FIG. 29.--ACÉTYLITHE GENERATOR
Maker: L. DEBRUYNE, 22 PLACE MASUI, BRUSSELS.
Type: (1) Automatic; carbide-to-water.
The generating plant made by this firm, using granulated carbide, comprises an equalising gasholder E alongside a generating tank B, which is surmounted by a closed carbide receptacle A and a distributing appliance. The carbide receptacle is filled with granulated carbide and the lid N screwed down; the carbide is then withdrawn from the base of the receptacle by the distributing appliance and discharged in measured quantities as required into the water in the generating tank.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 H attached to the bell 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 J and seal-pot D, or bypass F, to the gasholder. The generating tank is provided with a funnel G for replacing the water consumed, a sludge-stirrer and a draw-off cock L, and a water-level cock C. The gas passes from the gasholder through a purifier K, charged with heratol, to the service-pipe.
FIG. 30.--L. DEBRUYNE'S GENERATING PLANT FOR GRANULATED CARBIDE
(2) Automatic; carbide-to-water.
The "Debruyne" generator comprises an equalising bell gasholder A placed alongside a generating tank B 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 C, 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 E attached to the bell G of the gasholder, which sets the mechanism in motion when the bell has fallen nearly to its lowest position. The lip L serves for renewing the water in the generator, and the gas evolved goes through the pipe K with tap F 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 J to the purifier H, charged with heratol, and thence to the service-pipe.
FIG. 3l.--THE 'DEBRUYNE' GENERATING PLANT FOR LUMP CARBIDE
Maker: DE SMET VAN OVERBERGE, ALOST.
Type: (1) Automatic; carbide-to-water.
This generating apparatus comprises an equalising gasholder A placed alongside a generating tank B, above which is mounted on a rotating spindle a series of chambers C, 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 D 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 E and having a weight F 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 G at the bottom of the generating tank. The gas passes from the gasholder through a purifier H, which is ordinarily charged with puratylene.
FIG. 32.--AUTOMATIC GENERATING PLANT OF DE SMET VAN OVERBERGE
(2) Non-automatic; carbide-to-water. This apparatus comprises a storage bell gasholder J placed alongside a generating tank in the top of which is a funnel E with a counter-weighted lever pivoted on the arm B. The base of the funnel is closed by a flap valve C hinged at D. When it is desired to generate gas the counter-weight A 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 G to the gasholder, whence it passes through a purifier to the service-pipe. There is a sludge-cock on the generating tank.
FIG. 33.--NON-AUTOMATIC GENERATING PLANT OF DE SMET VAN OVERBERGE
Maker: SOC. AN. BELGE DE LA PHOTOLITHE, 2 RUE DE HUY, LIÉGE.
Type: Automatic; carbide-to-water.
The "Photolithe" generating plant made by this firm comprises an equalising bell gasholder A in the tank O, alongside a generating tank B 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 b. Round the pulley passes a chain, one end of which carries a weight n, 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 b and therewith an arm d, 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 C into the generating tank B. The gas evolved passes through the cock R and the pipe T 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 f. The arm d 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 E, which is provided with a sludge draw-off cock S and a hand-hole P. Between the generating tank proper and the sludge receptacle is a grid, which is cleaned by means of a rake with handle L. The gas passes from the gasholder through a purifier H charged with puratylene, to the service-pipe.
FIG. 34.--'PHOTOLITHE' GENERATING PLANT
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.
FRANCE.
Maker: LA SOC. DES APPLICATIONS DE L'ACÉTYLÈNE, 26 RUE CADET, PARIS.
Type: Automatic; carbide-to-water.
The "Javal" generating plant made by this firm consists of an equalising bell gasholder A in the tank B with a series of buckets D, with removable bottoms h, mounted on a frame F round the guide framing of the holder. Alongside the gasholder stands the generating tank H with shoot K, into which the carbide discharged from the buckets falls. On top of the generator is a tipping water-bucket I supplied with water through a ball cock. The bell of the gasholder is connected by chains a and c, and levers b and d 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.
The carbide falling from the opened bucket strikes the end i of the lever k, and thereby tips the water-bucket 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, lifts the float L and therewith, through the attached rod and chain u, the ball s of the valve t. The sludge, which has accumulated in the base N 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 L has sunk to its original level. The gas evolved passes from the generator through the seal-pot M and the pipe r with cock q into the gasholder, from which it passes through the pipe x; with condensation chamber and discharge tap y into the purifier R, which is charged with heratol.
Maker: L'HERMITE, LOUVIERS, EURE.
