Advantages of Fireproof Construction.
—The fireproof buildings have naturally a very great advantage in permanence from a standpoint of cost of upkeep and insurance charges, and from the greater loss of a cessation of business incident to destruction by fire. In most plants there are sufficient departments of such staple character so unlikely to be changed that it appears judicious to make them fireproof.
Slow Burning Construction.
—Many people are quite content with buildings of moderate height of slow burning construction; otherwise, a modified type of “mill construction” and with the use of sprinkler systems which minimize the insurance costs.
Approval of Plans.
—There are many points in building construction to take care of in the matter of design, to meet the requirements of the insurance interests and local city building department regulations, which in the main coincide. Before entering into a contract to construct, it is well to have the drawings approved by the insurance boards and the city inspection bureau. It obviates expensive changes and additions. To build in such a manner as to bring the insurance rates to a minimum is certainly desirable. It is an advantage, too, to have the plant divided so that in case of fire the spread of the flames can be retarded and the fire confined to the building where it originated, or if some of the buildings are burned the balance can be saved. Fires invariably represent, to a well managed business, a far greater loss than is collectible on the insurance policies.
CHAPTER IV
REFRIGERATION EQUIPMENT
Ammonia Machines — Ammonia — Compressor — Condenser — Receiver — Cooler — Condensing Water — Unit Basis — Computing From Unit Basis — How Rated — Freezer Requirements — Freezers in Small Plants — Cylinder Arrangement — Why Brine Circulation — Air Circulating — Force Draft — Coil Room Systems — Brine Chilling — Brine Methods — Types of Brine Coolers — Balanced Brine System — Direct Expansion — Two-Stage Compressors.
Mechanical Refrigerating Equipment.
—This agent is of great consequence in the operation of packing houses, and, therefore, it is deemed essential to explain the principles briefly; as well as to describe the uses.