Gas Plants

278. Gasoline-Gas Plants. Gasoline-gas plants are devices for generating gas from gasoline. The gas is a mixture of air and gasoline vapor. It is made by air being forced thru gasoline. There are small plants which can be installed in private homes (Fig. 155). Gasoline vaporizes at ordinary temperature. The vapor or gas produced can be used for heating, lighting and running gas engines.

One gallon of gasoline, when entirely vaporized, produces about thirty-two cubic feet of gas. Its heating power depends upon the character of the gasoline utilized and the temperature at which it is kept during vaporization.

The plant is a device for forcing air thru the gasoline to make it vaporize as fast as wanted. Combined with the carburetor is a storage tank for the gas. A weight, or water motor, furnishes the power most commonly used in forcing the air thru the gasoline and forms a part of the plant. Air cannot flow thru the gasoline when the storage tank is full of gas so that the power is only in operation when the gas is being used or the tank is not quite full.

279. Acetylene-Gas Plant. Acetylene is often used in rural homes when gas or electricity are not available. The operation of the plant often has to be attended to by a member of the family. A capable woman can do this, but she must be careful and must thoroly understand the plant (Fig. 156).

The materials used in making acetylene are calcium carbide and water. Calcium carbide (A, Fig. 156) is made from lime and coke fused together in an electrical furnace. It must be kept stored in a dry place.

The plants for making acetylene are inexpensive enough to be installed in individual homes of moderate means. Calcium carbide for making the gas can be transported without difficulty.

There are two types of machines. In one the water drips on the carbide; in the other, the more common type, the carbide is dropped into the water. As soon as the carbide touches the water, it gives off acetylene gas. The gas is caught in and fills a bell above the water. As it fills the bell, it raises it, and when the bell reaches a certain height, it trips a lever to the door which lets in the carbide and closes it. When the gas is used, the bell goes down and, passing the lever, opens the door to let in a small amount of carbide.

Improvements have been made in the plants and in installing them until there is less danger from explosions than formerly. Great care should be taken in operating them to avoid accidents. Since the gas is highly explosive, fire, lighted lamps and cigars must be kept away from the vicinity of all acetylene plants. Only one person should take the care of the plant, the others should understand how.

280. Directions for Operating Acetylene Plant.

1) Charge by daylight—remove all residuum, and fill with fresh water before adding any carbide.

2) Follow exact directions for the machine used in the order directed.

281. Cautions to Be Observed in Using Acetylene Gas.

1) Do not apply a light to any opening that is not equipped with a regular acetylene burner tip.

2) See that any workman repairing a generator first removes carbide and drains all water out, and disconnects it from piping and removes it to the open air, where he then fills all compartments with water to force out gas before using soldering irons.

3) An open light should never be permitted nearer than ten feet from the generator. The generator should never be nearer than fifteen to twenty feet from furnace or stove. Do not hunt for gas leaks with a flame or light.

4) Do not use any artificial light except electric light when cleaning or repairing generator, or carry a lighted pipe or other fire about it, even when empty.

5) If water in any chamber should freeze, do not attempt to thaw it with anything but hot water.

6) Keep the motor oiled. Oil once in six months.

282. Compressed Gases and Oils. Gases, such as Blau gas, Pintsch gas, and prestolite gas which is compressed acetylene gas, are compressed in strong tanks and sold for use in lighting and light housekeeping. Gasoline and alcohol also are occasionally stored in very strong tanks under enough pressure to make them flow thru very small pipes to the point where they are wanted for use. These are frequently used for lighting isolated public buildings, such as rural schoolhouses.

As the gas or oil is used, the pressure diminishes. There is usually a pump attached to the tank to pump in air in order to keep up the pressure. The pump is similar to a bicycle pump (Fig. 157).

Questions for Part X