + include in the first edition of this work a long series of illustrations + of such generators as had been placed on the markets by British, French, + German, and American makers. It would have been difficult within + reasonable limits to have reproduced diagrams of all the generators that + had been offered for sale, and absolutely impossible within the limits of + a single hand-book to picture those which had been suggested or patented. + Moreover, some generating apparatus appeared on the market ephemerally; + some was constantly being modified in detail so as to alter parts which + experience or greater knowledge had shown the makers to be in need of + alteration, while other new apparatus was constantly being brought out. On + these and other grounds it did not appear that much good purpose would + have been served by describing the particular apparatus which at that time + would have been offered to prospective purchasers. It seemed best that the + latter should estimate the value and trustworthiness of apparatus by + studying a section of it in the light of the general principles of + construction of a satisfactory generator as enunciated in the book. While + the position thus taken by the authors in 1903 would still not be + incorrect, it has been represented to them that it would scarcely be + inconsistent with it to give brief descriptions of some of the generators + which are now being sold in Great Britain and a few other countries. Six + more years' experience in the design and manufacture of acetylene plant + has enabled the older firms of manufacturers to fix upon certain standard + patterns for their apparatus, and it may confidently be anticipated that + many of these will survive a longer period. Faulty devices and designs + have been weeded out, and there are lessons of the past as well as + theoretical considerations to guide the inventor of a new type of + generator. On those grounds, therefore, an attempt has now been made to + give brief descriptions, with sectional views, of a number of the + generators now on the market in Great Britain. Moreover, as the first + edition of this book found many readers in other countries, in several of + which there is greater scope for the use of acetylene, it has been decided + to describe also a few typical or widely used foreign generators. All the + generators described must stand or fall on their merits, which cannot be + affected by any opinion expressed by the authors. In the descriptions, + which in the first instance have generally been furnished by the + manufacturers of the apparatus, no attempt has therefore been made to + appraise the particular generators, and comparisons and eulogistic + comments have been excluded. The descriptions, however, would nevertheless + have been somewhat out of place in the body of this book; they have + therefore been relegated to a special Appendix. It has, of course, been + impossible to include the generators of all even of the English + manufacturers, and doubtless many trustworthy ones have remained + unnoticed. Many firms also make other types of generators in addition to + those described. It must not be assumed that because a particular make of + generator is not mentioned it is necessarily faulty. The apparatus + described may be regarded as typical or well known, and workable, but it + is not by reason of its inclusion vouched for in any other respect by the + authors. The Appendix is intended, not to bias or modify the judgment of + the would-be purchaser of a generator, but merely to assist him in + ascertaining what generators there are now on the market. + </p> + <p> + The observations on the selection of a generator which follow, as well as + any references in other chapters to the same matter, have been made + without regard to particular apparatus of which a description may (or may + not) appear in the Appendix. With this premise, it may be stated that the + intending purchaser should regard the mechanism of a generator as shown in + a sectional view or on inspection of the apparatus itself. If the + generator is simple in construction, he should be able to understand its + method of working at a glance, and by referring it to the type (<i>vide</i> + Chapter III.) to which it belongs, be able to appraise its utility from a + chemical and physical aspect from what has already been said. If the + generator is too complicated for ready understanding of its mode of + working, it is not unlikely to prove too complicated to behave well in + practice. Not less important than the mechanism of a generator is good + construction from the mechanical point of view, <i>i.e.</i>, whether stout + metal has been employed, whether the seams and joints are well finished, + and whether the whole apparatus has been built in the workman- like + fashion which alone can give satisfaction in any kind of plant. Bearing + these points in mind, the intending purchaser may find assistance in + estimating the mechanical value of an apparatus by perusing the remainder + of this chapter, which will be devoted to elaborating at length the + so-called scientific principles underlying the construction of a + satisfactory generator, and to giving information on the mechanical and + practical points involved. + </p> + <p> + It is perhaps desirable to remark that there is scarcely any feature in + the generation of acetylene from calcium carbide and water--certainly no + important feature--which introduces into practice principles not already + known to chemists and engineers. Once the gas is set free it ranks simply + as an inflammable, moisture-laden, somewhat impure, illuminating and + heat-giving gas, which has to be dried, purified, stored, and led to the + place of combustion; it is in this respect precisely analogous to coal- + gas. Even the actual generation is only an exothermic, or heat-producing, + reaction between a solid and a liquid, in which rise of temperature and + pressure must be prevented as far as possible. Accordingly there is no + fundamental or indispensable portion of an acetylene apparatus which lends + itself to the protection of the patent laws; and even the details (it may + be said truthfully, if somewhat cynically) stand in patentability in + inverse ratio to their simplicity and utility. + </p> + <p> + During the early part of 1901 a Committee appointed by the British Home + Office, "to advise as to the conditions of safety to which acetylene + generators should conform, and to carry out tests of generators in the + market in order to ascertain how far those conform with such conditions," + issued a circular to the trade suggesting that apparatus should be sent + them for examination. In response, forty-six British generators were + submitted for trial, and were examined in a fashion which somewhat + exceeded the instructions given to the Committee, who finally reported to + the Explosives Department of the Home Office in a Blue Book, No. Cd. 952, + which can be purchased through any bookseller. This report comprises an + appendix in which most of the apparatus are illustrated, and it includes + the result of the particular test which the Committee decided to apply. + Qualitatively the test was useful, as it was identical in all instances, + and only lacks full utility inasmuch as the trustworthiness of the + automatic mechanism applied to such generators as were intended to work on + the automatic system was not estimated. Naturally, a complete valuation of + the efficiency of automatic mechanism cannot be obtained from one or even + several tests, it demands long-continued watching; but a general notion of + reliability might have been obtained. Quantitatively, however, the test + applied by the Committee is not so free from reproach, for, from the + information given, it would appear to have been less fair to some makers + of apparatus than to others. Nevertheless the report is valuable, and + indicates the general character of the most important apparatus which were + being offered for sale in the United Kingdom in 1900-1901. + </p> + <p> + It is not possible to give a direct answer to the question as to which is + the best type of acetylene generator. There are no generators made by + responsible firms at the present time which are not safe. Some may be + easier to charge and clean than others; some require more frequent + attention than others; some have moving parts less likely to fail, when + handled carelessly, than others; some have no moving mechanism to fail. + For the illumination of a large institution or district where one man can + be fully occupied in attending to the plant, cleaning, lighting, and + extinguishing the lamps, or where other work can be found for him so as to + leave him an hour or so every day to look after the apparatus, the + hand-fed carbide-to-water generator L (Fig. 6) has many advantages, and is + probably the best of all. In smaller installations choice must be made + first between the automatic and the non-automatic principle--the + advantages most frequently lying with the latter. If a non-automatic + generator is decided upon, the hand carbide-feed or the flooded- + compartment apparatus is almost equally good; and if automatism is + desired, either a flooded-compartment machine or one of the most + trustworthy types of carbide-feed apparatus may be taken. There are + contact apparatus on the markets which appear never to have given trouble, + and those are worthy of attention. Some builders advocate their own + apparatus because the residue is solid and not a cream. If there is any + advantage in this arising from greater ease in cleaning and recharging the + generator and in disposing of the waste, that advantage is usually + neutralised by the fear that the carbide may not have been wholly + decomposed within the apparatus; and whereas any danger arising from + imperfectly spent carbide being thrown into a closed drain may be + prevented by flooding the residue with plenty of water in an open vessel, + imperfect decomposition in the generator means a deficiency in the amount + of gas evolved from a unit weight of solid taken or purchased. In fact, + setting on one side apparatus which belong to a notoriously defective + system and such as are constructed in large sizes on a system that is only + free from overheating, &c., in small sizes; setting aside all + generators which are provided with only one decomposing chamber when they + are of a capacity to require two or more smaller ones that can more + efficiently be cooled with water jackets; and setting aside any form of + plant which on examination is likely to exhibit any of the more serious + objections indicated in this and the previous chapters, there is + comparatively little to choose, from the chemical and physical points of + view, between the different types of generators now on the markets. A + selection may rather be made on mechanical grounds. The generator must be + well able to produce gas as rapidly as it will ever be required during the + longest or coldest evening; it must be so large that several more brackets + or burners can be added to the service after the installation is complete. + It must be so strong that it will bear careless handling and the frequent + rough manipulation of its parts. It must be built of stout enough material + not to rust out in a few years. Each and all of its parts must be + accessible and its exterior visible. Its pipes, both for gas and sludge, + must be of large bore (say 1 inch), and fitted at every dip with an + arrangement for withdrawing into some closed vessel the moisture, &c., + that may condense. The number of cocks, valves, and moving parts must be + reduced to a minimum; cocks which require to be shut by hand before + recharging must give way to water-seals. It must be simple in all its + parts, and its action intelligible at a glance. It must be easy to + charge--preferably even by the sense of touch in darkness. It must be easy + to clean. The waste lime must be easily removed. It must be so fitted with + vent-pipes that the pressure can never rise above that at which it is + supposed to work. Nevertheless, a generator in which these vent-pipes are + often brought into use is badly constructed and wasteful, and must be + avoided. The water of the holder seal should be distinct from that used + for decomposing the carbide; and those apparatus where the holder is + entirely separated from the generator are preferable to such as are built + all in one, even if water-seals are fitted to prevent return of gas. + Apparatus which is supposed to be automatic should be made perfectly + automatic, the water or the carbide-feed being locked automatically before + the carbide store, the decomposing chamber, or the sludge-cock can be + opened. The generating chamber must always be in communication with the + atmosphere through a water-sealed vent-pipe, the seal of which, if + necessary, the gas can blow at any time. All apparatus should be fitted + with rising holders, the larger the better. Duplicate copies of printed + instructions should be demanded of the maker, one copy being kept in the + generator-house, and the other elsewhere for reference in emergencies. + These instructions must give simple and precise information as to what + should be done in the event of a breakdown as well as in the normal + manipulation of the plant. Technical expressions and descriptions of parts + understood only by the maker must be absent from these rules. + </p> + <p> + ADDENDUM. + </p> + <p> + BRITISH AND FOREIGN REGULATIONS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF + ACETYLENE GENERATING PLANT + </p> + <p> + Dealing with the "conditions which a generator should fulfil before it can + be considered as being safe," the HOME OFFICE COMMITTEE of 1901 before + mentioned write as follows: + </p> + <p> + 1. The temperature in any part of the generator, when run at the maximum + rate for which it is designed, for a prolonged period, should not exceed + 130° C. This may be ascertained by placing short lengths of wire, drawn + from fusible metal, in those parts of the apparatus in which heat is + liable to be generated. + </p> + <p> + 2. The generator should have an efficiency of not less than 90 per cent., + which, with carbide yielding 5 cubic feet per pound, would imply a yield + of 4.5 cubic feet for each pound of carbide used. + </p> + <p> + 3. The size of the pipes carrying the gas should be proportioned to the + maximum rate of generation, so that undue back pressure from throttling + may not occur. + </p> + <p> + 4. The carbide should be completely decomposed in the apparatus, so that + lime sludge discharged from the generator shall not be capable of + generating more gas. + </p> + <p> + 5. The pressure in any part of the apparatus, on the generator side of the + holder, should not exceed that of 20 inches of water, and on the service + side of same, or where no gasholder is provided, should not exceed that of + 5 inches of water. + </p> + <p> + 6. The apparatus should give no tarry or other heavy condensation products + from the decomposition of the carbide. + </p> + <p> + 7. In the use of a generator regard should be had to the danger of + stoppage of passage of the gas and resulting increase of pressure which + may arise from the freezing of the water. Where freezing may be + anticipated, steps should be taken to prevent it. + </p> + <p> + 8. The apparatus should be so constructed that no lime sludge can gain + access to any pipes intended for the passage of gas or circulation of + water. + </p> + <p> + 9. The use of glass gauges should be avoided as far as possible, and, + where absolutely necessary, they should be effectively protected against + breakage. + </p> + <p> + 10. The air space in a generator before charging should be as small as + possible. + </p> + <p> + 11. The use of copper should be avoided in such parts of the apparatus as + are liable to come in contact with acetylene. + </p> + <p> + The BRITISH ACETYLENE ASSOCIATION has drawn up the following list of + regulations which, it suggests, shall govern the construction of + generators and the installation of piping and fittings: + </p> + <p> + 1. Generators shall be so constructed that, when used in accordance with + printed instructions, it shall not be possible for any undecomposed + carbide to remain in the sludge removed therefrom. + </p> + <p> + 2. The limit of pressure in any part of the generator shall not exceed + that of 20 inches of water, subject to the exception that if it be shown + to the satisfaction of the Executive of the Acetylene Association that + higher pressures up to 50 inches of water are necessary in certain + generators, and are without danger, the Executive may, with the approval + of the Home Office, grant exemption for such generators, with or without + conditions. + </p> + <p> + 3. The limit of pressure in service-pipes, within the house, shall not + exceed 10 inches of water. + </p> + <p> + 4. Except when used for special industrial purposes, such as oxy- + acetylene welding, factories, lighthouses, portable apparatus containing + not more than four pounds of carbide, and other special conditions as + approved by the Association, the acetylene plant, such as generators, + storage-holders, purifiers, scrubbers, and for washers, shall be in a + suitable and well-ventilated outhouse, in the open, or in a lean-to, + having no direct communication with a dwelling-house. A blow-off pipe or + safety outlet shall be arranged in such a manner as to carry off into the + open air any overmake of gas and to open automatically if pressure be + increased beyond 20 inches water column in the generating chamber or + beyond 10 inches in the gasholder, or beyond the depth of any fluid seal + on the apparatus. + </p> + <p> + 5. Generators shall have sufficient storage capacity to make a serious + blow-off impossible. + </p> + <p> + 6. Generators and apparatus shall be made of sufficiently strong material + and be of good workmanship, and shall not in any part be constructed of + unalloyed copper. + </p> + <p> + 7. It shall not be possible under any conditions, even by wrong + manipulation of cocks, to seal the generating chamber hermetically. + </p> + <p> + 8. It shall not be possible for the lime sludge to choke any of the gas- + pipes in the apparatus, nor water-pipes if such be alternately used as + safety-valves. + </p> + <p> + 9. In the use of a generator, regard shall be had to the danger of + stoppage of passage of the gas, and resulting increase of pressure, which + may arise from the freezing of the water. Where freezing may be + anticipated, steps shall be taken to prevent it. + </p> + <p> + 10. The use of glass gauges shall be avoided as far as possible, and where + absolutely necessary they shall be effectively protected against breakage. + </p> + <p> + 11. The air space in the generator before charging shall be as small as + possible, <i>i.e.</i>, the gas in the generating chamber shall not contain + more than 8 per cent. of air half a minute after commencement of + generation. A sample of the contents, drawn from the holder any time after + generation has commenced, shall not contain an explosive mixture, <i>i.e.</i>, + more than 18 per cent, of air. This shall not apply to the initial charges + of the gasholder, when reasonable precautions are taken. + </p> + <p> + 12. The apparatus shall produce no tarry or other heavy condensation + products from the decomposition of the carbide. + </p> + <p> + 13. The temperature of the gas, immediately on leaving the charge, shall + not exceed 212° F. (100° C.) + </p> + <p> + 14. No generator shall be sold without a card of instructions suitable for + hanging up in some convenient place. Such instructions shall be of the + most detailed nature, and shall not presuppose any expert knowledge + whatever on the part of the operator. + </p> + <p> + 15. Notice to be fixed on Generator House Door, "NO LIGHTS OR SMOKING + ALLOWED." + </p> + <p> + 16. Every generator shall have marked clearly upon the outside a statement + of the maximum number of half cubic foot burners and the charge of carbide + for which it is designed. + </p> + <p> + 17. The Association strongly advise the use of an efficient purifier with + generating plant for indoor lighting. + </p> + <p> + 18. No composition piping shall be used in any part of a permanent + installation. + </p> + <p> + 19. Before being covered in, all pipe-work (main and branches) shall be + tested in the following manner: A special acetylene generator, giving a + pressure of at least 10 inches water column in a gauge fixed on the + furthest point from the generator, shall be connected to the pipe-work. + All points shall be opened until gas reaches them, when they shall be + plugged and the main cock on the permanent generator turned off, but all + intermediate main cocks shall be open in order to test underground main + and all connexions. The gauge must not show a loss after generator has + been turned off for at least two hours. + </p> + <p> + 20. After the fittings (pendants, brackets, &c.) have been fixed and + all burners lighted, the gas shall be turned off at the burners and the + whole installation shall be re-tested, but a pressure of 5 inches shall be + deemed sufficient, which shall not drop lower than to 4-1/2 inches on the + gauge during one hour's test. + </p> + <p> + 21. No repairs to, or alterations in, any part of a generator, purifier, + or other vessel which has contained acetylene shall be commenced, nor, + except for recharging, shall any such part or vessel be cleaned out until + it has been completely filled with water, so as to expel any acetylene or + mixture of acetylene and air which may remain in the vessel, and may cause + a risk of explosion. + </p> + <p> + <i>Recommendation</i>.--It being the general practice to store carbide in + the generator-house, the Association recommend that the carbide shall be + placed on a slightly raised platform above the floor level. + </p> + <p> + THE BRITISH FIRE OFFICES COMMITTEE in the latest revision, dated July 15, + 1907, of its Rules and Regulations <i>re</i> artificial lighting on + insured premises, includes the following stipulations applicable to + acetylene: + </p> + <p> + Any apparatus, except as below, for generating, purifying, enriching, + compressing or storing gas, must be either in the open or in a building + used for such purposes only, not communicating directly with any building + otherwise occupied. + </p> + <p> + An acetylene portable apparatus is allowed, provided it holds a charge of + not more than 2 lb. of carbide. + </p> + <p> + A cylinder containing not more than 20 cubic feet of acetylene compressed + and (or) dissolved in accordance with an Order of Secretary of State under + the Explosives Act, 1875, is allowed. + </p> + <p> + The use of portable acetylene lamps containing charges of carbide + exceeding the limit of 2 lb. allowed under these Rules (the average charge + being about 18 lb.) is allowed in the open or in buildings in course of + erection. + </p> + <p> + Liquid acetylene must not be used or stored on the premises. + </p> + <p> + The pipe, whether flexible or not, connecting an incandescent gas lamp to + the gas-supply must be of metal with metal connexions. + </p> + <p> + (The reference in these Rules to the storage of carbide has been quoted in + Chapter II. (page 19).) + </p> + <p> + These rules are liable to revision from time to time. + </p> + <p> + The GERMAN ACETYLENE VEREIN has drawn up (December 1904) the following + code of rules for the construction, erection, and manipulation of + acetylene apparatus: + </p> + <p> + I. <i>Rules for Construction.</i> + </p> + <p> + 1. All apparatus for the generation, purification, and storage of + acetylene must be constructed of sheet or cast iron. Holder tanks may be + built of brick. + </p> + <p> + 2. When bare, galvanised, or lead-coated sheet-iron is used, the sides of + generators, purifiers, condensers, holder tanks, and (if present) washers + and driers must be built with the following gauges as minima: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Holder bells. All other apparatus. + + +Up to 7 cubic feet capacity 0.75 mm. 1.00 mm. +From 7 to 18 " 1.00 1.25 +From 18 to 53 " 1.25 1.50 +Above 53 " 1.50 2.00 +</pre> + <p> + When not constructed of cast-iron, the bottoms, covers, and "manhole" lids + must be 0.5 mm. thicker in each respective size. + </p> + <p> + In all circumstances, the thickness of the walls--especially in the case + of apparatus not circular in horizontal section--must be such that + alteration in shape appears impossible, unless deformation is guarded + against in other ways. + </p> + <p> + Generators must be so constructed that when they are being charged the + carbide cannot fall into the residue which has already been gasified; and + the residues must always be capable of easy, complete, and safe removal. + </p> + <p> + 3. Generators, purifiers, and holders must be welded, riveted or folded at + the seams; soft solder is only permissible as a tightening material. + </p> + <p> + 4. Pipes delivering acetylene, or uniting the apparatus, must be cast- or + wrought-iron. Unions, cocks, and valves must not be made of copper; but + the use of brass and bronze is permitted. + </p> + <p> + 5. When cast-iron is employed, the rules of the German Gas and Water + Engineers are to be followed. + </p> + <p> + 6. In generators where the whole amount of carbide introduced is not + gasified at one time, it must be possible to add fresh water or carbide in + safety, without interfering with the action of the apparatus. In such + generators the size of the gasholder space is to be calculated according + to the quantity of carbide which can be put into the generator. For every + 1 kilogramme of carbide the available gasholder space must be: for the + first 50 kilos., 20 litres; for the next 50 kilos., 15 litres; for amounts + above 100 kilos., 10 litres per kilo. [One kilogramme may be taken as 2.2 + lb., and 28 litres as 1 cubic foot.] + </p> + <p> + The generator must be large enough to supply the full number of normal + (10-litre) burners with gas for 5 hours; the yield of acetylene being + taken at 290 litres per kilo. [4.65 cubic feet per lb.] + </p> + <p> + The gasholder space of apparatus where carbide is not stored must be at + least 30 litres for every normal (10-litre) flame. + </p> + <p> + 7. The gasholder must be fitted with an appliance for removing any gas + which may be generated (especially when the apparatus is first brought + into action) after the available space is full. This vent must have a + diameter at least equal to the inlet pipe of the holder. + </p> + <p> + 8. Acetylene plant must be provided with purifying apparatus which + contains a proper purifying material in a suitable condition. + </p> + <p> + 9. The dimensions of subsidiary apparatus, such as washers, purifiers, + condensers, pipes, and cocks must correspond with the capacity of the + plant. + </p> + <p> + 10. Purifiers and washers must be constructed of materials capable of + resisting the attack of the substances in them. + </p> + <p> + 11. Every generator must bear a plate giving the name of the maker, or the + seller, and the maximum number of l0-litre lights it is intended to + supply. If all the carbide put into the generator is not gasified at one + time, the plate must also state the maximum weight of carbide in the + charge. The gasholder must also bear a plate recording the maker's or + seller's name, as well as its storage capacity. + </p> + <p> + 12. Rules 1 to 11 do not apply to portable apparatus serving up to two + lights, or to portable apparatus used only out of doors for the lighting + of vehicles or open spaces. + </p> + <p> + II. <i>Rules for Erection</i> + </p> + <p> + 1. Acetylene apparatus must not be erected in or under rooms occupied or + frequented (passages, covered courts, &c.) by human beings. Generators + and holders must only be erected in apartments covered with light roofs, + and separated from occupied rooms, barns, and stables by a fire-proof + wall, or by a distance of 15 feet. Any wall is to be considered fire- + proof which is built of solid brick, without openings, and one side of + which is "quite free." Apparatus may be erected in barns and stables, + provided the space required is partitioned off from the remainder by a + fire-proof wall. + </p> + <p> + 2. The doors of apparatus sheds must open outwards, and must not + communicate directly with rooms where fires and artificial lights are + used. + </p> + <p> + 3. Apparatus for the illumination of showmen's booths, "merry-go-rounds," + shooting galleries, and the like must be erected outside the tents, and be + inaccessible to the public. + </p> + <p> + 4. Permanent apparatus erected in the open air must be at least 15 feet + from an occupied building. + </p> + <p> + 5. Apparatus sheds must be fitted at their highest points with outlet + ventilators of sufficient size; the ventilators leading straight through + the roof into the open air. They must be so arranged that the escaping + gases and vapours cannot enter rooms or chimneys. + </p> + <p> + 6. The contacts of any electrical warning devices must be outside the + apparatus shed. + </p> + <p> + 7. Acetylene plants must be prevented from freezing by erection in frost- + free rooms, or by the employment of a heating apparatus or other suitable + appliance. The heat must only be that of warm water or steam. Furnaces for + the heating appliance must be outside the rooms containing generators, + their subsidiary apparatus, or holders; and must be separated from such + rooms by fire-proof walls. + </p> + <p> + 8. In one of the walls of the apparatus shed--if possible not that having + a door--a window must be fitted which cannot be opened; and outside that + window an artificial light is to be placed. In the usual way acetylene + lighting may be employed; but a lamp burning paraffin or oil, or a lantern + enclosing a candle, must always be kept ready for use in emergencies. In + all circumstances internal lighting is forbidden. + </p> + <p> + 9. Every acetylene installation must be provided with a main cock, placed + in a conveniently accessible position so that the whole of the service may + be cut off from the plant. + </p> + <p> + 10. The seller of an apparatus must provide his customer with a sectional + drawing, a description of the apparatus, and a set of rules for attending + to it. These are to be supplied in duplicate, and one set is to be kept + hanging up in the apparatus shed. + </p> + <p> + III. Rules for Working the Apparatus. + </p> + <p> + 1. The apparatus must only be opened by daylight for addition of water. If + the generator is one of those in which the entire charge of carbide is not + gasified at once, addition of fresh carbide must only be made by daylight. + </p> + <p> + 2. All work required by the plant, or by any portion of it, and all + ordinary attendance needed must be performed by daylight. + </p> + <p> + 3. All water-seals must be carefully kept full. + </p> + <p> + 4. When any part of an acetylene apparatus or a gas-meter freezes, + notwithstanding the precautions specified in II., 7, it must be thawed + only by pouring hot water into or over it; flames, burning fuel, or red- + hot iron bars must not be used. + </p> + <p> + 5. Alterations to any part of an apparatus which involve the operations of + soldering or riveting, &c., <i>i.e.</i>, in which a fire must be used, + or a spark may be produced by the impact of hammer on metal, must only be + carried out by daylight in the open air after the apparatus has been taken + to pieces. First of all the plant must be freed from gas. This is to be + done by filling every part with water till the liquid overflows, leaving + the water in it for at least five minutes before emptying it again. + </p> + <p> + 6. The apparatus house must not be used for any other operation, nor + employed for the storage of combustible articles. It must be efficiently + ventilated, and always kept closed. A notice must be put upon the door + that unauthorised persons are not permitted to enter. + </p> + <p> + 7. It in forbidden to enter the house with a burning lantern or lamp, to + strike matches, or to smoke therein. + </p> + <p> + 8. A search for leaks in the pipes must not be made with the aid of a + light. + </p> + <p> + 9. Alterations to the service must not be made while the pipes are under + pressure, but only after the main cock has been shut. + </p> + <p> + 10. If portable apparatus, such as described in I., 12, are connected to + the burners with rubber tube, the tube must be fortified with an internal + or external spiral of wire. The tube must be fastened at both ends to the + cocks with thread, copper wire, or with ring clamps. + </p> + <p> + 11. The preparation, storage, and use of compressed or liquefied acetylene + is forbidden. By compressed acetylene, however, is only to be understood + gas compressed to a pressure exceeding one effective atmosphere. Acetylene + compressed into porous matter, with or without acetone, is excepted from + this prohibition. + </p> + <p> + 12. In the case of plants serving 50 lights or less, not more than 100 + kilos. of carbide in closed vessels may be kept in the apparatus house + besides the drum actually in use. + </p> + <p> + A fresh drum is not to be opened before the previous one has been two- + thirds emptied. Opened drums must be closed with an iron watertight lid + covering the entire top of the vessel. + </p> + <p> + In the case of apparatus supplying over 500 lights, only one day's + consumption of carbide must be kept in the generator house. In other + respects the store of carbide for such installations is to be treated as a + regular carbide store. + </p> + <p> + 13. Carbide drums must not be opened with the aid of a flame or a red-hot + iron instrument. + </p> + <p> + 14. Acetylene apparatus must only be attended to by trustworthy and + responsible persons. + </p> + <p> + The rules issued by the AUSTRIAN GOVERNMENT in 1905 for the installation + of acetylene plant and the use of acetylene are divided into general + enactments relating to acetylene, and into special enactments in regard to + the apparatus and installation. The general enactments state that: + </p> + <p> + 1. The preparation and use of liquid acetylene is forbidden. + </p> + <p> + 2. Gaseous acetylene, alone, in admixture, or in solution, must not be + compressed above 2 atmospheres absolute except under special permission. + </p> + <p> + 3. The storage of mixtures of acetylene with air or other gases containing + or evolving free oxygen is forbidden. + </p> + <p> + 4. A description of every private plant about to be installed must be + submitted to the local authorities, who, according to its size and + character, may give permission for it to be installed and brought into use + either forthwith or after special inspection. Important alterations to + existing plant must be similarly notified. + </p> + <p> + 5. The firms and fitters undertaking the installation of acetylene plant + must be licensed. + </p> + <p> + The special enactments fall under four headings, viz., (<i>a</i>) + apparatus; (<i>b</i>) plant houses; (<i>c</i>) pipes; (<i>d</i>) residues. + </p> + <p> + In regard to apparatus it is enacted that: + </p> + <p> + 1. The type of apparatus to be employed must be one which has been + approved by one of certain public authorities in the country. + </p> + <p> + 2. A drawing and description of the construction of the apparatus and a + short explanation of the method of working it must be fixed in a + conspicuous position under cover in the apparatus house. The notice must + also contain approved general information as to the properties of calcium + carbide and acetylene, precautions that must be observed to guard against + possible danger, and a statement of how often the purifier will require to + be recharged. + </p> + <p> + 3. The apparatus must be marked with the name of the maker, the year of + its construction, the available capacity of the gasholder, and the maximum + generating capacity per hour. + </p> + <p> + 4. Each constituent of the plant must be proportioned to the maximum + hourly output of gas and in particular the available capacity of the + holder must be 75 per cent. of the latter. The apparatus must not be + driven above its nominal productive capacity. + </p> + <p> + 5. The productive capacity of generators in which the gasholder has to be + opened or the bell removed before recharging, or for the removal of + sludge, must not exceed 50 litres per hour, nor may the charge of carbide + exceed 1 kilo. + </p> + <p> + 6. Generators exceeding 50 litres per hour productive capacity must be + arranged so that they can be freed from air before use. + </p> + <p> + 7. Generators exceeding 1500 litres per hour capacity must be arranged so + that the acetylene, contained in the parts of the apparatus which have to + be opened for recharging or for the removal of sludge, can be removed + before they are opened. + </p> + <p> + 8. Automatic generators of which the decomposing chambers are built inside + the gasholder must not exceed 300 litres per hour productive capacity. + </p> + <p> + 9. Generators must be arranged so that after-generation cannot produce + objectionable results. + </p> + <p> + 10. The holder of carbide-to-water generators must be large enough to take + all the gas which may be produced by the introduction of one charge of + carbide without undue pressure ensuing. + </p> + <p> + 11. The maximum pressure permissible in any part of the apparatus is 1.1 + atmosphere absolute. + </p> + <p> + 12. The temperature in the gas space of a generator must never exceed 80° + C. + </p> + <p> + 13. Generating apparatus, &c., must be constructed in a workmanlike + manner of metal capable of resisting rust and distortion, and, where the + metal comes in contact with carbide or acetylene, it must not be one + (copper in particular) which forms an explosive compound with the gas. + Cocks and screw connexions, &c., of brass, bronze, &c., must + always be kept clean. Joints exposed to acetylene under pressure must be + made by riveting or welding except that in apparatus not exceeding 100 + litres per hour productive capacity double bending may be used. + </p> + <p> + 14. Every apparatus must be fitted with a safety-valve or vent-pipe + terminating in a safe place in the open, and of adequate size. + </p> + <p> + 15. Every apparatus must be provided with an efficient purifier so fitted + that it may be isolated from the rest of the plant and with due + consideration of the possible action of the purifying material upon the + metal used. + </p> + <p> + 16. Mercury pressure gauges are prohibited. Liquid gauges, if used must be + double the length normally needed, and with a cock which in automatic + apparatus must be kept shut while it is in action. + </p> + <p> + 17. Proper steps must always be taken to prevent the apparatus freezing. + In the absence of other precautions water-seals and pressure-gauges must + be filled with liquid having a sufficiently low freezing-point and without + action on acetylene or the containing vessel. + </p> + <p> + 18. Signal devices to show the position of the gasholder bell must not be + capable of producing sparks inside the apparatus house. + </p> + <p> + 19. Leaks must not be sought for with an open flame and repairs requiring + the use of a blow-pipe, &c., must only be carried out after the + apparatus has been taken to pieces or freed from gas by flooding. + </p> + <p> + 20. Apparatus must only be attended to by trustworthy and responsible + adults. + </p> + <p> + 21. Portable apparatus holding not more than 1 kilo. of carbide and of not + more than 50 litres per hour productive capacity, and apparatus fixed and + used out of doors are exempt from the foregoing regulations except Nos. 11 + and 12, and the first part of 13. + </p> + <p> + In regard to (<i>b</i>), plant houses, it is enacted that: + </p> + <p> + 1. Rooms containing acetylene apparatus must be of ample size, used for no + other purpose, have water-tight floors, be warmed without fireplaces or + chimneys, be lighted from outside through an air-tight window by an + independent artificial light, have doors opening outwards, efficient + ventilation and a store of sand or like material for fire extinction. + Strangers must be warned away. + </p> + <p> + 2. Apparatus of not more than 300 litres per hour productive capacity may + be erected in basements or annexes of dwelling houses, but if of over 50 + litres per hour capacity must not be placed under rooms regularly + frequented. Rooms regularly frequented and those under the same must not + be used. + </p> + <p> + 3. Apparatus of more than 300 litres per hour productive capacity must be + erected in an independent building at least 15 feet distant from other + property, which building, unless it is at least 30 feet distant, must be + of fire-proof material externally. + </p> + <p> + 4. Gasholders exceeding 280 cubic foot in capacity must be in a detached + room or in the open and inaccessible to strangers, and at least 30 feet + from other property and with lightning conductors. + </p> + <p> + 5. In case of fire the main cock must not be shut until it is ascertained + that no one remains in the room served with the gas. + </p> + <p> + 6. All acetylene installations must be known to the local fire brigade. + </p> + <p> + In regard to (<i>c</i>), pipes, it is enacted that: + </p> + <p> + 1. Mains for acetylene must be separated from the generating apparatus by + a cock, and under a five-minute test for pressure must not show a fall of + over eight-tenths inch when the pressure is 13.8 inches, or three times + the working pressure, whichever is greater. + </p> + <p> + 2. The pipes must as a rule be of iron, though lead may be used where they + are uncovered and not exposed to risk of injury. Rubber connexions may + only be used for portable apparatus, and attached to a terminal on the + metal pipes provided with a cock, and be fastened at both ends so that + they will not slip off the nozzles. + </p> + <p> + In regard to (<i>d</i>), residues, it is enacted that special open or + well-ventilated pits must be provided for their reception when the + apparatus exceeds 300 litres per hour productive capacity. With smaller + apparatus they may be discharged into cesspools if sufficiently diluted. + The ITALIAN GOVERNMENT regulations in regard to acetylene plant are + divided into eight sections. The first of these relates to the production + and use of liquid and compressed acetylene. The production and use of + liquid acetylene is prohibited except under the provisions of the laws + relating to explosives. Neat acetylene must not be compressed to more than + l-1/2 atmospheres except that an absolute pressure of 10 atmospheres is + allowed when the gas is dissolved in acetone or otherwise rendered free + from risk. Mixtures of acetylene with air or oxygen are forbidden, + irrespective of the pressure or proportions. Mixtures of acetylene with + hydrocarbons, carbonic oxide, hydrogen and inert gases are permitted + provided the proportion of acetylene does not exceed 50 per cent. nor the + absolute pressure 10 atmospheres. + </p> + <p> + The second section relates to acetylene installations, which are + classified in four groups, viz., (<i>a</i>) fixed or portable apparatus + supplying not more than thirty burners consuming 20 litres per hour; (<i>b</i>) + private installations supplying between 30 and 200 such burners; (<i>c</i>) + public or works installations supplying between 30 and 200 such burners; (<i>d</i>) + installations supplying more than 200 such burners. + </p> + <p> + The installations must comply with the following general conditions: + </p> + <p> + 1. No part of the generator when working at its utmost capacity should + attain a temperature of more than 100° C. + </p> + <p> + 2. The carbide must be completely decomposed in the apparatus so that no + acetylene can be evolved from the residue. The residues must be diluted + with water before being discharged into drains or cesspools, and sludge + storage-pits must be in the open. + </p> + <p> + 3. The apparatus must preclude the escape of lime into the gas and water + connexions. + </p> + <p> + 4. Glass parts must be adequately protected. + </p> + <p> + 5. Rubber connexions between the generator, gasholder, and main are + absolutely prohibited with installations supplying more than 30 burners. + </p> + <p> + 6. Cocks must be provided for cutting off the main and connexions from the + generator and gasholder. + </p> + <p> + 7. Each burner must have an independent tap. + </p> + <p> + 8. Generators of groups (<i>b</i>), (<i>c</i>), and (<i>d</i>) must be + constructed so that no after-generation of acetylene can take place + automatically and that any surplus gas would in any case be carried out of + the generator house by a vent-pipe. + </p> + <p> + The third section deals with generator houses, which must be well + ventilated and light; must not be used for any other purpose except to + store one day's consumption of carbide, not exceeding 300 kilos.; must be + fire-proof; must have doors opening outwards; and the vent-pipes must + terminate at a safe place in the open. Apparatus of group (<i>b</i>) must + not be placed in a dwelling-room and only in an adjoining room if the + gasholder is of less than 600 litres capacity. Apparatus of group (<i>c</i>) + must be in an independent building which must be at least 33 feet from + occupied premises if the capacity of the gasholder is 6000 litres and + upwards. Half this distance suffices for gasholders containing 600 to 6000 + litres. These distances may be reduced at the discretion of the local + authorities provided a substantial partition wall at least 1 foot thick is + erected. Apparatus of group (<i>d</i>) must be at least 50 feet from + occupied premises and the gasholder and generator must not be in the same + building. + </p> + <p> + The fourth section deals with the question of authorisation for the + installation of acetylene plant. Apparatus of group (<i>a</i>) may be + installed without obtaining permission from any authorities. In regard to + apparatus of the other groups, permission for installation must be + obtained from local or other authorities. + </p> + <p> + The fifth section relates to the working of acetylene plant. It makes the + concessionaires and owners of the plant responsible for the manipulation + and supervision of the apparatus, and for the employment of suitable + operators, who must not be less than 18 years of age. + </p> + <p> + The sixth section relates to the inspection of acetylene plant from time + to time by inspectors appointed by the local or other authorities. + Apparatus of group (<i>a</i>) is not subject to these periodical + inspections. + </p> + <p> + The seventh section details the fees payable for the inspection of + installations and carbide stores, and fixes the penalties for non- + compliance with the regulations. + </p> + <p> + The eighth section refers to the notification of the position and + description of all carbide works, stores, and acetylene installations to + the local authorities. + </p> + <p> + The HUNGARIAN GOVERNMENT rules for the construction and examination of + acetylene plant forbid the use of copper and of its alloys; cocks, + however, may be made of a copper alloy. The temperature in the gas space + of a fixed generator must not exceed 50° C., in that of a portable + apparatus 80° C. The maximum effective pressure permissible is 0.15 + atmosphere. + </p> + <p> + The CONSEIL D'HYGIČNE DE LA SEINE IN FRANCE allows a maximum pressure of + 1.5 metres, i.e., 59 inches, of water column in generators used for the + ordinary purposes of illumination; but apparatus intended to supply gas to + the low-pressure oxy-acetylene blowpipe (see Chapter IX.) may develop up + to 2.5 metres, or 98.5 inches of water pressure, provided copper and its + alloys are entirely excluded from the plant and from the delivery- pipes. + </p> + <p> + The NATIONAL BOARD OF FIRE UNDERWRITERS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA + has issued a set of rules and requirements, of which those relating to + acetylene generators and plant are reproduced below. The underwriters + state that, "To secure the largest measure of safety to life and property, + these rules for the installation of acetylene gas machines must be + observed." + </p> + <p> + RULES FOR THE INSTALLATION AND USE OF ACETYLENE GAS GENERATORS. [Footnote: + The "gallon" of these rules is, of course, the American gallon, which is + equal to 0.83 English standard gallon.] + </p> + <p> + The use of liquid acetylene or gas generated therefrom is absolutely + prohibited. + </p> + <p> + Failure to observe these rules is as liable to endanger life as property. + </p> + <p> + To secure the largest measure of safety to life and property, the + following rules for the installation of acetylene gas machines must be + observed. + </p> + <p> + <i>Class A.--Stationary Automatic Apparatus.</i> + </p> + <p> + 1. FOUNDATIONS.--(<i>a</i>) Must, where practicable, be of brick, stone, + concrete or iron. If necessarily of wood they shall be extra heavy, + located in a dry place and open to the circulation of air. + </p> + <p> + The ordinary board platform is not satisfactory. Wooden foundations shall + be of heavy planking, joists or timbers, arranged so that the air will + circulate around them so as to form a firm base. + </p> + <p> + (<i>b</i>) Must be so arranged that the machine will be level and unequal + strain will not be placed on the generator or connexions. + </p> + <p> + 2. LOCATION.--(<i>a</i>) Generators, especially in closely built up + districts should preferably be placed outside of insured buildings in + generator houses constructed and located in compliance with Rule 9. + </p> + <p> + (<i>b</i>) Generators must be so placed that the operating mechanism will + have room for free and full play and can be adjusted without artificial + light. They must not be subject to interference by children or careless + persons, and if for this purpose further enclosure is necessary, it must + be furnished by means of slatted partitions permitting the free + circulation of air. + </p> + <p> + (<i>c</i>) Generators which from their construction are rendered + inoperative during the process of recharging must be so located that they + can be recharged without the aid of artificial light. + </p> + <p> + (<i>d</i>) Generators must be placed where water will not freeze. + </p> + <p> + 3. ESCAPES OR RELIEF-PIPES.--Each generator must be provided with an + escape or relief-pipe of ample size; no such pipe to be less than 3/4- + inch internal diameter. This pipe shall be substantially installed, + without traps, and so that any condensation will drain back to the + generator. It must be carried to a suitable point outside the building, + and terminate in an approved hood located at least 12 feet above ground + and remote from windows. + </p> + <p> + The hood must be constructed in such a manner that it cannot be obstructed + by rain, snow, ice, insects or birds. + </p> + <p> + 4. CAPACITY.--(<i>a</i>) Must be sufficient to furnish gas continuously + for the maximum lighting period to all lights installed. A lighting period + of at least 5 hours shall be provided for in every case. + </p> + <p> + (<i>b</i>) Generators for conditions of service requiring lighting period + of more than 5 hours must be of sufficient capacity to avoid recharging at + night. The following ratings will usually be found advisable. + </p> + <p> + (i) For dwellings, and where machines are always used intermittently, the + generator must have a rated capacity equal to the total number of burners + installed. + </p> + <p> + (ii) For stores, opera houses, theatres, day-run factories, and similar + service, the generator must have a rated capacity of from 30 to 50 per + cent, in excess of the total number of burners installed. + </p> + <p> + (iii) For saloons and all night or continued service, the generator must + have a rated capacity of from 100 to 200 per cent. in excess of the total + number of burners installed. + </p> + <p> + (<i>c</i>) A small generator must never be installed to supply a large + number of lights, even though it seems probable that only a few lights + will be used at a time. <i>An overworked generator adds to the cost of + producing acetylene gas</i>. + </p> + <p> + 5. CARBIDE CHARGES.--Must be sufficient to furnish gas continuously for + the maximum lighting period to all burners installed. In determining + charges lump carbide must be estimated as capable of producing 4-1/2 cubic + foot of gas to the pound, commercial 1/4-inch carbide 4 cubic feet of gas + to the pound, and burners must be considered as requiring at least 25 per + cent. more than their rated consumption of gas. + </p> + <p> + 6. BURNERS.--Burners consuming one-half of a cubic foot of gas per hour + are considered standard in rating generators. Those having a greater or + less capacity will decrease or increase the number of burners allowable in + proportion. + </p> + <p> + Burners usually consume from 25 to 100 per cent. more than their rated + consumption of gas, depending largely on the working pressure. The so- + called 1/2-foot burner when operated at pressures of from 20- to 25- + tenths inches water column (2 to 2-1/2 inches) is usually used with best + economy. + </p> + <p> + 7. PIPING.--(<i>a</i>) Connexions from generators to service-pipes must be + made with right and left thread nipples or long thread nipples with lock + nuts. All forms of unions are prohibited. + </p> + <p> + (<i>b</i>) Piping must, as far as possible, be arranged so that any + moisture will drain back to the generator. If low points occur of + necessity in any piping, they must be drained through tees into drip cups + permanently closed with screw caps or plugs. No pet-cocks shall be used. + </p> + <p> + (<i>c</i>) A valve and by-pass connexion must be provided from the + service-pipe to the blow-off for removing the gas from the holder in case + it should be necessary to do so. + </p> + <p> + (<i>d</i>) The schedule of pipe sizes for piping from generators to + burners should conform to that commonly used for ordinary gas, but in no + case must the feeders be smaller than three-eighths inch. + </p> + <p> + The following schedule is advocated: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3/8 inch pipe, 26 feet, three burners. + 1/2 inch pipe, 30 feet, six burners. + 3/4 inch pipe, 50 feet, twenty burners. + 1 inch pipe, 70 feet, thirty-five burners. + 1-1/4 inch pipe, 100 feet, sixty burners. + 1-1/2 inch pipe, 150 feet, one hundred burners. + 2 inch pipe, 200 feet, two hundred burners. + 2-1/2 inch pipe, 300 feet, three hundred burners. + 3 inch pipe, 450 feet, four hundred and fifty burners, + 3-1/2 inch pipe, 500 feet, six hundred burners. + 4 inch pipe, 600 feet, seven hundred and fifty burners. +</pre> + <p> + (<i>e</i>) Machines of the carbide-feed type must not be fitted with + continuous drain connexions leading to sewers, but must discharge into + suitable open receptacles which may have such connections. + </p> + <p> + (<i>f</i>) Piping must be thoroughly tested both before and after the + burners have been installed. It must not show loss in excess of 2 inches + within twelve hours when subjected to a pressure equal to that of 15 + inches of mercury. + </p> + <p> + (<i>g</i>) Piping and connexions must be installed by persons experienced + in the installation of acetylene apparatus. + </p> + <p> + 8. CARE AND ATTENDANCE.--In the care of generators designed for a lighting + period of more than five hours always clean and recharge the generating + chambers at regular stated intervals, regardless of the number of burners + actually used. + </p> + <p> + Where generators are not used throughout the entire year always remove all + water and gas and clean thoroughly at the end of the season during which + they are in service. + </p> + <p> + It is usually necessary to take the bell portion out and invert it so as + to allow all gas to escape. This should never be done in the presence of + artificial light or fire of any kind. + </p> + <p> + Always observe a regular time, during daylight hours only, for attending + to and charging the apparatus. + </p> + <p> + In charging the generating chambers of water-feed machines clean all + residuum carefully from the containers and remove it at once from the + building. Separate from the mass any unslacked carbide remaining and + return it to the containers, adding now carbide as required. Be careful + never to fill the containers over the specified mark, as it is important + to allow for the swelling of the carbide when it comes in contact with + water. The proper action and economy of the machine are dependent on the + arrangement and amount of carbide placed in the generator. Carefully guard + against the escape of gas. + </p> + <p> + Whenever recharging with carbide always replenish the water-supply. + </p> + <p> + Never deposit residuum or exhausted material from water-feed machines in + sewer-pipes or near inflammable material. + </p> + <p> + Always keep water-tanks and water-seals filled with clean water. + </p> + <p> + Never test the generator or piping for leaks with a flame, and never apply + flame to an outlet from which the burner has been removed. + </p> + <p> + Never use a lighted match, lamp, candle, lantern or any open light near + the machine. + </p> + <p> + Failure to observe the above cautions is as liable to endanger life as + property. + </p> + <p> + 9. OUTSIDE GENERATOR HOUSES.--(<i>a</i>) Outside generator houses should + not be located within 5 feet of any opening into, nor shall they open + toward any adjacent building, and must be kept under lock and key. + </p> + <p> + (<i>b</i>) The dimensions must be no greater than the apparatus requires + to allow convenient room for recharging and inspection of parts. The floor + must be at least 12 inches above grade and the entire structure thoroughly + weather-proof. + </p> + <p> + (<i>c</i>) Generator houses must be thoroughly ventilated, and any + artificial heating necessary to prevent freezing shall be done by steam or + hot-water systems. + </p> + <p> + (<i>d</i>) Generator houses must not be used for the storage of calcium + carbide except in accordance with the rules relating to that subject (<i>vide</i> + Chapter II.). + </p> + <p> + <i>Class B.--Stationary Non-Automatic Apparatus</i>. + </p> + <p> + 10. FOUNDATIONS.--(<i>a</i>) Must be of brick, stone or concrete. + </p> + <p> + (<i>b</i>) Must be so arranged that the machine will be level and so that + strain will not be brought upon the connexions. + </p> + <p> + 11. GAS-HOUSES.--(<i>a</i>) Must be constructed entirely of non- + combustible material and must not be lighted by any system of illumination + involving open flames. + </p> + <p> + (<i>b</i>) Must be heated, where artificial heating is necessary to + prevent freezing, by steam or hot-water systems, the heater to be located + in a separate building, and no open flames to be permitted within + generator enclosures. + </p> + <p> + (<i>c</i>) Must be kept closed and locked excepting during daylight hours. + </p> + <p> + (<i>d</i>) Must be provided with a permanent and effective system of + ventilation which will be operative at all times, regardless of the + periods of operation of the plant. + </p> + <p> + 12. ESCAPE-PIPES.--Each generator must be provided with a vent-pipe of + ample size, substantially installed, without traps. It must be carried to + a suitable point outside the building and terminate in an approved hood + located at least 12 feet above ground and remote from windows. + </p> + <p> + The hood must be constructed in such a manner that it cannot be obstructed + by rain, snow, ice, insects or birds. + </p> + <p> + 13. CARE AND MAINTENANCE.--All charging and cleaning of apparatus, + generation of gas and execution of repairs must be done during daylight + hours only, and generators must not be manipulated or in any way tampered + with in the presence of artificial light. + </p> + <p> + This will require gasholders of a capacity sufficient to supply all lights + installed for the maximum lighting period, without the necessity of + generation of gas at night or by artificial light. + </p> + <p> + In the operation of generators of the carbide-feed type it is important + that only a limited amount of carbide be fed into a given body of water. + An allowance of at least one gallon of generating water per pound of + carbide must be made in every case, and when this limit has been reached + the generator should be drained and flushed, and clean water introduced. + These precautions are necessary to avoid over-heating during generation + and accumulation of hard deposits of residuum in the generating chamber. + </p> + <p> + (Rule 14, referring to the storage of carbide, has been quoted in Chapter + II. (page 19)). + </p> + <p> + RULES FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF GENERATORS. + </p> + <p> + The following Rules are intended to provide only against the more + hazardous defects usually noted in apparatus of this kind. The Rules do + not cover all details of construction nor the proper proportioning of + parts, and devices which comply with these requirements alone are not + necessarily suitable for listing as permissible for use. These points are + often only developed in the examination required before permission is + given for installation. + </p> + <p> + <i>Class A.--Stationary Apparatus for Isolated Installations.</i> + </p> + <p> + 15. GENERAL RULES. GENERATORS.--(<i>a</i>) Must be made of iron or steel, + and in a manner and of material to insure stability and durability. + </p> + <p> + (<i>b</i>) Must be automatically regulated and uniform in their action, + producing gas only as immediate consumption demands, and so designed that + gas is generated without producing sufficient heat to cause yellow + discoloration of residuum (which will occur at about 500° F.) or abnormal + pressure at any stage of the process when using carbide of any degree of + fineness. + </p> + <p> + The presence of excessive heat tends to change the chemical character of + the gas and may even cause its ignition, while in machines of the + carbide-feed type, finely divided carbide will produce excessive pressure + unless provision is made to guard against it. + </p> + <p> + (<i>c</i>) Must be so arranged that during recharging, back flow of gas + from the gasholder will be automatically prevented, or so arranged that it + will be impossible to charge the apparatus without first closing the + supply-pipe to the gasholder, and to the other generating chambers if + several are used. + </p> + <p> + This is intended to prevent the dangerous escape of gas. + </p> + <p> + (<i>d</i>) The water or carbide supply to the generating chamber must be + so arranged that gas will be generated long enough in advance of the + exhaustion of the supply already in the gasholder to allow the using of + all lights without exhausting such supply. + </p> + <p> + This provides for the continuous working of the apparatus under all + conditions of water-feed and carbide charge, and it obviates the + extinction of lights through intermittent action of the machine. + </p> + <p> + (<i>e</i>) No valves or pet-cocks opening into the room from the gas- + holding part or parts, the draining of which will allow an escape of gas, + are permitted, and condensation from all parts of the apparatus must be + automatically removed without the use of valves or mechanical working + parts. + </p> + <p> + Such valves and pet-cocks are not essential; their presence increases the + possibility of leakage. The automatic removal of condensation from the + apparatus is essential to the safe working of the machine. + </p> + <p> + U-traps opening into the room from the gas-holding parts must not be used + for removal of condensation. All sealed drip connexions must be so + arranged as to discharge gas to the blow-off when blown out, and the seals + must be self-restoring upon relief of abnormal pressure. + </p> + <p> + (<i>f</i>) The apparatus must be capable of withstanding fire from outside + causes. + </p> + <p> + Sheet-metal joints must be double-seamed or riveted and thoroughly sweated + with solder. Pipes must be attached to sheet-metal with lock-nuts or + riveted flanges. + </p> + <p> + This prohibits the use of wood or of joints relying entirely upon solder. + </p> + <p> + (<i>g</i>) Gauge glasses, the breakage of which would allow the escape of + gas, must not be used. + </p> + <p> + (<i>h</i>) The use of mercury seals is prohibited. + </p> + <p> + Mercury has been found unreliable as a seal in acetylene apparatus.(<i>i</i>) + Combustible oils must not be used in connexion with the apparatus. + </p> + <p> + (<i>j</i>) The construction must be such that liquid seals shall not + become thickened by the deposit of lime or other foreign matter. + </p> + <p> + (<i>k</i>) The apparatus must be constructed so that accidental siphoning + of water will be impossible. + </p> + <p> + (<i>l</i>) Flexible tubing, swing joints, unions, springs, mechanical + check-valves, chains, pulleys, stuffing-boxes and lead or fusible piping + must not be used on acetylene apparatus except where failure of such parts + will not vitally affect the working or safety of the machine. + </p> + <p> + Floats must not be used excepting in cases where failure will result only + in rendering the machine inoperative. + </p> + <p> + (<i>m</i>) Every machine must be plainly marked with the maximum number of + lights it is designed to supply, the amount of carbide necessary for a + single charge, the manufacturer's name and the name of the machine. + </p> + <p> + 16. GENERATING CHAMBERS.--(<i>a</i>) Must be constructed of galvanised + iron or steel not less than No. 24 U.S. Standard gauge in thickness for + capacities up to and including 20 gallons, not less than No. 22 U.S. + Standard gauge for capacities between 20 and 75 gallons, and not less than + No. 20 U.S. Standard gauge for capacities in excess of 75 gallons. + </p> + <p> + (<i>b</i>) Must each be connected with the gasholder in such a manner that + they will, at all times, give open connexion either to the gasholder or to + the blow-off pipe to the outer air. + </p> + <p> + This prevents dangerous pressure within or the escape of gas from the + generating chamber. + </p> + <p> + (<i>c</i>) Must be so constructed that not more than 5 pounds of carbide + can be acted upon at once, in machines which apply water in small + quantities to the carbide. + </p> + <p> + This tends to reduce the danger of overheating and excessive after- + generation by providing for division of the carbide charges in machines of + this type. + </p> + <p> + (<i>d</i>) Must be provided with covers having secure fastenings to hold + them properly in place and those relying on a water-seal must be submerged + in at least 12 inches of water. Water-seal chambers for covers depending + on a water-seal must be 1-1/2 inches wide and 15 inches deep, excepting + those depending upon the filling of the seal chambers for the generation + of gas, where 9 inches will be sufficient. + </p> + <p> + (<i>e</i>) Must be so designed that the residuum will not clog or affect + the working of the machine and can conveniently be handled and removed. + </p> + <p> + (<i>f</i>) Must be provided with suitable vent connexions to the blow-off + pipe so that residuum may be removed and the generating water replaced + without causing siphoning or introducing air to the gasholder upon + recharging. + </p> + <p> + This applies to machines of the carbide-feed type. + </p> + <p> + (<i>g</i>) Feed mechanism for machines of the carbide-feed type must be so + designed that the direct fall of carbide from the carbide holder into the + water of the generator is prevented at all positions of the feed + mechanisms; or, when actuated by the rise and fall of a gas-bell, must be + so arranged that the feed-valve will not remain open after the landing of + the bell, and so that the feed valve remains inoperative as long as the + filling opening on the carbide hopper remains open. Feed mechanisms must + always be far enough above the water-level to prevent clogging from the + accumulation of damp lime. For this purpose the distance should be not + less than 10 inches. + </p> + <p> + 17. CARBIDE CHAMBERS.--(<i>a</i>) Must be constructed of galvanised iron + or steel not less than No. 24 U.S. Standard gauge in thickness for + capacities up to and including 50 pounds and not less than No. 22 U.S. + Standard gauge for capacities in excess of 50 pounds. + </p> + <p> + (<i>b</i>) Must have sufficient carbide capacity to supply the full number + of burners continuously and automatically during the maximum lighting + period. + </p> + <p> + This rule removes the necessity of recharging or attending to the machine + at improper hours. Burners almost invariably require more than their rated + consumption of gas, and carbide is not of staple purity, and there should + therefore be an assurance of sufficient quantity to last as long as light + is needed. Another important consideration is that in some establishments + burners are called upon for a much longer period of lighting than in + others, requiring a generator of greater gas-producing capacity. Machines + having several generating chambers must automatically begin generation in + each upon exhaustion of the preceding chamber. + </p> + <p> + (<i>c</i>) Must be arranged so that the carbide holders or charges may be + easily and entirely removed in case of necessity. + </p> + <p> + 18. GASHOLDERS.--(<i>a</i>) Must be constructed of galvanised iron or + steel not less than No. 24 U.S. Standard gauge in thickness for capacities + up to and including 20 gallons, not less than No. 22 U.S. Standard gauge + for capacities between 20 and 75 gallons, and not less than No. 20 U.S. + Standard gauge for capacities in excess of 75 gallons. + </p> + <p> + Gas-bells, if used, may be two gauges lighter than holders. + </p> + <p> + Condensation chambers, if placed under holders, to be of same gauge as + holders. + </p> + <p> + (<i>b</i>) Must be of sufficient capacity to contain all gas generated + after all lights have been extinguished. + </p> + <p> + If the holder is too small and blows off frequently after the lights are + extinguished there is a waste of gas. This may suggest improper working of + the apparatus and encourage tampering. + </p> + <p> + (<i>c</i>) Must, when constructed on the gasometer principle, be so + arranged that when the gas-bell is filled to its maximum with gas at + normal pressure its lip or lower edge will extend at least 9 inches below + the inner water-level. + </p> + <p> + (<i>d</i>) Must, when constructed on the gasometer principle, have the + dimensions of the tank portion so related to those of the bell that a + pressure of at least 11 inches will be necessary before gas can be forced + from the holder. + </p> + <p> + (<i>e</i>) The bell portion of a gasholder constructed on the gasometer + principle must be provided with a substantial guide to its upward + movement, preferably in the centre of the holder, carrying a stop acting + to chock the bell 1 inch above the normal blow-off point. + </p> + <p> + This tends to insure the proper action of the bell and decreases the + liability of escaping gas. + </p> + <p> + (<i>f</i>) A space of at least three-quarters of an inch must be allowed + between the sides of the tank and the bell. + </p> + <p> + (<i>g</i>) All water-seals must be so arranged that the water-level may be + readily seen and maintained. + </p> + <p> + 19. WATER-SUPPLY.--(<i>a</i>) The supply of water to the generator for + generating purposes must not be taken from the water-seal of any gasholder + constructed on the gasometer principle, unless the feed mechanism is so + arranged that the water-seals provided for in Rules 18, (<i>c</i>), (<i>d</i>), + and (<i>e</i>) may be retained under all conditions. This provides for the + proper level of water in the gasholder. + </p> + <p> + (<i>b</i>) In cases where machines of the carbide-feed type are supplied + with water from city water-mains or house-pipes, the pipe connexion must + discharge into the regularly provided filling trap on the generator and + not through a separate continuous connexion leading into the generating + chamber. + </p> + <p> + This is to prevent the expulsion of explosive mixtures through the filling + trap in refilling. + </p> + <p> + 20. RELIEFS OR SAFETY BLOW-OFFS.--(<i>a</i>) Must in all cases be + provided, and must afford free vent to the outer air for any over- + production of gas, and also afford relief in case of abnormal pressure in + the machine. + </p> + <p> + Both the above-mentioned vents may be connected, with the same escape- + pipe. + </p> + <p> + (<i>b</i>) Must be of at least 3/4-inch internal diameter and be provided + with suitable means for connecting to the pipe loading outside of the + building. + </p> + <p> + (<i>c</i>) Must be constructed without valves or other mechanical working + parts. + </p> + <p> + (<i>d</i>) Apparatus requiring pressure regulators must be provided with + an additional approved safety blow-off attachment located between the + pressure regulator and the service-pipes and discharging to the outer air. + </p> + <p> + This is intended to prevent the possibility of undue pressure in the + service-pipes due to failure of the pressure regulator. + </p> + <p> + 21. PRESSURES.--(<i>a</i>) The working pressure at the generator must not + vary more than ten-tenths (1) inch water column under all conditions of + carbide charge and feed, and between the limits of no load and 50 per + cent. overload. + </p> + <p> + (<i>b</i>) Apparatus not requiring pressure regulators must be so arranged + that the gas pressure cannot exceed sixty-tenths (6) inches water column. + </p> + <p> + This requires the use of the pressure relief provided for in Rule No. 20 (<i>a</i>). + </p> + <p> + (<i>c</i>) Apparatus requiring pressure regulators must be so arranged + that the gas pressure cannot exceed three pounds to the square inch. + </p> + <p> + The pressure limit of 3 pounds is taken since that is the pressure + corresponding to a water column about 6 feet high, which is about, the + limit in point of convenience for water-sealed reliefs. + </p> + <p> + 22. AIR MIXTURES.--Generators must be so arranged as to contain the + minimum amount of air when first started or recharged, and no device or + attachment facilitating or permitting mixture of air with the gas prior to + consumption, except at the burners, shall be allowed. + </p> + <p> + Owing to the explosive properties of acetylene mixed with air, machines + must be so designed that such mixtures are impossible. + </p> + <p> + 23. PURIFIERS.--(<i>a</i>) Must be constructed of galvanised iron or steel + not less than No. 24 U.S. Standard gauge in thickness. + </p> + <p> + (<i>b</i>) Where installed, purifiers must conform to the general rules + for the construction of other acetylene apparatus and allow the free + passage of gas. + </p> + <p> + (<i>c</i>) Purifiers must contain no carbide for drying purposes. + </p> + <p> + (<i>d</i>) Purifiers must be located inside of gasholders, or, where + necessarily outside, must have no hand-holes which can be opened without + first shutting off the gas-supply. + </p> + <p> + 24. PRESSURE REGULATORS.--(<i>a</i>) Must conform to the rules for the + construction of other acetylene apparatus so far as they apply and must + not be subject to sticking or clogging. + </p> + <p> + (<i>b</i>) Must be capable of maintaining a uniform pressure, not varying + more than four-tenths inch water column, at any load within their rating. + </p> + <p> + (<i>c</i>) Must be installed between valves in such a manner as to + facilitate inspection and repairs. + </p> + <p> + <i>Class B.--Stationary Apparatus for Central Station Service.</i> + </p> + <p> + Generators of over 300 lights capacity for central station service are not + required to be automatic in operation. Generators of less than 300 lights + capacity must be automatic in operation and must comply in every respect + with the requirements of Class A. + </p> + <p> + 25. GENERAL RULES. GENERATORS.--(<i>a</i>) Must be substantially + constructed of iron or steel and be protected against depreciation by an + effective and durable preventive of corrosion. + </p> + <p> + Galvanising is strongly recommended as a protection against oxidation, and + it may to advantage be reinforced by a thorough coating of asphaltum or + similar material. + </p> + <p> + (<i>b</i>) Must contain no copper or alloy of copper in contact with + acetylene, excepting in valves. + </p> + <p> + (<i>c</i>) Must be so arranged that generation will take place without + overheating; temperatures in excess of 500° F. to be considered excessive. + </p> + <p> + (<i>d</i>) Must be provided with means for automatic removal of + condensation from gas passages. + </p> + <p> + (<i>e</i>) Must be provided with suitable protection against freezing of + any water contained in the apparatus. + </p> + <p> + No salt or other corrosive chemical is permissible as a protection against + freezing. + </p> + <p> + (<i>f</i>) Must in general comply with the requirements governing the + construction of apparatus for isolated installations so far as they are + applicable. + </p> + <p> + (<i>g</i>) Must be so arranged as to insure correct procedure in + recharging and cleaning. + </p> + <p> + (<i>h</i>) Generators of the carbide-feed type must be provided with some + form of approved measuring device to enable the attendant to determine + when the maximum allowable quantity of carbide has been fed into the + generating chamber. + </p> + <p> + In the operation of generators of this type an allowance of at least 1 + gallon of clean generating water per pound of carbide should be made, and + the generator should be cleaned after slaking of every full charge. Where + lump carbide is used the lumps may become embedded in the residuum, if the + latter is allowed to accumulate at the bottom of the generating chamber, + causing overheating from slow and restricted generation, and rendering the + mass more liable to form a hard deposit and bring severe stresses upon the + walls of the generator by slow expansion. + </p> + <p> + 26. GENERATING CHAMBERS.--(<i>a</i>) Must each be connected with the + gasholder in such a manner that they will, at all times, give open + connexion either to the gasholder or to the blow-off pipe into the outer + air. + </p> + <p> + (<i>b</i>) Must be so arranged as to guard against appreciable escape of + gas to the room at any time during the introduction of the charges. + </p> + <p> + (<i>c</i>) Must be so designed that the residuum will not clog or affect + the operation of the machine and can conveniently be handled and removed. + </p> + <p> + (<i>d</i>) Must be so arranged that during the process of cleaning and + recharging the back-flow of gas from the gasholder or other generating + chambers will be automatically prevented. + </p> + <p> + 27. GASHOLDERS.--(<i>a</i>) Must be of sufficient capacity to contain at + least 4 cubic feet of gas per 1/2-foot burner of the rating. This is to + provide for the requisite lighting period without the necessity of making + gas at night, allowance being made for the enlargement of burners caused + by the use of cleaners. + </p> + <p> + (<i>b</i>) Must be provided with suitable guides to direct the movement of + the bell throughout its entire travel. + </p> + <p> + 28. PRESSURE RELIEFS.--Must in all cases be provided, and must be so + arranged as to prevent pressure in excess of 100-tenths (10) inches water + column in the mains. + </p> + <p> + 29. PRESSURES.--Gasholders must be adjusted to maintain a pressure of + approximately 25-tenths (2.5) inches water column in the mains. <br /> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="linkv" id="v">CHAPTER V</a> + </h2> + <h3> + THE TREATMENT OF ACETYLENE AFTER GENERATION + </h3> + <p> + IMPURITIES IN CALCIUM CARBIDE.--The calcium carbide manufactured at the + present time, even when of the best quality commercially obtainable, is by + no means a chemically pure substance; it contains a large number of + foreign bodies, some of which evolve gas on treatment with water. To a + considerable extent this statement will probably always remain true in the + future; for in order to make absolutely pure carbide it would be necessary + for the manufacturer to obtain and employ perfectly pure lime, carbon, and + electrodes in an electric furnace which did not suffer attack during the + passage of a powerful current, or he would have to devise some process for + simultaneously or subsequently removing from his carbide those impurities + which were derived from his impure raw materials or from the walls of his + furnace--and either of these processes would increase the cost of the + finished article to a degree that could hardly be borne. Beside the + impurities thus inevitably arising from the calcium carbide decomposed, + however, other impurities may be added to acetylene by the action of a + badly designed generator or one working on a wrong system of construction; + and therefore it may be said at once that the crude gas coming from the + generating plant is seldom fit for immediate consumption, while if it be + required for the illumination of occupied rooms, it must invariably be + submitted to a rigorous method of chemical purification. + </p> + <p> + IMPURITIES OF ACETYLENE.--Combining together what may be termed the + carbide impurities and the generator impurities in crude acetylene, the + foreign bodies are partly gaseous, partly liquid, and partly solid. They + may render the gas dangerous from the point of view of possible + explosions; they, or the products derived from them on combustion, may be + harmful to health if inspired, injurious to the fittings and decorations + of rooms, objectionable at the burner orifices by determining, or + assisting in, the formation of solid growths which distort the flame and + so reduce its illuminating power; they may give trouble in the pipes by + condensing from the state of vapour in bends and dips, or by depositing, + if they are already solid, in angles, &c., and so causing stoppages; + or they may be merely harmful economically by acting as diluents to the + acetylene and, by having little or no illuminating value of themselves, + causing the gas to emit less light than it should per unit of volume + consumed, more particularly, of course, when the acetylene is not burnt + under the mantle. Also, not being acetylene, or isomeric therewith, they + require, even if they are combustible, a different proportion of oxygen + for their perfect combustion; and a good acetylene jet is only calculated + to attract precisely that quantity of air to the flame which a gas having + the constitution C_2H_2 demands. It will be apparent without argument that + a proper system of purification is one that is competent to remove the + carbide impurities from acetylene, so far as that removal is desirable or + necessary; it should not be called upon to extract the generator + impurities, because the proper way of dealing with them is, to the utmost + possible extent, to prevent their formation. The sole exception to this + rule is that of water-vapour, which invariably accompanies the best + acetylene, and must be partially removed as soon as convenient. Vapour of + water almost always accompanies acetylene from the generator, even when + the apparatus does not belong to those systems of working where liquid + water is in excess, this being due to the fact that in a generator where + the carbide is in excess the temperature tends to rise until part of the + water is vapourised and carried out of the decomposing chamber before it + has an opportunity of reacting with the excess of carbide. The issuing gas + is therefore more or less hot, and it usually comes from the generating + chamber saturated with vapour, the quantity needed so to saturate it + rising as the temperature of the gas increases. Practically speaking, + there is little objection to the presence of water-vapour in acetylene + beyond the fear of deposition of liquid in the pipes, which may accumulate + till they are partially or completely choked, and may even freeze and + burst them in very severe weather. Where the chemical purifiers, too, + contain a solid material which accidentally or intentionally acts as a + drier by removing moisture from the acetylene, it is a waste of such + comparatively expensive material to allow gas to enter the purifier wetter + than need be. + </p> + <p> + EXTRACTION OF MOISTURE.--In all large plants the extraction of the + moisture may take place in two stages. Immediately after the generator, + and before the washer if the generator requires such an apparatus to + follow it, a condenser is placed. Here the gas is made to travel somewhat + slowly through one or more pipes surrounded with cold air or water, or is + made to travel through a space containing pipes in which cold water is + circulating, the precise method of constructing the condenser being + perfectly immaterial so long as the escaping gas has a temperature not + appreciably exceeding that of the atmosphere. So cooled, however, the gas + still contains much water-vapour, for it remains saturated therewith at + the temperature to which it is reduced, and by the inevitable law of + physics a further fall in temperature will be followed by a further + deposition of liquid water from the acetylene. Manifestly, if the + installation is so arranged that the gas can at no part of the service and + on no occasion fall to a lower temperature than that at which it issues + from the condenser, the removal of moisture as effected by such a + condenser will be sufficient for all practical purposes; but at least in + all large plants where a considerable length of main is exposed to the + air, a more complete moisture extractor must be added to the plant, or + water will be deposited in the pipes every cold night in the winter. It + is, however, useless to put a chemical drier, or one more searching in its + action than a water-cooled condenser, at so early a position in the + acetylene plant, because the gas will be subsequently stored in a water- + sealed holder, where it will most probably once again be saturated with + moisture from the seal. When such generators are adopted as require to + have a specific washer placed after them in order to remove the water- + soluble impurities, <i>e.g.</i>, those in which the gas does not actually + bubble through a considerable quantity of liquid in the generating chamber + itself, it is doubtful whether a separate condenser is altogether + necessary, because, as the water in the washer can easily be kept at the + atmospheric temperature (by means of water circulating in pipes or + otherwise), the gas will be brought to the atmospheric temperature in the + washer, and at that temperature it cannot carry with it more than a + certain fixed proportion of moisture. The notion of partially drying a gas + by causing it to pass through water may appear paradoxical, but a + comprehension of physical laws will show that it is possible, and will + prove efficient in practice, when due attention is given to the facts that + the gas entering the washer is hot, and that it is subsequently to be + stored over water in a holder. + </p> + <p> + GENERATOR IMPURITIES.--The generator impurities present in the crudest + acetylene consist of oxygen and nitrogen, <i>i.e.