Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-03-20
MITTELDORFER'S, 21Z East Broad.

In the atmosphere was retained by me-
chanical compression, and so, when the
high temperature of the compressed air
was lowered by transmission or by ex-
panslon in use, condensation occurred,
much water was distributed in the pipes
and cylinders, and frequent freezing
greatly increased the friction, and In
many instances, seriously interfered with
the use of the power.
ALMOST DEVOID OF MOISTURE.
To the unscientific mind one of the
most startling results of the use of the
TAYLOR method is the fact that not only
does the temperature of the compressed
air remain about that of the water In
which and by which it is compressed, DuI
the moisture in the bubbles Is forced, as
1t were, to their outer circumference ana
is absorbed in the surrounding volume OF
water, so that when the bubbles emerge
from their confinement in the water INTO
the upper portion of the tank at the
bottom of the shaft, the resulting COM
pressed air is almost totally devoid of
moisture, containing, according 20 the
statement of most distinguished experts,
not more than one-ffth the moisture
contained in the air compressed by me-
chanical process. The advantage of this
dryness Is manifest, preventing, as IL
does condensation ana consequeh'
freezing.
The immobility of the parts Of this
COMPRISING apparatus enables the re-
sulting power to be distributed at d
very moderate cost by means of pipes
laid only sufficiently far below the sur
face OF the streets or alleys to avoid
Of nagCinR Np-
hicles. and as the pressure remains In
variable under all conditions, II can Dc
turned into an ordinary steam engine
by simply connecting with the cynhuer
the air pipe instead of the steam pipe.
II is claimed that the result Is safer'
cleaner. and cheaper power, suitable for
usa not only in place of steam, but for
MANY other purposes for which neither
steam nor electricity would be available.
EITHER HOT OR COLD.
An incident TO the use Of this power
or parhaps, It might be called a by
nroduct of IL, as II were, is the fact that
after the compressed air has done It's
vorl, nv EXPANSION in the cylinder, IL
energies from it at a very low tempera-
ture ranging from 10 or IL TO 20 Fahren-
heit. and this cold can be utilized, py
very simple coils or conducting pipes lot
purposes of refrigeration at pracucaiy
apv tennnerature desired. For instance
in assembly halls, theatres, large SHOPS
ennlovlng many workmen, and the IKE
tbn exhaust from the engines could, IL
Is held. be used without addltlonaI COST
evreut the prime cost OF the pipes 10
fern sh an abundant supply OF pure
cool and refreshing air TO the workmeh
~ other inmates, and this, during inc
heated months, at least, Woulu pe an AZ
estimable benefit.
In the winter months the process couia
be reversed, and by passing the pipe
before II enters the cylinder OF the en-
CINE through small stove, the result
ing horsepower could be greaty IN
creased and the exhaust air couiu NC
utilized for purposes OF comfortable VEN
tlatiOn and heating.
Tne gentlemen controlling the rights
for this locality and applying for the
franchise. promise TO have shortly in
operation a small working model, IN
which the water passes down conduit
with a glass front through when the
bubbles can be plainly seen In their de-
scent and with the air so compressed
small engine is run. furnishing Inc
mower for drills or other small tools
RMS model. they say, will be erected IN
the city at an early date and the public
viii be invited TO inspect 1t in operation.
Though the use of compressed air, as
before stated. is becoming more and more
general. and il can be seen in operation
in many places in this city, yet the par
ticular method described in this article
is a new one, patented In all countries
and controlled by the Taylor Hydraulic
Afr-Compressing Company, Of Montreal,
ana has never been in operation
I'm any city in the the United
States. A very considerable plant
GENERATING some thirteen or four
teen engines has been in use AT large
cotton print-miL in Magog, near Mon
treal. Canada, FOR the last eighteen
months, and has proved an entire sue
4 cess.
II remains for the city of Richmond
however, TO be the pioneer in this coun-
try i'm the extended distribution OF com
pressed-air power, as she was in the
matter OF electric street railways. This
industry will probably attract the atten'
ton of manufacturers and scientists
throughout the country, and II Is sug
| gested may even bring to the city q
number of manufacturing Industries.