CHEAP GAS LIGHT.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1354, 11 September 1883, Page 4

CHEAP GAS LIGHT.

Very few know that the light given by an ordinary gas burner can be greatly increased by simply turning the burner over sideways until it slopes downwards. The flame is thrown out as a horizontal sheet formed into a saucer-shape by the natural curling of the edges, Mr Fletcher, of Warrington, who is evidently imbued with the idea that he will not only save trouble by utilising gas as a fuel, but also is never content without a very large sixpennyworth of work for his sixpence, has been testing the difference in duty obtained by an average upright and a horizontal saucer-shaped flame, and finds it averages by photometer about 10 per cent, in favor of the latter; but owing to the fact that with his position of flame the light is thrown downwards and is perfectly free from shadow, the actual results in his own works and offices have proved that a burner consuming 5 cubic feet per hour with a horizontal flame gives a better light and is better for work than an upright flame consumig 6 cubic feet per hour. It is, in fact, somewhat of an approach to the principle of Siemen’s regenerative burner with the advantage of costing nothing. This is not new to experts; but it is a bit of useful information to the public, who may by this means either increase their light or reduce their gas bills without any expense. It is something to make a little profit or effect a little economy nowadays without having first to put one’s hand in one’s pocket. Our better halves will probably still adhere to the wasteful glass globe and upright flame, which make our living rooms so unpleasantly close ; there are millions of burners in offices and works which can be simply turned over to the advantage and profit of the users. The improvement is easy to demonstrate without any coat whatever, and no doubt thousands will profit by the hint. No advantage is gained over a large and perfect upright flame regulated to very low pressures, the real action of the change of position being that the excessive pressure invariably given in the mains is neutralised by turning the flame downwards, and the rush of air causing the gas to be overburnt is prevented.— “ Mechanical World.”