  A new art of procuring artificial light, which consists in burning the gazeous fluid obtained by distillation from common pit-coal, has of late engaged the attention of the public, under the name of gas-light. The encouragement that has been given for some years past by the legislature to this system of lighting, has induced certain individuals to apply the coal-gas light for the illumination of streets, houses, roads, and public edifices. And it is sufficiently known that a company has been incorporated by charter under the name of the “Gas Light and Coke Company,” to apply this new art of procuring light, by The power and authorities granted to this corporate body are very restricted and moderate. The individuals composing it have no exclusive privilege; their charter does not prevent other persons from entering into competition with them. Their operations are confined to the metropolis where they are bound to furnish not only a stronger and better light to such streets and parishes as chuse to be lighted with gas, but also at a cheaper price than shall be paid for lighting the said streets with oil in the usual manner. The corporation is not permitted to traffic in machinery for manufacturing or conveying the gas into private houses, their capital or joint stock is limited to 200,000l. and His Majesty has the power of declaring the gas-light charter void, if the company fail to fulfil the terms of it. THEORY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of 110 tons of cannel coal | £125 |
| Ditto of 40 tons of common ditto, to carbonise | 20 |
| In all | 145 |
| Deduct the value of 70 tons of coke | 93 |
| The annual expenditure in coal, after deducting the value of the coke, and without allowing any thing for the tar, is therefore | 52 |
| And the interest of capital sunk, and wear and tear of apparatus | 550 |
| Making the total expence of the gas apparatus per annum, about | 600 |
“That of candles, to give the same light,
“If the comparison were made upon an average of three hours per day, as in most cases, would perhaps be nearer to the truth, and the tear and wear remaining nearly the same as on the former case, the whole cost would not exceed 650l. while that of the tallow would be 3000l.”
Mr. Ackerman in this metropolis, has shown that the art of gas-light illumination is not confined to great manufactories, but that its advantages are equally applicable to those on a moderate scale. The whole of Mr. Ackerman’s establishment, his public library, warehouse, printing-offices and work-shops, together with his dwelling house, from the kitchen to the drawing-room, has, for these four years past, been lighted with gas, to the total exclusion of all other lights. The result of the whole of this proceeding will be obvious from the following letter:
To Mr. ACCUM.
Sir,
“In answer to your request with regard to my gas-lights, which I now have in my house, I take this mode of informing you, that I charge two retorts with 240lbs. of coal, half cannel and half Newcastle, from which I extract 1000 cubic feet of gas. To obtain this quantity of gas, when the retorts are cold, I use from 100 to 110lb. of common coals; but when they are in a working state, that is to say, when they are once red hot, the carbonising fuel amounts to about 25lb. per retort. The bulk of gas thus obtained supplies 40 Argand’s lamps, of the large size, for four hours per night, during the long winter evenings, together with eight Argand’s lamps and about 22 single cockspur burners, for three hours per night: in addition to which my printers employ 16 cockspur burners for ten hours per day to heat their plates instead of charcoal fire. In the depth of winter we charge two retorts per day: but, upon an average, we work 365 retorts in 365 days.
Now 365 retorts containing 120lb. of coal each, make 43800lb. which is equal to ten chaldrons of Newcastle and eight tons of cannel coal.
10 chaldrons of Newcastle coals, at 65s. make £32 10 0 8 tons of cannel coal, [15] (this coal is sold by weight) at 100s. per ton 40 0 0 7 chaldrons of common coals for carbonising, at 55s. 19 5 0 To wages paid the servant for attending the gas apparatus 30 0 0 Interest of money sunk 30 0 0 The wear and tear of the gas-light apparatus I consider to be equal to the wear and tear of lamps, candlesticks, &c. employed for oil, tallow, &c. Total expence of the gas lights 151 15 0 DEDUCT 23 chaldrons of coke, at 60s. per chaldron 69 Ammoniacal liquor 5 Tar 6 Charcoal employed by the copper-plate printers to heat their plates, which is now done with the gas-light flame, cost, annually 25 Two chaldrons of coals minus used as fuel, for warming the house, since the adoption of the gas-lights, at 65s. per chaldron 6 10 111 10 0 Nett expences of the gas-lights £40 5 0 The lights used in my Establishment, prior to the gas-lights, amounted annually to 160 0 0 My present system of lighting with gas costs, per ann. 40 5 0 Balance in favor of the gas for one year £119 15 0
Such is the simple statement of my present system of lighting, the brilliancy of which, when contrasted with our former lights, bears the same comparison to them as a bright summer sun-shine does to a murky November day: nor are we, as formerly, almost suffocated with the effluvia of charcoal and fumes of candles and lamps. In addition to this, the damage sustained by the spilling of oil and tallow upon prints, drawings, books and paper, &c. amounted annually to upwards of 50l. All the workmen employed in my establishment consider their gas-lights as the greatest blessing; and I have only to add, that the light we now enjoy, were it to be produced by means of Argand’s lamps or candles, would cost at least 350l. per annum.
I am, with respect,
Yours,Strand, March 13,
1815.R. ACKERMAN.”
Another manufacturer who was one of the first that adopted the use of this method of illumination in the small way, and who gave a statement of its advantages to the public, is Mr. Cook, a manufacturer of metal toys, at Birmingham, a clear-headed, prudent man, not apt to be dazzled by a fanciful speculation, but governed in his transactions by a simple balance of profit and loss. There is a naÏvetÉ in his own account of the process which will amuse as well as instruct the reader.
“My apparatus is simply a small cast-iron pot, of about eight gallons, with a cast-iron cover, which I lute to it with sand. Into this pot I put my coal. I pass the gas through water into the gasometer or reservoir, which holds about 400 gallons; and, by means of old gun-barrels, convey it all round my shops. Now, from twenty or twenty-five pounds of coal, I
Thus are the candles which Mr. Cook used to employ, and which cost him three shillings a day, entirely superseded. But, besides his expence in candles, oil and cotton for soldering, used to cost him full 30l. a year; which is entirely saved, as he now does all his soldering by the gas flame only. For “in all trades in which the blow-pipe is used with oil
Mr. Ackerman having, in this town, set the example of lighting his establishment with gas, several other individuals soon followed the attempt. The following statement will show, that this species of light may be made use of with the greatest advantage, upon a still smaller scale, where no great nicety with regard to the apparatus for procuring gas is required. The following report I have received from Messrs. Lloyd, of Queen Street, Southwark, thimble manufacturers and whitesmiths, who have used the gas-light for soldering and other purposes these five years past.
| From 4 pecks or 1 bushel of coals, weighing 69lbs. for which we now pay (1809) 1s. we produce 43/4 pecks of coke and 1/2 peck of coal not carbonised remains in the distilling pot, which together with the coke weighs 58lbs. 6 oz. value at 1s. per bushel | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| we procure 6lbs. 4 oz. of tar which | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 0 | 2 | 4 | |
| Deduct for coal | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Profit on coke and tar | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| The gas yielded by the 4 pecks of coals in the pot, make 42 brilliant lights, which burn 7 hours. To keep 42 tallow candles which were formerly used in the manufactory burning for the same time, required 7lbs. which at 1s. per lb. cost | 0 | 7 | 0 |
| To this, add profits on coke and tar | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Gained out of every bushel of coal | 0 | 8 | 0 |
“The gas-burners made use of in our manufactory produce jets of flame, which in our business, where much soldering with the blow-pipe must be done, have a decided superiority over Argand’s lamps. We are not nice concerning the quality of the gas—a great part of it is burned from the gasometer, without allowing it to purify itself in the gasometer, because our gasometer is not large enough to store up the whole quantity of gas we want for use.”
THEORY
OF
THE PRODUCTION OF GAS-LIGHT,
AND
DESCRIPTION
OF
A PORTABLE APPARATUS
FOR EXHIBITING, IN THE SMALL WAY, THE GENERAL
NATURE OF THIS SPECIES OF LIGHT.
To obtain carburetted hidrogen, or coal-gas, from common pit-coal, and to apply it for the purposes of illumination, the coal is introduced into large iron cylinders, called retorts, to the apertures of which iron pipes are adapted, terminating in a vessel, or vessels, destined to purify and collect the gas. The retorts charged with coals and made air-tight, are placed upon the fire, the action of which extricates the gazeous products from the coals, together with an aqueous ammoniacal vapour, and a tenaceous bituminous fluid, or tar, &c. The liquid substances are conveyed into proper vessels, and the gazeous products are conducted, by means of pipes, under the gasometer, where the
Larger image (279 kB)
The gas-apparatus, plate 2, will be found very convenient for exhibiting, in the small way, the general nature of this new art of illumination, whilst at the same time it may serve to ascertain, at a trifling expence, the comparative value of different kinds of coals intended to be employed for the production of this species of light, as well as other occasional purposes connected with the gas-light system of illumination.
