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Title: |
1894 Article-Schleicher, Schumm & Co., Otto Vertical Gas Engine |
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Source: |
Proceedings of the American Gas Institute, V 10 #2, Apr 1894, Appendix pg. 36 |
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Insert Date: |
2/22/2014 7:49:41 PM |
The above engine was quickly succeeded by the well-known Otto. Whatever may be said as to other points, there is no doubt whatever but that the Otto has been undisputedly the leading engine upon the American market; finely constructed, practically silent, reliable and efficient, it has been kept to the fore by the constant concentration of the makers, to invariably put out the best engine that it was possible for them to design and build. In design it varies but little now from the form of 15 years ago. About the only changes have been the substitution of poppet valves and tube and electric ignition for the early slide and flame, and modification of the governor and other details. The Otto cycle is of course the feature. Regulation is by omitting charges, though sometimes by dilution. The valve gear is actuated by bevel gear from the main shaft and suitable cams and levers.
Designed by Dr. Otto in Germany, it was put on the American market in 1877, by Messrs. Schleicher, Schumm & Co., who have gradually developed until they now operate a large factory, devoted entirely to the make of this engine, at 33rd and Walnut streets, Philadelphia. First made in small sizes, it has gradually grown to 60 Ind. H. P., which size is again arranged in double cylinder form, giving IOO Brake H. P. Numerous special forms have been designed also, arranged for operating a pump, or a dynamo on same bed-plate, for handling natural gas, gasoline, etc. The illustration shows three typical engines, viz : The small vertical form, the medium size poppet valve standard, and the 50 H. P. horizontal, of which a very considerable number are now being used by gas companies for electric stations. There are now in the United States over 4,000 Otto engines in use—aggregating, probably, 30,000 to 35,000 H. P. Despite the claims of competitors of “complexity,” “expensive construction,” etc., etc., and better efficiency for their own engines, it is doubtful if on the whole there has been offered any superior engine. Current sizes are as follows; Vertical, ½ to 2½ Ind. H. P.; horizontal, 4 to 50 H. P.; and horizontal with double cylinder, 16 to 115 H. P. Nom. |
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1894 Schleicher, Schumm & Co., Otto Vertical Gas Engine
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