Referring to the cut, the explosion chamber A is filled intermittently with the explosive mixture at a low pressure (about 8 to 12 pounds per square inch). When ignition has occurred, the pressure of explosion opens the nozzle valve F, allowing the compressed gases to flow through the nozzle G to the bladed turbine H, on which the energy is to be expended. The expansion of the heated gases in the nozzle reduces the pressure to that of the exhaust, with the resulting increase in the velocity of the gas. By means of fresh air, the nozzle valve F is kept open throughout the expansion and scavenging periods.
After the expansion has been completed, the air that is forced through the valve D, at a low pressure, thoroughly scavenges or removes the residual burned gases left in the combustion chamber and nozzle, forcing it into the exhaust. When the scavenging has been completed, the nozzle valve and the air valve D are closed. The combustion chamber A is now filled with pure cold air, which not only enables a fresh charge of gas to be introduced into the chamber but which also aids in keeping the chamber cool.
Pure fuel gas, or atomized oil, is now injected through the fuel valve E, forming an explosive mixture ready for the ensuing cycle of events. A number of these chambers are arranged around the turbine wheel in order to have a uniform application of power, by having the several chambers working intermittently. This is in effect, the same proposition as increasing the number of cylinders on a reciprocating engine.
CHAPTER V
TYPICAL FOUR STROKE CYCLE ENGINES
(41) Essential Parts of the Gas Engine.
On all gas engines of accepted type are found certain devices necessary for the performance of the events or cycles outlined in the preceding section.
For the sake of simplicity these devices are treated as a part complete in itself. The details of construction, and the refinements found necessary in the actual construction will be described in the succeeding chapters.
The names and purpose of these essential components, and their relation to the operation of the engine as a whole, will be found in the following outline:
1. The CARBURETOR is a device whose purpose is to vaporize the liquid fuel, and mix the vapor thoroughly and in correct proportions with the air required for the combustion, in the engine cylinder.
The combustible mixture thus formed is drawn into the cylinder of the four stroke cycle engine or into the crank chamber of the two stroke cycle engine.