It consists of three distinct apparatus:—namely, a portable furnace, fig. 1, plate 2, by means of which the gas is prepared—fig. 2, a purifyer, or condenser, which separates and purifies the products obtained from the coal, so as to render the gas fit for the purpose of illumination—fig. 3, a gasometer, or reservoir for receiving and preserving the purified stock of gas, and from which it may be transferred and distributed as occasion may require. The following statement will explain more fully the general nature of this portable chamber apparatus:—a, represents a cast iron retort, such as is used for chemical operations in the small
When the operation commences, the gasometer is sunk down nearly to a level with the surface of the water in the outer cistern, and is consequently filled with water; but as the gas enters, it rises up to receive it. It is to be noted, that the balance-weights q q, should not be quite so heavy as the gasometer, in order that some pressure may be exerted, to force the gas out of the burners with a proper jet. The gas which issues from the retort enters the purifier as stated already, and ascends the pipe o, into the vessel, p, from which it displaces the water, and passes out at the small holes, as
In this apparatus there is no provision made for the unequal pressure which the gas suffers, accordingly as the gasometer is more or less immersed in water. It will be observed that, in this apparatus, the weight of the interior vessel is constantly increasing, in proportion as it fills with gas, and rises out of the water, and consequently, if a constant, uniform, counterpoising weight, equal only to that of the gasometer in the first moment of its rise, be employed, the gas becomes gradually more and more compressed by that part of the weight of the gasometer which is not counterpoised, and if its pressure or quantity be then estimated by the bulk which it occupies, without making allowance for the increasing pressure, a material error must arise, and this, in the large way, would give rise to insurmountable difficulties with regard to the regulation
Suppose the cistern or exterior vessel full of water, and the gasometer partly filled with gas and partly with water, it is evident that the balance-weight may be so adjusted, as to occasion an exact equilibrium, so that the external air shall not tend to enter into the gasometer nor the gas to escape from it; and in this case the water will stand exactly at the same level both within the gasometer and within the outer cistern. On the contrary, if the balance-weights be diminished, the gasometer will then press downwards from its own gravity, and the water will stand lower in the gasometer than it does in the cistern; in this case, the included air or gas will suffer a degree of compression above that experienced by the external air, exactly proportioned to the weight of a column of water, equal to the difference of the external and internal surfaces of the water.
To compensate for this increasing weight of the gasometer, and render a scale of equal graduations accurate, some have ingeniously
With regard to the philosophy or the production of coal-gas, it proves that pit-coal contains solid hidrogen, carbon, and oxigen. When the intensity of the heat has reached a certain degree, a part of the carbon unites with part of the oxigen and produces carbonic acid, which by means of caloric is melted into the gazeous state and forms carbonic acid gas; at the same time, part of the hidrogen of the coal combines with another portion of carbon and caloric, and forms the carburetted hidrogen gas, which varies considerably in its constitution, according to the circumstances under which it is produced; a portion of olifiant gas, carbonic oxid, hidrogen, and sulphuretted hidrogen, is also produced during the process. The quantities of these products vary according to the nature of the coal employed in the process.
Pit-coal is not the only substance which affords carburetted hydrogen; this gazeous fluid
It is found plentifully native or ready formed on the surface of stagnant waters, marshes, wet ditches, &c. through which, if examined closely, large bubbles will be seen to rise in hot weather, and may be increased at pleasure by stirring the bottom or mud with a stick.
In close still evenings if a lighted candle is held over the surface, flashes of blue lambent flame may sometimes be perceived spreading to a considerable distance. All that is not fabulous concerning the ignis fatuus is probably derived from this source. This species of gas is termed for distinction the carburetted hydrogen of marshes. In the purest form in which it can be collected it is mixed with about 20 per cent. of azot or nitrogen.
To procure the gas for the purpose of philosophical amusement, fill a wide-mouthed bottle with the water of the ditch, and keep it inverted therein with a large funnel in its neck, then with a stick stir the mud at the bottom just under the funnel, so as to cause the bubbles of air which rise from the mud to enter
Carburetted hidrogen gas is also given out very abundantly by all kinds of vegetable matter when subjected to a scorching heat sufficient to decompose them. When heated in close vessels much more gas is obtained than when burnt in the open air. If moistened charcoal be put into an earthen retort and heat be applied till the retort becomes ignited; gas will be evolved, consisting partly of carbonic acid, and partly of carburetted hidrogen. A gas of similar properties is obtained by causing steam to pass through a tube filled with red-hot charcoal; by passing spirit of wine, or camphor, through red-hot tubes; by distilling oils, wood, bones, wax and tallow, or any animal or vegetable body whatever.
Indeed it would be endless to enumerate the various sources of this gazeous fluid. A most curious variety of carburetted hidrogen gas has been discovered by the associated Dutch chemists (Van Dieman, Troostwyck, and others) which is procured from ether or alcohol, and has the remarkable property of generating a heavy oil when in contact with chlorine gas.
The nature of carburetted hidrogen obtained from coal varies considerably according to the conditions under which it is obtained. The first part is always much heavier than the last, though still lighter than common air, and holds in solution a portion of oil, for on standing for some time over water it becomes lighter, and is found to require less oxygen for saturation than before. The oil which it held suspended, then becomes precipitated. The average specific gravity of the first and last gas mixed, which may be taken as an average of the whole specific gravity is to that of common
With regard to Newcastle coals
The production of carburetted hydrogen, both with regard to quantity and quality from the same kind of coal depends much upon the degree of temperature employed in the distillatory process. If the tar and oil produced during
The distillation of the coal, (if gas be the chief object) should therefore not be carried on too rapidly. Most of the retorts used in the large way, are calculated for containing about one hundred weight of coal, and in general, when previously heated, produce from two and one-half to three cubic feet of gas, in four hours for each pound of coal they contain; but when the layer of coals in them does not exceed four inches in depth, three and one-half to four feet of gas may be obtained in the same time.
The retorts best calculated for large gas-light works are seven or eight foot long (without the mouth-piece) and twelve inches in diameter,
These observations also apply to the distillation of tar, which when distilled either in a vaporous or nascent state, during its first production from coal in the ordinary process, or if it be submitted to a second distillation, mingled with a fresh portion of pit-coal, a practice usually had recourse to when this product cannot be disposed of more advantageously. The best depth of coal in the retort for procuring excellent gas, and at the same time for yielding the greatest quantity from the same weight in the shortest possible time, is about six inches.
The brightness of the coal-gas flame is rather diminished when the gas has been long kept over water, and hence for illumination it should be used as soon as prepared, but of course properly purified.
The quantity of gas taken up by water is affected by temperature, because the temperature increases its elasticity; the quantity of gas absorbed, diminishes as the temperature increases, and increases as the temperature diminishes. 1/27 part of its own bulk of pure coal-gas
The chemical constitution of this gazeous fluid is best ascertained by burning it in a vessel of oxygen gas, over lime-water in a pneumatic reservoir, by means of a bladder and bent brass pipe. Two products are then obtained, viz. water and carbonic acid. That water is produced, may be shown by burning a very small stream of the gas in a long funnel-shaped tube open at both ends. The formation of carbonic acid is evinced, by the copious precipitation of the lime-water in the foregoing experiment.
If carburetted hydrogen be mixed with a sufficient quantity of oxygen gas or common air and fired by the electric spark, or by any other method, an explosion takes place more or less violent according to the quantity of carbonaceous matter condensed in the hydrocarbonat; and the remaining gas consists of carbonic acid, together with any unconsumed gas, or excess of oxygen, whilst the water condenses in drops on the sides of the vessel. A few cubic inches of the mixed airs is as much as can be conveniently managed at a single explosion; and when any portion of
“Messrs. Sobolewsky and Horrer, of St. Petersburgh, have employed wood for the purpose of producing carburetted hydrogen gas. The pyroligneous acid obtained in this operation, when freed from the empyreumatic oil with
UTILITY
OF THE
GAS-LIGHT ILLUMINATION,
WITH REGARD TO
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ECONOMY.
From what has been stated in the preceding pages it becomes obvious, that a substance yielding an artificial light may be obtained from common coal in immense quantities. The attempt to derive advantage from so valuable a discovery is surely no idle speculation. Let us therefore now consider to what objects of public and private utility this mode of procuring
The following lines relating to the salubrity of the gas-light illumination are copied from Mr. Lee’s evidence in the House of Commons, when examined on that subject.
Question—“Is the health of your manufacturers at all affected by the use of gas?—Answer—Not in the least, or I would not have adopted it. I believe I explained to the Committee, that I used the gas-lights in my own house first.”
Q. “You have not seen the smallest alteration in the health of your workmen?—A. Not in the least, for had I seen it, it would have been a fatal objection to it.”
Q. “And you say the same in regard to the use of the gas-lights in your own family?—A. Certainly I do.”
As to the brilliancy of the flame, an appeal may be made to every one who has witnessed the gas-light illumination, whether it be not superior to the best wax candle-light, or the light of Argand’s lamps.
It may be described as a rich compact flame, burning with a white and agreeable light. It is also perfectly steady, when the flame is limited to a moderate size: in large masses, it is subject to that undulation which is common to it with all flames of certain dimensions, and is caused by the agitation of the surrounding atmosphere. The gas flame is entirely free from smell. The coal-gas itself certainly has a disagreeable foetid odour before it is burnt, so has the vapour of wax, oil, and tallow, as it comes from a lamp or candle newly blown out. This concession proves nothing against the flame of gas which is perfectly inodorous, a white handkerchief, passed repeatedly through it and applied to the nose, excites no odour.
Another peculiar advantage of the gas flame is, that it may be applied in any direction we please, as there is nothing to spill and the gas is propelled by a certain force which is always the same, it will burn equally well in an almost horizontal as in an upright position; and we can thus obviate two great objections to all our artificial lights, that their least luminous end is directed downwards where the light is generally most wanted, and that a shade is cast below
The size, shape and intensity of the gas-flame may be regulated by simply turning a stop-cock which supplies the gas to the burner. It may at command be made to burn with an intensity sufficient to illuminate every corner of a room, or so low and dim as barely to be perceived. It is unnecessary to point out how valuable such lights may be in nurseries, stables, warehouses, in the chambers of the sick, &c.
From the facility with which the gas-flame can be conveyed in any direction, from the diversified application, size and shape which the flame can be made to assume, there is no other kind of light so well calculated for being made the subject of splendid illuminations.
Where lustres are required in the middle of a room, the best mode of conducting the gas to the chandelier, is to pass the gas-pipe through the ceiling from the room above, immediately over the lustre. This can be easily done without injury to the apartment.
