Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1886-10-11
GAS IN THE MILLS.
Further Details of Its Introduction at the
Standard-The Top Mil.

Standard-The Top Mill.
Mr.. p. II. Moore, Gold Short" con-
tinues to write in n very interesting way
to the Age Of Steel concerning the practical
results attending the introduction Of
natural gas into our mills and furnaces.
In last weeks issue he says:
The recent revival of the idea or scheme
to conduct the gas from this region 10 the
East through pipes, rs oil is transported,
and the absolute impracticability of any
such project, by reason of the resistance
offered by natural laws, led me into these
remarks. Pneumatic law make il certain
that the conveyance of natural gas by
means of pipes is limited to q distance
very little greater than has been accom-
plished, viz: about thirty miles The
friction of the gas fluid reduces the pres
urc at the rate of seven pounds per mile,
so an original pressure of say $50 pounds
at the mouth of the well would be reduced
to nothing in distance of fifty miles and
it's delivery would be in the same proper
ton.
In other localities there are no alterna-
tivcs but TO find the gas or come to it.
The mountain wouldn't come TO Ma
homet, so Mahomet had 10 90 TO the
mountain" The Standard Mill, near
Wheeling, of which have been writing
lately, in connection with the use of this
gas, after another weeks use, now two
since they commenced with it, report daily
improvements and daily additional satisiac.
ton. The boss artisans remarked 10 me that
they did not comprehend how they ever
got along without 1.-THE changeS-thc
advantages gained are 80 radical. The
ease with which their duties and work arc
accomplished surprises them; there doe
not seem to be 80 much reality about
it. Sheets are heated in the an
ncaling furnaces in twenty-four hours:
with coal thirty-six to forty hours were
required. The appearance of the sheets
are wonderfully changed; they now have
the appearance of the best cold rolled
sheet irOn--nO scale, no splint. The tex
ture also seems to be improved; the iron
is as pliable as piece of leather, bending
over without crack or grating noise.
Mr.. Graham expresses great satisfaction
and regards the change from old methods
as nearly equivalent TO new departure in
business. The enthusiasm Of the practi-
cal department has been communicated
TO official headquarters and throughout
the entire domain ofthe Standard natural
gas has sworn adherents and faithful
friends.
This morning I visited the Top Mill
and, under the guidance of Mr.. c. II.
Hubbard, the president, inspected the
workings of the natural gas in nail mill.
The equipment served by the gas in this
mill comprises two batteries of boilers in
the forge and factory and smaller ono in
the machine shops, three heating furnaces,
four plate furnaces, two bluing furnaces
and one anealing furnace. While the ex-
perience at the Top Mill has been but
brief, the results are fully as satisfactory
as nj the Standard Mr.. Hubbard estimates
the economies gained as decided aud val
liable. The heating power gained in the
furnaces is a very significant feature and
he anticipates that, with further expert
ence, many radical advantages will be de-
veloped. Nine ounces pressure are re-
duired to operate their equipment.
ut fHtuk' III tChtihi w
the mill and surroundings is as radical as
at the Standard. The absence Of smoke,
coal dust, CRIME, ashes, etc, Is noticeable,
and the esthetical part Of ones nature Is
not shocked, while his love for industry and
mechanical activity Is being gratified.
Wheeling is receiving consideration by
those in quest of locations in this gas terri
tory, and her people have been warned
against superciliOusness. They have this
great endowment and they have n large
number Of very available and valuable
manufacturing sites. There is nothing
that 20 favorably impresses and influences
the visitor, especially when hunting
for business location and a
home, as genial hospitality, moder-
alton in extolling inducements and adyan-
tages and justice in the valuation Of prop
erty. "pride goeth before fall, and
Wheeling has gone through several reyers-
als-some from the unavertable-so far az
they Were concerned--revolution OF bust
ness throughout the country, some from
the duplicity and treachery OF the Il. x o.
railroad, and some from the consummate
stupidity, want Of even ordinary foresight,
ignorance Of the natural course Of munich
pal progress and sel6shness, pure, simple
and cussed, Of her different City Councils
and Boards OF County Commissioners.
When they have o good thing they some
times fight it, for fear, probably, that its
intrinsic goodness and overpowering sweet
ness will surfeit them even unto political
death.