Type: (1) Automatic; carbide-to-water.
The generating plant known as "L'Éclair," by this firm comprises an equalising bell gasholder A floating in an annular water-seal N, formed in the upper part of a generating tank B into which carbide enters through the shoot K. Mounted at the side of the tank is the carbide delivery device, which consists of the carbide containers J supported on an axis beneath the water-sealed cover H. The containers are filled with ordinary lump carbide when the cover H is removed. The tappet O 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 J. Each time the bell falls and the tappet strikes the pawl, one compartment of the carbide containers discharges its contents down the shoot K into the generating tank B. The gas evolved passes upwards and causes the bell A to rise. The gas is prevented from rising into the shoot by the deflecting plates G. The natural level of the water in the generating tank, when the apparatus is in use, is shown by the dotted lines L. The lime sludge is discharged from time to time through the cock E, being stirred up by means of the agitator C with handle D. When the sludge is discharged water is added through M to the proper level. The gas evolved passes from the holder through the pipe with tap F to the service-pipe. A purifier is supplied if desired.
FIG. 36.--'L'ÉCLAIR,' GENERATOR
References
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.
(2) Automatic; water-to-carbide; contact.
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.
Maker: MAISON SIRIUS, FR. MANGIAMELI & CO., 34 RUE DES PETITS- HÔTELS, PARIS.
Type: (1) Automatic; carbide-to-water.
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 A is divided into eight chambers a 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 B into the generating tank, which is filled with water to the level of the overflow cock b. A deflecting plate d in the tank distributes the carbide and prevents the evolved gas passing out by way of the funnel B. The gas evolved passes through the pipe O into the condenser, which is packed with coke, through which the gas goes to the pipe E and so to the washer P through the water, in which it bubbles and issues by the pipe G into the gasholder. The bell L of the gasholder is connected by a chain C to the axis of the drum A, 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 B. 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, 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 J, with cock e, to the purifier, which is charged with frankoline, puratylene, or other purifying material, whence it passes to the pipe N leading to the place of combustion. The generating tank is provided with a sludge-cock g, and a cleaning opening with lid f. 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.
(2) Automatic; carbide-to-water.
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.
GERMANY.
Maker: KELLER AND KNAPPICH, G.m.b.H., AUGSBURG.
Type: Non-automatic; carbide-to-water.
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).
FIG. 38.--'KNAPPICH' GENERATING PLANT
Maker: NORDISCHE AZETYLEN-INDUSTRIE; ALTONA-OTTENSEN.
Type: Automatic; water-to-carbide; "drawer."
The apparatus made by this firm consists of an equalising gasholder with bell D and tank E, a water-tank O, and two drawer generators C situated in the base of the gasholder tank. The water-supply from the tank O through the pipe P with valve Q is controlled by the rise and fall of the bell through the medium of the weight J attached to the bell. When the bell descends this weight rests on K and so moves a counter-weighted lever, which opens the valve Q. The water then flows through the nozzle B into one division of the funnel A 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 T and through the seal U into the bell of the gasholder. There is a safety pipe F, the upper end of which is carried outside the generator house. From the gasholder the gas is delivered through the cock M to a purifier charged with a special purifying material mixed with cork waste and covered with wadding. There is a drainage cock N at the base of the purifier. The nozzle B of the water-supply pipe is shifted to discharge into either compartment of the funnel A, 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.
FIG. 39.--GENERATING PLANT OF THE NORDISCHE AZETYLEN-INDUSTRIE
GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND.
Maker: THE ACETYLENE CORPORATION OF GREAT BRITAIN LTD., 49 VICTORIA STREET, LONDON, S.W.
Type: (1) Automatic; water-to-carbide; contact, superposed pans.
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. Into the generating chamber fit a number of pans J, which are charged with carbide. Water is supplied to the generating chamber from an overhead tank B through the starting tap D and the funnel E. 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 A, 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 C which, when the holder descends nearly to its lowest point, depresses the rod C, which is connected by a chain to a piston in the outlet-pipe from the water-tank B. The fall of the gasholder thereby raises the piston and allows water to flow out of the tank B through the tap D to the funnel E. The generating tank is connected by a pipe, with tap G, with the washer A, 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 A and renewing the water in the same. There is a sludge discharging tap F. 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 H by which the level of the water in the washer is automatically kept constant. The gasholder is provided with a safety-pipe K, 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 B 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 B 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.
FIG. 40.--THE 'A1' GENERATING PLANT OF THE ACETYLENE CORPORATION OF GREAT BRITAIN, LTD
(2) Automatic; water-to-carbide; contact.