Where side-lights and chandeliers are required the tubes need never appear in sight, but may be concealed in the wall or floor of the
If a number of minute holes are made in the end of a gas pipe, it forms as many jets de feu, which have a very brilliant appearance; these may sometimes be placed in the focus of a parabolic reflector. In cases where the light is required to be thrown to a distance, other burners are constructed upon the same principle as the Argand lamp, forming a cylinder of flame, and admitting a current of air both to the inside and outside.
On comparing the flame of a gas-light with the flame of a candle whatever its size may be, it appears just as yellow and dull as the flame of a common lamp appears when compared with that of a lamp of Argand. The beautiful whiteness of gas-light never fails to excite the surprize and admiration of those who behold it for the first time.
A large edifice or manufactory lighted by gas, contrasted with one of the same kind lighted by candles or lamps, resembles a street on the
The intensity of one of the parish gas-light lamps, now exhibited in the streets of this metropolis, will bear ample testimony of this assertion; the light of the parish gas-lamps, is to the intensity of the parish oil lamps as 1 to 12.
One of the most obvious applications of the gas-light illumination unquestionably consists in lighting streets, shops and houses; and let it be observed that as this is found safe and economical, it proves all that the most ardent friends of the gas-light system can desire. For in contending with the common mode of lighting the streets and shops, the new lights must beat out of the market the cheapest of all artificial lights; and as it has succeeded in doing this it shews in the most satisfactory point of view, the prodigious advantages of gas-lights when compared with the materials of tallow and oil.
The original expence of laying the pipes for conveying the gas, together with the cost of the machinery, is all that is required; the preparation of the gas being itself a lucrative process,
Indeed the application of the coal-gas, as a substitute for tallow and oil, to illuminate houses, shops, &c. is no longer problematical, a considerable extent of this capital, together with numerous shops and houses being already supplied with this species of light.
In the West end of the Town, the main pipes for supplying the streets and houses with light from the Gas-Light Company, extend through the most eligible parts; from their Establishment in Peter-street, Westminster, along the line from Pall Mall to Temple-bar, compleatly surrounding the parish of St. Martin’s in the Field. Main pipes are also placed in the Hay-market, Coventry-street, Long-Acre, St. Martin’s-lane; and in the principal parts of the parishes of St. James and St. Ann.
In the East end of the metropolis, the gas-light mains extend from Cornhill to St. Paul’s, Wood-street, Fore-street, &c.—Consent has also been given to the incorporated Gas-Light Company for laying their pipes in the parish of St. Stephen’s in the Field; St. Paul Covent-garden; St. Mary-le-Strand; St. Clement Danes; St. George’s, Bloomsbury; St. Giles’s in the Fields; St. Andrew’s, Holborn, above the bars; part of the parish of St. Mary-la-bonne; besides several other districts, comprehending the whole of the city and suburbs of Westminster.
Enough therefore, has been done to prove the possibility of lighting houses, and streets, with
In the Eastern part of London, the same Company is engaged to lay their pipes in the principal parts of Whitechapel, Spitalfields, St. Luke’s, and the adjoining neighbourhood.
One part of the city of London, extending from Temple-bar to the West end of Cheapside; from Newgate-street to Holborn Bars, together with the intervening streets, is also provided with pipes laid down by another gas-light association, who have opened a new Establishment in Water-lane, Fleet-street, but are unconnected with the Chartered Company. A third company is projected in Southwark, and a fourth in the Eastern district of London, creating by a rivalry of interest, that laudable competition which always proves beneficial to the public at large, and which cannot fail to accelerate the progress of this new art of procuring light.
The Church of St. John the Evangelist in this metropolis has been illuminated with gas-lights for upwards of two years: the lights employed in this edifice is equal to 360 tallow candles eight to the pound. The avenues to the House of Lords and House of Commons, Westminster-hall, Westminster-bridge; the house and offices of the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Mansion-house, and many other places, deserve to be named, as having already adopted this species of illumination.
Another advantageous application of the gas-light must be the supplying of light-houses.
From the splendour and distinguishing forms which the gas-light flame is capable of assuming, no light is better calculated for signal-lights than this. By means of one single furnace as much gas might readily be procured as would furnish a flame of sufficient intensity, during the longest winter night, exceeding in brilliancy or intensity of light any light-house in Britain or elsewhere.
If every light-house round this island were possessed of a gas-light furnace, one-half part of the enormous expence which they at present require would furnish a much more brilliant light. The cheapness of this light and its efficacy for the purpose, would soon multiply the number of light-houses, and thus most essentially contribute to the security of navigation on our coast. The gas may be made to issue from tubes by long narrow slips, and a surface of flame produced of any given dimensions, and free from all smoke that would obscure the reflectors.
The ease with which the largest gas-light flame is instantly extinguished by shutting the
The annual expence of lighting the barracks of Great Britain is said to fall little short of 50,000l. a small part of which on the new plan, would supply them with a much purer and safer light.
The uses of the gas-lights already enumerated must of themselves, justify us in attaching great importance to the discovery, and if reduced to practice all over the kingdom, would employ a large capital in a way the most advantageous and productive. But the utility of this light will be almost indefinitely increased to the use of private families. That such an application is practicable, in all towns of Great Britain, is obvious, from what has been done already, and that it would be highly economical and ornamental, there can be little doubt.
By means of gas we may have a pure and agreeable light at command in every room of our house, just as we have the command of water, with this singular advantage, that these lights may burn for hours within an inch of the most combustible substance without danger, because they neither can burn down like a candle nor emit sparks. These properties make the gas-lights a most desirable light on board our ships of war, where severe regulations are necessary to prevent danger from fire, which after all are frequently evaded. The gas-light might be used in the store-rooms, and even in the powder magazine, and the captain would completely command the supply of light by the possession of the key which opens and shuts the stop-cock. A small apparatus which may be erected at a trifling expence would be sufficient for that purpose.
In shops, counting-houses, and public offices, the advantages are a white light, nearly equal to day-light, a warmth which almost supersedes the use of fires, a total absence of smoke, smell, and vapour, and great economy of labour.
The heat produced by gas-lights must be observed by every one who has had an opportunity
The flame of gas may be produced in so large a surface, as to be applied to heat the most spacious apartments as well as to light them.
If the gas is made to issue by a circular rim of about twelve inches diameter; it forms a sort of an Argand lamp on a great scale, and it is manifest that a circumference of three feet of flame will heat the air very rapidly, and with such uniformity that we need no longer be exposed to the partial heating occasioned by the strong draft of a large fire. A lamp of this description in the centre of a large room, with a very small fire to secure a gradual renewal of the air would enable us to enjoy the most healthful and agreeable temperature.
From trials made on this subject, I am enabled
Take a bladder of any size, (let us suppose for the sake of illustration, the bladder to hold or to be equal in capacity to 30,000 grains of water,) and having furnished it with a stop-cock and a small jet pipe, fill it with the combustible gas the heating power of which is to be tried. Take also a tinned iron vessel with a concave bottom of the same capacity, pour into it as much water as will make the vessel and water together equal to the above stated bulk of water in the bladder, viz. 30,000 grains. This being done, set fire to the gas at the orifice of the pipe, and bring the point of the flame under the bottom of the tinned vessel, and suffer it to burn there, by squeezing the bladder till the whole of the gas is consumed. The increase of temperature of the water in the tinned vessel being carefully noticed before and after the experiment, gives very accurately the heating power of the given bulk of the inflammable gas.
It was thus proved that—
| Olefiant gas raises an equal volume of water | 14° |
| Carburetted hidrogen, or coal gas | 10 |
| Carbonic oxid | 4 |
| Hidrogen | 5 |
| Spermaceti oil 10 grains burnt in a lamp raised 30,000 grains of water | 5 |
| Tallow | 5 |
| Wax | 5,75 |
| Oil of turpentine | 3 |
| Spirit of wine | 2 |
In all processes of the arts where a moderate heat is wanted the gas-light flame will be found very advantageous—even on a large scale this flame may be used with profit. It possesses advantages which cannot be obtained from flaming fuel, where much nicety is required; because no fuel can be managed like the flame of coal-gas. For it is well known, that when too
The great power of a gas-flame does not appear when we try small quantities of it, and
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But when the flame is produced in large quantity and is freely brought forward into contact and agitated with air, its power to heat bodies is immensely increased. It is therefore peculiarly proper for heating large quantities of matter to a violent degree, especially if the contact of solid fuel with such matter is inconvenient.
As the gas-flame may be made to assume any shape and intensity, and as there is nothing to spill, it may be exhibited under such variety of forms and designs, as cannot fail to give rise to the most tasteful ornamental illumination.
Plates III. IV. and V. exhibit such designs of different kinds of gas-lamps, chandeliers, lustres, candelabras, &c. as are already in use in this Metropolis.
Plate III. fig. 1, represents a Rod Lamp. The gas passes through the rod a, to the Argand burner, which is surrounded by a cylindrical chimney, c, swelling out at the lower
In all the gas-light burners, constructed on Argand’s plan, care should be taken that the flame be in contact with the air on all sides, and that the current of air be directed towards the upper extremity of the flame. This may be effected by causing a current of air to rise up perpendicular from the bottom of the chimney glass, and to pass out again through the contracted part, or upper extremity of the chimney; but no other current of air should ever be permitted to come near the gas-flame, or enter the glass chimney which covers or defends the light; for if more air be permitted to mix with the flame than is sufficient for the compleat combustion of the coal-gas, it necessarily diminishes the heat, and consequently reduces the quantity of light.
Fig. 2. A Rod Gas Lamp, with branches. The gas passes through the hollow rod, a, and part of the hollow branch, b, to the burner of the lamp. The cylindrical shaped glass, c, exhibited in this figure, is not so well adapted for the compleat combustion of coal-gas, as the belly-shaped chimney, c, represented in
Fig. 3. A Bracket Lamp. a, the tube which conveys the gas to the burner; b, the stop-cock of the tube.
