Fig. 595.
A vat is a cistern or tub, especially one used for holding liquors in an immature state, as chemical preparations and tanning liquor for leather. Fig. [594].
A tub is an open wooden vessel formed with staves, bottom and hoops; a kind of short cask, half barrel or firkin, usually with but one head. Fig. [595].
A gallon (U.S.) is equal to 231 cubic inches or 0.13368 cubic feet and weighs 81⁄3 lbs. nearly, (i.e. 8.3356). This is almost exactly equivalent to a cylinder 7 inches in diameter and 6 inches in height.
The imperial gallon of England contains 277.274 cubic inches, and is equivalent to 1.2 U.S. gallons and at 62° Fah. weighs 10 lbs.
A cubic foot contains 74805⁄10000 (71⁄2 nearly) U.S. gallons, and weighs 62355⁄1000 (621⁄3 nearly) lbs.
A barrel = 311⁄2 gallons. 1 hogshead = 2 bbls. = 63 gallons.
The strength of a tank is of the first importance; 2351⁄2 gallons of water weigh as much as a ton of coal, but unlike the latter, it presses in all directions. Immense losses both of life and property have been caused by the “bursting” or giving way of tanks; particularly of those of a considerable size and elevation.