The same firm also makes the "Corporation Flexible-Tube Generator," which is less costly than the "A1" (vide supra). 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.
(3) Automatic; water-to-carbide; "drawer."
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.
Maker: THE ACETYLENE GAS AND CARBIDE OF CALCIUM CO., PONTARDAWE, R.S.O., GLAM.
Type: Automatic; water-to-carbide; flooded compartment.
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.
Maker ACETYLENE ILLUMINATING CO, LTD, 268-270 SOUTH LAMBETH ROAD, LONDON, SW
Type (1) Non automatic, carbide to water
The generator A of this type made by this firm is provided with a loading box B, with gas tight lid, into which the carbide is put. It is then discharged by moving a lever which tilts the hinged bottom D of the box B, and so tips the carbide through the shoot E on to the conical distributor F and into the water in the generating chamber. There is a sludge cock G 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.
FIG. 42.--CARBIDE-TO-WATER GENERATOR OF THE ACETYLENE ILLUMINATING CO., LTD
(2) Non-automatic; water-to-carbide; contact.
The generator A 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 E to the washer B, which contains a distributor, and thence to the storage gasholder G. There is a sludge-cock F at the base of the generator. From the gasholder the gas passes through the purifier D, charged with heratol, to the service-pipe.
FIG. 43.--WATER-TO-CARBIDE GENERATING PLANT OF THE ACETYLENE ILLUMINATING CO., LTD
Maker: THE ALLEN CO., 106 VICTORIA STREET, LONDON, S.W.
Type: Automatic; water-to-carbide; contact, superposed trays.
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.
FIG. 44.--'ALLEN' FLEXIBLE-TUBE GENERATOR
Maker: THE BON-ACCORD ACETYLENE GAS CO., 285 KING STREET, ABERDEEN.
Type: Automatic; water-to-carbide; contact, superposed trays.
The "Bon Accord" generating plant made by this firm comprises an equalising displacement gasholder B immersed in a water-tank A. Alongside the tank are placed two water-jacketed generating chambers G1 and G2 containing cages K charged with carbide. Water passes from within the gasholder through the water inlet- pipes L1 L2, the cock H, and the pipes F1 F2 to the generating chambers, from which the gas evolved travels to the holder B, in which it displaces water until the water-level falls below the mouths of the pipes L1 and L2, and so cuts off the supply of water to the generating chambers. The gas passes from the holder B through the pipe with outlet-cock T 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 to show the amount of gas in the holder. One generator may be charged while the other is in action.
FIG. 45.--'BON-ACCORD' GENERATOR
Maker: FREDK. BRABY AND CO., LTD., ASHTON GATE WORKS, BRISTOL; AND 352-364 EUSTON ROAD, LONDON.
Type: (I) Automatic; carbide-to-water.
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 (1a) of the lids of the buckets in turn. There is fixed to the sides of the generator a funnel (13) with open bottom (13a) 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 (20a) and lower limb (20b), 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 (30a). 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.
FIG. 46.--THE 'A' GENERATOR OF FRED K. BRABY AND CO., LTD
(2) Automatic; water-to-carbide; contact, superposed trays.
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.
Maker: THE DARGUE ACETYLENE GAS CO., 57 GREY STREET, NEWCASTLE-ON- TYNE.
Type: Automatic; water-to-carbide; "drawer."
The "Dargue" acetylene generator made by this firm comprises an equalising bell gasholder B floating in a water-tank A, 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 E and pipe F 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 J to the second generating chamber. The taps G and H 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 L, terminating in the dip-pipe M, 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 N with main cock R to the service- pipes. The water-supply to the generator is controlled through the tap E, which is operated by a chain connected to an arm attached to the bell of the gasholder.
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 R. 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.
Maker: J. AND J. DRUMMOND, 162 MARKET STREET, ABERDEEN.
Type: Automatic; water-to-carbide; contact.
The generating plant made by this firm comprises two or more generating vessels B 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 A through a pipe C, in which is a tap F connected by a lever and chain L with the bell G of the equalising gasholder H, into which the evolved gas passes. The lever of the tap F is counter-weighted so that when the bell G descends the tap is opened, and when the bell rises the tap is closed. The gas passes from the generating chambers B through the pipe D to the washer-cooler E and thence to the gasholder. From the latter it passes through the dry purifier J 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.
FIG. 48.--J. AND J. DRUMMOND'S GENERATING PLANT
Agents: FITTINGS, LTD., 112 VICTORIA STREET, S.W.
