COAL - Clpdigital.org

48 THE COAL TRADE BULLETIN.
Fig. Ill defines more clearly the outside construction
of the pumps, the distinctive feature of
whicli is the construction of the water cylinders,
which necessarily are very compact, owing to the
limited space allotted to them, the extreme width
being only 19 inches; nevertheless they have
ample water valve area. The water valves are
set in removable valve decks, al'owing them to
be easily removed with minimum time cost. The
suction valves are placed under the water cylinder,
and the discharge valves are shown above
the water cylinder.
Each of the pumps is separately and independently
connected and is also designed with
the suction and delivery flanges looking fore and
aft, permitting the arrangement of the suction
pipes as shown, with the pipes running under the
"air end," and the foot under the air end made
in two parts, straddling the 6-inch suction pipe,
permitting the piping to be readily removed. Each
of these pumps is capable of delivering 600 gallons
of water per minute while running at a normal
speed, with an air pressure at the throttle of
about 70 pounds per square inch, and a total lift
of 70 feet. The capacity could be increased to
1,000 gallons per minute in case of emergency.
The valve chambers are so constructed as to
permit of easy access for inspection and ne ecsary
repairs. The water piston and rods are of composition,
and owing to the liability of the water
being dirty and very gritty, the water cylinders
are constructed with removable composition metal
bushings. The suction pipes of the pumps are
supplied with Cameron strainers of the gooseneck
pattern to keep out the dirt and rubbish and to
insure the priming of the pumps by keeping the
suction chambers filled with water; thus the cylinders
will be flooded with water at all times, permitting
the pumps to be started up at any time
by the automatic floats. In the event of the
Fig. 2. Pumps in Position.
water rising, each of the pumps would immediately
start pumping as soon as the water would reach
the float level.
These pumps have already been severely tested
owing to the discovery of water in the tunnel
some time ago, when temporary piping and connections
were hurriedly made and the pumps were
pressed into use at short notice, being in operation
day and night, and performing good service, the
inflow of water being entirely taken care of, and
causing but a slight interruption to the completion
of the work.