Fig. 4. A Pendent Rod Lamp; in which the gas is supposed to come from a pipe above, through the ceiling, into the pipe, a, to supply the burners. The tulip-shaped chimney, b, of this lamp, is likewise ill adapted for gas-light burners.
Fig. 5. A pendent double-bracket Lamp. The gas passing through the perpendicular tube, a, into the brackets, b b; c shows the Argand burner.
Fig. 6. A swing Bracket Lamp. a, the gas-pipe with its stop-cock; b, a brass ball, communicating with the pipe, a; c, the conducting tube, ground air-tight into the ball, b, and communicating with the burner of the lamp, so as to allow it to have an horizontal motion.
Fig. 7. Shews the construction of the ball b, and pipe, c, of the lamp, fig. 6.
Fig. 8. A Swing Cockspur Lamp, constructed upon the same plan as fig. 6. These two lamps are very convenient for desks in counting-houses, &c.
Fig. 9. A stop-cock with ball and socket, which, when adapted to a gas-light pipe, allows it to have an universal motion, so that the light may be turned in any direction.
Fig. 10. Section of the stop-cock, with ball and socket.
Fig. 11. Shows the ball and socket, fig. 9, in perspective.
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Plate IV,
Fig. 2. A fancy pendent Cockspur Lamp. The gas being transmitted to the burners, c c, by means of the pipe, a.
Fig. 3. A Pedestal Argand Lamp. a, the pipe and stop-cock, which transmits to, and shuts off the gas from the burner of the lamp.
Fig. 4. A Pedestal Cockspur Lamp. a, the stop-cock and gas-pipe.
Fig. 5. A fancy bracket Cockspur Lamp, intended merely to show that the coal-gas, as it passes to the burner, is perfectly devoid of colour, and invisible. a is a glass vessel furnished at its orifice with a brass cap, c, and perforated ball, out of which the gas-flame proceeds. b, the pipe which conveys the gas into the glass vessel, a.
Fig. 6. A Bracket Argand Lamp. a and b, the gas pipe communicating with the burner.
Fig. 7 and 8. A Horizontal Bracket Lamp. a, the gas pipe, supposed to be concealed in the ceiling. b, the communicating pipe, which, together with c, branches out at right angles at d d. e e, are the burners of the lamp.
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Plate V. fig. 1. A Candelabrum, into which the gas-pipe ascends from the floor of the apartment, the lateral branches communicating with the central tube.
Fig. 2. An Arabesque Chandelier. The gas enters from the ceiling of the room into the rope-shaped pipe, a, from which it proceeds through one of the arched ribs, b b, into the horizontal hoop, or pipe, c.
Fig. 3. A Roman Chandelier. The gas enters through the inflexible hollow chain, a, into the central tube, b, from whence the burners are supplied by the lateral branches, c c.
Fig. 4. A Gothic Chandelier. The gas is transmitted to the burners through the rope, a, which includes a tube, and the communication with the burners is established through the lateral branches.
Fig. 5. A Pedestal Figure Lamp. The gas is here made to pass by means of a pipe through the body of the figure into the lattice-work plateau, constructed of hollow and perforated brass tubes.
Fig. 6. A Pedestal Vase Lamp. The gas-tube enters through one of the claw-feet of the altar-shaped pedestal, into the glass vase, a, at
Fig. 7. A Girandole. The gas enters through the bracket, a, and is conveyed to the burners by the descending tubes, b b.
Fig. 8. A Candelabrum, having a central pipe, through which the gas is conducted to the burner at the top.
OTHER
PRODUCTS OBTAINABLE FROM COAL:
NAMELY,
COKE, TAR, ESSENTIAL OIL, &c.
Having thus far considered the nature of coal-gas as a substitute for the lights now in use, it will be necessary to attend more particularly to some other products which are obtained during the production of this species of light: namely, coke, tar, ammoniacal liquor, &c.
Coke.—The substance called coke, which constitutes the skeleton of the coal, or its carbonaceous base, is left behind in the retort, after
It is sufficiently known, that coke is a more valuable fuel than the coal from which it is obtained.
Hence, immense quantities are prepared in the large way, but the gazeous and other substances are lost in the process employed for carbonizing the coal.
That coke must give out more heat during its combustion than coal, will at once become obvious, when we consider that the quantity of matter which, in the combustion of coal is changed from a solid to a state of elastic fluidity, must necessarily carry off a portion
It is thus that coke, though somewhat more difficult of ignition than common coal, always gives out a more steady, a more lasting, and a more intense heat.
The only inconveniences that attend the use of coke is, that, as it consumes, it leaves much more ashes than common coal, charcoal, or wood; and these much heavier too, which are, therefore, liable to collect in such quantity as to obstruct the free passage of air through the fire; and further, that when the heat is very intense, these ashes are disposed to melt or vitrify into a tenacious drossy substance, which clogs the grate, the sides of the furnace and the vessels. This last inconvenience is only troublesome, however, when the heat required is very great. In ordinary heats, such as are produced by kitchen or parlour grates, the ashes do not melt, and though they are more copious and heavy than those of charcoal or wood, they do not choke up
The relative effects of heat produced by coke and coal are as follows:—
Six hundred pounds of pit-coal are capable of evaporating 10 cubic feet of water in 20 hours, and 430lb. of coke are capable of evaporating 17 cubic feet of water in 12 hours and a half.
Multiply the quantity of water by the number expressing the degrees actually raised; multiply the number of pounds of fuel expended by 180 degrees. Divide the first product by the latter, and the quotient will express the water which would have been raised 180 degrees by one pound of the fuel. Or equal quantities of water may be compleatly evaporated under equal surfaces and circumstances, with the different kinds of fuel, the nature of which is to be examined; the quantities of fuel expended for that purpose give the relative effect of the different kinds of fuel, with regard to their power of producing heat.
The Earl of Dundonald has shown that, in the application for burning lime, a quantity of coke uniformly burns a given portion of lime-stone in one-third part of the time that the quantity of coal from which the coke had been made could do.
This effect is to be accounted for from having previously freed the coal, or rather its coke, from the moisture and the tar, which it sends out during combustion, and which condenses on the middle and upper strata of stratified limestone and coal in the lime kiln, and impedes the whole mass of materials from coming into a rapid and compleat ignition; because the greater the quantity of materials, and the sooner the whole is ignited, the better and more economically the lime is burned, both as to coals and time; the saving of which last is a material object, especially at lime-kilns where there is in the summer time a great demand for lime, the coke occasioning the kilns to hold a third more lime at the same time.
In the art of making bricks, in the smelting of metallic ores, and the drying of malt, the advantages of coke over coal, are sufficiently known.
The following account given by Mr. Davis,
“The coke obtained in the gas process is so valuable, that it appears inexplicable that men should not avail themselves of this mode of procuring light, to the almost total exclusion of all other methods now in use. As a landholder, placed among an industrious but wholly illiterate society of men, I have had the more opportunity of trying this species of fuel or coke, which I could not otherwise procure in this sequestered spot, at a tolerably cheap rate, for purposes to which it has not, as far as I know, been hitherto employed. I must tell you that I am my own lime-burner, plaster of paris baker, and brick-maker; and that in these processes of rural economy I have derived the greatest benefits from this species of fuel, which I now prepare at a cheap rate, although I waste almost the whole of the light of the coal gas intentionally. The coal which I employed formerly for the burning
“On applying coke instead of coal, the produce of lime may be increased to nearly 30
“I have lately also employed coke for the burning of bricks. My bricks are burnt in clamps, made of bricks themselves. The place for the fuel, or fire-place, is perpendicular, about three feet high. The flues are formed by gathering or arching the bricks over, so as to leave a space between each of a brick’s breadth; and as the whole of the coal, if this fuel be employed, must, on account of the construction of the pile, be put in at once, the charge of the bricks is not, and never can be, burnt properly throughout; and the interference of the legislature, with regard to the measurement of the clamp, is a sufficient inducement for the manufacturer to allow no more space for coal than he can possibly spare.
“If coke be applied instead of coal, the arches, or empty spaces in the clamp or pile,
“In the baking my own plaster-stone I also employ coke. The calcination of the stone for manure I perform in a common reverberatory furnace, and the men who conduct the process (who are otherwise averse to every thing new) are much pleased with the steadiness of the fire, and little attendance which the process requires, when coke is used instead of coal.
“These are the few facts I wish to state, with regard to the useful application of this species of fuel, which, no doubt, hereafter will become an object of economy of incalculable advantage to individuals, if its nature be better understood than it is at present.”
The quantity of coke obtainable from a given quantity of coal varies according to the nature of the coal employed. One chaldron of Newcastle coal produced, upon an average, in the gas-light manufacture, from one chaldron and a quarter to one chaldron and a half of well formed coke. If the carbonization of the coal has been carried to its utmost point,
Coal-tar, Oil, and Pitch.—Another, valuable product obtainable from pit-coal, is coal-tar.
The coal-tar is so called from its resembling common tar in its appearance, and most of its qualities.
Several works have been, at different times, erected both in England and on the continent, to procure from coal a substitute for tar; but they turned out unprofitable speculations. In 1781, the Earl of Dundonald invented a mode of distilling coal in the large way, which enabled
Coal-tar may be used with advantage for painting and securing wood that is exposed to the action of air or water. The wood being warmed, the tar is applied cold, and penetrating into the pores, gives the timber an uncommon degree of hardness and durability.
One chaldron of Newcastle coal produces in the gas-light manufacture from 150 to 180lb of tar, according to the circumstances under which it is produced. See page 94.
The tar obtained from Newcastle coal-tar is specifically heavier than that produced from cannel-coal; hence it sinks in water, whereas the latter swims on the surface of that fluid.
To render the tar fit for use, it requires to be evaporated to give it a sufficient consistence.
