The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-11-03

Stag to BE Converted Into an I1Iumi-
nant at Hammond, Ind.

Since the introduction of gas as a sub
stltute Tor oil lamps there has been no
progress in lighting except where electric
lily is used, until recently acetylene gas has
been made. Now, according to the Iron Age,
acetylene gas will shortly have a rival
in carbolite, for the production of which
blast furnace Stag Is stated to be especially
suitable. Preparations are being made at
la nmond, Ind, near South Chicago, for
uIiIzing Stag for this purpose. The inventor
OF the process of manufacture is Mr.
Herman L. Hartenstein, Chicago chemist
who has taken out a patent for utilizing the
waste products of blast furnaces in the
lene gas is produced, defined as an improve
ment on acetylene but having the same
characteristics. Carbolite is a combination
of the carbides of calcium, aluminium and
silicon, and for it's production blast furnace
Stag is especially suitable.
The method of production is described
as follows: The Stag is almost as huId as
water, and by means of ladies', operated by
hydraulic power. it is passed into convert
ers similar to those used for the manu-
facture Of Bessemer steel. The tuyeres are
so arranged that finely ulveriZed coke may
be fed through them. Before the sag IS
poured into the converter strong gas blast
is forced through the pipes to keep the
molten mass from running into and filling
them up.
AS soon, however, as the Stag is poured
into the converter the pulveriZed coke is
fed into the molten mass. This is continued
until the Stag is thoroughly impregnated
with the coke. When the mixture is COM
plete the converter is turned on its shaft.
so as to allow the mass to flow between a
series Of carbon bars or electrodes, which
serve to introduce a powerful electric cur
rent. Coke IS an excellent conductor of
electricity, while Stag is a resistant The
result is that the particles of Stag in con-
nection with the particles of coke form In
Vulnerable electric arcs, producing most
intense heat within the mixture. In the
course of about twenty minutes the mass
becomes so superheated that the Stag is
fused or carburetec with the coke
when the fusion is effected the material
is finished. 1t Is tnaT poured into molds.
When cool it is of crystalline formation,
has metallic glitter, and is nearly twice
the weight of coal The finished product
is carbolite. which can be kept indefinitely
and transported without difficulty. Pro
tected by wood-jacketed tin cans from
water and air moisture, 1t can be kept as a
common article of merchandise, and sup
piled to the consumer with much less diff
ficulty than illuminating oil. Each pound
of carbolite will produce five feet of gas.
Each cubic foot is equal in Illuminating
power to fifteen feet of ordinary coal or
water gas.
1.-The unused Bessemer plant at Ham
mond has been secured for the manufac-
tuTe of carbolite and is now being fitted
with the necessary electrical appliances. If
the claims of the inventor are substantial
he will turn out a product which will make
a better gas than acetylene for isolated
lighting al a much lower cost. If the
Stag can thus be made valuable, the cost
of producing iron may be considerably di-
miniShed.'