The Works Of Messrs. Schneider And Co.

28 of below, as is the usual practice. The ovens were divided into groups of twenty-four (see Fig, 63), and between them a mass of brickwork was built, in which was formed an inclined passage joining the upper collector, with a general underground gas main constructed along the whole length of tlie battery of ovens in front of the discharging platform. As it was not possible to place the steam generators in the same line as the ovens without reducing the number of the latter, which would have meant a i’educed production of coke, it was necessary to instal them in an independent building, opposite to, and almost in the centre, of the battery. This arrangement involved the construction of a second underground collector. The generators, which are grouped MESSRS. SCHNEIDER AND CO.’S WORKS. Regulating chambers are placed at intervals upon the upper collector ; one chimney is common to twelve ovens, and is furnished with stop-valves at the base, so tliat any group, or number of groups, can be eut out at pleasure, and all the waste heat can be diverted from the boilers if it is desired to stop them for repairs, or for any other reason. This arrangement was, more- over, necessary during the period of construction in Order to avoid stopping the production of eoke. Advantage was taken of this extensive alteration to strengthen the ovens. Previously the construction left something to be desired, and the ovens frequently broke down, necessi- tating costly repairs, either of the brickwork or of the doors, the frames of which needed constant inspection. Fig. 63. Battery of Coke Ovens. in pairs, are arranged so as to receive the heat from the collector by short branch mains, which are inde- pendent for eaeh group. Figs. 64 to 69, Plate XIV., show the details of construction of the ovens and the arrangement of the inclined collectors. This system of double collectors, one above and the other below, is probably somewhat disadvantageous as regards economy of heat ; Lut as the draught of the chimney common to all tlie boilers, is energetic, the gases are dragged through the collectors to the boilers with but little loss. Experiments have shown tliat between leaving the furthest oven and arriving at the boilers, the fall in temperature is less than 212 (leg. Fahr., which is insignificant in comparison with the temperatures of 1,832 deg. or 2,012 deg. Fahr, at which the gases leave the ovens. The actual form of construction is shown clearly in the illustrations. Each oven is large enough to receive a charge of from 2.7 to 3 tons, and the period of carbonisation is twenty- foui’ hours ; the aniount of serviceable coke obtained is 73 per cent. Charging tlie ovens is carried on at present day and night, but the grinding and mixing shop is °nly kept in operation during the day, a sufficient quantity for the night service of the ovens being always in store. After a prolongée! series of experi- ments, Messrs. Schneider and Co., have come to the conclusion that but little economy can be etfeeted by doubling the shifts at the o vens, with the object of obtain- ing a more regulär distribution of heat to the boilers. When charging the furnaces during the day only, the pro-