The oil and ammoniacal water which distil over do not mix, so that they may be easily separated by decantation. The oil is a yellowish inferior kind of oil of turpentine, which is very useful in painting ships, for making varnishes, and other coarse out-door work.
Two hundred pounds of tar produce, upon an average, fifty-three pounds of essential oil.
If the coal-tar is wanted to be converted into pitch, without obtaining the oil which it is capable of furnishing, the evaporation of it
Kettle for boiling Tar.
1000lb. of coal-tar produce, upon an average, from 460 to 480lb. of pitch. A subsequent fusion, with a gentle heat, converts the coal-pitch into a substance possessing all the characters of asphaltum.
Ammoniacal Fluid.—The properties of the ammoniacal liquor, which accompanies the tar,
However certain the practicability of extending the new lights to the dwelling houses of every town and village is, it cannot be expected that such an event should take place speedily and generally. To eradicate prejudice, and to alter established habits, is a work which nothing but time can effect; because prejudice is the effect of habit, and can seldom be eradicated from the minds of such individuals as consider the ready occurrence of a proposition as a test of its truth. To establish a new philosophical theory has, in every instance, required time sufficient to educate an entire generation of men. The rejection of the Aristotelian philosophy—the adoption of experimental research—the substitution of the doctrine of gravitation instead of that of vortices, and the rejection of phlogiston by modern chemists, are
The slowness with which improvements of every kind, make their way into common use, and especially such discoveries as are most calculated to be of an extended or general utility is very remarkable, and forms a striking contrast to the extreme avidity with which those unmeaning changes are adopted, which folly and caprice are continually sending forth into the world under the auspices of fashion.
On the first view of the subject it appears very extraordinary, that any person should neglect, or refuse to avail himself of a proposed invention, or improvement, which is evidently calculated to economise his labour,
Many other circumstances, besides prejudice, are unfavourable to the introduction of new and useful discoveries. Among these jealousy, malice, envy, and revenge, have too often their share in obstructing the progress of real improvement, and in preventing the adoption of plans evidently calculated to promote the public good.
A plan like the present, which proposes not only to trench upon domestic habits, but to give an entire new direction to a portion of the skill and capital of the country, must necessarily encounter the most strenuous opposition. It is thus that some individuals have mustered all their strength against the introduction of this new art. An endeavour has been made to move the public opinion by dismal forebodings of the Greenland trade, and the subsequent loss of a nursery of British seamen. This objection
Indeed such clamour scarcely ever fails to be made when the extension of machinery and the abridgement of labour or the application of inanimate powers are considered. On such occasions, it is stated by certain humane but mistaken objectors, that the scheme of mechanical and chemical improvement is pointed against the human species—that it tends to drive them out of the system of beneficial employment—that the introduction of machinery is injurious to the labouring class of society, by abridging their work. Two creatures offer themselves for employment and support—a man and a horse. I must invariably prefer the latter, and leave the former to starve. Two other beings—a horse and a steam-engine, are candidates for my favour. My preference to the latter tends to exterminate the species of the former. In both cases it is stated, that the number of intelligent
On this wide and extended argument, which can in fact be maintained against all improvements whatever in no other way than by insisting that the savage state of man, with all its wants, its ignorance, its ferocity, and its privations, is preferable to the social intercourse of effort and division of labour we are habituated to prefer, it may be sufficient to observe that it includes matter not only for reasoning and induction, but also for experiment. By reference to the matter of fact, though it must be allowed that new improvements, which change the habits of the poor, must at first expose them to a temporary inconvenience and distress, against which, in fairness, it is the duty of society to defend them; yet the invariable result of such improvements is always to better the condition of mankind. A temporary inconvenience to individuals must often be incurred for the sake of general national benefit.
It is to manufactories carried on by machinery and to the abridgment of labour, that this country is indebted for her riches, her independence and pre-eminent station among the nations of the world.
But let us return to the subject.—The progress of the new mode of lighting with coal-gas can never wholly supersede the use of candles and moveable lights. The objection with regard to the Greenland trade is equally futile. This traffic, might with more propriety be called a drain, than a nursery, of the naval force. The nature of the Greenland service requires that the crew should consist chiefly of able-bodied sailors; and being protected men, not subject to the impress law, they are thus rendered useless for national defence. The nursery of British seamen is the coasting trade; and if the gas-light illumination be put in practice to a large extent, it will increase that trade as much as it will diminish the Greenland fishery.
Even on the extreme supposition that it would annihilate the Greenland fisheries altogether, we should have no reason to regret the event. The soundest principles of political
Indeed the fisheries will find ample encouragement, and the consequence of lighting our streets with gas can prove injurious only to our continental friends, one of whose staple commodities, tallow, we shall then have less occasion to purchase.
There will be less waste indeed, but a greater consumption of coal. The lower classes of the community are at present very scantily supplied with firing; and nothing but a reduction of price is necessary to increase to a very large amount the whole average quantity of fuel consumed in the country. The lightness of the coke produced in the gas-light manufacture diminishing the expence of land carriage, will facilitate its general diffusion—the comforts of the poor will be materially augmented, and a number of useful operations in agriculture and the arts be carried on, which are now checked and impeded by the price of fuel.
If any additional want were wanted for the
The gas-light illumination cannot tend to diminish the coal-trade; on the contrary it will prove beneficial to it; it will contribute to lower the price of the superior kinds of coal, and keep a level which cannot be shaken under any circumstances; it will contribute to prevent combinations which do certainly operate to the prejudice of the public, and do sometimes put this great town at the mercy of particular proprietors in the north, who deal out coal in the way they please. The competition thus produced, it is impossible not to consider as an advantage, which would prevent in future such combinations, and put those in London out of the reach of them.
It is worthy observation, that the annual importation of coal into this Metropolis, is above one million and eighty-eight thousand chaldrons.
1st. That the Seams of coal which are now worked at Newcastle and Sunderland, are equal to a seam or bed of 15 miles by 20 miles.
2dly. That this seam, on an average, is at least four feet and a half thick.
3dly, That 1-6th part of the above extent is sufficient for pillars to support the roofs of the mines, &c.
And, 4thly, It appears, by experiments, that a cubic yard of coal weighs 1 ton, or 20 cwt.
| London Chaldrons | |
| The total consumption of coal from the rivers Tyne and Wear known from the register to be | 2,300,000 |
| The number of tons in the above quantity taking the London chaldron at 27 cwt. is | 3,100,000 |
| Now a ton weight of coal is estimated to occupy in the earth the space of one cubic yard. | |
| The number of cubic yards in the square mile is | 3,097,600 |
| The beds or seams of coal are, on an average, 4 feet and a half in thickness, which increases the above number of cubic yards in the square mile by half the number of square yards to | 1,548,800 |
| And hence the square mile of the beds or seams of coal we are describing contains, of cubic yards and tons of coal | 4,645,000 |
| A deduction of 1-6th for pillars to support the mine, &c. | 800,000 |
| The number of tons per square mile | 5,445,000 |
We have already mentioned the length and breadth of the seams of coal to be equal to 20 miles by 15, making an area of 300 square miles, and consequently a source of consumption for 375 years.
It may be objected to the universality of our conclusion, that the price of coals, differing very much in different places, will occasion a variation in the expence of the new mode of
2dly, The coal, by yielding the gas and other products,—namely, tar, pitch, ammoniacal liquor, &c. of which we have treated already, is converted into a substance, increased in bulk, and in the power of producing heat, namely, coke; and as a manufactory generally requires heating as well as lighting, there will be a gain both ways. The manufacturer, by distilling his coal, instead of burning it as it comes from the pit, will save his candles and improve his fuel. One effort at the outset, in erecting a proper apparatus, will reduce his annual disbursement, for these two articles of prime necessity,
The principal expence in the pursuit of this branch of civil and domestic economy is therefore the dead capital employed in erecting the machinery destined for preparing and conveying the gas; the floating or live capital is comparatively small. At the same time, were we to offer an advice to the public on this subject, it would be, that no private individual resident in London should attempt to light his premises for the sake of economy with coal-gas by means of his own apparatus, whose annual expence for light does not exceed 60l. because the expence of erecting and attending a small apparatus is almost as great as one constructed on a larger scale would be. For if the quantity of gas wanted is not sufficient to keep the retorts continually in a red-hot or working state, the cost of the gas will be considerably enhanced; because either the empty retorts must be continued red-hot, or the fire must be suffered to go out; and the retorts, when cold, cannot be
Individuals, therefore, may engage in the distillation of coal, and trade with advantage in the articles produced by that process, and the lighting of cities may be accomplished without the aid of incorporated bodies; and parishes may be lighted by almost as many individuals as there are streets in a parish.
From experiments, made by Mr. Clegg, on the effects produced by a number of gas-lights, of a certain intensity, there is reason to believe
The most beneficial application of gas-lights unquestionably is in all those situations where a great quantity of light is wanted in a small place: and where light is required to be most diffused, the advantages of this mode of illumination are the least.—Hence, as already stated, the lighting of the parish, or street-lamps only, without lighting shops or houses, can never be accomplished with economy.
We have noticed before the reason why the price of coals can have little effect upon the gas-light; because the very refuse, or small
When the grate of the fire-place is large, and the small coals are thrown behind; or when we can have patience enough to bear the cold for an hour or two, or contrive to have the fire lighted a long time before we want it, the small coal may be of some use, but the fire made with it is never strong, nor so bright; and does not burn so long as a fire made with large or round coals: it often requires the help of the poker, and produces a great quantity of breeze.
The loss in the use of small coals is more considerable to the poor, who cannot keep large fires. When they want their breakfast or dinner, the time they can spare is limited; and to have their water sooner boiling, or their meals quicker ready; they must make use of the poker, and lose a great deal of coal. This fact is so evident, that any body who wishes to make the experiment before recommended, will find that much more bright coal goes to the dust-hole of the poor man, than to the dust-hole of a rich family, where, the fire-place being large, the small coal has more chance of burning.