</i>, the main + constituents of air, the various gaseous, liquid, and semi-solid bodies + described in Chapter II., which are produced by the polymerising and + decomposing action of heat upon the carbide, water, and acetylene in the + apparatus, and, whenever the carbide is in excess in the generator, some + lime in the form of a very fine dust. In all types of water-to-carbide + plant, and in some automatic carbide-feed apparatus, the carbide chamber + must be disconnected and opened each time a fresh charge has to be + inserted; and since only about one-third of the space in the container can + be filled with carbide, the remaining two-thirds are left full of air. It + is easy to imagine that the carbide container of a small generator might + be so large, or loaded with so small a quantity of carbide, or that the + apparatus might in other respects be so badly designed, that the gas + evolved might contain a sufficient proportion of air to render it liable + to explode in presence of a naked light, or of a temperature superior to + its inflaming-point. Were a cock, however, which should have been shut, to + be carelessly left open, an escape of gas from, rather than an + introduction of air into, the apparatus would follow, because the pressure + in the generator is above that of the atmosphere. As is well known, + roughly four-fifths by volume of the air consist of nitrogen, which is + non-inflammable and accordingly devoid of danger- conferring properties; + but in all flames the presence of nitrogen is harmful by absorbing much of + the heat liberated, thus lowering the temperature of that flame, and + reducing its illuminating power far more seriously. On the other hand, a + certain quantity of air in acetylene helps to prevent burner troubles by + acting as a mere diluent (albeit an inferior one to methane or marsh-gas), + and therefore it has been proposed intentionally to add air to the gas + before consumption, such a process being in regular use on the large scale + in some places abroad. As Eitner has shown (Chapter VI.) that in a + 3/4-inch pipe acetylene ceases to be explosive when mixed with less than + 47.7 per cent. of air, an amount of, say, 40 per cent. or less may in + theory be safely added to acetylene; but in practice the amount of air + added, if any, would have to be much smaller, because the upper limit of + explosibility of acetylene-air mixtures is not rigidly fixed, varying from + about 50 per cent. of air when the mixture is in a small vessel, and fired + electrically to about 25 per cent. of air in a large vessel approached + with a flame. Moreover, safely to prepare such mixtures, after the + proportion of air had been decided upon, would require the employment of + some additional perfectly trustworthy automatic mechanism to the plant to + draw into the apparatus a quantity of air strictly in accordance with the + volume of acetylene made --a pair of meters geared together, one for the + gas, the other for the air--and this would introduce extra complexity and + extra expense. On the whole the idea cannot be recommended, and the action + of the British Home Office in prohibiting the use of all such mixtures + except those unavoidably produced in otherwise good generators, or in + burners of the ordinary injector type, is perfectly justifiable. The + derivation and effect of the other gaseous and liquid generator impurities + in acetylene were described in Chapter II. Besides these, very hot gas has + been found to contain notable amounts of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, + both of which burn with non-luminous flames. The most plausible + explanation of their origin has been given by Lewes, who suggests that + they may be formed by the action of water-vapour upon very hot carbide or + upon carbon separated therefrom as the result of previous dissociation + among the gases present; the steam and the carbon reacting together at a + temperature of 500° C. or thereabouts in a manner resembling that of the + production of water-gas. The last generator impurity is lime dust, which + is calcium oxide or hydroxide carried forward by the stream of gas in a + state of extremely fine subdivision, and is liable to be produced whenever + water acts rapidly upon an excess of calcium carbide. This lime + occasionally appears in the alternative form of a froth in the pipes + leading directly from the generating chamber; for some types of + carbide-to-water apparatus, decomposing certain kinds of carbide, foam + persistently when the liquid in them becomes saturated with lime, and this + foam or froth is remarkably difficult to break up. + </p> + <p> + FILTERS.--It has just been stated that the purifying system added to an + acetylene installation should not be called upon to remove these generator + impurities; because their appearance in quantity indicates a faulty + generator, which should be replaced by one of better action. On the + contrary, with the exception of the gases which are permanent at + atmospheric temperature--hydrogen, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and oxygen-- + and which, once produced, must remain in the acetylene (lowering its + illuminating value, but giving no further trouble), extraction of these + generator impurities is quite simple. The dust or froth of lime will be + removed in the washer where the acetylene bubbles through water--the dust + itself can be extracted by merely filtering the gas through cotton-wool, + felt, or the like. The least volatile liquid impurities will be removed + partly in the condenser, partly in the washer, and partly by the + mechanical dry-scrubbing action of the solid purifying material in the + chemical purifier. To some extent the more volatile liquid bodies will be + removed similarly; but a complete extraction of them demands the + employment of some special washing apparatus in which the crude acetylene + is compelled to bubble (in finely divided streams) through a layer of some + non-volatile oil, heavy mineral lubricating oil, &c.; for though + soluble in such oil, the liquid impurities are not soluble in, nor do they + mix with, water; and since they are held in the acetylene as vapours, a + simple passage through water, or through water-cooled pipes, does not + suffice for their recovery. It will be seen that a sufficient removal of + these generator impurities need throw no appreciable extra labour upon the + consumer of acetylene, for he can readily select a type of generator in + which their production is reduced to a minimum; while a cotton-wool or + coke filter for the gas, a water washer, which is always useful in the + plant if only employed as a non-return valve between the generator and the + holder, and the indispensable chemical purifiers, will take out of the + acetylene all the remaining generator impurities which need, and can, be + extracted. + </p> + <p> + CARBIDE IMPURITIES.--Neglecting very minute amounts of carbon monoxide and + hydrogen (which may perhaps come from cavities in the calcium carbide + itself), as being utterly insignificant from the practical point of view, + the carbide impurities of the gas fall into four main categories: those + containing phosphorus, those containing sulphur, those containing silicon, + and those containing gaseous ammonia. The phosphorus in the gas comes from + calcium phosphide in the calcium carbide, which is attacked by water, and + yields phosphoretted hydrogen (or phosphine, as it will be termed + hereafter). The calcium phosphide, in its turn, is produced in the + electric furnace by the action of the coke upon the phosphorus in + phosphatic lime--all commercially procurable lime and some varieties of + coke (or charcoal) containing phosphates to a larger or smaller extent. + The sulphur in the gas comes from aluminium sulphide in the carbide, which + is produced in the electric furnace by the interaction of impurities + containing aluminium and sulphur (clay-like bodies, &c.) present in + the lime and coke; this aluminium sulphide is attacked by water and yields + sulphuretted hydrogen. Even in the absence of aluminium compounds, + sulphuretted hydrogen may be found in the gases of an acetylene generator; + here it probably arises from calcium sulphide, for although the latter is + not decomposed by water, it gradually changes in water into calcium + sulphydrate, which appears to suffer decomposition. When it exists in the + gas the silicon is derived from certain silicides in the carbide; but this + impurity will be dealt with by itself in a later paragraph. The ammonia + arises from the action of the water upon magnesium, aluminium, or possibly + calcium nitride in the calcium carbide, which are bodies also produced in + the electric furnace or as the carbide is cooling. In the gas itself the + ammonia exists as such; the phosphorus exists mainly as phosphine, partly + as certain organic compounds containing phosphorus, the exact chemical + nature of which has not yet been fully ascertained; the sulphur exists + partly as sulphuretted hydrogen and partly as organic compounds analogous, + in all probability, to those of phosphorus, among which Caro has found oil + of mustard, and certain bodies that he regards as mercaptans. [Footnote: + It will be convenient to borrow the phrase used in the coal-gas industry, + calling the compounds of phosphorus other than phosphine "phosphorus + compounds," and the compounds of sulphur other than sulphuretted hydrogen + "sulphur compounds." The "sulphur compounds" of coal-gas, however, consist + mainly of carbon bisulphide, which is certainly not the chief "sulphur + compound" in acetylene, even if present to any appreciable extent.] The + precise way in which these organic bodies are formed from the phosphides + and sulphides of calcium carbide is not thoroughly understood; but the + system of generation employed, and the temperature obtaining in the + apparatus, have much to do with their production; for the proportion of + the total phosphorus and sulphur found in the crude gas which exists as + "compounds" tends to be greater as the generating plant yields a higher + temperature. It should be noted that ammonia and sulphuretted hydrogen + have one property in common which sharply distinguishes them from the + sulphur "compounds," and from all the phosphorus compounds, including + phosphine. Ammonia and sulphuretted hydrogen are both very soluble in + water, the latter more particularly in the lime-water of an active + acetylene generator; while all the other bodies referred to are completely + insoluble. It follows, therefore, that a proper washing of the crude gas + in water should suffice to remove all the ammonia and sulphuretted + hydrogen from the acetylene; and as a matter of fact those generators in + which the gas is evolved in presence of a large excess of water, and in + which it has to bubble through such water, yield an acetylene practically + free from ammonia, and containing nearly all the sulphur which it does + contain in the state of "compounds." It must also be remembered that + chemical processes which are perfectly suited to the extraction of + sulphuretted hydrogen and phosphine are not necessarily adapted for the + removal of the other phosphorus and sulphur compounds. + </p> + <p> + WASHERS.--In designing a washer for the extraction of ammonia and + sulphuretted hydrogen it is necessary to see that the gas is brought into + most intimate contact with the liquid, while yet no more pressure than can + possibly be avoided is lost. Subdivision of the gas stream may be effected + by fitting the mouth of the inlet-pipe with a rose having a large number + of very small holes some appreciable distance apart, or by bending the + pipe to a horizontal position and drilling it on its upper surface with + numbers of small holes. Another method is to force the gas to travel under + a series of partitions extending just below the water- level, forming the + lower edges of those partitions either perfectly horizontal or with small + notches like the teeth of a saw. One volume of pure water only absorbs + about three volumes of sulphuretted hydrogen at atmospheric temperatures, + but takes up some 600 volumes of gaseous ammonia; and as ammonia always + accompanies the sulphuretted hydrogen, the latter may be said to be + absorbed in the washer by a solution of ammonia, a liquid in which + sulphuretted hydrogen is much more soluble. Therefore, since water only + dissolves about an equal volume of acetylene, the liquid in the washer + will continue to extract ammonia and sulphuretted hydrogen long after it + is saturated with the hydrocarbon. For this reason, <i>i.e.</i>, to avoid + waste of acetylene by dissolution in the clean water of the washer, the + plan is sometimes adopted of introducing water to the generator through + the washer, so that practically the carbide is always attacked by a liquid + saturated with acetylene. Provided the liquid in the generator does not + become seriously heated, there is no objection to this arrangement; but if + the water is heated strongly in the generator it loses much or all of its + solvent properties, and the impurities may be driven back again into the + washer. Clearly if the waste lime of the generator occurs as a dry or damp + powder, the plan mentioned is not to be recommended; but when the waste + lime is a thin cream--water being in large excess--it may be adopted. If + the generator produces lime dust among the gas, and if the acetylene + enters the washer through minute holes, a mechanical filter to remove the + dust must be inserted between the generator and the washer, or the + orifices of the leading pipe will be choked. Whenever a water-cooled + condenser is employed after the generator, in which the gas does not come + in contact with the water, that liquid may always be used to charge the + generator. For compactness and simplicity of parts the water of the holder + seal is occasionally used as the washing liquid, but unless the liquid of + the seal is constantly renewed it will thus become offensive, especially + if the holder is under cover, and it will also act corrosively upon the + metal of the tank and bell. The water-soluble impurities in acetylene will + not be removed completely by merely standing over the holder seal for a + short time, and it is not good practice to pass unnecessarily impure gas + into a holder. [Footnote: This is not a contradiction of what has been + said in Chapter III. about the relative position of holder and chemical + purifiers, because reference is now being made to ammonia and sulphuretted + hydrogen only.] + </p> + <p> + HARMFULNESS OF IMPURITIES.--The reasons why the carbide impurities must be + removed from acetylene before it is burned have now to be explained. From + the strictly chemical point of view there are three compounds of + phosphorus, all termed phosphoretted hydrogen or phosphine: a gas, PH_3; a + liquid, P_2H_4; and a solid, P_4H_2. The liquid is spontaneously + inflammable in presence of air; that is to say, it catches fire of itself + without the assistance of spark or flame immediately it comes in contact + with atmospheric oxygen; being very volatile, it is easily carried as + vapour by any permanent gas. The gaseous phosphine is not actually + spontaneously inflammable at temperatures below 100° C.; but it oxidises + so rapidly in air, even when somewhat diluted, that the temperature may + quickly rise to the point of inflammation. In the earliest days of the + acetylene industry, directly it was recognised that phosphine always + accompanies crude acetylene from the generator, it was believed that + unless the proportion were strictly limited by decomposing only a carbide + practically free from phosphides, the crude acetylene might exhibit + spontaneously inflammable properties. Lewes, indeed, has found that a + sample of carbide containing 1 per cent of calcium phosphide gave + (probably by local decomposition--the bulk of the phosphide suffering + attack first) a spontaneously inflammable gas; but when examining + specimens of commercial carbide the highest amount of phosphine he + discovered in the acetylene was 2.3 per cent, and this gas was not capable + of self-inflammation. According to Bullier, however, acetylene must + contain 80 per cent of phosphine to render it spontaneously inflammable. + Berdenich has reported a case of a parcel of carbide which yielded on the + average 5.1 cubic foot of acetylene per lb., producing gas which contained + only 0.398 gramme of phosphorus in the form of phosphine per cubic metre + (or 0.028 per cent. of phosphine) and was spontaneously inflammable. But + on examination the carbide in question was found to be very irregular in + composition, and some lumps produced acetylene containing a very high + proportion of phosphorus and silicon compounds. No doubt the spontaneous + inflammability was due to the exceptional richness of these lumps in + phosphorus. As manufactured at the present day, calcium carbide ordinarily + never contains an amount of phosphide sufficient to render the gas + dangerous on the score of spontaneous inflammability; but should inferior + material ever be put on the markets, this danger might have to be guarded + against by submitting the gas evolved from it to chemical analysis. + Another risk has been suggested as attending the use of acetylene + contaminated with phosphine (and to a minor degree with sulphuretted + hydrogen), viz., that being highly toxic, as they undoubtedly are, the gas + containing them might be extremely dangerous to breathe if it escaped from + the service, or from a portable lamp, unconsumed. Anticipating what will + be said in a later paragraph, the worst kind of calcium carbide now + manufactured will not yield a gas containing more than 0.1 per cent. by + volume of sulphuretted hydrogen and 0.05 per cent. of phosphine. According + to Haldane, air containing 0.07 per cent. of sulphuretted hydrogen + produces fatal results on man if it is breathed for some hours, while an + amount of 0.2 per cent. is fatal in 1- 1/2 minutes. Similar figures for + phosphine cannot be given, because poisoning therewith is very rare or + quite unknown: the cases of "phossy- jaw" in match factories being caused + either by actual contact with yellow phosphorus or by inhalation of its + vapour in the elemental state. However, assuming phosphine to be twice as + toxic as sulphuretted hydrogen, its effect in crude acetylene of the + above-mentioned composition will be equal to that of the sulphuretted + hydrogen, so that in the present connexion the gas may be said to be + equally toxic with a sample of air containing 0.2 per cent. of + sulphuretted hydrogen, which kills in less than two minutes. But this + refers only to crude acetylene undiluted with air; and being a + hydrocarbon--being in fact neither oxygen nor common air--acetylene is + irrespirable of itself though largely devoid of specific toxic action. + Numerous investigations have been made of the amount of acetylene (apart + from its impurities) which can be breathed in safety; but although these + point to a probable recovery after a fairly long-continued respiration of + an atmosphere charged with 30 per cent. of acetylene, the figure is not + trustworthy, because toxicological experiments upon animals seldom agree + with similar tests upon man. If crude acetylene were diluted with a + sufficient proportion of air to remove its suffocating qualities, the + percentage of specifically toxic ingredients would be reduced to a point + where their action might be neglected; and short of such dilution the + acetylene itself would in all probability determine pathological effects + long before its impurities could set up symptoms of sulphur and phosphorus + poisoning. + </p> + <p> + Ammonia is objectionable in acetylene because it corrodes brass fittings + and pipes, and because it is partially converted (to what extent is + uncertain) into nitrous and nitric acids as it passes through the flame. + Sulphur is objectionable in acetylene because it is converted into + sulphurous and sulphuric anhydrides, or their respective acids, as it + passes through the flame. Phosphorus is objectionable because in similar + circumstances it produces phosphoric anhydride and phosphoric acid. Each + of these acids is harmful in an occupied room because they injure the + decorations, helping to rot book-bindings, [Footnote: It is only fair to + state that the destruction of leather bindings is commonly due to traces + of sulphuric acid remaining in the leather from the production employed in + preparing it, and is but seldom caused directly by the products of + combustion coming from gas or oil.] tarnishing "gold-leaf" ornaments, and + spoiling the colours of dyed fabrics. Each is harmful to the human system, + sulphuric and phosphoric anhydrides (SO_3, and P_4O_10) acting as specific + irritants to the lungs of persons predisposed to affections of the + bronchial organs. Phosphorus, however, has a further harmful action: + sulphuric anhydride is an invisible gas, but phosphoric anhydride is a + solid body, and is produced as an extremely fine, light, white voluminous + dust which causes a haze, more or less opaque, in the apartment. + [Footnote: Lewes suggests that ammonia in the gas burnt may assist in the + production of this haze, owing to the formation of solid ammonium salts in + the state of line dust.] Immediately it comes in contact with atmospheric + moisture phosphoric anhydride is converted into phosphoric acid, but this + also occurs at first as a solid substance. The solidity and visibility of + the phosphoric anhydride and acid are beneficial in preventing highly + impure acetylene being unwittingly burnt in a room; but, on the other + hand, being merely solids in suspension in the air, the combustion + products of phosphorus are not so easily carried away from the room by the + means provided for ventilation as are the products of the combustion of + sulphur. Phosphoric anhydride is also partly deposited in the solid state + at the burner orifices, perhaps actually corroding the steatite jets, and + always assisting in the deposition of carbon from any polymerised + hydrocarbons in the acetylene; thus helping the carbon to block up or + distort those orifices. Whenever the acetylene is to be burnt on the + incandescent system under a mantle of the Welsbach or other type, + phosphorus, and possibly sulphur, become additionally objectionable, and + rigorous extraction is necessary. As is well known, the mantle is composed + of the oxides of certain "rare earths" which owe their practical value to + the fact that they are non-volatile at the temperature of the gas-flame. + When a gas containing phosphorus is burnt beneath such a mantle, the + phosphoric anhydride attacks those oxides, partially converting them into + the respective phosphates, and these bodies are less refractory. A mantle + exposed to the combustion products of crude acetylene soon becomes brittle + and begins to fall to pieces, occasionally showing a yellowish colour when + cold. The actual advantage of burning acetylene on the incandescent system + is not yet thoroughly established-- in this country at all events; but it + is clear that the process will not exhibit any economy (rather the + reverse) unless the plant is provided with most capable chemical + purifiers. Phosphorus, sulphur, and ammonia are not objectionable in crude + acetylene because they confer upon the gas a nauseous odour. From a + well-constructed installation no acetylene escapes unconsumed: the gas + remains wholly within the pipes until it is burnt, and whatever odour it + may have fails to reach the human nostrils. A house properly piped for + acetylene will be no more conspicuous by its odour than a house properly + piped for coal-gas. On the contrary, the fact that the carbide impurities + of acetylene, which, in the absolutely pure state, is a gas of somewhat + faint, hardly disagreeable, odour, do confer upon that gas a persistent + and unpleasant smell, is distinctly advantageous; for, owing to that + odour, a leak in the pipes, an unclosed tap, or a fault in the generating + plant is instantly brought to the consumer's attention. A gas wholly + devoid of odour would be extremely dangerous in a house, and would have to + be scented, as is done in the case of non-carburetted water-gas when it is + required for domestic purposes. + </p> + <p> + AMOUNTS OF IMPURITIES AND SCOPE OF PURIFICATION.--Partly for the reason + which has just been given, and partly on the ground of expense, a complete + removal of the impurities from crude acetylene is not desirable. All that + need be done is to extract sufficient to deprive the gas of its injurious + effects upon lungs, decorations, and burners. As it stands, however, such + a statement is not sufficiently precise to be useful either to consumers + of acetylene or to manufacturers of plant, and some more or less arbitrary + standard must be set up in order to define the composition of + "commercially pure" acetylene, as well as to gauge the efficiency of any + process of purification. In all probability such limit may be reasonably + taken at 0.1 milligramme of either sulphur or phosphorus (calculated as + elementary bodies) per 1 litre of acetylene, <i>i.e.</i>, (0.0-1.1 grain + per cubic foot; a quantity which happens to correspond almost exactly with + a percentage by weight of 0.01. Owing to the atomic weights of these + substances, and the very small quantities being considered, the same limit + hardly differs from that of 0.01 per cent. by weight of sulphuretted + hydrogen or of phosphine--it being always recollected that the sulphur and + phosphorus do not necessarily exist in the gas as simple hydrides. + Keppeler, however, has suggested the higher figure of 0.15 milligramme of + either sulphur or phosphorus per litre of acetylene (=0.066 grain per + cubic foot) for the maximum amount of these impurities permissible in + purified acetylene. He adopts this standard on the basis of the results of + observations of the amounts of sulphur and phosphorus present in the gas + issuing from a purifier charged with heratol at the moment when the last + layer of the heratol is beginning to change colour. No limit has been + given for the removal of the ammonia, partly because that impurity can + more easily, and without concomitant disadvantage, be extracted entirely; + and partly because it is usually removed in the washer and not in the true + chemical purifier. + </p> + <p> + According to Lewes, the maximum amount of ammonia found in the acetylene + coming from a dripping generator is 0.95 gramme per litre, while in + carbide-to-water gas it is 0.16 gramme: 417 and 70.2 grains per cubic foot + respectively. Rossel and Landriset have found 4 milligrammes (1.756 grains + [Footnote: Milligrammes per litre; grains per cubic foot. It is convenient + to remember that since 1 cubic foot of water weighs 62.321 x 16 - 997.14 + avoirdupois ounces, grammes per litre are approximately equal to oz. per + cubic foot; and grammes per cubic metre to oz. per 1000 cubic feet.]) to + be the maximum in water-to-carbide gas, and none to occur in + carbide-to-water acetylene. Rossel and Landriset return the minimum + proportion of sulphur, calculated as H_2S, found in the gaseous state in + acetylene when the carbide has not been completely flooded with water at + 1.18 milligrammes per litre, or 0.52 grain per cubic foot; and the + corresponding maxima at 1.9 milligrammes, or 0.84 grain. In carbide-to- + water gas, the similar maxima are 0.23 milligramme or 0.1 grain. As + already stated, the highest proportion of phosphine yet found in acetylene + is 2.3 per cent. (Lewes), which is equal to 32.2 milligrammes of PH_3 per + litre or 14.13 grains per cubic foot (Polis); but this sample dated from + 1897. Eitner and Keppeler record the minimum proportion of phosphorus, + calculated as PH_3, found in crude acetylene, as 0.45 milligramme per + litre, and the maximum as 0.89 milligramme per litre; in English terms + these figures are 0.2 and 0.4 grain per cubic foot. On an average, + however, British and Continental carbide of the present day may be said to + give a gas containing 0.61 milligramme of phosphorus calculated as PH_3 + per litre and 0.75 milligramme of sulphur calculated as H_2S. In other + units these figures are equal to 0.27 grain of PH_3 and 0.33 grain of H_2S + per 1 cubic foot, or to 0.041 per cent. by volume of PH_3 and 0.052 per + cent. of H_2S. Yields of phosphorus and sulphur much higher than these + will be found in the journals and books, but such analytical data were + usually obtained in the years 1896-99, before the manufacture of calcium + carbide had reached its present degree of systematic control. A commercial + specimen of carbide was seen by one of the authors as late as 1900 which + gave an acetylene containing 1.12 milligramme of elementary sulphur per + litre, i.e., 0.096 per cent, by volume, or 0.102 per cent, by volume of + H_2S; but the phosphorus showed the low figure of 0.36 milligramme per + litre (0.031 per cent, of P or 0.034 per cent, of PH_3 by volume). + </p> + <p> + The British Acetylene Association's regulations relating to carbide of + calcium (<i>vide</i> Chap. XIV.) contain a clause to the effect that + "carbide which, when properly decomposed, yields acetylene containing from + all phosphorus compounds therein more than 0.05 per cent, by volume of + phosphoretted hydrogen, may be refused by the buyer." This limit is + equivalent to 0.74 milligramme of phosphorus calculated as PH_3 per litre. + A latitude of 0.01 per cent, is, however, allowed for the analysis, so + that the ultimate limit on which carbide could be rejected is: 0.06 volume + per cent. of PH_3, or 0.89 milligramme of phosphorus per litre. + </p> + <p> + The existence in appreciable quantity of combined silicon as a normal + impurity in acetylene seems still open to doubt. Calcium carbide + frequently contains notable quantities of iron and other silicides; but + although these bodies are decomposed by acids, yielding hydrogen silicide, + or siliciuretted hydrogen, they are not attacked by plain water. + Nevertheless Wolff and Gerard have found hydrogen silicide in crude + acetylene, and Lewes looks upon it as a common impurity in small amounts. + When it occurs, it is probably derived, as Vigouroux has suggested, from + "alloys" of silicon with calcium, magnesium, and aluminium in the carbide. + The metallic constituents of these substances would naturally be attacked + by water, evolving hydrogen; and the hydrogen, in its nascent state, would + probably unite with the liberated silicon to form hydrogen silicide. Many + authorities, including Keppeler, have virtually denied that silicon + compounds exist in crude acetylene, while the proportion 0.01 per cent. + has been given by other writers as the maximum. Caro, however, has stated + that the crude gas almost invariably contains silicon, sometimes in very + small quantities, but often up to the limit of 0.8 per cent.; the failure + of previous investigators to discover it being due to faulty analytical + methods. Caro has seen one specimen of (bad) carbide which gave a + spontaneously inflammable gas although it contained only traces of + phosphine; its inflammability being caused by 2.1 per cent. of hydrogen + silicide. Practically speaking, all the foregoing remarks made about + phosphine apply equally to hydrogen silicide: it burns to solid silicon + oxide (silica) at the burners, is insoluble in water, and is spontaneously + inflammable when alone or only slightly diluted, but never occurs in good + carbide in sufficient proportion to render the acetylene itself + inflammable. According to Caro the silicon may be present both as hydrogen + silicide and as silicon "compounds." A high temperature in the generator + will favour the production of the latter; an apparatus in which the gas is + washed well in lime-water will remove the bulk of the former. Fraenkel has + found that magnesium silicide is not decomposed by water or an alkaline + solution, but that dilute hydrochloric acid acts upon it and spontaneously + inflammable hydrogen silicide results. If it may be assumed that the other + silicides in commercial calcium carbide also behave in this manner it is + plain that hydrogen silicide cannot occur in crude acetylene unless the + gas is supposed to be hurried out of the generator before the alkaline + water therein has had time to decompose any traces of the hydrogen + silicide which is produced in the favouring conditions of high temperature + sometimes prevailing. Mauricheau-Beaupré has failed to find silica in the + products of combustion of acetylene from carbide of varying degrees of + purity. He found, however, that a mixture of strong nitric and + hydrochloric acids (<i>aqua regia</i>), if contaminated with traces of + phosphoric acid, dissolved silica from the glass of laboratory vessels. + Consequently, since phosphoric acid results from the phosphine in crude + acetylene when the gas is passed through aqua regia, silica may be found + on subsequently evaporating the latter. But this, silica, he found, was + derived from the glass and not through the oxidation of silicon compounds + in the acetylene. It is possible that some of the earlier observers of the + occurrence of silicon compounds in crude acetylene may have been misled by + the solution of silica from the glass vessels used in their + investigations. The improbability of recognisable quantities of silicon + compounds occurring in acetylene in any ordinary conditions of generation + is demonstrated by a recent study by Fraenkel of the composition of the + deposit produced on reflectors exposed to the products of combustion of a + sample of acetylene which afforded a haze when burnt. The deposit + contained 51.07 per cent. of phosphoric acid, but no silica. The gas + itself contained from 0.0672 to 0.0837 per cent. by volume of phosphine. + </p> + <p> + PURIFYING MATERIALS.--When acetylene first began to be used as a domestic + illuminant, most generator builders denied that there was any need for the + removal of these carbide impurities from the gas, some going so far as to + assert that their apparatus yielded so much purer an acetylene than other + plant, where purification might be desirable, that an addition of a + special purifier was wholly unnecessary. Later on the more responsible + members of the trade took another view, but they attacked the problem of + purification in a perfectly empirical way, either employing some purely + mechanical scrubber filled with some moist or dry porous medium, or + perhaps with coke or the like wetted with dilute acid, or they simply + borrowed the processes adopted in the purification of coal-gas. At first + sight it might appear that the more simple methods of treating coal-gas + should be suitable for acetylene; since the former contains two of the + impurities--sulphuretted hydrogen and ammonia--characteristic of crude + acetylene. After removing the ammonia by washing with water, therefore, it + was proposed to extract the sulphur by passing the acetylene through that + variety of ferric hydroxide (hydrated oxide of iron) which is so + serviceable in the case of coal-gas. The idea, however, was quite unsound: + first, because it altogether ignores the phosphorus, which is the most + objectionable impurity in acetylene, but is not present in coal- gas; + secondly, because ferric hydroxide is used on gasworks to extract in a + marketable form the sulphur which occurs as sulphuretted hydrogen, and + true sulphuretted hydrogen need not exist in well-generated and well- + washed acetylene to any appreciable extent; thirdly, because ferric + hydroxide is not employed by gasmakers to remove sulphur compounds (this + is done with lime), being quite incapable of extracting them, or the + analogous sulphur compounds of crude acetylene. + </p> + <p> + About the same time three other processes based on somewhat better + chemical knowledge were put forward. Pictet proposed leading the gas + through a strong solution of calcium chloride and then through strong + sulphuric acid, both maintained at a temperature of -20° to -40° C., + finally washing the gas in a solution of some lead salt. Proof that such + treatment would remove phosphorus to a sufficient degree is not altogether + satisfactory; but apart from this the necessity of maintaining such low + temperatures, far below that of the coldest winter's night, renders the + idea wholly inadmissible for all domestic installations. Willgerodt + suggested removing sulphuretted hydrogen by means of potassium hydroxide + (caustic potash), then absorbing the phosphine in bromine water. For many + reasons this process is only practicable in the laboratory. Bergé and + Reychler proposed extracting both sulphuretted hydrogen and phosphine in + an acid solution of mercuric chloride (corrosive sublimate). The + poisonousness of this latter salt, apart from all other objections, rules + such a method out. + </p> + <p> + BLEACHING POWDER.--The next idea, first patented by Smith of Aberdeen, but + fully elaborated by Lunge and Cedercreutz, was to employ bleaching- powder + [Footnote: Bleaching-powder is very usually called chloride of lime; but + owing to the confusion which is constantly arising in the minds of persons + imperfectly acquainted with chemistry between chloride of lime and + chloride of calcium--two perfectly distinct bodies--the less ambiguous + expression "bleaching-powder" will be adopted here.] either in the solid + state or as a liquid extract. The essential constituent of + bleaching-powder from the present aspect is calcium hypochlorite, which + readily oxidises sulphuretted hydrogen, and more particularly phosphine, + converting them into sulphuric and phosphoric acids, while the acetylene + is practically unattacked. In simple purifying action the material proved + satisfactory; but since high-grade commercial bleaching-powder contains + some free chlorine, or some is set free from it in the purifier under the + influence of the passing gas, the issuing acetylene was found to contain + chlorine, free or combined; and this, burning eventually to hydrochloric + acid, is hardly less harmful than the original sulphur compounds. + Moreover, a mixture of acetylene, chlorine, and air is liable to catch + fire of itself when exposed to bright sunlight; and therefore the use of a + bleaching-powder purifier, or rather the recharging thereof, was not + unattended by danger in the early days. To overcome these defects, the + very natural process was adopted of diluting the bleaching-powder, such + diluent also serving to increase the porosity of the material. A very + unsuitable substance, however, was selected for the purpose, viz., + sawdust, which is hygroscopic organic, and combustible. Owing to the + exothermic chemical action between the impurities of the acetylene and the + bleaching-powder, the purifying mass became heated; and thus not only were + the phenomena found in a bad generator repeated in the purifying vessel, + but in presence of air and light (as in emptying the purifier), the + reaction proceeded so rapidly that the heat caused inflammation of the + sawdust and the gas, at least on one occasion an actual fire taking place + which created much alarm and did some little damage. For a time, + naturally, bleaching-powder was regarded as too dangerous a material to be + used for the purification of crude acetylene; but it was soon discovered + that danger could be avoided by employing the substance in a proper way. + </p> + <p> + HERATOL, FRANKOLINE, ACAGINE AND PURATYLENE.--Setting aside as unworthy of + attention certain compositions offered as acetylene purifying materials + whose constitution has not been divulged or whose action has not been + certified by respectable authority, there are now three principal chemical + reagents in regular use. Those are chromic acid, cuprous chloride (sub- or + proto-chloride of copper), and bleaching- powder. Chromic acid is employed + in the form of a solution acidified with acetic or hydrochloric acid, + which, in order to obtain the advantages (<i>see</i> below) attendant upon + the use of a solid purifying material, is absorbed in that highly porous + and inert description of silica known as infusorial earth or "kieselguhr." + This substance was first recommended by Ullmann, and is termed + commercially "heratol" As sold it contains somewhere about 136 grammes of + chromic acid per kilo. Cuprous chloride is used as a solution in strong + hydrochloric acid mixed with ferric chloride, and similarly absorbed in + kieselguhr. From the name of its proposer, this composition is called + "frankoline." It will be shown in Chapter VI. that the use of metallic + copper in the construction of acetylene apparatus is not permissible or + judicious, because the gas is liable to form therewith an explosive + compound known as copper acetylide; it might seem, therefore, that the + employment of a copper salt for purification courts accident. The + objection is not sound, because the acetylide is not likely to be produced + except in the presence of ammonia; and since frankoline is a highly acid + product, the ammonia is converted into its chloride before any copper + acetylide can be produced. As a special acetylene purifier, + bleaching-powder exists in at least two chief modifications. In one, known + as "acagine," it is mixed with 15 per cent. of lead chromate, and + sometimes with about the same quantity of barium sulphate; the function of + the latter being simply that of a diluent, while to the lead chromate is + ascribed by its inventor (Wolff) the power of retaining any chlorine that + may be set free from the bleaching-powder by the reduction of the chromic + acid. The utility of the lead chromate in this direction has always + appeared doubtful; and recently Keppeler has argued that it can have no + effect upon the chlorine, inasmuch as in the spent purifying material the + lead chromate may be found in its original condition unchanged. The second + modification of bleaching-powder is designated "puratylene," and contains + calcium chloride and quick or slaked lime. It is prepared by evaporating + to dryness under diminished pressure solutions of its three ingredients, + whereby the finished material is given a particularly porous nature. + </p> + <p> + It will be observed that both heratol and frankoline are powerfully acid, + whence it follows they are capable of extracting any ammonia that may + enter the purifier; but for the same reason they are liable to act + corrosively upon any metallic vessel in which they are placed, and they + therefore require to be held in earthenware or enamelled receivers. But + since they are not liquid, the casing of the purifier can be safely + constructed of steel or cast iron. Puratylene also removes ammonia by + virtue of the calcium chloride in it. Acagine would probably pass the + ammonia; but this is no real objection, as the latter can be extracted by + a preliminary washing in water. Heratol changes, somewhat obscurely, in + colour as it becomes spent, its original orange tint, due to the chromic + acid, altering to a dirty green, characteristic of the reduced salts of + chromium oxide. Frankoline has been asserted to be capable of regeneration + or revivification, <i>i.e.</i>, that when spent it may be rendered fit for + further service by being exposed to the air for a time, as is done with + gas oxide; this, however, may be true to some extent with the essential + constituents of frankoline, but the process is not available with the + commercial solid product. Of all these materials, heratol is the most + complete purifier of acetylene, removing phosphorus and sulphur most + rapidly and thoroughly, and not appreciably diminishing in speed or + efficiency until its chromic acid is practically quite used up. On the + other hand, heratol does act upon pure acetylene to some extent; so that + purifiers containing it should be small in size and frequently recharged. + In one of his experiments Keppeler found that 13 per cent. of the chromic + acid in heratol was wasted by reacting with acetylene. As this waste of + chromic acid involves also a corresponding loss of gas, small purifiers + are preferable, because at any moment they only contain a small quantity + of material capable of attacking the acetylene itself. Frankoline is very + efficacious as regards the phosphorus, but it does not wholly extract the + sulphur, leaving, according to Keppeler, from 0.13 to 0.20 gramme of the + latter in every cubic metre of the gas. It does not attack acetylene + itself; and if, owing to its free hydrochloric acid, it adds any acid + vapours to the purified gas, these vapours may be easily removed by a + subsequent passage through a vessel containing lime or a carbide drier. + Both being essentially bleaching-powder, acagine and puratylene are alike + in removing phosphorus to a satisfactory degree; but they leave some + sulphur behind. Acagine evidently attacks acetylene to a slight extent, as + Keppeler has found 0.2 gramme of chlorine per cubic metre in the issuing + gas. + </p> + <p> + Although some of these materials attack acetylene slightly, and some leave + sulphur in the purified gas, they may be all considered reasonably + efficient from the practical point of view; for the loss of true acetylene + is too small to be noticeable, and the quantity of sulphur not extracted + too trifling to be harmful or inconvenient. They may be valued, + accordingly, mainly by their price, proper allowance being made for the + quantity of gas purified per unit weight of substance taken. This quantity + of gas must naturally vary with the proportion of phosphorus and sulphur + in the crude acetylene; but on an average the composition of unpurified + gas is what has already been given above, and so the figures obtained by + Keppeler in his investigation of the subject may be accepted. In the + annexed table these are given in two forms: (1) the number of litres of + gas purified by 1 kilogramme of the substance, (2) the number of cubic + feet purified per lb. It should be noted that the volumes of gas refer to + a laboratory degree of purification; in practice they may all be increased + by 10 or possibly 20 per cent. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + _________________________________________________ +| | | | +| | Litres | Cubic Feet | +| | per Kilogramme. | per Lb. | +|______________|___________________|______________| +| | | | +| Heratol | 5,000 | 80 | +| Frankoline | 9,000 | 144 | +| Puratylene | 10,000 | 160 | +| Acagine | 13,000 | 208 | +|______________|___________________|______________| +</pre> + <p> + Another method of using dry bleaching-powder has been proposed by + Pfeiffer. He suggests incorporating it with a solution of some lead salt, + so that the latter may increase the capacity of the calcium hypochlorite + to remove sulphur. Analytical details as to the efficiency of this process + have not been given. During 1901 and 1902 Bullier and Maquenne patented a + substance made by mixing bleaching-powder with sodium sulphate, whereby a + double decomposition occurs, sodium hypochlorite, which is equally + efficient with calcium hypochlorite as a purifying material, being + produced together with calcium sulphate, which, being identical with + plaster of Paris, sets into a solid mass with the excess of water present, + and is claimed to render the whole more porous. This process seemed open + to objection, because Blagden had shown that a solution of sodium + hypochlorite was not a suitable purifying reagent in practice, since it + was much more liable to add chlorine to the gas than calcium hypochlorite. + The question how a solidified modification of sodium hypochlorite would + behave in this respect has been investigated by Keppeler, who found that + the Bullier and Maquenne material imparted more chlorine to the gas which + had traversed it than other hypochlorite purifying agents, and that the + partly foul material was liable to cause violent explosions. About the + same time Rossel and Landriset pointed out that purification might be + easily effected in all generators of the carbide-to-water pattern by + adding to the water of the generator itself a quantity of bleaching-powder + equivalent to 5 to 20 grammes for every 1 kilogramme of carbide + decomposed, claiming that owing to the large amount of liquid present, + which is usually some 4 litres per kilogramme of carbide (0.4 gallon per + lb.), no nitrogen chloride could be produced, and that owing to the + dissolved lime in the generator, chlorine could not be added to the gas. + The process is characterised by extreme simplicity, no separate purifier + being needed, but it has been found that an introduction of + bleaching-powder in the solid condition is liable to cause an explosive + combination of acetylene and chlorine, while the use of a solution is + attended by certain disadvantages. Granjon has proposed impregnating a + suitable variety of wood charcoal with chlorine, with or without an + addition of bleaching-powder; then grinding the product to powder, and + converting it into a solid porous mass by the aid of cement. The material + is claimed to last longer than ordinary hypochlorite mixtures, and not to + add chlorine to the acetylene. + </p> + <p> + SUBSIDIARY PURIFYING MATERIALS.--Among minor reagents suggested as + purifying substances for acetylene may be mentioned potassium + permanganate, barium peroxide, potassium bichromate, sodium plumbate and + arsenious oxide. According to Benz the first two do not remove the + sulphuretted hydrogen completely, and oxidise the acetylene to some + extent; while potassium bichromate leaves some sulphur and phosphorus + behind in the gas. Sodium plumbate has been suggested by Morel, but it is + a question whether its action on the impurities would not be too violent + and whether it would be free from action on the acetylene itself. The use + of arsenious oxide dissolved in a strong acid, and the solution absorbed + in pumice or kieselguhr has been protected by G. F. Jaubert. The phosphine + is said to combine with the arsenic to form an insoluble brownish + compound. In 1902 Javal patented a mixture of 1 part of potassium + permanganate, 5 of "sulphuric acid," and 1 of water absorbed in 4 parts of + infusorial earth. The acid constantly neutralised by the ammonia of the + crude gas is as constantly replaced by fresh acid formed by the oxidation + of the sulphuretted hydrogen; and this free acid, acting upon the + permanganate, liberates manganese peroxide, which is claimed to destroy + the phosphorus and sulphur compounds present in the crude acetylene. + </p> + <p> + ÉPURČNE.--A purifying material to which the name of épurčne has been given + has been described, by Mauricheau-Beaupré, as consisting of a mixture of + ferric chloride and ferric oxide in the proportion of 2 molecules, or 650 + parts, of the former with one molecule, or 160 parts, of the latter, + together with a suitable quantity of infusorial earth. In the course of + preparation, however, 0.1 to 0.2 per cent. of mercuric chloride is + introduced into the material. This mercuric chloride is said to form an + additive compound with the phosphine of the crude acetylene, which + compound is decomposed by the ferric chloride, and the mercuric chloride + recovered. The latter therefore is supposed to act only as a carrier of + the phosphine to the ferric chloride and oxide, by which it is oxidised + according to the equation: + </p> + <p> + 8Fe_2Cl_6 + 4Fe_2O_3 + 3PH_3 = 12Fe_2Cl_4 + 3H_3PO_4. + </p> + <p> + Thus the ultimate products are phosphoric acid and ferrous chloride, which + on exposure to air is oxidised to ferric chloride and oxide. It is said + that this revivification of the fouled or spent épurčne takes place in + from 20 to 48 hours when it is spread in the open in thin layers, or it + may be partially or wholly revivified <i>in situ</i> by adding a small + proportion of air to the crude acetylene as it enters the purifier. The + addition of 1 to 2 per cent. of air, according to Mauricheau-Beaupré, + suffices to double the purifying capacity of one charge of the material, + while a larger proportion would achieve its continuous revivification. + Épurčne is said to purify 10,000 to 11,000 litres of crude acetylene per + kilogramme, or, say, 160 to 176 cubic feet per pound, when the acetylene + contains on the average 0.05 per cent, by volume of phosphine. + </p> + <p> + For employment in all acetylene installations smaller than those which + serve complete villages, a solid purifying material is preferable to a + liquid one. This is partly due to the extreme difficulty of subdividing a + stream of gas so that it shall pass through a single mass of liquid in + small enough bubbles for the impurities to be removed by the time the gas + arrives at the surface. This time cannot be prolonged without increasing + the depth of liquid in the vessel, and the greater the depth of liquid, + the more pressure is consumed in forcing the gas through it. Perfect + purification by means of fluid reagents unattended by too great a + consumption of pressure is only to be effected by a mechanical scrubber + such as is used on coal-gas works, wherein, by the agency of external + power, the gas comes in contact with large numbers of solid surfaces kept + constantly wetted; or by the adoption of a tall tower filled with porous + matter or hollow balls over which a continuous or intermittent stream of + the liquid purifying reagent is made to trickle, and neither of these + devices is exactly suited to the requirements of a domestic acetylene + installation. When a solid material having a proper degree of porosity or + aggregation is selected, the stream of gas passing through it is broken up + most thoroughly, and by employing several separate layers of such + material, every portion of the gas is exposed equally to the action of the + chemical reagent by the time the gas emerges from the vessel. The amount + of pressure so consumed is less than that in a liquid purifier where much + fluid is present; but, on the other hand, the loss of pressure is + absolutely constant at all times in a liquid purifier, provided the head + of liquid is maintained at the same point. A badly chosen solid purifying + agent may exhibit excessive pressure absorption as it becomes partly + spent. A solid purifier, moreover, has the advantage that it may + simultaneously act as a drier for the gas; a liquid purifier, in which the + fluid is mainly water, obviously cannot behave in a similar fashion For + thorough purification it is necessary that the gas shall actually stream + through the solid material; a mere passage over its surface is neither + efficient nor economical of material. + </p> + <p> + DISPOSITION OF PURIFYING MATERIAL.--Although much has been written, and + some exaggerated claims made, about the maximum, volume of acetylene a + certain variety of purifying material will treat, little has been said + about the method in which such a material should be employed to obtain the + best results. If 1 lb. of a certain substance will purify 200 cubic feet + of normal crude acetylene, that weight is sufficient to treat the gas + evolved from 40 lb. of carbide; but it will only do so provided it is so + disposed in the purifier that the gas does not pass through it at too high + a speed, and that it is capable of complete exhaustion. In the coal- gas + industry it is usually assumed that four layers of purifying material, + each having a superficial area of 1 square foot, are the minimum necessary + for the treatment of 100 cubic feet of gas per hour, irrespective of the + nature of the purifying material and of the impurity it is intended to + extract. If there is any sound basis for this generalization, it should + apply equally to the purification of acetylene, because there is no + particular reason to imagine that the removal of phosphine by a proper + substance should occur at an appreciably different speed from the removal + of carbon dioxide, sulphuretted hydrogen, and carbon bisulphide by lime, + ferric oxide, and sulphided lime respectively, Using the coal gas figures, + then, for every 10 cubic feet of acetylene generated per hour, a + superficial area of (4 x 144 / 10) 57.6 square inches of purifying + material is required. In the course of Keppeler's research upon different + purifying materials it is shown that 400 grammes of heratol, 360 grammes + of frankoline, 250 grammes of acagine, and 230 grammes of puratylene each + occupy a space of 500 cubic centimetres when loosely loaded into a + purifying vessel, and from these data, the following table has been + calculated: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + __________________________________________________________ +| | | | | +| | Weight | Weight | Cubic Inches | +| | per Gallon | per Cubic Foot | Occupied | +| | in Lbs. | in Lbs. | per Lb. | +|_____________|____________|________________|______________| +| | | | | +| Water | 10.0 | 62.321 | 27.73 | +| Heratol | 8.0 | 49.86 | 31.63 | +| Frankoline | 7.2 | 41.87 | 38.21 | +| Acagine | 6.0 | 31.16 | 55.16 | +| Puratylene | 4.6 | 28.67 | 60.28 | +|_____________|____________|________________|______________| +</pre> + <p> + As regards the minimum weight of material required, data have been given + by Pfleger for use with puratylene. He states that 1 Kilogramme of that + substance should be present for every 100 litres of crude acetylene + evolved per hour, 4 kilogrammes being the smallest quantity put into the + purifier. In English units these figures are 1 lb. per 1.5 cubic feet per + hour, with 9 lb. as a minimum, which is competent to treat 1.1 cubic feet + of gas per hour. Thus it appears that for the purification of the gas + coming from any generator evolving up to 14 cubic feet of acetylene per + hour a weight of 9 lb of puratylene must be charged into the purifier, + which will occupy (60.28 / 9) 542 cubic inches of space; and it must be so + spread out as to present a total superficial area of (4 x 144 x 14 / 100) + 80.6 square inches to the passing gas. It follows, therefore, that the + material should be piled to a depth of (542 / 80.6) 6.7 inches on a + support having an area of 80.6 square inches; but inasmuch as such a depth + is somewhat large for a small vessel, and as several layers are better + than one, it would be preferable to spread out these 540 cubic inches of + substance on several supports in such a fashion that a total surface of + 80.6 square inches or upwards should be exhibited. These figures may + obviously be manipulated in a variety of ways for the design of a + purifying vessel; but, to give an example, if the ordinary cylindrical + shape be adopted with four circular grids, each having a clear diameter of + 8 inches (<i>i.e.</i>, an area of 50.3 square inches), and if the material + is loaded to a depth of 3 inches on each, there would be a total volume of + (50.3 x 3 x 4) = 604 cubic inches of puratylene in the vessel, and it + would present a total area of (50.3 x 4) = 201 square inches to the + acetylene. At Keppeler's estimation such an amount of puratylene should + weigh roughly 10 lb., and should suffice for the purification of the gas + obtained from 320 lb. of ordinary carbide; while, applying the coal-gas + rule, the total area of 201 square inches should render such a vessel + equal to the purification of acetylene passing through it at a speed not + exceeding (201 / 5.76) = 35 cubic feet per hour. Remembering that it is + minimum area in square inches of purifying material that must govern the + speed at which acetylene may be passed through a purifier, irrespective + probably of the composition of the material; while it is the weight of + material which governs the ultimate capacity of the vessel in terms of + cubic feet of acetylene or pounds of carbide capable of purification, + these data, coupled with Keppeler's efficiency table, afford means for + calculating the dimensions of the purifying vessel to be affixed to an + installation of any desired number of burners. There is but little to say + about the design of the vessel from the mechanical aspect. A circular + horizontal section is more likely to make for thorough exhaustion of the + material. The grids should be capable of being lifted out for cleaning. + The lid may be made tight either by a clamp and rubber or leather washer, + or by a liquid seal. If the purifying material is not hygroscopic, water, + calcium chloride solution, or dilute glycerin may be used for sealing + purposes; but if the material, or any part of it, does absorb water, the + liquid in the seal should be some non-aqueous fluid like lubricating oil. + Clamped lids are more suitable for small purifiers, sealed lids for large + vessels. Care must be taken that condensation products cannot collect in + the purifying vessel. If a separate drying material is employed in the + same purifier the space it takes must be considered separately from that + needed by the active chemical reagent. When emptying a foul purifier it + should be recollected that the material may be corrosive, and being + saturated with acetylene is likely to catch fire in presence of a light. + </p> + <p> + Purifiers charged with heratol are stated, however, to admit of a more + rapid flow of the gas through them than that stated above for puratylene. + The ordinary allowance is 1 lb. of heratol for every cubic foot per hour + of acetylene passing, with a minimum charge of 7 lb. of the material. As + the quantity of material in the purifier is increased, however, the flow + of gas per hour may be proportionately increased, <i>e.g.</i>, a purifier + charged with 132 lb. of heratol should purify 144 cubic feet of acetylene + per hour. + </p> + <p> + In the systematic purification of acetylene, the practical question arises + as to how the attendant is to tell when his purifiers approach exhaustion + and need recharging; for if it is undesirable to pass crude gas into the + service, it is equally undesirable to waste so comparatively expensive a + material as a purifying reagent. In Chapter XIV. it will be shown that + there are chemical methods of testing for the presence, or determining the + proportion, of phosphorus and sulphur in acetylene; but these are not + suitable for employment by the ordinary gas-maker. Heil has stated that + the purity of the gas may be judged by an inspection of its atmospheric + flame as given by a Bunsen burner. Pure acetylene gives a perfectly + transparent moderately dark blue flame, which has an inner cone of a pale + yellowish green colour; while the impure gas yields a longer flame of an + opaque orange-red tint with a bluish red inner zone. It should be noted, + however, that particles of lime dust in the gas may cause the atmospheric + flame to be reddish or yellowish (by presence of calcium or sodium) quite + apart from ordinary impurities; and for various other reasons this + appearance of the non-luminous flame is scarcely to be relied upon. The + simplest means of ascertaining definitely whether a purifier is + sufficiently active consists in the use of the test-papers prepared by E. + Merck of Darmstadt according to G. Keppeler's prescription. These papers, + cut to a convenient size, are put up in small books from which they may be + torn one at a time. In order to test whether gas is sufficiently purified, + one of the papers is moistened with hydrochloric acid of 10 per cent. + strength, and the gas issuing from a pet-cock or burner orifice is allowed + to impinge on the moistened part. The original black or dark grey colour + of the paper is changed to white if the gas contains a notable amount of + impurity, but remains unchanged if the gas is adequately purified. The + paper consists of a specially prepared black porous paper which has been + dipped in a solution of mercuric chloride (corrosive sublimate) and dried. + Moistening the paper with hydrochloric acid provides in a convenient form + for application Bergé's solution for the detection of phosphine (<i>vide</i> + Chapter XIV.). The Keppeler test-papers turn white when the gas contains + either ammonia, phosphine, siliciuretted hydrogen, sulphuretted hydrogen + or organic sulphur compounds, but with carbon disulphide the change is + slow. Thus the paper serves as a test for all the impurities likely to + occur in acetylene. The sensitiveness of the test is such that gas + containing about 0.15 milligramme of sulphur, and the same amount of + phosphorus, per litre (= 0.0655 grain per cubic foot) imparts in five + minutes a distinct white mark to the moistened part of the paper, while + gas containing 0.05 milligramme of sulphur per litre (= 0.022 grain per + cubic foot) gives in two minutes a dull white mark visible only by careful + inspection. If, therefore, a distinct white mark appears on moistened + Keppeler paper when it is exposed for five minutes to a jet of acetylene, + the latter is inadequately purified. If the gas has passed through a + purifier, this test indicates that the material is not efficient, and that + the purifier needs recharging. The moistening of the Keppeler paper with + hydrochloric acid before use is essential, because if not acidified the + paper is marked by acetylene itself. The books of Keppeler papers are put + up in a case which also contains a bottle of acid for moistening them as + required and are obtainable wholesale of E. Merek, 16 Jewry Street, + London, E.C., and retail of the usual dealers in chemicals. If Keppeler's + test-papers are not available, the purifier should be recharged as a + matter of routine as soon as a given quantity of carbide--proportioned to + the purifying capacity of the charge of purifying material--has been used + since the last recharging. Thus the purifier may conveniently contain + enough material to purify the gas evolved from two drums of carbide, in + which case it would need recharging when every second drum of carbide is + opened. + </p> + <p> + REGULATIONS AS TO PURIFICATION.--The British Acetylene Association has + issued the following set of regulations as to purifying material and + purifiers for acetylene: + </p> + <p> + Efficient purifying material and purifiers shall comply with the following + requirements: + </p> + <p> + (1) The purifying material shall remove phosphorus and sulphur compounds + to a commercially satisfactory degree; <i>i.e.</i>, not to a greater + degree than will allow easy detection of escaping gas through its odour. + </p> + <p> + (2) The purifying material shall not yield any products capable of + corroding the gas-mains or fittings. + </p> + <p> + (3) The purifying material shall, if possible, be efficient as a drying + agent, but the Association does not consider this an absolute necessity. + </p> + <p> + (4) The purifying material shall not, under working conditions, be capable + of forming explosive compounds or mixtures. It is understood, naturally, + that this condition does not apply to the unavoidable mixture of acetylene + and air formed when recharging the purifier. + </p> + <p> + (5) The apparatus containing the purifying material shall be simple in + construction, and capable of being recharged by an inexperienced person + without trouble. It shall be so designed as to bring the gas into proper + contact with the material. + </p> + <p> + (6) The containers in purifiers shall be made of such materials as are not + dangerously affected by the respective purifying materials used. + </p> + <p> + (7) No purifier shall be sold without a card of instructions suitable or + hanging up in some convenient place. Such instructions shall be of the + most detailed nature, and shall not presuppose any expert knowledge + whatever on the part of the operator. + </p> + <p> + Reference also to the abstracts of the official regulations as to + acetylene installations in foreign countries given in Chapter IV. will + show that they contain brief rules as to purifiers. + </p> + <p> + DRYING.--It has been stated in Chapter III. that the proper position for + the chemical purifiers of an acetylene plant is after the holder; and they + therefore form the last items in the installation unless a "station" + governor and meter are fitted. It is therefore possible to use them also + to remove the moisture in the gas, if a material hygroscopic in nature is + employed to charge them. This should be true more particularly with + puratylene, which contains a notable proportion of the very hygroscopic + body calcium chloride. If a separate drier is desirable, there are two + methods of charging it. It may be filled either with some hygroscopic + substance such as porous calcium chloride or quicklime in very coarse + powder, which retains the water by combining with it; or the gas may be + led through a vessel loaded with calcium carbide, which will manifestly + hold all the moisture, replacing it by an equivalent quantity of + (unpurified) acetylene. The objection is sometimes urged against this + latter method, that it restores to the gas the nauseous odour and the + otherwise harmful impurities it had more or less completely lost in the + purifiers; but as regards the first point, a nauseous odour is not, as has + previously been shown, objectionable in itself, and as regards the second, + the amount of impurities added by a carbide drier, being strictly limited + by the proportion of moisture in the damp gas, is too small to be + noticeable at the burners or elsewhere. As is the case with purification, + absolute removal of moisture is not called for; all that is needed is to + extract so much that the gas shall never reach its saturation-point in the + inaccessible parts of the service during the coldest winter's night. Any + accessible length of main specially exposed to cold may be safeguarded by + itself; being given a steady fall to a certain point (preferably in a + frost-free situation), and there provided with a collecting-box from which + the deposited liquid can be removed periodically with a pump or otherwise. + </p> + <p> + FILTRATION.--The gas issuing from the purifier or drier is very liable to + hold in suspension fine dust derived from the purifying or drying material + used. It is essential that thin dust should be abstracted before the gas + reaches the burners, otherwise it will choke the orifices and prevent them + functioning properly. Consequently the gas should pass through a + sufficient layer of filtering material after it has traversed the + purifying material (and drier if one is used). This filtering material may + be put either as a final layer in the purifier (or drier), or in a + separate vessel known as a filter. Among filtering materials in common use + may be named cotton-wool, fine canvas or gauze, felt and asbestos-wool. + The gas must be fairly well dried before it enters the filter, otherwise + the latter will become choked with deposited moisture, and obstruct the + passage of the gas. + </p> + <p> + Having now described the various items which go to form a well-designed + acetylene installation, it may be useful to recapitulate briefly, with the + object of showing the order in which they should be placed. From the + generator the gas passes into a condenser to cool it and to remove any + tarry products and large quantities of water. Next it enters a washing + apparatus filled with water to extract water-soluble impurities. If the + generator is of the carbide-to-water pattern, the condenser may be + omitted, and the washer is only required to retain any lime froth and to + act as a water-seal or non-return valve. If the generator does not wash + the gas, the washer must be large enough to act efficiently as such, and + between it and the condenser should be put a mechanical filter to extract + any dust. From the washer the acetylene travels to the holder. From the + holder it passes through one or two purifiers, and from there travels to + the drier and filter. If the holder does not throw a constant pressure, or + if the purifier and drier are liable to cause irregularities, a governor + or pressure regulator must be added after the drier. The acetylene is then + ready to enter the service; but a station meter (the last item in the + plant) is useful as giving a means of detecting any leak in the + delivery-pipes and in checking the make of gas from the amount of carbide + consumed. If the gas is required for the supply of a district, a station + meter becomes quite necessary, because the public lamps will be fed with + gas at a contract rate, and without the meter there would be no control + over the volume of acetylene they consume. Where the gas finally leaves + the generating-house, or where it enters the residence, a full-way + stopcock should be put on the main. + </p> + <p> + GENERATOR RESIDUES.--According to the type of generator employed the waste + product removed therefrom may vary from a dry or moist powder to a thin + cream or milk of lime. Any waste product which is quite liquid in its + consistency must be completely decomposed and free from particles of + calcium carbide of sensible magnitude; in the case of more solid residues, + the less fluid they are the greater is the improbability (or the less is + the evidence) that the carbide has been wholly spent within the apparatus. + Imperfect decomposition of the carbide inside the generator not only means + an obvious loss of economy, but its presence among the residues makes a + careful handling of them essential to avoid accident owing to a subsequent + liberation of acetylene in some unsuitable, and perhaps closed, situation. + A residue which is not conspicuously saturated with water must be taken + out of the generator- house into the open air and there flooded with + water, being left in some uncovered receptacle for a sufficient time to + ensure all the acetylene being given off. A residue which is liquid enough + to flow should be run directly from the draw-off cock of the generator + through a closed pipe to the outside; where, if it does not discharge into + an open conduit, the waste-pipe must be trapped, and a ventilating shaft + provided so that no gas can blow back into the generator-house. + </p> + <p> + DISPOSAL OF RESIDUES.--These residues have now to be disposed of. In some + circumstances they can be put to a useful purpose, as will be explained in + Chapter XII.; otherwise, and always perhaps on the small scale--certainly + always if the generator overheats the gas and yields tar among the spent + lime--they must be thrown into a convenient place. It should be remembered + that although methods of precipitating sewage by adding lime, or lime + water, to it have frequently been used, they have not proved satisfactory, + partly because the sludge so obtained is peculiarly objectionable in + odour, and partly because an excess of lime yields an effluent containing + dissolved lime, which among other disadvantages is harmful to fish. The + plan of running the liquid residues of acetylene manufacture into any + local sewerage system which may be found in the neighbourhood of the + consumer's premises, therefore, is very convenient to the consumer; but is + liable to produce complaints if the sewage is afterwards treated + chemically, or if its effluent is passed untreated into a highly preserved + river; and the same remark applies in a lesser degree if the residues are + run into a private cesspool the liquid contents of which automatically + flow away into a stream. If, however, the cesspool empties itself of + liquid matter by filtration or percolation through earth, there can be no + objection to using it to hold the lime sludge, except in so far as it will + require more frequent emptying. On the whole, perhaps the best method of + disposing of these residues is to run them into some open pit, allowing + the liquid to disappear by evaporation and percolation, finally burying + the solid in some spot where it will be out of the way. When a large + carbide-to-water generator is worked systematically so as to avoid more + loss of acetylene by solution in the excess of liquid than is absolutely + necessary, the liquid residues coming from it will be collected in some + ventilated closed tank where they can settle quietly. The clear lime-water + will then be pumped back into the generator for further use, and the + almost solid sludge will be ready to be carried to the pit where it is to + be buried. Special care must be taken in disposing of the residues from a + generator in which oil is used to control evolution of gas. Such oil + floats on the aqueous liquid; and a very few drops spread for an + incredible distance as an exceedingly thin film, causing those brilliant + rainbow-like colours which are sometimes imagined to be a sign of + decomposing organic matter. The liquid portions of these residues must be + led through a pit fitted with a depending partition projecting below the + level at which the water is constantly maintained; all the oil then + collects on the first side of the partition, only water passing + underneath, and the oil may be withdrawn and thrown away at intervals. + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="linkvi" id="vi">CHAPTER VI</a> + </h2> + <h3> + THE CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF ACETYLENE + </h3> + <p> + It will only be necessary for the purpose of this book to indicate the + more important chemical and physical properties of acetylene, and, in + particular, those which have any bearing on the application of acetylene + for lighting purposes. Moreover, it has been found convenient to discuss + fully in other chapters certain properties of acetylene, and in regard to + such properties the reader is referred to the chapters mentioned. + </p> + <p> + PHYSICAL PROPERTIES.--Acetylene is a gas at ordinary temperatures, + colourless, and, when pure, having a not unpleasant, so-called "ethereal" + odour. Its density, or specific gravity, referred to air as unity, has + been found experimentally by Leduc to be 0.9056. It is customary to adopt + the value 0.91 for calculations into which the density of the gas enters (<i>vide</i> + Chapter VII.). The density of a gas is important not only for the + determination of the size of mains needed to convey it at a given rate of + flow under a given pressure, as explained in Chapter VII., but also + because the volume of gas which will pass through small orifices in a + given time depends on its density. According to Graham's well-known law of + the effusion of gases, the velocity with which a gas effuses varies + directly as the square root of the difference of pressure on the two sides + of the opening, and inversely as the square root of the density of the + gas. Hence it follows that the volume of gas which escapes through a + porous pipe, an imperfect joint, or a burner orifice is, provided the + pressure in the gas-pipe is the same, a function of the square root of the + density of the gas. Hence this density has to be taken into consideration + in the construction of burners, i.e., a burner required to pass a gas of + high density must have a larger orifice than one for a gas of low density, + if the rate of flow of gas is to be the same under the same pressure. + This, however, is a question for the burner manufacturers, who already + make special burners for gases of different densities, and it need not + trouble the consumer of acetylene, who should always use burners devised + for the consumption of that gas. But the Law of effusion indicates that + the volume of acetylene which can escape from a leaky supply-pipe will be + less than the volume of a gas of lower density, <i>e.g.</i>, coal-gas, if + the pressure in the pipe is the same for both. This implies that on an + extensive distributing system, in which for practical reasons leakage is + not wholly avoidable, the loss of gas through leakage will be less for + acetylene than for coal-gas, given the same distributing pressure. If <i>v</i> + = the loss of acetylene from a distributing system and <i>v'</i> = the + loss of coal-gas from a similar system worked at the same pressure, both + losses being expressed in volumes (cubic feet) per hour, and the coal-gas + being assumed to have a density of 0.04, then + </p> + <p> + (1) (_v_/_v'_) = (0.40 / 0.91)^(1/2) = 0.663 + </p> + <p> + or, _v_ = 0.663_v'_, + </p> + <p> + which signifies that the loss of acetylene by leakage under the same + conditions of pressure, &c., will be only 0.663 times that of the loss + of coal-gas. In practice, however, the pressures at which the gases are + usually sent through mains are not identical, being greater in the case of + acetylene than in that of coal-gas. Formula (1) therefore requires + correction whenever the pressures are different, and calling the pressure + at which the acetylene exists in the main <i>p</i>, and the corresponding + pressure of the coal-gas <i>p'</i>, the relative losses by leakage are-- + </p> + <p> + (2) (_v_/_v'_) = (0.40 / 0.91)^(1/2) x (_p_/_p'_)^(1/2) + </p> + <p> + _v_ = 0.663_v'_ x (_p_/_p'_)^(1/2) + </p> + <p> + It will be evident that whenever the value of the fraction + (_p_/_p'_)^(1/2), is less than 1.5, <i>i.e.</i>, whenever the pressure of + the acetylene does not exceed double that of the coal-gas present in pipes + of given porosity or unsoundness, the loss of acetylene will be less than + that of coal-gas. This is important, especially in the case of large + village acetylene installations, where after a time it would be impossible + to avoid some imperfect joints, fractured pipes, &c., throughout the + extensive distributing mains. The same loss of gas by leakage would + represent a far higher pecuniary value with acetylene than with coal-gas, + because the former must always be more costly per unit of volume than the + latter. Hence it is important to recognise that the rate of leakage, <i>coeteris + paribus</i>, is less with acetylene, and it is also important to observe + the economical advantage, at least in terms of gas or calcium carbide, of + sending the acetylene into the mains at as low a pressure as is compatible + with the length of those mains and the character of the consumers' + burners. As follows from what will be said in Chapter VII., a high initial + pressure makes for economy in the prime cost of, and in the expense of + laying, the mains, by enabling the diameter of those mains to be + diminished; but the purchase and erection of the distributing system are + capital expenses, while a constant expenditure upon carbide to meet loss + by leakage falls upon revenue. + </p> + <p> + The critical temperature of acetylene, <i>i.e.</i>, the temperature below + which an abrupt change from the gaseous to the liquid state takes place if + the pressure is sufficiently high, is 37° C., and the critical pressure, + <i>i.e.</i>, the pressure under which that change takes place at that + temperature, is nearly 68 atmospheres. Below the critical temperature, a + lower pressure than this effects liquefaction of the gas, <i>i.e.</i>, at + 13.5° C. a pressure of 32.77 atmospheres, at 0° C., 21.53 atmospheres + (Ansdell, <i>cf.</i> Chapter XI.). These data are of comparatively little + practical importance, owing to the fact that, as explained in Chapter XI., + liquefied acetylene cannot be safely utilised. + </p> + <p> + The mean coefficient of expansion of gaseous acetylene between 0° C. and + 100° C., is, under constant pressure, 0.003738; under constant volume, + 0.003724. This means that, if the pressure is constant, 0.003738 + represents the increase in volume of a given mass of gaseous acetylene + when its temperature is raised one degree (C.), divided by the volume of + the same mass at 0° C. The coefficients of expansion of air are: under + constant pressure, 0.003671; under constant volume, 0.003665; and those of + the simple gases (nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen) are very nearly the same. + Strictly speaking the table given in Chapter XIV., for facilitating the + correction of the volume of gas measured over water, is not quite correct + for acetylene, owing to the difference in the coefficients of expansion of + acetylene and the simple gases for which the table was drawn up, but + practically no appreciable error can ensue from its use. It is, however, + for the correction of volumes of gases measured at different temperatures + to one (normal) temperature, and, broadly, for determining the change of + volume which a given mass of the gas will undergo with change of + temperature, that the coefficient of expansion of a gas becomes an + important factor industrially. + </p> + <p> + Ansdell has found the density of liquid acetylene to range from 0.460 at + -7° C. to 0.364 at +35.8° C., being 0.451 at 0° C. Taking the volume of + the liquid at -7° as unity, it becomes 1.264 at 35.8", and thence Ansdell + infers that the mean coefficient of expansion per degree is 0.00489° for + the total range of pressure." Assuming that the liquid was under the same + pressure at the two temperatures, the coefficient of expansion per degree + Centigrade would be 0.00605, which agrees more nearly with the figure + 0.007 which is quoted, by Fouché As mentioned before, data referring to + liquid (<i>i.e.</i>, liquefied) acetylene are of no practical importance, + because the substance is too dangerous to use. They are, however, + interesting in so far as they indicate the differences in properties + between acetylene converted into the liquid state by great pressure, and + acetylene dissolved in acetone under less pressure; which differences make + the solution fit for employment. It may be observed that as the solution + of acetylene in acetone is a liquid, the acetylene must exist therein as a + liquid; it is, in fact, liquid acetylene in a state of dilution, the + diluent being an exothermic and comparatively stable body. The specific + heat of acetylene is given by M. A. Morel at 0.310, though he has not + stated by whom the value was determined. For the purpose of a calculation + in Chapter III. the specific heat at constant pressure was assumed to be + 0.25, which, in the absence of precise information, appears somewhat more + probable as an approximation to the truth. The ratio (<i>k</i> or C_p/C_v + ) of the specific heat at constant pressure to that at constant volume has + been found by Maneuvrier and Fournier to be 1.26; but they did not measure + the specific heat itself. [Footnote: The ratio 1.26 <i>k</i> or (C_p/C_v) + has been given in many text-books as the value of the specific heat of + acetylene, whereas this value should obviously be only about one-fourth or + one-fifth of 1.26. + </p> + <p> + By employing the ordinary gas laws it is possible approximately to + calculate the specific heat of acetylene from Maneuvrier and Fournier's + ratio. Taking the molecular weight of acetylene as 26, we have + </p> + <p> + 26 C_p - 26 C_v = 2 cal., + </p> + <p> + and + </p> + <p> + C_p = 1.26 C_v. + </p> + <p> + From this it follows that C_p, <i>i.e.</i>, the specific heat at constant + pressure of acetylene, should be 0.373.] It will be seen that this value + for <i>k</i> differs considerably from the corresponding ratio in the case + of air and many common gases, where it is usually 1.41; the figure + approaches more closely that given for nitrous oxide. For the specific + heat of calcium carbide Carlson quotes the following figures: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 0° 1000° 1500° 2000° 2500° 3000° 3500° +0.247 0.271 0.296 0.325 0.344 0.363 0.381 +</pre> + <p> + The molecular volume of acetylene is 0.8132 (oxygen = 1). + </p> + <p> + According to the international atomic weights adopted in 1908, the + molecular weight of acetylene is 26.016 if O = 16; in round numbers, as + ordinarily used, it is 26. Employing the latest data for the weight of 1 + litre of dry hydrogen and of dry normal air containing 0.04 per cent. of + carbon dioxide at a temperature of 0° C. and a barometric pressure of 760 + mm. in the latitude of London, viz., 0.089916 and 1.29395 grammes + respectively (Castell-Evans), it now becomes possible to give the weight + of a known volume of dry or moist acetylene as measured under stated + conditions with some degree of accuracy. Using 26.016 as the molecular + weight of the gas (O = 16), 1 litre of dry acetylene at 0° C. and 760 mm. + weighs 1.16963 grammes, or 1 gramme measures 0.854973 litre. From this it + follows that the theoretical specific gravity of the gas at 0°/0° C. is + 0.9039 (air = 1), a figure which may be compared with Leduc's experimental + value of 0.9056. Taking as the coefficient of expansion at constant + pressure the figure already given, viz., 0.003738, the weights and + measures of dry and moist acetylene observed under British conditions (60° + F. and 30 inches of mercury) become approximately: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Dry. Saturated. + 1 litre . . . 1.108 grm. . . 1.102 grm. + 1 gramme . . . 0.902 litre. . . 0.907 litre. + 1000 cubic feet . 69.18 lb. . . . 68.83 lb. +</pre> + <p> + It should be remembered that unless the gas has been passed through a + chemical drier, it is always saturated with aqueous vapour, the amount of + water present being governed by the temperature and pressure. The 1 litre + of moist acetylene which weighs 1.102 gramme at 60° F. and 30 inches of + mercury, contains 0.013 gramme of water vapour; and therefore the weight + of dry acetylene in the 1 litre of moist gas is 1.089 gramme. Similarly, + the 68.83 pounds which constitute the weight of 1000 cubic feet of moist + acetylene, as measured under British standard conditions, are composed of + almost exactly 68 pounds of dry acetylene and 0.83 pound of water vapour. + The data required in calculating the mass of vapour in a known volume of a + saturated gas at any observed temperature and pressure, <i>i.e.</i>, in + reducing the figures to those which represent the dry gas at any other + (standard) temperature and pressure, will be found in the text-books of + physical chemistry. It is necessary to recollect that since coal-gas is + measured wet, the factors given in the table quoted in Chapter XIV. from + the "Notification of the Gas Referees" simply serve to convert the volume + of a wet gas observed under stated conditions to the equivalent volume of + the same wet gas at the standard conditions mentioned. + </p> + <p> + HEAT OF COMBUSTION, &C--Based on Berthelot and Matignon's value for + the heat of combustion which is given on a subsequent page, viz., 315.7 + large calories per molecular weight of 26.016 grammes, the calorific power + of acetylene under different conditions is shown in the following table: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Dry. Dry. Saturated. + 0° C. & 760 mm. 60° F & 30 ins. 60° F. & 30 ins. