Evening star., 1941-07-05
Godeets
Woter-Pipe
Shock Absorber;
Emery Floors
By HILSON MUNSEY.

I1dIIltIlclulS III Tile WdCtI plpC lc
not only Objectionable, but is detri-
mental to the pipe line and TIE fix
lures. 1t occurs when a faucet is
turned off. thus, suddenly stopping
the TOW of water. This confines
the water to a limited space and the
water still trying to flow into the
pipe meets solid resistance from
the water already there. A rhythmic
motion is set up causing vibration
is the pipe and consequently the
SAmmering noise.
This can be prevented by the in
s-aIiation of a shock absorber some
where in the pipe line, preferably at
the end of long run of pipe Others
should be installed at both the top
and bottom of the hot and cold
water riSers.
The vibration in the pipes may
not cause a noticeable noise, but If
1t is there. although not apparent,
1t will stll cause serious and costly
damage to the pipe line.
This is particularly true with
modern fixtures. which act much
quicker than the older types, which
gave the water time to adjust itself
to the gradual shutting off of the
flow.
Sizes Required.
The absorber, of course, must be
the same size as the pipe connec-
tions. If the supply pipe exceeds 2
inches In diameter, it will be neces-
sary to install more than one shock
absorber.
The shock absorber is a simple
arrangement, although description
may sound complicated.
When the faucet is suddenly shut
of, the water, instead of kicking
back into the pipe against the in
flowing water, is forced into cham-
Der In the shock absorber. This
chamber is steel shell. When it
enters this shell, the water is thrown
against a diaphragm which is sup
ported underneath by three springs
and controlled above by a brass
plug. AS the water strikes the dia-
phragm 1t causes 1t to vibrate and
set up current at different angles.
This throws the water against the
wall Of the chamber. These diverse
currents of water have the effect of
neutralizing one another and so de-
stroying the rhythmic vibrations of
the water line.
There are many places In the
home where these shock absorbers
can be used TO advantage Electric
dishwashers, laundry tubs. water
heaters, water pumping systems, as
well as the regular water supply
line TO the bathroom and kitchen,
are some of them.
The standard size shock absorber
Is used for water up to 100 pounds
pressure and the heavy duty type
on pressures above that amount. 1t
Is a good idea, however. to consult
the company manufacturing the
absorber before one is installed. It
will send an engineer to find out
what is required and advise the
home owner what is best to be done.
Cement Flooring.
Even the best of cement floors will
show signs of wear. particularly
where there is heavy traffic. A sur
facing OF one part of cement and
three parts of sand has been. prob
ably, the best finish obtainable. but
a company is now offering an i'm
proVement on this mixture. In place
OF the sand crushed and screened
emery Is offered Emery, as COM
pared with the hardness of the dia-
mond. IS as to 10, and it requires
tough drill to penetrate it. The
aggregate is used in the proportion
of two parts of emery to one of ce-
ment. It is not necessary to have
the entire thickness of the floor
made of this mixture. The surfacing
only need be of this new material.
If floor subject to ordinary wear
and tear is needed. then a top sur
face a quarter of an inch thick
should be used. If the traffic is
heavy, three-quarters of an inch of
surfacing should be applied over the
concrete base
Emery aggregate in cement pro-
duces a non-slip surface and in
patching work 1t is particularly use
full.
When this aggregate is mixed ac-
eordlng to the manufacturers form
ula. 1t is on-absorbent and will
withstand the bad effects of water,
Oil. soap and alkalies.
Its crushing resistance is given as
nearly five times that of the ordi-
nary cement mixture and its ten
sile strength is over a thousand
pounds to the square inch, as COM
pared with from three to four hun
dred pounds for the best concrete.
The mixture of two parts of the
aggregate to one of cement requires
exactly 3l2 gallons of water to ey-
cry bag of cement. The mixture
should have the consistency of putty
and should never be fluid. 1t can
be used on either old or new floors.
NOte-FOr further information
about any Of the products de-
scribed above. write Mr.. Munsey,
in care of The Star. and inclose
q stamped, self addressed enve-
lone