NEW GAS ENGINE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2906, 19 July 1882, Page 3

NEW GAS ENGINE.

We have had an opportunity of inspecting a new gas-engine (to which we have previously referred), the invention of Mr Alexander Binnie, which promises, now that it is perfected, to constitute a new starting-point in the history of gas manufacture. Mr Binnie has been at work npon this invention for a period of four or five years, as, although the contrivance is intrinsically simple, it has needed a great deal of experimenting to bring it to its present stage. The fundamental principle of the invention is the manufacture of gas by the use of air, water, and Tat alone. Mr Binnie’s machine (which is fitted at the back of his private residence) has two retorts, which are kept red hot in a small furnace. Service-pipes are fitted to the machine,from one of which a constant dripping of fat is maintained, and from the other 1 water, the proportions being about one drop of water to four of fat. These two ingredients are joined by air, which is let in through a valve, and the moment the three—carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen—unite, they form gas and pass immediately into the retorts. From these the gas is led into a hydraulic main, thence into a small gasholder. The process is thus exceedingly simple, and entails an enormous saving both; of labor- and material, as one man could attend to a number of such machines. The light given is, moreover, singularly pure and clear, and so far as can be seen, entirely free from any smell or smoke in burning. Mr Binnie has patented Ris invention throughout the Colonies, and has, we believe, parted with the rights for Australia, retaining them for New Zealand. As the gas can by this means, be made not only of a more serviceable quality, but at a reduction of some 8s or 9s per 1000 feet on the price now charged in Dunedin, the new machines will without doubt come largely into use. Several gentlemen of the medical profession inspected the light last night, and appeared thoroughly satisfied as to its quality—- “ Otago Daily Times.”