Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 92.djvu/774

 Less Risk in Kerosene Than in Gasoline

��But sand or sawdust should be kept near both of them as an extinguisher

��THE vapors of gasoline as well as of kerosene, when undiluted or un- mixed with air, burn after ignition gradually and without explosion, but explode with great force when mixed with air in certain proportions. In the case of gasoline there will be no explosion if less than 1.4 parts by volume of gaso- line are contained in 100 parts of the mixture, or more than six parts. In the case of kero- sene the range of explosibility is very much narrower than with gasoline, and the danger of an explosion, there- fore, much smaller.

In practical experience it was found that kerosene is much safer to handle than gasoline, besides being more economical. In many cases appliances formerly used with gasoline have been adapted to the use of kerosene. Among these appliances are furnaces and blow-torches which have been so adapted and are giving satisfaction. They are now extensively

��^Automatic valve whidi 'makes safety) can air tiqhl

���Showing the method of filling a modern kerosene furnace from a new safety can

��used by plumbers, painters and elec- tricians.

Wherever gasoline or kerosene is used, the greatest precaution should be taken, to prevent leakage or the spilling of part of the liquid, especially in a confined space. Gasoline or kerosene should never be kept in pails or open receptacles of any kind, but in prop- erly constructed safety cans, similar to that herewith shown. All taps to tanks should be fitted with drip pans. Children and unauthorized per- sons should not be allowed near places where gasoline or kerosene is stored, and the rules against smoking and the use of naked lights in such places should be strictly enforced. Sand or sawdust in large buckets should be kept in all places where gasoline or kerosene is stored or handled, to be used as an extinguisher in case of ignition. Sawdust is not easily ignited and, as it floats upon the burning liquid, it helps to smother the flame. Sand is also good.

��■Air release open

��Top plate Top plate gale

Cleaning plug

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Generating coll Generator fuel pip Filler plug

With lead washeO

Valve union Air release Supply valva

Tank feed pipi

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Onfice Burner Burner cleatner &eneraling cup

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Pump

Spring cushion

Pump piston

Leather Cup

Washer

Pump valve

��Construction of modern kerosene furnace and parts used in electrical work

��Packing Lock Generator rCleaning Jet block Generating nut ^ nutv arm/ needle/,Orifice / tubes

��Valve si em

���Burner hood

Burner supports<:^4r,-SP'"

��Pump Pump piston

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���Wire gauze

V> ^j^rrSLJi-Genera^inq cup I E-^^ with asbestos wick

Generator fuel pipe

��^Pressed steel lank ■ — Tank feed pipe ■>- Welded joint

��Details of a kerosene torch. The high price of gasoline may bring this into favor

��758

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