New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-07-27
AIR AS A MOTIVE POWER.
THE PROPOSED USE OF THE PNEUMATIC
TUBE IN THE POSTAL SERVICE.
SERIOUS OBSTACLE IS THE GREAT WASTE OF
ENERGY IN TRANSMISSION - THE
POPP SYSTEM
POPP SYSTEM

|
great deal OF surmise and comment is taking place
In engineering circles about Postmaster Van Colts re-
mark. that the only solution of the problem OF the
rapid collection and distribution of mails lies in the
adoption of the compressed air system. correspond
cnt Of The Tribune thinks that this system could also
be adopted with advantage for the Transmission OF
samples packages, etc. which arc frequently sub
cccd TO many delays, with the present express facll-
tiles. some officials to regard such articles as
| Of little importance, whereas it IS often of great
moment to have samples forwarded with all possible
| Dispatch.
The possibilities of compressed air arc as yet not
fully realized in this country. Tho pneumatic tube
system OF communication IS, Of course. in use I'm many
OF the big downtown stores in newspaper Offices and
to seine extent between Western rnon Offices but
there exists great deal Of ignorance about the use OF
compressed air. even among engineering experts. OF
course the principle OF the system is well understood.
but except for mining operations. and for sending ar
ces from part Of building to another II is not in
general commercial use In the United states
leading engineer said TO Tribune reporter the
other day This compressed air system. Of which there
is much talk, is financially well supported, but it's
all humbug" This expresses the opinion OF a great
many who supposed to be thoroughly acquainted
with all the most recent developments Of mechanical
science. But many whose occupation does not lead
them TO make strict investigation into the feasibility
Of all the mechanical contryanccs that come into
public discussion, beginning think that the use
Of compressed air would solve postal difficulties
and also mitigate the smoke nuisance. brief summary
Of the information on the subject is given here.
THE "yICTOR PoPP SYSTEM
1t is generally believed that the Victor Popp'
tenn, in actual IN Paris. has solved III, que'
ton Of the speedy Transmission of letters and parcels
Eut this system first adopted for the purpose Of
regulating the clocks Of the city on the pncumaticbut
ton principle 70 obtain uniformity Of time all ovcr
Paris. \ largo number Of capitalists became inter-
eetcd in the scheme the company extended its opera
tons. and the principal busncs, Of the company at
present is the supplying of power TO manufactures IN
different parts Of the city. The power Is transmitted
from the works, which are situated inst outside the
city limits, in pipes through the city sewers. one
advantage Of this system is that there is escape Il
steam in the factories where It is employed and il
doc, not vtiuto the atmosphere in which the workm"n
spend 80 ruch Of their lives. In fact the escape Of
air into the IS beneficial it helps 10 cool and
ventilatc them.
on the other hand the fact that up TO the present
time it has been found Impossible 70 devise any means
which would entirely obviatc the continual leakage of
air MAKE, the commercial utility Of the system doubt
full II has been found that IN transmitting air for
mining purposes % per cent 0f the power j. lost.
OF course in transmitting the air to great distances
through the qualifications Of vast city The los OF
mower bv expansion is vastly greater II is possible
that the percentage Oh "a''e H"o"'" ~ ''' "r'
Company IN Paris would irlBh'ch America" ''P '''''
and make the adoption u the system here com
ncrcially impacticahc Indeed tho system in Paris,
although Endorsed by generous capital. T. stu IN an
experimental stage.
The POM system has concuSvcly proved that the
~ NfF .t..,,. ,t..,to,u, .l,i,,,..I ti,,
scheme i H''uc p''' '''- ~ -, 49,
>neriable waste Of power IS dlan"'r'ilN opi">'" ~
the generally accepted ideas Of mechanical economies.
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