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +1 gramme 12.14 cals. 12.14 cals. 12.0 cals. +1 litre 14.l9 " 13.45 " 13.22 " +1 cubic foot 40.19 " 380.8 " 374.4 " +</pre> + <p> + The figures in the last column refer to the dry acetylene in the gas, no + correction having been made for the heat absorbed by the water vapour + present. As will appear in Chapter X., the average of actual + determinations of the calorific value of ordinary acetylene is 363 large + calories or 1440 B.Th.U. per cubic foot. The temperature of ignition of + acetylene has been generally stated to be about 480° C. V. Meyer and Münch + in 1893 found that a mixture of acetylene and oxygen ignited between 509° + and 515° C. Recent (1909) investigations by H. B. Dixon and H. F. Coward + show, however, that the ignition temperature in neat oxygen is between + 416° and 440° (mean 428° C.) and in air between 406° and 440°, with a mean + of 429° C. The corresponding mean temperature of ignition found by the + same investigators for other gases are: hydrogen, 585°; carbon monoxide, + moist 664°, dry 692°; ethylene, in oxygen 510°, in air 543°; and methane, + in oxygen between 550° and 700°, and in air, between 650° and 750° C. + </p> + <p> + Numerous experiments have been performed to determine the temperature of + the acetylene flame. According to an exhaustive research by L. Nichols, + when the gas burns in air it attains a maximum temperature of 1900° C. ± + 20°, which is 120° higher than the temperature he found by a similar + method of observation for the coal-gas flame (fish-tail burner). Le + Chatelier had previously assigned to the acetylene flame a temperature + between 2100° and 2400°, while Lewes had found for the dark zone 459°, for + the luminous zone 1410°, and for the tip 1517° C, Féry and Mahler have + also made measurements of the temperatures afforded by acetylene and other + fuels, some of their results being quoted below. Féry employed his optical + method of estimating the temperature, Mahler a process devised by Mallard + and Le Chatelier. Mahler's figures all relate to flames supplied with air + at a temperature of 0° C. and a constant pressure of 760 mm. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +Hydrogen . . . . . . . . . . . 1900 1960 +Carbon monoxide . . . . . . . . . -- 2100 +Methane . . . . . . . . . . . -- _ 1850 +Coal-gas (luminous) . . . . . . . . 1712 | + " (atmospheric, with deficient supply of air) . 1812 | 1950 + " (atmospheric, with full supply of air) . . 1871 _| +Water-gas . . . . . . . . . . -- 2000 +Oxy-coal-gas blowpipe . . . . . . . 2200 -- +Oxy-hydrogen blowpipe . . . . . . . 2420 -- +Acetylene . . . . . . . . . . 2548 2350 +Alcohol . . . . . . . . . . . 1705 1700 +Alcohol (in Denayrouze Bunsen) . . . . . 1862 -- +Alcohol and petrol in equal parts . . . . 2053 -- +Crude petroleum (American) . . . . . . -- 2000 +Petroleum spirit " . . . . . . . -- 1920 +Petroleum oil " . . . . . . . -- 1660 +</pre> + <p> + Catani has published the following determinations of the temperature + yielded by acetylene when burnt with cold and hot air and also with + oxygen: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +Acetylene and cold air . . . . . . 2568° C. + " air at 500° C . . . . 2780° C. + " air at 1000° C . . . . 3000° C. + " oxygen . . . . . . 4160° C. +</pre> + <p> + EXPLOSIVE LIMITS.--The range of explosibility of mixtures of acetylene and + air has been determined by various observers. Eitner's figures for the + lower and upper explosive limits, when the mixture, at 62.6° F., is in a + tube 19 mm. in diameter, and contains 1.9 per cent. of aqueous vapour, are + 3.35 and 52.3 per cent. of acetylene (<i>cf.</i> Chapter X.). In this case + the mixture was fired by electric spark. In wider vessels, the upper + explosive limit, when the mixture was fired by a Bunsen flame, was found + to be as high as 75 per cent. of acetylene. Eitner also found that when 13 + of the 21 volumes of oxygen in air are displaced by carbon dioxide, a + mixture of such "carbon dioxide air" with acetylene is inexplosive in all + proportions. Also that when carbon dioxide is added to a mixture of + acetylene and air, an explosion no longer occurs when the carbon dioxide + amounts to 46 volumes or more to every 54 volumes of air, whatever may be + the proportion of acetylene in the mixture. [Footnote: According to Caro, + if acetylene is added to a mixture composed of 55 per cent. by volume of + air and 45 per cent. of carbon dioxide, the whole is only explosive when + the proportion of acetylene lies between 5.0 and 5.8 per cent. Caro has + also quoted the effect of various inflammable vapours upon the explosive + limits of acetylene, his results being referred to in Chapter X.] These + figures are valuable in connexion with the prevention of the formation of + explosive mixtures of air and acetylene when new mains or plant are being + brought into operation (<i>cf.</i> Chapter VII.). Eitner has also shown, + by direct investigation on mixtures of other combustible gases and air, + that the range of explosibility is greatly reduced by increase in the + proportion of aqueous vapour present. As the proportion of aqueous vapour + in gas standing over water increases with the temperature the range of + explosibility of mixtures of a combustible gas and air is naturally and + automatically reduced when the temperature rises, provided the mixture is + in contact with water. Thus at 17.0° C., mixtures of hydrogen, air, and + aqueous vapour containing from 9.3 to 65.0 per cent, of hydrogen are + explosive, whereas at 78.1° C., provided the mixture is saturated with + aqueous vapour, explosion occurs only when the percentage of hydrogen in + the mixture is between 11.2 and 21.9. The range of explosibility of + mixtures of acetylene and air is similarly reduced by the addition of + aqueous vapour (though the exact figures have not been experimentally + ascertained); and hence it follows that when the temperature in an + acetylene generator in which water is in excess, or in a gasholder, rises, + the risk of explosion, if air is mixed with the gas, is automatically + reduced with the rise in temperature by reason of the higher proportion of + aqueous vapour which the gas will retain at the higher temperature. This + fact is alluded to in Chapter II. Acetone vapour also acts similarly in + lowering the upper explosive limit of acetylene (<i>cf.</i> Chapter XI.). + </p> + <p> + It may perhaps be well to indicate briefly the practical significance of + the range of explosibility of a mixture of air and a combustible gas, such + as acetylene. The lower explosive limit is the lowest percentage of + combustible gas in the mixture of it and air at which explosion will occur + in the mixture if a light or spark is applied to it. If the combustible + gas is present in the mixture with air in less than that percentage + explosion is impossible. The upper explosive limit is the highest + percentage of combustible gas in the mixture of it and air at which + explosion will occur in the mixture if a light or spark is applied to it. + If the combustible gas is present in the mixture with air in more than + that percentage explosion is impossible. Mixtures, however, in which the + percentage of combustible gas lies between these two limits will explode + when a light or spark is applied to them; and the comprehensive term + "range of explosibility" is used to cover all lying between the two + explosive limits. If, then, a naked light is applied to a vessel + containing a mixture of a combustible gas and air, in which mixture the + proportion of combustible gas is below the lower limit of explosibility, + the gas will not take fire, but the light will continue to burn, deriving + its necessary oxygen from the excess of air present. On the other hand, if + a light is applied to a vessel containing a mixture of a combustible gas + and air, in which mixture the proportion of combustible gas is above the + upper limit of explosibility, the light will be extinguished, and within + the vessel the gaseous mixture will not burn; but it may burn at the open + mouth of the vessel as it comes in contact with the surrounding air, until + by diffusion, &c., sufficient air has entered the vessel to form, with + the remaining gas, a mixture lying within the explosive limits, when an + explosion will occur. Again, if a gaseous mixture containing less of its + combustible constituent than is necessary to attain the lower explosive + limit escapes from an open-ended pipe and a light is applied to it, the + mixture will not burn as a useful compact flame (if, indeed, it fires at + all); if the mixture contains more of its combustible constituent than is + required to attain the upper explosive limit, that mixture will burn + quietly at the mouth of the pipe and will be free from any tendency to + fire back into the pipe--assuming, of course, that the gaseous mixture + within the pipe is constantly travelling towards the open end. If, + however, a gaseous mixture containing a proportion of its combustible + constituent which lies between the lower and the upper explosive limit of + that constituent escapes from an open- ended pipe and a light is applied, + the mixture will fire and the flame will pass back into the pipe, there to + produce an explosion, unless the orifice of the said pipe is so small as + to prevent the explosive wave passing (as is the case with a proper + acetylene burner), or unless the pipe itself is so narrow as appreciably + to alter the range of explosibility by lowering the upper explosive limit + from its normal value. + </p> + <p> + By far the most potent factor in altering the range of explosibility of + any gas when mixed with air is the diameter of the vessel containing or + delivering such mixture. Le Chatelier has investigated this point in the + case of acetylene, and his values are reproduced overleaf; they are + comparable among themselves, although it will be observed that his + absolute results differ somewhat from those obtained by Eitner which are + quoted later: + </p> + <p> + <i>Explosive Limits of Acetylene mixed with Air.</i>--(Le Chatelier.) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ___________________________________________________________ +| | | | +| | Explosive Limits. | | +| Diameter of Tube |_______________________| Range of | +| in Millimetres. | | | Explosibility. | +| | Lower. | Upper. | | +|__________________|___________|___________|________________| +| | | | | +| | Per Cent. | Per Cent. | Per Cent. | +| 40 | 2.9 | 64 | 61.1 | +| 30 | 3.1 | 62 | 58.9 | +| 20 | 3.5 | 55 | 51.5 | +| 6 | 4.0 | 40 | 36.0 | +| 4 | 4.5 | 25 | 20.5 | +| 2 | 5.0 | 15 | 10.0 | +| 0.8 | 7.7 | 10 | 2.3 | +| 0.5 | ... | ... | ... | +|__________________|___________|___________|________________| +</pre> + <p> + Thus it appears that past an orifice or constriction 0.5 mm. in diameter + no explosion of acetylene can proceed, whatever may be the proportions + between the gas and the air in the mixture present. + </p> + <p> + With every gas the explosive limits and the range of explosibility are + also influenced by various circumstances, such as the manner of ignition, + the pressure, and other minor conditions; but the following figures for + mixtures of air and different combustible gases were obtained by Eitner + under similar conditions, and are therefore strictly comparable one with + another. The conditions were that the mixture was contained in a tube 19 + mm. (3/4-inch) wide, was at about 60° to 65° F., was saturated with + aqueous vapour, and was fired by electric spark. + </p> + <p> + <i>Table giving the Percentage by volume of Combustible Gas in a Mixture + of that Gas and Air corresponding with the Explosive Limits of such a + Mixture.</i>--(Eitner.) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ____________________________________________________________________ +| | | | | +| Description of | Lower | Upper | Difference between the | +| Combustible Gas. | Explosive | Explosive | Lower and Upper Limits, | +| | Limit. | Limit. | showing the range | +| | | | covered by the | +| | | | Explosive Mixtures. | +|__________________|___________|___________|_________________________| +| | | | | +| | Per Cent. | Per Cent. | Per Cent. | +| Carbon monoxide | 16.50 | 74.95 | 58.45 | +| Hydrogen | 9.45 | 66.40 | 57.95 | +| Water-gas | | | | +| (uncarburetted) | 12.40 | 66.75 | 54.35 | +| ACETYLENE | 3.35 | 52.30 | 48.95 | +| Coal-gas | 7.90 | 19.10 | 11.20 | +| Ethylene | 4.10 | 14.60 | 10.50 | +| Methane | 6.10 | 12.80 | 6.70 | +| Benzene (vapour) | 2.65 | 6.50 | 3.85 | +| Pentane " | 2.40 | 4.90 | 2.50 | +| Benzoline " | 2.40 | 4.90 | 2.50 | +|__________________|___________|___________|_________________________| +</pre> + <p> + These figures are of great practical significance. They indicate that a + mixture of acetylene and air becomes explosive (<i>i.e.</i>, will explode + if a light is applied to it) when only 3.35 per cent. of the mixture is + acetylene, while a similar mixture of coal-gas and air is not explosive + until the coal-gas reaches 7.9 per cent. of the mixture. And again, air + may be added to coal-gas, and it does not become explosive until the + coal-gas is reduced to 19.1 per cent. of the mixture, while, on the + contrary, if air is added to acetylene, the mixture becomes explosive as + soon as the acetylene has fallen to 52.3 per cent. Hence the immense + importance of taking precautions to avoid, on the one hand, the escape of + acetylene into the air of a room, and, on the other hand, the admixture of + air with the acetylene in any vessel containing it or any pipe through + which it passes. These precautions are far more essential with acetylene + than with coal-gas. The table shows further how great is the danger of + explosion if benzene, benzoline, or other similar highly volatile + hydrocarbons [Footnote: The nomenclature of the different volatile spirits + is apt to be very confusing. "Benzene" is the proper name for the most + volatile hydrocarbon derived from coal-tar, whose formula is C_6H_6. + Commercially, benzene is often known as "benzol" or "benzole"; but it + would be generally advantageous if those latter words were only used to + mean imperfectly rectified benzene, <i>i.e.</i>, mixtures of benzene with + toluene, &c., such as are more explicitly understood by the terms + "90.s benzol" and "50.s benzol." "Gasoline," "carburine," "petroleum + ether," "benzine," "benzoline," "petrol," and "petroleum spirit" all refer + to more or less volatile (the most volatile being mentioned first) and + more or less thoroughly rectified products obtained from petroleum. They + are mixtures of different hydrocarbons, the greater part of them having + the general chemical formula C_nH_2n+2 where n = 5 or more. None of them + is a definite chemical compound as is benzene; when n = 5 only the product + is pentane. These hydrocarbons are known to chemists as "paraffins," + "naphthenes" being occasionally met with; while a certain proportion of + unsaturated hydrocarbons is also present in most petroleum spirits. The + hydrocarbons of coal-tar are "aromatic hydrocarbons," their generic + formula being C_nH_2^n-6, where n is never less than 6.] are allowed to + vaporise in a room in which a light may be introduced. Less of the vapour + of these hydrocarbons than of acetylene in the air of a room brings the + mixture to the lower explosive limit, and therewith subjects it to the + risk of explosion. This tact militates strongly against the use of such + hydrocarbons within a house, or against the use of air-gas, which, as + explained in Chapter I., is air more or less saturated with the vapour of + volatile hydrocarbons. Conversely, a combustible gas, such as acetylene, + may be safely "carburetted" by these hydrocarbons in a properly + constructed apparatus set up outside the dwelling-house, as explained in + Chapter X., because there would be no air (as in air-gas) in the pipes, + &c., and a relatively large escape of carburetted acetylene would be + required to produce an explosive atmosphere in a room. Moreover, the odour + of the acetylene itself would render the detection of a leak far easier + with carburetted acetylene than with air-gas. + </p> + <p> + N. Teclu has investigated the explosive limits of mixtures of air with + certain combustible gases somewhat in the same manner as Eitner, viz.: by + firing the mixture in an eudiometer tube by means of an electric spark. He + worked, however, with the mixture dry instead of saturated with aqueous + vapour, which doubtless helps to account for the difference between his + and Eitner's results. + </p> + <p> + <i>Table giving the Percentages by volume of Combustible Gas in a + Dehydrated Mixture of that Gas and Air between which the Explosive Limits + of such a Mixture lie.</i>--(Teclu). + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ____________________________________________________________________ +| | | | +| | Lower Explosive Limit. | Upper Explosive Limit. | +| Description of |________________________|________________________| +| Combustible Gas. | | | +| | Per Cent. of Gas. | Per Cent. of Gas. | +|__________________|________________________|________________________| +| | | | +| ACETYLENE | 1.53-1.77 | 57.95-58.65 | +| Hydrogen | 9.73-9.96 | 62.75-63.58 | +| Coal-gas | 4.36-4.82 | 23.35-23.63 | +| Methane | 3.20-3.67 | 7.46- 7.88 | +|__________________|________________________|________________________| +</pre> + <p> + Experiments have been made at Lechbruch in Bavaria to ascertain directly + the smallest proportion of acetylene which renders the air of a room + explosive. Ignition was effected by the flame resulting when a pad of + cotton-wool impregnated with benzoline or potassium chlorate was fired by + an electrically heated wire. The room in which most of the tests were made + was 8 ft. 10 in. long, 6 ft. 7 in. wide, and 6 ft. 8 in. high, and had two + windows. When acetylene was generated in this room in normal conditions of + natural ventilation through the walls, the volume generated could amount + to 3 per cent. of the air-space of the room without explosion ensuing on + ignition of the wool, provided time elapsed for equable diffusion, which, + moreover, was rapidly attained. Further, it was found that when the whole + of the acetylene which 2 kilogrammes or 4.4 lb. of carbide (the maximum + permissible charge in many countries for a portable lamp for indoor use) + will yield was liberated in a room, a destructive explosion could not + ensue on ignition provided the air-space exceeded 40 cubic metres or 1410 + cubic feet, or, if the evolved gas were uniformly diffused, 24 cubic + metres or 850 cubic feet. When the walls of the room were rendered + impervious to air and gas, and acetylene was liberated, and allowed time + for diffusion, in the air of the room, an explosion was observed with a + proportion of only 2-1/2 per cent. of acetylene in the air. + </p> + <p> + <i>Solubility of Acetylene in Various Liquids.</i> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + _____________________________________________________________________ +| | | | | +| | | Volumes of | | +| | Tem- | Acetylene | | +| Solvent. |perature.|dissolved by| Authority. | +| | | 100 Vols. | | +| | | of Solvent.| | +|___________________________|_________|____________|__________________| +| | | | | +| | Degs. C | | | +| Acetone . . . . | 15 | 2500 | Claude and Hess | +| " . . . . | 50 | 1250 | " | +| Acetic acid; alcohol . | 18 | 600 | Berthelot | +| Benzoline; chloroform . | 18 | 400 | " | +| Paraffin oil . . . | 0 | 103.3 | E. Muller | +| " . . . | 18 | 150 | Berthelot | +| Olive oil . . . . | -- | 48 | Fuchs and Schiff | +| Carbon bisulphide . . | 18 | 100 | Berthelot | +| " tetrachloride . | 0 | 25 | Nieuwland | +| Water (at 4 65 atmospheres| | | | +| pressure) . . | 0 | 160 | Villard | +| " (at 755 mm. pressure)| 12 | 118 | Berthelot | +| " (760 mm. pressure) . | 12 | 106.6 | E. Müller | +| " " . | 15 | 110 | Lewes | +| " " . | 18 | 100 | Berthelot | +| " " . | -- | 100 | E. Davy (in 1836)| +| " " . | 19.5 | 97.5 | E. Müller | +| Milk of lime: about 10 | | | | +| grammes of calcium hy- | 5 | 112 | Hammerschmidt | +| droxide per 100 c.c. . | | | and Sandmann | +| " " " | 10 | 95 | " | +| " " " | 20 | 75 | " | +| " " " | 50 | 38 | " | +| " " " | 70 | 20 | " | +| " " " | 90 | 6 | " | +| Solution of common salt,5%| 19 | 67.9 | " | +| (sodium chloride) " | 25 | 47.7 | " | +| " 20%| 19 | 29.6 | " | +| " " | 25 | 12.6 | " | +| "(nearly saturated, | | | | +| 26%) . . | 15 | 20.6 | " | +| "(saturated, sp. gr.| | | | +| 1-21) . . | 0 | 22.0 | E. Müller | +| " " " | 12 | 21.0 | " | +| " " " | 18 | 20.4 | " | +| Solution of calcium | | | Hammerschmidt | +| chloride (saturated) . | 15 | 6.0 | and Sandmann | +| Bergé and Reychler's re- | | | | +| agent . . . . | -- | 95 | Nieuwland | +|___________________________|_________|____________|__________________| +</pre> + <p> + SOLUBILITY.--Acetylene is readily soluble in many liquids. It is + desirable, on the one hand, as indicated in Chapter III., that the liquid + in the seals of gasholders, &c., should be one in which acetylene is + soluble to the smallest degree practically attainable; while, on the other + hand, liquids in which acetylene is soluble in a very high degree are + valuable agents for its storage in the liquid state. Hence it is important + to know the extent of the solubility of acetylene in a number of liquids. + The tabular statement (p. 179) gives the most trustworthy information in + regard to the solubilities under the normal atmospheric pressure of 760 + mm. or thereabouts. + </p> + <p> + The strength of milk of lime quoted in the above table was obtained by + carefully allowing 50 grammes of carbide to interact with 550 c.c. of + water at 5° C. A higher degree of concentration of the milk of lime was + found by Hammerschmidt and Sandmann to cause a slight decrease in the + amount of acetylene held in solution by it. Hammerschmidt and Sandmann's + figures, however, do not agree well with others obtained by Caro, who has + also determined the solubility of acetylene in lime-water, using first, a + clear saturated lime-water prepared at 20° C. and secondly, a milk of lime + obtained by slaking 10 grammes of quicklime in 100 c.c. of water. As + before, the figures relate to the volumes of acetylene dissolved at + atmospheric pressure by 100 volumes of the stated liquid. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + _________________________________________________ +| | | | +| Temperature. | Lime-water. | Milk of Lime. | +|_______________|_______________|_________________| +| | | | +| Degs C. | | | +| 0 | 146.2 | 152.6 | +| 5 | 138.5 | -- | +| 15 | 122.8 | 134.8 | +| 50 | 43.9 | 62.6 | +| 90 | 6.2 | 9.2 | +|_______________|_______________|_________________| +</pre> + <p> + Figures showing the solubility of acetylene in plain water at different + temperatures have been published in Landolt-Börnstein's Physico- Chemical + Tables. These are reproduced below. The "Coefficient of Absorption" is the + volume of the gas, measured at 0° C. and a barometric height of 760 mm. + taken up by one volume of water, at the stated temperature, when the gas + pressure on the surface, apart from the vapour pressure of the water + itself, is 760 mm. The "Solubility" is the weight of acetylene in grammes + taken up by 100 grammes of water at the stated temperature, when the total + pressure on the surface, including that of the vapour pressure of the + water, is 760 mm. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + _____________________________________________ +| | | | +| Temperature. | Coefficient of | Solubility. | +| | Absorption. | | +|______________|________________|_____________| +| | | | +| Degs. C. | | | +| 0 | 1.73 | 0.20 | +| 1 | 1.68 | 0.19 | +| 2 | 1.63 | 0.19 | +| 3 | 1.58 | 0.18 | +| 4 | 1.53 | 0.18 | +| 5 | 1.49 | 0.17 | +| 6 | 1.45 | 0.17 | +| 7 | 1.41 | 0.16 | +| 8 | 1.37 | 0.16 | +| 9 | 1.34 | 0.15 | +| 10 | 1.31 | 0.15 | +| 11 | 1.27 | 0.15 | +| 12 | 1.24 | 0.14 | +| 13 | 1.21 | 0.14 | +| 14 | 1.18 | 0.14 | +| 15 | 1.15 | 0.13 | +| 16 | 1.13 | 0.13 | +| 17 | 1.10 | 0.13 | +| 18 | 1.08 | 0.12 | +| 19 | 1.05 | 0.12 | +| 20 | 1.03 | 0.12 | +| 21 | 1.01 | 0.12 | +| 22 | 0.99 | 0.11 | +| 23 | 0.97 | 0.11 | +| 24 | 0.95 | 0.11 | +| 25 | 0.93 | 0.11 | +| 26 | 0.91 | 0.10 | +| 27 | 0.89 | 0.10 | +| 28 | 0.87 | 0.10 | +| 29 | 0.85 | 0.10 | +| 30 | 0.84 | 0.09 | +|______________|________________|_____________| +</pre> + <p> + Advantage is taken, as explained in Chapter XI., of the high degree of + solubility of acetylene in acetone, to employ a solution of the gas in + that liquid when acetylene is wanted in a portable condition. The + solubility increases very rapidly with the pressure, so that under a + pressure of twelve atmospheres acetone dissolves about 300 times its + original volume of the gas, while the solubility also increases greatly + with a reduction in the temperature, until at -80° C. acetone takes up + 2000 times its volume of acetylene under the ordinary atmospheric + pressure. Further details of the valuable qualities of acetone as a + solvent of acetylene are given in Chapter XI., but it may here be remarked + that the successful utilisation of the solvent power of acetone depends to + a very large extent on the absolute freedom from moisture of both the + acetylene and the acetone, so that acetone of 99 per cent. strength is now + used as the solvent. + </p> + <p> + Turning to the other end of the scale of solubility, the most valuable + liquids for serving as seals of gasholders, &c., are readily + discernible. Far superior to all others is a saturated solution of calcium + chloride, and this should be selected as the confining liquid whenever it + is important to avoid dissolution of acetylene in the liquid as far as may + be. Brine comes next in order of merit for this purpose, but it is + objectionable on account of its corrosive action on metals. Olive oil + should, according to Fuchs and Schiff, be of service where a saline liquid + is undesirable; mineral oil seems useless. Were they concordant, the + figures for milk of lime would be particularly useful, because this + material is naturally the confining liquid in the generating chambers of + carbide-to-water apparatus, and because the temperature of the liquid + rises through the heat evolved during the generation of the gas (<i>vide</i> + Chapters II. and III.). It will be seen that these figures would afford a + means of calculating the maximum possible loss of gas by dissolution when + a known volume of sludge is run off from a carbide-to- water generator at + about any possible temperature. + </p> + <p> + According to Garelli and Falciola, the depression in the freezing-point of + water caused by the saturation of that liquid with acetylene is 0.08° C., + the corresponding figure for benzene in place of water being 1.40° C. + These figures indicate that 100 parts by weight of water should dissolve + 0.1118 part by weight of acetylene at 0° C., and that 100 parts of benzene + should dissolve about 0.687 part of acetylene at 5° C. In other words, 100 + volumes of water at the freezing-point should dissolve 95 volumes of + acetylene, and 100 volumes of benzene dissolve some 653 volumes of the + gas. The figure calculated for water in this way is lower than that which + might be expected from the direct determinations at other temperatures + already referred to; that for benzene may be compared with Berthelot's + value of 400 volumes at 18° C. Other measurements of the solubility of + acetylene in water at 0° C. have given the figure 0.1162 per cent. by + weight. + </p> + <p> + TOXICITY.--Many experiments have been made to determine to what extent + acetylene exercises a toxic action on animals breathing air containing a + large proportion of it; but they have given somewhat inconclusive results, + owing probably to varying proportions of impurities in the samples of + acetylene used. The sulphuretted hydrogen and phosphine which are found in + acetylene as ordinarily prepared are such powerful toxic agents that they + would always, in cases of "acetylene" poisoning, be largely instrumental + in bringing about the effects observed. Acetylene <i>per se</i> would + appear to have but a small toxic action; for the principal toxic + ingredient in coal-gas is carbon monoxide, which does not occur in + sensible quantity in acetylene as obtained from calcium carbide. The + colour of blood is changed by inhalation of acetylene to a bright + cherry-red, just as in cases of poisoning by carbon monoxide; but this is + due to a more dissolution of the gas in the haemoglobin of the blood, so + that there is much more hope of recovery for a subject of acetylene + poisoning than for one of coal-gas poisoning. Practically the risk of + poisoning by acetylene, after it has been purified by one of the ordinary + means, is <i>nil</i>. The toxic action of the impurities of crude + acetylene is discussed in Chapter V. + </p> + <p> + Acetylene is an "endothermic" compound, as has been mentioned in Chapter + II., where the meaning of the expression endothermic is explained. It has + there been indicated that by reason of its endothermic nature it is unsafe + to have acetylene at either a temperature of 780° C. and upwards, or at a + pressure of two atmospheres absolute, or higher. If that temperature or + that pressure is exceeded, dissociation (<i>i.e.</i>, decomposition into + its elements), if initiated at any spot, will extend through the whole + mass of acetylene. In this sense, acetylene at or above 780° C., or at two + or more atmospheres pressure, is explosive in the absence of air or + oxygen, and it is thereby distinguished from the majority of other + combustible gases, such as the components of coal-gas. But if, by dilution + with another gas, the partial pressure of the acetylene is reduced, then + the mixture may be subjected to a higher pressure than that of two + atmospheres without acquiring explosiveness, as is fully shown in Chapter + XI. Thus it becomes possible safely to compress mixtures of acetylene and + oil-gas or coal-gas, whereas unadmixed acetylene cannot be safely kept + under a pressure of two atmospheres absolute or more. In a series of + experiments carried out by Dupré on behalf of the British Home Office, and + described in the Report on Explosives for 1897, samples of moist + acetylene, free from air, but apparently not purified by any chemical + process, were exposed to the influence of a bright red-hot wire. When the + gas was held in the containing vessel at the atmospheric pressure then + obtaining, viz., 30.34 inches (771 mm.) of mercury, no explosion occurred. + When the pressure was raised to 45.34 inches (1150 mm.), no explosion + occurred; but when the pressure was further raised to 59.34 inches (1505 + mm., or very nearly two atmospheres absolute) the acetylene exploded, or + dissociated into its elements. + </p> + <p> + Acetylene readily polymerises when heated, as has been stated in Chapter + II., where the meaning of the term "polymerisation" has been explained. + The effects of the products of the polymerisation of acetylene on the + flame produced when the gas is burnt at the ordinary acetylene burners + have been stated in Chapter VIII., where the reasons therefor have been + indicated. The chief primary product of the polymerisation of acetylene by + heat appears to be benzene. But there are also produced, in some cases by + secondary changes, ethylene, methane, naphthalene, styrolene, anthracene, + and homologues of several of these hydrocarbons, while carbon and hydrogen + are separated. The production of these bodies by the action of heat on + acetylene is attended by a reduction of the illuminative value of the gas, + while owing to the change in the proportion of air required for combustion + (<i>see</i> Chapter VIII.), the burners devised for the consumption of + acetylene fail to consume properly the mixture of gases formed by + polymerisation from the acetylene. It is difficult to compare the + illuminative value of the several bodies, as they cannot all be consumed + economically without admixture, but the following table indicates + approximately the <i>maximum</i> illuminative value obtainable from them + either by combustion alone or in admixture with some non- illuminating or + feebly-illuminating gas: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ________________________________________________ +| | | | +| | | Candles per | +| | | Cubic Foot | +|______________|___________________|_____________| +| | | | +| | | (say) | +| Acetylene | C_2H_2 | 50 | +| Hydrogen | H_2 | 0 | +| Methane | CH_4 | 1 | +| Ethane | C_2H_6 | 7 | +| Propane | C_3H_8 | 11 | +| Pentane | C_5H_12 (vapour) | 35 | +| Hexane | C_6H_14 " | 45 | +| Ethylene | C_2H_4 | 20 | +| Propylene | C_3H_6 | 25 | +| Benzene | C_6H_6 (vapour) | 200 | +| Toluene | C_7H_8 " | 250 | +| Naphthalene | C_10H_8 " | 400 | +|______________|___________________|_____________| +</pre> + <p> + It appears from this table that, with the exception of the three + hydrocarbons last named, no substance likely to be formed by the action of + heat on acetylene has nearly so high an illuminative value--volume for + volume--as acetylene itself. The richly illuminating vapours of benzene + and naphthalene (and homologues) cannot practically add to the + illuminative value of acetylene, because of the difficulty of consuming + them without smoke, unless they are diluted with a large proportion of + feebly- or non-illuminating gas, such as methane or hydrogen. The + practical effect of carburetting acetylene with hydrocarbon vapours will + be shown in Chapter X. to be disastrous so far as the illuminating + efficiency of the gas is concerned. Hence it appears that no conceivable + products of the polymerisation of acetylene by heat can result in its + illuminative value being improved--even presupposing that the burners + could consume the polymers properly--while practically a considerable + deterioration of its value must ensue. + </p> + <p> + The heat of combustion of acetylene was found by J. Thomson to be 310.57 + large calories per gramme-molecule, and by Berthelot to be 321.00 + calories. The latest determination, however, made by Berthelot and + Matignon shows it to be 315.7 calories at constant pressure. Taking the + heat of formation of carbon dioxide from diamond carbon at constant + pressure as 94.3 calories (Berthelot and Matignon), which is equal to 97.3 + calories from amorphous carbon, and the heat of formation of liquid water + as 69 calories; this value for the heat of combustion of acetylene makes + its heat of formation to be 94.3 x 2 + 69 - 315.7 = -58.1 large calories + per gramme-molecule (26 grammes) from diamond carbon, or -52.1 from + amorphous carbon. It will be noticed that the heat of combustion of + acetylene is greater than the combined heats of combustion of its + constituents; which proves that heat has been absorbed in the union of the + hydrogen and carbon in the molecule, or that acetylene is endothermic, as + elsewhere explained. These calculations, and others given in Chapter IX., + will perhaps be rendered more intelligible by the following table of + thermochemical phenomena: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + _______________________________________________________________ +| | | | | +| Reaction. | Diamond | Amorphous | | +| | Carbon. | Carbon. | | +|________________________________|_________|___________|________| +| | | | | +| (1) C (solid) + O . . . | 26.1 | 29.1 | ... | +| (2) C (solid) + O_2 . . . | 94.3 | 97.3 | ... | +| (3) CO + O (2 - 1) . . . | ... | ... | 68.2 | +| (4) Conversion of solid carbon | | | | +| into gas (3 - 1) . . . | 42.1 | 39.1 | ... | +| (5) C (gas) + O (1 + 4) . . | ... | ... | 68.2 | +| (6) Conversion of amorphous | | | | +| carbon to diamond . . | ... | ... | 3.0 | +| (7) C_2 + H_2 . . . . | -58.1 | -52.1 | ... | +| (8) C_2H_2 + 2-1/2O_2 . . | ... | ... | 315.7 | +|________________________________|_________|___________|________| +</pre> + <p> + W. G. Mixter has determined the heat of combustion of acetylene to be + 312.9 calories at constant volume, and 313.8 at constant pressure. Using + Berthelot and Matignon's data given above for amorphous carbon, this + represents the heat of formation to be -50.2 (Mixter himself calculates it + as -51.4) calories. By causing compressed acetylene to dissociate under + the influence of an electric spark, Mixter measured its heat of formation + as -53.3 calories. His corresponding heats of combustion of ethylene are + 344.6 calories (constant volume) and 345.8 (constant pressure); for its + heat of formation he deduces a value -7.8, and experimentally found one of + about -10.6 (constant pressure). + </p> + <p> + THE ACETYLENE FLAME.--It has been stated in Chapter I. that acetylene + burnt in self-luminous burners gives a whiter light than that afforded by + any other artificial illuminant, because the proportion of the various + spectrum colours in the light most nearly resembles the corresponding + proportion found in the direct rays of the sun. Calling the amount of + monochromatic light belonging to each of the five main spectrum colours + present in the sun's rays unity in succession, and comparing the amount + with that present in the light obtained from electricity, coal-gas, and + acetylene, Münsterberg has given the following table for the composition + of the several lights mentioned: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ______________________________________________________________________ +| | | | | | +| | Electricity | Coal-Gas | Acetylene | | +| |________________|__________________|_______________|_______| +| Colour | | | | | | | | +| in | | | | | | With | | +| Spectrum.| Arc. | Incan- | Lumin- | Incan- | Alone.| 3 per | Sun- | +| | | descent.| ous. | descent.| | Cent. | light.| +| | | | | | | Air. | | +|__________|______|_________|________|_________|_______|_______|_______| +| | | | | | | | | +| Red | 2.09 | 1.48 | 4.07 | 0.37 | 1.83 | 1.03 | 1 | +| Yellow | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.90 | 1.02 | 1.02 | 1 | +| Green | 0.99 | 0.62 | 0.47 | 4.30 | 0.76 | 0.71 | 1 | +| Blue | 0.87 | 0.91 | 1.27 | 0.74 | 1.94 | 1.46 | 1 | +| Violet | 1.08 | 0.17 | 0.15 | 0.83 | 1.07 | 1.07 | 1 | +| Ultra- | | | | | | | | +| Violet | 1.21 | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | 1 | +|__________|______|_________|________|_________|_______|_______|_______| +</pre> + <p> + These figures lack something in explicitness; but they indicate the + greater uniformity of the acetylene light in its proportion of rays of + different wave-lengths. It does not possess the high proportion of green + of the Welsbach flame, or the high proportion of red of the luminous gas- + flame. It is interesting to note the large amount of blue and violet light + in the acetylene flame, for these are the colours which are chiefly + concerned in photography; and it is to their prominence that acetylene has + been found to be so very actinic. It is also interesting to note that an + addition of air to acetylene tends to make the light even more like that + of the sun by reducing the proportion of red and blue rays to nearer the + normal figure. + </p> + <p> + H. Erdmann has made somewhat similar calculation, comparing the light of + acetylene with that of the Hefner (amyl acetate) lamp, and with coal-gas + consumed in an Argand and an incandescent burner. Consecutively taking the + radiation of the acetylene flame as unity for each of the spectrum + colours, his results are: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + __________________________________________________________________ +| | | | | +| | | | Coal-Gas | +| Colour in | Wave-Lengths, | |_______________________| +| Spectrum | uu | Hefner Light | | | +| | | | Argand | Incandescent | +|___________|_______________|______________|________|______________| +| | | | | | +| Red | 650 | 1.45 | 1.34 | 1.03 | +| Orange | 610 | 1.22 | 1.13 | 1.00 | +| Yellow | 590 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | +| Green | 550 | 0.87 | 0.93 | 0.86 | +| Blue | 490 | 0.72 | 1.27 | 0.92 | +| Violet | 470 | 0.77 | 1.35 | 1.73 | +|___________|_______________|______________|________|______________| +</pre> + <p> + B. Heise has investigated the light of different flames, including + acetylene, by a heterochromatic photometric method; but his results varied + greatly according to the pressure at which the acetylene was supplied to + the burner and the type of burner used. Petroleum affords light closely + resembling in colour the Argand coal-gas flame; and electric glow-lamps, + unless overrun and thereby quickly worn out, give very similar light, + though with a somewhat greater preponderance of radiation in the red and + yellow. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ____________________________________________________________________ +| | | | +| | Percent of Total | | +| Light. | Energy manifested | Observer. | +| | as Light. | | +|____________________________|___________________|___________________| +| | | | +| Candle, spermaceti . . | 2.1 | Thomsen | +| " paraffin . . . | 1.53 | Rogers | +| Moderator lamp . . . | 2.6 | Thomsen | +| Coal-gas . . . . . | 1.97 | Thomsen | +| " . . . . . | 2.40 | Langley | +| " batswing . . . | 1.28 | Rogers | +| " Argand . . . | 1.61 | Rogers | +| " incandesce . . | 2 to 7 | Stebbins | +| Electric glow-lamp . . | about 6 | Merritt | +| " " . . | 5.5 | Abney and Festing | +| Lime light (new) . . . | 14 | Orehore | +| " (old) . . . | 8.4 | Orehore | +| Electric arc . . . . | 10.4 | Tyndall; Nakano | +| " . . . . | 8 to 13 | Marks | +| Magnesium light . . . | 12.5 | Rogers | +| Acetylene . . . . | 10.5 | Stewart and Hoxie | +| " (No. 0 slit burner | 11.35 | Neuberg | +| " (No. 00000 . . | | | +| Bray fishtail) | 13.8 | Neuberg | +| " (No. 3 duplex) . | 14.7 | Neuberg | +| Geissler tube . . . | 32.0 | Staub | +|____________________________|___________________|___________________| +</pre> + <p> + Violle and Féry, also Erdmann, have proposed the use of acetylene as a + standard of light. As a standard burner Féry employed a piece of + thermometer tube, cut off smoothly at the end and having a diameter of 0.5 + millimetre, a variation in the diameter up to 10 per cent. being of no + consequence. When the height of the flame ranged from 10 to 25 millimetres + the burner passed from 2.02 to 4.28 litres per hour, and the illuminating + power of the light remained sensibly proportional to the height of the + jet, with maximum variations from the calculated value of ±0.008. It is + clear that for such a purpose as this the acetylene must be prepared from + very pure carbide and at the lowest possible temperature in the generator. + Further investigations in this direction should be welcome, because it is + now fairly easy to obtain a carbide of standard quality and to purify the + gas until it is essentially pure acetylene from a chemical point of view. + </p> + <p> + L. W. Hartmann has studied the flame of a mixture of acetylene with + hydrogen. He finds that the flame of the mixture is richer in light of + short wave-lengths than that of pure acetylene, but that the colour of the + light does not appear to vary with the proportion of hydrogen present. + </p> + <p> + Numerous investigators have studied the optical or radiant efficiency of + artificial lights, <i>i.e.</i>, the proportion of the total heat plus + light energy emitted by the flame which is produced in the form of visible + light. Some results are shown in the table on the previous page. + </p> + <p> + Figures showing the ratio of the visible light emitted by various + illuminants to the amount of energy expended in producing the light and + also the energy equivalent of each spherical Hefner unit evolved have been + published by H. Lux, whose results follow: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + _______________________________________________________________________ +| | | | | | +| | Ratio of | Ratio of | Mean | Energy | +| | Light | Light | Spherical | Equiva- | +| Light. | emitted to | emitted to | Illuminat- | lent to 1 | +| | Total | Energy | ing Power. | Spherical | +| | Radiation. | Impressed. | Hefners. | Hefner in | +| | | | | Watts. | +|____________________|____________|____________|____________|___________| +| | | | | | +| | Per Cent. | Per Cent. | | | +| Hefner lamp | 0.89 | 0.103 | 0.825 | 0.108 | +| Paraffin lamp, 14" | 1.23 | 0.25 | 12.0 | 0.105 | +| ACETYLENE, 7.2 | | | | | +| litre burner | 6.36 | 0.65 | 6.04 | 0.103 | +| Coal-gas incandes- | | | | | +| cent, upturned | 2.26-2.92 | 0.46 | 89.6 | 0.037 | +| " incandes- | | | | | +| cent, inverted | 2.03-2.97 | 0.51 | 82.3 | 0.035 | +| Carbon filament | | | | | +| glow-lamp | 3.2-2.7 | 2.07 | 24.5 | 0.085 | +| Nernst lamp | 5.7 | 4.21-3.85 | 91.9 | 0.073 | +| Tantalum lamp | 8.5 | 4.87 | 26.7 | 0.080 | +| Osram lamp | 9.1 | 5.36 | 27.4 | 0.075 | +| Direct-current arc | 8.1 | 5.60 | 524 | 0.047 | +| " " enclosed | 2.0 | 1.16 | 295 | 0.021 | +| Flame arc, yellow | 15.7 | 13.20 | 1145 | 0.041 | +| " " white | 7.6 | 6.66 | 760 | 0.031 | +| Alternating- | | | | | +| current arc | 3.7 | 1.90 | 89 | 0.038 | +| Uviol mercury | | | | | +| vapour lamp | 5.8 | 2.24 | 344 | 0.015 | +| Quartz lamp | 17.6 | 6.00 | 2960 | 0.014 | +|____________________|____________|____________|____________|___________| +</pre> + <p> + CHEMICAL PROPERTIES.--It is unnecessary for the purpose of this work to + give an exhaustive account of the general chemical reactions of acetylene + with other bodies, but a few of the more important must be referred to. + Since the gases are liable to unite spontaneously when brought into + contact, the reactions between, acetylene and chlorine require attention, + first, because of the accidents that have occurred when using bleaching- + powder (<i>see</i> Chapter V.) as a purifying material for the crude gas; + secondly, because it has been proposed to manufacture one of the products + of the combination, viz., acetylene tetrachloride, on a large scale, and + to employ it as a detergent in place of carbon tetrachloride or carbon + disulphide. Acetylene forms two addition products with chlorine, + C_2H_2Cl_2, and C_2H_2Cl_4. These are known as acetylene dichloride and + tetrachloride respectively, or more systematically as dichlorethylene and + tetrachlorethane. One or both of the chlorides is apt to be produced when + acetylene comes into contact with free chlorine, and the reaction + sometimes proceeds with explosive violence. The earliest writers, such as + E. Davy, Wöhler, and Berthelot, stated that an addition of chlorine to + acetylene was invariably followed by an explosion, unless the mixture was + protected from light; whilst later investigators thought the two gases + could be safely mixed if they were both pure, or if air was absent. Owing + to the conflicting nature of the statements made, Nieuwland determined in + 1905 to study the problem afresh; and the annexed account is chiefly based + on his experiments, which, however, still fail satisfactorily to elucidate + all the phenomena observed. According to Nieuwland's results, the + behaviour of mixtures of acetylene and chlorine appears capricious, for + sometimes the gases unite quietly, although sometimes they explode. + Acetylene and chlorine react quite quietly in the dark and at low + temperatures; and neither a moderate increase in temperature, nor the + admission of diffused daylight, nor the introduction of small volumes of + air, is necessarily followed by an explosion. Doubtless the presence of + either light, air, or warmth increases the probability of an explosive + reaction, while it becomes more probable still in their joint presence; + but in given conditions the reaction may suddenly change from a gentle + formation of addition products to a violent formation of substitution + products without any warning or manifest cause. When the gases merely + unite quietly, tetrachlorethane, or acetylene tetrachloride, is produced + thus: + </p> + <p> + C_2H_2 + 2Cl_2 = C_2H_2Cl_4; + </p> + <p> + but when the reaction is violent some hexachlorethane is formed, + presumably thus: + </p> + <p> + 2C_2H_2 + 5Cl_2 = 4HCl + C_2 + C_2Cl_6. + </p> + <p> + The heat evolved by the decomposition of the acetylene by the formation of + the hydrochloric acid in the last equation is then propagated amongst the + rest of the gaseous mixture, accelerating the action, and causing the + acetylene to react with the chlorine to form more hydrochloric acid and + free carbon thus; + </p> + <p> + C_2H_2 + Cl_2 = 2HCl + C_2. + </p> + <p> + It is evident that these results do not altogether explain the mechanism + of the reactions involved. Possibly the formation of substitution products + and the consequent occurrence of an explosion is brought about by some + foreign substance which acts as a catalytic agent. Such substance may + conceivably be one of the impurities in crude acetylene, or the solid + matter of a bleaching-powder purifying material. The experiments at least + indicate the direction in which safety may be sought when bleaching- + powder is employed to purify the crude gas, viz., dilution of the powder + with an inert material, absence of air from the gas, and avoidance of + bright sunlight in the place where a spent purifier is being emptied. + Unfortunately Nieuwland did not investigate the action on acetylene of + hypochlorites, which are presumably the active ingredients in bleaching- + powder. As will appear in due course, processes have been devised and + patented to eliminate all danger from the reaction between acetylene and + chlorine for the purpose of making tetrachlorethane in quantity. + </p> + <p> + Acetylene combines with hydrogen in the presence of platinum black, and + ethylene and then ethane result. It was hoped at one time that this + reaction would lead to the manufacture of alcohol from acetylene being + achieved on a commercial basis; but it was found that it did not proceed + with sufficient smoothness for the process to succeed, and a number of + higher or condensation products were formed at the same time. It has been + shown by Erdmann that the cost of production of alcohol from acetylene + through this reaction must prove prohibitive, and he has indicated another + reaction which he considered more promising. This is the conversion of + acetylene by means of dilute sulphuric acid (3 volumes of concentrated + acid to 7 volumes of water), preferably in the presence of mercuric oxide, + to acetaldehyde. The yield, however, was not satisfactory, and the process + does not appear to have passed beyond the laboratory stage. + </p> + <p> + It has also been proposed to utilise the readiness with which acetylene + polymerises on heating to form benzene, for the production of benzene + commercially; but the relative prices of acetylene and benzene would have + to be greatly changed from those now obtaining to make such a scheme + successful. Acetylene also lends itself to the synthesis of phenol or + carbolic acid. If the dry gas is passed slowly into fuming sulphuric acid, + a sulpho-derivative results, of which the potash salt may be thrown down + by means of alcohol. This salt has the formula C_2H_4O_2,S_2O_6K_2, and on + heating it with caustic potash in an atmosphere of hydrogen, decomposing + with excess of sulphuric acid, and distilling, phenol results and may be + isolated. The product is, however, generally much contaminated with + carbon, and the process, which was devised by Berthelot, does not appear + to have been pursued commercially. Berthelot has also investigated the + action of ordinary concentrated sulphuric acid on acetylene, and obtained + various sulphonic derivatives. Schröter has made similar investigations on + the action of strongly fuming sulphuric acid on acetylene. These + investigations have not yet acquired any commercial significance. + </p> + <p> + If a mixture of acetylene with either of the oxides of carbon is led + through a red-hot tube, or if a similar mixture is submitted to the action + of electric sparks when confined within a closed vessel at some pressure, + a decomposition occurs, the whole of the carbon is liberated in the free + state, while the hydrogen and oxygen combine to form water. Analogous + reactions take place when either oxide of carbon is led over calcium + carbide heated to a temperature of 200° or 250° C., the second product in + this case being calcium oxide. The equations representing these actions + are: + </p> + <p> + C_2H_2 + CO = H_2O + 3C + </p> + <p> + 2C_2H_2 + CO_2 = 2H_2O + 5C + </p> + <p> + CaC_2 + CO = CaO + 3C + </p> + <p> + 2CaC_2 + CO_2 = 2CaO + 5C + </p> + <p> + By urging the temperature, or by increasing the pressure at which the + gases are led over the carbide, the free carbon appears in the graphitic + condition; at lower temperatures and pressures, it is separated in the + amorphous state. These reactions are utilised in Frank's process for + preparing a carbon pigment or an artificial graphite (<i>cf.</i> Chapter + XII.). + </p> + <p> + Parallel decompositions occur between carbon bisulphide and either + acetylene or calcium carbide, all the carbon of both substances being + eliminated, while the by-product is either sulphuretted hydrogen or + calcium (penta) sulphide. Other organic bodies containing sulphur are + decomposed in the same fashion, and it has been suggested by Ditz that if + carbide could be obtained at a suitable price, the process might be made + useful in removing sulphur (<i>i.e.</i>, carbon bisulphide and thiophen) + from crude benzol, in purifying the natural petroleum oil which contains + sulphur, and possibly in removing "sulphur compounds" from coal-gas. + </p> + <p> + COMPOUNDS WITH COPPER. By far the most important chemical reactions of + acetylene in connexion with its use as an illuminant or fuel are those + which it undergoes with certain metals, notably copper. It is known that + if acetylene comes in contact with copper or with one of its salts, in + certain conditions a compound is produced which, at least when dry, is + highly explosive, and will detonate either when warmed or when struck or + gently rubbed. The precise mechanism of the reaction, or reactions, + between acetylene and copper (or its compounds), and also the character of + the product, or products, obtained have been studied by numerous + investigators; but their results have been inconclusive and sometimes + rather contradictory, so that it can hardly be said that the conditions + which determine or preclude the formation of an explosive compound and the + composition of the explosive compound are yet known with certainty. Copper + is a metal which yields two series of compounds, cuprous and cupric salts, + the latter of which contain half the quantity of metal per unit of acid + constituent that is found in the former. It should follow, therefore, that + there are two compounds of copper with carbon, or copper carbides: cuprous + carbide, Cu_2C_2, and cupric carbide, CuC_2. Acetylene reacts at ordinary + temperatures with an ammoniacal solution of any cupric salt, forming a + black cupric compound of uncertain constitution which explodes between 50° + and 70° C. It is decomposed by dilute acids, yielding some polymerised + substances. At more elevated temperatures other cupric compounds are + produced which also give evidence of polymerisation. Cuprous carbide or + acetylide is the reddish brown amorphous precipitate which is the ultimate + product obtained when acetylene is led into an ammoniacal solution of + cuprous chloride. This body is decomposed by hydrochloric acid, yielding + acetylene; but of itself it is, in all probability, not explosive. Cuprous + carbide, however, is very unstable and prone to oxidation; so that, given + the opportunity, it combines with oxygen or hydrogen, or both, until it + produces the copper acetylide, or acetylene-copper, which is explosive--a + body to which Blochmann's formula C_2H_2Cu_2O is generally ascribed. Thus + it should happen that the exact nature of the copper acetylene compound + may vary according to the conditions in which it has been formed, from a + substance that is not explosive at all at first, to one that is violently + explosive; and the degree of explosiveness should depend on the greater + exposure of the compound to air and moisture, or the larger amount of + oxygen and moisture in the acetylene during its contact with the copper or + copper salt. For instance, Mai has found that freshly made copper + acetylide can be heated to 60° C. or higher without explosion; but that if + the compound is exposed to air for a few hours it explodes on warming, + while if warmed with oxygen it explodes on contact with acetylene. It is + said by Mai and by Caro to absorb acetylene when both substances are dry, + becoming so hot as to explode spontaneously. Freund and Mai have also + observed that when copper acetylide which has been dried in contact with + air for four or five hours at a temperature of 50° or 60° C. is allowed to + explode in the presence of a current of acetylene, an explosion + accompanied by light takes place; but it is always local and is not + communicated to the gas, whether the latter is crude or pure. In contact + with neutral or acid solutions of cuprous salts acetylene yields various + double compounds differing in colour and crystallising power; but + according to Chavastelon and to Caro they are all devoid of explosive + properties. Sometimes a yellowish red precipitate is produced in solutions + of copper salts containing free acid, but the deposit is not copper + acetylide, and is more likely to be, at least in part, a copper + phosphide--especially if the gas is crude. Hence acid solutions or + preparations of copper salts may safely be used for the purification of + acetylene, as is done in the case of frankoline, mentioned in Chapter V. + It is clear that the amount of free acid in such a material is much more + than sufficient to neutralise all the ammonia which may accompany the + crude acetylene into the purifier until the material is exhausted in other + respects; and moreover, in the best practice, the gas would have been + washed quite or nearly free from ammonia before entering the purifier. + </p> + <p> + From a practical aspect the possible interaction of acetylene and metallic + copper has been investigated by Gerdes and by Grittner, whose results, + again, are somewhat contradictory. Gerdes exposed neat acetylene and + mixtures of acetylene with oil-gas and coal-gas to a pressure of nine or + ten atmospheres for ten months at ordinary summer and winter temperatures + in vessels made of copper and various alloys. Those metals and alloys + which resisted oxidation in air resisted the attack of the gases, but the + more corrodible substances were attacked superficially; although in no + instance could an explosive body be detected, nor could an explosion be + produced by heating or hammering. In further experiments the acetylene + contained ammonia and moisture and Gerdes found that where corrosion took + place it was due exclusively to the ammonia, no explosive compounds being + produced even then. Grittner investigated the question by leading + acetylene for months through pipes containing copper gauze. His + conclusions are that a copper acetylide is always produced if impure + acetylene is allowed to pass through neutral or ammoniacal solutions of + copper; that dry acetylene containing all its natural impurities except + ammonia acts to an equal extent on copper and its alloys, yielding the + explosive compound; that pure and dry gas does not act upon copper or its + alloys, although it is possible that an explosive compound may be produced + after a great length of time. Grittner has asserted that an explosive + compound may be produced when acetylene is brought into contact with such + alloys of copper as ordinary brass containing 64.66 per cent. of copper, + or red brass containing 74.46 per cent. of copper, 20.67 per cent. of + zinc, and 4.64 per cent. of tin; whereas none is obtained when the metal + is either "alpaca" containing 64.44 per cent. of copper, 18.79 per cent. + of nickel, and 16.33 per cent. of zinc, or britannia metal composed of + 91.7 per cent. of copper and 8.3 per cent. of tin. Caro has found that + when pure dry acetylene is led for nine months over sheets or filings of + copper, brass containing 63.2 per cent. of copper, red brass containing + 73.8 per cent., so-called "alpaca-metal" containing 65.3 per cent., and + britannia metal containing 90.2 per cent. of copper, no action whatever + takes place at ordinary temperatures; if the gas is moist very small + quantities of copper acetylide are produced in six months, whatever metal + is tested, but the yield does not increase appreciably afterwards. At high + temperatures condensation occurs between acetylene and copper or its + alloys, but explosive bodies are not formed. + </p> + <p> + Grittner's statement that crude acetylene, with or without ammonia, acts + upon alloys of copper as well as upon copper itself, has thus been + corroborated by Caro; but experience renders it tolerably certain that + brass (and presumably gun-metal) is not appreciably attacked in practical + conditions. Gerdes' failure to obtain an explosive compound in any + circumstances may very possibly be explained by the entire absence of any + oxygen from his cylinders and gases, so that any copper carbide produced + remained unoxidised. Grittner's gas was derived, at least partially, from + a public acetylene supply, and is quite likely to have been contaminated + with air in sufficient quantity to oxidise the original copper compound, + and to convert it into the explosive modification. + </p> + <p> + For the foregoing reasons the use of unalloyed copper in the construction + of acetylene generators or in the subsidiary items of the plant, as well + as in burner fittings, is forbidden by statute or some quasi-legal + enactment in most countries, and in others the metal has been abandoned + for one of its alloys, or for iron or steel, as the case may be. + Grittner's experiments mentioned above, however, probably explain why even + alloys of copper are forbidden in Hungary. (<i>Cf.</i> Chapter IV., page + 127.) + </p> + <p> + When acetylene is passed over finely divided copper or iron (obtained by + reduction of the oxide by hydrogen) heated to from 130° C. to 250° C., the + gas is more or less completely decomposed, and various products, among + which hydrogen predominates, result. Ethane and ethylene are undoubtedly + formed, and certain homologues of them and of acetylene, as well as + benzene and a high molecular hydrocarbon (C_7H_6)_n termed "cuprene," have + been found by different investigators. Nearly the same hydrocarbons, and + others constituting a mixture approximating in composition to some natural + petroleums, are produced when acetylene is passed over heated nickel (or + certain other metals) obtained by the reduction of the finely divided + oxide. These observations are at present of no technical importance, but + are interesting scientifically because they have led up to the + promulgation of a new theory of the origin of petroleum, which, however, + has not yet found universal acceptance. <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="linkvii" id="vii">CHAPTER VII</a> + </h2> + <h3> + MAINS AND SERVICE-PIPES--SUBSIDIARY APPARATUS + </h3> + <p> + The process by which acetylene is produced, and the methods employed for + purifying it and rendering it fit for consumption in dwelling-rooms, + having been dealt with in the preceding pages, the present chapter will be + devoted to a brief account of those items in the plant which lie between + the purifier outlet and the actual burner, including the meter, governor, + and pressure gauge; the proper sizes of pipe for acetylene; methods of + laying it, joint-making, quality of fittings, &c.; while finally a few + words will be said about the precautions necessary when bringing a new + system of pipes into use for the first time. + </p> + <p> + THE METER.--A meter is required either to control the working of a + complete acetylene installation or to measure the volume of gas passing + through one particular pipe, as when a number of consumers are supplied + through separate services under agreement from a central supply plant. The + control which may be afforded by the inclusion of a meter in the equipment + of a domestic acetylene generating plant is valuable, but in practice will + seldom be exercised. The meter records check the yield of gas from the + carbide consumed in a simple and trustworthy manner, and also serve to + indicate when the material in the purifier is likely to be approaching + exhaustion. The meter may also be used experimentally to check the + soundness of the service-pipes or the consumption of a particular burner + or group of burners. Altogether it may be regarded as a useful adjunct to + a domestic lighting plant, provided full advantage is taken of it. If, + however, there is no intention to pay systematic attention to the records + of the meter, it is best to omit it from such an installation, and so save + its initial cost and the slight loss of pressure which its use involves on + the gas passing through it. A domestic acetylene lighting plant can be + managed quite satisfactorily without a meter, and as a multiplication of + parts is undesirable in an apparatus which will usually be tended by + someone not versed in technical operations, it is on the whole better to + omit the meter in such an installation. Where the plant is supervised by a + technical man, a meter may advisedly be included in the equipment. Its + proper position in the train of apparatus is immediately after the + purifier. A meter must not be used for unpurified or imperfectly purified + acetylene, because the impurities attack the internal metallic parts and + ultimately destroy them. The supply of acetylene to various consumers from + a central generating station entails the fixing of a meter on each + consumer's service-pipe, so that the quantity consumed by each may be + charged for accordingly, just as in the case of public coal-gas supplies. + </p> + <p> + There are two types of gas-meter in common use, either of which may, + without essential alteration, be employed for measuring the volume of + acetylene passing through a pipe. It is unnecessary to refer here at + length to their internal mechanism, because their manufacture by other + than firms of professed meter-makers is out of the question, and the user + will be justified in accepting the mechanism as trustworthy and durable. + Meters can always be had stamped with the seal of a local authority or + other body having duly appointed inspectors under the Sales of Gas Act, + and the presence of such a stamp on a meter implies that it has been + officially examined and found to register quantities accurately, or not + varying beyond 2 per cent. in favour of the seller, or 3 per cent, in + favour of the consumer. [Footnote: It may be remarked that when a meter-- + wet or dry--begins to register incorrectly by reason of old age or want of + adjustment, its error is very often in the direction that benefits the + customer, <i>i.e.</i>, more gas passes through it than the dials record.] + Hence a "stamped" meter may be regarded for practical purposes as + affording a correct register of the quantities of gas passing through it. + </p> + <p> + Except that the use of unalloyed copper in any part of the meter where it + may come in contact with the gas must be wholly avoided, for the reason + that copper is inadmissible in acetylene apparatus (<i>see</i> Chapter + VI.), the meters ordinarily employed for coal-gas serve quite well for + acetylene. Obviously, however, since so very much less acetylene than + coal-gas is consumed per burner, comparatively small meters only will be + required even for large installations of acetylene lighting. This fact is + now recognised by meter-makers, and meters of all suitable sizes can be + obtained. It is desirable, if an ordinary coal-gas meter is being bought + for use with acetylene, to have it subjected to a somewhat more rigorous + test for soundness than is customary before "stamping" but the makers + would readily be able to carry out this additional test. + </p> + <p> + The two types of gas-meter are known as "wet" and "dry." The case of the + wet meter is about hall-filled with water or other liquid, the level of + which has to be maintained nearly constant. Several ingenious devices are + in use for securing this constancy of level over a more or less extended + period, but the necessity for occasional inspection and adjustment of the + water-level, coupled with the stoppage of the passage of gas in the event + of the water becoming frozen, are serious objections to the employment of + the wet meter in many situations. The trouble of freezing may be avoided + by substituting for the simple water an aqueous solution of glycerin, or + mixture of glycerin with water, suitable strengths for which may be + deduced from the table relating to the use of glycerin in holder seals + given at the close of Chapter III. The dry meter, on the other hand, is + very convenient, because it is not obstructed by the effects of frost, and + because it acts for years without requiring attention. It is not + susceptible of adjustment for measuring with so high a degree of accuracy + as a good wet meter, but its indications are sufficiently correct to fall + well within the legalised deviations already mentioned. Such errors, + perhaps, are somewhat large for so costly and powerful a gas as acetylene, + and they would be better reduced; but it is not so very often that a dry + meter reaches its limit of inaccuracy. Whether wet or dry, the meter + should be fixed in a place where the temperature is tolerably uniform, + otherwise the volumes registered at different times will not bear the same + ratio to the mass of gas (or volume at normal temperature), and the + registrations will be misleading unless troublesome corrections to + compensate for changes of temperature are applied. + </p> + <p> + THE GOVERNOR, which can be dispensed with in most ordinary domestic + acetylene lighting installations provided with a good gasholder of the + rising-bell type, is designed to deliver the acetylene to a service-pipe + at a uniform pressure, identical with that under which the burners develop + their maximum illuminating efficiency. It must therefore both cheek the + pressure anterior to it whenever that is above the determined limit to + which it is set, and deliver to the efferent service-pipe acetylene at a + constant pressure whether all or any number of the burners down to one + only are in use. Moreover, when the pressure anterior to the governor + falls to or below the determined limit, the governor should offer no + resistance--entailing a loss of pressure to the passage of the acetylene. + These conditions, which a perfect governor should fulfil, are not + absolutely met by any simple apparatus at present in use, but so far as + practical utility is concerned service governors which are readily + obtainable are sufficiently good. They are broadly of two types, viz., + those having a bell floating in a mercury seal, and those having a + diaphragm of gas-tight leather or similar material, either the bell or the + diaphragm being raised by the pressure of the gas. The action is + essentially the same in both cases: the bell or the diaphragm is so + weighted that when the pressure of the gas exceeds the predetermined limit + the diaphragm or bell is lifted, and, through an attached rod and valve, + brings about a partial closure of the orifice by which the gas flows into + the bell or the diaphragm chamber. The valve of the governor, therefore, + automatically throttles the gas-way more or less according to the + difference in pressure before and after the apparatus, until at any moment + the gas-way is just sufficient in area to pass the quantity of gas which + any indefinite number of burners require at their fixed working pressure; + passing it always at that fixed working pressure irrespective of the + number of burners, and maintaining it constant irrespective of the amount + of pressure anterior to the governor, or of any variations in that + anterior pressure. In most patterns of service governor weights may be + added when it is desired to increase the pressure of the effluent gas. It + is necessary, in ordering a governor for an acetylene-supply, to state the + maximum number of cubic feet per hour it will be required to pass, and + approximately the pressure at which it will be required to deliver the gas + to the service-pipe. This will usually be between 3 and 5 inches (instead + of about 1 inch in the case of coal-gas), and if the anterior pressure is + likely to exceed 10 inches, this fact should be stated also. The + mercury-seal governors are usually the more trustworthy and durable, but + they are more costly than those with leather diaphragms. The seal should + have twice or thrice the depth it usually has for coal-gas. The governor + should be placed where it is readily accessible to the man in charge of + the installation, but where it will not be interfered with by + irresponsible persons. In large installations, where a number of separate + buildings receive service-pipes from one long main, each service-pipe + should be provided with a governor. + </p> + <p> + GASHOLDER PRESSURE.--In drawing up the specification or scheme of an + acetylene installation, it is frequently necessary either to estimate the + pressure which a bell gasholder of given diameter and weight will throw, + or to determine what should be the weight of the bell of a gasholder of + given diameter when the gas is required to be delivered from it at a + particular pressure. The gasholder of an acetylene installation serves not + only to store the gas, but also to give the necessary pressure for driving + it through the posterior apparatus and distributing mains and + service-pipes. In coal-gas works this office is generally given over + wholly or in part to a special machine, known as the exhauster, but this + machine could not be advantageously employed for pumping acetylene unless + the installation were of very great magnitude. Since, therefore, acetylene + is in practice always forced through mains and service-pipes in virtue of + the pressure imparted to it by the gasholder and since, for reasons + already given, only the rising-bell type of gasholder can be regarded as + satisfactory, it becomes important to know the relations which subsist + between the dimensions and weight of a gasholder bell and the pressure + which it "throws" or imparts to the contained gas. + </p> + <p> + The bell must obviously be a vessel of considerable weight if it is to + withstand reasonable wear and tear, and this weight will give a certain + hydrostatic pressure to the contained gas. If the weight of the bell is + known, the pressure which it will give can be calculated according to the + general law of hydrostatics, that the weight of the water displaced must + be equal to the weight of the floating body. Supposing for the moment that + there are no other elements which will have to enter into the calculation, + then if <i>d</i> is the diameter in inches of the (cylindrical) bell, the + surface of the water displaced will have an area of <i>d^2</i> x 0.7854. + If the level of the water is depressed <i>p</i> inches, then the water + displaced amounts to <i>p</i>(<i>d^2</i> x 0.7854) cubic inches, and its + weight will be (at 62° F.): + </p> + <p> + (0.7854<i>pd^2</i> x 0.03604) = 0.028302<i>pd^2</i> lb. + </p> + <p> + Consequently a bell which is <i>d</i> inches in diameter, and gives a + pressure of <i>p</i> inches of water, will weigh 0.028302<i>pd^2</i> lb. + Or, if W = the weight of the bell in lb., the pressure thrown by it will + be W/0.028302<i>d^2</i> or 35.333W/<i>d^2</i>. This is the fundamental + formula, which is sometimes given as <i>p</i> = 550W/<i>d^2</i>, in which + W = the weight of the bell in tons, and <i>d</i> the diameter in feet. + This value of <i>p</i>, however, is actually higher than the holder would + give in practice. Reductions have to be made for two influences, viz., the + lifting power of the contained gas, which is lighter than air, and the + diminution in the effective weight of so much of the bell as is immersed + in water. The effect of these influences was studied by Pole, who in 1839 + drew up some rules for calculating the pressure thrown by a gasholder of + given dimensions and weight. These rules form the basis of the formula + which is commonly used in the coal-gas industry, and they may be applied, + <i>mutatis mutandis</i>, to acetylene holders. The corrections for both + the influences mentioned vary with the height at which the top of the + gasholder bell stands above the level of the water in the tank. Dealing + first with the correction for the lifting power of the gas, this, + according to Pole, is a deduction of <i>h</i>(1 - <i>d</i>)/828 where <i>d</i> + is the specific gravity of the gas and <i>h</i> the height (in inches) of + the top of the gasholder above the water level. This strictly applies only + to a flat-topped bell, and hence if the bell has a crown with a rise equal + to about 1/20 of the diameter of the bell, the value of <i>h</i> here must + be taken as equal to the height of the top of the sides above the + water-level (= <i>h'</i>), plus the height of a cylinder having the same + capacity as the crown, and the same diameter as the bell, that is to say, + <i>h</i>=<i>h'</i> + <i>d</i>/40 where <i>d</i> = the diameter of the + bell. The specific gravity of commercially made acetylene being constantly + very nearly 0.91, the deduction for the lifting power of the gas becomes, + for acetylene gasholders, 0.0001086<i>h</i> + 0.0000027<i>d</i>, where <i>h</i> + is the height in inches of the top of the sides of the bell above the + water- level, and <i>d</i> is the diameter of the bell. Obviously this is + a negligible quantity, and hence this correction may be disregarded for + all acetylene gasholders, whereas it is of some importance with coal-gas + and other gases of lower specific gravity. It is therefore wrong to apply + to acetylene gasholders formulć in which a correction for the lifting + power of the gas has been included when such correction is based on the + average specific gravity of coal-gas, as is the case with many abbreviated + gasholder pressure formulć. + </p> + <p> + The correction for the immersion of the sides of the bell is of greater + magnitude, and has an important practical significance. Let H be the total + height in inches of the side of the gasholder, <i>h</i> the height in + inches of the top of the sides of the gasholder above the water-level, and + <i>w</i> = the weight of the sides of the gasholder in lb.; then, for any + position of the bell, the proportion of the total height of the sides + immersed (H - <i>h</i>)/H, and the buoyancy is (H - <i>h</i>)/H x <i>w</i>/S + + pi/4<i>d^2</i>, in which S = the specific gravity of the material of + which the bell is made. Assuming the material to be mild steel or wrought + iron, having a specific gravity of 7.78, the buoyancy is (4<i>w</i>(H - <i>h</i>)) + / (7.78Hpi<i>d^2</i>) lb. per square inch (<i>d</i> being inches and <i>w</i> + lb.), which is equivalent to (4<i>w</i>(H - <i>h</i>)) / (0.03604 x + 7.78Hpi<i>d^2</i>) = (4.54<i>w</i>(H - <i>h</i>)) / (H<i>d^2</i>) inches + of water. Hence the complete formula for acetylene gasholders is: + </p> + <p> + <i>p</i> = 35.333W / <i>d^2</i> - 4.54<i>w</i>(H - <i>h</i>) / H<i>d^2</i> + </p> + <p> + It follows that <i>p</i> varies with the position of the bell, that is to + say, with the extent to which it is filled with gas. It will be well to + consider how great this variation is in the case of a typical acetylene + holder, as, if the variation should be considerable, provision must be + made, by the employment of a governor on the outlet main or otherwise, to + prevent its effects being felt at the burners. + </p> + <p> + Now, according to the rules of the "Acetylen-Verein" (<i>cf.</i> Chapter + IV.), the bells of holders above 53 cubic feet in capacity should have + sides 1.5 mm. thick, and crowns 0.5 mm. thicker. Hence for a holder from + 150 to 160 cubic feet capacity, supposing it to be 4 feet in diameter and + about 12 feet high, the weight of the sides (say of steel No. 16 S.W.G. = + 2.66 lb. per square foot) will be not less than 12 x 4pi x 2.66 = 401 lb. + The weight of the crown (say of steel No. 14 S.W.G. = 3.33 lb. per square + foot) will be not less than about 12.7 x 3.33 = about 42 lb. Hence the + total weight of holder = 401 + 42 = 443 lb. Then if the holder is full, <i>h</i> + is very nearly equal to H, and <i>p</i> = (35.333 x 443) / 48^2 = 6.79 + inches. If the holder stands only 1 foot above the water-level, then <i>p</i> + = 6.79 - (4.54 x 401 (144 - 12)) / (144 x 48^2) = 6.79 - 0.72 = 6.07 + inches. The same result can be arrived at without the direct use of the + second member of the formula: + </p> + <p> + For instance, the weight of the sides immersed is 11 x 4pi x 2.66 = 368 + lb., and taking the specific gravity of mild steel at 7.78, the weight of + water displaced is 368 / 7.78 = 47.3 lb. Hence the total effective weight + of the bell is 443 - 47.3 = 395.7 lb., and <i>p</i> = (35.333 x 395.7) / + 48^2 = 6.07 inches. [Footnote: If the sealing liquid in the gasholder tank + is other than simple water, the correction for the immersion of the sides + of the bell requires modification, because the weight of liquid displaced + will be <i>s'</i> times as great as when the liquid is water, if <i>s'</i> + is the specific gravity of the sealing liquid. For instance, in the + example given, if the sealing liquid were a 16 per cent. solution of + calcium chloride, specific gravity 1.14 (<i>vide</i> p. 93) instead of + water, the weight of liquid displaced would be 1.14 (368 / 7.78) = 53.9 + lb., and the total effective weight of the bell = 443 - 53.9 = 389.1 lb. + Therefore <i>p</i> becomes = (35.333 x 389.1) / 48^2 = 5.97 inches, + instead of 6.07 inches.] + </p> + <p> + The value of <i>p</i> for any position of the bell can thus be arrived at, + and if the difference between its values for the highest and for the + lowest positions of the bell exceeds 0.25 inch, [Footnote: This figure is + given as an example merely. The maximum variation in pressure must be less + than one capable of sensibly affecting the silence, steadiness, and + economy of the burners and stoves, &c., connected with the + installation.] a governor should be inserted in the main leading from the + holder to the burners, or one of the more or less complicated devices for + equalising the pressure thrown by a holder as it rises and falls should be + added to the holder. Several such devices were at one time used in + connexion with coal-gas holders, and it is unnecessary to describe them in + this work, especially as the governor is practically the better means of + securing uniform pressure at the burners. + </p> + <p> + It is frequently necessary to add weight to the bell of a small gasholder + in order to obtain a sufficiently high pressure for the distribution of + acetylene. It is best, having regard to the steadiness of the bell, that + any necessary weighting of it should be done near its bottom rim, which + moreover is usually stiffened by riveting to it a flange or curb of + heavier gauge metal. This flange may obviously be made sufficiently stout + to give the requisite additional weighting. As the flange is constantly + immersed, its weight must not be added to that of the sides in computing + the value of <i>w</i> for making the correction of pressure in respect of + the immersion of the bell. Its effective weight in giving pressure to the + contained gas is its actual weight less its actual weight divided by its + specific gravity (say 7.2 for cast iron, 7.78 for wrought iron or mild + steel, or 11.4 for lead). Thus if <i>x</i> lb. of steel is added to the + rim its weight in computing the value of W in the formula <i>p</i> = + 35.333W / <i>d</i>^2 should be taken as x - x / 7.78. If the actual weight + is 7.78 lb., the weight taken for computing W is 7.78 - 1 = 6.78 lb. + </p> + <p> + THE PRESSURE GAUGE.--The measurement of gas pressure is effected by means + of a simple instrument known as a pressure gauge. It comprises a glass U- + tube filled to about half its height with water. The vacant upper half of + one limb is put in communication with the gas-supply of which the pressure + is to be determined, while the other limb remains open to the atmosphere. + The difference then observed, when the U-tube is held vertical, between + the levels of the water in the two limbs of the tube indicates the + difference between the pressure of the gas-supply and the atmospheric + pressure. It is this <i>difference</i> that is meant when the <i>pressure</i> + of a gas in a pipe or piece of apparatus is spoken of, and it must of + necessity in the case of a gas-supply have a positive value. That is to + say, the "pressure" of gas in a service-pipe expresses really by how much + the pressure in the pipe <i>exceeds</i> the atmospheric pressure. + (Pressures less than the atmospheric pressure will not occur in connexion + with an acetylene installation, unless the gasholder is intentionally + manipulated to that end.) Gas pressures are expressed in terms of inches + head or pressure of water, fractions of an inch being given in decimals or + "tenths" of an inch. The expression "tenths" is often used alone, thus a + pressure of "six-tenths" means a pressure equivalent to 0.6 inch head of + water. + </p> + <p> + The pressure gauge is for convenience provided with an attached scale on + which the pressures may be directly read, and with a connexion by which + the one limb is attached to the service-pipe or cock where the pressure is + to be observed. A portable gauge of this description is very useful, as it + can be attached by means of a short piece of flexible tubing to any tap or + burner. Several authorities, including the British Acetylene Association, + have recommended that pressure gauges should not be directly attached to + generators, because of the danger that the glass might be fractured by a + blow or by a sudden access of heat. Such breakage would be followed by an + escape of gas, and might lead to an accident. Fixed pressure gauges, + however, connected with every item of a plant are extremely useful, and + should be employed in all large installations, as they afford great aid in + observing and controlling the working, and in locating the exact position + of any block. All danger attending their use can be obviated by having a + stopcock between the gauge inlet and the portion of the plant to which it + is attached; the said stopcock being kept closed except when it is + momentarily opened to allow of a reading being taken. As an additional + precaution against its being left open, the stopcock may be provided with + a weight or spring which automatically closes the gas-way directly the + observer's hand is removed from the tap. In the best practice all the + gauges will be collected together on a board fastened in some convenient + spot on the wall of the generator-house, each gauge being connected with + its respective item of the plant by means of a permanent metallic tube. + The gauges must be filled with pure water, or with a liquid which does not + differ appreciably in specific gravity from pure water, or the readings + will be incorrect. Greater legibility will be obtained by staining the + water with a few drops of caramel solution, or of indigo sulphate (indigo + carmine); or, in the absence of these dyes, with a drop or two of common + blue-black writing ink. If they are not erected in perfectly frost-free + situations, the gauges may be filled with a mixture of glycerin and pure + alcohol (not methylated spirit), with or without a certain proportion of + water, which will not freeze at any winter temperature. The necessary + mixture, which must have a density of exactly 1.00, could be procured from + any pharmacist. + </p> + <p> + It is the pressure as indicated by the pressure gauge which is referred to + in this book in all cases where the term "pressure of the gas" or the like + is used. The quantity of acetylene which will flow in a given time from + the open end of a pipe is a function of this pressure, while the quantity + of acetylene escaping through a tiny hole or crack or a burner orifice + also depends on this total pressure, though the ratio in this instance is + not a simple one, owing to the varying influence of friction between the + issuing gas and the sides of the orifice. Where, however, acetylene or + other gas is flowing through pipes or apparatus there is a loss of energy, + indicated by a falling off in the pressure due to friction, or to the + performance of work, such as actuating a gas-meter. The extent of this + loss of energy in a given length of pipe or in a meter is measured by the + difference between the pressures of the gas at the two ends of the pipe or + at the inlet and outlet of the meter. This difference is the "loss" or + "fall" of pressure, due to friction or work performed, and is spoken of as + the "actuating" pressure in regard to the passage of gas through the + stretch of pipe or meter. It is a measure of the energy absorbed in + actuating the meter or in overcoming the friction. (Cf. footnote, Chapter + II., page 54.) + </p> + <p> + DIMENSIONS OF MAINS.