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Title: |
1898 Article-Backus Water Motor Co., 30-35 HP Gas Engine |
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Source: |
Iron Trade Review, 17 Feb 1898, pg. 12 |
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Insert Date: |
12/24/2015 8:13:09 PM |
The economy of the gas engine has been quite well demonstrated among power users, and this consideration has had much to do with securing for it its present popularity as a prime mover. There are diverse views as to the field of the gas engine, but events show that whatever the individual and theoretical opinions as to its province and possible limitations, its use is rapidly extending and the number of its enthusiastic friends is steadily increasing. The imperfections of some particular types have not prevented prompt recognition of the value of others.
In the Backus gas engine the manufacturers have studied to reduce the number of working parts to a minimum and to secure simplicity of construction and ease of operation. There is a Wide range in the sizes built and in the service performed. The one-half h. p. engine, for example, weighs 280 lbs., and between that and the 60 h. p. engine are 18 sizes. The 60 h. p. engine weighs 16,000 lbs., the height over all being 6 feet, while the floor space occupied is 10 ft. x 4 ft. 10 inches.
The governor has a special arrangement which obviates the use of gears 0r belts, being driven by an eccentric. This gives smooth, easy motion, and dispenses with rotating balls, gears or fast-moving cams. The speed of the engine is changed while it is running, the operator needing only to touch a thumb screw. The ignition tube, which is provided in the case of horizontal engines, does away with slide valves, electric spark or igniters. The starting device for large engines makes it possible for one man to start any size of engine with the same degree of safety and ease possible with a steam engine. A compressed air cock is opened and the engine immediately starts. The device is applicable to all the large engines of the Backus type.
The makers of the Backus gas engine have made a special problem of electric lighting with a view to meeting the objections urged against gas engines in this service. With gas at the price paid in large cities it is said to be possible to produce a 16-candle power light with this engine at one-quarter to one-half cent per hour per light. Tests have been made to determine the average consumption of gas under various conditions.
The two-story plant of the Backus Water Motor Co., at Newark, N. J., 60x100 feet, is operated by a Backus engine at an expense of $36 to $42 a month for power. The machinery driven consists of 250 feet of line shaft, a 2,500 lb. elevator, two planers, one shaper, pattern shop, five drill presses, two large radial drills, 15 lathes, one blower, one tapping machine, one key-seater, two emery wheels, two iron cut-off saws, one small dynamo and ventilating fans.
In some of the smaller sizes the engine is made either upright or horizontal, the former being advantageous where little room is available. Only two valves are used on the upright engine.
The Backus Water Motor Co., Newark, N. ]., or the Bair & Gazzam Co., Pittsburg, will furnish details concerning these engines and will make estimates on proposed installations |
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1898 Backus Water Motor Co., 30-35 HP Gas Engine
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