Type: Automatic; carbide-to-water.
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.
Maker: LOCKERBIE AND WILKINSON, TIPTON, STAFFS.
Type: (1) Automatic; water-to-carbide; contact, superposed trays.
The "Thorscar" generator of this firm comprises an equalising gasholder, the gas-space of the bell B of which is reduced by conical upper walls. When the bell descends and this lining enters the water in the tank A the displacement of water is increased and its level raised until it comes above the mouths of the pipes E, through which a portion then flows to the generators D. 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 E 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 E. The generating chambers D are provided with movable cages F in which the carbide is arranged on trays. The gas evolved travels through a scrubbing-box G containing charcoal, and the pipe J with drainage-pipe P to the water-seal or washer K inside the holder, into which it then passes. The outlet-pipe for gas from the holder leads through the condensing coil L immersed in the water in the tank to the condensed water-trap N, and thence by the tap Q to the supply-pipe. The generating chambers are water-jacketed and provided with gauge-glasses H to indicate when recharging is necessary, and also with sludge-cocks M. 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."
FIG. 49.--'THORSCAR' GENERATOR
(2) Non-automatic; water-to-carbide; "drawer."
This generating plant, the "Thorlite," comprises a water-tank A from which water is admitted to the drawer generating chambers B, one of which may be recharged while the other is in operation. The gas evolved passes through a seal C to the gasholder D, whence it issues as required for use through the purifier E 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.
FIG. 50.--'THORLITE' GENERATING PLANT
Maker: THE MANCHESTER ACETYLENE GAS CO., LTD., ACRE WORKS, CLAYTON, MANCHESTER.
Type: Automatic; water-to-carbide; "drawer."
The plant made by this firm comprises an equalising gasholder A from the tank of which water is supplied to generating cylinders B 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 C carried by a chain D from one end of a lever E 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 C, coming upon the lever E, raises the rod F, which thereupon opens the valve G, which then allows water to flow from the gasholder tank through the pipe H 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 C and thus closes the water supply-valve G. The gas evolved passes through vertical condensers J into washing- boxes K, which are placed within the tank. The gas issues from the washing-boxes into the gasholder bell, whence it is withdrawn through the pipe L which leads to the purifier. Puratylene is the purifying material ordinarily supplied by this firm.
FIG. 51.--GENERATING PLANT OF THE MANCHESTER ACETYLENE GAS CO., LTD
Maker: R,. J. MOSS AND SONS, 98 SNOW HILL, BIRMINGHAM.
Type: (1) Automatic; water-to-carbide; superposed trays.
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.
FIG. 52.--'MOSS TYPE A' GENERATOR
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.
FIG. 53.--'MOSS TYPE B' GENERATOR
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.
FIG. 54.--'MOSS TYPE C' GENERATOR
(2) Semi-automatic; water-to-carbide; superposed trays.
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.
The original form of the "Acetylite" generator (vide infra) adapted for lantern use is also obtainable of R. J. Moss and Sons.
Maker: WM. MOYES AND SONS, 115 BOTHWELL STREET, GLASGOW.
Type: 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.
FIG. 55.--'ACETYLITE' GENERATOR
Maker: THE PHÔS CO., 205 AND 207 BALLS POND ROAD, LONDON, N. Type: Non-automatic; water-to-carbide; drip.
The type "E" generator made by this firm consists of a generating chamber placed below a water chamber having an opening with cap E for refilling. The generating chamber in closed by a door B, with rubber washer C, held in position by the rod A, the ends of which pass into slots, and the screw A'. The movable carbide chamber D has its upper perforated part half filled with carbide, which is pressed upwards by a spring D'. The carbide chamber when filled is placed in the generating chamber, which is closed, and the lever F of one of the taps F' 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.
FIG. 56.--'PHÔS TYPE E' GENERATOR
Maker: ROSCO ACETYLENE COMPANY, BELFAST.
Type: Non-automatic; carbide-to-water
The "Rosco" generating plant made by this firm comprises a generating tank A which is filled with water to a given level by means of the funnel-mouthed pipe B and the overflow O. On the top of the water-sealed lid of the generating tank is mounted the carbide feed-valve L, which consists of a hollow plug-tap with handle M. When the handle M 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 E on to the tray N in the water in the generating tank. The gas evolved passes through the scrubber and seal-pot J to the storage gasholder Q. From the latter the gas passes through the dry purifier T to the service-pipe. A sludge- cock P 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."