--The diameter of the mains and service-pipes for an + acetylene installation must be such that the main or pipe will convey the + maximum quantity of the gas likely to be required to feed all the burners + properly which are connected to it, without an excessive actuating + pressure being called for to drive the gas through the main or pipe. The + flow of all gases through pipes is of course governed by the same general + principles; and it is only necessary in applying these principles to a + particular gas, such as acetylene, to know certain physical properties of + the gas and to make due allowance for their influence. The general + principles which govern the flow of a gas through pipes have been + exhaustively studied on account of their importance in relation to the + distribution of coal-gas and the supply of air for the ventilation of + places where natural circulation is absent or deficient. It will be + convenient to give a very brief reference to the way in which these + principles have been ascertained and applied, and then to proceed to the + particular case of the distribution of acetylene through mains and + service-pipes. + </p> + <p> + The subject of "The Motion of Fluids in Pipes" was treated in a lucid and + comprehensive manner in an Essay by W. Pole in the <i>Journal of Gas + Lighting</i> during 1852, and his conclusions have been generally adopted + by gas engineers ever since. He recapitulated the more important points of + this essay in the course of some lectures delivered in 1872, and one or + other of these two sources should be consulted for further information. + Briefly, W. Pole treated the question in the following manner: + </p> + <p> + The practical question in gas distribution is, what quantity of gas will a + given actuating pressure cause to flow along a pipe of given length and + given diameter? The solution of this question allows of the diameters of + pipes being arranged so that they will carry a required quantity of gas a + given distance under the actuating pressure that is most convenient or + appropriate. There are five quantities to be dealt with, viz.: + </p> + <p> + (1) The length of pipe = <i>l</i> feet. + </p> + <p> + (2) The internal diameter of the pipe = <i>d</i> inches. + </p> + <p> + (3) The actuating pressure = <i>h</i> inches of head of water. (4) The + specific gravity or density of the gas = <i>d</i> times that of air. + </p> + <p> + (5) The quantity of gas passing through the pipe--Q cubic feet per hour. + This quantity is the product of the mean velocity of the gas in the pipe + and the area of the pipe. + </p> + <p> + The only work done in maintaining the flow of gas along a pipe is that + required to overcome the friction of the gas on the walls of the pipe, or, + rather, the consequential friction of the gas on itself, and the laws + which regulate such friction have not been very exhaustively investigated. + Pole pointed out, however, that the existing knowledge on the point at the + time he wrote would serve for the purpose of determining the proper sizes + of gas-mains. He stated that the friction (1) is proportional to the area + of rubbing surface (viz., pi<i>ld</i>); (2) varies with the velocity, in + some ratio greater than the first power, but usually taken as the square; + and (3) is assumed to be proportional to the specific gravity of the fluid + (viz., <i>s</i>). + </p> + <p> + Thus the force (<i>f</i>) necessary to maintain the motion of the gas in + the pipe is seen to vary (1) as pi<i>ld</i>, of which pi is a constant; + (2) as <i>v^2</i>, where <i>v</i> = the velocity in feet per hour; and (3) + as <i>s</i>. Hence, combining these and deleting the constant pi, it + appears that + </p> + <p> + <i>f</i> varies as <i>ldsv^2</i>. + </p> + <p> + Now the actuating force is equal to <i>f</i>, and is represented by the + difference of pressure at the two ends of the pipe, <i>i.e.</i>, the + initial pressure, viz., that at the place whence gas is distributed or + issues from a larger pipe will be greater by the quantity <i>f</i> than + the terminal pressure, viz., that at the far end of the pipe where it + branches or narrows to a pipe or pipes of smaller size, or terminates in a + burner. The terminal pressure in the case of service-pipes must be + settled, as mentioned in Chapter II., broadly according to the pressure at + which the burners in use work best, and this is very different in the case + of flat-flame burners for coal-gas and burners for acetylene. The most + suitable pressure for acetylene burners will be referred to later, but may + be taken as equal to p_0 inches head of water. Then, calling the initial + pressure (<i>i.e.</i>, at the inlet head of service-pipe) p_1, it follows + that p_1 - p_0 = <i>f</i>. Now the cross-section of the pipe has an area + (pi/4)<i>d^2</i>, and if <i>h</i> represents the difference of pressure + between the two ends of the pipe per square inch of its area, it follows + that <i>f</i> = <i>h(pi/4)d^2</i>. But since <i>f</i> has been found above + to vary as <i>ldsv^2</i> , it is evident that + </p> + <p> + <i>h(pi/4)d^2</i> varies as <i>ldsv^2</i>. + </p> + <p> + Hence + </p> + <p> + <i>v^2</i> varies as <i>hd/ls</i>, and putting in some constant M, the + value of which must be determined by experiment, this becomes + </p> + <p> + <i>v^2</i> = M<i>hd/ls</i>. + </p> + <p> + The value of M deduced from experiments on the friction of coal-gas in + pipes was inserted in this equation, and then taking Q = pi/4<i>d^2v</i>, + it was found that for coal-gas Q = 780(<i>hd/sl</i>)^(1/2) + </p> + <p> + This formula, in its usual form, is + </p> + <p> + Q = 1350<i>d^2</i>(<i>hd/sl</i>)^(1/2) + </p> + <p> + in which <i>l</i> = the length of main in yards instead of in feet. This + is known as Pole's formula, and has been generally used for determining + the sizes of mains for the supply of coal-gas. + </p> + <p> + For the following reasons, among others, it becomes prudent to revise + Pole's formula before employing it for calculations relating to acetylene. + First, the friction of the two gases due to the sides of a pipe is very + different, the coefficient for coal-gas being 0.003, whereas that of + acetylene, according to Ortloff, is 0.0001319. Secondly, the mains and + service-pipes required for acetylene are smaller, <i>cateria paribus</i>, + than those needed for coal-gas. Thirdly, the observed specific gravity of + acetylene is 0.91, that of air being unity, whereas the density of + coal-gas is about 0.40; and therefore, in the absence of direct + information, it would be better to base calculations respecting acetylene + on data relating to the flow of air in pipes rather than upon such as are + applicable to coal-gas. Bernat has endeavoured to take these and similar + considerations into account, and has given the following formula for + determining the sizes of pipes required for the distribution of acetylene: + </p> + <p> + Q = 0.001253<i>d^2</i>(<i>hd/sl</i>)^(1/2) + </p> + <p> + in which the symbols refer to the same quantities as before, but the + constant is calculated on the basis of Q being stated in cubic metres, l + in metres, and d and h in millimetres. It will be seen that the equation + has precisely the same shape as Pole's formula for coal-gas, but that the + constant is different. The difference is not only due to one formula + referring to quantities stated on the metric and the other to the same + quantities stated on the English system of measures, but depends partly on + allowance having been made for the different physical properties of the + two gases. Thus Bernat's formula, when merely transposed from the metric + system of measures to the English (<i>i.e.</i>, Q being cubic feet per + hour, <i>l</i> feet, and <i>d</i> and <i>h</i> inches) becomes + </p> + <p> + Q = 1313.5<i>d^2</i>(<i>hd/sl</i>)^(1/2) + </p> + <p> + or, more simply, + </p> + <p> + Q = 1313.4(<i>hd^5/sl</i>)^(1/2) + </p> + <p> + But since the density of commercially-made acetylene is practically the + same in all cases, and not variable as is the density of coal-gas, its + value, viz., 0.91, may be brought into the constant, and the formula then + becomes + </p> + <p> + Q = 1376.9(<i>hd^5/l</i>)^(1/2) + </p> + <p> + Bernat's formula was for some time generally accepted as the most + trustworthy for pipes supplying acetylene, and the last equation gives it + in its simplest form, though a convenient transposition is + </p> + <p> + d = 0.05552(Q^2<i>l/h</i>)^(1/5) + </p> + <p> + Bernat's formula, however, has now been generally superseded by one given + by Morel, which has been found to be more in accordance with the actual + results observed in the practical distribution of acetylene. Morel's + formula is + </p> + <p> + D = 1.155(Q^2<i>l/h</i>)^(1/5) + </p> + <p> + in which D = the diameter of the pipe in centimetres, Q = the number of + cubic metres of gas passing per hour, <i>l</i> = the length of pipe in + metres, and <i>h</i> = the loss of pressure between the two ends of the + pipe in millimetres. On converting tins formula into terms of the English + system of measures (<i>i.e.</i>, <i>l</i> feet, Q cubic feet, and <i>h</i> + and <i>d</i> inches) it becomes + </p> + <p> + (i) d = 0.045122(Q^2<i>l/h</i>)^(1/5) + </p> + <p> + At first sight this formula does not appear to differ greatly from + Bernat's, the only change being that the constant is 0.045122 instead of + 0.05552, but the effect of this change is very great--for instance, other + factors remaining unaltered, the value of Q by Morel's formula will be + 1.68 times as much as by Bernat's formula. Transformations of Morel's + formula which may sometimes be more convenient to apply than (i) are: + </p> + <p> + (ii) Q = 2312.2(<i>hd^5/l</i>)^(1/2) + </p> + <p> + (iii) <i>h</i> = 0.000000187011(Q^2<i>l/d^5</i>) + </p> + <p> + and (iv) <i>l</i> = 5,346,340(<i>hd^5</i>/Q^2) + </p> + <p> + In order to avoid as far as possible expenditure of time and labour in + repeating calculations, tables have been drawn up by the authors from + Morel's formulć which will serve to give the requisite information as to + the proper sizes of pipes to be used in those cases which are likely to be + met with in ordinary practice. These tables are given at the end of this + chapter. + </p> + <p> + When dealing with coal-gas, it is highly important to bear in mind that + the ordinary distributing formulć apply directly only when the pipe or + main is horizontal, and that a rise in the pipe will be attended by an + increase of pressure at the upper end. But as the increase is greater the + lower the density of the gas, the disturbing influence of a moderate rise + in a pipe is comparatively small in the case of a gas of so high a density + as acetylene. Hence in most instances it will be unnecessary to make any + allowance for increase of pressure due to change of level. Where the + change is very great, however, allowance may advisedly be made on the + following basis: The pressure of acetylene in pipes increases by about + one-tenth of an inch (head of water) for every 75 feet rise in the pipe. + Hence where acetylene is supplied from a gasholder on the ground-level to + all floors of a house 75 feet high, a burner at the top of the house will + ordinarily receive its supply at a pressure greater by one-tenth of an + inch than a burner in the basement. Such a difference, with the relatively + high pressures used in acetylene supplies, is of no practical moment. In + the case of an acetylene-supply from a central station to different parts + of a mountainous district, the variations of pressure with level should be + remembered. + </p> + <p> + The distributing formulć also assume that the pipe is virtually straight; + bends and angles introduce disturbing influences. If the bend is sharp, or + if there is a right-angle, an allowance should be made if it is desired to + put in pipes of the smallest permissible dimensions. In the case of the + most usual sizes of pipes employed for acetylene mains or services, it + will suffice to reckon that each round or square elbow is equivalent in + the resistance it offers to the flow of gas to a length of 5 feet of pipe + of the same diameter. Hence if 5 feet is added to the actual length of + pipe to be laid for every bond or elbow which will occur in it, and the + figure so obtained is taken as the value of <i>l</i> in formulć (i), (ii), + or (iii), the values then found for Q, <i>d</i>, or <i>h</i> will be + trustworthy for all practical purposes. + </p> + <p> + It may now be useful to give an example of the manner of using the + foregoing formulć when the tables of sizes of pipes are not available. Let + it be supposed that an institution is being equipped for acetylene + lighting; that 50 burners consuming 0.70 cubic foot, and 50 consuming 1.00 + cubic foot of acetylene per hour may be required in use simultaneously; + that a pressure of at least 2-1/2 inches is required at all the burners; + that for sufficient reasons it is considered undesirable to use a higher + distributing pressure than 4 inches at the gasholder, outlet of the + purifiers, or initial governor (whichever comes last in the train of + apparatus); that the gasholder is located 100 feet from the main building + of the institution, and that the trunk supply-pipe through the latter must + be 250 feet in length, and the supplies to the burners, either singly or + in groups, be taken from this trunk pipe through short lengths of tubing + of ample size. What should be the diameter of the trunk pipe, in which it + will be assumed that ten bonds or elbows are necessary? + </p> + <p> + In the first instance, it is convenient to suppose that the trunk pipe may + be of uniform diameter throughout. Then the value of <i>l</i> will be 100 + (from gasholder to main building) + 250 (within the building) + 50 + (equivalent of 10 elbows) = 400. The maximum value of Q will be (50 x 0.7) + + (50 x 1.0) = 85; and the value of <i>h</i> will be 1 - 2.5 - 1.5. Then + using formula (i), we have: + </p> + <p> + d = 0.045122((85^2 x 400)/1.5)^(1/5) = 0.045122(1,926,667)^(1/5) + </p> + <p> + = 0.045122 x 18.0713 = 0.8154. + </p> + <p> + The formula, therefore, shows that the pipe should have an internal + diameter of not less than 0.8154 inch, and consequently 1 inch (the next + size above 0.8154 inch) barrel should be used. If the initial pressure + (i.e., at outlet of purifiers) could be conveniently increased from 4 to + 4.8 inches, 3/4 inch barrel could be employed for the service-pipe. But if + connexions for burners were made immediately the pipe entered the + building, these burners would then be supplied at a pressure of 4.2 + inches, while those on the extremity of the pipe would, when all burners + were in use, be supplied at a pressure of only 2.5 inches. Such a great + difference of pressure is not permissible at the several burners, as no + type of burner retains its proper efficiency over more than a very limited + range of pressure. It is highly desirable in the case of the ordinary + Naphey type of burner that all the burners in a house should be supplied + at pressures which do not differ by more than half an inch; hence the + pipes should, wherever practicable, be of such a size that they will pass + the maximum quantity of gas required for all the burners which will ever + be in use simultaneously, when the pressure at the first burner connected + to the pipe after it enters the house is not more than half an inch above + the pressure at the burner furthermost removed from the first one, all the + burner-taps being turned on at the time the pressures are observed. If the + acetylene generating plant is not many yards from the building to be + supplied, it is a safe rule to calculate the size of pipes required on the + basis of a fall of pressure of only half an inch from the outlet of the + purifiers or initial governor to the farthermost burner. The extra cost of + the larger size of pipe which the application of this rule may entail will + be very slight in all ordinary house installations. + </p> + <p> + VELOCITY OF FLOW IN PIPES.--For various purposes, it is often desirable to + know the mean speed at which acetylene, or any other gas, is passing + through a pipe. If the diameter of the pipe is <i>d</i> inches, its + cross-sectional area is <i>d^2</i> x 0.7854 square inches; and since there + are 1728 cubic inches in 1 cubic foot, that quantity of gas will occupy in + a pipe whose diameter is <i>d</i> inches a length of + </p> + <p> + 1728/(<i>d^2</i> x 0.7854) linear inches or 183/<i>d^2</i>^ linear feet. + </p> + <p> + If the gas is in motion, and the pipe is delivering Q cubic feet per hour, + since there are 3600 seconds of time in one hour, the mean speed of the + gas becomes + </p> + <p> + 183/<i>d^2</i> x Q/3600 = Q/(19 x 7<i>d^2</i>) linear feet per second. + </p> + <p> + This value is interesting in several ways. For instance, taking a rough + average of Le Chatelier's results, the highest speed at which the + explosive wave proceeds in a mixture of acetylene and air is 7 metres or + 22 feet per second. Now, even if a pipe is filled with an acetylene-air + mixture of utmost explosibility, an explosion cannot travel backwards from + B to A in that pipe, if the gas is moving from A to B at a speed of over + 22 feet per second. Hence it may be said that no explosion can occur in a + pipe provided + </p> + <p> + Q/(19.7<i>d^2</i>) = 22 or more; + </p> + <p> + <i>i.e.</i>, Q/<i>d^2</i>=433.4 + </p> + <p> + In plain language, if the number of cubic feet passing through the pipe + per hour divided by the square of the diameter of the pipe is at least + 433.4, no explosion can take place within that pipe, even if the gas is + highly explosive and a light is applied to its exit. + </p> + <p> + In Chapter VI. are given the explosive limits of acetylene-air mixtures as + influenced by the diameter of the tube containing them. If we possessed a + similar table showing the speed of the explosive wave in mixtures of known + composition, the foregoing formulć would enable us to calculate the + minimum speed which would insure absence of explosibility in a supply-pipe + of any given diameter throughout its length, or at its narrowest part. It + would not, however, be possible simply by increasing the forward speed of + an explosive mixture of acetylene and air to a point exceeding that of its + explosion velocity to prevent all danger of firing back in an atmospheric + burner tube. A much higher pressure than is usually employed in + gas-burners, other than blowpipes, would be needed to confer a sufficient + degree of velocity upon the gas, a pressure which would probably fracture + any incandescent mantle placed in the flame. + </p> + <p> + SERVICE-PIPES AND MAINS.--The pipes used for the distribution of acetylene + must be sound in themselves, and their joints perfectly tight. Higher + pressures generally prevail in acetylene service-pipes within a house than + in coal-gas service-pipes, while slight leaks are more offensive and + entail a greater waste of resources. Therefore it is uneconomical, as well + as otherwise objectionable, to employ service-pipes or fittings for + acetylene which are in the least degree unsound. Unfortunately ordinary + gas-barrel is none too sound, nor well-threaded, and the taps and joints + of ordinary gas-fittings are commonly leaky. Hence something better should + invariably be used for acetylene. What is known as "water" barrel, which + is one gauge heavier than gas-barrel of the same size, may be adopted for + the service-pipes, but it is better to incur a slight extra initial + expense and to use "steam" barrel, which is of still heavier gauge and is + sounder than either gas or water-pipe. All elbows, tees, &c., should + be of the same quality. The fitters' work in making the joints should be + done with the utmost care, and the sloppy work often passed in the case of + coal-gas services must on no account be allowed. It is no exaggeration to + say that the success of an acetylene installation, from the consumer's + point of view, will largely, if not principally, depend on the tightness + of the pipes in his house. The statement has been made that the "paint" + used by gas-fitters, <i>i.e.</i>, the mixture of red and white lead ground + in "linseed" oil, is not suitable for employment with acetylene, and it + has been proposed to adopt a similar material in which the vehicle is + castor-oil. No good reason has been given for the preference for + castor-oil, and the troubles which have arisen after using ordinary paint + may be explained partly on the very probable assumption that the oil was + not genuine linseed, and so did not dry, and partly on the fact that + almost entire reliance was placed on the paint for keeping the joint + sound. Joints for acetylene, like those for steam and high-pressure water, + must be made tight by using well-threaded fittings, so as to secure + metallic contact between pipe and socket, &c.; the paint or spun-yarn + is only an additional safeguard. In making a faced joint, washers of (say, + 7 lb) lead, or coils of lead-wire arc extremely convenient and quite + trustworthy; the packing can be used repeatedly. + </p> + <p> + LEAKAGE.--Broadly speaking, it may be said that the commercial success of + any village acetylene-supply--if not that of all large installations-- + depends upon the leakage being kept within moderate limits. It follows + from what was stated in Chapter VI. about the diffusion of acetylene, that + from pipes of equal porosity acetylene and coal-gas will escape at equal + rates when the effective pressure in the pipe containing acetylene is + double that in the pipe containing coal-gas. The loss of coal-gas by + leakage is seldom less than 5 per cent. of the volume passed into the main + at the works; and provided a village main delivering acetylene is not + unduly long in proportion to the consumption of gas--or, in other words, + provided the district through which an acetylene distributing main passes + is not too sparsely populated--the loss of acetylene should not exceed the + same figure. Caro holds that the loss of gas by leakage from a village + installation should be quoted in absolute figures and not as a percentage + of the total make as indicated by the works meter, because that total make + varies so largely at different periods of the year, while the factors + which determine the magnitude of the leakage are always identical; and + therefore whereas the actual loss of gas remains the same, it is + represented to be more serious in the summer than in the winter. Such + argument is perfectly sound, but the method of returning leakage as a + percentage of the make has been employed in the coal-gas industry for many + years, and as it does not appear to have led to any misunderstanding or + inconvenience, there is no particular reason for departing from the usual + practice in the case of acetylene where the conditions as to uniform + leakage and irregular make are strictly analogous. + </p> + <p> + Caro has stated that a loss of 15 to 20 litres per kilometre per hour (<i>i.e.</i>, + of 0.85 to 1.14 cubic feet per mile per hour) from an acetylene + distributing main is good practice; but it should be noted that much lower + figures have been obtained when conditions are favourable and when due + attention has been devoted to the fitters' work. In one of the German + village acetylene installations where the matter has been carefully + investigated (Döse, near Cuxhaven), leakage originally occurred at the + rate of 7.3 litres per kilometre per hour in a main 8.5 kilometres, or 5.3 + miles, long and 4 to 2 inches in diameter; but it was reduced to 5.2 + litres, and then to 3.12 litres by tightening the plugs of the street + lantern and other gas cocks. In British units, these figures are 0.415, + 0.295, and 0.177 cubic foot per mile per hour. By calculation, the volume + of acetylene generated in this village would appear to have been about + 23,000 cubic feet per mile of main per year, and therefore it may be said + that the proportion of gas lost was reduced by attending to the cocks from + 15.7 per cent, to 11.3 per cent, and then to 6.8 per cent. At another + village where the main was 2.5 kilometres long, tests extending over two + months, when the public lamps were not in use, showed the leakage to be + 4.4 litres per kilometre per hour, <i>i.e.</i>, 1.25 cubic foot per mile + per hour, when the annual make was roughly 46,000 cubic feet per mile of + main. Here, the loss, calculated from the direct readings of the works + motor, was 4.65 per cent. + </p> + <p> + When all the fittings, burners excepted, have been connected, the whole + system of pipes must be tested by putting it under a gas (or air) pressure + of 9 or 12 inches of water, and observing on an attached pressure gauge + whether any fall in pressure occurs within fifteen minutes after the main + inlet tap has been shut. The pressure required for this purpose can be + obtained by temporarily weighting the holder, or by the employment of a + pump. If the gauge shows a fall of pressure of one quarter of an inch or + more in these circumstances, the pipes must be examined until the leak is + located. In the presence of a meter, the installation can conveniently be + tested for soundness by throwing into it, through the meter, a pressure of + 12 inches or so of water from the weighted holder, then leaving the inlet + cock open, and observing whether the index hand on the lowest dial remains + perfectly stationary for a quarter of an hour--movement of the linger + again indicating a leak. The search for leaks must never be made with a + light; if the pipes are full of air this is useless, if full of gas, + criminal in its stupidity. While the whole installation is still under a + pressure of 12 inches thrown from the loaded holder, whether it contains + air or gas, first all the likely spots (joints, &c.), then the entire + length of pipe is carefully brushed over with strong soapy water, which + will produce a conspicuous "soap- bubble" wherever the smallest flaw + occurs. The tightness of a system of pipes put under pressure from a + loaded holder cannot be ascertained safely by observing the height of the + bell, and noting if it falls on standing. Even if there is no issue of gas + from the holder, the position of the bell will alter with every variation + in temperature of the stored gas or surrounding air, and with every + movement of the barometer, rising as the temperature rises and as the + barometer falls, and <i>vice versâ</i>, while, unless the water in the + seal is saturated with whatever gas the holder contains, the bell will + steadily drop a little an part of its contents are lost by dissolution in + the liquid. + </p> + <p> + PIPES AND FITTINGS.--As a general rule it is unadvisable to use lead or + composition pipe for permanent acetylene connexions. If exposed, it is + liable to be damaged, and perhaps penetrated by a blow, and if set in the + wall and covered with paper or panel it is liable to be pierced if nails + or tacks should at any time be driven into the wall. There is also an + increased risk in case of fire, owing to its ready fusibility. If used at + all--and it has obvious advantages--lead or composition piping should be + laid on the surface of the walls, &c., and protected from blows, &c., + by a light wooden casing, outwardly resembling the wooden coverings for + electric lighting wires. It has been a common practice, in laying the + underground mains required for supplying the villages which are lighted by + means of acetylene from a central works in different parts of France, to + employ lead pipes. The plan is economical, but in view of the danger that + the main might be flattened by the weight of heavy traction-engines + passing over the roads, or that it might settle into local dips from the + same cause or from the action of subterranean water, in which dips water + would be constantly condensing in cold weather, the use of lead for this + purpose cannot be recommended. Steam-barrel would be preferable to cast + pipe, because permanently sound joints are easier to make in the former, + and because it is not so brittle. + </p> + <p> + The fittings used for acetylene must have perfectly sound joints and taps, + for the same reasons that the service-pipes must be quite sound. Common + gas-fittings will not do, the joints, taps, ball-sockets, &c., are not + accurately enough ground to prevent leakage. They may in many cases be + improved by regrinding, but often the plug and barrel are so shallow that + it is almost impossible to ensure soundness. It is therefore better to + procure fittings having good taps and joints in the first instance; the + barrels should be long, fairly wide, and there should be no sensible + "play" between plug and barrel when adjusted so that the plug turns easily + when lightly lubricated. Fittings are now being specially made for + acetylene, which is a step in the right direction, because, in addition to + superior taps and joints being essential, smaller bore piping and smaller + through-ways to the taps than are required for coal-gas serve for + acetylene. It is perhaps advisable to add that wherever a rigid bracket or + fitting will answer as well as a jointed one, the latter should on no + account be used; also water-slide pendants should never be employed, as + they are fruitful of accidents, and their apparent advantages are for the + most part illusory. Ball-sockets also should be avoided if possible; if it + is absolutely necessary to have a fitting with a ball-socket, the latter + should have a sleeve made of a short length of sound rubber-tubing of a + size to give a close fit, slipped over so as to join the ball portion to + the socket portion. This sleeve should be inspected once a quarter at + least, and renewed immediately it shows signs of cracking. Generally + speaking all the fittings used should be characterised by structural + simplicity; any ornamental or decorative effects desired may be secured by + proper design without sacrifice of the simplicity which should always mark + the essential and operative parts of the fitting. Flexible connexions + between the fixed service-pipe and a semi-portable or temporary burner may + at times be required. If the connexion is for permanent use, it must not + be of rubber, but of the metallic flexible tubing which is now commonly + employed for such connexions in the case of coal-gas. There should be a + tap between the service-pipe and the flexible connexion, and this tap + should be turned off whenever the burner is out of use, so that the + connexion is not at other times under the pressure which is maintained in + the service-pipes. Unless the connexion is very short--say 2 feet or + less--there should also be a tap at the burner. These flexible connexions, + though serviceable in the case of table-lamps, &c., of which the + position may have to be altered, are undesirable, as they increase the + risk attendant on gas (whether acetylene or other illuminating gas) + lighting, and should, if possible, be avoided. Flexible connexions may + also be required for temporary use, such as for conveying acetylene to an + optical lantern, and if only occasionally called for, the cost of the + metallic flexible tubing will usually preclude its use. It will generally + be found, however, that the whole connexion in such a case can be of + composition or lead gas-piping, connected up at its two ends by a few + inches of flexible rubber tubing. It should be carried along the walls or + over the heads of people who may use the room, rather than across the + floor, or at a low level, and the acetylene should be turned on to it only + when actually required for use, and turned off at the fixed service-pipe + as soon as no longer required. Quite narrow composition tubing, say + 1/4-inch, will carry all the acetylene required for two or three burners. + The cost of a composition temporary connexion will usually be less than + one of even common rubber tubing, and it will be safer. The composition + tubing must not, of course, be sharply bent, but carried by easy curves to + the desired point, and it should be carefully rolled in a roll of not less + than 18 inches diameter when removed. If these precautions are observed it + may be used very many times. + </p> + <p> + Acetylene service-pipes should, wherever possible, be laid with a fall, + which may be very slight, towards a small closed vessel adjoining the + gasholder or purifier, in order that any water deposited from the gas + owing to condensation of aqueous vapour may run out of the pipe into that + apparatus. Where it is impossible to secure an uninterrupted fall in that + direction, there should be inserted in the service-pipe, at the lowest + point of each dip it makes, a short length of pipe turned downwards and + terminating in a plug or sound tap. Water condensing in this section of + the service-pipe will then run down and collect in this drainage-pipe, + from which it can be withdrawn at intervals by opening the plug or tap for + a moment. The condensed water is thus removed from the service-pipe, and + does not obstruct its through-way. Similar drainage devices may be used at + the lowest points of all dips in mains, though there are special seal-pots + which take the place of the cock or plug used to seal the end of the + drainage-pipe. Such seal-pots or "syphons" are commonly used on ordinary + gas-distributing systems, and might be applied in the case of large + acetylene installations, as they offer facilities for removing the + condensed water from time to time in a convenient and expeditious manner. + </p> + <p> + EXPULSION OF AIR FROM MAINS.--After a service-pipe system has been proved + to be sound, it is necessary to expel the air from it before acetylene can + be admitted to it with a view to consumption. Unless the system is a very + large one, the expulsion of air is most conveniently effected by forcing + from the gasholder preliminary batches of acetylene through the pipes, + while lights are kept away from the vicinity. This precaution is necessary + because, while the acetylene is displacing the air in the pipes, they will + for some time contain a mixture of air and acetylene in proportions which + fall within the explosive limits of such a mixture. If the escaping + acetylene caught fire from any adjacent light under these conditions, a + most disastrous explosion would ensue and extend through all the + ramifications of the system of pipes. Therefore the first step when a new + system of pipes has to be cleared of air is to see that there are no + lights in or about the house--either fires, lamps, cigars or pipes, + candles or other flames. Obviously this work must be done in the daytime + and finished before nightfall. Burners are removed from two or more + brackets at the farthest points in the system from the gasholder, and + flexible connexions are temporarily attached to them, and led through a + window or door into the open air well clear of the house. One of the + brackets selected should as a rule be the lowest point supplied in the + house. The gasholder having been previously filled with acetylene, the tap + or taps on the pipe leading to the house are turned on, and the acetylene + is passed under slight pressure into the system of pipes, and escapes + through the aforesaid brackets, of which the taps have been turned on, + into the open. The taps of all other brackets are kept closed. The gas + should be allowed to flow thus through the pipes until about five times + the maximum quantity which all the burners on the system would consume in + an hour has escaped from the open brackets. The taps on these brackets are + then closed, and the burners replaced. Flexible tubing is then connected + in place of the burners to all the other brackets in the house, and + acetylene is similarly allowed to escape into the open air from each for a + quarter of an hour. All taps are then closed, and the burners replaced; + all windows in the house are left open wide for half an hour to allow of + the dissipation of any acetylene which may have accumulated in any part of + it, and then, while full pressure from the gasholder is maintained, a tap + is turned on and the gas lighted. If it burns with a good, fully luminous + flame it may be concluded that the system of pipes is virtually free from + air, and the installation may be used forthwith as required. If, however, + the flame is very feebly luminous, or if the escaping gas does not light, + lights must be extinguished, and the pipes again blown through with + acetylene into the open air. The burner must invariably be in position + when a light is applied, because, in the event of the pipes still + containing an explosive mixture, ignition would not be communicated + through the small orifices of the burner to the mixture in the pipes, and + the application of the light would not entail any danger of an explosion. + </p> + <p> + Gasfitters familiar with coal-gas should remember, when putting a system + of acetylene pipes into use for the first time, that the range over which + mixtures of acetylene and air are explosive is wider than that over which + mixtures of coal-gas and air are explosive, and that greater care is + therefore necessary in getting the pipes and rooms free from a dangerous + mixture. + </p> + <p> + The mains for very large installations of acetylene--<i>e.g.</i>, for + lighting a small town--may advisedly be freed from air by some other plan + than simple expulsion of the air by acetylene, both from the point of view + of economy and of safety. If the chimney gases from a neighbouring furnace + are found on examination to contain not more than about 8 per cent of + oxygen, they may be drawn into the gasholder and forced through the pipes + before acetylene is admitted to them. The high proportion of carbon + dioxide and the low proportion of oxygen in chimney gases makes a mixture + of acetylene and chimney gases non-explosive in any proportions, and hence + if the air is first wholly or to a large extent expelled from a pipe, + main, or apparatus, by means of chimney gases, acetylene may be admitted, + and a much shorter time allowed for the expulsion by it of the contents of + the pipe, before a light is applied at the burners, &c. This plan, + however, will usually only be adopted in the case of very large pipes, + &c.; but on a smaller scale the air may be swept out of a distributing + system by bringing it into connexion with a cylinder of compressed or + liquefied carbon dioxide, the pressure in which will drive the gas to any + spot where an outlet is provided. As these cylinders of "carbonic acid" + are in common employment for preparing aerated waters and for "lifting" + beer, &c., they are easy to hire and use. + </p> + <p> + TABLE (B). + </p> + <p> + Giving the Sizes of Pipe which should be used in practice for Acetylene + when the fall of pressure in the Pipe is not to exceed 0.1 inch. (Based on + Morel's formula.) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + _________________________________________________________ +| | | +| Cubic Feet of | Diameters of Pipe to be used up to | +| Acetylene | the lengths indicated. | +| which the Pipe |_______________________________________| +| is required to | | | | | | +| pass in | 1/4 | 3/8 | 1/2 | 3/4 | 1 | +| One Hour. | inch. | inch. | inch. | inch. | inch. | +|________________|_______|_______|_______|_______|_______| +| | | | | | | +| | Feet. | Feet. | Feet. | Feet. | Feet. | +| 1 | 520 | 3960 | 16700 | ... | ... | +| 2 | 130 | 990 | 4170 | ... | ... | +| 3 | 58 | 440 | 1850 | ... | ... | +| 4 | 32 | 240 | 1040 | ... | ... | +| 5 | 21 | 150 | 660 | 5070 | ... | +| 6 | 14 | 110 | 460 | 3520 | ... | +| 7 | 10 | 80 | 340 | 2590 | ... | +| 8 | ... | 62 | 260 | 1980 | ... | +| 9 | ... | 49 | 200 | 1560 | ... | +| 10 | ... | 39 | 160 | 1270 | 5340 | +| 15 | ... | 17 | 74 | 560 | 2370 | +| 20 | ... | 10 | 41 | 310 | 1330 | +| 25 | ... | ... | 26 | 200 | 850 | +| 30 | ... | ... | 18 | 140 | 590 | +| 35 | ... | ... | 13 | 100 | 430 | +| 40 | ... | ... | 10 | 79 | 330 | +| 45 | ... | ... | ... | 62 | 260 | +| 50 | ... | ... | ... | 50 | 210 | +|________________|_______|_______|_______|_______|_______| +</pre> + <p> + TABLE (A). + </p> + <p> + Showing the Quantities [Q] (in cubic feet) of Acetylene which will pass in + One Hour through Pipes of various diameters (in inches) under different + Falls of Pressure. (Based on Morel's formula.) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ____________________________________________________________________ +| | | | | | | | | | | | | +| Diameter | | | | | | | | | | | | +| of Pipe | 1/4| 3/8| 1/2| 3/4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | +| [_d_] = | | | | | | 1/4 | 1/2| 3/4| | 1/2| | +| inches | | | | | | | | | | | | +|__________|____|____|____|_____|_____|_____|____|____|____|____|____| +| | | +| Length | | +| of Pipe | | +| [_l_] = | Fall of Pressure in the Pipe [_h_] = 0.10 inch. | +| Feet | | +|__________|_________________________________________________________| +| | | | | | | | | | | | | +| 10 | 7.2|19.9|40.8|112 |230 |405 | 635| 935|1305|2285|3600| +| 25 | 4.5|12.6|25.8| 71.2|146 |255 | 400| 590| 825|1445|2280| +| 50 | 3.2| 8.9|18.3| 50.3|103 |180 | 285| 420| 585|1020|1610| +| 100 | 2.3| 6.3|12.9| 35.6| 73.1|127 | 200| 295| 410| 720|1140| +| 200 | 1.6| 4.4| 9.1| 25.2| 51.7| 90.3| 142| 210| 290| 510| 805| +| 300 | 1.3| 3.6| 7.4| 20.5| 42.2| 73.7| 116| 171| 240| 415| 655| +| 400 | 1.1| 3.1| 6.4| 17.8| 36.5| 63.8| 100| 148| 205| 360| 570| +| 500 | 1.0| 2.8| 5.8| 15.9| 32.7| 57.1| 90| 132| 185| 320| 510| +|__________|____|____|____|_____|_____|_____|____|____|____|____|____| +| | | +| Length | | +| of Pipe | | +| [_l_] = | Fall of Pressure in the Pipe [_h_] = 0.25 inch. | +| Feet | | +|__________|_________________________________________________________| +| | | | | | | | | | | | | +| 25 | 7.2|19.9|40.8|112 |230 |405 | 635| 935|1305|2285|3600| +| 50 | 5.1|14.1|28.9| 79.6|163 |285 | 450| 660| 925|1615|2550| +| 100 | 3.6| 9.9|20.4| 56.3|115 |200 | 320| 470| 655|1140|1800| +| 250 | 2.3| 6.3|12.9| 35.6| 73.1|127 | 200| 295| 410| 720|1140| +| 500 | 1.6| 4.4| 9.1| 25.2| 51.7| 90.3| 142| 210| 290| 510| 805| +| 1000 | 1.1| 3.1| 6.4| 17.8| 36.5| 63.8| 100| 148| 205| 360| 570| +|__________|____|____|____|_____|_____|_____|____|____|____|____|____| +| | | +| Length | | +| of Pipe | | +| [_l_] = | Fall of Pressure in the Pipe [_h_] = 0.50 inch. | +| Feet | | +|__________|_________________________________________________________| +| | | | | | | | | | | | | +| 25 |10.2|28.1|57.8|159 |325 |570 | 900|1325|1850|3230|5095| +| 50 | 7.2|19.9|40.8|112 |230 |405 | 635| 935|1305|2285|3600| +| 100 | 5.1|14.1|28.9| 79.6|163 |285 | 450| 660| 925|1615|2550| +| 250 | 3.2| 8.9|18.3| 50.3|103 |180 | 285| 420| 585|1020|1610| +| 500 | 2.3| 6.3|12.9| 35.6| 73.1|127 | 200| 295| 410| 720|1140| +| 1000 | 1.6| 4.4| 9.1| 25.2| 51.7| 90.3| 142| 210| 290| 510| 805| +|__________|____|____|____|_____|_____|_____|____|____|____|____|____| +| | | +| Length | | +| of Pipe | | +| [_l_] = | Fall of Pressure in the Pipe [_h_] = 0.75 inch. | +| Feet | | +|__________|_________________________________________________________| +| | | | | | | | | | | | | +| 50 | 8.8|24.4|50.0|138 |280 |495 | 780|1145|1160|2800|4410| +| 100 | 6.2|17.2|35.4| 97.5|200 |350 | 550| 810|1130|1980|3120| +| 250 | 3.9|10.9|22.4| 61.7|126 |220 | 350| 510| 715|1250|1975| +| 500 | 2.8| 7.7|15.8| 43.6| 89.5|156 | 245| 360| 505| 885|1395| +| 1000 | 2.0| 5.4|11.2| 30.8| 63.3|110 | 174| 255| 360| 625| 985| +| 2000 | 1.4| 3.8| 7.9| 21.8| 44.8| 78.2| 123| 181| 250| 440| 695| +|__________|____|____|____|_____|_____|_____|____|____|____|____|____| +| | | +| Length | | +| of Pipe | | +| [_l_] = | Fall of Pressure in the Pipe [_h_] = 1.0 inch. | +| Feet | | +|__________|_________________________________________________________| +| | | | | | | | | | | | | +| 100 | 7.2|19.9|40.8|112 |230 |405 | 635| 935|1305|2285|3600| +| 250 | 4.5|12.6|25.8| 71.2|146 |255 | 400| 590| 825|1445|2280| +| 500 | 3.2| 8.9|18.3| 50.3|103 |180 | 285| 420| 585|1020|1610| +| 1000 | 2.3| 6.3|12.9| 35.6| 73.1|127 | 200| 295| 410| 720|1140| +| 2000 | 1.6| 4.4| 9.1| 25.2| 51.7| 90.3| 142| 210| 290| 510| 805| +| 3000 | 1.3| 3.6| 7.4| 20.5| 42.2| 73.7| 116| 171| 240| 415| 655| +|__________|_________________________________________________________| +| | | +| Length | | +| of Pipe | | +| [_l_] = | Fall of Pressure in the Pipe [_h_] = 1.5 inch. | +| Feet | | +|__________|_________________________________________________________| +| | | | | | | | | | | | | +| 250 | 5.6|15.4|31.6| 87.2|179 |310 | 495| 725|1010|1770|2790| +| 500 | 3.9|10.9|22.4| 61.7|126 |220 | 350| 510| 715|1250|1975| +| 1000 | 2.8| 7.7|15.8| 43.6| 89.5|156 | 245| 360| 505| 885|1395| +| 2000 | 2.0| 5.4|11.2| 30.8| 63.3|110 | 174| 255| 360| 625| 985| +| 3000 | 1.6| 4.4| 9.1| 25.2| 51.7| 90.3| 142| 210| 290| 510| 805| +| 4000 | 1.4| 3.8| 7.9| 21.8| 44.8| 78.2| 123| 181| 250| 440| 695| +|__________|____|____|____|_____|_____|_____|____|____|____|____|____| +| | | +| Length | | +| of Pipe | | +| [_l_] = | Fall of Pressure in the Pipe [_h_] = 2.0 inches. | +| Feet | | +|__________|_________________________________________________________| +| | | | | | | | | | | | | +| 500 | 4.5|12.6|25.8| 71.2|146 |255 | 400| 590| 825|1445|2280| +| 1000 | 3.2| 8.9|18.3| 50.3|103 |180 | 285| 420| 585|1020|1610| +| 2000 | 2.3| 6.3|12.9| 35.6| 73.1|127 | 200| 295| 410| 720|1140| +| 3000 | 1.8| 5.1|10.5| 29.1| 59.7|104 | 164| 240| 335| 590| 930| +| 4000 | 1.6| 4.4| 9.1| 25.2| 51.7| 90.3| 142| 210| 290| 510| 805| +| 5000 | 1.4| 4.0| 8.1| 22.5| 46.2| 80.8| 127| 187| 260| 455| 720| +| 6000 | 1.3| 3.6| 7.4| 20.5| 42.2| 73.7| 116| 171| 240| 415| 655| +|__________|____|____|____|_____|_____|_____|____|____|____|____|____| +</pre> + <p> + NOTE.--In order not to impart to the above table the appearance of the + quantities having been calculated to a degree of accuracy which has no + practical significance, quantities of less than 5 cubic feet have been + ignored when the total quantity exceeds 200 cubic feet, and fractions of a + cubic foot have been included only when the total quantity is less than + 100 cubic feet. + </p> + <p> + TABLE (C). + </p> + <p> + Giving the Sizes of Pipe which should be used in practice for Acetylene + when the fall of pressure in the Pipe is not to exceed 0.25 inch. (Based + on Morel's formula.) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ____________________________________________________________________ +| | | +| Cubic feet | | +| of | | +| Acetylene | Diameters of Pipe to be used up to the lengths stated.| +| which the | | +| Pipe is | | +| required |_______________________________________________________| +| to pass | | | | | | | | | +| in One | 1/4 | 1/2 | 3/4 | 1 | 1-1/4| 1-1/2| 1-3/4| 2 | +| Hour | inch.| inch.| inch.| inch.| inch.| inch.| inch.| inch.| +|____________|______|______|______|______|______|______|______|______| +| | | | | | | | | | +| | Feet.| Feet.| Feet.| Feet.| Feet.| Feet.| Feet.| Feet.| +| 2-1/2 | 1580 | 6680 | 50750| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | +| 5 | 390 | 1670 | 12690| 53160| ... | ... | ... | ... | +| 7-1/2 | 175 | 710 | 5610| 23760| ... | ... | ... | ... | +| 10 | 99 | 410 | 3170| 13360| 40790| ... | ... | ... | +| 15 | 41 | 185 | 1410| 5940| 18130| 45110| ... | ... | +| 20 | 24 | 105 | 790| 3350| 10190| 25370| 54840| ... | +| 25 | 26 | 67 | 500| 2130| 6520| 16240| 35100| ... | +| 30 | 11 | 46 | 350| 1480| 4530| 11270| 24370| 47520| +| 35 | ... | 34 | 260| 1090| 3330| 8280| 17900| 34910| +| 40 | ... | 26 | 195| 830| 2550| 6340| 13710| 26730| +| 45 | ... | 20 | 155| 660| 2010| 5010| 10830| 21120| +| 50 | ... | 16 | 125| 530| 1630| 4060| 8770| 17110| +| 60 | ... | 11 | 88| 370| 1130| 2880| 6090| 11880| +| 70 | ... | ... | 61| 270| 830| 2070| 4470| 8730| +| 80 | ... | ... | 49| 210| 630| 1580| 3420| 6680| +| 90 | ... | ... | 39| 165| 500| 1250| 2700| 5280| +| 100 | ... | ... | 31| 130| 400| 1010| 2190| 4270| +| 150 | ... | ... | 14| 59| 180| 450| 970| 1900| +| 200 | ... | ... | ... | 33| 100| 250| 540| 1070| +| 250 | ... | ... | ... | 21| 65| 160| 350| 680| +| 500 | ... | ... | ... | ... | 16| 40| 87| 170| +| 1000 | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | 10| 22| 42| +|____________|______|______|______|______|______|______|______|______| +</pre> + <p> + TABLE (D). + </p> + <p> + Giving the Sizes of Pipe which should be used in practice for Acetylene + Mains when the fall of pressure in the Main is not to exceed 0.5 inch, + (Based on Morel's formula.) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ____________________________________________________________________ +| | | +| Cubic feet | | +| of | | +| Acetylene | Diameters of Pipe to be used up to the lengths stated.| +| which the | | +| Main is | | +| required |_______________________________________________________| +| to pass | | | | | | | | | +| in One | 3/4 | 1 | 1-1/4| 1-1/2| 1-3/4| 2 | 2-1/2| 3 | +| Hour | inch.| inch.| inch.| inch.| inch.| inch.| inch.| inch.| +|____________|______|______|______|______|______|______|______|______| +| | | | | | | | | | +| |Miles.|Miles.|Miles.|Miles.|Miles.|Miles.|Miles.|Miles.| +| 10 | 5.05 | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | +| 25 | 0.80 | 2.45 | 6.15 | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | +| 50 | 0.20 | 0.60 | 1.50 | 3.30 | 6.45 | ... | ... | ... | +| 100 | 0.05 | 0.15 | 0.35 | 0.80 | 1.60 | 4.95 |12.30 | ... | +| 200 | ... | 0.04 | 0.09 | 0.20 | 0.40 | 1.20 | 3.05 |12.95 | +| 300 | ... | ... | 0.04 | 0.09 | 0.18 | 0.55 | 1.35 | 5.75 | +| 400 | ... | ... | ... | 0.05 | 0.10 | 0.30 | 0.75 | 3.25 | +| 500 | ... | .. | ... | 0.03 | 0.06 | 0.20 | 0.50 | 2.05 | +| 750 | ... | ... | ... | ... | 0.03 | 0.08 | 0.20 | 0.80 | +| 1100 | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | 0.05 | 0.12 | 0.50 | +| 1500 | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | 0.02 | 0.05 | 0.23 | +| 2000 | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | 0.03 | 0.13 | +| 2500 | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | 0.02 | 0.08 | +| 5000 | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | 0.03 | +|____________|______|______|______|______|______|______|______|______| +</pre> + <p> + TABLE (E). + </p> + <p> + Giving the Sizes of Pipe which should be used in practice for Acetylene + Mains when the fall of pressure in the Main is not to exceed 1.0 inch. + (Based on Morel's formula.) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + __________________________________________________________________ +| | | +| Cubic feet | | +| of | | +| Acetylene |Diameters of Pipe to be used up to the lengths stated| +| which the | | +| Main is | | +| required |_____________________________________________________| +| to pass | | | | | | | | | | +| in One | 3/4 | 1 |1-1/4|1-1/2|1-3/4| 2 |2-1/2| 3 | 4 | +| Hour |inch.|inch.|inch.|inch.|inch.|inch.|inch.|inch.|inch.| +|____________|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____| +| | | | | | | | | | | +| |Miles|Miles|Miles|Mile.|Miles|Miles|Miles|Miles|Miles| +| 10 | 2.40|10.13|30.90| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | +| 25 | 0.38| 1.62| 4.94|12.30| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | +| 50 | 0.09| 0.40| 1.23| 3.07| 6.65|12.96| ... | ... | ... | +| 100 | 0.02| 0.10| 0.30| 0.77| 1.66| 3.24| 9.88| ... | ... | +| 200 | ... | 0.02| 0.07| 0.19| 0.41| 0.81| 2.47| 6.15| ... | +| 300 | ... | 0.01| 0.03| 0.08| 0.18| 0.36| 1.09| 2.73|11.52| +| 400 | ... | ... | 0.0 | 0.05| 0.10| 0.20| 0.61| 1.53| 6.48| +| 500 | ... | ... | 0.0 | 0.03| 0.06| 0.13| 0.39| 0.98| 4.14| +| 750 | ... | ... | ... | 0.01| 0.03| 0.05| 0.17| 0.43| 1.84| +| 1000 | ... | ... | ... | ... | 0.01| 0.03| 0.10| 0.24| 1.03| +| 1500 | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | 0.01| 0.01| 0.11| 0.46| +| 2000 | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | 0.02| 0.06| 0.26| +| 2500 | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | 0.01| 0.04| 0.16| +| 5000 | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | 0.01| 0.04| +|____________|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____| +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="linkviii" id="viii">CHAPTER VIII</a> + </h2> + <h3> + COMBUSTION OF ACETYLENE IN LUMINOUS BURNERS--THEIR DISPOSITION + </h3> + <p> + NATURE OF LUMINOUS FLAMES.--When referring to methods of obtaining + artificial light by means of processes involving combustion or oxidation, + the term "incandescence" is usually limited to those forms of burner in + which some extraneous substance, such as a "mantle," is raised to a + brilliant white heat. Though convenient, the phrase is a mere convention, + for all artificial illuminants, even including the electric light, which + exhibit a useful degree of intensity depend on the same principle of + incandescence. Adopting the convention, however, an incandescent burner is + one in which the fuel burns with a non-luminous or atmospheric flame, the + light being produced by causing that flame to play upon some extraneous + refractory body having the property of emitting much light when it is + raised to a sufficiently high temperature; while a luminous burner is one + in which the fuel is allowed to combine with atmospheric oxygen in such a + way that one or more of the constituents in the gas evolves light as it + suffers combustion. From the strictly chemical point of view the + light-giving substance in the incandescent flame lasts indefinitely, for + it experiences no change except in temperature; whereas the light-giving + substance in a luminous flame lasts but for an instant, for it only + evolves light during the act of its combination with the oxygen of the + atmosphere. Any fluid combustible which burns with a flame can be made to + give light on the incandescent system, for all such materials either burn + naturally, or can be made to burn with a non- luminous flame, which can be + employed to raise the temperature of some mantle; but only those fuels can + be burnt on the self-luminous system which contain some ingredient that is + liberated in the elemental state in the flame, the said ingredient being + one which combines energetically with oxygen so as to liberate much local + heat. In practice, just as there are only two or three substances which + are suitable for the construction of an incandescent mantle, so there is + only one which renders a flame usefully self-luminous, viz., carbon; and + therefore only such fuels as contain carbon among their constituents can + be burnt so as to produce light without the assistance of the mantle. But + inasmuch as it is necessary for the evolution of light by the combustion + of carbon that that carbon shall be in the free state, only those + carbonaceous fuels yield light without the mantle in which the + carbonaceous ingredient is dissociated into its elements before it is + consumed. For instance, alcohol and carbon monoxide are both combustible, + and both contain carbon; but they yield non-luminous flames, for the + carbon burns to carbon dioxide in ordinary conditions without assuming the + solid form; ether, petroleum, acetylene, and some of the hydrocarbons of + coal-gas do emit light on combustion, for part of their carbon is so + liberated. The quantity of light emitted by the glowing substance + increases as the temperature of that substance rises: the gain in light + being equal to the fifth or higher power of the gain in heat; [Footnote: + Calculated from absolute zero.] therefore unnecessary dissipation of heat + from a flame is one of the most important matters to be guarded against if + that flame is to be an economical illuminant. But the amount of heat + liberated when a certain weight (or volume) of a particular fuel combines + with a sufficient quantity of oxygen to oxidise it wholly is absolutely + fixed, and is exactly the same whether that fuel is made to give a + luminous or a non-luminous flame. Nevertheless the atmospheric flame given + by a certain fuel may be appreciably hotter than its luminous flame, + because the former is usually smaller than the latter. Unless the luminous + flame of a rich fuel is made to expose a wide surface to the air, part of + its carbon may escape ultimate combustion; soot or smoke may be produced, + and some of the most valuable heat-giving substance will be wasted. But if + the flame is made to expose a large surface to the air, it becomes flat or + hollow in shape instead of being cylindrical and solid, and therefore in + proportion to its cubical capacity it presents to the cold air a larger + superficies, from which loss of heat by radiation, &c., occurs. Being + larger, too, the heat produced is less concentrated. + </p> + <p> + It does not fall within the province of the present book to discuss the + relative merits of luminous and incandescent lighting; but it may be + remarked that acetylene ranks with petroleum against coal-gas, carburetted + or non-carburetted water-gas, and semi-water-gas, in showing a + comparatively small degree of increased efficiency when burnt under the + mantle. Any gas which is essentially composed of carbon monoxide or + hydrogen alone (or both together) burns with a non-luminous flame, and can + therefore only be used for illuminating purposes on the incandescent + system; but, broadly speaking, the higher is the latent illuminating power + of the gas itself when burnt in a non-atmospheric burner, the less marked + is the superiority, both from the economical and the hygienic aspect, of + its incandescent flame. It must be remembered also that only a gas yields + a flame when it is burnt; the flame of a paraffin lamp and of a candle is + due to the combustion of the vaporised fuel. Methods of burning acetylene + under the mantle are discussed in Chapter IX.; here only self-luminous + flames are being considered, but the theoretical question of heat economy + applies to both processes. + </p> + <p> + Heat may be lost from a flame in three several ways: by direct radiation + and conduction into the surrounding air, among the products of combustion, + and by conduction into the body of the burner. Loss of heat by radiation + and conduction to the air will be the greater as the flame exposes a + larger surface, and as a more rapid current of cold air is brought into + proximity with the flame. Loss of heat by conduction, into the burner will + be the greater as the material of which the burner is constructed is a + better conductor of heat, and as the mass of material in that burner is + larger. Loss of heat by passage into the combustion products will also be + greater as these products are more voluminous; but the volume of true + combustion products from any particular gas is a fixed quantity, and since + these products must leave the flame at the temperature of that + flame--where the highest temperature possible is requisite--it would seem + that no control can be had over the quantity of heat so lost. However, + although it is not possible in practice to supply a flame with too little + air, lest some of its carbon should escape consumption and prove a + nuisance, it is very easy without conspicuous inconvenience to supply it + with too much; and if the flame is supplied with too much, there is an + unnecessary volume of air passing through it to dilute the true combustion + products, which air absorbs its own proper proportion of heat. It is only + the oxygen of the air which a flame needs, and this oxygen is mixed with + approximately four times its volume of nitrogen; if, then, only a small + excess of oxygen (too little to be noticeable of itself) is admitted to a + flame, it is yet harmful, because it brings with it four times its volume + of nitrogen, which has to be raised to the same temperature as the oxygen. + Moreover, the nitrogen and the excess of oxygen occupy much space in the + flame, making it larger, and distributing that fixed quantity of heat + which it is capable of generating over an unnecessarily large area. It is + for this reason that any gas gives so much brighter a light when burnt in + pure oxygen than in air, (1) because the flame is smaller and its heat + more concentrated, and (2) because part of its heat is not being wasted in + raising the temperature of a large mass of inert nitrogen. Thus, if the + flame of a gas which naturally gives a luminous flame is supplied with an + excess of air, its illuminating value diminishes; and this is true whether + that excess is introduced at the base of the actual flame, or is added to + the gas prior to ignition. In fact the method of adding some air to a + naturally luminous gas before it arrives at its place of combustion is the + principle of the Bunsen burner, used for incandescent lighting and for + most forms of warming and cooking stoves. A well-made modern atmospheric + burner, however, does not add an excess of air to the flame, as might + appear from what has been said; such a burner only adds part of the air + before and the remainder of the necessary quantity after the point of + first ignition--the function of the primary supply being merely to insure + thorough admixture and to avoid the production of elemental carbon within + the flame. + </p> + <p> + ILLUMINATING POWER.--It is very necessary to observe that, as the combined + losses of heat from a flame must be smaller in proportion to the total + heat produced by the flame as the flame itself becomes larger, the more + powerful and intense any single unit of artificial light is, the more + economical does it become, because economy of heat spells economy of + light. Conversely, the more powerful and intense any single unit of light + is, the more is it liable to injure the eyesight, the deeper and, by + contrast, the more impenetrable are the shadows it yields, and the less + pleasant and artistic is its effect in an occupied room. For economical + reasons, therefore, one large central source of light is best in an + apartment, but for physiological and ćsthetic reasons a considerable + number of correspondingly smaller units are preferable. Even in the street + the economical advantage of the single unit is outweighed by the + inconvenience of its shadows, and by the superiority of a number of evenly + distributed small sources to one central large source of light whenever + the natural transmission of light rays through the atmosphere is + interfered with by mist or fog. The illuminating power of acetylene is + commonly stated to be "240 candles" (though on the same basis Wolff has + found it to be about 280 candles). This statement means that when + acetylene is consumed in the most advantageous self-luminous burner at the + most advantageous rate, that rate (expressed in cubic feet per hour) is to + 5 in the same ratio as the intensity of the light evolved (expressed in + standard candles) is to the said "illuminating power." Thus, Wolff found + that when acetylene was burnt in the "0000 Bray" fish- tail burner at the + rate of 1.377 cubic feet per hour, a light of 77 candle-power was + obtained. Hence, putting x to represent the illuminating power of the + acetylene in standard candles, we have: + </p> + <p> + 1.377 / 5 = 77 / x hence x = 280. + </p> + <p> + Therefore acetylene is said to have, according to Wolff, an illuminating + power of about 280 candles, or according to other observers, whose results + have been commonly quoted, of 240 candles. The same method of calculating + the nominal illuminating power of a gas is applied within the United + Kingdom in the case of all gases which cannot be advantageously burnt at + the rate of 5 cubic feet per hour in the standard burner (usually an + Argand). The rate of 5 cubic feet per hour is specified in most Acts of + Parliament relating to gas-supply as that at which coal-gas is to be burnt + in testings of its illuminating power; and the illuminating power of the + gas is defined as the intensity, expressed in standard candles, of the + light afforded when the gas is burnt at that rate. In order to make the + values found for the light evolved at more advantageous rates of + consumption by other descriptions of gas--such as oil-gas or + acetylene--comparable with the "illuminating power" of coal- gas as + defined above, the values found are corrected in the ratio of the actual + rate of consumption to 5 cubic feet per hour. + </p> + <p> + In this way the illuminating power of 240 candles has been commonly + assigned to acetylene, though it would be clearer to those unfamiliar with + the definition of illuminating power in the Acts of Parliament which + regulate the testing of coal-gas, if the same fact were conveyed by + stating that acetylene affords a maximum illuminating power of 48 candles + (<i>i.e.</i>, 240 / 5) per cubic foot. Actually, by misunderstanding of + the accepted though arbitrary nomenclature of gas photometry, it has not + infrequently been assorted or implied that a cubic foot of acetylene + yields a light of 240 candle-power instead of 48 candle-power. It should, + moreover, be remembered that the ideal illuminating power of a gas is the + highest realisable in any Argand or flat-flame burner, while the said + burner may not be a practicable one for general use in house lighting. + Thus, the burners recommended for general use in lighting by acetylene do + not develop a light of 48 candles per cubic foot of gas consumed, but + considerably less, as will appear from the data given later in this + chapter. + </p> + <p> + It has been stated that in order to avoid loss of heat from a flame + through the burner, that burner should present only a small mass of + material (<i>i.e.</i>, be as light in weight as possible), and should be + constructed of a bad heat-conductor. But if a small mass of a material + very deficient in heat-conducting properties comes in contact with a + flame, its temperature rises seriously and may approach that of the base + of the flame itself. In the case of coal-gas this phenomenon is not + objectionable, is even advantageous, and it explains why a burner made of + steatite, which conducts heat badly, in always more economical (of heat + and therefore of light) than an iron one. In the case of acetylene the + same rule should, and undoubtedly does, apply also; but it is complicated, + and its effect sometimes neutralised, by a peculiarity of the gas itself. + It has been shown in Chapters II. and VI. that acetylene polymerises under + the influence of heat, being converted into other bodies of lower + illuminating power, together with some elemental carbon. If, now, + acetylene is fed into a burner which, being composed of some material like + steatite possessed of low heat-conducting and radiating powers, is very + hot, and if the burner comprises a tube of sensible length, the gas that + actually arrives at the orifice may no longer be pure acetylene, but + acetylene diluted with inferior illuminating agents, and accompanied by a + certain proportion of carbon. Neglecting the effect of this carbon, which + will be considered in the following paragraph, it is manifest that the + acetylene issuing from a hot burner--assuming its temperature to exceed + the minimum capable of determining polymerisation-- may emit less light + per unit of volume than the acetylene escaping from a cold burner. Proof + of this statement is to be found in some experiments described by Bullier, + who observed that when a small "Manchester" or fish-tail burner was + allowed to become naturally hot, the quantity of gas needed to give the + light of one candle (uncorrected) was 1.32 litres, but when the burner was + kept cool by providing it with a jacket in which water was constantly + circulating, only 1.13 litres of acetylene were necessary to obtain the + same illuminating value, this being an economy of 16 per cent. + </p> + <p> + EARLY BURNERS.--One of the chief difficulties encountered in the early + days of the acetylene industry was the design of a satisfactory burner + which should possess a life of reasonable length. The first burners tried + were ordinary oil-gas jets, which resemble the fish-tails used with coal- + gas, but made smaller in every part to allow for the higher illuminating + power of the oil-gas or acetylene per unit of volume. Although the flames + they gave were very brilliant, and indeed have never been surpassed, the + light quickly fell off in intensity owing to the distortion of their + orifices caused by the deposition of solid matter at the edges. Various + explanations have been offered to account for the precipitation of solid + matter at the jets. If the acetylene passes directly to the burner from a + generator having carbide in excess without being washed or filtered in any + way, the gas may carry with it particles of lime dust, which will collect + in the pipes mainly at the points where they are constricted; and as the + pipes will be of comparatively large bore until the actual burner is + readied, it will be chiefly at the orifices where the deposition occurs. + This cause, though trivial, is often overlooked. It will be obviated + whenever the plant is intelligently designed. As the phosphoric anhydride, + or pentoxide, which is produced when a gas containing phosphorus burns, is + a solid body, it may be deposited at the burner jets. This cause may be + removed, or at least minimised, by proper purification of the acetylene, + which means the removal of phosphorus compounds. Should the gas contain + hydrogen silicide siliciuretted hydrogen), solid silica will be produced + similarly, and will play its part in causing obstruction. According to + Lewes the main factor in the blocking of the burners is the presence of + liquid polymerised products in the acetylene, benzene in particular; for + he considers that these bodies will be absorbed by the porous steatite, + and will be decomposed under the influence of heat in that substance, + saturating the steatite with carbon which, by a "catalytic" action + presumably, assists in the deposition of further quantities of carbon in + the burner tube until distortion of the flame results. Some action of this + character possibly occurs; but were it the sole cause of blockage, the + trouble would disappear entirely if the gas were washed with some suitable + heavy oil before entering the burners, or if the latter were constructed + of a non-porous material. It is certainly true that the purer is the + acetylene burnt, both as regards freedom from phosphorus and absence of + products of polymerisation, the longer do the burners last; and it has + been claimed that a burner constructed at its jets of some non-porous + substance, e.g., "ruby," does not choke as quickly as do steatite ones. + Nevertheless, stoppages at the burners cannot be wholly avoided by these + refinements. Gaud has shown that when pure acetylene is burnt at the + normal rate in 1-foot Bray jets, growths of carbon soon appear, but do not + obstruct the orifices during 100 hours' use; if, however, the gas-supply + is checked till the flame becomes thick, the growths appear more quickly, + and become obstructive after some 60 hours' burning. On the assumption + that acetylene begins to polymerise at a temperature of 100° C., Gaud + calculates that polymerisation cannot cause blocking of the burners unless + the speed of the passing gas is so far reduced that the burner is only + delivering one- sixth of its proper volume. But during 1902 Javal + demonstrated that on heating in a gas-flame one arm of a twin, + non-injector burner which had been and still was behaving quite + satisfactorily with highly purified acetylene, growths were formed at the + jet of that arm almost instantaneously. There is thus little doubt that + the principal cause of this phenomenon is the partial dissociation of the + acetylene (i.e., decomposition into its elements) as it passes through the + burner itself; and the extent of such dissociation will depend, not at all + upon the purity of the gas, but upon the temperature of the burner, upon + the readiness with which the heat of the burner is communicated to the + gas, and upon the speed at which the acetylene travels through the burner. + </p> + <p> + Some experiments reported by R. Granjon and P. Mauricheau-Beaupré in 1906 + indicate, however, that phosphine in the gas is the primary cause of the + growths upon non-injector burners. According to these investigators the + combustion of the phosphine causes a deposit at the burner orifices of + phosphoric acid, which is raised by the flame to a temperature higher than + that of the burner. This hot deposit then decomposes some acetylene, and + the carbon deposited therefrom is rendered incombustible by the phosphoric + acid which continues to be produced from the combustion of the phosphine + in the gas. The incombustible deposit of carbon and phosphoric acid thus + produced ultimately chokes the burner. + </p> + <p> + It will appear in Chapter XI. that some of the first endeavours to avoid + burner troubles were based on the dilution of the acetylene with carbon + dioxide or air before the gas reached the place of combustion; while the + subsequent paragraphs will show that the same result is arrived at more + satisfactorily by diluting the acetylene with air during its actual + passage through the burner. It seems highly probable that the beneficial + effect of the earliest methods was due simply or primarily to the + dilution, the molecules of the acetylene being partially protected from + the heat of the burner by the molecules of a gas which was not injured by + the high temperature, and which attracted to itself part of the heat that + would otherwise have been communicated to the hydrocarbon. The modern + injector burner exhibits the same phenomenon of dilution, and is to the + same extent efficacious in preventing polymerisation; but inasmuch as it + permits a larger proportion of air to be introduced, and as the addition + is made roughly half-way along the burner passage, the cold air is more + effectual in keeping the former part of the tip cool, and in jacketing the + acetylene during its travel through the latter part, the bore of which is + larger than it otherwise would be. + </p> + <p> + INJECTOR AND TWIN-FLAME BURNERS.--In practice it is neither possible to + cool an acetylene burner systematically, nor is it desirable to construct + it of such a large mass of some good heat conductor that its temperature + always remains below the dissociation point of the gas. The earliest + direct attempts to keep the burner cool were directed to an avoidance of + contact between the flame of the burning acetylene and the body of the + jet, this being effected by causing the current of acetylene to inject a + small proportion of air through lateral apertures in the burner below the + point of ignition. Such air naturally carries along with it some of the + heat which, in spite of all precautions, still reaches the burner; but it + also apparently forms a temporary annular jacket round the stream of gas, + preventing it from catching fire until it has arrived at an appreciable + distance from the jet. Other attempts were made by placing two non- + injector jets in such mutual positions that the two streams of gas met at + an angle, there to spread fan-fashion into a flat flame. This is really + nothing but the old fish-tail coal-gas burner--which yields its flat flame + by identical impingement of two gas streams--modified in detail so that + the bulk of the flame should be at a considerable distance from the burner + instead of resting directly upon it. In the fish-tail the two orifices are + bored in the one piece of steatite, and virtually join at their external + ends; in the acetylene burner, two separate pieces of steatite, + three-quarters of an inch or more apart, carried by completely separate + supports, are each drilled with one hole, and the flame stands vertically + midway between them. The two streams of gas are in one vertical plane, to + which the vertical plane of the flame is at right angles. Neither of these + devices singly gave a solution of the difficulty; but by combining the + two--the injector and the twin-flame principle--the modern flat-flame + acetylene burner has been evolved, and is now met with in two slightly + different forms known as the Billwiller and the Naphey respectively. The + latter apparently ought to be called the Dolan. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/239.png"><img src="images/239th.png" + alt="FIG. 8.--TYPICAL ACETYLENE BURNERS" /></a> + </p> + <p> + The essential feature of the Naphey burner is the tip, which is shown in + longitudinal section at A in Fig. 8. It consists of a mushroom headed + cylinder of steatite, drilled centrally with a gas passage, which at its + point is of a diameter suited to pass half the quantity of acetylene that + the entire burner is intended to consume. The cap is provided with four + radial air passages, only two of which are represented in the drawing; + these unite in the centre of the head, where they enter into the + longitudinal channel, virtually a continuation of the gas-way, leading to + the point of combustion by a tube wide enough to pass the introduced air + as well as the gas. Being under some pressure, the acetylene issuing from + the jet at the end of the cylindrical portion of the tip injects air + through the four air passages, and the mixture is finally burnt at the top + orifice. As pointed out in Chapter VII., the injector jet is so small in + diameter that even if the service-pipes leading to the tip contain an + explosive mixture of acetylene and air, the explosion produced locally if + a light is applied to the burner cannot pass backwards through that jet, + and all danger is obviated. One tip only of this description evidently + produces a long, jet-like flame, or a "rat-tail," in which the latent + illuminating power of the acetylene is not developed economically. In + practice, therefore, two of these tips are employed in unison, one of the + commonest methods of holding them being shown at B. From each tip issues a + stream of acetylene mixed with air, and to some extent also surrounded by + a jacket of air; and at a certain point, which forms the apex of an + isosceles right-angled triangle having its other angles at the orifices of + the tips, the gas streams impinge, yielding a flat flame, at right- + angles, as mentioned before, to the plane of the triangle. If the two tips + are three-quarters of an inch apart, and if the angle of impingement is + exactly 90°, the distance of each tip from the base of the flame proper + will be a trifle over half an inch; and although each stream of gas does + take fire and burn somewhat before meeting its neighbour, comparatively + little heat is generated near the body of the steatite. Nevertheless, + sufficient heat is occasionally communicated to the metal stems of these + burners to cause warping, followed by a want of alignment in the gas + streams, and this produces distortion of the flame, and possibly smoking. + Three methods of overcoming this defect have been used: in one the arms + are constructed entirely of steatite, in another they are made of such + soft metal as easily to be bent back again into position with the fingers + or pliers, in the third each arm is in two portions, screwing the one into + the other. The second type is represented by the original Phôs burner, in + which the curved arms of B are replaced by a pair of straight divergent + arms of thin, soft tubing, joined to a pair of convergent wider tubes + carrying the two tips. The third type is met with in the Drake burner, + where the divergent arms are wide and have an internal thread into which + screws an external thread cut upon lateral prolongations of the convergent + tubes. Thus both the Phôs and the Drake burner exhibit a pair of exposed + elbows between the gas inlet and the two tips; and these elbows are + utilised to carry a screwed wire fastened to an external milled head by + means of which any deposit of carbon in the burner tubes can be pushed + out. The present pattern of the Phôs burner is shown in Fig. 9, in which + <i>A</i> is the burner tip, <i>B</i> the wire or needle, and <i>C</i> the + milled head by which the wire is screwed in and out of the burner tube. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/241.png"><img src="images/241th.png" + alt="FIG. 9.--IMPROVED PHÔS BURNER" /></a> + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/241a.png"><img src="images/241ath.png" + alt="FIG. 10.--'WONDER' SINGLE AND TWO-FLAME BURNERS" /></a> + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/242.png"><img src="images/242th.png" + alt="FIG. 11.--'SUPREMA' NO. 266651, TWO-FLAME BURNER" /></a> + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/242a.png"><img src="images/242ath.png" + alt="FIG. 12.--BRAY'S MODIFIED NAPHEY INJECTOR BURNER TIP" /></a> + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/243a.png"><img src="images/243ath.png" + alt="FIG. 13.--BRAY'S 'ELTA' BURNER" /></a> + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/243b.png"><img src="images/243bth.png" + alt="FIG. 14.--BRAY'S 'LUTA' BURNER" /></a> + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/243c.png"><img src="images/243cth.png" + alt="FIG. 15.--BRAY'S 'SANSAIR' BURNER" /></a> + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/243d.png"><img src="images/243dth.png" + alt="FIG. 16.--ADJUSTABLE 'KONA' BURNER" /></a> + </p> + <p> + In the original Billwiller burner, the injector gas orifice was brought + centrally under a somewhat larger hole drilled in a separate sheet of + platinum, the metal being so carried as to permit entry of air. In order + to avoid the expense of the platinum, the same principle was afterwards + used in the design of an all-steatite head, which is represented at D in + Fig. 8. The two holes there visible are the orifices for the emission of + the mixture of acetylene with indrawn air, the proper acetylene jets lying + concentrically below these in the thicker portions of the heads. These two + types of burner have been modified in a large number of ways, some of + which are shown at C, E, and F; the air entering through saw- cuts, + lateral holes, or an annular channel. Burners resembling F in outward form + are made with a pair of injector jets and corresponding air orifices on + each head, so as to produce a pair of names lying in the same plane, + "end-on" to one another, and projecting at either side considerably beyond + the body of the burner; these have the advantage of yielding no shadow + directly underneath. A burner of this pattern, viz., the "Wonder," which + is sold in this country by Hannam's, Ltd., is shown in Fig. 10, alongside + the single-flame "Wonder" burner, which is largely used, especially in the + United States. Another two-flame burner, made of steatite, by J. von + Schwarz of Nuremberg, and sold by L. Wiener of London, is shown in Fig. + 11. Burners of the Argand type have also been manufactured, but have been + unsuccessful. There are, of course, endless modifications of flat-flame + burners to be found on the markets, but only a few need be described. A + device, which should prove useful where it may be convenient to be able to + turn one or more burners up or down from the same common distant spot, has + been patented by Forbes. It consists of the usual twin-injector burner + fitted with a small central pinhole jet; and inside the casing is a + receptacle containing a little mercury, the level of which is moved by the + gas pressure by an adaptation of the displacement principle. When the main + is carrying full pressure, both of the jets proper are alight, and the + burner behaves normally, but if the pressure is reduced to a certain + point, the movement of the mercury seals the tubes leading to the main + jets, and opens that of the pilot flame, which alone remains alight till + the pressure is increased again. Bray has patented a modification of the + Naphey injector tip, which is shown in Fig. 12. It will be observed that + the four air inlets are at right-angles to the gas-way; but the essential + feature of the device is the conical orifice. By this arrangement it is + claimed that firing back never occurs, and that the burner can be turned + down and left to give a small flame for considerable periods of time + without fear of the apertures becoming choked or distorted. As a rule + burners of the ordinary type do not well bear being turned down; they + should either be run at full power or extinguished completely. The "Elta" + burner, made by Geo. Bray and Co., Ltd., which is shown in Fig. 13, is an + injector or atmospheric burner which may be turned low without any + deposition of carbon occurring on the tips. A burner of simple + construction but which cannot be turned low is the "Luta," made by the + same firm and shown in Fig. 14. Of the non- atmospheric type the + "Sansair," also made by Geo. Bray and Co., Ltd., is extensively used. It + is shown in Fig. 15. In order to avoid the warping, through the heat of + the flame, of the arms of burners which sometimes occurs when they are + made of metal, a number of burners are now made with the arms wholly of + steatite. One of the best-known of these, of the injector type, is the + "Kona," made by Falk, Stadelmann and Co., of London. It is shown in Fig. + 16, fitted with a screw device for adjusting the flow of gas, so that when + this adjuster has been set to give a flame of the proper size, no further + adjustment by means of the gas-tap is necessary. This saves the trouble of + manipulating the tap after the gas is lighted. The same adjusting device + may also be had fitted to the Phôs burner (Fig. 9) or to the "Orka" burner + (Fig. 17), which is a steatite- tip injector burner with metal arms made + by Falk, Stadelmann and Co., Ltd. A burner with steatite arms, made by J. + von Schwarz of Nuremberg, and sold in this country by L. Wiener of London, + is shown in Fig. 18. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/244a.png"><img src="images/244ath.png" + alt="FIG. 17.--'ORKA' BURNER" /></a> + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/244b.png"><img src="images/244bth.png" + alt="FIG. 18.--'SUPREMA' NO. 216469 BURNER" /></a> + </p> + <p> + ILLUMINATING DUTY.--The illuminating value of ordinary self-luminous + acetylene burners in different sizes has been examined by various + photometrists. For burners of the Naphey type Lewes gives the following + table: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ___________________________________________________________ +| | | | | | +| | | Gas | | Candles | +| Burner. | Pressure, | Consumed, | Light in | per | +| | Inches | Cubic Feet | Candles. | Cubic Foot. | +| | | per Hour. | | | +|_________|___________|____________|__________|_____________| +| | | | | | +| No. 6 | 2.0 | 0.155 | 0.794 | 5.3 | +| " 8 | 2.0 | 0.27 | 3.2 | 11.6 | +| " 15 | 2.0 | 0.40 | 8.0 | 20.0 | +| " 25 | 2.0 | 0.65 | 17.0 | 26.6 | +| " 30 | 2.0 | 0.70 | 23.0 | 32.85 | +| " 42 | 2.0 | 1.00 | 34.0 | 34.0 | +|_________|___________|____________|__________|_____________| +</pre> + <p> + From burners of the Billwiller type Lewes obtained in 1899 the values: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ___________________________________________________________ +| | | | | | +| | | Gas | | Candles | +| Burner. | Pressure, | Consumed, | Light in | per | +| | Inches | Cubic Feet | Candles. | Cubic Foot. | +| | | per Hour. | | | +|_________|___________|____________|__________|_____________| +| | | | | | +| No. 1 | 2.0 | 0.5 | 7.0 | 11.0 | +| " 2 | 2.0 | 0.75 | 21.0 | 32.0 | +| " 3 | 2.0 | 0.75 | 28.0 | 37.3 | +| " 4 | 3.0 | 1.2 | 48.0 | 40.0 | +| " 5 | 3.5 | 2.0 | 76.0 | 38.0 | +|_________|___________|____________|__________|_____________| +</pre> + <p> + Neuberg gives these figures for different burners (1900) as supplied by + Pintsch: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ______________________________________________________________________ +| | | | | | +| | Gas | | Candles | | +| Burner. | Pressure, | Consumed, | Light in | per | +| | Inches | Cubic Feet | Candles. | Cubic Foot. | +| | | per Hour. | | | +|____________________|___________|____________|__________|_____________| +| | | | | | +| No. 0, slit burner | 3.9 | 1.59 | 59.2 | 37.3 | +| " 00000 fishtail | 1.6 | 0.81 | 31.2 | 38.5 | +| Twin burner No. 1 | 3.2 | 0.32 | 13.1 | 40.8 | +| " " " 2 | 3.2 | 0.53 | 21.9 | 41.3 | +| " " " 3 | 3.2 | 0.74 | 31.0 | 41.9 | +| " " " 4 | 3.2 | 0.95 | 39.8 | 41.9 | +|____________________|___________|____________|__________|_____________| +</pre> + <p> + The actual candle-power developed by each burner was not quoted by + Neuberg, and has accordingly been calculated from his efficiency values. + It is noteworthy, and in opposition to what has been found by other + investigators as well as to strict theory, that Neuberg represents the + efficiencies to be almost identical in all sizes of the same description + of burner, irrespective of the rate at which it consumes gas. + </p> + <p> + Writing in 1902, Capelle gave for Stadelmann's twin injector burners the + following figures; but as he examined each burner at several different + pressures, the values recorded in the second, third, and fourth columns + are maxima, showing the highest candle-power which could be procured from + each burner when the pressure was adjusted so as to cause consumption to + proceed at the most economical rate. The efficiency values in the fifth + column, however, are the mean values calculated so as to include all the + data referring to each burner. Capelle's results have been reproduced from + the original on the basis that 1 <i>bougie décimale</i> equals 0.98 + standard English candle, which is the value he himself ascribes to it (1 + <i>bougie décimale</i> equals 1.02 candles is the value now accepted). + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + _____________________________________________________________________ +| | | | | | +| Nominal | Best | Actual Consumption | Maximum | Average | +| Consumption,| Pressure| at Stated Pressure. | Light in | Candles per| +| Litres. | Inches. | Cubic Feet per Hour.