DOMESTIC FUEL RESEARCH

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 10 March 1934, Page 14

DOMESTIC FUEL RESEARCH

TN the report of the British Fuel Research Board, Dr. F. S. Sin'natt, the director, mentions some experiments in domestic heating which have shown the advantages gained by utilising reflecting surfaces on open lire backs with the object of increasing the amount of radiant heat and improving the appearance of the lire. Tests with polished aluminium foil attached by a cement to the backs and' side cheeks of open grates proved successful where smokeless fuels were employed, the aluminium foil remaining bright and in good condition for a considerable period. A damp soapy cloth was found to be sufficient to remove any soot or tar which collected on the surfaces and to keep the metal bright. Further work is being carried out on the use of metallised firebricks for use in open grates. / Experiments on the combustion of, aird smoke emission from, coals in open grates were continued. Tests on household coals 1 showed that marked differences may exist between the bright and dull banded constituents. In' the particular samples tested the bright coal was found to l be superior to the dull coal in Tate of rediatiom and freedom from excessive Smoke, but dull coal was easier to ignite, and more rapid in initial' combustion. A considerable amount of work has been done on pulverised coal, which, the report, states,

Increasing Amount of Radiant Heat

has “for many purposes advantages in ease of handling and control approaching those of oil fuel, while at present prices it is considerably cheaper.” The report refers to. the difficulty encountered by the consumer in disposing of small coal (slack or dust). Some experiments are described in which small coal is placed in a paper container lined with aluminium foil, about the size of a half-pound packet of tea. It has been found that if such packets are placed in an open fire the aluminium foil holds the coal together until it is converted into coke. If a packet is allowed to remain undisturbed for from 10 minutes to 20 minutes the volatile products from the coal burn with a luminous flame, leaving a piece of coke, which continues to- burn in the ordinary manner.

The report refers to l the results of important experiments with horizontal retorts for gas making. These have •shown that by passing steam through the charge of coal, the yield of gas from such retorts can be increased by as much as 14 per cent. This steaming, it is stated, is successfully 'accomplished with little alteration to the plant or the normal operation of the Tetorts. A wide range of subjects is covered by the report, which makes a physical and chemical survey of the national coal resources, and discusses the progress' of the scientific study of their utilisation.