The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-04-19
SMOKE.WASHING APPARATUS.
New Method of Clearing the Air of
SCOT and Fumes.
London Lancet.

London Lancet.
We have had an opportunity of witness
ing a trial of a smoke-washing apparatus
which has been placed on the roof of Ro-
mano's restaurant in the Strand, London.
similar apparatus is being fixed in the
basement of the Imperial restaurant in
Regent street. but owing to building opera
tons it's application has been temporarily
suspended at that place. This is to be re-
GREETED, as it is stated that the apparatus
does it's best work when attached to the
lower portion of a chimney, the fan con-
tanned in the apparatus so regulates the
draught that chimneys are not required.
The inventor is Prof. Giovanni Mugna, of
Forli, Italy, who claims for his patent that
it deprives the smoke of all those qualities
which are Objectionable, whether from the
point of view of health or of cleanliness.
1t consists of metal cylinder at the top
of which are openings for the ingress and
egress of smoke. A vertical shaft runs
through the center of this cylinder. carry
ing on its upper portion centrifugal fan
and near its lower end "whirler' or pad
die. Smoke is drawn from the chimney into
the cylinder by means of the fan and the
whirler mixes 1t with water contained in
the bottom of the cylinder. After being
washed the smoke, now almost colorless,
escapes from the upper part of the ap-
paratus. This vaporous residue we have
not had an opportunity of examining chem
ically, but the inventor states that it con-
tafas only faint trace of carbonic acid.
The following little experiment was made
before us: Pieces of wet blotting paper
were held for few seconds over a chimney
leading from a fire where bones and other
refuse were being burnt. AS might be ex-
pected. the paper was quickly covered with
SCOT. The smOke-waShing apparatus was
then connected with the chimney and clean
wet blotting paper was applied over the
washed smoke outlet. On removing the
paper only three or four smuts were TO be
seen. The experiment was repeated several
times with similar results; il is fair to state
that even the few smuts may have been
blown from chimneys in the immediate
vicinity. Without any great inconvenience
Ii was quite possible TO hold the head over
the smoke outlet, when only a faint odor
resembling burning wood could be per-
ceived. On the residue at the bottom Of
the cylinder being drawn of liz was seen to
be a thick fluid Of ink-like blackness. CIV
ing off a strong odor of smoke. The ap-
paratus is worked by a small electric motor
where some sort OF motive power is already
In use no special motor is required. and an
electric motor can always be used where
continuous current is supplied The ma
chine itself only requires 10 be emptied
once twice a day. We understand that
the apparatus is already I'm use In Italy.
The London address Of the patentee is No.
o DsnmaT ree We bayn said enough oa 70
show that the apparatus is one that de-
serves careful trial. II IL should prove that
1T is capable or doing fair proportion OF
ought to effect an appreciabie difference I'm
the atmosphere Of any towns where II may
be used.