| Candles. | Cubic Foot.| +|_____________|_________|_____________________|__________|____________| +| | | | | | +| 10 | 3.5 | 0.40 | 8.4 | 21.1 | +| 15 | 2.8 | 0.46 | 16.6 | 33.3 | +| 20 | 3.9 | 0.64 | 25.1 | 40.0 | +| 25 | 3.5 | 0.84 | 37.8 | 46.1 | +| 30 | 3.5 | 0.97 | 48.2 | 49.4 | +|_____________|_________|_____________________|__________|____________| +</pre> + <p> + Some testings of various self-luminous burners of which the results were + reported by R. Granjon in 1907, gave the following results for the duty of + each burner, when the pressure was regulated for each burner to that which + afforded the maximum illuminating duty. The duty in the original paper is + given in litres per Carcel-hour. The candle has been taken as equal to + 0.102 Carcel for the conversion to candles per cubic foot. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ___________________________________________________________________ +| | | | | +| | Nominal | Best | Duty. Candles | +| Burner. | Consumption.| Pressure. | per cubic foot. | +|_______________________|_____________|__________ |_________________| +| | | | | +| | Litres. | Inches. | | +| Twin . . . . | 10 | 2.76 | 21.2 | +| " . . . . | 20 | 2.76 | 23.5 | +| " . . . . | 25 | 3.94 | 30.2 | +| " . . . . | 30 | 3.94-4.33 | 44.8 | +| ", (pair of flames) | 35 | 3.55-3.94 | 45.6 | +| Bray's "Manchester" | 6 | 1.97 | 18.8 | +| " | 20 | 1.97 | 35.6 | +| " | 40 | 2.36 | 42.1 | +| Rat-tail . . . | 5 | 5.5 | 21.9 | +| " . . . | 8 | 4.73 | 25.0 | +| Slit or batswing . | 30 | 1.97-2.36 | 37.0 | +|_______________________|_____________|___________|_________________| +</pre> + <p> + Granjon has concluded from his investigations that the Manchester or + fish-tail burners are economical when they consume 0.7 cubic foot per hour + and when the pressure is between 2 and 2.4 inches. When these burners are + used at the pressure most suitable for twin burners their consumption is + about one-third greater than that of the latter per candle-hour. The 25 to + 35 litres-per-hour twin burners should be used at a pressure higher by + about 1 inch than the 10 to 20 litres-per-hour twin burners. + </p> + <p> + At the present time, when the average burner has a smaller hourly + consumption than 1 foot per hour, it is customary in Germany to quote the + mean illuminating value of acetylene in self-luminous burners as being 1 + Hefner unit per 0.70 litre, which, taking + </p> + <p> + 1 Hefner unit = 0.913 English candle + </p> + <p> + 1 English candle = 1.095 Hefner units, + </p> + <p> + works out to an efficiency of 37 candles per foot in burners probably + consuming between 0.5 and 0.7 foot per hour. + </p> + <p> + Even when allowance is made for the difficulties in determining + illuminating power, especially when different photometers, different + standards of light, and different observers are concerned, it will be seen + that these results are too irregular to be altogether trustworthy, and + that much more work must be done on this subject before the economy of the + acetylene flame can be appraised with exactitude. However, as certain + fixed data are necessary, the authors have studied those and other + determinations, rejecting some extreme figures, and averaging the + remainder; whence it appears that on an average twin-injector burners of + different sizes should yield light somewhat as follows: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + _______________________________________________________ +| | | | +| Size of Burner in | Candle-power | Candles | +| Cubic Feet per Hour. | Developed. | per Cubic Foot. | +|______________________|______________|_________________| +| | | | +| 0.5 | 18.0 | 35.9 | +| 0.7 | 27.0 | 38.5 | +| 1.0 | 45.6 | 45.6 | +|______________________|______________|_________________| +</pre> + <p> + In the tabular statement in Chapter I. the 0.7-foot burner was taken as + the standard, because, considering all things, it seems the best, to adopt + for domestic purposes. The 1-foot burner is more economical when in the + best condition, but requires a higher gas pressure, and is rather too + powerful a unit light for good illuminating effect; the 0.5 burner + naturally gives a better illuminating effect, but its economy is surpassed + by the 0.7-foot burner, which is not too powerful for the human eye. + </p> + <p> + For convenience of comparison, the illuminating powers and duties of the + 0.5- and 0.7-foot acetylene burners may be given in different ways: + </p> + <p> + ILLUMINATING POWER OF SELF-LUMINOUS ACETYLENE. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + _0.7-foot Burner._ | _Half-foot Burner._ + | +1 litre = 1.36 candles. | 1 litre = 1.27 candles. +1 cubic foot = 38.5 candles. | 1 cubic foot = 35.9 candles. +1 candle = 0.736 litre. | 1 candle = 0.79 litre. +1 candle = 0.026 cubic foot. | 1 candle = 0.028 cubic foot. +</pre> + <p> + If the two streams of gas impinge at an angle of 90°, twin-injector + burners for acetylene appear to work best when the gas enters them at a + pressure of 2 to 2.5 inches; for a higher pressure the angle should be + made a little acute. Large burners require to have a wider distance + between the jets, to be supplied with acetylene at a higher pressure, and + to be constructed with a smaller angle of impingement. Every burner, of + whatever construction and size, must always be supplied with gas at its + proper pressure; a pressure varying from time to time is fatal. + </p> + <p> + It is worth observing that although injector burners are satisfactory in + practice, and are in fact almost the only jets yet found to give prolonged + satisfaction, the method of injecting air below the point of combustion in + a self-luminous burner is in some respects wrong in principle. If + acetylene can be consumed without polymerisation in burners of the simple + fish-tail or bat's-wing type, it should show a higher illuminating + efficiency. In 1902 Javal stated that it was possible to burn thoroughly + purified acetylene in twin non-injector burners, provided the two jets, + made of steatite as usual, were arranged horizontally instead of + obliquely, the two streams of gas then meeting at an angle of 180°, so as + to yield an almost circular flame. According to Javal, whereas + carbonaceous growths were always produced in non-injector acetylene + burners with either oblique or horizontal jets, in the former case the + growths eventually distorted the gas orifices, but in the latter the + carbon was deposited in the form of a tube, and fell off from the burner + by its own weight directly it had grown to a length of 1.2 or 1.5 + millimetres, leaving the jets perfectly clear and smooth. Javal has had + such a burner running for 10 or 12 hours per day for a total of 2071 + hours; it did not need cleaning out on any occasion, and its consumption + at the end of the period was the same as at first. He found that it was + necessary that the tips should be of steatite, and not of metal or glass; + that the orifices should be drilled in a flat surface rather than at the + apex of a cone, and that the acetylene should be purified to the utmost + possible extent. Subsequent experience has demonstrated the possibility of + constructing non-injector burners such as that shown in Fig. 13, which + behave satisfactorily even though the jets are oblique. But with such + burners trouble will inevitably ensue unless the gas is always purified to + a high degree and is tolerably dry and well filtered. Non-injector burners + should not be used unless special care is taken to insure that the + installation is consistently operated in an efficient manner in these + respects. + </p> + <p> + GLOBES, &C.--It does not fall within the province of the present + volume to treat at length of chimneys, globes, or the various glassware + which may be placed round a source of light to modify its appearance. It + should be remarked, however, that obedience to two rules is necessary for + complete satisfaction in all forms of artificial illumination. First, no + light much stronger in intensity than a single candle ought ever to be + placed in such a position in an occupied room that its direct rays can + reach the eye, or the vision will be temporarily, and may be permanently, + injured. Secondly, unless economy is to be wholly ignored, no coloured or + tinted globe or shade should ever be put round a source of artificial + light. The best material for the construction of globes is that which + possesses the maximum of translucency coupled with non-transparency, <i>i.e.</i>, + a material which passes the highest proportion of the light falling upon + it, and yet disperses that light in such different directions that the + glowing body cannot be seen through the globe. Very roughly speaking, + plain white glass, such as that of which the chimneys of oil-lamps and + incandescent gas-burners are composed, is quite transparent, and therefore + affords no protection to the eyesight; a protective globe should be rather + of ground or opal glass, or of plain glass to which a dispersive effect + has been given by forming small prisms on its inner or outer surface, or + both. Such opal, ground, or dispersive shades waste much light in terms of + illuminating power, but waste comparatively little in illuminating effect + well designed, they may actually increase the illuminating effect in + certain positions; a tinted globe, even if quite plain in figure, wastes + both illuminating power and effect, and is only to be tolerated for + so-believed aesthetic reasons. Naturally no globe must be of such figure, + or so narrow at either orifice, as to distort the shape of the unshaded + acetylene flame--it is hardly necessary to say this now, but some years + ago coal-gas globes were constructed with an apparent total disregard of + this fundamental point. <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="linkix" id="ix">CHAPTER IX</a> + </h2> + <h3> + INCANDESCENT BURNERS--HEATING APPARATUS--MOTORS--AUTOGENOUS SOLDERING + </h3> + <p> + MERITS OF LIGHTING BY INCANDESCENT MANTLES.--It has already been shown + that acetylene bases its chief claim for adoption as an illuminant in + country districts upon the fact that, when consumed in simple self- + luminous burners, it gives a light comparable in all respects save that of + cost to the light of incandescent coal-gas. The employment of a mantle is + still accompanied by several objections which appear serious to the + average householder, who is not always disposed either to devote + sufficient attention to his burners to keep them in a high state of + efficiency or to contract for their maintenance by the gas company or + others. Coal-gas cannot be burnt satisfactorily on the incandescent system + unless the glass chimneys and shades are kept clean, unless the mantles + are renewed as soon as they show signs of deterioration, and, perhaps most + important of all, unless the burners are frequently cleared of the dust + which collects round the jets. For this reason luminous acetylene ranks + with luminous coal-gas in convenience and simplicity, while ranking with + incandescent coal-gas in hygienic value. Very similar remarks apply to + paraffin, and, in certain countries, to denatured alcohol. Since those + latter illuminants are also available in rural places where coal-gas is + not laid on, luminous acetylene is a less advantageous means of procuring + artificial light than paraffin (and on occasion than coal-gas and alcohol + when the latter fuels are burnt under the mantle), if the pecuniary aspect + of the question is the only one considered. Such a comparison, however, is + by no means fair; for if coal- gas, paraffin, and alcohol can be consumed + on the incandescent system, so can acetylene; and if acetylene is + hygienically equal to incandescent coal-gas, it is superior thereto when + also burnt under the mantle. Nevertheless there should be one minor but + perfectly irremediable defect in incandescent acetylene, viz., a sacrifice + of that characteristic property of the luminous gas to emit a light + closely resembling that of the sun in tint, which was mentioned in Chapter + 1. Self-luminous acetylene gives the whitest light hitherto procurable + without special correction of the rays, because its light is derived from + glowing particles of carbon which happen to be heated (because of the high + flame temperature) to the best possible temperature for the emission of + pure white light. The light of any combustible consumed on the + "incandescent" system is derived from glowing particles of ceria, thoria, + or similar metallic oxides; and the character or shade of the light they + emit is a function, apart from the temperature to which they are raised, + of their specific chemical nature. Still, the light of incandescent + acetylene is sufficiently pleasant, and according to Caro is purer white + than that of incandescent coal-gas; but lengthy tests carried out by one + of the authors actually show it to be appreciably inferior to luminous + acetylene for colour-matching, in which the latter is known almost to + equal full daylight, and to excel every form of artificial light except + that of the electric arc specially corrected by means of glass tinted with + copper salts. + </p> + <p> + CONDITIONS FOR INCANDESCENT ACETYLENE LIGHTING.--For success in the + combustion of acetylene on the incandescent system, however, several + points have to be observed. First, the gas must be delivered at a strictly + constant pressure to the burner, and at one which exceeds a certain limit, + ranging with different types and different sizes of burner from 2 to 4 or + 5 inches of water. (The authors examined, as long ago as 1903, an + incandescent burner of German construction claimed to work at a pressure + of 1.5 inches, which it was almost impossible to induce to fire back to + the jets however slowly the cock was manipulated, provided the pressure of + the gas was maintained well above the point specified. But ordinarily a + pressure of about 4 inches is used with incandescent acetylene burners.) + Secondly, it is necessary that the acetylene shall at all times be free + from appreciable admixture with air, even 0.5 per cent, being highly + objectionable according to Caro; so that generators introducing any + noteworthy amount of air into the holder each time their decomposing + chambers are opened for recharging are not suitable for employment when + incandescent burners are contemplated. The reason for this will be more + apparent later on, but it depends on the obvious fact that if the + acetylene already contains an appreciable proportion of air, when a + further quantity is admitted at the burner inlets, the gaseous mixture + contains a higher percentage of oxygen than is suited to the size and + design of the burner, so that flashing back to the injector jets is + imminent at any moment, and may be determined by the slightest fluctuation + in pressure--if, indeed, the flame will remain at the proper spot for + combustion at all. Thirdly, the fact that the acetylene which is to be + consumed under the mantle must be most rigorously purified from phosphorus + compounds has been mentioned in Chapter V. Impure acetylene will often + destroy a mantle in two or three hours; but with highly purified gas the + average life of a mantle may be taken, according to Giro, at 500 or 600 + hours. It is safer, however, to assume a rather shorter average life, say + 300 to 400 burning hours. Fourthly, owing to the higher pressure at which + acetylene must be delivered to an incandescent burner and to the higher + temperature of the acetylene flame in comparison with coal-gas, a mantle + good enough to give satisfactory results with the latter does not of + necessity answer with acetylene; in fact, the authors have found that + English Welsbach coal-gas mantles of the small sizes required by + incandescent acetylene burners are not competent to last for more than a + very few hours, although, in identical conditions, mantles prepared + specially for use with acetylene have proved durable. The atmospheric + acetylene flame, too, differs in shape from an atmospheric flame of + coal-gas, and it does not always happen that a coal- gas mantle contracts + to fit the former; although it usually emits a better light (because it + fits better) after some 20 hours use than at first. Caro has stated that + to derive the best results a mantle needs to contain a larger proportion + of ceria than the 1 per cent. present in mantles made according to the + Welsbach formula, that it should be somewhat coarser in mesh, and have a + large orifice at the head. Other authorities hold that mantles for + acetylene, should contain other rare earths besides the thoria and ceria + of which the coal-gas mantles almost wholly consist. It seems probable, + however, that the composition of the ordinary impregnating fluid need not + be varied for acetylene mantles provided it is of the proper strength and + the mantles are raised to a higher temperature in manufacture than + coal-gas mantles by the use of either coal-gas at very high pressure or an + acetylene flame. The thickness of the substance of the mantle cannot be + greatly increased with a view to attaining greater stability without + causing a reduction in the light afforded. But the shape should be such + that the mantle conforms as closely as possible to the acetylene Bunsen + flame, which differs slightly with different patterns of incandescent + burner heads. According to L. Cadenel, the acetylene mantle should be + cylindrical for the lower two- thirds of its length, and slightly conical + above, with an opening of moderate size at the top. The head of the mantle + should be of slighter construction than that of coal-gas mantles. Fifthly, + generators belonging to the automatic variety, which in most forms + inevitably add more or less air to the acetylene every time they are + cleaned or charged, appear to have achieved most popularity in Great + Britain; and these frequently do not yield a gas fit for use with the + mantle. This state of affairs, added to what has just been said, makes it + difficult to speak in very favourable terms of the incandescent acetylene + light for use in Great Britain. But as the advantages of an acetylene not + contaminated with air are becoming more generally recognised, and mantles + of several different makes are procurable more cheaply, incandescent + acetylene is now more practicable than hitherto. Carburetted acetylene or + "carburylene," which is discussed later, is especially suitable for use + with mantle burners. + </p> + <p> + ATMOSPHERIC ACETYLENE BURNERS.--The satisfactory employment of acetylene + in incandescent burners, for boiling, warming, and cooking purposes, and + also to some extent as a motive power in small engines, demands the + production of a good atmospheric or non-luminous flame, <i>i.e.</i>, the + construction of a trustworthy burner of the Bunsen type. This has been + exceedingly difficult to achieve for two reasons: first, the wide range + over which mixtures of acetylene and air are explosive; secondly, the high + speed at which the explosive wave travels through such a mixture. It has + been pointed out in Chapter VIII. that a Bunsen burner is one in which a + certain proportion of air is mixed with the gas before it arrives at the + actual point of ignition; and as that proportion must be such that the + mixture falls between the upper and lower limits of explosibility, there + is a gaseous mixture in the burner tube between the air inlets and the + outlet which, if the conditions are suitable, will burn with explosive + force: that is to say, will fire back to the air jets when a light is + applied to the proper place for combustion. Such an explosion, of course, + is far too small in extent to constitute any danger to person or property; + the objection to it is simply that the shock of the explosion is liable to + fracture the fragile incandescent mantle, while the gas, continuing to + burn within the burner tube (in the case of a warming or cooking stove), + blocks up that tube with carbon, and exhibits the other well-known + troubles of a coal-gas stove which has "fired back." + </p> + <p> + It has been shown, however, in Chapter VI. that the range over which + mixtures of acetylene and air are explosive depends on the size of the + vessel, or more particularly on the diameter of the tube, in which they + are stored; so that if the burner tube between the air inlets and the + point of ignition can be made small enough in diameter, a normally + explosive mixture will cease to exhibit explosive properties. Manifestly, + if a tube is made very small in diameter, it will only pass a small volume + of gas, and it may be useless for the supply of an atmospheric burner; but + Le Chatelier's researches have proved that a tube may be narrowed at one + spot only, in such fashion that the explosive wave refuses to pass the + constriction, while the virtual diameter of the tube, as far as passage of + gas is concerned, remains considerably larger than the size of the + constriction itself. Moreover, inasmuch as the speed of propagation of the + explosion is strictly fixed by the conditions prevailing, if the speed at + which the mixture, of acetylene and air travels from the air inlets to the + point of ignition is more rapid than the speed at which the explosion + tends to travel from the point of ignition to the air inlets, the said + mixture of acetylene and air will burn quietly at the orifice without + attempting to fire backwards into the tube. By combining together these + two devices: by delivering the acetylene to the injector jet at a pressure + sufficient to drive the mixture of gas and air forward rapidly enough, and + by narrowing the leading tube either wholly or at one spot to a diameter + small enough, it is easy to make an atmospheric burner for acetylene which + behaves perfectly as long as it is fairly alight, and the supply of gas is + not checked; but further difficulties still remain, because at the instant + of lighting and extinguishing, i.e., while the tap is being turned on or + off, the pressure of the gas is too small to determine a flow of acetylene + and air within the tube at a speed exceeding that of the explosive wave; + and therefore the act of lighting or extinguishing is very likely to be + accompanied by a smart explosion severe enough to split the mantle, or at + least to cause the burner to fire back. Nevertheless, after several early + attempts, which were comparative failures, atmospheric acetylene burners + have been constructed that work quite satisfactorily, so that the gas has + become readily available for use under the mantle, or in heating stoves. + Sometimes success has been obtained by the employment of more than one + small tube leading to a common place of ignition, sometimes by the use of + two or more fine wire- gauze screens in the tube, sometimes by the + addition of an enlarged head to the burner in which head alone thorough + mixing of the gas and air occurs, and sometimes by the employment of a + travelling sleeve which serves more or less completely to block the air + inlets. + </p> + <p> + DUTY OF INCANDESCENT ACETYLENE BURNERS.--Granting that the petty troubles + and expenses incidental to incandescent lighting are not considered + prohibitive--and in careful hands they are not really serious-- and that + mantles suitable for acetylene are employed, the gas may be rendered + considerably cheaper to use per unit of light evolved by consuming it in + incandescent burners. In Chapter VIII. it was shown that the modern + self-luminous, l/2-foot acetylene burner emits a light of about 1.27 + standard English candles per litre-hour. A large number of incandescent + burners, of German and French construction, consuming from 7.0 to 22.2 + litres per hour at pressures ranging between 60 and 120 millimetres have + been examined by Caro, who has found them to give lights of from 10.8 to + 104.5 Hefner units, and efficiencies of from 2.40 to 5.50 units per + litre-hour. Averaging his results, it may be said that incandescent + burners consuming from 10 to 20 litres per hour at pressures of 80 or 100 + millimetres yield a light of 4.0 Hefner units per litre- hour. Expressed + in English terms, incandescent acetylene burners consuming 0.5 cubic foot + per hour at a pressure of 3 or 4 inches give the duties shown in the + following table, which may advantageously be compared with that printed in + Chapter VIII., page 239, for the self-luminous gas: + </p> + <p> + ILLUMINATING POWER OF INCANDESCENT ACETYLENE. HALF-FOOT BURNERS. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 litre = 3.65 candles | 1 candle = 0.274 litre. + 1 cubic foot = 103.40 candles. | 1 candle = 0.0097 cubic foot. +</pre> + <p> + A number of tests of the Güntner or Schimek incandescent burners of the 10 + and 15 litres-per-hour sizes, made by one of the authors in 1906, gave the + following average results when tested at a pressure of 4 inches: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + _________________________________________________________________ +| | | | | +| Nominal size | Rate of Consumption per | Light in | Duty | +| of Burner. | Hour | Candles | Candles per | +| | | | Cubic Foot | +|______________|_________________________|__________|_____________| +| | | | | | +| Litres. | Cubic Foot | Litres | | | +| 10 | 0.472 | 13.35 | 46.0 | 97.4 | +| 15 | 0.663 | 18.80 | 70.0 | 105.5 | +|______________|____________|____________|__________|_____________| +</pre> + <p> + These figures indicate that the duty increases slightly with the size of + the burner. Other tests showed that the duty increased more considerably + with an increase of pressure, so that mantles used, or which had been + previously used, at a pressure of 5 inches gave duties of 115 to 125 + candles per cubic foot. + </p> + <p> + It should be noted that the burners so far considered are small, being + intended for domestic purposes only; larger burners exhibit higher + efficiencies. For instance, a set of French incandescent acetylene burners + examined by Fouché showed: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + _________________________________________________________________ +| | | | | | +| Size of Burner | Pressure | Cubic Feet | Light in | Candles per | +| in Litres. | Inches. | per Hour. | Candles. | Cubic Feet. | +|________________|__________|____________|__________|_____________| +| | | | | | +| 20 | 5.9 | 0.71 | 70 | 98.6 | +| 40 | 5.9 | 1.41 | 150 | 106.4 | +| 70 | 5.9 | 2.47 | 280 | 113.4 | +| 120 | 5.9 | 4.23 | 500 | 118.2 | +|________________|__________|____________|__________|_____________| +</pre> + <p> + By increasing the pressure at which acetylene is introduced into burners + of this type, still larger duties may be obtained from them: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + _________________________________________________________________ +| | | | | | +| Size of Burner | Pressure | Cubic Feet | Light in | Candles per | +| in Litres. | Inches. | per Hour. | Candles. | Cubic Feet. | +|________________|__________|____________|__________|_____________| +| | | | | | +| 55 | 39.4 | 1.94 | 220 | 113.4 | +| 100 | 39.4 | 3.53 | 430 | 121.8 | +| 180 | 39.4 | 6.35 | 820 | 129.1 | +| 260 | 27.6 | 9.18 | 1300 | 141.6 | +|________________|__________|____________|__________|_____________| +</pre> + <p> + High-power burners such as these are only fit for special purposes, such + as lighthouse illumination, or optical lantern work, &c.; and they + naturally require mantles of considerably greater tenacity than those + intended for employment with coal-gas. Nevertheless, suitable mantles can + be, and are being, made, and by their aid the illuminating duty of + acetylene can be raised from the 30 odd candles per foot of the common + 0.5-foot self-luminous jet to 140 candles or more per foot, which is a + gain in efficiency of 367 per cent., or, neglecting upkeep and sundries + and considering only the gas consumed, an economy of nearly 79 per cent. + </p> + <p> + In 1902, working apparently with acetylene dissolved under pressure in + acetone (<i>cf.</i> Chapter XI.), Lewes obtained the annexed results with + the incandescent gas: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ________________________________________________________ +| | | | | +| Pressure. | Cubic Feet | Candle Power | Candles per | +| Inches. | per Hour. | Developed. | Cubic Foot. | +|___________|_____________|______________|______________| +| | | | | +| 8 | 0.883 | 65 | 73.6 | +| 9 | 0.94 | 72 | 76.0 | +| 10 | 1.00 | 146 | 146.0 | +| 12 | 1.06 | 150 | 141.2 | +| 15 | 1.25 | 150 | 120.0 | +| 20 | 1.33 | 166 | 124.8 | +| 25 | 1.50 | 186 | 123.3 | +| 40 | 2.12 | 257 | 121.2 | +|___________|_____________|______________|______________| +</pre> + <p> + It will be seen that although the total candle-power developed increases + with the pressure, the duty of the burner attained a maximum at a pressure + of 10 inches. This is presumably due to the fact either that the same + burner was used throughout the tests, and was only intended to work at a + pressure of 10 inches or thereabouts, or that the larger burners were not + so well constructed as the smaller ones. Other investigators have not + given this maximum of duty with a medium-sized or medium-driven burner; + but Lewes has observed a similar phenomenon in the case of 0.7 to 0.8 + cubic foot self-luminous jets. + </p> + <p> + Figures, however, which seem to show that the duty of incandescent + acetylene does not always rise with the size of the burner or with the + pressure at which the gas is delivered to it, have been published in + connexion with the installation at the French lighthouse at Chassiron, the + northern point of the Island of Oléron. Here the acetylene is generated in + hand-fed carbide-to-water generators so constructed as to give any + pressure up to nearly 200 inches of water column; purified by means of + heratol, and finally delivered to a burner composed of thirty- seven small + tubes, which raises to incandescence a mantle 55 millimetres in diameter + at its base. At a pressure of 7.77 inches of water, the burner passes 3.9 + cubic feet of acetylene per hour, and at a pressure of 49.2 inches (the + head actually used) it consumes 20.06 cubic feet per hour. As shown by the + following table, such increment of gas pressure raises the specific + intensity of the light, <i>i.e.</i>, the illuminating power per unit of + incandescent surface, but it does not appreciably raise the duty or + economy of the gas. Manifestly, in terms of duty alone, a pressure of 23.6 + inches of water-column is as advantageous as the higher Chassiron figures; + but since intensity of light is an important matter in a lighthouse, it is + found better on the whole to work the generators at a pressure of 49.2 + inches. In studying these figures referring to the French lighthouse, it + is interesting to bear in mind that when ordinary six-wick petroleum oil + burners wore used in the same place, the specific intensity of the light + developed was 75 candle-power per square inch, and when that plant was + abandoned in favour of an oil-gas apparatus, the incandescent burner + yielded 161 candle-power per square inch; substitution of incandescent + acetylene under pressure has doubled the brilliancy of the light. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ___________________________________________________________ +| | | | +| | Duty. | Intensity. | +| Pressure in Inches. | Candle-power per | Candle-power per | +| | Cubic Foot. | Square Inch. | +|_____________________|__________________|__________________| +| | | | +| 7.77 | 105.5 | 126.0 | +| 23.60 | 106.0 | 226.0 | +| 31.50 | 110.0 | 277.0 | +| 39.40 | 110.0 | 301.0 | +| 47.30 | 106.0 | 317.0 | +| 49.20 | 104.0 | 324.9 | +| 196.80 | 110.0 | 383.0 | +|_____________________|__________________|__________________| +</pre> + <p> + When tested in modern burners consuming between 12 and 18 litres per hour + at a pressure of 100 millimetres (4 inches), some special forms of + incandescent mantles constructed of ramie fibre, which in certain respects + appears to be better suited than cotton for use with acetylene, have shown + the following degree of loss in illuminating power after prolonged + employment (Caro): + </p> + <p> + _Luminosity in Hefner Units._ + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ________________________________________________________ +| | | | | | +| Mantle. | New. | After | After | After | +| | | 100 Hours. | 200 Hours. | 400 Hours. | +|_________|_______|____________|____________|____________| +| | | | | | +| No. 1. | 53.2 | 51.8 | 50.6 | 49.8 | +| No. 2. | 76.3 | 75.8 | 73.4 | 72.2 | +| No. 3. | 73.1 | 72.5 | 70.1 | 68.6 | +|_________|_______|____________|____________|____________| +</pre> + <p> + It will be seen that the maximum loss of illuminating power in 400 hours + was 6.4 per cent., the average loss being 6.0 per cent. + </p> + <p> + TYPICAL INCANDESCENT BURNERS.--Of the many burners for lighting by the use + of incandescent mantles which have been devised, a few of the more widely + used types may be briefly referred to. There is no doubt that finality in + the design of these burners has not yet been reached, and that + improvements in the direction of simplification of construction and in + efficiency and durability will continue to be made. + </p> + <p> + Among the early incandescent burners, one made by the Allgemeine Carbid + und Acetylen Gesellschaft of Berlin in 1900 depended on the narrowness of + the mixing tube and the proportioning of the gas nipple and air inlets to + prevent lighting-back. There was a wider concentric tube round the upper + part of the mixing tube, and the lower part of the mantle fitted round + this. The mouth of the mixing tube of this 10-litres-per-hour burner was + 0.11 inch in diameter, and the external diameter of the middle cylindrical + part of the mixing tube was 0.28 inch. There was no gauze diaphragm or + stuffing, and firing-back did not occur until the pressure was reduced to + about 1.5 inches. The same company later introduced a burner differing in + several important particulars from the one just described. The + comparatively narrow stem of the mixing tube and the proportions of the + gas nipple and air inlets were retained, but the mixing tube was + surmounted by a wide chamber or burner head, in which naturally there was + a considerable reduction in the rate of flow of the gas. Consequently it + was found necessary to introduce a gauze screen into the burner head to + prevent firing back. The alterations have resulted in the lighting duty of + the burner being considerably improved. Among other burners designed about + 1900 may be mentioned the Ackermann, the head of which consisted of a + series of tubes from each of which a jet of flame was produced, the + Fouché, the Weber, and the Trendel. Subsequently a tubular-headed burner + known as the Sirius has been produced for the consumption of acetylene at + high pressure (20 inches and upwards). + </p> + <p> + The more recent burners which have been somewhat extensively used include + the "Schimek," made by W. Güntner of Vienna, which is shown in Fig. 19. It + consists of a tapering narrow injecting nozzle within a conical chamber C + which is open below, and is surmounted by the mixing tube over which + telescopes a tube which carries the enlarged burner head G, and the + chimney gallery D. There are two diaphragms of gauze in the burner head to + prevent firing back, and one in the nozzle portion of the burner. The + conical chamber has a perforated base-plate below which is a circular + plate B which rotates on a screw cut on the lower part of the nozzle + portion A of the burner. This plate serves as a damper to control the + amount of air admitted through the base of the conical chamber to the + mixing tube. There are six small notches in the lower edge of the conical + chamber to prevent the inflow of air being cut of entirely by the damper. + The mixing tube in both the 10-litre and the 15-litre burner is about 0.24 + inch in internal diameter but the burner head is nearly 0.42 inch in the + 10-litre and 0.48 inch in the 15-litre burner. The opening in the head of + the burner through which the mixture of gas and air escapes to the flame + is 0.15 and 0.17 inch in diameter in these two sizes respectively. The + results of some testings made with Schimek burners have been already + given. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/259.png"><img src="images/259th.png" + alt="FIG. 19.--'SCHIMEK' BURNER" /></a> + </p> + <p> + The "Knappich" burner, made by the firm of Keller and Knappich of + Augsburg, somewhat resembles the later pattern of the Allgemeine Carbid + und Acetylen Gesellschaft. It has a narrow mixing tube, viz., 0.2 inch in + internal diameter, and a wide burner head, viz., 0.63 inch in internal + diameter for the 25-litre size. The only gauze diaphragm is in the upper + part of the burner head. The opening in the cap of the burner head, at + which the gas burns, is 0.22 inch in diameter. The gas nipple extends into + a domed chamber at the base of the mixing tube, and the internal air is + supplied through four holes in the base-plate of that chamber. No means of + regulating the effective area of the air inlet holes are provided. + </p> + <p> + The "Zenith" burner, made by the firm of Gebrüder Jacob of Zwickau, more + closely resembles the Schimek, but the air inlets are in the side of the + lower widened portion of the mixing tube, and are more or less closed by + means of an outside loose collar which may be screwed up and down on a + thread on a collar fixed to the mixing tube. The mixing tube is 0.24 inch, + and the burner head 0.475 inch in internal diameter. The opening in the + cap of the burner is 0.16 inch in diameter. There is a diaphragm of double + gauze in the cap, and this is the only gauze used in the burner. + </p> + <p> + All the incandescent burners hitherto mentioned ordinarily have the gas + nipple made in brass or other metal, which is liable to corrosion, and the + orifice to distortion by heat or if it becomes necessary to remove any + obstruction from it. The orifice in the nipple is extremely small-- + usually less than 0.015 inch--and any slight obstruction or distortion + would alter to a serious extent the rate of flow of gas through it, and so + affect the working of the burner. In order to overcome this defect, + inherent to metal nipples, burners are now constructed for acetylene in + which the nipple is of hard incorrodible material. One of these burners + has been made on behalf of the Office Central de l'Acétylčne of Paris, and + is commonly known as the "O.C.A." burner. In it the nipple is of steatite. + On the inner mixing tube of this burner is mounted an elongated cone of + wire wound spirally, which serves both to ensure proper admixture of the + gas and air, and to prevent firing-back. There is no gauze in this burner, + and the parts are readily detachable for cleaning when required. Another + burner, in which metal is abolished for the nipple, is made by Geo. Bray + and Co., Ltd., of Leeds, and is shown in Fig. 20. In this burner the + injecting nipple is of porcelain. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/260.png"><img src="images/260th.png" + alt="FIG. 20.--BRAY'S INCANDESCENT BURNER" /></a> + </p> + <p> + ACETYLENE FOR HEATING AND COOKING.--Since the problem of constructing a + trustworthy atmospheric burner has been solved, acetylene is not only + available for use in incandescent lighting, but it can also be employed + for heating or cooking purposes, because all boiling, most warming, and + some roasting stoves are simply arrangements for utilising the heat of a + non-luminous flame in one particular way. With suitable alterations in the + dimensions of the burners, apparatus for consuming coal-gas may be + imitated and made fit to burn acetylene; and as a matter of fact several + firms are now constructing such appliances, which leave little or nothing + to be desired. It may perhaps be well to insist upon the elementary point + which is so frequently ignored in practice, viz., that no stove, except + perhaps a small portable boiling ring, ought ever to be used in an + occupied room unless it is connected with a chimney, free from down- + draughts, for the products of combustion to escape into the outer air; and + also that no chimney, however tall, can cause an up-draught in all states + of the weather unless there is free admission of fresh air into the room + at the base of the chimney. Still, at the prices for coal, paraffin oil, + and calcium carbide which exist in Great Britain, acetylene is not an + economical means of providing artificial heat. If a 0.7 cubic foot + luminous acetylene burner gives a light of 27 candles, and if ordinary + country coal-gas gives light of 12 to 13 candles in a 5-foot burner, one + volume of acetylene is equally valuable with 15 or 16 volumes of coal-gas + when both are consumed in self-luminous jets; and if, with the mantle, + acetylene develops 99 candles per cubic foot, while coal-gas gives in + common practice 15 to 20 candles, one volume of acetylene is equally + valuable with 5 to 6-1/2 volumes of coal-gas when both are consumed on the + incandescent system; whereas, if the acetylene is burnt in a flat flame, + and the coal-gas under the mantle, 1 volume of the former is equally + efficient with 2 volumes of coal-gas as an artificial illuminant. This + last method of comparison being manifestly unfair, acetylene may be said + to be at least five times as efficient per unit of volume as coal-gas for + the production of light. But from the table given on a later page it + appears that as a source of artificial heat, acetylene is only equal to + about 2-3 times its volume of ordinary coal-gas. Nevertheless, the + domestic advantages of gas firing are very marked; and when a properly + constructed stove is properly installed, the hygienic advantages of + gas-firing are alone equally conspicuous--for the disfavor with which + gas-firing is regarded by many physicians is due to experience gained with + apparatus warming principally by convection [Footnote: Radiant heat is + high-temperature heat, like the heat emitted by a mass of red-hot coke; + convected heat is low-temperature heat, invisible to the eye. Radiant heat + heats objects first, and leaves them to warm the air; convected heat is + heat applied directly to air, and leaves the air to warm objects + afterwards. On all hygienic grounds radiant heat is better than convected + heat, but the latter is more economical. By an absurd and confusing + custom, that particular warming apparatus (gas, steam, or hot water) which + yields practically no radiant heat, and does all its work by convection, + is known to the trade as a "radiator."] instead of radiation; or to + acquaintance with intrinsically better stoves either not connected to any + flues or connected to one deficient in exhausting power. In these + circumstances, whenever an installation of acetylene has been laid down + for the illumination of a house or district, the merit of convenience may + outweigh the defect of extravagance, and the gas may be judiciously + employed in a boiling ring, or for warming a bedroom; while, if pecuniary + considerations are not paramount, the acetylene may be used for every + purpose to which the townsman would apply his cheaper coal-gas. + </p> + <p> + The difficulty of constructing atmospheric acetylene burners in which the + flame would not be likely to strike back to the nipple has already been + referred to in connexion with the construction atmospheric burners for + incandescent lighting. Owing, however, to the large proportions of the + atmospheric burners of boiling rings and stove and in particular to the + larger bore of their mixing tube, the risk of the flame striking back is + greater with them, than with incandescent lighting burners. The greatest + trouble is presented at lighting, and when the pressure of the gas-supply + is low. The risk of firing-back when the burner is lighted is avoided in + some forms of boiling rings, &c., by providing a loose collar which + can be slipped over the air inlets of the Bunsen tube before applying a + light to the burner, and slipped clear of them as soon as the burner is + alight. Thus at the moment of lighting, the burner is converted + temporarily into one of the non-atmospheric type, and after the flame has + thus been established at the head or ring of the burner, the internal + air-supply is started by removing the loose collar from the air inlets, + and the flame is thus made atmospheric. In these conditions it does not + travel backwards to the nipple. In other heating burners it is generally + necessary to turn on the gas tap a few seconds before applying a light to + the burner or ring or stove; the gas streaming through the mixing tube + then fills it with acetylene and air mixed in the proper working + proportions, and when the light is applied, there is no explosion in the + mixing tube, or striking-back of the flame to the nipple. + </p> + <p> + Single or two-burner gas rings for boiling purposes, or for heating + cooking ovens, known as the "La Belle," made by Falk Stadelmann and Co., + Ltd., of London, may be used at as low a gas pressure as 2 inches, though + they give better results at 3 inches, which is their normal working + pressure. The gas-inlet nozzle or nipple of the burner is set within a + spherical bulb in which are four air inlets. The mixing tube which is + placed at a proper distance in front of the nipple, is proportioned to the + rate of flow of the gas and air, and contains a mixing chamber with a + baffling pillar to further their admixture. A fine wire gauze insertion + serves to prevent striking-back of the flame. A "La Belle" boiling ring + consumes at 3 inches pressure about 48 litres or 1.7 cubic feet of + acetylene per hour. + </p> + <p> + ACETYLENE MOTORS.--The question as to the feasibility of developing + "power" from acetylene, <i>i.e.</i>, of running an engine by means of the + gas, may be answered in essentially identical terms. Specially designed + gas-engines of 1, 3, 6, or even 10 h.p. work perfectly with acetylene, and + such motors are in regular employment in numerous situations, more + particularly for pumping water to feed the generators of a large village + acetylene installation. Acetylene is not an economical source of power, + partly for the theoretical reason that it is a richer fuel even than + coal-gas, and gas-engines would appear usually to be more efficient as the + fuel they burn is poorer in calorific intensity, <i>i.e.</i>, in heating + power (which is explosive power) per unit of volume. The richer, or more + concentrated, any fuel in, the more rapidly does the explosion in a + mixture of that fuel with air proceed, because a rich fuel contains a + smaller proportion of non-inflammable gases which tend to retard explosion + than a poor one; and, in reason, a gas-engine works better the more slowly + the mixture of gas and air with which it is fed explodes. Still, by + properly designing the ports of a gas-engine cylinder, so that the normal + amount of compression of the charge and of expansion of the exploded + mixture which best suit coal-gas are modified to suit acetylene, + satisfactory engines can be constructed; and wherever an acetylene + installation for light exists, it becomes a mere question of expediency + whether the same fuel shall not be used to develop power, say, for pumping + up the water required in a large country house, instead of employing hand + labour, or the cheaper hot-air or petroleum motor. Taking the mean of the + results obtained by numerous investigators, it appears that 1 h.p.-hour + can be obtained for a consumption of 200 litres of acetylene; whence it + may be calculated that that amount of energy costs about 3d. for gas only, + neglecting upkeep, lubricating material (which would be relatively + expensive) and interest, &c. + </p> + <p> + Acetylene Blowpipes--The design of a satisfactory blowpipe for use with + acetylene had at first proved a matter of some difficulty, since the jet, + like that of an ordinary self-luminous burner, usually exhibited a + tendency to become choked with carbonaceous growths. But when acetylene + had become available for various purposes at considerable pressure, after + compression into porous matter as described in Chapter XI, the troubles + were soon overcome; and a new form of blowpipe was constructed in which + acetylene was consumed under pressure in conjunction with oxygen. The + temperature given by this apparatus exceeds that of the familiar oxy- + hydrogen blowpipe, because the actual combustible material is carbon + instead of hydrogen. When 2 atoms of hydrogen unite with 1 of oxygen to + form 1 molecule of gaseous water, about 59 large calories are evolved, and + when 1 atom of solid amorphous carbon unites with 2 atoms of oxygen to + form 1 molecule of carbon dioxide, 97.3 calories are evolved. In both + cases, however, the heat attainable is limited by the fact that at certain + temperatures hydrogen and oxygen refuse to combine to form water, and + carbon and oxygen refuse to form carbon dioxide--in other words, water + vapour and carbon dioxide dissociate and absorb heat in the process at + certain moderately elevated temperatures. But when 1 atom of solid + amorphous carbon unites with 1 atom of oxygen to form carbon monoxide, + 29.1 [Footnote: Cf. Chapter VI., page 185.] large calories are produced, + and carbon monoxide is capable of existence at much higher temperatures + than either carbon dioxide or water vapour. In any gaseous hydrocarbon, + again, the carbon exists in the gaseous state, and when 1 atom of the + hypothetical gaseous carbon combines with 1 atom of oxygen to produce 1 + molecule of carbon monoxide, 68.2 large calories are evolved. Thus while + solid amorphous carbon emits more heat than a chemically equivalent + quantity of hydrogen provided it is enabled to combine with its higher + proportion of oxygen, it emits less if only carbon monoxide is formed; but + a higher temperature can be attained in the latter case, because the + carbon monoxide is more permanent or stable. Gaseous carbon, on the other + hand, emits more heat than an equivalent quantity of hydrogen, [Footnote: + In a blowpipe flame hydrogen can only burn to gaseous, not liquid, water.] + even when it is only converted into the monoxide. In other words, a + gaseous fuel which consists of hydrogen alone can only yield that + temperature as a maximum at which the speed of the dissociation of the + water vapour reaches that of the oxidation of the hydrogen; and were + carbon dioxide the only oxide of carbon, a similar state of affairs would + be ultimately reached in the flame of a carbonaceous gas. But since in the + latter case the carbon dioxide does not tend to dissociate completely, but + only to lose one atom of oxygen, above the limiting temperature for the + formation of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide is still produced, because + there is less dissociating force opposed to its formation. Thus at + ordinary temperatures the heat of combustion of acetylene is 315.7 + calories; but at temperatures where water vapour and carbon dioxide no + longer exist, there is lost to that quantity of 315.7 calories the heat of + combustion of hydrogen (69.0) and twice that of carbon monoxide (68.2 x 2 + = 136.4); so that above those critical temperatures, the heat of + combustion of acetylene is only 315.7 - (69.0 + 136.4) = 110.3. [Footnote: + When the heat of combustion of acetylene is quoted as 315.7 calories, it + is understood that the water formed is condensed into the liquid state. If + the water remains gaseous, as it must do in a flame, the heat of formation + is reduced by about 10 calories. This does not affect the above + calculation, because the heat of combustion of hydrogen when the water + remains gaseous is similarly 10 calories less than 69, <i>i.e.</i>, 59, as + mentioned above in the text. Deleting the heat of liquefaction of water, + the calculation referred to becomes 305.7 - (59.0 + l36.4) = 110.3 as + before.] This value of 110.3 calories is clearly made up of the heat of + formation of acetylene itself, and twice the heat of conversion of carbon + into carbon monoxide, <i>i.e.</i>, for diamond carbon, 58.1 + 26.1 x 2 = + 110.3; or for amorphous carbon, 52.1 + 29.1 x 2 = 110.3. From the + foregoing considerations, it may be inferred that the acetylene-oxygen + blowpipe can be regarded as a device for burning gaseous carbon in oxygen; + but were it possible to obtain carbon in the state of gas and so to lead + it into a blowpipe, the acetylene apparatus should still be more powerful, + because in it the temperature would be raised, not only by the heat of + formation of carbon monoxide, but also by the heat attendant upon the + dissociation of the acetylene which yields the carbon. + </p> + <p> + Acetylene requires 2.5 volumes of oxygen to burn it completely; but in the + construction of an acetylene-oxygen blowpipe the proportion of oxygen is + kept below this figure, viz., at 1.1 to 1.8 volumes, so that the + deficiency is left to be made up from the surrounding air. Thus at the jet + of the blowpipe the acetylene dissociates and its carbon is oxidised, at + first no doubt to carbon monoxide only, but afterwards to carbon dioxide; + and round the flame of the gaseous carbon is a comparatively cool, though + absolutely very hot jacket of hydrogen burning to water vapour in a + mixture of oxygen and air, which protects the inner zone from loss of + heat. As just explained, theoretical grounds support the conclusions at + which Fouché has arrived, viz., that the temperature of the + acetylene-oxygen blowpipe flame is above that at which hydrogen will + combine with oxygen to form water, and that it can only be exceeded by + those found in a powerful electric furnace. As the hydrogen dissociated + from the acetylene remains temporarily in the free state, the flame of the + acetylene blowpipe, possesses strong reducing powers; and this, coupled + probably with an intensity of heat which is practically otherwise + unattainable, except by the aid of a high-tension electric current, should + make the acetylene-oxygen blowpipe a most useful piece of apparatus for a + large variety of metallurgical, chemical, and physical operations. In + Fouché's earliest attempts to design an acetylene blowpipe, the gas was + first saturated with a combustible vapour, such as that of petroleum + spirit or ether, and the mixture was consumed with a blast of oxygen in an + ordinary coal-gas blow-pipe. The apparatus worked fairly well, but gave a + flame of varying character; it was capable of fusing iron, raised a pencil + of lime to a more brilliant degree of incandescence than the eth-oxygen + burner, and did not deposit carbon at the jet. The matter, however, was + not pursued, as the blowpipe fed with undiluted acetylene took its place. + The second apparatus constructed by Fouché was the high-pressure blowpipe, + the theoretical aspect of which has already been studied. In this, + acetylene passing through a water-seal from a cylinder where it is stored + as a solution in acetone (<i>cf.</i> Chapter XI.), and oxygen coming from + another cylinder, are each allowed to enter the blowpipe at a pressure of + 118 to 157 inches of water column (<i>i.e.</i>, 8.7 to 11.6 inches of + mercury; 4.2 to 5.7 lb. per square inch, or 0.3 to 0.4 atmosphere). The + gases mix in a chamber tightly packed with porous matter such as that + which is employed in the original acetylene reservoir, and finally issue + from a jet having a diameter of 1 millimetre at the necessary speed of 100 + to 150 metres per second. Finding, however, that the need for having the + acetylene under pressure somewhat limited the sphere of usefulness of his + apparatus, Fouché finally designed a low-pressure blowpipe, in which only + the oxygen requires to be in a state of compression, while the acetylene + is drawn directly from any generator of the ordinary pattern that does not + yield a gas contaminated with air. The oxygen passes through a reducing + valve to lower the pressure under which it stands in the cylinder to that + of 1 or 1.5 effective atmosphere, this amount being necessary to inject + the acetylene and to give the previously mentioned speed of escape from + the blowpipe orifice. The acetylene is led through a system of long narrow + tubes to prevent it firing-back. + </p> + <p> + AUTOGENOUS SOLDERING AND WELDING.--The blowpipe is suitable for the + welding and for the autogenous soldering or "burning" of wrought or cast + iron, steel, or copper. An apparatus consuming from 600 to 1000 litres of + acetylene per hour yields a flame whose inner zone is 10 to 15 millimetres + long, and 3 to 4 millimetres in diameter; it is sufficiently powerful to + burn iron sheets 8 to 9 millimetres thick. By increasing the supply of + acetylene in proportion to that of the oxygen, the tip of the inner zone + becomes strongly luminous, and the flame then tends to carburise iron; + when the gases are so adjusted that this tip just disappears, the flame is + at its best for heating iron and steel. The consumption of acetylene is + about 75 litres per hour for each millimetre of thickness in the sheet + treated, and the normal consumption of oxygen is 1.7 times as much; a + joint 6 metres long can be burnt in 1 millimetre plate per hour, and one + of 1.5 metres in 10 millimetre plate. In certain cases it is found + economical to raise the metal to dull redness by other means, say with a + portable forge of the usual description, or with a blowpipe consuming + coal-gas and air. There are other forms of low- pressure blowpipe besides + the Fouché, in some of which the oxygen also is supplied at low pressure. + Apart from the use of cylinders of dissolved acetylene, which are + extremely convenient and practically indispensable when the blowpipe has + to be applied in confined spaces (as in repairing propeller shafts on + ships <i>in situ</i>), acetylene generators are now made by several firms + in a convenient transportable form for providing the gas for use in + welding or autogenous soldering. It is generally supposed that the metal + used as solder in soldering iron or steel by this method must be iron + containing only a trifling proportion of carbon (such as Swedish iron), + because the carbon of the acetylene carburises the metal, which is heated + in the oxy-acetylene flame, and would thereby make ordinary steel too rich + in carbon. But the extent to which the metal used is carburised in the + flame depends, as has already been indicated, on the proper adjustment of + the proportion of oxygen to acetylene. Oxy-acetylene autogenous soldering + or welding is applicable to a great variety of work, among which may be + mentioned repairs to shafts, locomotive frames, cylinders, and to joints + in ships' frames, pipes, boilers, and rails. The use of the process is + rapidly extending in engineering works generally. Generators for acetylene + soldering or welding must be of ample size to meet the quickly fluctuating + demands on them and must be provided with water-seals, and a washer or + scrubber and filter capable of arresting all impurities held mechanically + in the crude gas, and with a safety vent- pipe terminating in the open at + a distance from the work in hand. The generator must be of a type which + affords as little after-generation as possible, and should not need + recharging while the blowpipe is in use. There should be a main tap on the + pipe between the generator and the blowpipe. It does not appear + conclusively established that the gas consumed should have been chemically + purified, but a purifier of ample size and charged with efficient material + is undoubtedly beneficial. The blowpipe must be designed so that it + remains sufficiently cool to prevent polymerisation of the acetylene and + deposition of the resultant particles of carbon or soot within it. + </p> + <p> + It is important to remember that if a diluent gas, such as nitrogen, is + present, the superior calorific power of acetylene over nearly all gases + should avail to keep the temperature of the flame more nearly up to the + temperature at which hydrogen and oxygen cease to combine. Hence a + blowpipe fed with air and acetylene would give a higher temperature than + any ordinary (atmospheric) coal-gas blowpipe, just as, as has been + explained in Chapter VI., an ordinary acetylene flame has a higher + temperature than a coal-gas flame. It is likely that a blowpipe fed with + "Lindé-air" (oxygen diluted with less nitrogen than in the atmosphere) and + acetylene would give as high a limelight effect as the oxy-hydrogen or + oxy-coal-gas blowpipe. <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="linkx" id="x">CHAPTER X</a> + </h2> + <h3> + CARBURETTED ACETYLENE + </h3> + <p> + Now that atmospheric or Bunsen burners for the consumption of acetylene + for use in lighting by the incandescent system and in heating have been so + much improved that they seem to be within measurable reach of a state of + perfection, there appears to be but little use at the present time for a + modified or diluted acetylene which formerly seemed likely to be valuable + for heating and certain other purposes. Nevertheless, the facts relating + to this so-called carburetted acetylene are in no way traversed by its + failure to establish itself as an active competitor with simple acetylene + for heating purposes, and since it is conceivable that the advantages + which from the theoretical standpoint the carburetted gas undoubtedly + possesses in certain directions may ultimately lead to its practical + utilisation for special purposes, it has been deemed expedient to continue + to give in this work an account of the principles underlying the + production and application of carburetted acetylene. + </p> + <p> + It has already been explained that acetylene is comparatively a less + efficient heating agent than it is an illuminating material, because, per + unit of volume, its calorific power is not so much greater than that of + coal-gas as is its illuminating capacity. It has also been shown that the + high upper explosive limit of mixtures of acetylene and air--a limit so + much higher than the corresponding figure with coal-gas and other gaseous + fuels--renders its employment in atmospheric burners (either for lighting + or for heating) somewhat troublesome, or dependent upon considerable skill + in the design of the apparatus. If, therefore, either the upper explosive + limit of acetylene could be reduced, or its calorific value increased (or + both), by mixing with it some other gas or vapour which should not + seriously affect its price and convenience as a self-luminous illuminant, + acetylene would compare more favourably with coal-gas in its ready + applicability to the most various purposes. Such a method has been + suggested by Heil, and has been found successful on the Continent. It + consists in adding to the acetylene a certain proportion of the vapour of + a volatile hydrocarbon, so as to prepare what is called "carburetted + acetylene." In all respects the method of making carburetted acetylene is + identical with that of making "air-gas," which was outlined in Chapter I., + viz., the acetylene coming from an ordinary generating plant is led over + or through a mass of petroleum spirit, or other similar product, in a + vessel which exposes the proper amount of superficial area to the passing + gas. In all respects save one the character of the product is similar to + that of air-gas, <i>i.e.</i>, it is a mixture of a permanent gas with a + vapour; the vapour may possibly condense in part within the mains if they + are exposed to a falling temperature, and if the product is to be led any + considerable distance, deposition of liquid may occur (conceivably + followed by blockage of the mains) unless the proportion of vapour added + to the gas is kept below a point governed by local climatic and similar + conditions. But in one most important respect carburetted acetylene is + totally different from air-gas: partial precipitation of spirit from + air-gas removes more or less of the solitary useful constituent of the + material, reducing its practical value, and causing the residue to + approach or overpass its lower explosive limit (<i>cf.</i> Chapter I.); + partial removal of spirit from carburetted acetylene only means a partial + reconversion of the material into ordinary acetylene, increasing its + natural illuminating power, lowering its calorific intensity somewhat, and + causing the residue to have almost its primary high upper explosive limit, + but essentially leaving its lower explosive limit unchanged. Thus while + air-gas may conceivably become inefficient for every purpose if supplied + from any distance in very cold weather, and may even pass into a dangerous + explosive within the mains; carburetted acetylene can never become + explosive, can only lose part of its special heating value, and will + actually increase in illuminating power. + </p> + <p> + It is manifest that, like air-gas, carburetted acetylene is of somewhat + indefinite composition, for the proportion of vapour, and the chemical + nature of that vapour, may vary. 100 litres of acetylene will take up 40 + grammes of petroleum spirit to yield 110 litres of carburetted acetylene + evidently containing 9 per cent. of vapour, or 100 litres of acetylene may + be made to absorb as much as 250 grammes of spirit yielding 200 litres of + carburetted acetylene containing 50 per cent. of vapour; while the + petroleum spirit may be replaced, if prices are suitable, by benzol or + denatured alcohol. + </p> + <p> + The illuminating power of acetylene carburetted with petroleum spirit has + been examined by Caro, whose average figures, worked out in British units, + are: + </p> + <p> + ILLUMINATING POWER OF CARBURETTED ACETYLENE. HALF-FOOT BURNERS. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Self-luminous.</i> | <i>Incandescent</i> +1 litre = 1.00 candle. | 1 litre = 3.04 candles. +1 cubic foot = 28.4 candles. | 1 cubic foot = 86.2 candles. +1 candle = 1.00 litre. | 1 candle = 0.33 litre. +1 candle = 0.035 cubic foot. | 1 candle = 0.012 cubic foot. +</pre> + <p> + Those results may be compared with those referring to air-gas, which emits + in incandescent burners from 3.0 to 12.4 candles per cubic foot according + to the amount of spirit added to the air and the temperature to which the + gas is exposed. + </p> + <p> + The calorific values of carburetted acetylene (Caro), and those of other + gaseous fuels are: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Large Calories per + _ Cubic Foot. + | (Lewes) . 320 + | (Gand) . 403 + Ordinary acetylene . . | (Heil) . 365 + | ___ + |_Mean . . 363 + + + | Maximum . 680 + Carburetted acetylene . . | Minimum . 467 + (petroleum spirit) | ___ + |_Mean . . 573 + + + Carburetted acetylene (50 per cent. benzol by volume) 685 + Carburetted acetylene (50 per cent. alcohol by volume) 364 + Coal-gas (common, unenriched) . . . . . 150 + _ + | Maximum . 178 + Air-gas, self-luminous flame | Minimum . 57 + | ___ + |_Mean . . . 114 + _ + | Maximum . 26 + Air-gas, non-luminous flame | Minimum . 18 + | ___ + |_Mean . . . 22 + + + Water-gas (Strache) from coke . . . . . 71 + Mond gas (from bituminous coal) . . . . . 38 + Semi-water-gas from coke or anthracite . . . 36 + Generator (producer) gas . . . . . . 29 +</pre> + <p> + Besides its relatively low upper explosive limit, carburetted acetylene + exhibits a higher temperature of ignition than ordinary acetylene, which + makes it appreciably safer in presence of a naked light. It also possesses + a somewhat lower flame temperature and a slower speed of propagation of + the explosive wave when mixed with air. These data are: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ______________________________________________________________________ +| | | | | +| | Explosive | Temperature. | | +| | Limits. | Degrees C. | Explosive | +| |19 mm. Tube. | | Explosive | +| |_____________|__________________| Wave. | +| | | | | | Metres per | +| | | |Of Igni-| | Second. | +| |Lower.|Upper.| tion. |Of Flame.| | +|________________________|______|______|________|_________|____________| +| | | | | | | +| Acetylene (theoretical)| --- | --- | --- |1850-2420| --- | +| " (observed) | 3.35 | 52.3 | 480 |1630-2020| 0.18-100 | +| Carburetted \ from | 2.5 | 10.2 | 582 | 1620 | 3.2 | +| acetylene / . . to | 5.4 | 30.0 | 720 | 1730 | 5.3 | +| Carburetted acetylene\ | 3.4 | 22.0 | --- | 1820 | 1.3 | +| (benzol) . . . / | | | | | | +| Carburetted acetylene\ | 3.1 | 12.0 | --- | 1610 | 1.1 | +| (alcohol) . . . / | | | | | | +| Air-gas, self-luminous\|15.0 | 50.0 | --- |1510-1520| --- | +| flame . . . . /| | | | | | +| Coal-gas . . . | 7.9 | 19.1 | 600 | --- | --- | +|________________________|______|______|________|_________|____________| +</pre> + <p> + In making carburetted acetylene, the pressure given by the ordinary + acetylene generator will be sufficient to drive the gas through the + carburettor, and therefore there will be no expense involved beyond the + cost of the spirit vaporised. Thus comparisons may fairly be made between + ordinary and carburetted acetylene on the basis of material only, the + expense of generating the original acetylene being also ignored. In Great + Britain the prices of calcium carbide, petroleum spirit, and 90s benzol + delivered in bulk in country places may be taken at 15Ł per ton, and 1s. + per gallon respectively, petroleum spirit having a specific gravity of + 0.700 and benzol of 0.88. On this basis, a unit volume (100 cubic metres) + of plain acetylene costs 1135d., of "petrolised" acetylene containing 66 + per cent. of acetylene costs 1277d., and of "benzolised" acetylene costs + 1180d. In other words, 100 volumes of plain acetylene, 90 volumes of + petrolised acetylene, and 96 volumes of benzolised acetylene are of equal + pecuniary value. Employing the data given in previous tables, it appears + that 38.5 candles can be won from plain acetylene in a self-luminous + burner, and 103 candles therefrom in an incandescent burner at the same + price as 25.5-29.1 and 78-87 candles can be obtained from carburetted + acetylene; whence it follows that at English prices petrolised acetylene + is more expensive as an illuminant in either system of combustion than the + simple gas, while benzolised acetylene, burnt under the mantle only, is + more nearly equal to the simple gas from a pecuniary aspect. But + considering the calorific value, it appears that for a given sum of money + only 363 calories can be obtained from plain acetylene, while petrolised + acetylene yields 516, and benzolised acetylene 658; so that for all + heating or cooking purposes (and also for driving small motors) + carburetted acetylene exhibits a notable economy. Inasmuch as the partial + saturation of acetylene with any combustible vapour is an operation of + extreme simplicity, requiring no power or supervision beyond the + occasional recharging of the carburettor, it is manifest that the original + main coming from the generator supplying any large establishment where + much warming, cooking (or motor driving) might conveniently be done with + the gas could be divided within the plant-house, one branch supplying all, + or nearly all, the lighting burners with plain acetylene, and the other + branch communicating with a carburettor, so that all, or nearly all, the + warming and cooking stoves (and the motor) should be supplied with the + more economical carburetted acetylene. Since any water pump or similar + apparatus would be in an outhouse or basement, and the most important + heating stove (the cooker) be in the kitchen, such an arrangement would be + neither complicated nor involve a costly duplication of pipes. + </p> + <p> + It follows from the fact that even a trifling proportion of vapour reduces + the upper limit of explosibility of mixtures of acetylene with air, that + the gas may be so lightly carburetted as not appreciably to suffer in + illuminating power when consumed in self-luminous jets, and yet to burn + satisfactorily in incandescent burners, even if it has been generated in + an apparatus which introduces some air every time the operation of + recharging is performed. To carry out this idea, Caro has suggested that 5 + kilos. of petroleum spirit should be added to the generator water for + every 50 cubic metres of gas evolved, <i>i.e.</i>, 1 lb. per 160 cubic + feet, or, say, 1 gallon per 1000 cubic feet, or per 200 lb. of carbide + decomposed. Caro proposed this addition in the case of central + installations supplying a district where the majority of the consumers + burnt the gas in self-luminous jets, but where a few preferred the + incandescent system; but it is clearly equally suitable for employment in + all private plants of sufficient magnitude. + </p> + <p> + A lowering of the upper limit of explosibility is also produced by the + presence of the acetone which remains in acetylene when obtained from a + cylinder holding the compressed gas (<i>cf.</i> Chapter XI.). According to + Wolff and Caro such gas usually carries with it from 30 to 60 grammes of + acetone vapour per cubic metre, <i>i.e.</i>, 1.27 grammes per cubic foot + on an average; and this amount reduces the upper limit of explosibility by + about 16 per cent., so that to this extent the gas behaves more smoothly + in an incandescent burner of imperfect design. + </p> + <p> + Lépinay has described some experiments on the comparative technical value + of ordinary acetylene, carburetted acetylene, denatured alcohol and + petroleum spirit as fuels for small explosion engines. One particular + motor of 3 (French) h.p. consumed 1150 grammes of petroleum spirit per + hour at full load; but when it was supplied with carburetted acetylene its + consumption fell to 150 litres of acetylene and 700 grammes of spirit + (specific gravity 0.680). A 1-1/4 h.p. engine running light required 48 + grammes of 90 per cent. alcohol per horse-power-hour and 66 litres of + acetylene; at full load it took 220 grammes of alcohol and 110 litres of + acetylene. A 6 h.p. engine at full load required 62 litres of acetylene + carburetted with 197 grammes of petroleum spirit per horse-power-hour + (uncorrected); while a similar motor fed with low-grade Taylor fuel-gas + took 1260 litres per horse-power-hour, but on an average developed the + same amount of power from 73 litres when 10 per cent. of acetylene was + added to the gas. Lépinay found that with pure acetylene ignition of the + charge was apt to be premature; and that while the consumption of + carburetted acetylene in small motors still materially exceeded the + theoretical, further economics could be attained, which, coupled with the + smooth and regular running of an engine fed with the carburetted gas, made + carburetted acetylene distinctly the better power-gas of the two. <br /> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="linkxi" id="xi">CHAPTER XI</a> + </h2> + <h3> + COMPRESSED AND DISSOLVED ACETYLENE--MIXTURES WITH OTHER GASES + </h3> + <p> + In all that was said in Chapters II., III., IV., and V. respecting the + generation and employment of acetylene, it was assumed that the gas would + be produced by the interaction of calcium carbide and water, either by the + consumer himself, or in some central station delivering the acetylene + throughout a neighbourhood in mains. But there are other methods of using + the gas, which have now to be considered. + </p> + <p> + COMPRESSED ACETYLENE.--In the first place, like all other gases, acetylene + is capable of compression, or even of conversion into the liquid state; + for as a gas, the volume occupied by any given weight of it is not fixed, + but varies inversely with the pressure under which it is stored. A steel + cylinder, for instance, which is of such size as to hold a cubic foot of + water, also holds a cubic foot of acetylene at atmospheric pressure, but + holds 2 cubic feet if the gas is pumped into it to a pressure of 2 + atmospheres, or 30 lb. per square inch; while by increasing the pressure + to 21.53 atmospheres at 0° C. (Ansdell, Willson and Suckert) the gas is + liquefied, and the vessel may then contain 1 cubic foot of liquid + acetylene, which is equal to some 400 cubic feet of gaseous acetylene at + normal pressure. It is clear that for many purposes acetylene so + compressed or liquefied would be convenient, for if the cylinders could be + procured ready charged, all troubles incidental to generation would be + avoided. The method, however, is not practically permissible; because, as + pointed out in Chapters II. and VI., acetylene does not safely bear + compression to a point exceeding 2 atmospheres; and the liability to + spontaneous dissociation or explosion in presence of spark or severe blow, + which is characteristic of compressed gaseous acetylene, is greatly + enhanced if compression has been pushed to the point of liquefaction. + </p> + <p> + However, two methods of retaining the portability and convenience of + compressed acetylene with complete safety have been discovered. In one, + due to the researches of Claude and Hess, the gas is pumped under pressure + into acetone, a combustible organic liquid of high solvent power, which + boils at 56° C. As the solvent capacity of most liquids for most gases + rises with the pressure, a bottle partly filled with acetone may be + charged with acetylene at considerable effective pressure until the vessel + contains much more than its normal quantity of gas; and when the valve is + opened the surplus escapes, ready for employment, leaving the acetone + practically unaltered in composition or quantity, and fit to receive a + fresh charge of gas. In comparison with liquefied acetylene, its solution + in acetone under pressure is much safer; but since the acetone expands + during absorption of gas, the bottle cannot be entirely filled with + liquid, and therefore either at first, or during consumption (or both), + above the level of the relatively safe solution, the cylinder contains a + certain quantity of gaseous acetylene, which is compressed above its limit + of safety. The other method consists in pumping acetylene under pressure + into a cylinder apparently quite full of some highly porous solid matter, + like charcoal, kieselguhr, unglazed brick, &c. This has the practical + result that the gas is held under a high state of compression, or possibly + as a liquid, in the minute crevices of the material, which are almost of + insensible magnitude; or it may be regarded as stored in vessels whose + diameter is less than that in which an explosive wave can be propagated (<i>cf.</i> + Chapter VI.). + </p> + <p> + DISSOLVED ACETYLENE.--According to Fouché, the simple solution of + acetylene in acetone has the same coefficient of expansion by heat as that + of pure acetone, viz., 0.0015; the corresponding coefficient of liquefied + acetylene is 0.007 (Fouché), or 0.00489 (Ansdell) <i>i.e.</i>, three or + five times as much. The specific gravity of liquid acetylene is 0.420 at + 16.4° C. (Ansdell), or 0.528 at 20.6° C. (Willson and Suckert); while the + density of acetylene dissolved in acetone is 0.71 at 15° C. (Claude). The + tension of liquefied acetylene is 21.53 atmospheres at 0° C., and 39.76 + atmospheres at 20.15° C. (Ansdell); 21.53 at 0° C., and 39.76 at 19.5° C. + (Willson and Suckert); or 26.5 at 0° C., and 42.8 at 20.0° C. (Villard). + Averaging those results, it may be said that the tension rises from 23.2 + atmospheres at 0° C. to 40.77 at 20° C., which is an increment of 1/26 or + 0.88 atmosphere, per 1° Centigrade; while, of course, liquefied acetylene + cannot be kept at all at a temperature of 0° unless the pressure is 21 + atmospheres or upwards. The solution of acetylene in acetone can be stored + at any pressure above or below that of the atmosphere, and the extent to + which the pressure will rise as the temperature increases depends on the + original pressure. Berthelot and Vieille have shown that when (<i>a</i>) + 301 grammes of acetone are charged with 69 grammes of acetylene, a + pressure of 6.74 atmospheres at 14.0° C. rises to 10.55 atmospheres at + 35.7° C.; (<i>b</i>) 315 grammes of acetone are charged with 118 grammes + of acetylene, a pressure of 12.25 atmospheres at 14.0° C. rises to 19.46 + at 36.0° C.; (<i>c</i>) 315 grammes of acetone are charged with 203 + grammes of acetylene, a pressure of 19.98 atmospheres at 13.0° C. rises to + 30.49 at 36.0° C. Therefore in (<i>a</i>) the increase in pressure is 0.18 + atmosphere, in (<i>b</i>) O.33 atmosphere, and in (<i>c</i>) 0.46 + atmosphere per 1° Centigrade within the temperature limits quoted. Taking + case (<i>b</i>) as the normal, it follows that the increment in pressure + per 1° C. is 1/37 (usually quoted as 1/30); so that, measured as a + proportion of the existing pressure, the pressure in a closed vessel + containing a solution of acetylene in acetone increases nearly as much + (though distinctly less) for a given rise in temperature as does the + pressure in a similar vessel filled with liquefied acetylene, but the + absolute increase is roughly only one-third with the solution as with the + liquid, because the initial pressure under which the solution is stored is + only one-half, or less, that at which the liquefied gas must exist. + </p> + <p> + Supposing, now, that acetylene contained in a closed vessel, either as + compressed gas, as a solution in acetone, or as a liquid, were brought to + explosion by spark or shock, the effects capable of production have to be + considered. Berthelot and Vieille have shown that if gaseous acetylene is + stored at a pressure of 11.23 kilogrammes per square centimetre, + [Footnote: 1 kilo. per sq. cm. is almost identical with 1 atmosphere, or + 15 lb. per sq. inch.] the pressure after explosion reaches 92.33 + atmospheres on an average, which is an increase of 8.37 times the original + figure; if the gas is stored at 21.13 atmospheres, the mean pressure after + explosion is 213.15 atmospheres, or 10.13 times the original amount. If + liquid acetylene is tested similarly, the original pressure, which must + clearly be more than 21.53 atmospheres (Ansdell) at 0° C., may rise to + 5564 kilos, per square centimetre, as Berthelot and Vieille observed when + a steel bomb having a capacity of 49 c.c. was charged with 18 grammes of + liquefied acetylene. In the case of the solution in acetone, the + magnitudes of the pressures set up are of two entirely different orders + according as the original pressure 20 atmospheres or somewhat less; but + apart from this, they vary considerably with the extent to which the + vessel is filled with the liquid, and they also depend on whether the + explosion is produced in the solution or in the gas space above. Taking + the lower original pressure first, viz., 10 atmospheres, when a vessel was + filled with solution to 33 per cent. of its capacity, the pressure after + explosion reached about 95 atmospheres if the spark was applied to the gas + space; but attained 117.4 atmospheres when the spark was applied to the + acetone. When the vessel was filled 56 per cent. full, the pressures after + explosion reached about 89, or 155 atmospheres, according as the gas or + the liquid was treated with the spark. But when the original pressure was + 20 atmospheres, and the vessel was filled to 35 per cent. of its actual + capacity with solution, the final pressures ranged from 303 to 568 + atmospheres when the gas was fired, and from 2000 to 5100 when the spark + was applied to the acetone. Examining these figures carefully, it will be + seen that the phenomena accompanying the explosion of a solution of + acetylene in acetone resemble those of the explosion of compressed gaseous + acetylene when the original pressure under which the solution is stored is + about 10 atmospheres; but resemble those of the explosion of liquefied + acetylene when the original pressure of the solution reaches 20 + atmospheres, this being due to the fact that at an original pressure of 10 + atmospheres the acetone itself does not explode, but, being exothermic, + rather tends to decrease the severity of the explosion; whereas at an + original pressure of 20 atmospheres the acetone does explode (or burn), + and adds its heat of combustion to the heat evolved by the acetylene. Thus + at 10 atmospheres the presence of the acetone is a source of safety; but + at 20 atmospheres it becomes an extra danger. + </p> + <p> + Since sound steel cylinders may easily be constructed to boar a pressure + of 250 atmospheres, but would be burst by a pressure considerably less + than 5000 atmospheres, it appears that liquefied acetylene and its + solution in acetone at a pressure of 20 atmospheres are quite unsafe; and + it might also seem that both the solution at a pressure of 10 atmospheres + and the simple gas compressed to the same limit should be safe. But there + is an important difference here, in degree if not in kind, because, given + a cylinder of known capacity containing (1) gaseous acetylene compressed + to 10 atmospheres, or (2) containing the solution at the same pressure, if + an explosion were to occur, in case (1) the whole contents would + participate in the decomposition, whereas in case (2), as mentioned + already, only the small quantity of gaseous acetylene above the solution + would be dissociated. + </p> + <p> + It is manifest that of the three varieties of compressed acetylene now + under consideration, the solution in acetone is the only one fit for + general employment; but it exhibits the grave defects (<i>a</i>) that the + pressure under which it is prepared must be so small that the pressure in + the cylinders can never approach 20 atmospheres in the hottest weather or + in the hottest situation to which they may be exposed, (<i>b</i>) that the + gas does not escape smoothly enough to be convenient from large vessels + unless those vessels are agitated, and (<i>c</i>) that the cylinders must + always be used in a certain position with the valve at the top, lest part + of the liquid should run out into the pipes. For these reasons the simple + solution of acetylene in acetone has not become of industrial importance; + but the processes of absorbing either the gas, or better still its + solution in acetone, in porous matter have already achieved considerable + success. Both methods have proved perfectly safe and trustworthy; but the + combination of the acetone process with the porous matter makes the + cylinders smaller per unit volume of acetylene they contain. Several + varieties of solid matter appear to work satisfactorily, the only + essential feature in their composition being that they shall possess a + proper amount of porosity and be perfectly free from action upon the + acetylene or the acetone (if present). Lime does attack acetone in time, + and therefore it is not a suitable ingredient of the solid substance + whenever acetylene is to be compressed in conjunction with the solvent; so + that at present either a light brick earth which has a specific gravity of + 0.5 is employed, or a mixture of charcoal with certain inorganic salts + which has a density of 0.3, and can be introduced through a small aperture + into the cylinder in a semi-fluid condition. Both materials possess a + porosity of 80 per cent., that is to say, when a cylinder is apparently + filled quite full, only 20 per cent, of the space is really occupied by + the solid body, the remaining 80 per cent, being available for holding the + liquid or the compressed gas. If all comparisons as to degree of + explosibility and effects of explosion are omitted, an analogy may be + drawn between liquefied acetylene or its compressed solution in acetone + and nitroglycerin, while the gas or solution of the gas absorbed in porous + matter resembles dynamite. Nitroglycerin is almost too treacherous a + material to handle, but as an explosive (which in reason absorbed or + dissolved acetylene is not) dynamite is safe, and even requires special + arrangements to explode it. + </p> + <p> + In Paris, where the acetone process first found employment on a large + scale, the company supplying portable cylinders to consumers uses large + storage vessels filled, as above mentioned, apparently full of porous + solid matter, and also charged to about 43 per cent, of their capacity + with acetone, thus leaving about 37 per cent. of the apace for the + expansion which occurs as the liquid takes up the gas. Acetylene is + generated, purified, and thoroughly dried according to the usual methods; + and it is then run through a double-action pump which compresses it first + to a pressure of 3.5 kilos., next to a pressure of 3.5 x 3.5 = 12 kilos, + per square centimetre, and finally drives it into the storage vessels. + Compression is effected in two stages, because the process is accompanied + by an evolution of much heat, which might cause the gas to explode during + the operation; but since the pump is fitted with two cylinders, the + acetylene can be cooled after the first compression. The storage vessels + then contain 100 times their apparent volume of acetylene; for as the + solubility of acetylene in acetone at ordinary temperature and pressure is + about 25 volumes of gas in 1 of liquid, a vessel holding 100 volumes when + empty takes up 25 x 43 = 1000 volumes of acetylene roughly at atmospheric + pressure; which, as the pressure is approximately 10 atmospheres, becomes + 1000 x 10 = 10,000 volumes per 100 normal capacity, or 100 times the + capacity of the vessel in terms of water. From these large vessels, + portable cylinders of various useful dimensions, similarly loaded with + porous matter and acetone, are charged simply by placing them in mutual + contact, thus allowing the pressure and the surplus gas to enter the small + one; a process which has the advantage of renewing the small quantity of + acetone vaporised from the consumers' cylinders as the acetylene is burnt + (for acetone is somewhat volatile, cf. Chapter X.), so that only the + storage vessels ever need to have fresh solvent introduced. + </p> + <p> + Where it is procurable, the use of acetylene compressed in this fashion is + simplicity itself; for the cylinders have only to be connected with the + house service-pipes through a reducing valve of ordinary construction, set + to give the pressure which the burners require. When exhausted, the bottle + is simply replaced by another. Manifestly, however, the cost of + compression, the interest on the value of the cylinders, and the carriage, + &c., make the compressed gas more expensive per unit of volume (or + light) than acetylene locally generated from carbide and water; and indeed + the value of the process does not lie so much in the direction of domestic + illumination as in that of the lighting, and possibly driving, of vehicles + and motor-cars--more especially in the illumination of such vehicles as + travel constantly, or for business purposes, over rough road surfaces and + perform mostly out-and-home journeys. Nevertheless, absorbed acetylene may + claim close attention for one department of household illumination, viz., + the portable table-lamp; for the base of such an apparatus might easily be + constructed to imitate the acetone cylinder, and it could be charged by + simple connexion with a larger one at intervals. In this way the size of + the lamp for a given number of candle-hours would be reduced below that of + any type of actual generator, and the troubles of after-generation, always + more or less experienced in holderless generators, would be entirely done + away with. Dissolved acetylene is also very useful for acetylene welding + or autogenous soldering. + </p> + <p> + The advantages of compressed and absorbed acetylene depend on the small + bulk and weight of the apparatus per unit of light, on the fact that no + amount of agitation can affect the evolution of gas (as may happen with an + ordinary acetylene generator), on the absence of any liquid which may + freeze in winter, and on there being no need for skilled attention except + when the cylinders are being changed. These vessels weigh between 2.5 and + 3 kilos, per 1 litre capacity (normal) and since they are charged with 100 + times their apparent volume of acetylene, they may be said to weigh 1 + kilo, per 33 litres of available acetylene, or roughly 2 lb. per cubic + foot, or, again, if half-foot burners are used, 2 lb. per 36 candle- + hours. According to Fouché, if electricity obtained from lead accumulators + is compared with acetylene on the basis of the weight of apparatus needed + to evolve a certain quantify of light, 1 kilo, of acetylene cylinder is + equal to 1.33 kilos, of lead accumulator with arc lamps, or to 4 kilos. of + accumulator with glow lamps; and moreover the acetylene cylinder can be + charged and discharged, broadly speaking, as quickly or as slowly as may + be desired; while, it may be added, the same cylinder will serve one or + more self-luminous jets, one or more incandescent burners, any number and + variety of heating apparatus, simultaneously or consecutively, at any + pressure which may be required. From the aspect of space occupied, + dissolved acetylene is not so concentrated a source of artificial light as + calcium carbide; for 1 volume of granulated carbide is capable of omitting + as much light as 4 volumes of compressed gas; although, in practice, to + the 1 volume of carbide must be added that of the apparatus in which it is + decomposed. + </p> + <p> + LIQUEFIED ACETYLENE.