The latex is diluted down to standard in the cylinders, the truck is moved opposite the compartment to be filled, and a light movable gutter is placed beneath the vent of the outlet pipe. This pipe is fixed in the bottom of the cylinder, and is provided with a large stop-cock which is operated by a spanner key. The stop-cock should be of the simplest type, capable of being taken apart and assembled in a minute or so. The orifices should be large enough for a coolie to insert at least two or three fingers so as to facilitate cleaning, and the pipe should have no right-angle bends.
On the inside of the cylinder a scale of gallons may be painted, so that one may possess a knowledge of the quantities run into, or required for the completion of, any compartment.
A Screw Plug Unsatisfactory.—It may be of benefit to managers who contemplate such an installation to know that the adoption of a stop-cock in the vent pipe of the cylinder is the outcome of experience. In one instance the vent pipe as designed was fitted with a screw plug at the end. Unfortunately with this arrangement the flow could not be regulated, and owing to the “head” of the latex it dashed violently down the gutter, struck the bottom of the coagulating tank, and thence was scattered over the factory.
Another Installation.—In another type of installation, in place of the vessels travelling upon a raised verandah platform, the standardised latex is conveyed to the coagulating tanks by means of drums supported by hooks to a chain-block and pulley which travels on an overhead gantry. This method is practicable, but may be regarded as less satisfactory in general working than the verandah method of treatment.
A Modern Installation.—In the most recent scheme for dealing with the reception of latex, its standardisation, and conveyance to the coagulating tank, the main principle of the first system outlined is retained; but the receptacles are not mobile. Glazed-tile tanks are employed, the capacity of each being approximately equivalent to that of each unit coagulating tank.
The accompanying illustrations show the general arrangement and some details of the system of reception tanks employed on the well-known Pataling Estate.