The Furnace Made of Fire Brick is Connected to the Condenser and Washers with Ordinary Iron Pipe through Which the Gases Pass After being Purified Before They Enter the Storage Tank
In connecting the first and second cans, use a piece of 1-in. pipe. This may be bent or connected with ells to form a U-shaped piece. In either case, one end should be longer than the other so that one will just pass into the first can, where it is sealed with asbestos cement, while the other end passes through the second-can top, where it is sealed, and extends to the bottom of the can. For the connection to the third can, make a hole in the top of the second can, but do not seal it up to the connection until the can is first filled with water to within 2 or 3 in. of the top. Also put powdered coke into the water, about halfway of the can’s height.
The connection from the second and third cans should be made of glass so that the gas can be observed passing through it between the cans. This is not absolutely necessary, however, and a piece of ¹⁄₂-in. iron pipe can be used instead. This pipe is connected in the same manner as that between the first and second, extending to the bottom of the third can and being sealed where it passes through the tops. The third can is filled with water to within 2 or 3 in. of the top.
The gas coming from the third can or washer, is ready for use, but as the pressure would not be uniform, a storage tank must be provided. To make a storage tank suitable for the needs of this small plant, procure two pans from 10 to 12 in. in diameter and from 3 to 4 in. deep. One pan should be a trifle smaller, so that it may be inverted in the larger pan, as shown. Make a connection from the third can with a rubber hose to the bottom of the larger pan, near the center, and use this pan as the bottom part of the storage tank. Pour into this pan enough water to make it 2 in. deep, invert the other pan and set it into the water. Attach a gas hose to the bottom of the inverted pan and fasten a gas jet into the rubber-hose end. This will make the gas plant complete and ready to operate.
To start the furnace, bore a hole in one side of the brick walls, about the size of an ordinary lead pencil, and insert a lighted taper to set fire to the kindling. There may be some difficulty in getting the fire to burn at first, and it may be necessary to force considerable air in; however, when the fire is fairly started, it will burn freely and the gases will soon find their way through the first pipe to the condenser, which is the first can. There they will mingle and deposit some tar and ammonia, then flow out through the second pipe, up through the coke and water in the second can and through the glass tube, where they may be observed passing into the can of water, where some more tar and ammonia will be deposited. After leaving this can the gas will find its way through the rubber tube into the storage tank. It passes from this tank to the burner, where it can be lighted and will burn with a bright flame.
If it is possible to force steam into the furnace when the fire is at its height, a much better quality and a larger volume of gas will be made. This is accomplished by placing a closed can of water over a fire near the furnace and connecting it to the latter with a piece of 1-in. gas pipe. The water in this can must be boiling hot at the time the fire in the furnace is lighted. The steam entering the furnace is decomposed, the hydrogen being released as a gas. The pipe connecting the boiler with the furnace should be fitted in the furnace wall so that the steam will pass in at the top of the fire; about halfway up the side of the furnace being about right. The steam will start the gases more rapidly and force them through the pipes.
Make sure that all connections are carefully sealed to prevent the escape of gases, as they will always follow the lines of least resistance and pass out through a very small crevice. The only danger with a plant of this size is from fire, wherefore it should be built away from inflammable materials. It will not make sufficient gas to be of injury to any living being.
Webfoot Attachments for Swimmers
In order to make the feet more effective in swimming, webfoot devices are frequently used. A simple arrangement for this purpose is shown in the illustration. It consists of three thin sections of metal, or wood, fastened together on the back side with spring hinges, which tend to remain open, thereby keeping all the sections spread out in one straight surface. The center section should be cut to conform closely to the shape of the foot, or it will produce considerable resistance during the onward stroke of the foot, and tend to stop the forward movement of the swimmer. Straps should be provided for attaching the device to the foot; one to fit across the toes, and the other adjusted around the ankle by a buckle.
