108 MODERN GASWORKS PRACTICE
recognized that if automatic charging is to be carried out it is best done by placing the retort on end.
Inclined retorts are seldom entirely automatic, and the charge has invariably to be started on the run by pricking up at the bottom and pushing from the top. Moreover, the character of the charge is materially afi'ccted by the kind, size and degree of dampness of the coal in use. “ Creeping ” often takes place during the period of distillation, with the result that the upper portions of the retort are completely uncovered. The result is that, to avoid trouble, certain classes of coal have to be selected for use; In G. R. Love’s system the retorts were set at 45° and
Tig. 54.—Diagrammatic View or two Inclined Retort Benches set back to back with Common Charging Floob.
received füll charges, two ascension pipes being provided. The system has now been abandoned.
With regard to fuel consumption, inclined systems are more extravagant than horizontals, and an average figure of 16 Ib. of coke per 100 Ib. of coal carbonized (i.e., 22 per cent, of the coke made) may be given.
The intricacy of this type of setting renders it more costly than the horizontal beuch ; while the life of the inclined retort is usually less tlian that of a good quality horizontal type. For the complete setting, inclusive of all ironwork, producers, chimney, foundations, etc., the approximate cost per mouthpiece would now be £145.
It may be mentioned that in the South Metropolitan Company inclined settings