(See also pp. [80-5])
The following points, taken from an Austrian Ministerial Decree (dated December 2, 1903), for the prevention of poisoning in power gas works, may be useful:
Power Gas Installations
In mixed gas installations (Dowson, water gas) of the older system, the way in which the gas is produced causes the whole apparatus and pipes to be under slight negative pressure, because the steam required for the process must be blown into the generator. In these works, therefore, a small special steam boiler is required and a gas receiver to store the gas.
In more modern suction generator gas installations the piston is used to suck in steam and air as well as the gases arising in the generator and to draw them into the motor cylinder. Thus the whole system is kept in a condition of slight negative pressure during the process. While the suction generator gas system is working, only so much gas is produced as the motor uses for the time being, so that with this system there is no greater store of gas than is requisite.
In such an installation the following rules should be borne in mind:
1. All the apparatus (gas pipes, valves, &c.) must be constructed and maintained in a completely impervious condition. Any water seals especially which may be in use must receive attention.
2. Precautions must be taken to prevent the gases from the generator passing into the coolers and purifiers when the engine is at rest.
3. Care is to be taken when the apparatus is at rest to prevent any possible subsequent escape of gas into the room where the apparatus is installed.