MUNICIPAL GAS WORKS

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4426, 13 March 1930, Page 1

MUNICIPAL GAS WORKS

INSPECTING ENGINEER’S COMPREHENSIVE REPORT.

The hollowing is the report on the gas works submitted to Monday night’s meeting of the Borough Council by the inspecting engineer (Mr. IDay, of Palmerston North) : In accordance with your request, I have carefully inspected your gasworks at Eoxton, and have now pleasure in submitting my report thereon. In doing so, I will endeavour to avoid technicalities as far us possible. The general lay-out of the works is good, but has the appearance of having been neglected, and for this reason the efficiency of the plant has naturally suffered. I propose to take the plant in order, pointing out the defects and at the same time making recommendations to remedy them.

Carbonizing Plant, (Retort House). —The carbonizing plant consists of one bench, containing: —One bed of six retorts; one bed of four retorts; one bed of two retorts.

Bed of six Retorts. —This bed is not at present in use. I have carefully examined it and find that though the brickwork has stood up very well to the work, the retorts are absolutely useless. They arc cracked and have in them large holes which it would be impossible to repair so that the retorts could be made use of again for carbonizing coal. The gas producer and the brickwork below the door level of the retort house appear to be in good condition. Recommendation. —1 consider it essential that the retort in this bed should be renewed at once so as to enable you to have sufficient plant in good order to carry,the work on throughout the coming- winter, and at the same tune to enable you to carry out the necessary repairs to your bed of four retorts. In this connection i have ob tained from the Australian Representative (Mr. J. E. Wellings) of Messrs Drakes Ltd., Halifax, who are known throughout the world for their retort settings, a price for this work, their quotation being for the sum of £355 for renewing this setting. A copy of their quotation is enclosed herewith. 1 personally favour the erection of a plant of this nature by a reputable firm. The whole of the retort benches at the Christchurch gasworks were supplied by Messrs Drakes Ltd., and at the present time they have orders for rebuilding retort beds at Timaru and Masterton, for which work their experienced retort setters will be in New Zealand within the next few weeks.

I have also made enquiries from the local retort setters, and lind that they are all fully booked up for’ some months ahead. The dismantling of the old brickwork and retort bench tittings, also the erection of the retort bench fittings on completion of the job, would be carried out by your own stall. Bed of four Retorts. —This bed is the one at present in use. It is in fair condition and may continue to give service for some time, provided it can be let down and some very necessary repairs made to it. For instance, a number of the producer nozzles hi the furnace have been burnt away and some of the Hues are blocked, with the result that the retorts are not being evenly heated, if the necessary repairs are not made to this bed in the near future, it is only a matter of time before it also will be damaged beyond repair. The hydraulic main in connection with this bed is out of level, giving an uneven seal on the retorts. This will have to be put right as soon as possible as an even seal is a most important factor in obtaining gas of a uniform quality. Recommendation. —One of the most important reasons for getting the No. (j bed repaired is to enable you to let down No. 4 bed and maim the necessary repairs and level up the hydraulic main. I consider that this work could easily be carried out by your own stall. The adoption of this course will enable you Lo use the larger bed of six retorts during the winter and the one of four retorts in the summer, thus allowing ample time to keep each bed in good repair. Bed of two Retorts. —This bed appears to be in quite good condi--1 ion, but unfortunately it would not be economical to run as it would consume practically all the coke made in the bed.

Foul main and Condensers. — This part of the plant is in good order, but is badly blocked with heavy pitch deposits. This must be removed, otherwise you are liable at any time to have a stoppage which may give you serious trouble. This work, I understand from your manager, is already being put hi hand. Exhausters. —-There are two exhausters, each one directly coupled

lo n lube ignition gas engine. (One is at present being overhauled, the cylinder being bored and a, now piston lilted. The exhausters are the only moving- machinery in your works and are a. very important portion of the plant, and it is most essential that they should not only be in good order, but kept in good order.

Recommendation. —The tube ignition should be abolished as it is not reliable and is dangerous when starting up the engines, i recommend that both of these gas engines should be tilted with a. magneto. Both engines and exhausters should he overhauled, the total cost of this probably being about £2O. At the same time, with the engines running continuously, I consider that the cooling system is too small and it is due to this that the engines become over-heated and are liable to carbonize up. In order lo overcome this difficulty, three additional tanks could he added; (lie work of installing them and making the stands could be done by your present stalls

Scrubber. —1 understand that (his appliance has been out of commission for some lime. This scrubber is Idled with coke and is becoming blocked wilb tiir. The scrubber is a most essential portion of your plant. When working properly, any ammonia in the gas is absorbed by the walin'. 11: this is allowed to go forward with the gas, it attacks any brass fittings. In addition the scrubber removes y tarry mattar from the gas, preventing it reaching ilie purifiers • and interferingwith Ihe work of the oxide there for purifying the gas.

Recommendation. —I understand from the manager that he has already, with some success, endeavoured to put this appliance into bolter order. L consider that fur-

ther attention should he given to this plant, that the water supply be slightly altered, and the valves re-

paired. This Work could bo done bv your si a IT.

I’uriliers. —These appear to be in good condition and sufficient for present requirements. The floor space for the oxide is not large enough and as i! is most impoi-tani Hull il should he kepi free from dirt lo gel Ike hesi results, 1 consider that iiuin- space could he gi • veil ,to this malerial. Stniion Meier. — In order lo get !l.e water level in the station meter oorreid, il would be advisable for Ihe supply of water lo be laid on. This could be done by your own sinlV. The advamage of llfis would be I bat you would get correct readings from your station meter. Slai inner Governor. —This is not at present in use, and I consider il advisable that the valve's should bo I-i; 1 in order. Whim this is done il will enable the governor, lo be thoroughly cleaned oul and brought info use. (las Holders.—The lower plates of Hie gas holders are in had condition and cannot be used, lull unlil your gas consumption grows ibis is not a serious defer! provided I lie parts exposed receive alienlion. Plan of Works. —The only available plan of your works does mil appear to be very eon-cel. It would be advantageous In have Ibis brought up lo date. l-’rom lhe foregoing von will sen 1 luil. wit II I lie except ion of I lie bed of six i-eloris and l.be repairs lo the exhausters, the whole of ihe work required al Hie gasworks can be done by your own sia.lV. I have al-l-end v pointed out in detail to the manager whal is required to pul I lie plant into good order, and il he i> given a little extra assist; for file time being lo enable him to give ids atlrnlion lo this work, Ihe cost id' putting the whole of your works into gmid .condition would be small. If von should require any further in formu 1 ion or deem if necessary lo personally discuss any i f I lie points raised in my repori,

i would be pleased fumed you