HAND-BOOK A m e r i c a n Gas-Engineering Practice - I907 - PREFACE - AMERICAN gas engineers have for a long time deplored the lack of a work treating on the technology of modern gas supplies from a practical standpoint, and framed in such a manner as to constitute a b. 3ok of reference for those engaged in the industry, as well as for students. To supply his personal needs, the author began, several years stgo, a compilation of material which, accumulating and being . classified, has taken the shape of the Handbook. which he now presents to the profession, with every confidence that it will prove of value and be welcomed. His intention is to extend and revise future editions so that the final result will be a complete handbook of gas engineering, covering the minute details of every branch of the industry. The general plan of the work is as follows Watey-gas manufacture, from the consideration of tte fuels and materials to the gas-holder. The treatment is throughout practical rather than theoretical, and the chapters on these subjects would be understandingly read by gas-makers, foremen, and manual operators of the works, a feature which the author considers of considerable importance. Much of such practical detail of operation has not heretofore been published. The next division is devoted to gas distribution, which is gone into at lendh. It includes also a discussion of the various gas-burning appliances and their attendant data, the whole treated in the same practical way as the chapters on manufacture. Other methods of gas manufacture are reserved for subsequent editions, but distribution as here treated is applicable to every field of gas engineering. Specifications for mains, joints, piping, d standard sections will be found of peculiar interest and convenience. The final division on technical data contains much theoretical, mathematical, and technical information on the properties of gases and steam, calorific values, temperature data, testing corrections, tables, etc. The sources of this data have been carefully considered and are believed to be reliable. The subject of proprietary patents and apparatus not in general use were, for lack of space, omitted, which fact also prevented the including of many things which would have been of interest, these also being left for future editions. The author deperids on the readers of this handbook for material assistance in improving its present form and extending its usefulness, and welcomes acy suggestions and criticisms of his readers that may enable him to keep the ensuing editions abreast of the progress of the industry. The author desires to acknowledge the assistance of the many engineers connected with gas companies and manufacturing concerns. The uniform courtesy with which the authors requests for information have been invariably met is a source of much gratification to him, and he desires to here express his great appreciation. M. NISBET LATTA. NEW YORK A , ugust, 1907. CONTENTS . PART I . WATER-GAS MANUFACTURE . CHAPTER I . THE GENERATOR . PAGE APPARATU . S . ................................................... 1 CHAPTER I1 . THE CARBUREXTER . Vi CONTENTS . CHAPTER 111 . THE SUPERHEATER . CHAPTER IV . WASH-BOX AND TAR . CHAPTER V . SCRUBBERS . CHAPTER V1 . CONDENSERS . TEMPE TUR . E .. S . .............................................. 67 SURFAC . E . ...................................................... 68 ESSENTLAPLR INCIPLE . S . ......................................... 69 CHAPTER V11 . PURIFIERS . QONTENTS . vii CHAPTER V111 . EXHAUSTERS . CHAPTER X . HOLDERS . CHAPTER XI . DETAILS OF WORKS OPERATION . viii CONTENTS ...