FIG. 57.--'ROSCO' GENERATING PLANT
Maker: THE RURAL DISTRICTS GAS LIGHT CO., 28 VICTORIA STREET, S.W.
Type: Automatic; water-to-carbide; contact, superposed trays.
The "Signal-Arm" generating apparatus made by this firm comprises a bell gasholder A, from the tank B of which water is supplied through a swivelled pipe C to a generating chamber D. 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 E 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 F 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 G, 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 H 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 J in the gas connexion, which, when the gasholder is shut off from the generator, brings the latter into communication with a vent-pipe K leading to the open. The gas passes from the holder to a chamber L 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.
FIG. 58.--'SIGNAL-ARM' GENERATING PLANT
Maker: ST. JAMES' ILLUMINATING CO., LTD., 3 VICTORIA STREET, LONDON, S.W.
Type: (1) Automatic; water-to-carbide; contact, superposed trays.
This plant consists of the generators A, the washer B, the equalising gasholder C, the purifier D, and the water-tank E. The carbide is arranged in baskets in the generators to which water is supplied from the cistern E through the pipe F. The supply is controlled by means of the valve H, which is actuated through the rod G by the rise and fall of the gasholder C. Gas travels from the gasholder through the purifier D to the service-pipe. The purifier is packed with heratol resting on a layer of pumice. The washer B contains a grid, the object of which is to distribute the stream of gas through the water. There is a syphon-pot J for the reception of condensed moisture. Taps K are provided for shutting off the supply of water from the generators during; recharging, and there is an overflow connexion L for conveying the water to the second generator as soon as the first is exhausted. There is a sludge-cock M at the base of each generator.
(2) Non-automatic; water-to-carbide; contact, superposed trays.
This resembles the preceding plant except that the supply of water from the cistern to the generators takes place directly through the pipe N (shown in dotted lines in the diagram) and is controlled by hand through the taps K. The automatic control-valve H and the rod G are omitted. The gasholder C is increased in size so that it becomes a storage holder capable of containing the whole of the gas evolved from one charging.
FIG. 59.--GENERATING PLANT OF THE ST. JAMES' ILLUMINATING CO., LTD. (SECTIONAL ELEVATION AND PLAN.)
Maker: THE STANDARD ACETYLENE CO., 123 VICTORIA STREET, LONDON, S.W.
Type: (1) Non-automatic; carbide-to-water.
This plant comprises the generator A, the washer B, the storage gasholder C, and the purifier D. 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 P. 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 G. The gas passes from the generator through the pipe H into the washer B, and after bubbling through the water therein goes by way of the pipe K into the gasholder C. The syphon- pot E is provided for the reception of condensed moisture, which is removed from time to time by the pump M. From the gasholder the gas flows through the valve R to the purifier D, whence it passes to the service-pipes. The purifier is charged with material supplied under the proprietary name of "Standard."
FIG. 60.--CARBIDE-TO-WATER GENERATING PLANT OF THE STANDARD ACETYLENE CO
(2) Automatic; water-to-carbide; contact, superposed trays.
This plant comprises the generators A, the washer B, the equalising gasholder C, the purifier D, and the water-tank E. The carbide is arranged on a series of wire trays in each generator, to which water is supplied from the water-tank E through the pipe Y and the control-tap U. The gas passes through the pipes H to the washer B and thence to the holder C. The supply of water to the generators is controlled by the tap U which is actuated by the rise and fall of the gasholder bell through the rod F. The gas passes, as in the non-automatic plant, through a purifier D to the service-pipes. Taps W are provided for cutting off the flow of water to either of the generators during recharging and an overflow pipe h serves to convey the water to the second generator as soon as the carbide in the first is exhausted. A sludge-cook G is put at the base of each generator.
FIG. 61.--AUTOMATIC, WATER-TO-CARBIDE GENERATING PLANT OF THE STANDARD ACETYLENE CO
(3) Non-automatic; water-to-carbide; contact, superposed-trays.
This apparatus resembles the preceding except that the supply of water to the generators is controlled by hand through the taps W, the control valve U being omitted, and the gasholder C being a storage holder of sufficient dimensions to contain the whole of the acetylene evolved from one charging.
Maker: THORN AND HODDLE ACETYLENE CO., 151 VICTORIA STREET, S.W.
Type: Automatic; water-to-carbide; "drawer."
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.
Maker: WELDREN AND BLERIOT, 54 LONG ACRE, LONDON, W.C.
Type: Automatic; contact.
This firm supplies the "Acétylithe" apparatus (see Belgium).