--In most civilised countries the importation, + manufacture, storage, and use of liquefied acetylene, or of the gas + compressed to more than a fraction of one effective atmosphere, is quite + properly prohibited by law. In Great Britain this has been done by an + Order in Council dated November 26, 1897, which specifies 100 inches of + water column as the maximum to which compression may be pushed. Power + being retained, however, to exempt from the order any method of + compressing acetylene that might be proved safe, the Home Secretary issued + a subsequent Order on March 28, 1898, permitting oil-gas containing not + more than 20 per cent, by volume of acetylene (see below) to be compressed + to a degree not exceeding 150 lb. per square inch, <i>i.e.</i>, to about + 10 atmospheres, provided the gases are mixed together before compression; + while a third Order, dated April 10, 1901, allows the compression of + acetylene into cylinders filled as completely as possible with porous + matter, with or without the presence of acetone, to a pressure not + exceeding 150 lb. per square inch provided the cylinders themselves have + been tested by hydraulic pressure for at least ten minutes to a pressure + not less than double [Footnote: In France the cylinders are tested to six + times and in Russia to five times their working pressure.] that which it + is intended to use, provided the solid substance is similar in every + respect to the samples deposited at the Home Office, provided its porosity + does not exceed 80 per cent., provided air is excluded from every part of + the apparatus before the gas is compressed, provided the quantity of + acetone used (if used at all) is not sufficient to fill the porosity of + the solid, provided the temperature is not permitted to rise during + compression, and provided compression only takes place in premises + approved by H.M.'s Inspectors of Explosives. + </p> + <p> + DILUTED ACETYLENE.--Acetylene is naturally capable of admixture or + dilution with any other gas or vapour; and the operation may be regarded + in either of two ways; (1) as a, means of improving the burning qualities + of the acetylene itself, or (2) as a means of conferring upon some other + gas increased luminosity. In the early days of the acetylene industry, + generation was performed in so haphazard a fashion, purification so + generally omitted, and the burners were so inefficient, that it was + proposed to add to the gas a comparatively small proportion of some other + gaseous fluid which should be capable of making it burn without deposition + of carbon while not seriously impairing its latent illuminating power. One + of the first diluents suggested was carbon dioxide (carbonic acid gas), + because this gas is very easy and cheap to prepare; and because it was + stated that acetylene would bear an addition of 5 or even 8 per cent, of + carbon dioxide and yet develop its full degree of luminosity. This last + assertion requires substantiation; for it is at least a grave theoretical + error to add a non-inflammable gas to a combustible one, as is seen in the + lower efficiency of all flames when burning in common air in comparison + with that which they exhibit in oxygen; while from the practical aspect, + so harmful is carbon dioxide in an illuminating gas, that coal-gas and + carburetted water-gas are frequently most rigorously freed from it, + because a certain gain in illuminating power may often thus be achieved + more cheaply than by direct enrichment of the gas by addition of + hydrocarbons. Being prepared from chalk and any cheap mineral acid, + hydrochloric by preference, in the cold, carbon dioxide is so cheap that + its price in comparison with that of acetylene is almost <i>nil</i>; and + therefore, on the above assumption, 105 volumes of diluted acetylene might + be made essentially for the same price as 100 volumes of neat acetylene, + and according to supposition emit 5 per cent. more light per unit of + volume. + </p> + <p> + It is reported that several railway trains in Austria are regularly + lighted with acetylene containing 0.4 to 1.0 per cent. of carbon dioxide + in order to prevent deposition of carbon at the burners. The gas is + prepared according to a patent process which consists in adding a certain + proportion of a "carbonate" to the generator water. In the United Kingdom, + also, there are several installations supplying an acetylene diluted with + carbon dioxide, the gas being produced by putting into that portion of a + water-to-carbide generator which lies nearest to the water- supply some + solid carbonate like chalk, and using a dilute acid to attack the + material. Other inventors have proposed placing a solid acid, like oxalic, + in the former part of a generator and decomposing it with a carbonate + solution; or they have suggested putting into the generator a mixture of a + solid acid and a solid soluble carbonate, and decomposing it with plain + water. + </p> + <p> + Clearly, unless the apparatus in which such mixtures as these are intended + to be prepared is designed with considerable care, the amount of carbon + dioxide in the gas will be liable to vary, and may fall to zero. If any + quantity of carbide present has been decomposed in the ordinary way, there + will be free calcium hydroxide in the generator; and if the carbon dioxide + comes into contact with this, it will be absorbed, unless sufficient acid + is employed to convert the calcium carbonate (or hydroxide) into the + corresponding normal salt of calcium. Similarly, during purification, a + material containing any free lime would tend to remove the carbon dioxide, + as would any substance which became alkaline by retaining the ammonia of + the crude gas. + </p> + <p> + It cannot altogether be granted that the value of a process for diluting + acetylene with carbon dioxide has been established, except in so far as + the mere presence of the diluent may somewhat diminish the tendency of the + acetylene to polymerise as it passes through a hot burner (<i>cf.</i> + Chapter VIII.). Certainly as a fuel-gas the mixture would be less + efficient, and the extra amount of carbon dioxide produced by each flame + is not wholly to be ignored. Moreover, since properly generated and + purified acetylene can be consumed in proper burners without trouble, all + reason for introducing carbon dioxide has disappeared. + </p> + <p> + MIXTURES OF ACETYLENE AND AIR.--A further proposal for diluting acetylene + was the addition to it of air. Apart from questions of explosibility, this + method has the advantage over that of adding carbon dioxide that the air, + though not inflammable, is, in virtue of its contained oxygen, a supporter + of combustion, and is required in a flame; whereas carbon dioxide is not + only not a supporter of combustion, but is actually a product thereof, and + correspondingly more objectionable. According to some experiments carried + out by Dufour, neat acetylene burnt under certain conditions evolved + between 1.0 and 1.8 candle-power per litre- hour; a mixture of 1 volume of + acetylene with 1 volume of air evolved 1.4 candle-power; a mixture of 1 + volume of acetylene with 1.2 volumes of air, 2.25 candle-power; and a + mixture of 1 volume of acetylene with 1.3 volumes of air, 2.70 + candle-power per litre-hour of acetylene in the several mixtures. + Averaging the figures, and calculating into terms of acetylene (only) + burnt, Dufour found neat acetylene to develop 1.29 candle-power per + litre-hour, and acetylene diluted with air to develop 1.51 candle-power. + When, however, allowance is made for the cost and trouble of preparing + such mixtures the advantage of the process disappears; and moreover it is + accompanied by too grave risks, unless conducted on a largo scale and + under most highly skilled supervision, to be fit for general employment. + </p> + <p> + Fouché, however, has since found the duty, per cubic foot of neat + acetylene consumed in a twin injector burner at the most advantageous rate + of 3.2 inches, to be as follows for mixtures with air in the proportions + stated: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +Percentage of air 0 17 27 33.5 +Candles per cubic feet 38.4 36.0 32.8 26.0 +</pre> + <p> + At lower pressures, the duty of the acetylene when diluted appears to be + relatively somewhat higher. Figures which have been published in regard to + a mixture of 30 volumes of air and 70 volumes of acetylene obtained by a + particular system of producing such a mixture, known as the "Molet- + Boistelle," indicate that the admixture of air causes a slight increase in + the illuminating duty obtained from the acetylene in burners of various + sizes. The type of burner and the pressure employed in these experiments + were not, however, stated. This system has been used at certain stations + on the "Midi" railway in France. Nevertheless even where the admixture of + air to acetylene is legally permissible, the risk of obtaining a really + dangerous product and the nebulous character of the advantages attainable + should preclude its adoption. + </p> + <p> + In Great Britain the manufacture, importation, storage, and use of + acetylene mixed with air or oxygen, in all proportions and at all + pressures, with or without the presence of other substances, is prohibited + by an Order in Council dated July 1900; to which prohibition the mixture + of acetylene and air that takes place in a burner or contrivance in which + the mixture is intended to be burnt, and the admixture of air with + acetylene that may unavoidably occur in the first use or recharging of an + apparatus (usually a water-to-carbide generator), properly designed and + constructed with a view to the production of pure acetylene, are the + solitary exceptions. + </p> + <p> + MIXED CARBIDES.--In fact the only processes for diluting acetylene which + possess real utility are that of adding vaporised petroleum spirit or + benzene to the gas, as was described in Chapter X. under the name of + carburetted acetylene, and one other possible method of obtaining a + diluted acetylene directly from the gas-generator, to which a few words + will now be devoted. [Footnote: Mixtures of acetylene with relatively + large proportions of other illuminating gases, such as are referred to on + subsequent pages, are also, from one aspect, forms of diluted acetylene.] + Calcium carbide is only one particular specimen of a large number of + similar metallic compounds, which can be prepared in the electric furnace, + or otherwise. Some of those carbides yield acetylene when treated with + water, some are not attacked, some give liquid products, and some yield + methane, or mixtures of methane and hydrogen. Among the latter is + manganese carbide. If, then, a mixture of manganese carbide and calcium + carbide is put into an ordinary acetylene generator, the gas evolved will + be a mixture of acetylene with methane and hydrogen in proportions + depending upon the composition of the carbide mixture. It is clear that a + suitable mixture of the carbides might be made by preparing them + separately and bulking the whole in the desired proportions; while since + manganese carbide can be won in the electric furnace, it might be feasible + to charge into such a furnace a mixture of lime, coke, and manganese oxide + calculated to yield a simple mixture of the carbides or a kind of double + carbide. Following the lines which have been adopted in writing the + present book, it is not proposed to discuss the possibility of making + mixed carbides; but it may be said in brief that Brame and Lewes have + carried out several experiments in this direction, using charges of lime + and coke containing (<i>a</i>) up to 20 per cent. of manganese oxide, and + (<i>b</i>) more than 60 per cent. of manganese oxide. In neither case did + they succeed in obtaining a material which gave a mixture of acetylene and + methane when treated with water; in case (<i>a</i>) they found the gas to + be practically pure acetylene, so that the carbide must have been calcium + carbide only; in case (<i>b</i>) the gas was mainly methane and hydrogen, + so that the carbide must have been essentially that of manganese alone. + Mixed charges containing between 20 and 60 per cent. of manganese oxide + remain to be studied; but whether they would give mixed carbides or no, it + would be perfectly simple to mix ready-made carbides of calcium and + manganese together, if any demand for a diluted acetylene should arise on + a sufficiently large scale. It is, however, somewhat difficult to + appreciate the benefits to be obtained from forms of diluted acetylene + other than those to which reference is made later in this chapter. + </p> + <p> + There is, nevertheless, one modification of calcium carbide which, in a + small but important sphere, finds a useful <i>rôle</i>. It has been + pointed out that a carbide containing much calcium phosphide is usually + objectionable, because the gas evolved from it requires extra + purification, and because there is the (somewhat unlikely) possibility + that the acetylene obtained from such material before purification may be + spontaneously inflammable. If, now, to the usual furnace charge of lime + and coke a sufficient quantity of calcium phosphate is purposely added, it + is possible to win a mixture of calcium phosphide and carbide, or, as + Bradley, Read, and Jacobs call it, a "carbophosphide of calcium," having + the formula Ca_5C_6P_2, which yields a spontaneously inflammable mixture + of acetylene, gaseous phosphine, and liquid phosphine when treated with + water, and which, therefore, automatically gives a flame when brought into + contact with the liquid. The value of this material will be described in + Chapter XIII. + </p> + <p> + GAS-ENRICHING.--Other methods of diluting acetylene consist in adding a + comparatively small proportion of it to some other gas, and may be + considered rather as processes for enriching that other gas with + acetylene. Provided the second gas is well chosen, such mixtures exhibit + properties which render them peculiarly valuable for special purposes. + They have, usually, a far lower upper limit of explosibility than that of + neat acetylene, and they admit of safe compression to an extent greatly + exceeding that of acetylene itself, while they do not lose illuminating + power on compression. The second characteristic is most important, and + depends on the phenomena of "partial pressure," which have been referred + to in Chapter VI. When a single gas is stored at atmospheric pressure, it + is insensibly withstanding on all sides and in all directions a pressure + of roughly 15 lb. per square inch, which is the weight of the atmosphere + at sea-level; and when a mixture of two gases, X and Y, in equal volumes + is similarly stored it, regarded as an entity, is also supporting a + pressure of 15 lb. per square inch. But in every 1 volume of that mixture + there is only half a volume of X and Y each; and, ignoring the presence of + its partner, each half-volume is evenly distributed throughout a space of + 1 volume. But since the volume of a gas stands in inverse ratio to the + pressure under which it is stored, the half-volume of X in the 1 volume of + X + Y apparently stands at a pressure of half an atmosphere, for it has + expanded till it fills, from a chemical and physical aspect, the space of + 1 volume: suitable tests proving that it exhibits the properties which a + gas stored at a pressure of half an atmosphere should do. Therefore, in + the mixture under consideration, X and Y are both said to be at a "partial + pressure" of half an atmosphere, which is manifestly 7.5 lb. per square + inch. Clearly, when a gas is an entity (either an element or one single + chemical compound) partial and total pressure are identical. Now, it has + been shown that acetylene ceases to be a safe gas to handle when it is + stored at a pressure of 2 atmospheres; but the limit of safety really + occurs when the gas is stored at a <i>partial</i> pressure of 2 + atmospheres. Neat acetylene, accordingly, cannot be compressed above the + mark 30 lb. shown on a pressure gauge; but diluted acetylene (if the + diluent is suitable) may be compressed in safety till the partial pressure + of the acetylene itself reaches 2 atmospheres. For instance, a mixture of + equal volumes of X and Y (X being acetylene) contains X at a partial + pressure of half the total pressure, and may therefore be compressed to (2 + / 1/2 =) 4 atmospheres before X reaches the partial pressure of 2 + atmospheres; and therewith the mixture is brought just to the limit of + safety, any effect of Y one way or the other being neglected. Similarly, a + mixture of 1 volume of acetylene with 4 volumes of Y may be safely + compressed to a pressure of (2 / 1/5 =) 10 atmospheres, or, broadly, a + mixture in which the percentage of acetylene is <i>x</i> may be safely + compressed to a pressure not exceeding (2 / <i>x</i>/100) atmospheres. + This fact permits acetylene after proper dilution to be compressed in the + same fashion as is allowable in the case of the dissolved and absorbed gas + described above. + </p> + <p> + If the latent illuminating power of acetylene is not to be wasted, the + diluent must not be selected without thought. Acetylene burns with a very + hot flame, the luminosity of which is seriously decreased if the + temperature is lowered. As mentioned in Chapter VIII., this may be done by + allowing too much air to enter the flame; but it may also be effected to a + certain extent by mixing with the acetylene before combustion some + combustible gas or vapour which burns at a lower temperature than + acetylene itself. Manifestly, therefore, the ideal diluent for acetylene + is a substance which possesses as high a flame temperature as acetylene + and a certain degree of intrinsic illuminating power, while the lower the + flame temperature of the diluent and the less its intrinsic illuminating + power, the less efficiently will the acetylene act as an enriching + material. According to Love, Hempel, Wedding, and others, if acetylene is + mixed with coal-gas in amounts up to 8 per cent. or thereabouts, the + illuminating power of the mixture increases about 1 candle for every 1 per + cent. of acetylene present: a fact which is usually expressed by saying + that with coal-gas the enrichment value of acetylene is 1 candle per 1 per + cent. Above 8 per cent., the enrichment value of acetylene rises, Love + having found an increase in illuminating power, for each 1 per cent. of + acetylene in the mixture, of 1.42 candles with 11.28 per cent. of + acetylene; and of 1.54 candles with 17.62 per cent. of acetylene. + Theoretically, if the illuminating power of acetylene is taken at 240 + candles, its enrichment value should be (240 / 100 =) 2.4 candles per 1 + per cent.; and since, in the case of coal-gas, its actual enrichment value + falls seriously below this figure, it is clear that coal-gas is not an + economical diluent for it. Moreover, coal-gas can be enriched by other + methods much more cheaply than with acetylene. Simple ("blue") water-gas, + according to Love, requires more than 10 per cent. of acetylene to be + added to it before a luminous flame is produced; while a mixture of 20.3 + per cent. of acetylene and 79.7 per cent. of water-gas had an illuminating + power of 15.47 candles. Every addition to the proportion of acetylene when + it amounted to 20 per cent. and upwards of the mixture had a very + appreciable effect on the illuminating power of the latter. Thus with + 27.84 per cent. of acetylene, the illuminating power of the mixture was + 40.87 candles; with 38.00 per cent. of acetylene it was 73.96 candles. + Acetylene would not be an economical agent to employ in order to render + water-gas an illuminating gas of about the quality of coal-gas, but the + economy of enrichment of water-gas by acetylene increases rapidly with the + degree of enrichment demanded of it. Carburetted water-gas which, after + compression under 16 atmospheres pressure, had an illuminating power of + about 17.5 candles, was enriched by additions of acetylene. 4.5 per cent. + of acetylene in the mixture gave an illuminating power of 22.69 candles; + 8.4 per cent., 29.54 candles; 11.21 per cent., 35.05 candles; 15.06 per + cent., 42.19 candles; and 21.44 per cent., 52.61 candles. It is therefore + evident that the effect of additions of acetylene on the illuminating + power of carburetted water-gas is of the same order as its effect on + coal-gas. The enrichment value of the acetylene increases with its + proportion in the mixture; but only when the proportion becomes quite + considerable, and, therefore, the gas of high illuminating power, does + enrichment by acetylene become economical. Methane (marsh-gas), owing to + its comparatively high flame temperature, and to the fact that it has an + intrinsic, if small, illuminating power, is a better diluent of acetylene + than carbon monoxide or hydrogen, in that it preserves to a greater extent + the illuminative value of the acetylene. + </p> + <p> + Actually comparisons of the effect of additions of various proportions of + a richly illuminating gas, such as acetylene, on the illuminative value of + a gas which has little or no inherent illuminating power, are largely + vitiated by the want of any systematic method for arriving at the + representative illuminative value of any illuminating gas. A statement + that the illuminating power of a gas is <i>x</i> candles is, strictly + speaking, incomplete, unless it is supplemented by the information that + the gas during testing was burnt (1) in a specified type of burner, and + (2) either at a specified fixed rate of consumption or so as to afford a + light of a certain specified intensity. There is no general agreement, + even in respect of the statutory testing of the illuminating power of + coal-gas supplies, as to the observance of uniform conditions of burning + of the gas under test, and in regard to more highly illuminating gases + there is even greater diversity of conditions. Hence figures such as those + quoted above for the enrichment value of acetylene inevitably show a + certain want of harmony which is in reality due to the imperfection or + incompleteness of the modes of testing employed. Relatively to another, + one gas appears advantageously merely in virtue of the conditions of + assessing illuminating power having been more favourable to it. Therefore + enrichment values, such as those given, must always be regarded as only + approximately trustworthy in instituting comparisons between either + different diluent gases or different enriching agents. + </p> + <p> + ACETYLENE MIXTURES FOR RAILWAY-CARRIAGE LIGHTING.--In modern practice, the + gases which are most commonly employed for diluents of acetylene, under + the conditions now being considered, are cannel-coal gas (in France) and + oil-gas (elsewhere). Fowler has made a series of observations on the + illuminating value of mixtures of oil-gas and acetylene. 13.41 per cent. + of acetylene improved the illuminating power of oil-gas from 43 to 49 + candles. Thirty-nine-candle-power oil-gas had its illuminating power + raised to about 60 candles by an admixture of 20 per cent. of acetylene, + to about 80 candles by 40 per cent. of acetylene, and to about 110 candles + by 60 per cent. of acetylene. The difficulty of employing mixtures fairly + rich in acetylene, or pure acetylene, for railway- carriage lighting, lies + in the poor efficiency of the small burners which yield from such rich gas + a light of 15 to 20 candle-power, such as is suitable for the purpose. For + the lighting of railway carriages it is seldom deemed necessary to have a + flame of more than 20 candle-power, and it is somewhat difficult to obtain + such a flame from oil-gas mixtures rich in acetylene, unless the + illuminative value of the gas is wasted to a considerable extent. + According to Bunte, 15 volumes of coal-gas, 8 volumes of German oil-gas, + and 1.5 volumes of acetylene all yield an equal amount of light; from + which it follows that 1 volume of acetylene is equivalent to 5.3 volumes + of German oil-gas. + </p> + <p> + A lengthy series of experiments upon the illuminating power of mixtures of + oil-gas and acetylene in proportions ranging between 10 and 50 per cent. + of the latter, consumed in different burners and at different pressures, + has been carried out by Borck, of the German State Railway Department. The + figures show that per unit of volume such mixtures may give anything up to + 6.75 times the light evolved by pure oil-gas; but that the latent + illuminating power of the acetylene is less advantageously developed if + too much of it is employed. As 20 per cent. of acetylene is the highest + proportion which may be legally added to oil- gas in this country, Borck's + results for that mixture may be studied: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ______________________________________________________________________ +| | | | | | | | +| | | | | | | Propor- | +| | | | Consump- | | Consump- | tionate | +| Kind of | No. of | Pres- | tion per | Candle- | tion per | Illum- | +| Burner. | Burner | sure. | Hour. | Power. | Candle- | inating | +| | | mm. | Litres. | | Hour. | Power | +| | | | | | Litres. | to Pure | +| | | | | | | Oil-Gas.| +|___________|________|_______|__________|_________|__________|_________| +| | | | | | | | +| Bray | 00 | 42 | 82 | 56.2 | 1.15 | 3.38 | +| " | 000 | 35 | 54 | 28.3 | 1.91 | 4.92 | +| " | 0000 | 35 | 43.3 | 16 | 2.71 | 4.90 | +| Oil-gas | | | | | | | +| burner | 15 | 24 | 21 | 7.25 | 2.89 | 4.53 | +| " " | 30 | 15 | 22 | 10.5 | 2.09 | 3.57 | +| " " | 40 | 16 | 33.5 | 20.2 | 1.65 | 3.01 | +| " " | 60 | 33 | 73 | 45.2 | 1.62 | 3.37 | +| | +| The oil-gas from which this mixture was prepared showing: | +| | +| Bray | 00 | 34 | 73.5 | 16.6 | 4.42 | ... | +| " | 000 | 30 | 48 | 6.89 | 6.96 | ... | +| " | 0000 | 28 | 39 | 3.26 | 11.6 | ... | +| Oil-gas | | | | | | | +| burner | 15 | 21 | 19 | 1.6 | 11.8 | ... | +| " " | 30 | 14 | 21.5 | 2.94 | 7.31 | ... | +| " " | 40 | 15 | 33 | 6.7 | 4.92 | ... | +| " " | 60 | 25 | 60 | 13.4 | 4.40 | ... | +|___________|________|_______|__________|_________|__________|_________| +</pre> + <p> + It will be seen that the original oil-gas, when compressed to 10 + atmospheres, gave a light of 1 candle-hour for an average consumption of + 7.66 litres in the Bray burners, and for a consumption of 7.11 litres in + the ordinary German oil-gas jets; while the mixture containing 20 per + cent. of acetylene evolved the same amount of light for a consumption of + 2.02 litres in Bray burners, or of 2.06 litres in the oil-gas jets. Again, + taking No. 40 as the most popular and useful size of burner, 1 volume of + acetylene oil-gas may be said to be equal to 3 volumes of simple oil-gas, + which is the value assigned to the mixture by the German Government + officials, who, at the prices ruling there, hold the mixture to be twice + as expensive as plain oil-gas per unit of volume, which means that for a + given outlay 50 per cent. more light may be obtained from acetylene + oil-gas than from oil-gas alone. + </p> + <p> + This comparison of cost is not applicable, as it stands, to compressed + oil-gas, with and without enrichment by acetylene, in this country, owing + to the oils from which oil-gas is made being much cheaper and of better + quality here than in Germany, where a heavy duty is imposed on imported + petroleum. Oil-gas as made from Scotch and other good quality gas-oil in + this country, usually has, after compression, an illuminating duty of + about 8 candles per cubic foot, which is about double that of the + compressed German oil-gas as examined by Borck. + </p> + <p> + Hence the following table, containing a summary of results obtained by H. + Fowler with compressed oil-gas, as used on English railways, must be + accepted rather than the foregoing, in so far as conditions prevailing in + this country are concerned. It likewise refers to a mixture of oil-gas and + acetylene containing 20 per cent. of acetylene. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ______________________________________________________________________ +| | | | | | | +| | | | | | Ratio of | +| | |Consumption| |Candles per| Illuminating | +| Burner. |Pressure.| per Hour. |Candle| Cubic Foot| Power to that | +| | Inches. |Cubic Feet.|Power.| per Hour. |of Oil-gas [1] | +| | | | | | in the same | +| | | | | | Burner. | +|_____________|_________|___________|______|___________|_______________| +| | | | | | | +| Oil-gas . . | 0.7 | 0.98 | 12.5 | 12.72 | 1.65 | +| Bray 000 . | 0.7 | 1.17 | 14.4 | 12.30 | 1.57 | +| " 0000 . | 0.7 | 0.97 | 10.4 | 10.74 | 1.41 | +| " 00000 | 0.7 | 0.78 | 5.6 | 7.16 | 1.08 | +| " 000000 | 0.7 | 0.55 | 1.9 | 3.52 | 1.14 | +|_____________|_________|___________|______|___________|_______________| +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Data relating to the relative pecuniary values of acetylene + (carburetted or not), coal-gas, paraffin, and electricity as heating or + illuminating agents, are frequently presented to British readers after + simple recalculation into English equivalents of the figures which obtain + in France and Germany. Such a method of procedure is utterly incorrect, as + it ignores the higher prices of coal, coal-gas, and especially petroleum + products on the Continent of Europe, which arise partly from geographical, + but mainly from political causes.] + </p> + <p> + The mixture was tried also at higher pressures in the same burners, but + with less favourable results in regard to the duty realised. The oil-gas + was also tried at various pressures, and the most favourable result is + taken for computing the ratio in the last column. It is evident from this + table that 1 volume of this acetylene-oil-gas mixture is equal at the most + to 1.65 volume of the simple oil-gas. Whether the mixture will prove + cheaper under particular conditions must depend on the relative prices of + gas-oil and calcium carbide at the works where the gas is made and + compressed. At the prevailing prices in most parts of Britain, simple + oil-gas is slightly cheaper, but an appreciable rise in the price of gas- + oil would render the mixture with acetylene the cheaper illuminant. The + fact remains, however, that per unit weight or volume of cylinder into + which the gas is compressed, acetylene oil-gas evolves a higher candle- + power, or the same candle-power for a longer period, than simple, + unenriched British oil-gas. Latterly, however, the incandescent mantle has + found application for railway-carriage lighting, and poorer compressed + gases have thereby been rendered available. Thus coal-gas, to which a + small proportion of acetylene has been added, may advantageously displace + the richer oil-gas and acetylene mixtures. + </p> + <p> + Patents have been taken out by Schwander for the preparation of a mixture + of acetylene, air, and vaporised petroleum spirit. A current of naturally + damp, or artificially moistened, air is led over or through a mass of + calcium carbide, whereby the moisture is replaced by an equivalent + quantity of acetylene; and this mixture of acetylene and air is + carburetted by passing it through a vessel of petroleum spirit in the + manner adopted with air-gas. No details as to the composition, + illuminating power, and calorific values of the gas so made have been + published. It would clearly tend to be of highly indefinite constitution + and might range between what would be virtually inferior carburetted + acetylene, and a low-grade air-gas. It is also doubtful whether the + combustion of such gas would not be accompanied by too grave risks to + render the process useful. <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="linkxii" id="xii">CHAPTER XII</a> + </h2> + <h3> + SUNDRY USES + </h3> + <p> + There are sundry uses for acetylene, and to some extent for carbide, which + are not included in what has been said in previous chapters of this book; + and to them a few words may be devoted. + </p> + <p> + In orchards and market gardens enormous damage is frequently done to the + crops by the ravages of caterpillars of numerous species. These + caterpillars cannot be caught by hand, and hitherto it has proved + exceedingly difficult to cope with them. However, when they have changed + into the perfect state, the corresponding butterflies and moths, like most + other winged insects, are strongly attracted by a bright light. As + acetylene can easily be burnt in a portable apparatus, and as the burners + can be supplied with gas at such comparatively high pressure that the + flames are capable of withstanding sharp gusts of wind even when not + protected by glass, the brilliant light given by acetylene forms an + excellent method of destroying the insects before they have had time to + lay their eggs. Two methods of using the light have been tried with + astonishing success: in one a naked flame is supported within some + receptacle, such as a barrel with one end knocked out, the interior of + which is painted heavily with treacle; in the other the flame is supported + over an open dish filled with some cheap heavy oil (or perhaps treacle + would do equally well). In the first case the insects are attracted by the + light and are caught by the adhesive surfaces; in the second they are + attracted and singed, and then drowned in, or caught by, the liquid. + Either a well-made, powerful, vehicular lamp with its bull's- eye (if any) + removed could be used for this purpose, or a portable generator of any + kind might be connected with the burner through a flexible tube. It is + necessary that the lights should be lit just before dusk when the weather + is fine and the nights dark, and for some twenty evenings in June or July, + exactly at the period of the year when the perfect insects are coming into + existence. In some of the vineyards of Beaujolais, in France, where great + havoc has been wrought by the pyralid, a set of 10-candle-power lamps were + put up during July 1901, at distances of 150 yards apart, using generators + containing 6 oz. of carbide, and dishes filled with water and petroleum 18 + or 20 inches in diameter. In eighteen nights, some twenty lamps being + employed, the total catch of insects was 170,000, or an average of 3200 + per lamp per night. At French prices, the cost is reported to have been 8 + centimes per night, or 32 centimes per hectare (2.5 acres). In Germany, + where school children are occasionally paid for destroying noxious moths, + two acetylene lamps burning for twelve evenings succeeded in catching + twice as many insects as the whole juvenile population of a village during + August 1902. A similar process has been recommended for the destruction of + the malarial mosquito, and should prove of great service to mankind in + infected districts. The superiority of acetylene in respect of brilliancy + and portability will at once suggest its employment as the illuminant in + the "light" moth-traps which entomologists use for entrapping moths. In + these traps, the insects, attracted by the light, flutter down panes of + glass, so inclined that ultimate escape is improbable; while they are + protected from injury through contact with the flame by moans of an + intervening sheet of glass. + </p> + <p> + Methods of spraying with carbide dust have been found useful in treating + mildew in vines; while a process of burying small quantities of carbide at + the roots has proved highly efficacious in exterminating phylloxera in the + French and Spanish vineyards. It was originally believed that the + impurities of the slowly formed acetylene, the phosphine in particular, + acted as toxic agents upon the phylloxera; and therefore carbide + containing an extra amount of decomposable phosphides was specially + manufactured for the vine-growers. But more recently it has been argued, + with some show of reason, that the acetylene itself plays a part in the + process, the effects produced being said to be too great to be ascribed + wholly to the phosphine. It is well known that many hydrocarbon vapours, + such as the vapour of benzene or of naphthalene, have a highly toxic + action on low organisms, and the destructive effect of acetylene on + phylloxera may be akin to this action. + </p> + <p> + As gaseous acetylene will bear a certain amount of pressure in safety--a + pressure falling somewhat short of one effective atmosphere--and as + pressure naturally rises in a generating apparatus where calcium carbide + reacts with water, it becomes possible to use this pressure as a source of + energy for several purposes. The pressure of the gas may, in fact, be + employed either to force a stream of liquid through a pipe, or to propel + certain mechanism. An apparatus has been constructed in France on the + lines of some portable fire-extinguishing appliances in which the pressure + set up by the evolution of acetylene in a closed space produces a spray of + water charged with lime and gas under the pressure obtaining; the liquid + being thrown over growing vines or other plants in order to destroy + parasitic and other forms of life. The apparatus consists of a metal + cylinder fitted with straps so that it can be carried by man or beast. At + one end it has an attachment for a flexible pipe, at the other end a + perforated basket for carbide introduced and withdrawn through a + "man-hole" that can be tightly closed. The cylinder is filled with water + to a point just below the bottom of the basket when the basket is + uppermost; the carbide charge is then inserted, and the cover fastened + down. As long as the cylinder is carried in the same position, no reaction + between the carbide and the water occurs, and consequently no pressure + arises; but on inverting the vessel, the carbide is wetted, and acetylene + is liberated in the interior. On opening the cock on the outlet pipe, a + stream of liquid issues and may be directed as required. By charging the + cylinder in the first place with a solution of copper sulphate, the liquid + ejected becomes a solution and suspension of copper and calcium salts and + hydroxides, resembling "Bordeaux mixture," and may be employed as such. In + addition, it is saturated with acetylene which adds to its value as a + germicide. + </p> + <p> + The effective gas pressure set up in a closed generator has also been + employed in Italy to drive a gas-turbine, and so to produce motion. The + plant has been designed for use in lighthouses where acetylene is burnt, + and where a revolving or flashing light is required. The gas outlet from a + suitably arranged generator communicates with the inlet of a gas- turbine, + and the outlet of the turbine is connected to a pipe leading to the + acetylene burners. The motion of the turbine is employed to rotate + screens, coloured glasses, or any desired optical arrangements round the + flames; or, in other situations, periodically to open and close a cock on + the gas-main leading to the burners. In the latter case, a pilot flame fed + separately is always alight, and serves to ignite the gas issuing from the + main burners when the cock is opened. + </p> + <p> + Another use for acetylene, which is only dependent upon a suitably lowered + price for carbide to become of some importance, consists in the + preparation of a black pigment to replace ordinary lampblack. One method + for this purpose has been elaborated by Hubou. Acetylene is prepared from + carbide smalls or good carbide, according to price, and the gas is pumped + into small steel cylinders to a pressure of 2 atmospheres. An electric + spark is then passed, and the gas, standing at its limit of safety, + immediately dissociates, yielding a quantitative amount of hydrogen and + free carbon. The hydrogen is drawn off, collected in holders, and used for + any convenient purpose; the carbon is withdrawn from the vessel, and is + ready for sale. At present the pigment is much too expensive, at least in + British conditions, to be available in the manufacture of black paint; but + its price would justify its employment in the preparation of the best + grades of printers' ink. One of the authors has examined an average sample + and has found it fully equal in every way to blacks, such as those termed + "spirit blacks," which fetch a price considerably above their real value. + It has a pure black cast of tint, is free from greasy matter, and can + therefore easily be ground into water, or into linseed oil without + interfering with the drying properties of the latter. Acetylene black has + also been tried in calico printing, and has given far better results in + tone and strength than other blacks per unit weight of pigment. It may be + added that the actual yield of pigment from creosote oils, the commonest + raw material for the preparation of lampblack ("vegetable black"), seldom + exceeds 20 or 25 per cent., although the oil itself contains some 80 per + cent, of carbon. The yield from acetylene is clearly about 90 per cent., + or from calcium carbide nearly 37.5 per cent, of the original weight. + </p> + <p> + An objection urged against the Hubou process is that only small quantities + of the gas can be treated with the spark at one time; if the cylinders are + too large, it is stated, tarry by-products are formed. A second method of + preparing lampblack (or graphite) from acetylene is that devised by Frank, + and depends on utilising the reactions between carbon monoxide or dioxide + and acetylene or calcium carbide, which have already been sketched in + Chapter VI. When acetylene is employed, the yield is pure carbon, for the + only by-product is water vapour; but if the carbide process is adopted, + the carbon remains mixed with calcium oxide. Possibly such a material as + Frank's carbide process would give, viz., 36 parts by weight of carbon + mixed with 56 parts of quicklime or 60 parts of carbon mixed with 112 + parts of quicklime, might answer the purpose of a pigment in some black + paints where the amount of ash left on ignition is not subject to + specification. Naturally, however, the lime might be washed away from the + carbon by treatment with hydrochloric acid; but the cost of such a + purifying operation would probably render the residual pigment too + expensive to be of much service except (conceivably) in the manufacture of + certain grades of printers' ink, for which purpose it might compete with + the carbon obtainable by the Hubou process already referred to. + </p> + <p> + Acetylene tetrachloride, or tetrachlorethane, C_2H_2Cl_4, is now produced + for sale as a solvent for chlorine, sulphur, phosphorus, and organic + substances such as fats. It may be obtained by the direct combination of + acetylene and chlorine as explained in Chapter VI., but the liability of + the reaction to take place with explosive violence would preclude the + direct application of it on a commercial scale. Processes free from such + risk have now, however, been devised for the production of + tetrachlorethane. One patented by the Salzbergwerk Neu-Stassfurt consists + in passing acetylene into a mixture of finely divided iron and chloride of + sulphur. The iron acts as a catalytic. The liquid is kept cool, and as + soon as the acetylene passes through unabsorbed, its introduction is + stopped and chlorine is passed in. Acetylene and chlorine are then passed + in alternately until the liquid finally is saturated with acetylene. The + tetrachlorethane, boiling at 147° C., is then distilled off, and the + residual sulphur is reconverted to the chloride for use again in the + process. A similar process in which the chlorine is used in excess is + applicable also to the production of hexachlorethane. + </p> + <p> + Dependent upon price, again, are several uses for calcium carbide as a + metallurgical or reducing reagent; but as those are uses for carbide only + as distinguished from acetylene, they do not fall within the purview of + the present book. + </p> + <p> + When discussing, in Chapter III., methods for disposing of the lime sludge + coming from an acetylene generator, it was stated that on occasion a use + could be found for this material. If the carbide has been entirely + decomposed in an apparatus free from overheating, the waste lime is + recovered as a solid mass or as a cream of lime practically pure white in + colour. Sometimes, however, as explained in Chapter II., the lime sludge + is of a bluish grey tint, even in cases where the carbide decomposed was + of good quality and there was no overheating in the generator. Such + discoloration is of little moment for most of the uses to which the sludge + may be put. The residue withdrawn from a carbide-to-water generator is + usually quite fluid; but when allowed to rest in a suitable pit or tank, + it settles down to a semi-solid or pasty mass which contains on a rough + average 47 per cent. of water and 53 per cent. of solid matter, the amount + of lime present, calculated as calcium oxide, being about 40 per cent. + Since 64 parts by weight of pure calcium carbide yield 74 parts of dry + calcium hydroxide, it may be said that 1 part of ordinary commercial + carbide should yield approximately 1.1 parts of dry residue, or 2.1 parts + of a sludge containing 47 per cent. of moisture; and sludge of this + character has been stated by Vogel to weigh about 22.5 cwt. per cubic + yard. + </p> + <p> + Experience has shown that those pasty carbide residues can be employed + very satisfactorily, and to the best advantage from the maker's point of + view, by builders and decorators for the preparation of ordinary mortar or + lime-wash. The mortar made from acetylene lime has been found equal in + strength and other properties to mortar compounded from fresh slaked lime; + while the distemper prepared by diluting the sludge has been used most + successfully in all places where a lime-wash is required, <i>e.g.</i>, on + fruit-trees, on cattle-pens, farm-buildings, factories, and the "offices" + of a residence. Many of the village installations abroad sell their sludge + to builders for the above-mentioned purposes at such a price that their + revenue accounts are materially benefited by the additional income. The + sludge is also found serviceable for softening the feed-water of steam + boilers by the common liming process; although it has been stated that the + material contains certain impurities--notably "fatty matter"--which + becomes hydrolysed by the steam, yielding fatty acids that act corrosively + upon the boiler-plates. This assertion would appear to require + substantiation, but a patent has been taken out for a process of drying + the sludge at a temperature of 150° to 200° C. in order to remove the + harmful matter by the action of the steam evolved. So purified, it is + claimed, the lime becomes fit for treating any hard potable or boiler- + feed water. It is very doubtful, however, whether the intrinsic value of + acetylene lime is such in comparison with the price of fresh lime that, + with whatever object in view, it would bear the cost of any method of + artificial drying if obtained from the generators in a pasty state. + </p> + <p> + When, on the other hand, the residue is naturally dry, or nearly so, it is + exactly equal to an equivalent quantity of quick or slaked lime as a + dressing for soil. In this last connexion, however, it must be remembered + that only certain soils are improved by an addition of lime in any shape, + and therefore carbide residues must not be used blindly; but if analysis + indicates that a particular plot of ground would derive benefit from an + application of lime, acetylene lime is precisely as good as any other + description. Naturally a residue containing unspent carbide, or + contaminated with tarry matter, is essentially valueless (except as + mentioned below); while it must not be forgotten that a solid residue if + it is exposed to air, or a pasty residue if not kept under water, will + lose many of its useful properties, because it will be partially converted + into calcium carbonate or chalk. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, in some respects, the residue from a good acetylene + generator is a more valuable material, agriculturally speaking, than pure + lime. It contains a certain amount of sulphur, &c., and it therefore + somewhat resembles the spent or gas lime of the coal-gas industry. This + sulphur, together, no doubt, with the traces of acetylene clinging to it, + renders the residue a valuable material for killing the worms and vermin + which tend to infest heavily manured and under-cultivated soil. Acetylene + lime has been found efficacious in exterminating the "finger-and-toe" of + carrots, the "peach-curl" of peach-trees, and in preventing cabbages from + being "clubbed." It may be applied to the ground alone, or after admixture + with some soil or stable manure. The residue may also be employed, either + alone or mixed with some agglomerate, in the construction of garden paths + and the like. + </p> + <p> + If the residues are suitably diluted with water and boiled with (say) + twice their original weight of flowers of sulphur, the product consists of + a mixture of various compounds of calcium and sulphur, or calcium + sulphides--which remain partly in solution and partly in the solid state. + This material, used either as a liquid spray or as a moist dressing, has + been said to prove a useful garden insecticide and weed-killer. + </p> + <p> + There are also numerous applications of the acetylene light, each of much + value, but involving no new principle which need be noticed. The light is + so actinic, or rich in rays acting upon silver salts, that it is + peculiarly useful to the photographer, either for portraiture or for his + various positive printing operations. Acetylene is very convenient for + optical lantern work on the small scale, or where the oxy-hydrogen or + oxy-coal-gas light cannot be used. Its intensity and small size make its + self-luminous flame preferable on optical grounds to the oil-lamp or the + coal-gas mantle; but the illuminating surface is nevertheless too large to + give the best results behind such condensers as have been carefully worked + to suit a source of light scarcely exceeding the dimensions of a point. + For lantern displays on very large screens, or for the projection of a + powerful beam of light to great distances in one direction (as in night + signalling, &c.), the acetylene blowpipe fed with pure oxygen, or with + air containing more than its normal proportion of oxygen, which is + discussed in Chapter IX., is specially valuable, more particularly if the + ordinary cylinder of lime is replaced by one of magnesia, zirconia, or + other highly refractory oxide. <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="linkxiii" id="xiii">CHAPTER XIII</a> + </h2> + <h3> + PORTABLE ACETYLENE LAMPS AND PLANT + </h3> + <p> + It will be apparent from what has been said in past chapters that the + construction of a satisfactory generator for portable purposes must be a + problem of considerable complexity. A fixed acetylene installation tends + to work the more smoothly, and the gas evolved therefrom to burn the more + pleasantly, the more technically perfect the various subsidiary items of + the plant are; that is to say, the more thoroughly the acetylene is + purified, dried, and delivered at a strictly constant pressure to the + burners and stoves. Moreover, the efficient behaviour of the generator + itself will depend more upon the mechanical excellence and solidity of its + construction than (with one or two exceptions) upon the precise system to + which it belongs. And, lastly, the installation will, broadly speaking, + work the better, the larger the holder is in proportion to the demands + ever made upon it; while that holder will perform the whole duty of a + gasholder more effectually if it belongs to the rising variety than if it + is a displacement holder. All these requirements of a good acetylene + apparatus have to be sacrificed to a greater or less extent in portable + generators; and since the sacrifice becomes more serious as the generator + is made smaller and lighter in weight, it may be said in general terms + that the smaller a portable (or, indeed, other) acetylene apparatus is, + the less complete or permanent satisfaction will it give its user. Again, + small portable apparatus are only needed to develop intensities of light + insignificant in comparison with those which may easily be won from + acetylene on a larger scale; they are therefore fitted with smaller + burners, and those burners are not merely small in terms of consumption + and illuminating power, but not infrequently are very badly constructed, + and are relatively deficient in economy or duty. Thus any comparisons + which may be made on lines similar to those adopted in Chapter I., or + between unit weights, volumes, or monetary equivalents of calcium carbide, + paraffin, candles, and colza oil, become utterly incorrect if the carbide + is only decomposed in a small portable generator fitted with an + inefficient jet; first, because the latent illuminating power of the + acetylene evolved is largely wasted; secondly, because any gas produced + over and above that capable of instant combustion must be blown off from a + vent-pipe; and thirdly, because the carbide itself tends to be imperfectly + decomposed, either through a defect in the construction of the lamp, or + through the brief and interrupted requirements of the consumer. + </p> + <p> + In several important respects portable acetylene apparatus may be divided + into two classes from a practical point of view. There is the portable + table or stand lamp intended for use in an occupied room, and there is the + hand or supported lamp intended for the illumination of vehicles or + open-air spaces. Economy apart, no difficulty arises from imperfect + combustion or escape of unburnt gas from an outdoor lamp, but in a room + the presence of unburnt acetylene must always be offensive even if it is + not dangerous; while the combustion products of the impurities--and in a + portable generator acetylene cannot be chemically purified--are highly + objectionable. It is simply a matter of good design to render any form of + portable apparatus safe against explosion (employment of proper carbide + being assumed), for one or more vent-pipes can always be inserted in the + proper places; but from an indoor lamp those vent-pipes cannot be made to + discharge into a place of safety, while, as stated before, a generator in + which the vent-pipes come into action with any frequency is but an + extravagant piece of apparatus for the decomposition of so costly a + material as calcium carbide. Looked at from one aspect the holder of a + fixed apparatus is merely an economical substitute for the wasteful vent- + pipe, because it is a place in which acetylene can be held in reserve + whenever the make exceeds the consumption in speed. It is perhaps possible + to conceive of a large table acetylene lamp fitted with a water- sealed + rising holder; but for vehicular purposes the displacement holder is + practically the only one available, and in small apparatus it becomes too + minute in size to be of much service as a store for the gas produced by + after-generation. Other forms of holder have been suggested by inventors, + such as a collapsible bag of india-rubber or the like; but rubber is too + porous, weak, and perishable a material to be altogether suitable. If it + is possible, by bringing carbide and water into mutual contact in + predetermined quantities, to produce gas at a uniform rate, and at one + which corresponds with the requirements of the burner, in a small + apparatus--and experience has shown it to be possible within moderately + satisfactory limits--it is manifest that the holder is only needed to take + up the gas of after-generation; and in Chapters II. and III. it was + pointed out that after-generation only occurs when water is brought into + contact with an excess of carbide. If, then, the opposite system of + construction is adopted, and carbide is fed into water mechanically, no + after-generation can take place; and provided the make of gas can be + controlled in a small carbide-feed generator as accurately as is possible + in a small water-to-carbide generator, the carbide-feed principle will + exhibit even greater advantages in portable apparatus than it does in + plant of domestic size. Naturally almost every variety of carbide-feeding + gear, especially when small, requires or prefers granulated (or granulated + and "treated") carbide; and granulated carbide must inevitably be + considerably more expensive per unit of light evolved than the large + material, but probably in the application to which the average portable + acetylene apparatus is likely to be put, strict economy is not of first + consequence. In portable acetylene generators of the carbide-feed type, + the supply is generally governed by the movements of a mushroom-headed or + conical valve at the mouth of a conical carbide vessel; such movements + occurring in sympathy with the alterations in level of the water in the + decomposing chamber, which is essentially a small displacement holder + also, or being produced by the contraction of a flexible chamber through + which the gas passes on its way to the burner. So far as it is safe to + speak definitely on a matter of this kind, the carbide-feed device appears + to work satisfactorily in a stationary (<i>e.g.</i>, table) lamp; but it + is highly questionable whether it could be applied to a vehicular + apparatus exposed to any sensible amount of vibration. The device is + satisfactory on the table of an occupied room so far, be it understood, as + any small portable generators can be: it has no holder, but since no + after-generation occurs, no holder is needed; still the combustion + products contaminate the room with all the sulphur and phosphorus of the + crude acetylene. + </p> + <p> + For vehicular lamps, and probably for hand lanterns, the water-to-carbide + system has practically no alternative (among actual generators), and + safety and convenience have to be gained at the expense of the carbide. In + such apparatus the supply of water is usually controlled ultimately by + pressure, though a hand-operated needle-valve is frequently put on the + water tube. The water actually reaches the carbide either by dropping from + a jet, by passing along, upwards or downwards, a "wick" such as is used in + oil-lamps, or by percolating through a mass of porous material like felt. + The carbide is held in a chamber closed except at the gas exit to the + burner and at the inlet from the water reservoir: so that if gas is + produced more rapidly than the burner takes it, more water is prevented + from entering, or the water already present is driven backwards out of the + decomposing chamber into some adjoining receptacle. It is impossible to + describe in detail all the lamps which have been constructed or proposed + for vehicular use; and therefore the subject must be approached in general + terms, discussing simply the principles involved in the design of a safe + portable generator. + </p> + <p> + In all portable apparatus, and indeed in generators of larger dimensions, + the decomposing chamber must be so constructed that it can never, even by + wrong manipulation, be sealed hermetically against the atmosphere. If + there is a cock on the water inlet tube which is capable of being + completely shut, there must be no cock between the decomposing chamber and + the burner. If there is a cock between the carbide vessel and the burner, + the water inlet tube must only be closed by the water, being water-sealed, + in fact, so that if pressure rises among the carbide the surplus gas may + blow the seal or bubble through the water in the reservoir. If the + water-supply is mainly controlled by a needle-valve, it is useful to + connect the burner with the carbide vessel through a short length of + rubber tube; and if this plan is adopted, a cock can, if desired, be put + close to the burner. The rubber should not be allowed to form a bend + hanging down, or water vapour, &c., may condense and extinguish the + flame. In any case there should be a steady fall from the burner to the + decomposing chamber, or to some separate catch-pit for the products of + condensation. Much of the success attainable with small generators will + depend on the water used. If it is contaminated with undissolved matter, + the dirt will eventually block the fine orifices, especially the + needle-valve, or will choke the pores of the wick or the felt pad. If the + water contains an appreciable amount of "temporary hardness," and if it + becomes heated much in the lamp, fur will be deposited sooner or later, + and will obviously give trouble. Where the water reservoir is at the upper + part of the lamp, and the liquid is exposed to the heat of the flame, fur + will appear quickly if the water is hard. Considerable benefit would + accrue to the user of a portable lamp by the employment of rain water + filtered, if necessary, through fabric or paper. The danger of freezing in + very severe weather may be prevented by the use of calcium chloride, or + preferably, perhaps, methylated spirit in the water (<i>cf.</i> Chapter + III., p. 92). The disfavour with which cycle and motor acetylene lamps are + frequently regarded by nocturnal travellers, other than the users thereof, + is due to thoughtless design in the optical part of such lamps, and is no + argument against the employment of acetylene. By proper shading or + deflection of the rays, the eyes of human beings and horses can be + sufficiently protected from the glare, and the whole of the illumination + concentrated more perfectly on the road surface and the lower part of + approaching objects--a beam of light never reaching a height of 5 feet + above the ground is all that is needed to satisfy all parties. + </p> + <p> + As the size of the generator rises, conditions naturally become more + suited to the construction of a satisfactory apparatus; until generators + intended to supply light to the whole of (say) a railway carriage, or the + head and cab lamps of a locomotive, or for the outside and inside lighting + of an omnibus are essentially generators of domestic dimensions somewhat + altered in internal construction to withstand vibration and agitation. As + a rule there is plenty of space at the side of a locomotive to carry a + generator fitted with a displacement holder of sufficient size, which is + made tall rather than wide, to prevent the water moving about more than + necessary. From the boiler, too, steam can be supplied to a coil to keep + the liquid from freezing in severe weather. Such apparatus need not be + described at length, for they can be, and are, made on lines resembling + those of domestic generators, though more compactly, and having always a + governor to give a constant pressure. For carriage lighting any ordinary + type of generator, preferably, perhaps, fitted with a displacement holder, + can be erected either in each corridor carriage, or in a brake van at the + end of the train. Purifiers may be added, if desired, to save the burners + from corrosion; but the consumption of unpurified gas will seldom be + attended by hygienic disadvantages, because the burners will be contained + in closed lamps, ventilating into the outside air. The generator, also, + may conveniently be so constructed that it is fed with carbide from above + the roof, and emptied of lime sludge from below the floor of the vehicle. + It can hardly be said that the use of acetylene generated on board adds a + sensible risk in case of collision. In the event of a subsequent fire, the + gas in the generator would burn, but not explode; but in view of the + greater illuminating power per unit volume of carbide than per equal + volume of compressed oil- gas, a portable acetylene generator should be + somewhat less objectionable than broken cylinders of oil-gas if a fire + should follow a railway accident of the usual kind. More particularly by + the use of "cartridges" of carbide, a railway carriage generator can be + constructed of sufficient capacity to afford light for a long journey, or + even a double journey, so that attention would be only required (in the + ordinary way) at one end of the line. + </p> + <p> + Passing on from the generators used for the lighting of vehicles and for + portable lamps for indoor lighting to the considerably larger portable + generators now constructed for the supply of acetylene for welding + purposes and for "flare" lamps, it will be evident that they may embody + most or all of the points which are essential to the proper working of a + fixed generator for the supply of a small establishment. The holder will + generally be of the displacement type, but some of these larger portable + generators are equipped with a rising holder. The generators are, + naturally, automatic in action, but may be either of the water-to-carbide + or carbide-to-water type--the latter being preferable in the larger sizes + intended for use with the oxy-acetylene blow-pipe for welding, &c., + for which use a relatively large though intermittent supply of acetylene + is called for. The apparatus is either carried by means of handles or + poles attached to it, or is mounted on a wheelbarrow or truck for + convenience of transport to the place where it is to be used. The so + called "flare" lamps, which are high power burners mounted, with or + without a reflector, above a portable generator, are extremely useful for + lighting open spaces where work has to be carried on temporarily after + nightfall, and are rapidly displacing oil-flares of the Lucigen type for + such purposes. + </p> + <p> + The use of "cartridges" of calcium carbide has already been briefly + referred to in Chapters II. and III. These cartridges are usually either + receptacles of thin sheet-metal, say tin plate, or packages of carbide + wrapped up in grease proof paper or the like. If of metal, they may have a + lid which is detached or perforated before they are put into the + generator, or the generator (when automatic and of domestic size) may be + so arranged that a cartridge is punctured in one or more places whenever + more gas is required. If wrapped in paper, the cartridges may be dropped + into water by an automatic generator at the proper times, the liquid then + loosening the gum and so gaining access to the interior; or one spot may + be covered by a drape of porous material (felt) only, through which the + water penetrates slowly. The substance inside the cartridge may be + ordinary, granulated, or "treated" carbide. Cartridges or "sticks" of + carbide are also made without wrappings, either by moistening powdered + carbide with oil and compressing the whole into moulds, or by compressing + dry carbide dust and immersing the sticks in oil or molten grease. The + former process is said to cause the carbide to take up too much oil, so + that sticks made by the second method are reputed preferable. All these + cartridges have the advantage over common carbide of being more permanent + in damp air, of being symmetrical in shape, of decomposing at a known + speed, and of liberating acetylene in known quantity; but evidently they + are more expensive, owing to the cost of preparing them, &c. They may + be made more cheaply from the dust produced in the braking of carbide, but + in that case the yield of gas will be relatively low. + </p> + <p> + It is manifest that, where space is to spare, purifiers containing the + materials mentioned in Chapter V. can be added to any portable acetylene + apparatus, provided also that the extra weight is not prohibitive. Cycle + lamps and motor lamps must burn an unpurified gas unpurified from + phosphorus and sulphur; but it is always good and advisable to filter the + acetylene from dust by a plug of cotton wool or the like, in order to keep + the burners as clear as may be. A burner with a screwed needle for + cleaning is always advantageous. Formerly the burners used on portable + acetylene lamps were usually of the single jet or rat-tail, or the union + jet or fish tail type, and exhibited in an intensified form, on account of + their small orifices, all the faults of these types of burners for the + consumption of acetylene (see Chapter VIII.). Now, however, there are + numerous special burners adapted for use in acetylene cycle and motor + lamps, &c., and many of these are of the impinging jet type, and some + have steatite heads to prevent distortion by the heat. One such cycle- + lamp burner, as sold in England by L. Wiener, of Fore Street, London, is + shown in Fig. 21. A burner constructed like the "Kona" (Chapter VIII.) is + made in small sizes (6, 8 and 10 litres per hour) for use in vehicular + lamps, under the name of the "Konette," by Falk, Stadelmann and Co., Ltd., + of London, who also make a number of other small impinging jet burners. A + single jet injector burner on the "Phôs" principle is made in small sizes + by the Phôs Co., of London, specially for use in lamps on vehicles. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/304.png"><img src="images/304th.png" + alt="FIG. 21.--CYCLE-LAMP BURNER NO. 96042A" /></a> + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, although satisfactory medium-sized vehicular lamps for the + generation of acetylene have been constructed, the best way of using + acetylene for all such employments as these is to carry it ready made in a + state of compression. For railway purposes, where an oil-gas plant is in + existence, and where it is merely desired to obtain a somewhat brighter + light, the oil-gas may be enriched with 20 per cent. of acetylene, and the + mixed gas pumped into the same cylinders to a pressure of 10 atmospheres, + as mentioned in Chapter XI.; the only alteration necessary being the + substitution of suitable small burners for the common oil-gas jets. As far + as the plant is concerned, all that is required is a good acetylene + generator, purifier, and holder from which the acetylene can be drawn or + forced through a meter into a larger storage holder, the meter being + connected by gearing with another meter on the pipe leading from the + oil-gas holder to the common holder, so that the necessary proportions of + the two gases shall be introduced into the common holder simultaneously. + From this final holder the enriched gas will be pumped into the cylinders + or into a storage cylinder, by means of a thoroughly cooled pump, so that + the heat set free by the compression may be safely dissipated. + </p> + <p> + Whenever still better light is required in railway carriages, as also for + the illumination of large, constantly used vehicles, such as omnibuses, + the acetone process (<i>cf.</i> Chapter XI.) exhibits notable advantages. + The light so obtained is the light of neat acetylene, but the gas is + acetylene having an upper limit of explosibility much lower than usual + because of the vapour of acetone in it. In all other respects the presence + of the acetone will be unnoticeable, for it is a fairly pure organic + chemical body, which burns in the flame completely to carbon dioxide and + water, exactly as acetylene itself does. If the acetylene is merely + compressed into porous matter without acetone, the gas burnt is acetylene + simply; but per unit of volume or weight the cylinders will not be capable + of developing so much light. + </p> + <p> + In the United States, at least one railway system (The Great Northern) has + a number of its passenger coaches lighted by means of plain acetylene + carried in a state of compression in cylinders without porous matter. The + gas is generated, filtered from dust, and stored in an ordinary rising + holder at a factory alongside the line; being drawn from this holder + through a drier to extract moisture, and through a safety device, by a + pump which, in three stages, compresses the acetylene into large storage + reservoirs. The safety device consists of a heavy steel cylinder filled + with some porous substance which, like the similar material of the acetone + cylinders, prevents any danger of the acetylene contained in the + water-sealed holder being implicated in an explosion starting backwards + from the compression, by extinguishing any spark which might be produced + there. The plant on the trains comprises a suitable number of cylinders, + filled by contact with the large stores of gas to a pressure of 10 + atmospheres, pipes of fusible metal communicating with the lamps, and + ordinary half-foot acetylene burners. The cylinders are provided with + fusible plugs, so that, in the event of a fire, they and the service- + pipes would melt, allowing the gas to escape freely and burn in the air, + instead of exploding or dissociating explosively within the cylinders + should the latter be heated by any burning woodwork or the like. It is + stated that this plan of using acetylene enables a quantity of gas to be + carried under each coach which is sufficient for a run of from 53 to 70 + hours' duration, or of over 3600 miles; that is to say, enables the train, + in the conditions obtaining on the line in question, to make a complete + "round trip" without exhaustion of its store of artificial light. The + system has been in operation for some years, and appears to have been so + carefully managed that no accident has arisen; but it is clear that + elements of danger are present which are eliminated when the cylinders are + loaded with porous matter and acetone. The use of a similar system of + compressed acetylene train lighting in South America has been attended + with a disastrous explosion, involving loss of life. + </p> + <p> + It may safely be said that the acetone system, or less conveniently + perhaps the mere compression into porous matter, is the best to adopt for + the table-lamp which is to be used in occupied rooms Small cylinders of + such shapes as to form an elegant base for a table-lamp on more or less + conventional lines would be easy to make. They would be perfectly safe to + handle. If accidentally or wilfully upset, no harm would arise. By + deliberate ill-treatment they might be burst, or the gas-pipe fractured + below the reducing valve, so that gas would escape under pressure for a + time; but short of this they would be as devoid of extra clangor in times + of fire as the candle or the coal-gas burner. Moreover, they would only + contaminate the air with carbon dioxide and water vapour, for the gas is + purified before compression; and modern investigations have conclusively + demonstrated that the ill effects produced in the air of an imperfectly + ventilated room by the extravagant consumption of coal-gas depend on the + accumulation of the combustion products of the sulphur in the gas rather + than upon the carbon dioxide set free. + </p> + <p> + One particular application of the portable acetylene apparatus is of + special interest. As calcium carbide evolves an inflammable gas when it + merely comes into contact with water, it becomes possible to throw into + the sea or river, by hand or by ejection from a mortar, a species of bomb + or portable generator which is capable of emitting a powerful beam of + light if only facilities are present for inflaming the acetylene + generated; and it is quite easy so to arrange the interior of such + apparatus that they can be kept ready for instant use for long periods of + time without sensible deterioration, and that they can be recharged after + employment. Three methods of firing the gas have been proposed. In one the + shock or contact with the water brings a small electric battery into play + which produces a spark between two terminals projecting across the burner + orifice; in the second, a cap at the head of the generator contains a + small quantity of metallic potassium, which decomposes water with such + energy that the hydrogen liberated catches fire; and in the third a + similar cap is filled with the necessary quantity of calcium phosphide, or + the "carbophosphide of calcium" mentioned in Chapter XI., which yields a + flame by the immediate ignition of the liquid phosphine produced on the + attack of water. During the two or three seconds consumed in the + production of the spark or pilot flame, the water is penetrating the main + charge of calcium carbide in the interior of the apparatus, until the + whole is ready to give a bright light for a time limited only by the + capacity of the generator. It is obvious that such apparatus may be of + much service at sea: they may be thrown overboard to illuminate separate + lifebuoys in case of accident, or be attached to the lifebuoys they are + required to illuminate, or be used as lifebuoys themselves if fitted with + suitable chains or ropes; they may be shot ahead to illuminate a difficult + channel, or to render an enemy visible in time of war. Several such + apparatus have already been constructed and severely tested; they appear + to give every satisfaction. They are, of course, so weighted that the + burner floats vertically, while buoyancy is obtained partly by the gas + evolved, and partly by a hollow portion of the structure containing air. + Cartridges of carbide and caps yielding a self- inflammable gas can be + carried on board ship, by means of which the torches or lifebuoys may be + renewed after service in a few minutes' time. + </p> + <h2> + <a name="linkxiv" id="xiv">CHAPTER XIV</a> + </h2> + <h3> + VALUATION AND ANALYSIS OF CARBIDE + </h3> + <p> + The sale and purchase of calcium carbide in this country will, under + existing conditions, usually be conducted in conformity with the set of + regulations issued by the British Acetylene Association, of which a copy, + revised to date, is given below: + </p> + <p> + "REGULATIONS AS TO CARBIDE OF CALCIUM." + </p> + <p> + 1. The carbide shall be guaranteed by the seller to yield, when broken to + standard size, <i>i.e.</i>, in lumps varying from 1 to 2-1/2 inches or + larger, not less than 4.8 cubic feet per lb., at a barometric pressure of + 30 inches and temperature of 60° Fahr. (15.55° Centigrade). The actual gas + yield shall be deemed to be the gas yield ascertained by the analyst, plus + 5 per cent. + </p> + <p> + "Carbide yielding less than 4.8 cubic feet in the sizes given above shall + be paid for in proportion to the gas yield, <i>i.e.</i>, the price to be + paid shall bear the same relation to the contract price as the gas yield + bears to 4.8 cubic feet per lb. + </p> + <p> + "2. The customer shall have the right to refuse to take carbide yielding + in the sizes mentioned above less than 4.2 cubic foot, per lb., and it + shall lie, in case of refusal and as from the date of the result, of the + analysis being made known to either party, at the risk and expense of the + seller. + </p> + <p> + "3. The carbide shall not contain higher figures of impurities than shall + from time to time be fixed by the Association. + </p> + <p> + "4. No guarantee shall be given for lots of less than 3 cwt., or for + carbide crushed to smaller than the above sizes. + </p> + <p> + "5. In case of dispute as to quality, either the buyer or the seller shall + have the right to have one unopened drum per ton of carbide, or part of a + ton, sent for examination to one of the analysts appointed by the + Association, and the result of the examination shall be held to apply to + the whole of the consignment to which the drum belonged. "6. A latitude of + 5 per cent, shall be allowed for analysis; consequently differences of 5 + per cent. above or below the yields mentioned in 1 and 2 shall not be + taken into consideration. + </p> + <p> + "7. Should the yield of gas be less than 4.8 cubic feet less 5 per cent., + the carriage of the carbide to and from the place of analysis and the cost + of the analysis shall be paid for by the seller. Should the yield be more + than 4.8 cubic feet less 5 per cent., the carriage and costs of analysis + shall be borne by the buyer, who, in addition, shall pay an increase of + price for the carbide proportionate to the gas yield above 4.8 cubic feet + plus 5 per cent. + </p> + <p> + "8. Carbide of 1 inch mesh and above shall not contain more than 5 per + cent. of dust, such dust to be defined as carbide capable of passing + through a mesh of one-sixteenth of an inch. + </p> + <p> + "9. The seller shall not be responsible for deterioration of quality + caused by railway carriage in the United Kingdom, unless he has sold + including carriage to the destination indicated by the buyer. + </p> + <p> + "10. Carbide destined for export shall, in case the buyer desires to have + it tested, be sampled at the port of shipment, and the guarantee shall + cease after shipment. + </p> + <p> + "11. The analyst shall take a sample of not less than 1 lb. each from the + top, centre, and bottom of the drum. The carbide shall be carefully broken + up into small pieces, due care being taken to avoid exposure to the air as + much as possible, carefully screened and tested for gas yield by + decomposing it in water, previously thoroughly saturated by exposure to + acetylene for a period of not less than 48 hours. + </p> + <p> + "12. Carbide which, when properly decomposed, yields acetylene containing + from all phosphorus compounds therein more than .05 per cent. by volume of + phosphoretted hydrogen, may be refused by the buyer, and any carbide found + to contain more than this figure, with a latitude of .01 per cent. for the + analysis, shall lie at the risk and expense of the seller in the manner + described in paragraph 2. + </p> + <p> + "The rules mentioned in paragraph 7 shall apply as regards the carriage + and costs of analysis; in other words, the buyer shall pay these costs if + the figure is below 0.05 per cent. plus 0.01 per cent., and the seller if + the figure is above 0.05 per cent. plus 0.01 per cent. "The sampling shall + take place in the manner prescribed in paragraphs 5 and 11, and the + analytical examination shall be effected in the manner prescribed by the + Association and obtainable upon application to the Secretary." + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + The following is a translation of the corresponding rules issued by the + German Acetylene Association (<i>Der Deutsche Acetylenverein</i>) in + regard to business dealings in calcium carbide, as put into force on April + 1, 1909: + </p> + <p> + "REGULATIONS OF THE GERMAN ACETYLENE ASSOCIATION FOR TRADE IN CARBIDE. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Price</i>. + </p> + <p> + "The price is to be fixed per 100 kilogrammes (= 220 lb.) net weight of + carbide in packages containing about 100 kilogrammes. + </p> + <p> + "By packages containing about 100 kilogrammes are meant packages + containing within 10 per cent. above or below that weight. + </p> + <p> + "The carbide shall be packed in gas- and water-tight vessels of sheet- + iron of the strength indicated in the prescriptions of the carrying + companies. + </p> + <p> + "The prices for other descriptions of packing must be specially stated. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Place of Delivery</i>. + </p> + <p> + "For consignment for export, the last European shipping port shall be + taken as the place of delivery. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Quality</i>. + </p> + <p> + "Commercial carbide shall be of such quality that in the usual lumps of 15 + to 80 mm. (about 3/5 to 3 inches) diameter it shall afford a yield of at + least 300 litres at 15° C. and 760 mm. pressure of crude acetylene per + kilogramme for each consignment (= 4.81 cubic feet at 60° F. and 30 inches + per lb.). A margin of 2 per cent. shall be allowed for the analysis. + Carbide which yields less than 300 litres per kilogramme, but not less + than 270 litres (= 4.33 cubic feet) of crude acetylene per kilogramme + (with the above-stated 2 per cent. margin for analysis) must be accepted + by the buyer. The latter, however, is entitled to make a proportionate + deduction from the price and also to deduct the increased freight charges + to the destination or, if the latter is not settled at the time when the + transaction is completed, to the place of delivery. Carbide which yields + less than 270 litres of crude acetylene per kilogramme need not be + accepted. + </p> + <p> + "Carbide must not contain more than 5 per cent. of dust. By dust is to be + understood all which passes through a screen of 1 mm. (0.04 inch) square, + clear size of holes. + </p> + <p> + "Small carbide of from 4 to 15 mm. (= 1/6 to 3/5 inch) in size (and + intermediate sizes) must yield on the average for each delivery at least + 270 litres at 15° C. and 760 mm. pressure of crude acetylene per + kilogramme (= 4.33 cubic feet at 60° F. and 30 inches per lb.) A margin of + 2 per cent. shall be allowed for the analysis. Small carbide of from 4 to + 15 mm. in size (and intermediate sizes) which yields less than 270 litres + but not less than 250 litres (= 4.01 cubic feet per lb.) of crude + acetylene per kilogramme (with the above-stated 2 per cent. margin for + analysis) must be accepted by the buyer. The latter, however, is entitled + to make a proportionate deduction from the price and also to deduct the + increased freight charges to the destination or, if the latter is not + settled at the time when the transaction is completed, to the place of + delivery. Small carbide of from 4 to 15 mm. in size (and intermediate + sizes) which yields less than 250 litres per kilogramme need not be + accepted. + </p> + <p> + "Carbide shall only be considered fit for delivery if the proportion of + phosphoretted hydrogen in the crude acetylene does not amount to more than + 0.04 volume per cent. A margin of 0.01 volume per cent. shall be allowed + for the analysis for phosphoretted hydrogen. The whole of the phosphorus + compounds contained in the gas are to be calculated as phosphoretted + hydrogen. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Period for Complaints.</i> + </p> + <p> + "An interval of four weeks from delivery shall be allowed for complaints + for consignments of 5000 kilogrammes (= 5 tons) and over, and an interval + of two weeks for smaller consignments. A complaint shall refer only to a + quantity of carbide remaining at the time of taking the sample. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Determination of Quality.</i> + </p> + <p> + "1. In case the parties do not agree that the consignee is to send to the + analyst for the determination of the quality one unopened and undamaged + drum when the consignment is less than 5000 kilogrammes, and two such + drums when it is over 5000 kilogrammes, a sample for the purpose of + testing the quality is to be taken in the following manner: + </p> + <p> + "A sample having a total weight of at least 2 kilogrammes (= 4.4 lb.) is + to be taken. If the delivery to be tested does not comprise more than ten + drums, the sample is to be taken from an unopened and undamaged drum + selected at random. With deliveries of more than ten drums, the sample is + to be drawn from not fewer than 10 per cent, of the lot, and from each of + the unopened and undamaged drums drawn for the purpose not less than 1 + kilogramme (= 2.2 lb.) is to be taken. + </p> + <p> + "The sampling is to be carried out by a trustworthy person appointed by + the two parties, or by one of the experts regularly recognised by the + German Acetylene Association, thus: Each selected drum, before opening, is + to be turned over twice (to got rid of any local accumulation of dust) and + the requisite quantity is to he withdrawn with a shovel (not with the + hand) from any part of it. These samples are immediately shot into one or + more vessels which are closed air- and water-tight. The lid is secured by + a seal. No other description of package, such as cardboard cases, boxes, + &c., is permissible. + </p> + <p> + "If there is disagreement as to the choice of a trustworthy person, each + of the two parties is to take the required quantity, as specified above. + </p> + <p> + "2. The yield of gas and the proportion of phosphoretted hydrogen + contained in it are to be determined by the methods prescribed by the + German Acetylene Association. If there are different analyses giving non- + concordant results, an analysis is to be made by the German Acetylene + Association, which shall be accepted as final and binding. + </p> + <p> + "In cases, however, where the first analysis has been made in the + Laboratory of the German Acetylene Association and arbitration is + required, the decisive analysis shall be made by the Austrian Acetylene + Association. If one of the parties prevents the arbitrator's analysis + being carried out, the analysis of the other party shall be absolutely + binding on him. + </p> + <p> + "3. The whole of the cost of sampling and analysis is to be borne by the + party in the wrong." + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + The corresponding regulations issued by the Austrian Acetylene Association + (<i>Der Oesterreichische Acetylenverein</i>) are almost identical with + those of the German Association. They contain, however, provisions that + the price is to include packing, that the carbide must not be delivered in + lumps larger than the fist, that the sample may be sealed in a glass + vessel with well-ground glass stopper, that the sample is to be + transmitted to the testing laboratory with particulars of the size of the + lots and the number of drums drawn for sampling, and that the whole of it + is to be gasified in lots of upwards of 1 kilogramme (= 2.2 lb.) apiece. + </p> + <p> + In Italy, it is enacted by the Board of Agriculture, Commerce and Industry + that by calcium carbide is to be understood for legal purposes also any + other carbide, or carbide-containing mixture, which evolves acetylene by + interaction with water. Also that only calcium carbide, which on admixture + with water yields acetylene containing less than 1 per cent. of its volume + of sulphuretted hydrogen and phosphoretted hydrogen taken together, may be + put on the market. + </p> + <p> + It is evident from the regulations quoted that the determination of the + volume of gas which a particular sample of calcium carbide is capable of + yielding, when a given weight of it is decomposed under the most + favourable conditions, is a matter of the utmost practical importance to + all interested in the trafficking of carbide, <i>i.e.</i>, to the makers, + vendors, brokers, and purchasers of that material, as well as to all + makers and users of acetylene generating plant. The regulations of the + British Association do not, however, give details of the method which the + analyst should pursue in determining the yield of acetylene; and while + this may to a certain extent be advantageously left to the discretion of + the competent analyst, it is desirable that the results of the experience + already won by those who have had special opportunities for practising + this branch of analytical work should be embodied in a set of directions + for the analysis of carbide, which may be followed in all ordinary + analyses of that material. By the adoption of such a set of directions as + a provisional standard method, disputes as to the quantity of carbide will + be avoided, while it will still be open to the competent analyst to modify + the method of procedure to meet the requirements of special cases. It + would certainly be unadvisable in the present state of our analytical + methods to accept any hard and fast of rules for analysis for determining + the quality of carbide, but it is nevertheless well to have the best of + existing methods codified for the guidance of analysts. The substance of + the directions issued by the German Association (<i>Der Deutsche + Acetylenverein</i>) is reproduced below. + </p> + <p> + "METHODS FOR THE DETERMINATION OF TILE YIELD OF GAS FROM CALCIUM CARBIDE. + </p> + <p> + "The greatest precision is attained when the whole of the sample submitted + to the analyst is gasified in a carbide-to-water apparatus, and the gas + evolved is measured in an accurately graduated gasholder. + </p> + <p> + "The apparatus used for this analysis must not only admit of all the + precautionary rules of gas-analytical work being observed, but must also + fulfil certain other experimental conditions incidental to the nature of + the analysis. + </p> + <p> + "(<i>a</i>) The apparatus must be provided with an accurate thermometer to + show the temperature of the confining water, and with a pressure gauge, + which is in communication with the gasholder. + </p> + <p> + "(<i>b</i>) The generator must either be provided with a gasholder which + is capable of receiving the quantity of gas evolved from the whole amount + of carbide, or the apparatus must be so constructed that it becomes + possible with a gasholder which in not too large (up to 200 litres = say 7 + cubic feet capacity) to gasify a larger amount of carbide. + </p> + <p> + "(<i>c</i>) The generator must be constructed so that escape of the + evolved gas from it to the outer air is completely avoided. + </p> + <p> + "(<i>d</i>) The gasholder must be graduated in parts up to 1/4 per cent. + of its capacity, must travel easily, and be kept, as far as may be in + suspension by counterweighting. + </p> + <p> + "(<i>e</i>) The water used for decomposing the carbide and the confining + water must be saturated, before use, with acetylene, and, further, the + generator must, before the analysis proper, be put under the pressure of + the confining (or sealing) liquid." + </p> + <p> + The following is a description of a typical form of apparatus + corresponding with the foregoing requirements: + </p> + <p> + "The apparatus, shown in the annexed figure, consists of the generator A, + the washer B, and the gasholder C. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/313.png"><img src="images/313th.png" + alt="FIG. 22.--LARGE-SCALE APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING YIELD OF GAS FROM CARBIDE" /></a> + </p> + <p> + "The generator A consists of a cylindrical vessel with sloping bottom, + provided with a sludge outlet <i>a</i>, a gas exit-pipe <i>b</i>, and a + lid <i>b'</i> fastened by screws. In the upper part ten boxes <i>c</i> are + installed for the purpose of receiving the carbide. The bottoms of those + boxes are flaps which rest through their wire projections on a revolvable + disc <i>d</i>, which is mounted on a shaft <i>l</i>. This shaft passes + through a stuffing-box to the outside of the generator and can be rotated + by moans of the chains <i>f</i>, the pulleys <i>g</i> and <i>h</i>, and + the winch <i>i</i>. Its rotation causes rotation of the disc <i>d</i>. The + disc <i>d</i>, on which the bottoms of the carbide- holders are supported, + is provided with a slot <i>e</i>. On rotating the disc, on which the + supporting wires of the bottoms of the carbide-holders rest, the slot is + brought beneath these wires in succession; and the bottoms, being thus + deprived of their support, drop down. It is possible in this way to effect + the discharge of the several carbide-holders by gradual turning of the + winch <i>i</i>. + </p> + <p> + "The washer B is provided with a thermometer <i>m</i> passing through a + sound stuffing-box and extending into the water. + </p> + <p> + "The gasholder C is provided with a scale and pointer, which indicate how + much gas there is in it. It is connected with the pressure-gauge <i>n</i>, + and is further provided with a control thermometer <i>o</i>. The gas + exit-pipe <i>q</i> can be shut off by a cock. There is a cock between the + gasholder and the washer for isolating one from the other. + </p> + <p> + "The dimensions of the apparatus are such that each carbide-holder can + contain readily about half a kilogramme (say l lb.) of carbide. The + gasholder is of about 200 litres (say 7 cubic feet) capacity; and if the + bell is 850 mm. (= 33-1/2 inches) high, and 550 mm. (= 21-1/2 inches) in + diameter it will admit of the position being read off to within half a + litre (say 0.02 cubic foot)." + </p> + <p> + The directions of the German Association for sampling a consignment of + carbide packed in drums each containing 100 kilogrammes (say 2 cwt.) have + already been given in the rules of that body. They differ somewhat from + those issued by the British Association (<i>vide ante</i>), and have + evidently been compiled with a view to the systematic and rapid sampling + of larger consignments than are commonly dealt with in this country. + Drawing a portion of the whole sample from every tenth drum is + substantially the same as the British Association's regulations for cases + of dispute, viz., to have one unopened drum (<i>i.e.</i>, one or two cwt.) + per ton of carbide placed at the analyst's disposal for sampling. Actually + the mode of drawing a portion of the whole sample from every tenth vessel, + or lot, where a large number is concerned, is one which would naturally be + adopted by analysts accustomed to sampling any other products so packed or + stored, and there in no reason why it should be departed from in the case + of large consignments of carbide. For lots of less than ten drums, unless + there is reason to suspect want of uniformity, it should usually suffice + to draw the sample from one drum selected at random by the sampler. The + analyst, or person who undertakes the sampling, must, however, exercise + discretion as to the scheme of sampling to be followed, especially if want + of uniformity of the several lots constituting the consignment in + suspected. The size of the lumps constituting a sample will be referred to + later. + </p> + <p> + The British Association's regulations lead to a sample weighing about 3 + lb. being obtained from each drum. If only one drum is sampled, the + quantity taken from each position may be increased with advantage so as to + give a sample weighing about 10 lb., while if a large number of drums is + sampled, the several samples should be well mixed, and the ordinary method + of quartering and re-mixing followed until a representative portion + weighing about 10 lb. remains. + </p> + <p> + A sample representative of the bulk of the consignment having been + obtained, and hermetically sealed, the procedure of testing by means of + the apparatus already described may be given from the German Association's + directions: + </p> + <p> + "The first carbide receptacle is filled with 300 to 400 grammes (say 3/4 + lb.) of any readily decomposable carbide, and is hung up in the apparatus + in such a position with regard to the slot <i>e</i> on the disc <i>d</i> + that it will be the first receptacle to be discharged when the winch <i>i</i> + is turned. The tin or bottle containing the sample for analysis is then + opened and weighed on a balance capable of weighing exactly to 1/2 gramme + (say 10 grains). The carbide in it is then distributed quickly, and as far + as may be equally, into the nine remaining carbide receptacles, which are + then shut and hung up quickly in the generator. The lid <i>b'</i> is then + screwed on the generator to close it, and the empty tin or bottle, from + which the sample of carbide has been removed, is weighed. + </p> + <p> + "The contents of the first carbide receptacle are then discharged by + turning the winch <i>i</i>. Their decomposition ensures on the one hand + that the sealing water and the generating water are saturated with + acetylene, and on the other hand that the dead space in the generator is + brought under the pressure of the seal, so that troublesome corrections + which would otherwise be entailed are avoided. After the carbide is + completely decomposed, but not before two hours at least have elapsed, the + cock <i>p</i> is shut, and the gasholder is run down to the zero mark by + opening the cock <i>q</i>. The cock <i>q</i> is then shut, <i>p</i> is + opened, and the analytical examination proper is begun by discharging the + several carbide receptacles by turning the winch <i>i</i>. After the first + receptacle has been discharged, five or ten minutes are allowed to elapse + for the main evolution of gas to occur, and the cock <i>p</i> is then + shut. Weights are added to the gasholder until the manometer <i>n</i> + gives the zero reading; the position of the gasholder C is then read off, + and readings of the barometer and of the thermometer <i>o</i> are made. + The gasholder is then emptied down to the zero mark by closing the cock <i>p</i> + and opening <i>q</i>. When this is done <i>q</i> is closed and <i>p</i> is + opened, and the winch <i>i</i> is turned until the contents of the next + carbide receptacle are discharged. This procedure is followed until the + carbide from the last receptacle has been gasified; then, after waiting + until all the carbide has been decomposed, but in any case not less than + two hours, the position of the gasholder is read, and readings of the + barometer and thermometer are again taken. The total of the values + obtained represents the yield of gas from the sample examined." + </p> + <p> + The following example is quoted: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +Weight of the tin received, with its contained | + carbide . . . . . ._| = 6325 grammes. +Weight of the empty tin . . . . = 1485 " + _______ + Carbide used . . . = 4840 " = 10670 lb. +</pre> + <p> + The carbide in question was distributed among the nine receptacles and + gasified. The readings were: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ________________________________________________ +| | | | | +| No. | Litres. | Degrees C. | Millimetres. | +|______|__________|______________|_______________| +| | | | | +| 1 | 152.5 | 13 | 762 | +| 2 | 136.6 | " | " | +| 3 | 138.5 | " | " | +| 4 | 161.0 | " | " | +| 5 | 131.0 | " | " | +| 6 | 182.5 | 13.5 | " | +| 7 | 146.0 | " | " | +| 8 | 163.0 | 14.0 | " | +| 9 | 178.5 | " | " | +|______|__________|______________|_______________| +</pre> + <p> + After two hours, the total of the readings was 1395.0 litres at 13.5° C. + and 762 mm., which is equivalent to 1403.7 litres (= 49.57 cubic feet) at + 15° C. and 760 mm. (or 60° F. and 30 inches; there is no appreciable + change of volume of a gas when the conditions under which it is measured + are altered from 15° C. and 760 mm. to 60° F. and 30 inches, or <i>vice + versâ</i>). + </p> + <p> + The yield of gas from this sample is therefore 1403.7/4.840 = 290 litres + at 15° C. and 760 mm. per kilogramme, or 49.57/10.67 = 4.65 cubic feet at + 60° F. and 30 inches per pound of carbide. The apparatus described can, of + course, be used when smaller samples of carbide only are available for + gasification, but the results will be less trustworthy if much smaller + quantities than those named are taken for the test. + </p> + <p> + Other forms of carbide-to-water apparatus may of course be devised, which + will equally well fulfil the requisite conditions for the test, viz., + complete decomposition of the whole of the carbide without excessive rise + of temperature, and no loss of gas by solution or otherwise. + </p> + <p> + An experimental wet gas-motor, of which the water-line has been accurately + set (by means of the Gas Referees' 1/12 cubic foot measure, or a similar + meter-proving apparatus), may be used in place of the graduated gasholder + for measuring the volume of the gas evolved, provided the rate of flow of + the gas does not exceed 1/6 cubic foot, or say 5 litres per minute. If the + generation of gas is irregular, as when an apparatus of the type described + above is used, it is advisable to insert a small gasholder or large + bell-governor between the washer and the meter. The meter must be provided + with a thermometer, according to the indications of which the observed + volumes must be corrected to the corresponding volume at normal + temperature. + </p> + <p> + If apparatus such as that described above is not available, fairly + trustworthy results for practical purposes may be obtained by the + decomposition of smaller samples in the manner described below, provided + these samples are representative of the average composition of the larger + sample or bulk, and a number of tests are made in succession and the + results of individual tests do not differ by more than 10 litres of gas + per kilogramme (or 0.16 cubic foot per pound) of carbide. + </p> + <p> + It is necessary at the outset to reduce large lumps of carbide in the + sample to small pieces, and this must be done with as little exposure as + possible to the (moist) air. Failing a good pulverising machine of the + coffee-mill or similar type, which does its work quickly, the lumps must + be broken as rapidly as possible in a dry iron mortar, which may with + advantage be fitted with a leather or india-rubber cover, through a hole + in which the pestle passes. As little actual dust as possible should be + made during pulverisation. The decomposition of the carbide is best + effected by dropping it into water and measuring the volume of gas evolved + with the precautions usually practised in gas analysis. An example of one + of the methods of procedure described by the German Association will show + how this test can be satisfactorily carried out: + </p> + <p> + "A Woulff's bottle, <i>a</i> in the annexed figure, of blown glass and + holding about 1/4 litre is used as the generating vessel. One neck, about + 15 mm. in internal diameter, is connected by flexible tubing with a + globular vessel <i>b</i>, having two tubulures, and this vessel is further + connected with a conical flask <i>c</i>, holding about 100 c.c. The other + neck is provided with tubing <i>d</i>, serving to convey the gas to the + inlet-tube, with tap <i>e</i>, of the 20-litre measuring vessel <i>f</i>, + which is filled with water saturated with acetylene, and communicates + through its lower tubulure with a similar large vessel <i>g</i>. The + generating vessel <i>a</i> is charged with about 150 c.c. of water + saturated with acetylene. The vessel <i>f</i> is filled up to the zero + mark by raising the vessel <i>g</i>; the tap <i>e</i> is then shut, and + connexion is made with the tube <i>d</i>. Fifty grammes (or say 2 oz.) of + the pulverised carbide are then weighed into the flask <i>c</i> and this + is connected by the flexible tubing with the vessel <i>b</i>. The carbide + is then decomposed by bringing it in small portions at a time into the + bulb <i>b</i> by raising the flask <i>c</i>, and letting it drop from <i>b</i> + into the generating vessel <i>a</i>, after having opened the cock <i>e</i> + and slightly raised the vessel <i>f</i>. After the last of the carbide has + been introduced two hours are allowed to elapse, and the volume of gas in + <i>f</i> is then read while the water stands at the same level in <i>f</i> + and <i>g</i>, the temperature and pressure being noted simultaneously." + </p> + <p> + A second, but less commendable method of decomposing the carbide is by + putting it in a dry two-necked bottle, one neck of which is connected with + <i>e</i>, and dropping water very slowly from a tap-funnel, which enters + the other neck, on to the carbide. The generating bottle should be stood + in water, in order to keep it cool, and the water should be dropped in at + the rate of about 50 c.c. in one hour. It will take about three hours + completely to gasify the 50 grammes of carbide under these conditions. The + gas is measured as before. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/318.png"><img src="images/318th.png" + alt="FIG. 23.--SMALL-SCALE APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING YIELD OF GAS FROM CARBIDE" /></a> + </p> + <p> + Cedercreutz has carried out trials to show the difference between the + yields found from large and small carbide taken from the same drum. One + sample consisted of the dust and smalls up to about 3/5 inch in size, + while the other contained large carbide as well as the small. The latter + sample was broken to the same size as the former for the analysis. Tests + were made both with a large testing apparatus, such as that shown in Fig. + 22, and with a small laboratory apparatus, such as that shown in Fig. 23. + The dust was screened off for the tests made in the large apparatus. Two + sets of testings were made on different lots of carbide, distinguished + below as "A" and "B," and about 80 grammes wore taken for each + determination in the laboratory apparatus, and 500 grammes in the large + apparatus. The results are stated in litres (at normal temperature and + pressure) per kilogramme of carbide. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ___________________________________________________________________ +| | | | +| | "A" | "B" | +|_____________________________________________________|______|______| +| | | | +| Lot |Litres|Litres| +| Small carbide, unscreened, in laboratory \ (1) | 276 | 267 | +| apparatus . . . . . / (2) | 273 | 270 | +| Average sample of carbide, unscreened, in \ (1) | 318 | 321 | +| laboratory apparatus . . . / (2) | 320 | 321 | +| Small carbide, dust freed, in large apparatus (1) | 288 | 274 | +| Average sample of carbide, dust freed, in \ (2) | 320 | 322 | +| large apparatus . . . . / | | | +|_____________________________________________________|______|______| +</pre> + <p> + As the result of the foregoing researches Cedercreutz has recommended that + in order to sample the contents of a drum, they should be tipped out, and + about a kilogramme (say 2 to 3 lb.) taken at once from them with a shovel, + put on an iron base and broken with a hammer to pieces of about 2/5 inch, + mixed, and the 500 grammes required for the analysis in the form of + testing plant which he employs taken from this sample. Obviously a larger + sample can be taken in the same manner. On the other hand the British and + German Associations' directions for sampling the contents of a drum, which + have already been quoted, differ somewhat from the above, and must + generally be followed in cases of dispute. + </p> + <p> + Cedercreutz's figures, given in the above table, show that it would be + very unfair to determine the gas-making capacity of a given parcel of + carbide in which the lumps happened to vary considerably in size by + analysing only the smalls, results so obtained being possibly 15 per cent. + too low. This is due to two causes: first, however carefully it be stored, + carbide deteriorates somewhat by the attack of atmospheric moisture; and + since the superficies of a lump (where the attack occurs) is larger in + proportion to the weight of the lump as the lump itself is smaller, small + lumps deteriorate more on keeping than large ones. The second reason, + however, is more important. Not being a pure chemical substance, the + commercial material calcium carbide varies in hardness; and when it is + merely crushed (not reduced altogether to powder) the softer portions tend + to fall into smaller fragments than the hard portions. As the hard + portions are different in composition from the soft portions, if a parcel + is sampled by taking only the smalls, practically that sample contains an + excess of the softer part of the original material, and as such is not + representative. Originally the German Acetylene Association did not lay + down any rules as to the crushing of samples by the analyst, but + subsequently they specified that the material should be tested in the size + (or sizes) in which it was received. The British Association, on the + contrary, requires the sample to be broken in small pieces. If the + original sample is taken in such fashion as to include large and small + lumps as accurately as possible in the same proportion as that in which + they occur in the main parcel, no error will be introduced if that sample + is crushed to a uniform size, and then subdivided again; but a small + deficiency in gas yield will be produced, which will be in the consumer's + favour. It is not altogether easy to see the advantage of the British idea + of crushing the sample over the German plan of leaving it alone; because + the analytical generator will easily take, or its parts could be modified + to take, the largest lumps met with. If the sample is in very large + masses, and is decomposed too quickly, polymerisation of gas may be set + up; but on the other hand, the crushing and re-sampling will cause + wastage, especially in damp weather, or when the sampling has to be done + in inconvenient places. The British Association requires the test to be + made on carbide parcels ranging between 1 and 2-1/2 inches or larger, + because that is the "standard" size for this country, and because no + guarantee is to be had or expected from the makers as to the gas-producing + capacity of smaller material. Manifestly, if a consumer employs such a + form of generator that he is obliged to use carbide below "standard" size, + analyses may be made on his behalf in the ordinary way; but he will have + no redress if the yield of acetylene is less than the normal. This may + appear a defect or grievance; but since in many ways the use of small + carbide (except in portable lamps) is not advantageous--either technically + or pecuniarily--the rule simply amounts to an additional judicious + incentive to the adoption of apparatus capable of decomposing + standard-sized lumps. The German and Austrian Associations' regulations, + however, provide a standard for the quality of granulated carbide. + </p> + <p> + It has been pointed out that the German Association's direction that the + water used in the testing should be saturated with acetylene by a + preliminary decomposition of 1/2 kilogramme of carbide is not wholly + adequate, and it has been suggested that the preliminary decomposition + should be carried out twice with charges of carbide, each weighing not + less than 1 per cent. of the weight of water used. A further possible + source of error lies in the fact that the generating water is saturated at + the prevailing temperature of the room, and liberates some of its + dissolved acetylene when the temperature rises during the subsequent + generation of gas. This error, of course, makes the yield from the sample + appear higher than it actually is. Its effects may be compensated by + allowing time for the water in the generator or gasholder to cool to its + original temperature before the final reading is made. + </p> + <p> + With regard to the measurement of the temperature of the evolved gas in + the bell gasholder, it is usual to assume that the reading of a + thermometer which passes through the crown of the gasholder suffices. If + the thermometer has a very long stem, so that the bulb is at about the + mid-height of the filled bell, this plan is satisfactory, but if an + ordinary thermometer is used, it is better to take, as the average + temperature of the gas in the holder, the mean of the readings of the + thermometer in the crown, and of one dipping into the water of the holder + seal. + </p> + <p> + The following table gives factors for correcting volumes of gas observed + at any temperature and pressure falling within its range to the normal + temperature (60° F.) and normal barometric height (30 inches). The normal + volume thus found is, as already stated, not appreciably different from + the volume at 15° C. and 760 mm. (the normal conditions adopted by + Continental gas chemists). To use the table, find the observed temperature + and the observed reading of the barometer in the border of the table, and + in the space where these vertical and horizontal columns meet will be + found a number by which the observed volume of gas is to be multiplied in + order to find the corresponding volume under normal conditions. For + intermediate temperatures, &c., the factors may be readily inferred + from the table by inspection. This table must only be applied when the gas + is saturated with aqueous vapour, as is ordinarily the case, and therefore + a drier must not be applied to the gas before measurement. + </p> + <p> + Hammerschmidt has calculated a similar table for the correction of volumes + of gas measured at temperatures ranging from 0° to 30° C., and under + pressures from 660 to 780 mm., to 15° C. and 760 mm. It is based on the + coefficient of expansion of acetylene given in Chapter VI., but, as was + there pointed out, this coefficient differs by so little from that of the + permanent gases for which the annexed table was compiled, that no + appreciable error results from the use of the latter for acetylene also. A + table similar to the annexed but of more extended range is given in the + "Notification of the Gas Referees," and in the text-book on "Gas + Manufacture" by one of the authors. + </p> + <p> + The determination of the amounts of other gases in crude or purified + acetylene is for the most part carried out by the methods in vogue for the + analysis of coal-gas and other illuminating gases, or by slight + modifications of them. For an account of these methods the textbook on + "Gas Manufacture" by one of the authors may be consulted. For instance, + two of the three principal impurities in acetylene, viz., ammonia and + sulphuretted hydrogen, may be detected and estimated in that gas in the + same manner as in coal gas. The detection and estimation of phosphine are, + however, analytical operations peculiar to acetylene among common + illuminating gases, and they must therefore be referred to. + </p> + <p> + <i>Table to facilitate the Correction of the Volume of Gas at different + Temperatures and under different Atmospheric Pressures.</i> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + _____________________________________________________ +| | | +| | THERMOMETER. | +| BAR.|_______________________________________________| +| | | | | | | | +| | 46° | 48° | 50° | 52° | 54° | 56° | +|_____|_______|_______|_______|_______|_______|_______| +| | | | | | | | +|28.4 | 0.979 | 0.974 | 0.970 | 0.965 | 0.960 | 0.955 | +|28.5 | 0.983 | 0.978 | 0.973 | 0.968 | 0.964 | 0.959 | +|28.6 | 0.986 | 0.981 | 0.977 | 0.972 | 0.967 | 0.962 | +|28.7 | 0.990 | 0.985 | 0.980 | 0.975 | 0.970 | 0.966 | +|28.8 | 0.993 | 0.988 | 0.984 | 0.979 | 0.974 | 0.969 | +|28.9 | 0.997 | 0.992 | 0.987 | 0.982 | 0.977 | 0.973 | +|29.0 | 1.000 | 0.995 | 0.990 | 0.986 | 0.981 | 0.976 | +|29.1 | 1.004 | 0.999 | 0.994 | 0.989 | 0.984 | 0.979 | +|29.2 | 1.007 | 1.002 | 0.997 | 0.992 | 0.988 | 0.982 | +|29.3 | 1.011 | 1.005 | 1.001 | 0.996 | 0.991 | 0.986 | +|29.4 | 1.014 | 1.009 | 1.004 | 0.999 | 0.995 | 0.990 | +|29.5 | 1.018 | 1.013 | 1.008 | 1.003 | 0.998 | 0.993 | +|29.6 | 1.021 | 1.016 | 1.011 | 1.006 | 1.001 | 0.996 | +|29.7 | 1.025 | 1.019 | 1.015 | 1.010 | 1.005 | 1.000 | +|29.8 | 1.028 | 1.023 | 1.018 | 1.013 | 1.008 | 1.003 | +|29.9 | 1.031 | 1.026 | 1.022 | 1.017 | 1.012 | 1.007 | +|30.0 | 1.035 | 1.030 | 1.025 | 1.020 | 1.015 | 1.010 | +|30.1 | 1.038 | 1.033 | 1.029 | 1.024 | 1.019 | 1.014 | +|30.2 | 1.042 | 1.037 | 1.032 | 1.027 | 1.022 | 1.017 | +|30.3 | 1.045 | 1.040 | 1.036 | 1.030 | 1.025 | 1.020 | +|30.4 | 1.049 | 1.044 | 1.039 | 1.034 | 1.029 | 1.024 | +|30.5 | 1.052 | 1.047 | 1.042 | 1.037 | 1.032 | 1.027 | +|_____|_______|_______|_______|_______|_______|_______| + _____________________________________________________ +| | | +| | THERMOMETER. | +| BAR.|_______________________________________________| +| | | | | | | | +| | 58° | 60° | 62° | 64° | 66° | 68° | +|_____|_______|_______|_______|_______|_______|_______| +| | | | | | | | +|28.5 | 0.954 | 0.949 | 0.944 | 0.939 | 0.934 | 0.929 | +|28.6 | 0.958 | 0.953 | 0.947 | 0.943 | 0.938 | 0.932 | +|28.7 | 0.961 | 0.956 | 0.951 | 0.946 | 0.941 | 0.936 | +|28.8 | 0.964 | 0.959 | 0.954 | 0.949 | 0.944 | 0.939 | +|28.9 | 0.968 | 0.963 | 0.958 | 0.953 | 0.948 | 0.942 | +|29.0 | 0.971 | 0.966 | 0.961 | 0.956 | 0.951 | 0.946 | +|29.1 | 0.975 | 0.969 | 0.964 | 0.959 | 0.954 | 0.949 | +|29.2 | 0.978 | 0.973 | 0.968 | 0.963 | 0.958 | 0.952 | +|29.3 | 0.981 | 0.976 | 0.971 | 0.966 | 0.961 | 0.956 | +|29.4 | 0.985 | 0.980 | 0.975 | 0.969 | 0.964 | 0.959 | +|29.5 | 0.988 | 0.983 | 0.978 | 0.973 | 0.968 | 0.962 | +|29.6 | 0.992 | 0.986 | 0.981 | 0.976 | 0.971 | 0.966 | +|29.7 | 0.995 | 0.990 | 0.985 | 0.980 | 0.974 | 0.969 | +|29.8 | 0.998 | 0.993 | 0.988 | 0.983 | 0.978 | 0.972 | +|29.9 | 1.002 | 0.997 | 0.991 | 0.986 | 0.981 | 0.976 | +|30.0 | 1.005 | 1.000 | 0.995 | 0.990 | 0.985 | 0.979 | +|30.1 | 1.009 | 1.003 | 0.998 | 0.993 | 0.988 | 0.983 | +|30.2 | 1.012 | 1.007 | 1.002 | 0.996 | 0.991 | 0.986 | +|30.3 | 1.015 | 1.010 | 1.005 | 1.000 | 0.995 | 0.989 | +|30.4 | 1.019 | 1.014 | 1.008 | 1.003 | 0.998 | 0.993 | +|30.5 | 1.022 | 1.017 | 1.012 | 1.006 | 1.001 | 0.996 | +|_____|_______|_______|_______|_______|_______|_______| + _____________________________________________ +| | | +| | THERMOMETER. | +| BAR.|_______________________________________| +| | | | | | | +| | 70° | 72° | 74° | 76° | 78° | +|_____|_______|_______|_______|_______|_______| +| | | | | | | +|28.4 | 0.921 | 0.915 | 0.910 | 0.905 | 0.900 | +|28.5 | 0.924 | 0.919 | 0.914 | 0.908 | 0.903 | +|28.6 | 0.927 | 0.922 | 0.917 | 0.912 | 0.906 | +|28.7 | 0.931 | 0.925 | 0.920 | 0.915 | 0.909 | +|28.8 | 0.934 | 0.929 | 0.924 | 0.918 | 0.913 | +|28.9 | 0.937 | 0.932 | 0.927 | 0.921 | 0.916 | +|29.0 | 0.941 | 0.935 | 0.930 | 0.925 | 0.919 | +|29.1 | 0.944 | 0.939 | 0.933 | 0.928 | 0.923 | +|29.2 | 0.947 | 0.942 | 0.937 | 0.931 | 0.926 | +|29.3 | 0.950 | 0.945 | 0.940 | 0.935 | 0.929 | +|29.4 | 0.954 | 0.949 | 0.943 | 0.938 | 0.932 | +|29.5 | 0.957 | 0.952 | 0.947 | 0.941 | 0.936 | +|29.6 | 0.960 | 0.955 | 0.950 | 0.944 | 0.939 | +|29.7 | 0.964 | 0.959 | 0.953 | 0.948 | 0.942 | +|29.8 | 0.967 | 0.962 | 0.957 | 0.951 | 0.946 | +|29.9 | 0.970 | 0.965 | 0.960 | 0.954 | 0.949 | +|30.0 | 0.974 | 0.968 | 0.963 | 0.958 | 0.952 | +|30.1 | 0.977 | 0.972 | 0.966 | 0.961 | 0.955 | +|30.2 | 0.980 | 0.975 | 0.970 | 0.964 | 0.959 | +|30.3 | 0.984 | 0.978 | 0.973 | 0.968 | 0.962 | +|30.4 | 0.987 | 0.982 | 0.976 | 0.971 | 0.965 | +|30.5 | 0.990 | 0.985 | 0.980 | 0.974 | 0.969 | +|_____|_______|_______|_______|_______|_______| +</pre> + <p> + For the detection of phosphine, Bergé's solution may be used. It is a + "solution of 8 to 10 parts of corrosive sublimate in 80 parts of water and + 20 parts of 30 per cent. hydrochloric acid." It becomes cloudy when gas + containing phosphine is passed into it. It is, however, applied most + conveniently in the form of Keppeler's test-papers, which have been + described in Chapter V. Test-papers for phosphine, the active body in + which has not yet been divulged, have recently been produced for sale by + F. B. Gatehouse. + </p> + <p> + The estimation of phosphine will usually require to be carried out either + (1) on gas directly evolved from carbide in order to ascertain if the + carbide in question yields an excessive proportion of phosphine, or (2) + upon acetylene which is presumably purified, drawn either from the outlet + of the purifier or from the service-pipes, with the object of ascertaining + whether an adequate purification in regard to phosphine has been + accomplished. In either case, the method of estimation is the same, but in + the first, acetylene should be specially generated from a small + representative sample of the carbide and led directly into the apparatus + for the absorption of the phosphine. If the acetylene passes into the + ordinary gasholder, the amount of phosphine in gas drawn off from the + holder will vary from time to time according to the temperature and the + degree of saturation of the water in the holder-tank with phosphine, as + well as according to the amount of phosphine in the gas generated at the + time. + </p> + <p> + A method frequently employed for the determination of phosphine in + acetylene is one devised by Lunge and Cedercreutz. If the acetylene is to + be evolved from a sample of carbide in order to ascertain how much + phosphine the latter yields to the gas, about 50 to 70 grammes of the + carbide, of the size of peas, are brought into a half-litre flask, and a + tap-funnel, with the mouth of its stem contracted, is passed through a + rubber plug fitting the mouth of the flask. A glass tube passing through + the plug serves to convey the gas evolved to an absorption apparatus, + which is charged with about 75 c.c. of a 2 to 3 per cent. solution of + sodium hypochlorite. The absorption apparatus may be a ten-bulbed + absorption tube or any convenient form of absorption bulbs which subject + the gas to intimate contact with the solution. If acetylene from a + service-pipe is to be tested, it is led direct from the nozzle of a gas- + tap to the absorption tube, the outlet of which is connected with an + aspirator or the inlet of an experimental meter, by which the volume of + gas passed through the solution is measured. But if the generating flask + is employed, water is allowed to drop from the tap-funnel on to the + carbide in the flask at the rate of 6 to 7 drops a minute (the tap-funnel + being filled up from time to time), and all the carbide will thus be + decomposed in 3 to 4 hours. The flask is then filled to the neck with + water, and disconnected from the absorption apparatus, through which a + little air is then drawn. The absorbing liquid is then poured, and washed + out, into a beaker; hydrochloric acid is added to it, and it is boiled in + order to expel the liberated chlorine. It is then usual to precipitate the + sulphuric acid by adding solution of barium chloride to the boiling + liquid, allowing it to cool and settle, and then filtering. The weight of + barium sulphate obtained by ignition of the filter and its contents, + multiplied by 0.137, gives the amount of sulphur present in the acetylene + in the form of sulphuretted hydrogen. The filtrate and washings from this + precipitate are rendered slightly ammoniacal, and a small excess of + "magnesia mixture" is added; the whole is stirred, left to stand for 12 + hours, filtered, the precipitate washed with water rendered slightly + ammoniacal, dried, ignited, and weighed. The weight so found multiplied by + 0.278 gives the weight of phosphorus in the form of phosphine in the + volume of gas passed through the absorbent liquid. + </p> + <p> + Objection may rightly be raised to the Lunge and Cedercreutz method of + estimating the phosphine in crude acetylene on the ground that explosions + are apt to occur when the gas is being passed into the hypochlorite + solution. Also it must be borne in mind that it aims at estimating only + the phosphorus which is contained in the gas in the form of phosphine, and + that there may also be present in the gas organic compounds of phosphorus + which are not decomposed by the hypochlorite. But when the acetylene is + evolved from the carbide in proper conditions for the avoidance of + appreciable heating it appears fairly well established that phosphorus + compounds other than phosphine exist in the gas only in practically + negligible amount, unless the carbide decomposed is of an abnormal + character. Various methods of burning the acetylene and estimating the + phosphorus in the products of combustion have, however been proposed for + the purpose of determining the total amount of phosphorus in acetylene. + Some of them are applicable to the simultaneous determination of the total + sulphur in the acetylene, and in this respect become akin to the Gas + Referees' method for the determination of the sulphur compounds in + coal-gas. + </p> + <p> + Eitner and Keppeler have proposed to burn the acetylene on which the + estimation is to be made in a current of neat oxygen. But this procedure + is rather inconvenient, and by no means essential. Lidholm liberated + acetylene slowly from 10 grammes of carbide by immersing the carbide in + absolute alcohol and gradually adding water, while the gas mixed with a + stream of hydrogen leading to a burner within a flask. The flow of + hydrogen was reduced or cut off entirely while the acetylene was coming + off freely, but hydrogen was kept burning for ten minutes after the flame + had ceased to be luminous in order to ensure the burning of the last + traces of acetylene. The products of combustion were aspirated through a + condenser and a washing bottle, which at the close were rinsed out with + warm solution of ammonia. The whole of the liquid so obtained was + concentrated by evaporation, filtered in order to remove particles of soot + or other extraneous matter, and acidified with nitric acid. The phosphoric + acid was then precipitated by addition of ammonium molybdate. + </p> + <p> + J. W. Gatehouse burns the acetylene in an ordinary acetylene burner of + from 10 to 30 litres per hour capacity, and passes the products of + combustion through a spiral condensing tube through which water is dropped + at the rate of about 75 c.c. per hour, and collected in a beaker. The + burner is placed in a glass bell-shaped combustion chamber connected at + the top through a right-angled tube with the condenser, and closed below + by a metal base through which the burner is passed. The amount of gas + burnt for one determination is from 50 to 100 litres. When the gas is + extinguished, the volume consumed is noted, and after cooling, the + combustion chamber and condenser are washed out with the liquid collected + in the beaker and finally with distilled water, and the whole, amounting + to about 400 c.c., is neutralised with solution of caustic alkali (if + decinormal alkali is used, the total acidity of the liquid thus + ascertained may be taken as a convenient expression of the aggregate + amount of the sulphuric, phosphoric and silicic acids resulting from the + combustion of the total corresponding impurities in the gas), acidified + with hydrochloric acid, and evaporated to dryness with the addition + towards the end of a few drops of nitric acid. The residue is taken up in + dilute hydrochloric acid; and silica filtered off and estimated if + desired. To the filtrate, ammonia and magnesia mixture are added, and the + magnesium pyrophosphate separated and weighed with the usual precautions. + Sulphuric acid may, if desired, be estimated in the filtrate, but in that + case care must be taken that the magnesia mixture used was free from it. + </p> + <p> + Mauricheau-Beaupré has elaborated a volumetric method for the estimation + of the phosphine in crude acetylene depending on its decomposition by a + known volume of excess of centinormal solution of iodine, addition of + excess of standard solution of sodium thiosulphate, and titrating back + with decinormal solution of iodine with a few drops of starch solution as + an indicator. One c.c. of centinormal solution of iodine is equivalent to + 0.0035 c.c. of phosphine. This method of estimation is quickly carried out + and is sufficiently accurate for most technical purposes. + </p> + <p> + In carrying out these analytical operations many precautions have to be + taken with which the competent analyst is familiar, and they cannot be + given in detail in this work, which is primarily intended for ordinary + users of acetylene, and not for the guidance of analysts. It may, however, + be pointed out that many useful tests in connexion with acetylene supply + can be conducted by a trained analyst, which are not of a character to be + serviceable to the untrained experimentalist. Among such may be named the + detection of traces of phosphine in acetylene which has passed through a + purifier with a view to ascertaining if the purifying material is + exhausted, and the estimation of the amount of air or other diluents in + stored acetylene or acetylene generated in a particular manner. Advice on + these points should be sought from competent analysts, who will already + have the requisite information for the carrying out of any such tests, or + know where it is to be found. The analyses in question are not such as can + be undertaken by untrained persons. The text-book on "Gas Manufacture" by + one of the authors gives much information on the operations of gas + analysis, and may be consulted, along with Hempel's "Gas Analysis" and + Winkler and Lunge's "Technical Gas Analysis." + </p> + <h2> + <a name="linkappendix" id="appendix">APPENDIX</a> + </h2> + <p> + DESCRIPTIONS OF A NUMBER OF ACETYLENE GENERATORS AS MADE IN THE YEAR 1909 + </p> + <p> + (<i>The purpose of this Appendix is explained in Chapter IV., page 111, + and a special index to it follows the general index at the end of this + book.</i>) + </p> + <p> + AMERICA--CANADA. + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker</i>: SICHE GAS CO., LTD., GEORGETOWN, ONTARIO. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type</i>: Automatic; carbide-to-water. + </p> + <p> + The "Siche" generator made by this firm consists of a water-tank <i>A</i>, + having at the bottom a sludge agitator <i>N</i> and draw-off faucet <i>O</i>, + and rigidly secured within it a bell-shaped generating chamber <i>B</i>, + above which rises a barrel containing the feed chamber <i>C</i>, + surmounted by the carbide chamber <i>D</i>. The carbide used is granulated + or of uniform size. In the generating chamber <i>B</i> is an annular float + <i>E</i>, nearly filling the area of the chamber, and connected, by two + rods passing, with some lateral play, through apertures in the conical + bottom of the feed chamber <i>C</i>, to the T-shaped tubular valve <i>F</i>. + Consequently when the float shifts vertically or laterally the rods and + valves at once move with it. The angle of the cone of the feed chamber and + the curve of the tubular valve are based on the angle of rest of the size + of carbide used, with the object of securing sensitiveness of the feed. + The feed is thus operated by a very small movement of the float, and + consequently there is but very slight rise and fall of the water in the + generating chamber. Owing to the lateral play, the feed valve rarely + becomes concentric with its seat. There is a cover <i>G</i> over the feed + valve <i>F</i>, designed to distribute the carbide evenly about the feed + aperture and to prevent it passing down the hollow of the valve and the + holes through which the connecting-rods pass. It also directs the course + of the evolved gas on its way to the service-pipe through the carbide in + the feed chamber <i>C</i>, whereby the gas is dried. The carbide chamber + <i>D</i> has at its bottom a conical valve, normally open, but closed by + means of the spindle <i>H</i>, which is engaged at its upper end by the + closing screw-cap <i>J</i>, which is furnished with a safelocking device + to prevent its removal until the conical valve is closed and the hopper + chamber <i>D</i> thereby cut off from the gas-supply. The cap <i>J</i>, in + addition to a leather washer to make a gas-tight joint when down, has a + lower part fitting to make an almost gas-tight joint. Thus when the cap is + off; the conical valve fits gas-tight; when it is on and screwed down it + is gas-tight; and when on but not screwed down, it is almost gas-tight. + Escape of gas is thus avoided. A special charging funnel <i>K</i>, shown + in half-scale, is provided for inserting in place of the screw cap. The + carbide falls from the funnel into the chamber <i>D</i> when the chain is + pulled. A fresh charge of carbide may be put in while the apparatus is in + action. The evolved gas goes into the chamber <i>C</i> through a pipe, + with cock, to a dust-arrester <i>L</i>, which contains a knitted stocking + lightly filled with raw sheep's wool through which the gas passes to the + service- pipe. The dust-arrester needs its contents renewing once in one, + two, or three years, according to the make of gas. The pressure of the gas + is varied as desired by altering the height of water in the tank <i>A</i>. + When cleaning the machine, the water must never be run below the top of + the generating chamber. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/328.png"><img src="images/328th.png" + alt="FIG. 24.--'SICHE' GENERATOR" /></a> + </p> + <p> + AMERICA--UNITED STATES. + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker:</i> J. B. COLT CO., 21 BARCLAY STREET, NEW YORK. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type:</i> Automatic; carbide-to-water. + </p> + <p> + The "Colt" generator made by this firm comprises a carbide hopper mounted + above a generating tank containing water, and an equalising bell gasholder + mounted above a seal-pot having a vent-pipe <i>C</i> communicating with + the outer air. The carbide hopper is charged with 1/4 x 1/12 inch carbide, + which is delivered from it into the water in the generating tank in small + portions at a time through a double valve, which is actuated through + levers connected to the crown of the equalising gasholder. As the bell of + the gasholder falls the lever rotates a rock shaft, which enters the + carbide hopper, and through a rigidly attached lever raises the inner + plunger of the feed-valve. The inner plunger in turn raises the concentric + outer stopper, thereby leaving an annular space at the base of the carbide + hopper, through which a small delivery of carbide to the water in the + generating tank then ensues. The gas evolved follows the course shown by + the arrows in the figure into the gasholder, and raises the bell, thereby + reversing the action of the levers and allowing the valve to fall of its + own weight and so cut off the delivery of carbide. The outer stopper of + the valve descends before the inner plunger and so leaves the conical + delivery mouth of the hopper free from carbide. The inner plunger, which + is capped at its lower end with rubber, then falls and seats itself + moisture-tight on the clear delivery mouth of the hopper. The weight of + the carbide in the hopper is taken by its sides and a projecting flange of + the valve casing, so that the pressure of the carbide at the delivery + point is slight and uniform. The outside of the delivery mouth is finished + by a drip collar with double lip to prevent condensed moisture creeping + upwards to the carbide in the hopper. A float in the generating tank, by + its descent when the water falls below a certain level, automatically + draws a cut off across the delivery mouth of the carbide hopper and so + prevents the delivery of carbide either automatically or by hand until the + water in the generating tank has been restored to its proper level. + Interlocking levers, (11) and (12) in the figure, prevent the opening of + the feed valve while the cap (10) of the carbide hopper is open for + recharging the hopper. There is a stirrer actuated by a handle (9) for + preventing the sludge choking the sludge cock. The gas passes into the + gasholder through a floating seal, which serves the dual purpose of + washing it in the water of the gasholder tank and of preventing the return + of gas from the holder to the generating tank. From the gasholder the gas + passes to the filter (6) where it traverses a strainer of closely woven + cotton felt for the purpose of the removal of any lime. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/330.png"><img src="images/330th.png" + alt="FIG. 25.--'COLT' GENERATING PLANT" /></a> + </p> + <p> + Drip pipes (30) and (31) connected to the inlet- and outlet-pipes of the + gasholder are sealed in water to a depth of 6 inches, so that in the event + of the pressure in the generator or gasholder rising above that limit the + surplus gas blows through the seal and escapes through the vent-pipe <i>C</i>. + There is also a telescopic blow-off (32) and (33), which automatically + comes into play if the gasholder bell rises above a certain height. + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker:</i> DAVIS ACETYLENE CO., ELKHARDT, INDIANA. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type:</i> Automatic; carbide-to-water. + </p> + <p> + The "Davis" generator made by this firm comprises an equalising bell + gasholder with double walls, the inner wall surrounding a central tube + rising from the top of the generating chamber, in which is placed a + water-sealed carbide chamber with a rotatory feeding mechanism which is + driven by a weight motor. The carbide falls from the chamber on to a wide + disc from which it is pushed off a lump at a time by a swinging displacer, + so arranged that it will yield in every direction and prevent clogging of + the feeding mechanism. Carbide falls from the disk into the water of the + generating chamber, and the evolved gas raises the bell and so allows a + weighted lever to interrupt the action of the clockwork, until the bell + again descends. The gas passes through a washer in the gasholder tank, and + then through an outside scrubber to the service-pipe. There is an outside + chamber connected by a pipe with the generating chamber, which + automatically prevents over-filling with water, and also acts as a + drainage chamber for the service- and blow-off-pipes. There is an agitator + for the residuum and a sludge-cock through which to remove same. The + feeding mechanism permits the discharge of lump carbide, and the weight + motor affords independent power for feeding the carbide, at the same time + indicating the amount of unconsumed carbide and securing uniform gas + pressure. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/332.png"><img src="images/332th.png" + alt="FIG. 26.--'DAVIS' GENERATOR" /></a> + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker:</i> SUNLIGHT GAS MACHINE CO., 49 WARREN STREET, NEW YORK. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type:</i> Automatic; carbide-to-water. + </p> + <p> + The "Omega" apparatus made by this firm consists of a generating tank + containing water, and surmounted by a hopper which is filled with carbide + of 1/4-inch size. The carbide is fed from the hopper into the generating + tank through a mechanism consisting of a double oscillating cup so + weighted that normally the feed is closed. The fall of the bell of the + equalising gasholder, into which the gas evolved passes, operates a lever + <i>B</i>, which rotates the weighted cup in the neck of the hopper and so + causes a portion of carbide to fall into the water in the generating tank. + The feed-cup consists of an upper cup into which the carbide is first + delivered. It is then tipped from the upper cup into the lower cup while, + at the same time, further delivery from the hopper is prevented. Thus only + the portion of carbide which has been delivered into the lower cup is + emptied at one discharge into the generator. There is a safety lock to the + hopper cap which prevents the feeding mechanism coming into operation + until the hopper cap is screwed down tightly. Provision is made for a + limited hand-feed of carbide to start the apparatus. The gasholder is + fitted with a telescoping vent-pipe, by which gas escapes to the open in + the event of the bell being raised above a certain height. There is also + an automatic cut-off of the carbide feed, which comes into operation it + the gas is withdrawn too rapidly whether through leakage in the pipes or + generating plant, or through the consumption being increased above the + normal generating capacity of the apparatus. The gas evolved passes into a + condensing or washing chamber placed beneath the gasholder tank and thence + it travels to the gasholder. From the gasholder it goes through a purifier + containing "chemically treated coke and cotton" to the supply-pipe. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/334.png"><img src="images/334th.png" + alt="FIG. 27.--'OMEGA' GENERATOR" /></a> + </p> + <p> + 1 Vent-cock handle. 2 Residuum-cock handle. 3 Agitator handle. 4 Filling + funnel. 5 Water overflow. 6 Hopper cap and lever. 7 Starting feed. 8 + Rocker arm. 9 Feed connecting-rod. A Pawl. B Lever for working feed + mechanism. C Guide frame. D Residuum draw-off cock. G Chain from hopper + cap to feed mechanism. H Blow-off and vent-pipe connexion. I Gas outlet + from generator. J Gas service-cock. K Filling funnel for gasholder tank. L + Funnel for condensing chamber. M Gas outlet at top of purifier. N Guides + on gas-bell. O Crosshead on swinging pawl. P Crane carrying pawl. Q Shaft + connecting feed mechanism. R Plug in gas outlet-pipe. S Guide-frame + supports. U Removable plate to clean purifier. Z Removable plate to expose + feed-cups for cleaning same. + </p> + <p> + AUSTRIA-HUNGARY + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker:</i> RICH. KLINGER, GUMPOLDSKIRCHEN, NEAR VIENNA. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type:</i> Non-automatic; carbide-to-water. + </p> + <p> + The generating plant made by this firm consists of the generator <i>A</i> + which is supported in a concrete water and sludge tank <i>B</i>, a storage + gasholder <i>J</i>, and purifiers <i>K</i>. In the top of the generator + are guide-ways <i>F</i>, through each of which is passed a plunger <i>C</i> + containing a perforated cage charged with about 8 lb. of lump carbide. The + plungers are supported by ropes passing over pulleys <i>D</i>, and when + charged they are lowered through the guide-ways <i>F</i> into the water in + the tank <i>B</i>. The charge of carbide is thus plunged at once into the + large body of water in the tank, and the gas evolved passes through + perforations in the washer <i>G</i> to the condenser <i>H</i> and thence + to the storage gasholder <i>J</i>. After exhaustion of the charge the + plungers are withdrawn and a freshly charged cage of carbide inserted + ready for lowering into the generating tank. There is a relief seal <i>f</i> + through which gas will blow and escape by a pipe <i>g</i> to the open + should the pressure within the apparatus exceed the depth of the seal, + viz., about 9 inches. There is a syphon pot <i>N</i> for the collection + and withdrawal of condensed water. The sludge is allowed to accumulate in + the bottom of the concrete tank <i>B</i> until it becomes necessary to + remove it at intervals of about three months. Water is added to the tank + daily to replace that used up in the generation of the gas. The gas passes + from the storage holder through one of the pair of purifiers <i>K</i>, + with water-sealed lids, which are charged with a chemical preparation for + the removal of phosphoretted hydrogen. This purifying material also acts + as a desiccating agent. From the purifiers the gas passes through the + meter <i>L</i> to the service- pipes. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/335.png"><img src="images/335th.png" + alt="FIG. 28.--KLINGER'S GENERATING PLANT" /></a> + </p> + <p> + BELGIUM. + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker</i>: SOC. AN. DE L'ACÉTYLITHE, 65 RUE DU MARCHE, BRUSSELS. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type</i>: Automatic; contact. + </p> + <p> + The generating apparatus made by this firm uses, instead of ordinary + carbide, a preparation known as "acétylithe," which is carbide treated + specially with mineral oil, glucose and sugar. The object of using this + treated carbide is to avoid the effects of the attack of atmospheric + humidity or water vapour, which, with ordinary carbide, give rise to the + phenomena of after-generation. The generator comprises a water-tank <i>A</i> + with conical base, a basket <i>C</i> containing the treated carbide + inserted within a cylindrical case <i>B</i> which is open at the bottom + and is surmounted by a cylindrical filter <i>D</i>. At starting, the tank + <i>A</i> is filled with water to the level <i>N N'</i>. The water rises + within the cylindrical case until it comes in contact with the treated + carbide, which thereupon begins to evolve gas. The gas passes through the + filter <i>D</i>, which is packed with dry cotton-wool, and escapes through + the tap <i>M</i>. As soon as the contained air has been displaced by gas + the outlet of the tap <i>M</i> is connected by a flexible tube to the pipe + leading to a purifier and the service-pipe. When the tap <i>M</i> is + closed, or when the rate of evolution of the gas exceeds the rate of + consumption, the evolved gas accumulates within the cylindrical case <i>B</i> + and begins to displace the water, the level of which within the case is + lowered from <i>S S'</i>, first to <i>S1 S'1</i> and ultimately to, say, + <i>S2 S'2</i>. The evolution of gas is thereby gradually curtailed or + stopped until more is required for consumption. The water displacement + causes the water-level in the outer tank to rise to <i>N1 N'1</i> and + ultimately to, say <i>N2 N'2</i>. The lime formed by the decomposition of + the carbide is loosened from the unattacked portion and taken more or less + into solution as sucrate of lime, which is a soluble salt which the + glucose or sugar in the treated carbide forms with lime. The solution is + eventually run off through the cock <i>R</i>. The cover <i>T</i> of the + filter is screwed down on rubber packing until gas- tight. The purifier is + charged with puratylene or other purifying material. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/337.png"><img src="images/337th.png" + alt="FIG. 29.--ACÉTYLITHE GENERATOR" /></a> + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker</i>: L. DEBRUYNE, 22 PLACE MASUI, BRUSSELS. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type</i>: (1) Automatic; carbide-to-water. + </p> + <p> + The generating plant made by this firm, using granulated carbide, + comprises an equalising gasholder <i>E</i> alongside a generating tank <i>B</i>, + which is surmounted by a closed carbide receptacle <i>A</i> and a + distributing appliance. The carbide receptacle is filled with granulated + carbide and the lid <i>N</i> screwed down; the carbide is then withdrawn + from the base of the receptacle by the distributing appliance and + discharged in measured quantities as required into the water in the + generating tank. The distributing appliance is actuated by a weighted cord + <i>H</i> attached to the bell <i>I</i> of the gasholder and discharges at + each time a quantity of carbide only sufficient nearly to fill the + gasholder with acetylene. The gas passes from the generator through the + pipe <i>J</i> and seal-pot <i>D</i>, or bypass <i>F</i>, to the gasholder. + The generating tank is provided with a funnel <i>G</i> for replacing the + water consumed, a sludge-stirrer and a draw-off cock <i>L</i>, and a + water-level cock <i>C</i>. The gas passes from the gasholder through a + purifier <i>K</i>, charged with heratol, to the service-pipe. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/338.png"><img src="images/338th.png" + alt="FIG. 30.--L. DEBRUYNE'S GENERATING PLANT FOR GRANULATED CARBIDE" /></a> + </p> + <p> + (2) Automatic; carbide-to-water. + </p> + <p> + The "Debruyne" generator comprises an equalising bell gasholder <i>A</i> + placed alongside a generating tank <i>B</i> containing water into which + lump carbide is discharged as necessary from each in turn of a series of + chambers mounted in a ring above the generating tank. The chambers are + removable for refilling, and when charged are hermetically sealed until + opened in turn above the shoot <i>C</i>, through which their contents are + discharged into the generating tank. The carbide contained in each chamber + yields sufficient gas nearly to fill the gasholder. The discharging + mechanism is operated through an arm <i>E</i> attached to the bell <i>G</i> + of the gasholder, which sets the mechanism in motion when the bell has + fallen nearly to its lowest position. The lip <i>L</i> serves for renewing + the water in the generator, and the gas evolved goes through the pipe <i>K</i> + with tap <i>F</i> to the gasholder. There is an eccentric stirrer for the + sludge and a large-bore cock for discharging it. The gas passes from the + gasholder through the pipe <i>J</i> to the purifier <i>H</i>, charged with + heratol, and thence to the service-pipe. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/339.png"><img src="images/339th.png" + alt="FIG. 3l.--THE 'DEBRUYNE' GENERATING PLANT FOR LUMP CARBIDE" /></a> + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker</i>: DE SMET VAN OVERBERGE, ALOST. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type</i>: (1) Automatic; carbide-to-water. + </p> + <p> + This generating apparatus comprises an equalising gasholder <i>A</i> + placed alongside a generating tank <i>B</i>, above which is mounted on a + rotating spindle a series of chambers <i>C</i>, arranged in a circle, + which are filled with carbide. The generating tank is closed at the top, + but on one side there is a shoot <i>D</i> through which the carbide is + discharged from the chambers in turn into the water in the tank. The + series of chambers are rotated by means of a cord passing round a pulley + <i>E</i> and having a weight <i>F</i> at one end, and being attached to + the bell of the gasholder at the other. When the bell falls, owing to the + consumption of gas, to a certain low position, the carbide chamber, which + has been brought by the rotation of the pulley over the shoot, is opened + at the bottom by the automatic liberation of a catch, and its contents are + discharged into the generating tank. The contents of one carbide chamber + suffice to fill the gasholder to two-thirds of its total capacity. The + carbide chambers after filling remain hermetically closed until the bottom + is opened for the discharge of the carbide. There is a sludge-cock <i>G</i> + at the bottom of the generating tank. The gas passes from the gasholder + through a purifier <i>H</i>, which is ordinarily charged with puratylene. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/340.png"><img src="images/340th.png" + alt="FIG. 32.--AUTOMATIC GENERATING PLANT OF DE SMET VAN OVERBERGE" /></a> + </p> + <p> + (2) Non-automatic; carbide-to-water. This apparatus comprises a storage + bell gasholder <i>J</i> placed alongside a generating tank in the top of + which is a funnel <i>E</i> with a counter-weighted lever pivoted on the + arm <i>B</i>. The base of the funnel is closed by a flap valve <i>C</i> + hinged at <i>D</i>. When it is desired to generate gas the counter-weight + <i>A</i> of the lever is raised and the valve at the bottom of the funnel + is thereby opened. A charge of carbide is then tipped into the funnel and + drops into the water in the generating tank. The valve is then closed and + the gas evolved goes through the pipe <i>G</i> to the gasholder, whence it + passes through a purifier to the service-pipe. There is a sludge-cock on + the generating tank. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/341.png"><img src="images/341th.png" + alt="FIG. 33.--NON-AUTOMATIC GENERATING PLANT OF DE SMET VAN OVERBERGE" /></a> + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker</i>: SOC. AN. BELGE DE LA PHOTOLITHE, 2 RUE DE HUY, LIÉGE. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type</i>: Automatic; carbide-to-water. + </p> + <p> + The "Photolithe" generating plant made by this firm comprises an + equalising bell gasholder <i>A</i> in the tank <i>O</i>, alongside a + generating tank <i>B</i> which is surmounted by a carbide storage + receptacle divided into a number of compartments. These compartments are + fitted with flap bottoms secured by catches, and are charged with carbide. + Through the middle of the storage receptacle passes a spindle, to the + upper end of which is attached a pulley <i>b</i>. Round the pulley passes + a chain, one end of which carries a weight <i>n</i>, while in the other + direction it traverses guide pulleys and is attached to a loop on the + crown of the gasholder bell. When the bell falls below a certain point + owing to the consumption of gas, it pulls the chain and rotates the pulley + <i>b</i> and therewith an arm <i>d</i>, which liberates the catch + supporting the flap-bottom of the next in order of the carbide + compartments. The contents of this compartment are thereby discharged + through the shoot <i>C</i> into the generating tank <i>B</i>. The gas + evolved passes through the cock <i>R</i> and the pipe <i>T</i> into the + gasholder, the rise of the bell of which takes the pull off the chain and + allows the weight at its other end to draw it up until it is arrested by + the stop <i>f</i>. The arm <i>d</i> is thereby brought into position to + liberate the catch of the next carbide receptacle. The generating tank is + enlarged at its base to form a sludge receptacle <i>E</i>, which is + provided with a sludge draw-off cock <i>S</i> and a hand-hole <i>P</i>. + Between the generating tank proper and the sludge receptacle is a grid, + which is cleaned by means of a rake with handle <i>L</i>. The gas passes + from the gasholder through a purifier <i>H</i> charged with puratylene, to + the service-pipe. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/342.png"><img src="images/342th.png" + alt="FIG. 34.--'PHOTOLITHE' GENERATING PLANT" /></a> + </p> + <p> + The same firm also makes a portable generating apparatus in which the + carbide is placed in a basket in the crown of the bell of the gasholder. + This apparatus is supplied on a trolley for use in autogenous soldering or + welding. + </p> + <p> + FRANCE. + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker</i>: LA SOC. DES APPLICATIONS DE L'ACÉTYLČNE, 26 RUE CADET, + PARIS. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type</i>: Automatic; carbide-to-water. + </p> + <p> + The "Javal" generating plant made by this firm consists of an equalising + bell gasholder <i>A</i> in the tank <i>B</i> with a series of buckets <i>D</i>, + with removable bottoms <i>h</i>, mounted on a frame <i>F</i> round the + guide framing of the holder. Alongside the gasholder stands the generating + tank <i>H</i> with shoot <i>K</i>, into which the carbide discharged from + the buckets falls. On top of the generator is a tipping water-bucket <i>I</i> + supplied with water through a ball cock. The bell of the gasholder is + connected by chains <i>a</i> and <i>c</i>, and levers <i>b</i> and <i>d</i> + with an arm which, when the bell descends to a certain point, comes in + contact with the catch by which the bottom of the carbide bucket is held + in place, and, liberating the same, allows the carbide to fall into the + shoot. When the bell rises, in consequence of the evolved gas, the ring of + carbide buckets is rotated sufficiently to bring the next bucket over the + shoot. Thus the buckets are discharged in turn as required through the + rise and fall of the gasholder bell. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/344.png"><img src="images/344th.png" + alt="FIG. 35.--'JAVAL' GENERATOR" /></a> + </p> + <p> + The carbide falling from the opened bucket strikes the end <i>i</i> of the + lever <i>k</i>, and thereby tips the water-bucket <i>I</i> and discharges + its contents into the shoot of the generator. The rise in the level of the + water in the generator, due to the discharge of the water from the bucket + <i>I</i>, lifts the float <i>L</i> and therewith, through the attached rod + and chain <i>u</i>, the ball <i>s</i> of the valve <i>t</i>. The sludge, + which has accumulated in the base <i>N</i> of the generator from the + decomposition of the previous portion of carbide, is thereby discharged + automatically into a special drain. The discharge- valve closes + automatically when the float <i>L</i> has sunk to its original level. The + gas evolved passes from the generator through the seal-pot <i>M</i> and + the pipe <i>r</i> with cock <i>q</i> into the gasholder, from which it + passes through the pipe <i>x</i>; with condensation chamber and discharge + tap <i>y</i> into the purifier <i>R</i>, which is charged with heratol. + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker</i>: L'HERMITE, LOUVIERS, EURE. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type</i>: (1) Automatic; carbide-to-water. + </p> + <p> + The generating plant known as "L'Éclair," by this firm comprises an + equalising bell gasholder <i>A</i> floating in an annular water-seal <i>N</i>, + formed in the upper part of a generating tank <i>B</i> into which carbide + enters through the shoot <i>K</i>. Mounted at the side of the tank is the + carbide delivery device, which consists of the carbide containers <i>J</i> + supported on an axis beneath the water-sealed cover <i>H</i>. The + containers are filled with ordinary lump carbide when the cover <i>H</i> + is removed. The tappet <i>O</i> attached to the bell of the gasholder come + in contact with a pawl when the gasholder bell descends to a certain level + and thereby rotates a pinion on the protruding end of the axis which + carries the carbide containers <i>J</i>. Each time the bell falls and the + tappet strikes the pawl, one compartment of the carbide containers + discharges its contents down the shoot <i>K</i> into the generating tank + <i>B</i>. The gas evolved passes upwards and causes the bell <i>A</i> to + rise. The gas is prevented from rising into the shoot by the deflecting + plates <i>G</i>. The natural level of the water in the generating tank, + when the apparatus is in use, is shown by the dotted lines <i>L</i>. The + lime sludge is discharged from time to time through the cock <i>E</i>, + being stirred up by means of the agitator <i>C</i> with handle <i>D</i>. + When the sludge is discharged water is added through <i>M</i> to the + proper level. The gas evolved passes from the holder through the pipe with + tap <i>F</i> to the service-pipe. A purifier is supplied if desired. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/345a.png"><img src="images/345ath.png" + alt="FIG. 36.--'L'ÉCLAIR,' GENERATOR" /></a> + </p> + <p> + <i>References</i> + </p> + <p> + A Gasholder. B Generator. C Agitator. D Handle of agitator. E Sludge-cock. + F Gas outlet. G Deflecting plates. H Cover. I Carbide. J Automatic + distributor. K Shoot. L Water-level. M Water-inlet. N Water-seal. O + Tappet. + </p> + <p> + (2) Automatic; water-to-carbide; contact. + </p> + <p> + A generating plant known as "L'Étoile" made by this firm. A tappet on the + bell of an equalising gasholder depresses a lever which causes water to + flow into a funnel, the outlet of which leads to a generating chamber + containing carbide. + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker</i>: MAISON SIRIUS, FR. MANGIAMELI & CO., 34 RUE DES PETITS- + HÔTELS, PARIS. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type</i>: (1) Automatic; carbide-to-water. + </p> + <p> + The generating plant made by this firm comprises a drum-shaped carbide + holder mounted above a generating tank, a condenser, a washer, an + equalising gasholder, and a purifier. The drum <i>A</i> is divided into + eight chambers <i>a</i> each closed by a fastening on the periphery of the + drum. These chambers are packed with lump carbide, which is discharged + from them in turn through the funnel <i>B</i> into the generating tank, + which is filled with water to the level of the overflow cock <i>b</i>. A + deflecting plate <i>d</i> in the tank distributes the carbide and prevents + the evolved gas passing out by way of the funnel <i>B</i>. The gas evolved + passes through the pipe <i>O</i> into the condenser, which is packed with + coke, through which the gas goes to the pipe <i>E</i> and so to the washer + <i>P</i> through the water, in which it bubbles and issues by the pipe <i>G</i> + into the gasholder. The bell <i>L</i> of the gasholder is connected by a + chain <i>C</i> to the axis of the drum <i>A</i>, on which is a pinion with + pawl so arranged that the pull on the chain caused by the fall of the bell + of the gasholder rotates the drum by 1/8 of a turn. The catch on the + outside of the carbide chamber, which has thereby been brought to the + lowest position, is at the same time freed, so that the contents of the + chamber are discharged through the funnel <i>B</i>. The evolved gas causes + the bell to rise and the drum remains at rest until, owing to the + consumption of gas, the bell again falls and rotates the drum by another + 1/8 of a turn. Each chamber of the drum holds sufficient carbide to make a + volume of gas nearly equal to the capacity of the gasholder. Thus each + discharge of carbide very nearly fills the gasholder, but cannot over-fill + it. The bell is provided with a vent-pipe <i>i</i>, which comes into + operation should the bell rise so high that it is on the point of becoming + unsealed. From the gasholder the gas passes through the pipe <i>J</i>, + with cock <i>e</i>, to the purifier, which is charged with frankoline, + puratylene, or other purifying material, whence it passes to the pipe <i>N</i> + leading to the place of combustion. The generating tank is provided with a + sludge-cock <i>g</i>, and a cleaning opening with lid <i>f</i>. This + generating plant has been primarily designed for the use of acetylene for + autogenous welding, and is made also mounted on a suitable trolley for + transport for this purpose. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/347.png"><img src="images/347th.png" + alt="FIG. 37.--'SIRIUS' GENERATOR" /></a> + </p> + <p> + (2) Automatic; carbide-to-water. + </p> + <p> + A later design of generating plant, known as the Type G, also primarily + intended for the supply of acetylene for welding, has the carbide store + mounted in the crown of the bell of the equalising gasholder, to the + framing of the tank of which are attached a purifier, charged with + frankoline, and a safety water-seal or valve. The whole plant is mounted + on a four-legged stand, and is provided with handles for carrying as a + whole without dismounting. It is made in two sizes, for charges of 5-1/2 + and 11 lb. of carbide respectively. + </p> + <p> + GERMANY. + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker</i>: KELLER AND KNAPPICH, G.m.b.H., AUGSBURG. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type</i>: Non-automatic; carbide-to-water. + </p> + <p> + The "Knappich" generating plant made by this firm embodies a generating + tank, one-half of which is closed, and the other half of which is open at + the top, containing water. A small drum containing carbide is attached by + a clamp to the end of a lever which projects above the open half of the + tank. The lever is fastened to a horizontal spindle which is turned + through 180° by means of a counter-weighted lever handle. The carbide + container is thus carried into the water within the closed half of the + tank, and is opened automatically in transit. The carbide is thus exposed + to the water and the evolved gas passes through a pipe from the top of the + generating tank to a washer acting on the Livesey principle, and thence to + a storage gasholder. The use of closed carbide containers in charging is + intended to preclude the introduction of air into the generator, and the + evolution and escape of gas to the air while the carbide is being + introduced. Natural circulation of the water in the generating tank is + encouraged with a view to the dissipation of heat and washing of the + evolved gas. From the gasholder the gas passes in a downward direction + through two purifiers arranged in series, charged with a material supplied + under the proprietary name of "Carburylen." This material is stated to act + as a desiccating as well as a purifying agent. The general arrangement of + the plant is shown in the illustration. (Fig. 38). + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/348.png"><img src="images/348th.png" + alt="FIG. 38.--'KNAPPICH' GENERATING PLANT" /></a> + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker</i>: NORDISCHE AZETYLEN-INDUSTRIE; ALTONA-OTTENSEN. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type</i>: Automatic; water-to-carbide; "drawer." + </p> + <p> + The apparatus made by this firm consists of an equalising gasholder with + bell <i>D</i> and tank <i>E</i>, a water-tank <i>O</i>, and two drawer + generators <i>C</i> situated in the base of the gasholder tank. The + water-supply from the tank <i>O</i> through the pipe <i>P</i> with valve + <i>Q</i> is controlled by the rise and fall of the bell through the medium + of the weight <i>J</i> attached to the bell. When the bell descends this + weight rests on <i>K</i> and so moves a counter-weighted lever, which + opens the valve <i>Q</i>. The water then flows through the nozzle <i>B</i> + into one division of the funnel <i>A</i> and down the corresponding pipe + to one of the generators. The generators contain trays with compartments + intended to be half filled with carbide. The gas evolved passes up the + pipe <i>T</i> and through the seal <i>U</i> into the bell of the + gasholder. There is a safety pipe <i>F</i>, the upper end of which is + carried outside the generator house. From the gasholder the gas is + delivered through the cock <i>M</i> to a purifier charged with a special + purifying material mixed with cork waste and covered with wadding. There + is a drainage cock <i>N</i> at the base of the purifier. The nozzle <i>B</i> + of the water-supply pipe is shifted to discharge into either compartment + of the funnel <i>A</i>, according to which of the two generators is + required to be in action. The other generator may then be recharged + without interfering with the continuous working of the plant. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/350.png"><img src="images/350th.png" + alt="FIG. 39.--GENERATING PLANT OF THE NORDISCHE AZETYLEN-INDUSTRIE" /></a> + </p> + <p> + GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND. + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker:</i> THE ACETYLENE CORPORATION OF GREAT BRITAIN LTD., 49 VICTORIA + STREET, LONDON, S.W. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type:</i> (1) Automatic; water-to-carbide; contact, superposed pans. + </p> + <p> + The "A1" generating plant made by this firm comprises a bell gasholder, + with central guide, standing alongside the generator. The generator + consists of a rectangular tank in which is a generating chamber having a + water-sealed lid with pressure test-cock <i>I</i>. Into the generating + chamber fit a number of pans <i>J</i>, which are charged with carbide. + Water is supplied to the generating chamber from an overhead tank <i>B</i> + through the starting tap <i>D</i> and the funnel <i>E</i>. It flows out of + the supply-pipe near the top of the generating chamber through a slot in + the side of the pipe facing the corner of the chamber, so that it runs + down the latter without splashing the carbide in the upper pans. It enters + first the lowest carbide pan through the perforations, which are at + different levels in the side of the pan. It thus attacks the carbide from + the bottom upwards. The evolved gas passes from the generating chamber + through a pipe opening near the top of the same to the washer <i>A</i>, + which forms the base of the generating tank. It bubbles through the water + in the washer, which therefore also serves as a water-seal, and passes + thence to the gasholder. On the bell of the gasholder is an arm <i>C</i> + which, when the holder descends nearly to its lowest point, depresses the + rod <i>C</i>, which is connected by a chain to a piston in the outlet-pipe + from the water-tank <i>B</i>. The fall of the gasholder thereby raises the + piston and allows water to flow out of the tank <i>B</i> through the tap + <i>D</i> to the funnel <i>E</i>. The generating tank is connected by a + pipe, with tap <i>G</i>, with the washer <i>A</i>, and the water in the + generating tank is run off through this pipe each time the generating + chamber is opened for recharging, thereby flushing out the washer <i>A</i> + and renewing the water in the same. There is a sludge discharging tap <i>F</i>. + With a view to the ready dissipation of the heat of generation the + generating chamber is made rectangular and is placed in a water-tank as + described. Some of the heat of generation is also communicated to the + underlying washer and warms the water in it, so that the washing of the + gas is effected by warm water. Water condensing in the gasholder + inlet-pipe falls downwards to the washer. There is a water lip <i>H</i> by + which the level of the water in the washer is automatically kept constant. + The gasholder is provided with a safety-pipe <i>K</i>, which allows gas to + escape through it to the open before the sides of the holder become + unsealed, should the holder for any reason become over-filled. The holder + is of a capacity to take the whole of the gas evolved from the carbide in + one pan, and the water- tank <i>B</i> holds just sufficient water for the + decomposition of one charge of the generator. From the gasholder the gas + passes through a purifier, which is ordinarily charged with "Klenzal," and + a baffle-box for abstraction of dust, to the service-pipe. With plants + intended to supply more than forty lights for six hours, two or more + generating chambers are employed, placed in separate compartments of one + rectangular generating tank. The water delivery from the water-tank <i>B</i> + then takes place into a trough with outlets at different levels for each + generating chamber. By inspection of this trough it may be seen at once + whether the charge in any generating chamber is unattacked, in course of + attack, or exhausted. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/352.png"><img src="images/352th.png" + alt="FIG. 40.--THE 'A1' GENERATING PLANT OF THE ACETYLENE CORPORATION OF GREAT BRITAIN, LTD" /></a> + </p> + <p> + (2) Automatic; water-to-carbide; contact. + </p> + <p> + The same firm also makes the "Corporation Flexible-Tube Generator," which + is less costly than the "A1" (<i>vide supra</i>). The supply of water to + the generating vessels takes place from the tank of the equalising bell + gasholder and is controlled by a projection on the bell which depresses a + flexible tube delivering into the generating vessels below the level of + the water inlet to the tube. + </p> + <p> + (3) Automatic; water-to-carbide; "drawer." + </p> + <p> + The same firm also makes a generator known as the "A-to-Z," which is less + costly than either of the above. In it water is supplied from the tank of + a bell gasholder to a drawer type of generator placed in the base of the + gasholder tank. The supply of water is controlled by an external piston- + valve actuated through the rise and fall of the bell of the gasholder. The + flow of water to the generator is visible. + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker</i>: THE ACETYLENE GAS AND CARBIDE OF CALCIUM CO., PONTARDAWE, + R.S.O., GLAM. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type</i>: Automatic; water-to-carbide; flooded compartment. + </p> + <p> + The "Owens" generator made by this firm comprises an equalising bell + gasholder alongside which are placed two or more inclined generating + cylinders. The front lower end of each cylinder is fitted with a lid which + is closed by a screw clamp. There is inserted in each cylinder a + cylindrical trough, divided into ten compartments, each of which contains + carbide. Water is supplied to the upper ends of the cylinders from a + high-level tank placed at the back of the gasholder. In the larger sizes + the tank is automatically refilled from a water service through a + ball-cock. The outlet-valve of this tank is operated through a counter- + weighted lever, the unweighted end of which is depressed by a loop, + attached to the crown of the gasholder bell, when the bell has nearly + reached its lowest position. This action of the bell on the lever opens + the outlet-valve of the tank and allows water to flow thence into one of + the generating cylinders. It is discharged into the uppermost of the + compartments of the carbide trough, and when the carbide in that + compartment is exhausted it flows over the partition into the next + compartment, and so on until the whole trough is flooded. The gas passes + from the generating cylinders through a water-seal and a baffle plate + condenser placed within the water link of the gasholder to the bell of the + latter. There is a water seal on the water supply-pipe from the tank to + the generators, which would be forced should the pressure within the + generators for any reason become excessive. There is also a sealed vent- + pipe which allows of the escape of gas from the holder to the open should + the holder for any reason be over filled. The gas passes from the holder + through a purifier charged with "Owens" purifying material to the service + pipe. The plant is shown in Fig 41. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/354.png"><img src="images/354th.png" + alt="FIG. 41.--'OWENS' GENERATOR" /></a> + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker</i> ACETYLENE ILLUMINATING CO, LTD, 268-270 SOUTH LAMBETH ROAD, + LONDON, SW + </p> + <p> + <i>Type</i> (1) Non automatic, carbide to water + </p> + <p> + The generator <i>A</i> of this type made by this firm is provided with a + loading box <i>B</i>, with gas tight lid, into which the carbide is put. + It is then discharged by moving a lever which tilts the hinged bottom <i>D</i> + of the box <i>B</i>, and so tips the carbide through the shoot <i>E</i> on + to the conical distributor <i>F</i> and into the water in the generating + chamber. There is a sludge cock <i>G</i> at the base of the generator. Gas + passes as usual from the generator to a washer and storage gasholder. + Heratol is the purifying material supplied. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/355.png"><img src="images/355th.png" + alt="FIG. 42.--CARBIDE-TO-WATER GENERATOR OF THE ACETYLENE ILLUMINATING CO., LTD" /></a> + </p> + <p> + (2) Non-automatic; water-to-carbide; contact. + </p> + <p> + The generator <i>A</i> is provided with a carbide container with + perforated base, and water is supplied to it from a delivery-pipe through + a scaled overflow. The gas evolved passes through the pipe <i>E</i> to the + washer <i>B</i>, which contains a distributor, and thence to the storage + gasholder <i>G</i>. There is a sludge-cock <i>F</i> at the base of the + generator. From the gasholder the gas passes through the purifier <i>D</i>, + charged with heratol, to the service-pipe. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/356.png"><img src="images/356th.png" + alt="FIG. 43.--WATER-TO-CARBIDE GENERATING PLANT OF THE ACETYLENE ILLUMINATING CO., LTD" /></a> + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker</i>: THE ALLEN CO., 106 VICTORIA STREET, LONDON, S.W. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type</i>: Automatic; water-to-carbide; contact, superposed trays. + </p> + <p> + The generating plant made by this firm comprises an equalising bell + gasholder, from the tank of which water is supplied through a flexible + tube to the top of a water-scaled generating chamber in which is a + vertical cylinder containing a cage packed with carbide. The open end of + the flexible tube is supported by a projection from the bell of the + gasholder, so that as the bell rises it is raised above the level of the + water in the tank and so ceases to deliver water to the generator until + the bell again falls. The water supplied flows by way of the water-seal of + the cover of the generating chamber to the cylinder containing the carbide + cage. Larger sizes have two generating chambers, and the nozzle of the + water delivery-pipe may be switched over from one to the other. There is + an overflow connexion which brings the second chamber automatically into + action when the first is exhausted. One chamber may be recharged while the + other is in action. Spare cylinders and cages are provided for use when + recharging. There is a cock for drawing off water condensing in the + outlet-pipe from the gasholder. The gas passes from the holder to the + lower part of a purifier with water-scaled cover, through the purifying + material in which it rises to the outlet leading to the service-pipe. + Purifying material under the proprietary name of the "Allen" compound is + supplied. The plant is shown in Fig. 44. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/357.png"><img src="images/357th.png" + alt="FIG. 44.--'ALLEN' FLEXIBLE-TUBE GENERATOR" /></a> + </p> + <p> + Maker: THE BON-ACCORD ACETYLENE GAS CO., 285 KING STREET, ABERDEEN. + </p> + <p> + Type: Automatic; water-to-carbide; contact, superposed trays. + </p> + <p> + The "Bon Accord" generating plant made by this firm comprises an + equalising displacement gasholder <i>B</i> immersed in a water-tank <i>A</i>. + Alongside the tank are placed two water-jacketed generating chambers <i>G1</i> + and <i>G2</i> containing cages <i>K</i> charged with carbide. Water passes + from within the gasholder through the water inlet- pipes <i>L1 L2</i>, the + cock <i>H</i>, and the pipes <i>F1 F2</i> to the generating chambers, from + which the gas evolved travels to the holder <i>B</i>, in which it + displaces water until the water-level falls below the mouths of the pipes + <i>L1</i> and <i>L2</i>, and so cuts off the supply of water to the + generating chambers. The gas passes from the holder <i>B</i> through the + pipe with outlet-cock <i>T</i> to a washer containing an acid solution for + the neutralisation of ammonia, then through a purifier containing a + "special mixture of chloride of lime." After that through a tower packed + with lime, and finally through a pressure regulator, the outlet of which + is connected to the service-pipe. There is an indicator <i>I</i> to show + the amount of gas in the holder. One generator may be charged while the + other is in action. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/358.png"><img src="images/358th.png" + alt="FIG. 45.--'BON-ACCORD' GENERATOR" /></a> + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker</i>: FREDK. BRABY AND CO., LTD., ASHTON GATE WORKS, BRISTOL; AND + 352-364 EUSTON ROAD, LONDON. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type:</i> (I) Automatic; carbide-to-water. + </p> + <p> + The "A" type of generator made by this firm comprises an equalising bell + gasholder, round the bell of which are arranged a series of buckets which + are charged with carbide. Those buckets are discharged in turn as the bell + falls from time to time through a mechanism operated by a weight suspended + from a wire cord on a revolving spindle. The carbide is discharged on to a + different spot in the generating tank from each bucket. There is a cock + for the periodical removal of sludge. Gas passes through a purifier + charged with puratylene to the service-pipe. The disposition of the parts + of the plant and the operating mechanism arc shown in the accompanying + figure, which represents the generating apparatus partly in elevation and + partly in section. The carbide buckets (1) are loosely hooked on the flat + ring (2) bolted to the gasholder tank (3). The buckets discharge through + the annular water-space (4) between the tank and the generator (5). The + rollers (6), fitted on the generator, support a ring (7) carrying radial + pins (8) projecting outwards, one pin for each bucket. The ring can travel + round on the rollers. Superposed on the ring is a tray (9) closed at the + bottom except for an aperture beneath the throat (11), on which is mounted + an inclined striker (12), which strikes the projecting tongues (1<i>a</i>) + of the lids of the buckets in turn. There is fixed to the sides of the + generator a funnel (13) with open bottom (13<i>a</i>) to direct the + carbide, on to the rocking grid (14) which is farther below the funnel + than appears from the figure. Gas passing up behind the funnel escapes + through a duct (15) to the gasholder. The ring (7) is rotated through the + action of the weight (16) suspended by the chain or rope (17) which passes + round the shaft (18), which is supported by the bracket (19) and has a + handle for winding up. An escapement, with upper limb (20<i>a</i>) and + lower limb (20<i>b</i>), is pivotally centred at (21) in the bracket (19) + and normally restrains the turning of the shaft by the weight. There is a + fixed spindle (24) supported on the bracket (23)--which is fixed to the + tank or one of the guide-rods--having centred on it a curved bar or + quadrant (25) running loose on the spindle (24) and having a crank arm + (26) to which is connected one end of a rod (27) which, at the other end, + is connected to the arm (28) of the escapement. The quadrant bears at both + extremities against the flat bar (29) when the bell (22) is sufficiently + raised. The bar (29) extends above the bell and carries an arm (30) on + which is a finger (30<i>a</i>). There is fixed on the shaft (18) a wheel + (31), with diagonal divisions or ways extending from side to side of its + rim, and stop-pins (32) on one side at each division. A clutch prevents + the rotation of the wheel during winding up. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/360.png"><img src="images/360th.png" + alt="FIG. 46.--THE 'A' GENERATOR OF FRED K. BRABY AND CO., LTD" /></a> + </p> + <p> + (2) Automatic; water-to-carbide; contact, superposed trays. + </p> + <p> + The type "B" generator made by this firm comprises an equalising bell + gasholder, a crescent-shaped feed water-tank placed on one side of the + gasholder, and mechanism for controlling a tap on the pipe by which the + feed water passes to a washer whence it overflows through a seal into a + horizontal generating chamber containing cells packed with carbide. The + mechanism controlling the water feed embodies the curved bar (25), + connecting-rod (27) and flat guide-bar (29) as used for controlling the + carbide feed in the "A" type of generator (Fig. 46). When the bell + descends water is fed into the washer, and the water-level of the seal is + thus automatically maintained. The gas evolved passes through a pipe, + connecting the seal on the top of the generating chamber with the washer, + into the gasholder. Plants of large size have two generating chambers with + connexions to a single washer. + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker:</i> THE DARGUE ACETYLENE GAS CO., 57 GREY STREET, NEWCASTLE-ON- + TYNE. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type:</i> Automatic; water-to-carbide; "drawer." + </p> + <p> + The "Dargue" acetylene generator made by this firm comprises an equalising + bell gasholder <i>B</i> floating in a water-tank <i>A</i>, which is deeper + than is necessary to submerge the bell of the gasholder. In the lower part + of this tank are placed two or more horizontal generating chambers which + receive carbide-containing trays divided by partitions into a number of + compartments which are half filled with carbide. Water is supplied from + the gasholder tank through the tap <i>E</i> and pipe <i>F</i> to the + generating chambers in turn. It rises in the latter and floods the first + compartment containing carbide before gaining access to the second, and so + on throughout the series of compartments. As soon as the carbide in the + first generating chamber is exhausted, the water overflows from it through + the pipe with by-pass tap <i>J</i> to the second generating chamber. The + taps <i>G</i> and <i>H</i> serve to disconnect one of the generating + chambers from the water-supply during recharging or while another chamber + is in action. The gas evolved passes from each generating chamber through + a pipe <i>L</i>, terminating in the dip-pipe <i>M</i>, which is provided + with a baffle-plate having very small perforations by which the stream of + gas is broken up, thereby subjecting it to thorough washing by the upper + layers of water in the gasholder tank. The washed gas, which thus enters + the gasholder, passes from it through the pipe <i>N</i> with main cock <i>R</i> + to the service- pipes. The water-supply to the generator is controlled + through the tap <i>E</i>, which is operated by a chain connected to an arm + attached to the bell of the gasholder. + </p> + <p> + The water in the gasholder tank is accordingly made to serve for the + supply of the generating chambers, for the washing of the gas, and as a + jacket to the generating chambers. The heat evolved by the decomposition + of the carbide in the latter creates a circulation of the water, ensuring + thereby thorough mixing of the fresh water, which is added from time to + time to replace that removed for the decomposition of the carbide, with + the water already in the tank. Thus the impurities acquired by the water + from the washing of the gas do not accumulate in it to such an extent as + to render it necessary to run off the whole of the water and refill, + except at long intervals. A purifier, ordinarily charged with puratylene, + is inserted in many cases after the main cock <i>R</i>. The same firm + makes an automatic generator on somewhat similar lines, specially designed + for use in autogenous welding, the smaller sizes of which are readily + portable. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/362.png"><img src="images/362th.png" + alt="FIG. 47.--'DARGUE' GENERATOR" /></a> + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker</i>: J. AND J. DRUMMOND, 162 MARKET STREET, ABERDEEN. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type</i>: Automatic; water-to-carbide; contact. + </p> + <p> + The generating plant made by this firm comprises two or more generating + vessels <i>B</i> in which carbide is contained in removable cases + perforated at different levels. Water is supplied to these generating + vessels, entering them at the bottom, from an elevated tank <i>A</i> + through a pipe <i>C</i>, in which is a tap <i>F</i> connected by a lever + and chain <i>L</i> with the bell <i>G</i> of the equalising gasholder <i>H</i>, + into which the evolved gas passes. The lever of the tap <i>F</i> is + counter-weighted so that when the bell <i>G</i> descends the tap is + opened, and when the bell rises the tap is closed. The gas passes from the + generating chambers <i>B</i> through the pipe <i>D</i> to the + washer-cooler <i>E</i> and thence to the gasholder. From the latter it + passes through the dry purifier <i>J</i> to the service-pipe. The + gasholder bell is sealed in oil contained in an annular tank instead of in + the usual single-walled tank containing water. The purifying material + ordinarily supplied is puratylene. The apparatus is also made to a large + extent in a compact form specially for use on board ships. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/363.png"><img src="images/363th.png" + alt="FIG. 48.--J. AND J. DRUMMOND'S GENERATING PLANT" /></a> + </p> + <p> + <i>Agents</i>: FITTINGS, LTD., 112 VICTORIA STREET, S.W. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type</i>: Automatic; carbide-to-water. + </p> + <p> + The "Westminster" generator supplied by this firm is the "Davis" generator + described in the section of the United States. The rights for the sale of + this generator in Great Britain are held by this firm. + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker</i>: LOCKERBIE AND WILKINSON, TIPTON, STAFFS. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type</i>: (1) Automatic; water-to-carbide; contact, superposed trays. + </p> + <p> + The "Thorscar" generator of this firm comprises an equalising gasholder, + the gas-space of the bell <i>B</i> of which is reduced by conical upper + walls. When the bell descends and this lining enters the water in the tank + <i>A</i> the displacement of water is increased and its level raised until + it comes above the mouths of the pipes <i>E</i>, through which a portion + then flows to the generators <i>D</i>. The evolution of the gas in the + latter causes the bell to rise and the conical lining to be lifted out of + the water, the level of which thereupon falls below the mouths of the + pipes <i>E</i> in consequence of the reduced displacement of the bell. The + supply of water to the generators is thus cut off until the bell again + falls and the level of the water in the tank is raised above the mouths of + the pipes <i>E</i>. The generating chambers <i>D</i> are provided with + movable cages <i>F</i> in which the carbide is arranged on trays. The gas + evolved travels through a scrubbing-box <i>G</i> containing charcoal, and + the pipe <i>J</i> with drainage-pipe <i>P</i> to the water-seal or washer + <i>K</i> inside the holder, into which it then passes. The outlet-pipe for + gas from the holder leads through the condensing coil <i>L</i> immersed in + the water in the tank to the condensed water-trap <i>N</i>, and thence by + the tap <i>Q</i> to the supply-pipe. The generating chambers are + water-jacketed and provided with gauge-glasses <i>H</i> to indicate when + recharging is necessary, and also with sludge-cocks <i>M</i>. The object + of the displacement cone in the upper part of the bell is to obtain + automatic feed of water to the carbide without the use of cocks or movable + parts. There is a funnel- shaped indicator in front of the tank for + regulating the height of water to a fixed level, and also an independent + purifier, the purifying material or which is supplied under the + proprietary name of "Thorlite." + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/365.png"><img src="images/365th.png" + alt="FIG. 49.--'THORSCAR' GENERATOR" /></a> + </p> + <p> + (2) Non-automatic; water-to-carbide; "drawer." + </p> + <p> + This generating plant, the "Thorlite," comprises a water-tank <i>A</i> + from which water is admitted to the drawer generating chambers <i>B</i>, + one of which may be recharged while the other is in operation. The gas + evolved passes through a seal <i>C</i> to the gasholder <i>D</i>, whence + it issues as required for use through the purifier <i>E</i> to the + supply-pipe. For the larger sixes a vertical generating chamber is used. + The purifier and purifying material are the same as for the automatic + plant of the same firm. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/366.png"><img src="images/366th.png" + alt="FIG. 50.--'THORLITE' GENERATING PLANT" /></a> + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker</i>: THE MANCHESTER ACETYLENE GAS CO., LTD., ACRE WORKS, CLAYTON, + MANCHESTER. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type</i>: Automatic; water-to-carbide; "drawer." + </p> + <p> + The plant made by this firm comprises an equalising gasholder <i>A</i> + from the tank of which water is supplied to generating cylinders <i>B</i> + placed at the side of the tank, the number of which varies with the + capacity of the plant. The cylinders receive tray carbide-containers + divided into compartments perforated at different levels so that they are + flooded in turn by the inflowing water. A weight <i>C</i> carried by a + chain <i>D</i> from one end of a lever <i>E</i> pivoted to the framing of + the gasholder is supported by the bell of the gasholder when the latter + rises; but when the holder falls the weight <i>C</i>, coming upon the + lever <i>E</i>, raises the rod <i>F</i>, which thereupon opens the valve + <i>G</i>, which then allows water to flow from the gasholder tank through + the pipe <i>H</i> to one of the generating cylinders. When the carbide in + the first cylinder is exhausted, the water passes on to a second. One + generating cylinder may be recharged while another is in action. The + rising of the holder, due to the evolved gas, causes the bell to support + the weight <i>C</i> and thus closes the water supply-valve <i>G</i>. The + gas evolved passes through vertical condensers <i>J</i> into washing- + boxes <i>K</i>, which are placed within the tank. The gas issues from the + washing-boxes into the gasholder bell, whence it is withdrawn through the + pipe <i>L</i> which leads to the purifier. Puratylene is the purifying + material ordinarily supplied by this firm. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/367.png"><img src="images/367th.png" + alt="FIG. 51.--GENERATING PLANT OF THE MANCHESTER ACETYLENE GAS CO., LTD" /></a> + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker:</i> R,. J. MOSS AND SONS, 98 SNOW HILL, BIRMINGHAM. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type:</i> (1) Automatic; water-to-carbide; superposed trays. + </p> + <p> + The "Moss" generator, "Type A," made by this firm comprises an equalising + gasholder, four, three, or two generating chambers, and an intermediate + water-controlling chamber. Each generating chamber consists of a frame in + which are arranged about a central tube trays half filled with carbide, + having water inlet-holes at several different levels, and each divided + into two compartments. Over this frame is put a bell-shaped cover or cap, + and the whole is placed in an outer tank or bucket, in the upper part of + which is a water inlet-orifice. The water entering by this orifice passes + down the outside of the bell, forming a water-seal, and rises within the + bell to the perforations in the carbide trays from the lowest upwards, and + so reaches the carbide in successive layers until the whole has been + exhausted. The gas evolved passes through the central tube to a water- + seal and condensing tank, through which it escapes to the controlling + chamber, which consists of a small water displacement chamber, the gas + outlet of which is connected to the equalising gasholder. The bell of the + equalising gasholder is weighted or balanced so that when it rises to a + certain point the pressure is increased to a slight extent and + consequently the level of the water in the displacement controlling + chamber is lowered. In this chamber is a pipe perforated at about the + water-level, so that when the level is lowered through the increased + pressure thrown by the rising gasholder the water is below the + perforations and cannot enter the pipe. The pipe leads to the water + inlet-orifices of the generating tanks and when the equalising gasholder + falls, and so reduces the pressure within the controlling chamber, the + water in the latter rises and flows through the pipe to the generating + tanks. The water supplied to the carbide is thus under the dual control of + the controlling chamber and of the differential pressure within the + generating tank. The four generators are coupled so that they come into + action in succession automatically, and their order of operation is + naturally reversed after each recharging. An air-cock is provided in the + crown of the bell of each generator and, in case there should be need of + examination when charged, cocks are provided in other parts of the + apparatus for withdrawing water. There is a sludge-cock on each generator. + The gas passes from the equalising gasholder through a purifier, for which + the material ordinarily supplied is puratylene. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/369.png"><img src="images/369th.png" + alt="FIG. 52.--'MOSS TYPE A' GENERATOR" /></a> + </p> + <p> + The "Moss Type B" generator is smaller and more compact than "Type A." It + has ordinarily only two generating chambers, and the displacement water + controlling chamber is replaced by a bell governor, the bell of which is + balanced through a lever and chains by a weight suspended over the bell of + the equalising gasholder, which on rising supports this counter-weight and + so allows the governor bell to fall, thereby cutting off the flow of water + to the generating chambers. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/370.png"><img src="images/370th.png" + alt="FIG. 53.--'MOSS TYPE B' GENERATOR" /></a> + </p> + <p> + The "Moss Type C" generator is smaller than either "Type A" or "B," and + contains only one generating chamber, which is suspended in a pocket in + the crown of the equalising gasholder. Water enters through a hole near + the top of the bucket of the generating chamber, when it descends with the + holder through the withdrawal of gas from the latter. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/370a.png"><img src="images/370ath.png" + alt="FIG. 54.--'MOSS TYPE C' GENERATOR" /></a> + </p> + <p> + (2) Semi-automatic; water-to-carbide; superposed trays. + </p> + <p> + The "Moss Semi-Non-Auto" generating plant resembles the automatic plant + described above, but a storage gasholder capable of holding the gas + evolved from one charging of the whole of the generating chambers is + provided in place of the equalising gasholder, and the generation of gas + proceeds continuously at a slow rate. + </p> + <p> + The original form of the "Acetylite" generator (<i>vide infra</i>) adapted + for lantern use is also obtainable of R. J. Moss and Sons. + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker:</i> WM. MOYES AND SONS, 115 BOTHWELL STREET, GLASGOW. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type:</i> Automatic; carbide-to-water. The "Acetylite" generator made + by this firm consists of an equalising gasholder and one or more + generating tanks placed alongside it. On the top of each generating tank + is mounted a chamber, with conical base, charged with granulated carbide + 1/8 to 1/2 inch in size. There is an opening at the bottom of the conical + base through which passes a rod with conical head, which, when the rod is + lowered, closes the opening. The rod is raised and lowered through levers + by the rise and fall of the bell of the equalising gasholder, which, when + it has risen above a certain point, supports a counter-weight, the pull of + which on the lever keeps the conical feed-valve open. The gas evolved in + the generating tanks passes through a condensing chamber situated at the + base of the tank into the equalising gasholder and so automatically + controls the feed of carbide and the evolution of gas according to the + rate of withdrawal of the gas from the holder to the service-pipes. The + water in the gasholder tank acts as a scrubbing medium to the gas. The + generating tanks are provided with sludge-cocks and a tap for drawing off + condensed water. The gas passes from the equalising gasholder, through a + purifier and dryer charged with heratol or other purifying material to the + service-pipes. The original form of the "Acetylite" generator is shown in + elevation and vertical section in Fig. 55. Wm. Moyes and Sons now make it + also with a detached equalising gasholder connected with the generator by + a pipe in which is inserted a lever cock actuated automatically through a + lever and cords by a weight above the bell of the gasholder. Some other + changes have been made with a view to securing constancy of action over + long periods and uniformity of pressure. In this form the apparatus is + also made provided with a clock-work mechanism for the supply of + lighthouses, in which the light is flashed on periodically. The flasher is + operated through a pilot jet, which serves to ignite the gas at the + burners when the supply is turned on to them at the prescribed intervals + by the clock- work mechanism. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/372.png"><img src="images/372th.png" + alt="FIG. 55.--'ACETYLITE' GENERATOR" /></a> + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker</i>: THE PHÔS CO., 205 AND 207 BALLS POND ROAD, LONDON, N. <i>Type</i>: + Non-automatic; water-to-carbide; drip. + </p> + <p> + The type "E" generator made by this firm consists of a generating chamber + placed below a water chamber having an opening with cap <i>E</i> for + refilling. The generating chamber in closed by a door <i>B</i>, with + rubber washer <i>C</i>, held in position by the rod <i>A</i>, the ends of + which pass into slots, and the screw <i>A'</i>. The movable carbide + chamber <i>D</i> has its upper perforated part half filled with carbide, + which is pressed upwards by a spring <i>D'</i>. The carbide chamber when + filled is placed in the generating chamber, which is closed, and the lever + <i>F</i> of one of the taps <i>F'</i> is turned from "off" to "on," + whereupon water drips from the tank on to the carbide. The evolution of + gas is stopped by reversing the lever of the tap. The second tap is + provided for use when the evolution of gas, through the water-supply from + the first tap, has been stopped and it is desired to start the apparatus + without waiting for water from the first tap to soak through a layer of + spent carbide. The two taps are not intended for concurrent use. The + evolved gas passes through a purifier containing any suitable purifying + material to the pipes leading to the burners. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/373.png"><img src="images/373th.png" + alt="FIG. 56.--'PHÔS TYPE E' GENERATOR" /></a> + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker:</i> ROSCO ACETYLENE COMPANY, BELFAST. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type:</i> Non-automatic; carbide-to-water + </p> + <p> + The "Rosco" generating plant made by this firm comprises a generating tank + <i>A</i> which is filled with water to a given level by means of the + funnel-mouthed pipe <i>B</i> and the overflow <i>O</i>. On the top of the + water-sealed lid of the generating tank is mounted the carbide feed-valve + <i>L</i>, which consists of a hollow plug-tap with handle <i>M</i>. When + the handle <i>M</i> is turned upwards the hollow of the tap can be filled + from the top of the barrel with carbide. On giving the tap a third of a + turn the hollow of the plug is cut off from the outer air and is opened to + the generating tank so that the carbide contained in it is discharged over + a distributor <i>E</i> on to the tray <i>N</i> in the water in the + generating tank. The gas evolved passes through the scrubber and seal-pot + <i>J</i> to the storage gasholder <i>Q</i>. From the latter the gas passes + through the dry purifier <i>T</i> to the service-pipe. A sludge- cock <i>P</i> + is provided at the bottom of the generating tank and is stated to be + available for use while generation of gas is proceeding. The purifying + material ordinarily supplied is "Roscoline." + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/374.png"><img src="images/374th.png" + alt="FIG. 57.--'ROSCO' GENERATING PLANT" /></a> + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker</i>: THE RURAL DISTRICTS GAS LIGHT CO., 28 VICTORIA STREET, S.W. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type</i>: Automatic; water-to-carbide; contact, superposed trays. + </p> + <p> + The "Signal-Arm" generating apparatus made by this firm comprises a bell + gasholder <i>A</i>, from the tank <i>B</i> of which water is supplied + through a swivelled pipe <i>C</i> to a generating chamber <i>D</i>. One + end of the swivelled pipe is provided with a delivery nozzle, the other + end is closed and counter-weighted, so that normally the open end of the + pipe is raised above the level of the water in the tank. A tappet <i>E</i> + on the bell of the gasholder comes into contact with, and depresses, the + open end of the swivelled pipe when the bell falls below a certain point. + As soon as the open end of the swivelled pipe has thus been lowered below + the level of the water in the tank, water flows through it into the + funnel-shaped mouth <i>F</i> of a pipe leading to the bottom of the + generating chamber. The latter is filled with cages containing carbide, + which is attacked by the water rising in the chamber. The gas evolved + passing into and raising the bell of the gasholder causes the open end of + the swivelled pipe to rise, through the weight of the counterpoise <i>G</i>, + above the level of the water in the tank and so cuts off the supply of + water to the generating chamber until the bell again descends and + depresses the swivelled pipe. The tappet on the bell also displaces a cap + <i>H</i> which covers the funnel-shaped mouth of the pipe leading to the + generating chamber, which cap, except when the swivelled supply-pipe is + being brought into play, prevents any extraneous moisture or other matter + entering the mouth of the funnel. Between the generating chamber and the + gasholder is a three-way cock <i>J</i> in the gas connexion, which, when + the gasholder is shut off from the generator, brings the latter into + communication with a vent-pipe <i>K</i> leading to the open. The gas + passes from the holder to a chamber <i>L</i> under grids packed with + purifying material, through which it passes to the outlet of the purifier + and thence to the service-pipe. Either heratol or chloride of lime is used + in the purifier, the lid of which, like the cover of the generator, is + water-sealed. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/375.png"><img src="images/375th.png" + alt="FIG. 58.--'SIGNAL-ARM' GENERATING PLANT" /></a> + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker</i>: ST. JAMES' ILLUMINATING CO., LTD., 3 VICTORIA STREET, + LONDON, S.W. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type</i>: (1) Automatic; water-to-carbide; contact, superposed trays. + </p> + <p> + This plant consists of the generators <i>A</i>, the washer <i>B</i>, the + equalising gasholder <i>C</i>, the purifier <i>D</i>, and the water-tank + <i>E</i>. The carbide is arranged in baskets in the generators to which + water is supplied from the cistern <i>E</i> through the pipe <i>F</i>. The + supply is controlled by means of the valve <i>H</i>, which is actuated + through the rod <i>G</i> by the rise and fall of the gasholder <i>C</i>. + Gas travels from the gasholder through the purifier <i>D</i> to the + service-pipe. The purifier is packed with heratol resting on a layer of + pumice. The washer <i>B</i> contains a grid, the object of which is to + distribute the stream of gas through the water. There is a syphon-pot <i>J</i> + for the reception of condensed moisture. Taps <i>K</i> are provided for + shutting off the supply of water from the generators during; recharging, + and there is an overflow connexion <i>L</i> for conveying the water to the + second generator as soon as the first is exhausted. There is a sludge-cock + <i>M</i> at the base of each generator. + </p> + <p> + (2) Non-automatic; water-to-carbide; contact, superposed trays. + </p> + <p> + This resembles the preceding plant except that the supply of water from + the cistern to the generators takes place directly through the pipe <i>N</i> + (shown in dotted lines in the diagram) and is controlled by hand through + the taps <i>K</i>. The automatic control-valve <i>H</i> and the rod <i>G</i> + are omitted. The gasholder <i>C</i> is increased in size so that it + becomes a storage holder capable of containing the whole of the gas + evolved from one charging. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/377.png"><img src="images/377th.png" + alt="FIG. 59.--GENERATING PLANT OF THE ST. JAMES' ILLUMINATING CO., LTD. (SECTIONAL ELEVATION AND PLAN.)" /></a> + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker</i>: THE STANDARD ACETYLENE CO., 123 VICTORIA STREET, LONDON, + S.W. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type</i>: (1) Non-automatic; carbide-to-water. + </p> + <p> + This plant comprises the generator <i>A</i>, the washer <i>B</i>, the + storage gasholder <i>C</i>, and the purifier <i>D</i>. The generator is + first filled with water to the crown of the cover, and carbide is then + thrown into the water by hand through the gas-tight lock, which is opened + and closed as required by the horizontal handle <i>P</i>. A cast-iron grid + prevents the lumps of carbide falling into the sludge in the conical base + of the generator. At the base of the cone is a sludge-valve <i>G</i>. The + gas passes from the generator through the pipe <i>H</i> into the washer <i>B</i>, + and after bubbling through the water therein goes by way of the pipe <i>K</i> + into the gasholder <i>C</i>. The syphon- pot <i>E</i> is provided for the + reception of condensed moisture, which is removed from time to time by the + pump <i>M</i>. From the gasholder the gas flows through the valve <i>R</i> + to the purifier <i>D</i>, whence it passes to the service-pipes. The + purifier is charged with material supplied under the proprietary name of + "Standard." + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/378.png"><img src="images/378th.png" + alt="FIG. 60.--CARBIDE-TO-WATER GENERATING PLANT OF THE STANDARD ACETYLENE CO" /></a> + </p> + <p> + (2) Automatic; water-to-carbide; contact, superposed trays. + </p> + <p> + This plant comprises the generators <i>A</i>, the washer <i>B</i>, the + equalising gasholder <i>C</i>, the purifier <i>D</i>, and the water-tank + <i>E</i>. The carbide is arranged on a series of wire trays in each + generator, to which water is supplied from the water-tank <i>E</i> through + the pipe <i>Y</i> and the control-tap <i>U</i>. The gas passes through the + pipes <i>H</i> to the washer <i>B</i> and thence to the holder <i>C</i>. + The supply of water to the generators is controlled by the tap <i>U</i> + which is actuated by the rise and fall of the gasholder bell through the + rod <i>F</i>. The gas passes, as in the non-automatic plant, through a + purifier <i>D</i> to the service-pipes. Taps <i>W</i> are provided for + cutting off the flow of water to either of the generators during + recharging and an overflow pipe <i>h</i> serves to convey the water to the + second generator as soon as the carbide in the first is exhausted. A + sludge-cook <i>G</i> is put at the base of each generator. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/380.png"><img src="images/380th.png" + alt="FIG. 61.--AUTOMATIC, WATER-TO-CARBIDE GENERATING PLANT OF THE STANDARD ACETYLENE CO" /></a> + </p> + <p> + (3) Non-automatic; water-to-carbide; contact, superposed-trays. + </p> + <p> + This apparatus resembles the preceding except that the supply of water to + the generators is controlled by hand through the taps <i>W</i>, the + control valve <i>U</i> being omitted, and the gasholder <i>C</i> being a + storage holder of sufficient dimensions to contain the whole of the + acetylene evolved from one charging. + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker</i>: THORN AND HODDLE ACETYLENE CO., 151 VICTORIA STREET, S.W. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type</i>: Automatic; water-to-carbide; "drawer." + </p> + <p> + The "Incanto" generating plant made by this firm consists of a rising bell + gasholder which acts mainly on an equaliser. The fall of the bell + depresses a ball valve immersed in the tank, and so allows water to flow + from the tank past an outside tap, which is closed only during recharging, + to a generating chamber. The generating chamber is horizontal and is fixed + in the base of the tank, so that its outer case is surrounded by the water + in the tank, with the object of keeping it cool. The charge of carbide is + placed in a partitioned container, and is gradually attacked on the + flooding principle by the water which enters from the gasholder tank when + the ball valve is depressed. The gas evolved passes from the generating + chamber by a pipe which extends above the level of the water in the tank, + and is then bent down so that its end dips several inches below the level + of the water. The gas issuing from the end of the pipe is thus washed by + the water in the gasholder tank. From the gasholder the gas is taken off + as required for use by a pipe, the mouth of which is just below the crown + of the holder. There is a lip in the upper edge of the gasholder tank into + which water is poured from time to time to replace that consumed in the + generation of the gas. There are from one to three generating chambers in + each apparatus according to its size. The purifier is independent, and a + purifying mixture under the proprietary name of "Curazo" is supplied for + use in it. + </p> + <p class="ctr"> + <a href="images/381.png"><img src="images/381th.png" + alt="FIG. 62.--'INCANTO' GENERATOR" /></a> + </p> + <p> + <i>Maker:</i> WELDREN AND BLERIOT, 54 LONG ACRE, LONDON, W.C. + </p> + <p> + <i>Type:</i> Automatic; contact. + </p> + <p> + This firm supplies the "Acétylithe" apparatus (<i>see</i> Belgium). <br /> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="linkindex" id="index">INDEX</a> + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +Absorbed acetylene, +Acagine, +Accidents, responsibility for, +Acetone, effect of, on acetylene, + solution of acetylene in, +Acetylene-copper, +Acetylene-oil-gas, +Acetylene Association (Austrian)--regulations as to carbide, +Acetylene Association (British)--analysis of carbide, + generator rules, + pressure gauges, + purification rules, +Acetylene Association (German)--analysis of carbide, + holders, + generator rules, + standard carbide, +Acetylene tetrachloride, production of, +Ackermann burner, +Advantages of acetylene, general, + hygienic, + intrinsic, + pecuniary, +"After generation," +Air, admission of, to burners, + and acetylene, ignition temperature of, + composition of, + dilution of acetylene with, before combustion, + effect of acetylene lighting on, + coal-gas lighting on, + on illuminating power of acetylene, + paraffin lighting on, + in acetylene, + in flames, effect of, + in generators, danger of, + objections to, + in incandescent acetylene, + in service-pipes, + proportion of, rendering acetylene explosive, + removing, from pipes, + specific gravity of, + sterilised by flames, +Air-gas, + and acetylene, comparison between, + and carburetted acetylene, comparison between, + effect of cold on, + illuminating power of, +Alcohol, action of, on carbide, + for carburetting acetylene, + holder seals, + from acetylene, production of, +Allgemeine Carbid und Acetylen Gesellschaft burner, +Alloys, fusible, for testing generators, +Alloys of copper. See <i>Copper (alloyed)</i> +Aluminium sulphide, in carbide +America (U.S.), regulations of the National Board of Fire Underwriters, +American gallon, value of, +Ammonia, in acetylene, + in coal-gas, + removal of, + solubility of, in water, +Analysis of carbide, +Ansdell, compressed and liquid acetylene, +Anthracene, formation of, from acetylene, +Anti-freezing agents, +Area of purifiers, +Argand burners, +Aromatic hydrocarbons, +Arrangement of generating plant, +Arsenious oxide purifier, +Atkins, dry process of generation, +Atmospheric moisture and carbide, +Atomic weights, +Attention needed by generators, +Austrian Acetylene Association, regulations as to carbide, +Austrian Government Regulations, +Autogenous soldering and welding, +Automatic generators. See <i>Generators (automatic)</i> + + + +B + +Baking of carbide +Ball-sockets for acetylene, +Barium peroxide purifier, + sulphate in bleaching-powder, +Barrel, gas, for acetylene, quality of +Bell gasholders. See <i>Holders (rising)</i> +Benz purifying material, +Benzene, + for carburetting acetylene, + production of, from acetylene, +Benzine. See <i>Petroleum spirit</i> +Bergé, detection of phosphorus, + and Reychler, purification of acetylene, + and Reychler's reagent, solubility of acetylene in, +Bernat, formula for mains and pipes, +Berthelot, addition of chlorine to acetylene, + sodium acetate, + sulphuric acid and acetylene, +Berthelot and Matignon, thermochemical data, + and Vieille, dissolved acetylene, +Billwiller burners, +Black, acetylene, +Blagden, sodium hypochlorite, +Bleaching-powder purifier (simple), +Blochmann, copper acetylide, +Blow-off pipes. See <i>Vent-pipes</i> +Blowpipe, acetylene, +Boiling-ring, +Boistelle. See <i>Molet</i> +Borek, enrichment of oil-gas, +<i>Bougie décimale</i>, +Brackets for acetylene, +Bradley, Read, and Jacobs, calcium carbophosphide, +Brame and Lewes, manganese carbide, +Bray burners, +British Acetylene Association. See <i>Acetylene Association +(British)</i>, + Fire Offices Committee Regulations, + regulations. See <i>Acetylene Association (British); Home Office; + Orders in Council</i> +Bromine-water purifier, +Bullier, effect of heat on burners, + phosphorus in acetylene, + and Maquenne purifier, +Bunsen burner, principle of, +Bunte, enrichment of oil-gas, +Burner orifices and gas density, +Burners, + atmospheric, + principle of, + design of, + glassware for, + heating, + incandescent, + Ackermann, + Allgemeine Carbid und Acetylen Gesellschaft, + Bray, + firing back in, + Fouché, + Günther's, + illuminating power of, + Jacob, Gebrüder, + Keller and Knappich, + Knappich, + O.C.A., + pressure for, + principles of construction of, + Schimek, + Sirius, + Trendel, + typical, + Weber, + Zenith, + self-luminous, + Argand, + as standard of light, + Billwiller, + Bray, + choking of, + corrosion of, + cycle, + Falk, Stadelmann and Co.'s, + Konette, + Phôs, + Wiener's, + Dolan, + Drake, + effect of heat on, + Elta, + Falk, Stadelmann and Co.'s, + firing back in, + fish-tail, + Forbes, + Hannam's, + illuminating power of, + self-luminous injector, + Javal, + Kona, + Luta, + Naphey, + Orka, + Phôs, + Pintsch, + pressure for, + rat-tail, + Sansair, + Schwarz's, + Stadelmann, + Suprema, + twin, angle of impingement in, + injector, + non-injector, + warping of, + Wiener's, + Wonder, +By-products, See also <i>Residues</i> + + + +C + + + +Cadenel, shape of incandescent acetylene mantle, +"Calcidum," +Calcium carbide, action of heat on, + action of non-aqueous liquids on, + analysis of, + and carbon bisulphide, reaction between, + and hydroxide, reaction between, + and ice, reaction between, + and steam, reaction between, + and water, reaction between, + as drying material, + baking of, + balls and cartridges. See <i>Cartridges</i> + bulk of, + chemical properties of, + crushing of, + decomposition of, + by solids containing water, + heat evolved during, + imperfect, + speed of, + temperature attained during, + deterioration of, on storage, + drums of, + dust in, + explosibility of, + fire, risk of, + formula for, + granulated, + heat-conducting power of, + of formation of, + impurities in, + inertness of, + in residues, + physical properties of, + purity of, + quality, regulations as to, + sale and purchase of, regulations as to, + scented, + shape of lumps of, + sizes of, + small, yield of gas from, + specific gravity of, + heat of, + standard, British, + German, + "sticks," + storage regulations for, + subdivided charges of, + sundry uses of, + swelling of, during decomposition, + "treated," + yield of acetylene from, +Calcium carbophosphide, +Calcium chloride, cause of frothing in generators, + for seals, + purifier, + solubility of acetylene in, +Calcium hydroxide, + adhesion of, to carbide, + and carbide, reaction between, + milk of, solubility of acetylene in, + physical properties of, + space occupied by, +Calcium hypochlorite, +Calcium oxide, + and water, reaction between, + hydration of, + hygroscopic nature of, + physical properties of, +Calcium phosphide, +Calcium sulphide, +Calorie, definition of, +Calorific power of acetylene, + various gases, +Candle-power. See <i>Illuminating power</i> +Capelle, illuminating power of acetylene, +Carbide. See <i>Calcium carbide</i> +Carbide-containers, + air in, + filling of, + partitions in, + water-jacketing, +Carbide-feed generators. See <i>Generators (carbide-to-water)</i> +Carbide impurities in acetylene, +Carbide-to-water generators. See <i>Generators (carbide-to-water)</i> +Carbides, mixed, +Carbolic acid, production of, from acetylene, +Carbon, combustion of, in flames, + deposition of, in burners, + gaseous, heat of combustion of, + heat of combustion of, + vaporisation of, + pigment, production of, +Carbon bisulphide and acetylene, reaction between, + and calcium carbide, reaction between, + in coal-gas, +Carbon dioxide, addition of, to acetylene, + dissociation of, + effect of, on explosibility of acetylene, + for removing air from pipes, + heat of formation of, + produced by respiration, + benzene, + coal-gas, + in flame of acetylene, +Carbon monoxide, in acetylene, + heat of combustion of, + formation of, + temperature of ignition of, +Carbonic acid. See <i>Carbon dioxide</i> +Carburetted acetylene, composition of, + effect of cold on, + illuminating power of, + manufacture of, + pecuniary value of, +Carburetted water-gas, enrichment of, +Carburine. See <i>Petroleum spirit</i> +Carlson, specific heat of carbide, +Caro, acetone vapour in acetylene, + addition of petroleum spirit to generator water, + air in incandescent acetylene, + calorific power of gases, + colour of incandescent acetylene, + composition of mantles, + durability of mantles, + heat production in generators, + illuminating power of carburetted acetylene, + of incandescent acetylene, + oil of mustard, + silicon in crude acetylene, +Caro and Saulmann, "Calcidum," +Carriage, cost of, and artificial lighting, +Cartridges of carbide, +Cast-iron pipe for acetylene, +Castor oil for acetylene joints, +Catani, temperature of acetylene flame, +Caustic potash purifier, +Cedercreutz, yield of gas from carbide, + and Lunge, purification, +Ceilings, blackening of, +Ceria, proportion of, in mantles, +Cesspools for residues, +Chandeliers, hydraulic, for acetylene, +Charcoal and chlorine purifier, +Charging generators after dark, + at irregular intervals, +Chassiron lighthouse, +Chemical formulć, meaning of, +Chemical reactions and heat, + of acetylene, +Chimneys for stoves, &c., + glass, for burners, +Chloride of lime. See <i>Bleaching-powder</i> +Chlorine and acetylene, compounds of, + and charcoal purifier, + in acetylene, +Chromic acid purifier, +Cigars, lighted, danger of, +Claude and Hess, dissolved acetylene, +Coal-gas, enrichment of, with acetylene, + illuminating power of, + impurities in, + vitiation of air by, +Cocks, hand-worked, in generators, +Coefficient of expansion of acetone, + air, + dissolved acetylene, + gaseous acetylene, + liquid acetylene, + simple gases, +Coefficient of friction of acetylene, + of coal-gas, +Coke filters for acetylene, +Cold, effect of, on acetylene, + on air-gas, + on carburetted acetylene, + on generation, +Colour judging by acetylene, + of acetylene flame, + of air-gas flame, +Colour of atmospheric acetylene flame, + of coal-gas flame, + of electric light, + of incandescent acetylene flame, + of spent carbide, +Combustion of acetylene, + deposit from, +Composition pipe for acetylene, +Compounds, endo- and exo-thermic, + explosive, of acetylene and copper, +"Compounds," of phosphorus and sulphur, + silicon, +Compressed acetylene, +Condensed matter in pipes, removal of, +Condensers, +Connexions, flexible, for acetylene, +Construction of generators, principles of, + regulations as to, +Contact generators, +Convection of heat, +Cooking-stoves, +Copper acetylide, + (alloyed) in acetylene apparatus, + (unalloyed) in acetylene apparatus, + and acetylene, reactions between, + carbides, + chloride purifier +Corrosion in apparatus, + avoidance of, +Corrosive sublimate purifier, + as test for phosphorus +Cost of acetylene lighting, +Cotton-wool filters for acetylene, +Council, Orders in. See <i>Orders in Council</i> +Counterpoises for rising holders, +Couples, galvanic, +Coward. See <i>Dixon</i> +Critical pressure and temperature of acetylene, +Crushing of carbide, +"Cuprene," +Cuprous chloride purifier, +Cycle lamps, + burners for, + dilute alcohol for, +Cylinders for absorbed acetylene, + + + +D + + + +Davy, addition of chlorine to acetylene, +Davy's lamp for generator sheds, +Decomposing vessels. See <i>Carbide containers</i> +Decomposition of acetylene, + of carbide, See <i>Calcium carbide (decomposition of)</i> +De Forcrand, heat of formation of carbide, +Density. See <i>Specific gravity</i> +Deposit at burner orifices, + on reflectors from combustion of acetylene, +Deterioration of carbide in air, +Diameter of pipes and explosive limits, +Diaphragms, flexible, in generators, +Diffusion through gasholder seals, +Diluted acetylene, +Dimensions of mains and pipes, +Dipping generators, +Displacement gasholders. See <i>Holders (displacement)</i> +Dissociation of acetylene, + carbon dioxide, + water vapour, +Dissolution of acetylene, depression of freezing-point by, + of gas in generators, +Dissolved acetylene, +Dixon and Coward, ignition temperature of acetylene, + of various gases, +Dolan burners, +Doors of generator sheds, +Drainage of mains, +Drake burners, +Driers, chemical, +Dripping generators, +Drums of carbide, +Dry process of generation, +Dufour, addition of air to acetylene, +"Dummies" in gasholder tanks, +Dust and incandescent lighting, + in acetylene, + carbide, + + + +E + + + +Effusion of gases, +Eitner, explosive limits of acetylene, + and Keppeler, estimation of phosphine, + phosphorus in crude acetylene, +Electric lamps in generator sheds, + lighting, cost, and efficiency of, +Elta burner, +Endothermic compounds, + nature of acetylene, +Engines, use of acetylene in, +Enrichment, value of acetylene for, + with acetylene, +épurčne purifying material, +Equations, chemical, meaning of, +Erdmann, acetylene as a standard of light, + colour of acetylene flame, + production of alcohol, +Ethylene, formation of from acetylene, + heats of formation and combustion of, + ignition temperature of, +Exhaustion of air by flames, +Exothermic compounds, +Expansion of gaseous acetylene, coefficient of, + of liquid acetylene coefficient of, + various coefficients of, +Explosibility of carbide, +Explosion of chlorine and acetylene, + of compressed acetylene, +Explosive compounds of acetylene and copper, + effects of acetylene dissociation, + limits, meaning of term, + of acetylene, + of various gases, + nature of acetylene, + wave, speed of, in gases, +Expulsion of air from mains, + + + +F + + + +Faced joints for acetylene, +Falk, Stadelmann and Co., boiling-ring, + burners, + cycle-lamp burner, +Ferric hydroxide purifier, +Féry, temperature of flames, + and Violle, acetylene as standard of light, +Filters for acetylene, +Filtration, +Fire Offices Committee Regulations (British), + risks of acetylene apparatus, + carbide, + flame illuminants, + Underwriters, United States, Regulations, +"Firing back" in incandescent burners, + self-luminous burners, +Fish, action of lime on, +Fittings for acetylene, quality of, +Flame, colour of, air-gas, + atmospheric acetylene, + coal-gas, + incandescent, acetylene, + self-luminous acetylene, +Flame illuminants, risk of fire with, + of acetylene containing air, + steadiness of acetylene, +Flame temperature of acetylene, + temperature of various gases, +Flames, distortion of, by solid matter, + effect of air on, + nitrogen on, + evolution of heat in, + light in, + jumping of, + liberation of carbon from, + loss of heat from, + shading of acetylene, + size of, +Flare lamps, +Flash-point of paraffin, +Flexible connexions for acetylene, +Floats in holder seals, +Flooded-compartment generators, +Flow of gases in pipes, +Flues for heating burners, +Fog, transmission of light through, +Forbes burner, +Foreign regulations, +Formulć, meaning of chemical, +Fouché, absorbed acetylene, + burner, + dissolved acetylene, + illuminating power of acetylene air mixtures, + incandescent acetylene, + liquid acetylene, + oxy-acetylene blowpipe, +Fournier. See <i>Maneuvrier</i> +Fowler, enrichment of oil-gas, +Fraenkel, deposit on reflectors from combustion of acetylene, + silicon in acetylene, +France, regulations of the Conseil d'Hygične de la Seine, + village acetylene mains in, +Frank, freezing-point of calcium chloride solutions, + preparation of black pigment, + purifier, +Frankoline, +Freezing of generators, + of holder seals, +Freezing of portable lamps, + of pressure-gauges, +Freezing-point, depression of by dissolution of acetylene, + of calcium chloride solutions, + of dilute alcohol, + of dilute glycerin, +Freund and Mai, copper acetylide, +Friction of acetylene, coefficient of, + coal-gas, coefficient of, + gas in pipes, +Frost, effect of, on air-gas, + on carburetted acetylene, +Froth, lime, in acetylene, +Frothing in generators, +Fuchs and Schiff, olive oil, +Furnace gases for removing air from pipes, + + + +G + + + +Gallon, American, value of, +Galvanic action, +Garelli and Falciola, depression of freezing-point by dissolution of + acetylene, +Gas barrel for acetylene, objection to, + drying of, + engines, acetylene for, + escape of, from generators, + firing, effects of, + volumes, correction of, for temperature and pressure, + yield of, from carbide, + determining, + standard, +Gases, calorific value of, + effusion of, + explosive limits of, + flame temperature of, + illuminating power of, + inflammable properties of, + speed of explosive wave in, + temperature of ignition of, +Gasfitters' paint, +Gasholders. See <i>Holders</i> +Gatehouse, F. B., test-papers, + J. W., estimation of phosphine, +Gaud, blocking of burners, + polymerisation of acetylene, +Generation, dry process of, +Generating plant, regulations as to construction of, +Generator impurities in acetylene, + pressure, utilisation of, + sheds, + lighting of, + smoking in, + water, addition of bleaching-powder to, + of petroleum spirit to, +Generators and holders, isolation of, + attention needed by, +Generators, charging after dark, + chemical reactions in, + construction of, + copper in, + corrosion in, + dissolution of gas in, + effect of tarry matter in, + escape of gas from, + failure of, + for analytical purposes, + for welding, + frothing in, + frozen, thawing of, + gauge of sheet-metal for, + heat dissipation in, + economy in, + produced in, + high temperatures and impurities in, + instructions for using, + joints in, making, + "lagging" for, + lead solder in, + materials for construction of, + maximum pressure in, + output of gas from, + overheating in, + polymerisation in, + pressure in, + protection of, from frost, + purchase of, + regulations as to, + American (National Board of Fire Underwriters), + Austrian Government, + British Acetylene Association, + Fire Offices Committee, + Home Office Committee(1901), + French (Council d' Hygiene de la Seine), + German Acetylene Association, + Hungarian Government, + Italian Government, + responsibility for accidents with, + selection of, + temperatures in, + typical, + vent-pipes for, + waste-pipes for, + water-jackets for, + water-scale in, +Generators (automatic), + advantages of, + carbide-to-water, + definition of, + flexible diaphragms for, + holders of, + interlocking in, + mechanism for, + pressure thrown by, + speed of reaction in, + store of gas in, + supply of water to, + use of oil in, + water-to-carbide, + worked by holder bell, + by pressure, +Generators (carbide-to-water), + advantages of, + frothing of, + grids for, + loss of gas in, + maximum temperature in, + pressure in, + quantity of water required by, +Generators (contact), + (dipping), + temperatures in, + (dripping), + temperatures in, + (flooded compartment), + (non-automatic), + advantages of, + carbide-to-water, + hand-charging of, + water required for, + definition of, + speed of reaction in, + water-to-carbide, + (portable), + (shoot), + (water-to-carbide), + overheating in, + with carbide in excess, + with water in excess, +Gerard, silicon in crude acetylene, +Gerdes, acetylene copper, +German Acetylene Association. (See <i>Acetylene Association, German</i> +Gin, heat of formation of carbide, +Glassware, for burners, +Glow-lamps, electric, in generator sheds, +Glucose for treatment of carbide, +Glycerin for holder-seals, + for wet meters, +Governor, displacement holder as, +Governors, +Graham, effusion of gases, +Gramme-molecules, +Granjon, illuminating power of self-luminous burners, + phosphine in acetylene, + pressure, + purifier, +Granulated carbide. See <i>Calcium carbide, (granulated)</i> +Graphite, artificial, production of, +Grease for treatment of carbide, +Grids for carbide-to-water generators, + in purifiers, +Grittner, acetylene, and copper, +Guides for rising holders, +Güntner burner, + + + +H + + + +Haber, effect of heat on acetylene, +Haldane, toxicity of sulphuretted hydrogen, +Hammcrschmidt, correction of gas volumes, + and Sandmann, milk of lime, +Hannam's Ltd., burners, +Hartmann, acetylene flame, +Haze, on combustion of acetylene, +Heat absorbed during change of physical state, + action on acetylene. See <i>Overheating</i> + carbide, + and temperature, difference between, + conducting power of carbide + iron and steel, + water, + convected, + developed by acetylene lighting, + coal-gas lighting, + electric lighting, + paraffin lighting, + dissipation of, in generators, + economy in generators, + effect of, on acetylene. (See <i>Overheating</i>) + on burners, + evolution of, in flames, + expansion of gaseous acetylene by, + liquid acetylene by, + from acetylene, production of, + latent. See <i>Latent heat</i> + loss of, from flames, + of chemical reactions, + of combustion of acetylene, + carbon, + carbon monoxide, + ethylene, + of formation of acetylene, + calcium carbide, + hydroxide, + oxide, + carbon dioxide, + monoxide, + ethylene, + water, + of hydration of calcium oxide, + of reaction between carbide and calcium hydroxide, + between carbide and water, + of solution of calcium hydroxide, + of vaporisation of carbon, + water, + radiant, + specific. See <i>Specific heat</i> +Heating apparatus for generator sheds, +Hefner unit, +Heil, atmospheric acetylene flame, + carburetted acetylene, +Heise, acetylene flame, +Hempel, enrichment of coal-gas, +Heratol, +Hess. See <i>Claude</i> +Hexachlorethane, production of, +High houses, supply of acetylene to, +Holder-bells, for testing mains, + supplying water to automatic generators, + weighting of, +Holder-seals, freezing of, + level of liquid in, + liquids in, + and pressure, + solubility of acetylene in, + use of floats in, + liquids in, for decomposing carbide, + oil in, + water in, for washing the gas, +Holders (gas) and generators, isolation of, + and pressure, relationship between, + and purifiers, relative position of, + exposed, roofs over, + false interiors for, + freezing of, + gauge of sheet-metal for, + loss of pressure in, + moistening of gas in, + of automatic generators, + preservation of, from corrosion, + situation of, + size of, + vent-pipes for, + value of, +Holders (displacement), + action of, + pressure given by, + (rising), + guides and counterpoises for, + pressure thrown by, + equalisation of, + tanks for, +Home Office, maximum pressure permitted by, + prohibition of air in acetylene by, + Committee, 1901, recommendations, + report, +Home Secretary's Orders. See <i>Orders in Council</i> +Hoxie. See <i>Stewart</i>, +Hubou, acetylene black, +Hungarian rules for apparatus, +Hydraulic pendants for acetylene, +Hydrocarbons formed by polymerisation, + illuminating power of, + volatile, names of, +Hydrochloric acid in purified acetylene, +Hydrogen and acetylene, reactions between, + effect of, on acetylene flame, + ignition temperature of, + in acetylene, + liberated by heat from acetylene, + silicide in crude acetylene, +Hygienic advantages of acetylene, + + + +I + + + +Ice, reaction between carbide and, +Ignition temperature of acetylene, + various gases, +Illuminating power and illuminating effect, + definition of, + of acetylene, after storage, + carburetted, + effect of air on, + incandescent, + nominal, + self-luminous, + of acetylene-oil-gas, + of air-gas, + of polymerised acetylene, + of candles, + of coal-gas, + of electric lamps, + of hydrocarbons, various, + of paraffin, +Illumination, amount of, required in rooms, + of lighthouses, + of optical lanterns, +Impurities in acetylene, carbide, + detection and estimation of, + effect of, on air, + generator, + harmfullness of, + water soluble, + See also <i>Ammonia</i> and <i>Sulphuretted hydrogen</i> + in coal-gas, + in purified acetylene, + maximum limits of, +Incandescent acetylene, + burners. See <i>Burners (incandescent)</i> + mantles, +Inertness of carbide, +Inflaming-point of acetylene, +Inflammability, spontaneous, +Installations, new, removal of air from, +Interlocking of automatic generators, +Iron and acetylene, reactions between, + and steel, heat-conducting power of, + silicide in carbide, +Insecticide, carbide residues as, +Isolation of apparatus parts, +Intensity, specific, of acetylene light, + of oil light, +Italian Government rules, + + + +J + + + +Jackets for generators, +Jacob, Gebrüder, burner, +Jacobs. See <i>Bradley</i> +Jaubert, arsenious oxide purifier, +Javal burners, + blocking of, + purifier, +Jet photometer of acetylene, +Joint-making in generators, + pipes, + + + +K + + + +Keller and Knappich burner, +Keppeler, lead chromate in acagine, +Keppeler, purification, + silicon in acetylene, + test-papers, + See also <i>Eitner</i> +Kerosene. See <i>Paraffin oil</i> +Klinger, vent-pipes, +Knappich burner, +Kona burner, +Konette cycle-lamp burner, + + + +L + + + +La Belle boiling ring, +Labour required in acetylene lighting, +Lagging for generators, +Lamps for generator sheds + paraffin, + portable, + acetone process for, +Landolt-Börnstein, solubility of acetylene in water, +Landriset. See <i>Rossel</i> +Lantern, optical, illumination of, +Latent heat, +Lead chromate in bleaching-powder, + objection to, in generators, + pipes for acetylene, + salts in bleaching-powder, + wire, &c., for faced joints, +Leakage of acetylene, +Leaks, search for, +Le Chatelier, explosive limits, + temperature of acetylene flame, + thermo-couple +Leduc, specific gravity of acetylene, +Lépinay, acetylene for engines, +Level alteration and pressure in mains, +Lewes, ammonia in crude acetylene, + blocking of burners, + haze, + heat of decomposition of carbide, + production in generators, + illuminating power of acetylene, + phosphorus in crude acetylene, + polymerisation of acetylene, + presence of hydrogen and carbon monoxide in acetylene, + reaction between carbide and calcium hydroxide, + silicon in crude acetylene, + temperature of acetylene flame, +Lewes and Brame, manganese carbide, +Lidholm, estimation of phosphine, +Lifebuoys, acetylene for, +Lifetime of burners, + mantles, +Lifting power of acetylene in holders, +Light, acetylene as a standard of, + colour of acetylene, incandescent, + self-luminous, + evolution of, in flames, + from acetylene, production of, + transmission of through fog, +Lights, single, disadvantages of, + strong and weak, comparison between, +Lighthouse illumination, +Lighting by acetylene, scope of, + of generator sheds, +Lime dust in acetylene, + reaction with sodium carbonate, + sludge. See <i>Residues</i> + solubility of, in sugar solutions, + water, solubility of gas in, +Lime-light, acetylene for the, +Limits, explosive, of acetylene, +Lindé-air, +Linseed oil for acetylene joints, +Liquid acetylene, properties of, + condensation in pipes, + in holder-seals and pressure, + in pressure-gauge, +Liquids, corrosive action of, on metals, + for seals, + purification by, + solubility of acetylene in, +Locomotive lighting, +Loss of gas in generators, + of pressure in holders, + in mains, + in purifiers, + on distribution, +Love, enrichment by acetylene, +Lubricating oil for seals, +Luminous burners. See <i>Burners, self-luminous</i> +Lunge and Cedercreutz, determination of phosphorus in acetylene, + purification, +Luta burner, +Lutes for holders. See <i>Seals</i> + + + +M + + + +Mahler, temperature of flames, +Mai and Freund, copper acetylide, +Mains, deposition of liquid in, + diameter of, and explosive limits, + dimensions of, + escapes from, + friction in, + laying of, + lead, + quality of, + removing air from, + testing of, +Make of acetylene from carbide, + in generators, +Manchester burners, +Maneuvrier and Fournier, specific heat of acetylene, +Manganese carbide, +Mantles for acetylene, +Manure for generator protection, +Manurial value of generator residue, +Maquenne. See <i>Bullier</i> +Marsh gas, enrichment with acetylene, + formed from acetylene, +Matignon. See <i>Berthelot</i>, +Mauricheau-Beaupré, épurčne, + estimation of phosphine, + frothing in generators, + phosphine in acetylene, + silicon in acetylene, +Mechanism for automatic generators, +Mercaptans in acetylene, +Mercuric chloride purifier, + test for phosphorus, +Merck test-papers, +Metals for generators, + gauge of, +Meters for acetylene, +Methane, enrichment with acetylene, + formed from acetylene, + ignition temperature of, +Methylated spirit for generators, + for holder seals, +Meyer and Münch, ignition temperatures, +Mildew in vines, use of acetylene in, +Milk of lime, solubility of acetylene in, +Mineral oil for lighting. (See <i>Paraffin oil</i>) + for seals, +Miner's lamp for generator sheds, +Mist, transmission of light through, +Mixter, thermo-chemical data, +Mixtures of acetylene and air, + illuminating duty of, +Moisture, effect of, on carbide, + in acetylene, +Molecular volume of acetylene, + weight of acetylene, + weights, various, +Molet-Boistelle acetylene-air mixture, +Morel, formula for acetylene pipes, + sodium plumbate purifier, + specific heat of acetylene, + of carbide, +Mosquitoes, destruction of, +Moths, catching of, +Motion of fluids in pipes, +Motors, acetylene for, +Münch. See <i>Meyer</i> +Münsterberg, acetylene flame, +Mustard, oil of, + + + +N + + + +Naphey burners, +Naphthalene, formation of, from acetylene, +Neuberg, illuminating power of acetylene, + radiant efficiency of acetylene, +Nieuwland, mixtures of acetylene and chlorine, +Nichols, illuminating power of acetylene after storage, + temperature of acetylene flame, +Nickel and acetylene, reactions between, +Nipples, burner, materials for, +Nitrides in carbide, +Nitrogen in flames, effect of, +Non-automatic generators. See <i>Generators (non-automatic)</i> +Non-luminous acetylene flame, appearance of, + burners. See <i>Burners (atmospheric)</i> +Non-return valves, + + + +O + + + +O. C. A. burner, +Odour of acetylene, +Oil, action of, on carbide, + castor, for acetylene joints, + in generators, + in residues, + in seals, + linseed, for acetylene joints, + mustard, + olive, for seals, + (See also <i>Paraffin oil</i>) +Olive oil for seals, +Oil-gas, enrichment of, +Optical efficiency of acetylene, +Orders in Council, air in acetylene, + compression of absorbed acetylene, + acetylene-oil-gas, + neat acetylene, +Origin of petroleum, +Orka burner, +Ortloff, friction of acetylene, +Overheating in generators, + See also <i>Polymerisation</i> +Oxide of iron purifier, +Oxy-acetylene blowpipe, +Oxygen required for combustion of acetylene, + of benzene, + combustion of acetylene with, + flames burning in, + + + +P + + + +Paint, cause of frothing in generators, + gas-fitters', +Paraffin oil, + action of, on carbide, + flash-point of, + illuminating power of, + in residues, + lamps, + lighting, effect of on air, + heat developed by, + quality of different grades of, + use of in automatic generators, + seals, +Paraffin wax, treatment of carbide with, +Partial pressure, +Pendants, water-slide for acetylene, +Petroleum oil. See <i>Paraffin oil</i> + spirit, addition of, to generator water, + composition of, + for carburetted acetylene, + spirits, nomenclature of, + theory of origin of, +Pfeiffer, purifier, +Pfleger, puratylene, +Phenol, production of, from acetylene, +Phôs burners, +Phosphine, cause of deposit at burner orifices, + composition of, + in crude acetylene, + amount of, + toxicity of, +Phosphoretted hydrogen. See <i>Phosphine</i> +Phosphorus and incandescent mantles, + "compounds," + in crude acetylene, + in purified acetylene, + detection and determination of, + removal of, +"Phossy-jaw," +Photometer, jet of acetylene, +Phylloxera, use of acetylene for, +Physical properties of acetylene, +Pickering, freezing-points of calcium chloride solutions, +Pictet, freezing-points of dilute alcohol, + purification of acetylene, +Pintsch burners, +Pipes, blow-off. See <i>Vent-pipes</i> + diameter of, and explosive limits, + vent. See <i>Vent-pipes</i> (See also <i>Mains</i>) +Plant, acetylene, fire risks of, + order of items in, +Platinum in burners, +Poisonous nature of acetylene, +Pole, motion of fluids in pipes, + pressure thrown by holders, +Polymerisation, definition of, + of acetylene, + See also <i>Overheating</i> +Porous matter, absorption of acetylene in, +Portable lamps, + acetone process for, + temperature in, +Potassium bichromate purifier, + hydroxide purifier, + permanganate purifier, +Power from acetylene, production of, +Precautions with generators, + with new installations, +Presence of moisture in acetylene, +Pressure and leakage, + after explosions of acetylene, + atmospheric, + automatic generators working by, + correction of gas volumes for, + critical, of acetylene, + definition of (gas), + for incandescent burners, + self-luminous burners, + gauge, + liquid for, + given by displacement holders, + rising holders, + in generators, + utilisation of, + in mains and pipes, + in purifiers, loss of, + irregular, caused by vent-pipes, + maximum safe, for acetylene, + necessity for regular, + partial, + regulators. See <i>Governors</i> +Protection of generators from frost, + holders from frost, +Puratylene, +Purchase of a generator, + carbide, regulations as to, +Purification by liquids and solids, + in portable lamps, + necessary extent of, + reasons for, + regulations as to, + speed of, +Purified acetylene, chlorine in, + hydrochloric acid in, + phosphorus in, + sulphur in, +Purifiers and holder, relative positions of, + construction of, + duplication of, + exhaustion of, + foul, emptying of, + loss of pressure in, + mechanical, for acetylene, +Purifying materials, density of, + efficiency of, + quantity required, +Pyralid, destruction of the, + + + +Q + + + +Quality of carbide, regulations as to, +Quicklime. See <i>Calcium oxide</i> + + + +R + + + +Radiant efficiency of acetylene, + heat, +Railway lighting by acetylene, +Ramie mantles for acetylene, +Range of explosibility, meaning of term, + of acetylene, +Rat-tail burner, +Reactions between copper and acetylene, + chemical, of acetylene, + physical, of acetylene, +Reaction grids in generators, +Read and Jacobs. See <i>Bradley</i> +Rod lead for acetylene joints, +Regulations, American (National Board of Fire Underwriters of U.S.A.), + Austrian Acetylene Association, + Government, + British Acetylene Association, + Fire Offices Committee, + Home Office Committee (1901), + for analysis of carbide, + for construction of generating plant, + for generators, + for purification, + for sale and purchase of carbide, + for sampling carbide, + for storing carbide, + French (Conseil d'Hygične de la Seine), + German Acetylene Association, + Hungarian Government, + Italian Government, +Residue from dry process of generation, +Residues, carbide in, + colour of, + composition of, + consistency of, + disposal of, + containing oil, + manurial value of, + utilisation of, +Respiration of acetylene, +Reversibility of reaction between calcium oxide and water, +Reychler. See <i>Bergé</i> +Rising holders. See <i>Holders (rising)</i> +Rossel and Landriset, ammonia in crude acetylene, + purifier, + sulphur in crude acetylene, +Roofs over exposed holders, +Rooms, amount of illumination required in, +Rubber tubes for acetylene, +Ruby for burners, +Rules. See <i>Regulations</i> + + + +S + + + +Safety lamp, Davy's, for generator sheds, + valves. See <i>Vent-pipes</i> +Sale of carbide, regulations as to, +Salt, common, in holder-seals, +Salzbergwerk Neu Stassfurt, production of tetrachlorethane, +Sampling carbide, +Sandmann. See <i>Hammerschmidt</i> +Sansair burner, +Saulmann. See <i>Caro</i> +Sawdust in bleaching-powder, +Scale, water, in generators, +Scented carbide, +Schiff. See <i>Fuchs</i> +Schimek burner, +Schwander, carburetted acetylene, +Schwarz burners, +Seal-pots, +Seals (holder). See <i>Holder-seals</i> +Seams in generator-making, +Self-luminous burners. See <i>Burners (self-luminous)</i> +Sensible heat, +Separation of holder from generator, +Service-pipes. See <i>Mains</i> +Shoot generators, +Silicon compounds, + in acetylene, + in carbide, +Sirius burner, +Slaked lime. See <i>Calcium hydroxide</i> +Sludge. See <i>Residues</i> +Sludge-cocks, automatic locking of, +Sludge-pipes, blocked, clearance of, +Smell of crude and purified acetylene, +Smith, purification, +Smoke, production of, by flames, +Smoking, danger of, in generator sheds, +Soap, use of, in testing pipes, +Soda, washing, for decomposing carbide, +Sodium acetate solution for generator jackets, +Sodium carbonate and lime, reaction between, + crystallised, for decomposing carbide, + chloride for holder-seals, + solubility of acetylene in, + hypochlorite purifier, + plumbate purifier, + sulphate in bleaching-powder, +Soil, carbide residues as dressing for, +Solder in generators, +Soldering, autogenous, +Solids containing water, decomposition of carbide by, + purification by, +Solubility of acetylene, + in generators, + in holders, + in liquids, +Soot, production by, of flames, +Space occupied by purifying materials, +Sparks from steel tools, danger of, +Specific gravity and holder pressure, + leakage, + of acetylene, dissolved, + gaseous, + liquid, + of air, + of carbide, + of gases, and burner construction, + of water, + heat of acetylene, + of carbide, + heats, various, + intensity. See <i>Intensity, specific</i> +Speed of reactions between carbide, water, and calcium hydroxide, + of purification, +Spent lime. See <i>Residues</i> +Spontaneous inflammability, +Spraying apparatus, +Stable manure for warming generators, +Stadelmann burners, +Standard of illumination in rooms, + of light, acetylene as, +Steam, latent heat of, use of, + specific heat of, + reaction between carbide and, +Steam-barrel for acetylene mains, +Steatite for burners, +Steel, heat-conducting power of, + tools, danger of +Sterilisation of air by flames, +Stewart and Hoxie, radiant efficiency of acetylene, +Storage regulations for carbide, +vessels for carbide, temporary, +Styrolene. formation of, from acetylene, +Suckert. See <i>Willson</i> +Suffocation by acetylene, +Sugar solutions, solubility of lime in, +Sulphur "compounds," + in coal-gas, + in crude acetylene, + in purified acetylene, + removal of, +Sulphuretted hydrogen, solubility of, in water, + toxicity of, +Sulphuric acid and acetylene, reactions between + as purifying material, +Superficial area in purifiers, +Supply of water to automatic generators, +Suprenia burners, +Swelling of carbide during decomposition, +Symbols, chemical, meaning of, +Syphons for removing water, + + + +T + + + +Table-lamps, acetone process for, +Tabular numbers, +Tanks for rising holders, construction of, +"Tantalus Cup," +Taps for acetylene pipes, +Tar, cause of frothing in generators, +Tarry matter in generators, +Telescopic gasholders. <i>See Holder (rising)</i> +Temperature and heat, difference between, + correction of volumes for, + critical, of acetylene, + high, effect of, on acetylene. See <i>Polymerization</i> + of acetylene blowpipe, + flame, + of dissociation of acetylene, + of ignition of acetylene, + various gases, + of reaction between carbide and calcium hydroxide, + between carbide and water, +Temperatures in generators, + calculation of, + determination of, +Tension of liquid acetylene, +Test-papers, +Tetrachlorethane, production of, +Tetrachloride, acetylene, production of, +Thawing of frozen apparatus, +Thermo-chemical data, +Thermo-couple, Le Chatelier's, +Thomson, radiant efficiency of acetylene, + thermo-chemical data, +Tools, steel or iron, danger of, +Town supplies, +Toxicity of acetylene, + of sulphur and phosphorus compounds, +Train-lighting by acetylene, +Treated carbide. See <i>Calcium carbide (treated)</i> +Trondol burner, +Tubes, diameter of, and explosive limits, +Tubes for acetylene. See <i>Mains</i> +Tubing, flexible, for acetylene, +Typical generators, + + + +U + + + +Ullmax purifier, +Unaccounted-for gas, +Underwriters, United States Fire, +United States. See <i>America</i> +Uses, sundry, for acetylene, + + + +V + + + +Valuation of carbide, +Value of acetylene, hygienic, + enriching, + pecuniary, + of purifying materials, +Valves, screw-down, for generators, +Vapour, water, in acetylene, objections to, + removal of, + value of, +Vehicular lamps, +Ventilation of generator sheds, +Vent-pipes, economy of, + for carbide vessels, + generators, + holders, + noise in, + position of mouths of, + size of, +Vibration and incandescent lighting, +Vieille, dissolved acetylene, +Vigouroux, silicon in acetylene, +Village installations, mains for, + leakage in, + supplies, +Villard, liquid acetylene, +Vines, treatment by acetylene of, for mildew and phylloxera, +Violle and Féry, acetylene as standard of light, +Vitiation of air by flames, +Volume, alteration of, on dissociation, + and weight of acetylene, + molecular, of acetylene, +Volume of acetylene passing through pipes, +Volumes, gas, correction for temperature and pressure, + + + +W + + + +Washers, oil, + water, +Waste-pipes of generators, +Water and calcium oxide, reaction between, + and carbide, heat of reaction between, + boiling-point, evolution of gas at, + condensation of, in pipes, + consumption of, in generators, + convection currents in, + freezing-point, evolution of gas at, + heat absorbed in warming, + conducting power of, + of formation of, + in excess, generators with, + in holders, freezing of, + use for decomposition, + use for washing, + jackets for generators, + quality of, for portable generators, + quantity required in carbide-to-water generators, + scale in generators, + solubility of acetylene in, + of impurities in, + of load in, + specific gravity of, + supply for automatic generators, + non-automatic generators, + yield of gas per unit of, +Water-gas, enrichment with acetylene, +Water-seals, as not-return valves, + setting water-level in, +Water-slide pendants for acetylene, +Water-soluble impurities in acetylene, + See also <i>Ammonia and Sulphuretted hydrogen</i> +Water-to-carbide generators. See <i>Generators (water-to-carbide)</i> +Water-vapour, dissociation of, + existence of, at low temperatures, + in acetylene, objections to, + removal of, + value of, + reaction between carbide and, +Weber burner, +Wedding, enrichment of coal-gas, +Weed-killer, carbide residues as, +Weight and volume of acetylene, +Weights, atomic, + molecular, +Welding, acetylene, +White lead, for acetylene joints, +Wiener burners, +Willgerodt, purification, +Willson and Suckert, liquid acetylene, +Windows in generator sheds, +Winter, manipulation of generators during, +Wöhler, addition of chlorine to acetylene, +Wolff, acetone in acetylene, + illuminating power of acetylene, + purifier, + silicon in acetylene, +Wonder burner, +Work done in actuating automatic generators, + + + +Y + + + +Yield of gas, deficient, cause of, + from carbide, + determining, + (British standard), + (German standard), + from water, + + + +Z + + + +Zenith burner, +</pre> + <h2> + <a name="linkindex2" id="index2">INDEX TO APPENDIX</a> + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +A + + + +"A" Generator (of Braby and Co., Ltd.), +"A1" generator (of Acetylene Corporation of Great Britain), +"A-to-Z" generator (of Acetylene Corporation of Great Britain), +Acetylene Corporation of Great Britain, +Acetylene Gas and Carbide of Calcium Co., +Acetylene Illuminating Co., Ltd., +"Acetylite" generator, +"Acétylithe" generator, +Acétylithe, Soc. An. de l', +Allen Co., +"Allen" Flexible-tube generator, +"Allen" purifying material, +American generators, +Applications de l'Acétylčne, La Soc. des., +Austrian generator, +Automatic generators, + + + +B + + + +"B" generator (of Braby and Co., Ltd.), +Belgian generators, +Bon Accord Acetylene Gas Co., +"Bon Accord" generator, +Braby, Frederick and Co., Ltd., +British generators, + + + +C + + + +Canadian generators, +Carbide-to-water generators, +"Carburlen" purifying material, +Chloride of lime purifying material, +Colt Co., J. G., +"Colt" generator, +Compartment, flooded, generator, +Contact generators, +Cork waste and wadding purifying material, +"Corporation Flexible Tube Generator," +"Curaze" purifying material, + + + +D + + + +"Dargue" generator, +Dargue Acetylene Gas Co., +Davis Acetylene Co., +"Davis" generator, +Debruyne, L., +Debruyne's generators, +Drawer generators, +Drip generator, +Drummond, J. and J., + + + +E + + + +English generators, + + + +F + + + +Flooded compartment generator, +Fittings, Ltd., +Frankoline purifying material, +French generators, + + + +G + + + +German generators, + + + +H + + + +Heratol, purifying material, + + + +I + + + +"Incanto" generator, +Irish generator, + + + +J + + + +"Javal" generator, + + + +K + + + +Keller and Knappich, G.m.b.H., +"Klenzal" purifying material, +Klinger, Rich., +Klinger's generator, +"Knappich" generator, + + + +L + + + +"L'Éclair" generator, +"L'Étoile" generator, +L'Hermite, +Lockerbie and Wilkinson, + + + +M + + + +Manchester Acetylene Gas Col., Ltd., +Mangiameli, Fr. and Co., +Moss, R. J. and Sons, + "Semi-Non-Auto" generator, + "Type A" generator, + "Type B" generator, + "Type C" generator, +Moyes Wm., and Sons, + + + +N + + + +Non-automatic generators, +Nordische Azetylen Industrie, + + + +O + + + +"Omega" generator, +Overberge, De Smet van, +"Owens" generator, +"Owens" purifying material, + + + +P + + + +Phôs Co., +"Phôs Type E" generator, +"Photolithe" generator, +Photolithe, Soc. An. Belg de la, +Pumice purifying material, +Puratylene purifying material, +Purifying material, "Allen," + "Carburylen," + chloride of lime, + coke and cotton, chemically treated, + cork waste and wadding, + "Curaze," + frankoline, + heratol, + "Klenzal," + "Owens," + pumice, + puratylene, + "Roscoline," + "Standard," + "Thorlite," + + + +R + + + +Rosco Acetylene Co., +"Rosco" generator, +"Roscoline" purifying material, +Rural Districts Gas Light Co., + + + +S + + + +St. James' Illuminating Co., Ltd., +Scotch generators, +Semi-automatic generator, +Siche Gas Co., Ltd., +"Siche" generator, +"Signal-Arm" generator, +"Sirius" generator, +Sirius, Maison, +Standard Acetylene Co., +"Standard" purifying material, +Sunlight Gas Machine Co., +Superposed pans or trays, + + + +T + + + +"Thorlite" generator, + purifying material, +Thorn and Hoddle Co., +"Thorscar" generator, +Trays, superposed, + + + +U + + + +United States generators, + + + +W + + + +Wadding and cork waste purifying material, +Water-to-carbide generators, +Weldhen and Bleriot, +Welsh generator, +"Westminster" generator, +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Acetylene, The Principles Of Its +Generation And Use, by F. 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