New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-03-06
ALCOHOL FOR AUTOS.
Tracy GiUes an Interesting Test on
a High SDeed Engine.

Joseph Tracy. the well known automobile
driver at n dinner at the Cafe Francis last
night explained the new process of producing
power from denatured alcohol. The guests
were taken in motor cars from the cafe to Mr..
TraCy's laboratory for a practical demOnstra-
ton Mr. Tracy has been working tests OF
tho new process for several months. and the
demonstration given last night with the aid
of experimental apparatus attached to
high speed automobile motor
The demonstration was successful and ex-
ceedingly interesting. II seemed 10 indicate
clearly that n method had been devised by which
denatured alcohol could be made mechanically
practical In the ordinary gas engine, either of
the stationary type or the motors used In boats,
commercial vehicles or the ordinary pleasure
automobile.
Up to the present tests made with denatured
alcohol alone have proved that as a fuel IL is
Of value only In comparatively slow engines. no
test at more than 400 revolutions minute hav-
ing resulted satisfactorily. Denatured alcohol
is too slow IN vaporizing and too slow in ex-
plosion TO give effective value as power in high
speed motors. II requires large quantities OF
this fuel 10 obtain ordinary results. and 1t is
likewise too slow in vaporizing and will only
work well when cylinders are hot on the
other hand acetylene gas is too powerful and
violent TO be used pure as a motor fuel The
process explained by Tracy combines these
two gases chemically with air striking the happy
medium whereby excellent results can be OBJ
tanned IN ordinary motors at much smaller
cost than with gasolene.
The new process is a method of producing
gas for power purposes, which consists of bring
ing a spray of atomized dilute alcohol into con
tact with calcium carbide. thereby forming an
explosive VapOr. This result is obtained with
an ordinary Carburetor by any otLer suita-
Die means. The apparatus is constructed to
carry the atomiZed alcohol on its way To the
motor through a chamber baV VII I'll
cium carbide. The resulting product which IS
a combination of air. alcohol vapor and acetv-
lene gas, is known 'alkoethine" This M sses
by suction into the engine cylinder, to be ex-
ploded. The apparatus used. which is most sim
pie In construction. is applicable to anv tyne ~
gasolene motor. no special cylinders or other
especially built parts of the motor being re-
of this gas is about equal to that OF ordinary
gasoiene but it is produced at a much smaller
cost
The invention also possesses the advantages
or being able to start a motor while cold ana
10 give increased speed over plain alcohol while
there are distinct gains in carburation and COM,
bustion IN
All denatured alcohol contains about IN nor
cent of water. This element. while a deterrant
where alcohol only Is used, is a decided advor
tage In the new process. Not only Is this 1O
per cent utilized but additional water ia aIso
required. in order to produce the chemical efSart
upon the calcium carbid. i'm forming acetyIene
gas. An interesting face i'm this connectfop 4,
that up to a certain poiI.t the mere water added
the greater the power which is obtained
The first Young Mems Christian Association
automobile club in the country has been formed
by graduates of the West Side association Tbo
club has started with fifty members and the fol-
lowing officers have been elected President Cocker
+. Carkson; yce-presidcnt. Edgar r. BENJAMIN:
secretary a. b. Cummings: treasurer HaTrr n
committee. George INV,