210. Hercules Gas Engine. 211. Atkinson’s Gas Engine.
Fig. 211 is an Atkinson’s differential compression gas engine (British Gas Engine Co., 11 Queen Victoria Street, London), made in sizes from ¾ to 8 nominal horse-power, costing from 62l., to 210l., with water tank complete. The chief feature and novelty in this engine is its having a piston at each end of the cylinder, as will be seen by the illustration. This engine is somewhat new, but the principle is good, and it has, no doubt, a good future.
212. Atkinson’s Horizontal Gas Engine.
Fig. 212 is a 6 horse-power Atkinson’s horizontal gas engine. This engine is made in sizes from 3½ to 16 nominal horse-power, costing from 153l. upwards, with water tank complete.
A disadvantage which all gas engines very naturally have is the inability to use them in rural districts, where no gas supply exists.
Petroleum engines are now gaining favour, as they are equal to gas engines in cleanliness and results, and need as little attention, and they can be used anywhere, as a supply of fuel is so easily attainable. The ordinary and common petroleum of commerce is the fuel used, and the various makers contend that these motors are more economical than gas engines, the cost of fuel varying from ¾d. to 1¼d. per horse-power per hour, according to size. The construction of this motor is very similar to a gas engine, ignition and expansion (explosion) of petroleum taking the place of gas.
213. Spiel’s Petroleum Engine.
Fig. 213 is a “Spiel’s” vertical petroleum engine (Shawlaw & Co., Suffolk Works, Birmingham), made in one size only, 3 man nominal power (1 horse-power indicated), price 46l. 8s., with water tank.