Operation of Gas Works

of the well-known Catechism of the American Gas Light Association, there is, so far as the author knows, no modern book adapted to the needs of the American operator. This book is intended to supply the needs of the foreman, superintendent, engineer or cadet who is connected with a small or medium-sized gas works and who desires to increase and widen his knowledge of the principles and practice of gas making. No extended description of machinery or apparatus is attempted but rather the aim has been to give as simply and clearly as possible, instructions for operating the standard types of apparatus usualIy found in gas works together with some discussion of the principles involved. Where-particular apparatus is described in detail the author in nowise specially recommends such apparatus but it was necessary toselect from the great variety of types in use, certain examples which might reasonably be supposed to typically represent that class. Obviously a description of all the types would be beyond the scope of the book. - For the benefit of those who may wish to employ some of the methods in their own plant, let it be said that everything which appears in the following pages has been tried out on a commercial scale and has been successful. m e r e results are quoted they - have been taken from actual practice. It is hoped that the material which has been gathered together in this work will aid the manager in a better understanding of his manufacturing problems, the superintendent in acquiring a knowledge of what others are doing under conditions similar to those under which he is laboring and the student in gaining an insight into the details of operation of the industry that is engaging his attention. It has been the endeavor to render the book practical rather than theoretical and to utilize scientific or technical nomenclature as sparingly as possible. At the same time no sacrifice to completeness or accuracy has been made. No attempt has been made to cover the recent developments in mass carbonization or mechanical operation as it is thought that these can best be covered separately. Likewise some of the very recent developments in water-gas operation have been omitted. The author here wishes to acknowledge his indebtedness to the columns of the Gas Age and the Gas Record for much valuable material and to the many friends and associates who have given freely of their data and information, rendering valuable aid in the compilation of these pages. W. M. RUSSELL. EMPORIA, December, 1916. X CONTENTS CHAPTER I OI GANIZATI A O N N D MANAGEMEN . T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...