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Title: |
1890 Article-Pacific Gas Engine Co., Pacific Gas Engines |
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Source: |
Industry Magazine, Sep 1890, pg. 30 & Aug 1890 pg. XI |
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Insert Date: |
12/10/2012 1:10:43 PM |
The illustrations on this page show two types of gas engines manufactured by the Company at 230 Fremont Street, this City. This important branch of motive power industry has, we believe, been much further developed on this Coast than in any other part of the United States, and has attained a position that places the system on a sound and successful basis. Its importance here lies in the fact that the engines can be operated anywhere. When illuminating gas is obtainable, the engines are highly efficient and economical gas engines, and where such gas is not available, the vapor of "gasoline'' is equally efficient, being converted into gas by the simple apparatus shown at the right of Fig. 1.
In respect to this method of operating the engines, we quote as follows from the company's circular:
"The motive power is obtained by drawing air over gasoline which is contained in an iron tank (or carburetter) located at some distance from the engine. This is again mixed with pure air, which mixture of air and gas is drawn into the cylinder of the engine by the downward stroke of the piston, and there closely compressed by the upward stroke of the same. This mixture of air and gas in its compressed state is ignited by an electric spark produced by a small battery. This mixture of air and gas upon being ignited produces extraordinary power by the expansion of the heated gas."
Referring to Fig. 1 which shows a two horse power engine with all its apparatus, the "carburetter" or tank, shown on the right, and a small cell battery on the left with connecting pipes and wires constitute the "plant."
Air is drawn into the tank at the open nipple, and passing through the gasoline takes up in volatile form enough vapor to constitute an explosive gas when mixed with seven tenths of pure air. The gas passes from the tank through the cock C, and mingles with air coming through the cock D. From these the air and gas pass through the cock B to the cylinder. The cylinder is surrounded with a water jacket, receiving water at E, which after circulation escapes at the pipe F.
The company furnish on application a very complete manual containing full information respecting the construction and operation of these engines, to which our readers are referred. The double or duplex engine, Fig. 2, is an example of good design, and is suitable for propelling boats and vessels, also for powers exceeding 10 H. P. The company being unable to fill their orders, have been compelled to contract for the construction of a number of engines to be made in other works, and this, we think, is all that need be said of their success. The cost of fuel is about 24 cents per horsepower per hour. |
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1890 Pacific Gas Engine Co., Pacific Gas Engines
1890 Pacific Gas Engine Co., Pacific Gas Engine
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