The loss is still greater to the poor, in consequence of the inferior sorts of coal which are sold to them. If it is the light sort, it burns too quick, and they consume double the quantity; if the strong sort, it burns too slow, and is nearly as wasteful; for a great quantity of it then goes to the dust-hole without having been lighted at all.
An incorrect opinion is often entertained, that the real quantity of coal contained in a sack is lessened by separating or screening the small from the round coals; but we must recollect, that any compact body occupies less space than is required to contain the same matter, reduced to smaller irregular pieces, or to powder.—Now the screening only takes away the finest dusty part of the coals, and admits more small pieces of round coals to be filled into the sack.
Nothing can be more perfectly devoid of common sense, and wasteful and slovenly at the same time, than the manner in which chimney fires, where coals are burnt, are commonly managed by servants. They throw on a load of (perhaps all small) coals at once, through which the flame is hours in making its way; and frequently it is not without much care and trouble that the fire is prevented from going quite out. During this time no heat is communicated to the room; and, what is still worse, the throat of the chimney being occupied merely by a heavy dense vapour, not possessed of any heating power, and, consequently, not having much elasticity, the warm air of the room finds less difficulty in forcing its way up the chimney and escaping,
The author of a paper in the Plain Dealer asserts, that, of the various perversions of abilities, there is none that makes a human being more ridiculous, than that of attempting
There is one subject more on which it is necessary to speak.—In the present instance, the public has been alarmed by representations that the general adoption of gas-lights would expose us to innumerable accidents, from the inflammable nature of the gas, and the explosion of the apparatus in which it is prepared, or the bursting of the pipes by which it is conveyed. But there is no ground for such fears.
Those who are familiar with the subject will readily allow, that there is no more risk
The manufacture of the coal-gas requires nothing more than what the most ignorant person, with a common degree of care and attention, is competent to perform. The heating of the gas-furnace, the charging of the retorts with coal, the closing them up air-tight, the keeping them red-hot, and discharging them again, are the only operations required in this art; and these, surely, demand no more skill than a few practical lessons can teach to the meanest capacity. The workman is not called upon to exercise his own judgment, because, when the fire is properly managed, the evolution of the gas goes on spontaneously, and without further care, till all the gas is extricated from the coal.
No part of the machinery is liable to be out of order,—there are no cocks to be turned, no valves to be regulated; nor can the operator derange the apparatus but by the most violent efforts. And when the stock of gas is prepared, we may depend on its lighting power as much
The diversified experiments which have been made by different individuals, unconnected with each other, have sufficiently established the perfect safety of the new lights; and numerous manufactories might be named in which the gas-lights have now been in use for upwards of seven years, where nothing like an accident has occurred, though the apparatus in all of them is entrusted to the most ignorant man.
It would be easy to state the causes which have given rise to some of those accidents that have spread alarm amongst the public; but of this it is not my business to speak at length. It is sufficient, on the present occasion, to state, that those melancholy occurrences which have happened at some gas-light establishments which I have had an opportunity of examining, were totally occasioned by egregious failures committed in the construction of the machinery. Thus, an explosion very lately took place in a manufactory lighted with coal-gas, in consequence of a large quantity of gas escaping into a
Other instances might be named, where explosions have been occasioned through egregious mistakes having been committed in the erection of the gas-light machinery, were this a subject on which I meant to treat.
That the coal-gas, when mixed with a certain portion of common air, in close vessels, may be inflamed by the contact of a lighted
Main pipe, leading from the Gas-light station or apparatus,
situated in Brick Lane, near Old St.
Main pipe, leading from the gaslight apparatus, or station, at Norton Falgate.
Main pipe, leading from the gaslight apparatus, or station,
in Westminster.
* The gasometer at this place is equal in capacity to 22000 cubic feet.
† The capacity of the gasometer here is equal to 15928 cubic feet.
‡ At this station the gasometer is equal in capacity to 14808 cubic feet.
The black lines represent the gas-light mains, or largest pipes, from which the smaller pipes branch off: they are connected with each other at the places marked A B C; and the dotted lines represent the smaller mains, or collateral branches before-mentioned. The main pipes are all furnished with valves, or cocks, placed at about 100 feet distant from each other. Now let us suppose that a main pipe, in any part of the street marked in the sketch, Pall Mall, should break, it is evident, on mere inspection, that the gas which is
Further, let us suppose a main pipe should break in Piccadilly; in that case, the valve being shut on each side of the fracture, the gas would be supplied from the mains in the Haymarket and St. James’s Street. And the same effect would be produced in any part of the town, supplied with gas-pipes. Besides all this, in the statement thus far given, we have assumed that all the gas-light mains are supplied with gas from one manufacturing station only, but which in reality is not the case. The range of pipes that convey the gas is connected with three gas-light establishments, situated at different parts of the town; and the gas which is supplied from these stations is connected with the whole system of pipes in the
In fact, no danger can arise from the application of gas-lights in any way, but what is common to candle-light, and lamps of all kinds, and is the fault of none of them. Even in this case the gas-lights are less hazardous. There is no risk of those accidents which often happen from the guttering or burning down of candles, or from carelessly snuffing them. The gas-light lamps and burners must necessarily be fixed to one place, and therefore cannot fall, or otherwise become
After considering the facts so far detailed, many other advantages, connected with the gas-light illumination, will naturally suggest themselves to the reader. I have endeavoured merely to point out the leading characters of the new lights, as they are at present. Ingenious men may speculate from what has been done to what remains to be effected, which, no doubt, will embrace objects of the greatest utility and most extended national importance. The public attention is awakened to the new properties of coal, and will not rest till they are extensively applied to economical purposes. The consequence will be, a considerable
Upon the whole, when we reflect that the object of the gas-light illumination is to open a source of national wealth, of which nothing can deprive us, to create, we may almost say, new articles of value, its friends cannot be thought guilty of great presumption, if they look forward with confidence to the successful extension of this new art of civil economy; and if, contrary to all expectations, the effects of jealousy and prejudice should, in some respect or other, continue here and there its influence against this new art of procuring light, a firm perseverance of its application must at length remove that ignorance which alone can give them birth.
TABULAR VIEW,
EXHIBITING
The quantity of Gas, Coke, Tar, Pitch, Essential Oil, and Ammoniacal Liquor, obtainable from a given quantity of Coal; together with an Estimate of the quantity of Coal necessary to produce a quantity of Gas, capable of yielding a Light equal in duration of time and intensity to that produced by Tallow Candles of different kinds.
| Cost of Coal. | Weight of Coal. | Produce of Gas, in cubic feet. | - | Candles. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini- mum. | Maxi- mum. | Aver- age. | Min. | Max. | Aver. | Min. | Max. | Aver. | 9,516 8,651 | 11 10 | to the pound. to thdo. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| One Chal. of Coal, from 25 to 28 cwt. | - | 40 | s | to | 60 | s | — | 50 | s | 2,800 | to | 3,136 | — | 2,968 | 8,906 | to | 11,872 | — | 10,388 | [39] | 7,786 6,921 6,556 5,194 | 10 9 8 7 | to thdo. to thdo. to thdo. to thdo. | |||||||||||||
| One Ton | 30 | s | to | 48 | s | — | 38 | s | 6 | d | 2,240 | 6,720 | to | 8,960 | — | 7,840 | 4,325 | 5 | to thdo. | |||||||||||||||||
| One Sack | 3 | s | 4 | d | to | 5 | s | — | 4 | s | 2 | d | 233 | to | 261 | — | 247 | 741 | to | 988 | — | 814 | 3,463 | 4 | to thdo. | |||||||||||
| One Bushel | 1 | s | 2 | d | to | 1 | s | 8 | d | — | 1 | s | 5 | d | 78 | to | 87 | — | 82 | 1/2 | 247 | to | 330 | — | 290 | 2,595 | 3 | to thdo. | ||||||||
| One Peck | 3 | 1/2 | to | 5 | d | — | 4 | 1/4 | 19 | 1/2 | to | 21 | 1/4 | — | 20 | 1/4 | 61 | to | 82 | — | 71 | 1/2 | 1,730 | 2 | to thdo. | |||||||||||
| One Pound | 1/4 | 1 | 3 | to | 4 | — | 3 | 1/2 | 866 | 1 | to thdo. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coke.—One chaldron of coal, from 25 to 28 cwt. gives 11/4 to 1½ chaldron of Coke. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tar.—One chaldron of coal, from 25 to 28 cwt. gives from 150 to 180lb. of Tar,[39] or 15 to 18 ale gallons, 10lb. each. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ammoniacal Liquor.—One chaldron of coal, gives from 220 to 240lb. of Ammoniacal Liquor, or 22 to 24 ale gallons. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tabular View, exhibiting the illuminating power of Coal-Gas, compared with the illuminating power of Tallow Candles of different sizes.
