Acetylene, the Principles of Its Generation and Use

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Acetylene, The Principles Of Its

Generation And Use by F. H. Leeds and W. J. Atkinson Butterfield
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Title: Acetylene, The Principles Of Its Generation And Use
Author: F. H. Leeds and W. J. Atkinson Butterfield
Release Date: May, 2005 [EBook #8144] [This file was first posted on June 19, 2003]
Edition: 10
Language: English
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ACETYLENE
THE PRINCIPLES OF ITS GENERATION AND USE
A PRACTICAL HANDBOOK ON THE PRODUCTION, PURIFICATION, AND SUBSEQUENT TREATMENT OF ACETYLENE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER
Second Edition
REVISED AND ENLARGED
BY
F. H. LEEDS, F.I.C.
FOR SOME YEARS TECHNICAL EDITOR OF THE JOURNAL "ACETYLENE"
AND
W. J. ATKINSON BUTTERFIELD, M.A.
AUTHOR OF "THE CHEMISTRY OF GAS MANUFACTURE"

PREFATORY NOTE TO THE FIRST EDITION
In compiling this work on the uses and application of acetylene, the special aim of the authors has been to explain the various physical and chemical phenomena:
(1) Accompanying the generation of acetylene from calcium carbide and water.
(2) Accompanying the combustion of the gas in luminous or incandescent burners, and
(3) Its employment for any purpose--(a) neat, (b) compressed into cylinders, (c) diluted, and (d) as an enriching material.
They have essayed a comparison between the value of acetylene and other illuminants on the basis of "illuminating effect" instead of on the misleading basis of pure "illuminating power," a distinction which they hope and believe will do much to clear up the misconceptions existing on the subject. Tables are included, for the first time (it is believed) in English publications, of the proper sizes of mains and service-pipes for delivering acetylene at different effective pressures, which, it is hoped, will prove of use to those concerned in the installation of acetylene lighting systems.
June 1903
NOTE TO THE SECOND EDITION
The revision of this work for a new edition was already far advanced when it was interrupted by the sudden death on April 30, 1908, of Mr. F. H. Leeds. The revision was thereafter continued single-handed, with the help of very full notes which Mr. Leeds had prepared, by the undersigned. It had been agreed prior to Mr. Leeds' death that it would add to the utility of the work if descriptions of a number of representative acetylene generators were given in an Appendix, such as that which now appears at the conclusion of this volume. Thanks are due to the numerous firms and individuals who have assisted by supplying information for use in this Appendix.
W. J. ATKINSON BUTTERFIELD
WESTMINSTER
_August 1909_
CONTENTS



CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTORY--THE COST AND ADVANTAGES OF ACETYLENE LIGHTING
Intrinsic advantages Hygienic advantages Acetylene and paraffin oil Blackened ceilings Cost of acetylene lighting Cost of acetylene and coal-gas Cost of acetylene and electric lighting Cost of acetylene and paraffin oil Cost of acetylene and air-gas Cost of acetylene and candles Tabular statement of costs (_to face_) Illuminating power and effect



CHAPTER II
THE PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF THE REACTION BETWEEN CARBIDE AND WATER
Nature of calcium carbide Storage of calcium carbide Fire risks of acetylene lighting Purchase of carbide Quality and sizes of carbide Treated and scented carbide Reaction between carbide and water chemical nature heat evolved difference between heat and temperature amount of heat evolved effect of heat on process of generation Reaction: effects of heat effect of heat on the chemical reaction effects of heat on the acetylene effects of heat on the carbide Colour of spent carbide Maximum attainable temperatures Soft solder in generators Reactions at low temperatures Reactions at high temperatures Pressure in generators



CHAPTER III
THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF ACETYLENE GENERATION ACETYLENE GENERATING APPARATUS
Automatic and non-automatic generators Control of the chemical reaction Non-automatic carbide-to-water generators Non-automatic water-to-carbide generators Automatic devices Displacement gasholders Action of water-to-carbide generators Action of carbide-to-water generators Use of oil in generator Rising gasholder Deterioration of acetylene on storage Freezing and its avoidance Corrosion in apparatus Isolation of holder from generator Water-seals Vent pipes and safety valve Frothing in generator Dry process of generation Artificial lighting of generator sheds



CHAPTER IV
THE SELECTION OF AN ACETYLENE