Municipal Gas Works

Horowhenua Chronicle, 19 October 1915, Page 3

Municipal Gas Works

MR J. H. BLACKMAN'S REPORT

The question of renewing and increasing the number of the gasworks has occupied the attention of the Borough Council of Late, and it was decided to ask Mr J. n. Blackman, ot Masterton, to inspect and report ou tho works. Mr iilackman" visited tliu works about a fortnight ago, and last night the council had tne following report from him for consideration :—

"In accordance with your instructions of tho 18th ultimo 1 visited Levin for tho purpose ot inspecting the condition of the retort settings, on the 22nd inst., and for the information of His Worship the Mayor and Council 1 beg to report as follows: Considering it is come six j-oars since the settings were built I found the same m good order, the bench or arches m which the retorts aro set is as good as the day it was first' heated up. Tho Betting of four retorts now under lire may possibly last another year or more, though with 'retorts so long under fire there is always the possibility of a retort caving in unexpectedly. It will doubtless be remembered that in dosigning the bench I made provision for each arch to take five retorts, when tho necessity arose, and the hydraulic main and cover is prepared for that number of dip pipes, so tTiat beyond the purohase of an extra bridge piece, dip pipe, and mouthpiece nothing turther will be required. The average daily make, including Sundays, this year for the months of June, July, August and September was 17,000, 18,000, 16,000 and 14,000 cubic teet, and for the lightest summer month (February) 13,000 cubic feet. Four retorts will make from 20,000 to 24,000 cubic feet per 24 hours, according *o the class of coal used. It is manifest therefore that for the three months u' ■winter, night stoking must be the rule, which means that the gas manager has to charge the retorts some time during the night. Allowing for alO per cent increase the average daily requirements would be for winter mionths, 1916, 20,000, 1917 22,000, 1918 '22,400 cubic feet and in order to save as much night work as possible, I think five retorts should be set in the arch at present occupied by throe. I therefore recommend as follows:—That 'the present setting of four retorts lie worked through the coming summer and if the retorts Tvill stand it, nest -winter. Some night stoking would be necessary, but I have suggested to your manager that probably by paying his assistant for such overtime as is worßed during the months of maximum demand, June, July, August, the gas required could be made ■without putting on a permanent night stoker; the assistant would require to start earlier in flie morning and finish up later at night. In the meantime the material necessary to replace the present setting of three with one ot five retorts should be ordered and same installed, say, about March or April, 1916. This new setting would take the works for at least three years, When the present four arch could be reset as circumstances necessitated. ' nhotild be pleased on the authority of the council to order the retorts and mouthpiecc, bridge pipe, etc., necessary, and to arrange for tho carrying out and supervising the work, guaranteeing the council an entirely satisfactory job. There is plenty ot ordinary fireclay material in stock, but in addition to the retorts about 500 Ewell bricks and a cask of Ewell loam will be required in case the producer arch required replacing—this arch having to stand the most intense heat. The sides of the producer may require it certain amount of relming and the material on hand is quite suitable for that purpose. I estimate "the cost ao follows:—Five retorts with Ewell bricks and loam, say, delivered at Levin, £65; labour, taking down old settings, and resetting new retorts, fixinp mouthpieces, ascension pipes, etc.. £o0 . contingencies £10; total £T2u.

Councillor Blenkhorn moved that fh?> work as outlined be put in hand as soon as possible, and that Mr Blackman be advised accordingly and in«truc£ed to order the necessary material.

Councillor Foselln seconded the motion and it was carried.