| One chaldron of Coal produces, according to weight and quality, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burning. | Candles. | 12 to 1lb. | 6 to 1lb. | |||||||
| Cubic feet of Gas. | Average. | 1 | hour | = | 21,000 | = | 10,500 | |||
| From | 9,000 | to | 12,000 | 10,500 | 2 | hours | = | 10,500 | = | 5,250 |
| 6,000 | 8,000 | 7,000 | 3 | ditto | = | 7,000 | = | 3,500 | ||
| 4,500 | 6,000 | 5,250 | 4 | ditto | = | 5,250 | = | 2,625 | ||
| 3,600 | 4,800 | 4,400 | 5 | ditto | = | 4,400 | = | 2,200 | ||
| 3,000 | 4,000 | 3,500 | 6 | ditto | = | 3,500 | = | 1,750 | ||
| 2,571 | 3,428 | 3,005 | 7 | ditto | = | 3,005 | = | 1,502 | ||
| 2,250 | 3,000 | 2,625 | 8 | ditto | = | 2,625 | = | 1,312 | ||
| 2,000 | 2,666 | 2,333 | 9 | ditto | = | 2,333 | = | 1,166 | ||
| 1,800 | 2,100 | 2,100 | 10 | ditto | = | 2,100 | = | 1,050 | ||
| 1,636 | 2,191 | 1,913 | 11 | ditto | = | 1,913 | = | 956 | ||
| 1,500 | 2,000 | 1,750 | 12 | ditto | = | 1,750 | = | 875 | ||
| 1,384 | 1,846 | 1,615 | 13 | ditto | = | 1,615 | = | 807 | ||
| 1,285 | 1,714 | 1,499 | 14 | ditto | = | 1,499 | = | 749 | ||
| 1,200 | 1,600 | 1,400 | 15 | ditto | = | 1,400 | = | 700 | ||
| 1,125 | 1,500 | 1,312 | 16 | ditto | = | 1,312 | = | 656 | ||
| 1,058 | 1,111 | 1,234 | 17 | ditto | = | 1,234 | = | 617 | ||
| 1,000 | 1,333 | 1,166 | 18 | ditto | = | 1,166 | = | 583 | ||
| 947 | 1,263 | 1,105 | 19 | ditto | = | 1,105 | = | 552 | ||
| 900 | 1,200 | 1,050 | 20 | ditto | = | 1,050 | = | 525 | ||
| 857 | 1,143 | 1,000 | 21 | ditto | = | 1,000 | = | 500 | ||
| 818 | 1,095 | 956 | 22 | ditto | = | 956 | = | 478 | ||
| 783 | 1,044 | 913 | 23 | ditto | = | 913 | = | 456 | ||
| 750 | 1,000 | 875 | 21 | ditto | = | 875 | = | 437 | ||
N. B. If it be required to know, for how many hours one pound, or one peck, or one bushel, or one sack, of coal will produce Gas Light equal to that of a certain number of well-snuffed Tallow Candles, the proportion of each of the average weights of a pound, peck, bushel, or sack, to that of the average weight of a chaldron of coal, is as follows:
| 1 | lb. | = | 2968th | part of a chaldron. | |
| One peck | 20 | = | 148th | ditto. | |
| One bushel | 82 | = | 36th | ditto. | |
| One sack | 248 | = | 12th | ditto. |
Rule.—Divide with either of the above parts of weight, the number of lights opposite to their hours, and the product will be the number of lights burning for the same number of hours.
Example.—To know how many lights one peck of coal will give for six hours, divide the 148th part in 3,500, opposite to the number of six hours, the product is almost 24 lights. The same rule holds good for any given quantity or number of pounds of coal, in a chaldron, to find how many lights, or candles, 12 to the lb. or 6 to the lb. they will give for a given number of hours.
DESCRIPTION
OF
THE GAS-LIGHT APPARATUS.
PLATE I.
Exhibits a perspective view of a gas-light apparatus,
Fig. 1. The Retort Furnace, for distilling the coals. It is built of brick-work. The bricks which are exposed to the immediate action of the fire, are Welch tumps, or fire-bricks; they are bedded in clay, or Windsor loam.
Fig. 2. The Tar Cistern, to collect the coal-tar, and other condensible products obtained during the distillation of the coals. It is a cast-iron hollow cylinder, closed at the top with a cast-iron cover, which has a very small hole to allow the air to escape as the liquid enters into the vessel.
Fig. 3. The Lime Machine, for purifying the crude coal-gas, and to render it fit for use. The construction of this machine will be explained in plate VII. It is put together of cast-iron plates.
Fig. 4. The Gasometer, for collecting and preserving the purified gas, and for distributing and applying it as occasion may require. It consists of two principal parts—namely, a large interior vessel closed at the top and open at the bottom, made of sheet iron, designed to contain the gas, and an outer cistern or vessel, of rather greater capacity, constructed of cast-iron plates, in which the former vessel is suspended. The latter contains the water by which the gas is confined. The interior vessel which contains the gas is suspended by chains hung over wheels or pullies, to which weights are attached, so as to be just sufficient to balance the weight of the gasometer, all but a small difference, and allowing its slow descent in the manner which is found as nearly adapted as can be to the proper supply of the lamps. The weight of the chains must be equal to the specific gravity of the material of which the gasometer is composed, so as to compensate accurately for the quantity of water which the gasometer displaces, or what is the same, it must be equal to the loss of weight which the gasometer sustains, when immersed in the water; and the counterpoise weight must be equal (or nearly so) to the absolute weight of the gasometer.
The action of these different parts of the apparatus will be obvious from the following explanation:
A, A, are two iron retorts, placed horizontally, and side by side, in the furnace; the mouth of the
When the operation commences, the inner vessel of the gasometer, fig. 4 is sunk down, to expel the air which it contains to a level with the exterior vessel, or outer cistern, of the gasometer; and, consequently, becomes filled with water. As the distillation of the coal in the retorts proceeds, the liquid and gazeous products evolved from the coals are transmitted by means of the perpendicular syphon pipes B, B, into the horizontal pipe or main condenser C, with which they are connected. The liquid which is distilled, collects in the pipe, or main condenser, C, where it is retained until its quantity has risen so high as to discharge itself into the pipe D, which is connected with the upper part of one of the extremities of the condenser, C. One of the extremities of the pipes, B, B, therefore become immersed into the liquid contained in the main condenser or pipe C, whilst the vaporous or condensible fluid, after having overcome the pressure there opposed to it, is transported into the pipe E, which, after passing in a serpentine direction, E, E,
In this manner the process proceeds, until the whole of the volatile products of the coal in the retort are disengaged. The use of the gasometer is, partly to equalize the evolution of the gas which comes from the retort more quickly at some time than others. When this happens, the vessel rises up to receive it, and when the stream from the retort diminishes, the weight of the gasometer expels its contents, provided the main-cock be open. When the process is finished, the retort is suffered to cool, and its lid is then removed to replenish it with coal. When the main stop-cock is then opened, the gasometer descends, and the gas passes from the gasometer through the pipe K, to the burners, or main pipe, which communicates with the gas burners or lamps. L, is a wooden tub or barrel, containing the mixture of lime and water, for charging the lime machine; and into which the contents of the barrel, L, may be conveyed by the curved pipe M, without admitting common air. N, N, is a water-pipe, to convey fresh water into the gasometer cistern occasionally; because it is essential that the water used for washing and purifying the gas should be changed for fresh as soon as it becomes dirty; and unless this is done, the gas will not be perfectly purified by washing, but produce a disagreeable odour when burnt; the same holds good with regard to the lime
There is a safety valve attached to this gasometer which could not be represented in the drawing; and the object of which is, to convey away any portion of gas that might happen to be produced by a careless operator, when the gasometer is full, and which is thus prevented from accumulating in the place where the gasometer is erected. It is represented in
PLATE II.
Represents a Portable experimental Gas Apparatus for exhibiting, in the small way, the general nature of the gas-light illumination.—It is described page 79.
PLATES III. IV. V.
Show designs of various kinds of Gas Lamps, Chandeliers, Candelabras, &c.—See pages 114, 118, 140.
PLATE VI.
Fig. 1. Exhibits a design of the gasometer framing, or skeleton, which serves to give stability and strength to the gasometer. It consists of wooden frame work, marked A, A, A, interlaced
The rest of the sketches represent various kinds of gas pipes employed as mains for conveying the gas, and the methods of connecting them.
Fig. 2. Represents a longitudinal section of a Spigot and Faucet Pipe. These kinds of pipes are applicable in most cases as mains for conveying gas. A, is called the spigot, and B, the faucet. They are joined together, and made air tight, by iron cement, the composition of which is as follows:
Take two ounces of sal ammoniac, one ounce of flowers of sulphur, and sixteen ounces of cast iron filings or borings. Mix all well together, by rubbing them in a mortar, and keep the powder dry.
When the cement is wanted for use, take one part of the above powder, and twenty parts of clean iron borings or filings, and blend them intimately by grinding them in a mortar. Wet the compound with water, and when brought to a convenient consistence, apply it to the joints with a wooden or blunt iron spatula.
By a play of affinities, which those who are at all acquainted with chemistry will be at no loss to comprehend, a degree of action and re-action takes place among the ingredients, and between them and the iron surfaces, which at last causes the whole to unite as one mass. In fact, after a time, the mixture and the surfaces of the flanches become a species of pyrites (holding a very large
The inner parts of the faucet ought to be no larger in diameter than just to fit the spigot. This supports the pipe, independently of the cement, and prevents the risk of hurting the joint from any external stress. The inner faucet is commonly made about 21/2 inches deep, and has the spigot inserted 11/2 inch into it. The practice of some workmen, is to make the outer faucet, or that which contains the cement, six inches deep, for all pipes above six inches diameter; and to make the faucets of all pipes below six inches, the same depth as the diameter of the pipes. It is usual to make the space for the cement, all round the spigot, from 1 to 11/2 inch; that width is required, in order that the cement may be firmly driven into the joint. When the space is very narrow, this cannot be done. On the other hand, when too wide, there is a waste of cement, and a risk of injury from unequal expansion.
Fig. 3. Exhibits a profile view of these kinds of pipes when joined together. The spigot and faucet pipes are liable to burst from the great expansion of the spigot, and the risk of this accident is increased by increasing the space between the spigot and faucet, which requires to be filled with cement.
Fig. 4. Represents a longitudinal section of two flanch pipes, and the modes of connecting them. A and B, show the parts of the pipes; and C and D, the flanches. These pipes are also joined together, and rendered air-tight, by interposing between
Fig. 5. Profile view of the same kind of pipes connected together, A and B, the pipes; C and D, the flanches; E and F, the bolts.
