THE SIMPLEX RAM PUMP.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 2, Issue 112, 19 March 1879, Page 2

THE SIMPLEX RAM PUMP.

Amongst the most recent achieycments'V for extinguishing fires may be enumerated the Short and Long-Stroko Simplex Ram Pump manufactured by Messrs Ashworth Bros,, of Mosbrook Ironworks,'Coollyhurst, Manchester. Some idea of the efficiency of tliis pump for fire extinguishing purpose may bo obtained from the following extract relating to a trial which lately took place at Oldhamßecently the directors of the Industry Spinning Company, with many representatives from new mills im the neighborhood, as- f sembled at the mill in Boynton-road, to witness the working of the fire engine which has just been completed. The engine is known as Ashworth's Patent Quadruple Double-Acting Pump, and, in addition to its movo legitimate purpose of a fire extinguisher, it can be used for feeding boilers, driving purposes, or, indeed, any ofeiite wlfcro" large quantities of _ / water arc required. Like Goldsmith's piece of furniture it contrives a double ■ debt to pay. The size of the engine is as follows The two steam cylinders are 10 inches in diameter; two rams, each double acting, 8 inches in diameter, 10inch stroke, with flywheel 3 feet in diameter : 7 inches wide. Tho leading feature of this class of pump are that the valves and seating iiro of brass, and will certainly be more durable than the indiarubber valves ordinarliy used in piston pumps, The engine, can be started instantly, without the troublo attending horizontal pumps not provided with rotary motion. At the trial, which was keenly observed by a large number of interested spectators, tho workings fully established the excellence of the pump as a fire extinguisher. The first trial was with one inch, one 1 inch two \ inch ; second trial, 1| inch, one 1 inch, 1| one J inch, ono J inch; third trial, one If inch, and one 1 inch. The pressure on the pump was recorded on the gauge from ICO to 200 pounds to. the square inch. The speed was about 82 revolutions per minute, being nearly double tho ordinary speed. All present were thoroughly satisfied, and the reqresentatives from tho neighboring new mills minutely criticised the working and arrangements. Wo have only to add that the Industry Mill is five and a half stories high, and that tho water poured upon it fell in continuous jets upon th» roof, and was of such volume and forco as must have subdued any fire in its earlier stages.' The pipes were supplied by Messrs Albert Eccles & Co., of Rochdak The trial in every respect was most successful." jOk,-,