Fig. 6. Represents the method of joining spigot and faucet pipes when they are to have a turn or angle. This method is convenient when the place where the turn required to be made is previously known, and the pipes cast accordingly.
Fig. 7. Exhibits the method of connecting spigot and faucet pipes when they have a round turn. A and B, the junctures of the pipes.
Fig. 8. Represents a longitudinal section of the mode of joining pipes by means of what is called a thimble joint. The junctures of the pipes to be connected, are made air tight, as mentioned already, by iron cement. A, the thimble or small cylinder, with projecting edges, which unites the pipes B, C.
Fig. 9. A thimble joint made in two parts, which is sometimes convenient to join pipes. The parts are joined together by screw bolts, and nuts, in the usual manner.
Fig. 10. Section of the same.
Fig. 11. Represents a profile view of what is called the saddle joint. It is employed for taking off a branch-pipe. The branch has a piece A B, formed on its end, and fits round one-half of the outside of the pipe from which it is to proceed. C, is called the saddle, which fits round the other half of the pipe. The parts are secured together
Fig. 12. Section of the saddle-joint.
Before the gas is suffered to enter into the pipe, they should be proved to be sound, by the usual process of forcing water into them: The pipes serving as mains, are placed perfectly solid, so that they cannot give way; their course should be rectilinear, having a descent of about 1 inch in 9 or 10 feet, to allow the water of condensation which may be deposited from the gas by a change of temperature to collect readily at the lowermost part.
Fig. 13. Shows a reservoir for collecting the water of condensation which might accumulate in the pipes. It consists of a receptacle, A, in which the water may pass; B, a branch-pipe closed at the top, by means of which the water may be removed, by drawing it out with a syringe. This receptacle is placed in those situations where pipes incline towards each other.
PLATE VII.
Exhibits a perpendicular section of a gas-light apparatus, calculated for lighting towns, or large districts of streets and houses.
Fig. 1. The Retort Furnace. The retorts are placed over each other in one or more rows; so that a certain number of them may be heated by separate fire-places. A, A, shows two of the retorts placed horizontally above each other; B, the fire-place; C, the flue which causes the fire to circulate round the retorts so as to heat them equally in every part; D, the opening of the flue where the fire passes into the chimney; E, the ash-pit; F, a chamber in front of the retort furnace, into which the orifice or mouth of the retorts project; G, G, the doors of the chamber, to enable the workmen to charge and discharge the retorts; H, a funnel shaped hole at the floor of the chamber F, through which the red hot coke as it is discharged from the retorts passes into the arched vault I; K, the syphon tube; L, the horizontal condenser
The cylindrical vessel P, of fig. 3, surrounding the orifice of the pipe O, which delivers the tar into the tar cistern, fig. 3, serves to keep this pipe constantly immersed into a portion of tar, so that the contents of the cistern may be drawn off by the cock without admitting air into any part of the apparatus. The tar cistern has a small hole at the top, to allow the air which it encloses to escape, as it becomes filled with tar and ammoniacal liquor. The main condenser L, is placed, as shown in the drawing, higher than the level of the water in the gasometer cistern,
METHOD of correcting the relative pressure of the Gasometer, so as to cause the gas which it contains to be uniformly of an equal density.
We have mentioned already that the pressure of the gas in the gasometer should be invariable, for it is obvious that the weight of the gasometer is constantly increasing in proportion as it fills with gas, and rises out of the water—see p. 88, and 167. To render its pressure uniform, we first take the absolute weight of that part of the gasometer which becomes immersed in the water, and knowing the specific weight of the substance of which it is composed, we divide its absolute weight by the specific weight of the substance of which it is composed; and this being done, we make part of the chain, (measured at right angles from the axis of the wheels over which it passes downwards towards the top of the gasometer,) which is equal to the length of that part of the gasometer which becomes immersed in water, equal in weight to the specific gravity of the substance
DIRECTIONS TO WORKMEN
ATTENDING
THE GAS-LIGHT APPARATUS
Particular care must be taken to make the joints of the mouth-pieces of the retorts perfectly air tight, which may be done in the following manner:—Take
The bridge or row of bricks of the flue C, of the retorts, should never be made hotter than a bright red, which may be regulated by the door of the ash-pit being kept close shut when the fire is getting too hot. If the operator neglects this, and suffers the fire-bricks to arrive at a bright white heat the retorts will soon be destroyed, and bad gas be produced.
The gasometer should be well examined, at least once a week, to see if it leaks, by the following method, viz. Let the main stop-cock be shut, then make a mark on the gasometer at the water’s edge when it is full or nearly of gas, there being no gas coming from the retorts at the time, and if the mark sinks in the water, the gasometer leaks; to find out the place, walk slowly round it, and you may perceive the leak by the smell, apply a lighted candle to the part suspected, and if there be gas issuing from
The only thing to be observed in the place lighted is, that the lamps and pipes are not suffered to be touched on any pretence whatever, but by the person entrusted with their care. When a lamp is not wanted, it must be completely shut off from the pipe which supplies it, by a stop-cock provided for the purpose, and not opened again but when a flame is held over it; not a lighted candle, as the tallow is liable to drop into the lamps; lighted paper is better.
ESTIMATE
OF
THE PRICE
OF
A GAS-LIGHT APPARATUS,
IF ERECTED IN LONDON,
Capable of affording, every 24 hours, Light equal to 40,000 Tallow Candles, six in the pound, burning one hour.
| £. | s. | |
|---|---|---|
| Gasometer, to contain 10,000 cubic feet of gas | 236 | 0 |
| Wheel-work, regulating chain, ballance-weight for ditto, with wooden framing | 160 | 11 |
| Wrought iron cistern for gasometer—36 feet wide, 24 feet long and 16 feet deep | 500 | 0 |
| (It would weigh about 16 tons.) | ||
| Wooden framing built around it, to secure ditto | 150 | 0 |
| Condenser, cistern and communicating pipes | 126 | 0 |
| Lime machine, made of cast iron plates | 82 | 0 |
| Gasometer-house, built of frame-work and weather-boarded | 250 | 0 |
| Twenty-four retorts set in brick-work, with furnaces for ditto, compleat | 336 | 0 |
| Sundries | 100 | 0 |
| £ 1940 | 11 | |
A gas-light apparatus complete for work, capable of affording every twenty-four hours a quantity of light equal to 1,400 Argand’s Lamps, each lamp equal in intensity to six candles, six in the pound, burning for five hours, will cost 3,500l. if erected in this metropolis.
LONDON Price List of the most essential articles
| Sheet-iron pipes brazed. | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| s. | d. | ||||||||
| 1/4 | inch in diameter | 0 | 4 | a foot | - | in 15 to 18 feet lengths. | |||
| 3/8 | ditto | 0 | 4 | ditto | |||||
| 1/2 | ditto | 0 | 5 | ditto | |||||
| 5/8 | ditto | 0 | 6 | ditto | |||||
| 3/4 | ditto | 0 | 6 | 1/2 | ditto | ||||
| 7/8 | ditto | 7 | ditto | ||||||
| 1 | inch, ditto | 0 | 7 | 1/2 | ditto | ||||
| 1 | 1/4 | ditto | 0 | 9 | ditto | ||||
| 1 | 1/2 | ditto | 0 | 10 | 1/2 | ditto | |||
| 1 | 3/4 | ditto | 0 | 11 | ditto | ||||
| 2 | inch, ditto | 1 | 1 | 1/2 | ditto | ||||
| 2 | 1/4 | ditto | 1 | 4 | ditto | ||||
| 2 | 1/2 | ditto | 1 | 5 | ditto | ||||
| 3 | inch, ditto | 1 | 6 | 1/2 | ditto | ||||
| Copper pipes brazed 1/4 inch | 0 | 4 | per foot | ||||||
| Ditto, ditto, ditto 3/8 inch | 0 | 5 | 1/2 | ditto | |||||
| Gas-light cockspur burners with stop-cock 2s 6d to 3s 6d | |||||||||
| Argand’s lamps, with glass-holders, from 3s to 4s 6d | |||||||||
| Cast-iron retorts, weighing 7 cwt. at 15s 6d per cwt | £5 | 8 | 6 |
| Mouth-piece for ditto, compleat | 1 | 14 | 8 |
| Cast-iron door frames for retort furnace | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Furnace bars 10s. per cwt. | |||
| Sheet iron for gazometer (No. 23) 24s. per cwt. | |||
| Gazometer chains, 5d per lb. | |||
| Ballance weights [Plates] for gazometer, 9l 10s per ton. | |||
| Cast-iron cistern plates | |||
| ----------------------- smaller size for lime machine, 18l per ton. | |||
| ----------------------- middling size for tar cistern, 16l ditto | |||
| ----------------------- largest size for gazometer cistern 14l ditto | |||
| Cast-iron flanch pipes | 2 | - | inch diameter, at | 5s | per yd. in | 6 | feet lengths | ||
| ditto | 3 | ditto | 6s | ditto | 6 | ditto | |||
| ditto | 4 | ditto | 8s | 6d | ditto | 9 | ditto | ||
| ditto | 5 | ditto | 10s | ditto | 9 | ditto | |||
| ditto | 6 | ditto | 12s | ditto | 9 | ditto | |||
| ditto | 7 | ditto | 13s | 6d | ditto | 9 | ditto | ||
| ditto | 8 | - | 11l. 5s. per ton | 9 | ditto | ||||
| ditto | 9 | ||||||||
| ditto | 10 | ||||||||
| ditto | 11 | ||||||||
| 1/2 inch nuts, screws and washers to put iron pipes together | 7d. | per lb |
| 5/8 ditto | 7d. | ditto |
| 3/4 ditto | 6d. | ditto |
| English bar-iron | 13l. | per ton |
| Best, ditto | 18l. | ditto |
FINIS.
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