Gas lamp

“ The gas itself has a disagreeable odour before it is burnt, and so has the vapour of wax, tallow and oil, as it comes from a candle or lamp newly blown out. This concession proves nothing against the flame of gas, which is perfectly inodorous.
The gas-light flame is perfectly steady; a benefit which persons accustomed to read or write by candle-light, are particularly capable of appreciating. With the other modes of illumination we have never the light of the same intensity for two minutes together, independent of that unpleasant dancing unsteady flame which is so harassing to the sight. ”

“ In a sitting-room lighted thus with gas, we are obliged, in order to read comfortably by the distant source of light, to burn so much gas that the atmosphere of the room is seriously polluted by the products of this extravagant combustion. A lamp at a moderate distance—say eighteen inches or two feet, or thereabouts—will enable us to read or work with one-tenth to one-twentieth the amount of combustion, and therefore with so much less vitiation of the atmosphere, and, if we use a paraffin lamp, at much less expense. ”

“ It has been found by experience that the ordinary type of open arc lamp with vertical carbons included in an opalescent globe cannot compete in point of cost with modern improvements in gas lighting as a means of street illumination. The violet colour of the light and the sharp shadows, and particularly the non-illuminated area just beneath the lamp, are grave disadvantages. ”

“ What the workmen, not less than the coal-owners, eagerly desired was, a lamp that should give forth sufficient light, without communicating flame to the inflammable gas which accumulated in certain parts of the pit. Something had already been attempted towards the invention of such a lamp by Dr. Clanny, of Sunderland, who, in 1813, contrived an apparatus to which he gave air from the mine through water, by means of bellows. This lamp went out of itself in inflammable gas. ”

“ The competition which has been started by the electric lighting companies has given a great impetus to gas lighting. A large number of improved street gas lamp burners and lanterns having been invented and brought into general use, the following particulars with reference to some of those which were tried in the City of Exeter may be of use as a comparison. ”

“ The fact is, the glow lamp is only one more means (not without certain disadvantages) of producing light added to those which already exist, and of which the public have the choice. Now, looking to best means of lighting rooms, and particularly the principal rooms of a small dwelling-house, I beg to say that the arguments which can be adduced in favor of gas lighting in preference to any other means greatly preponderate, and that it can be substantiated that, light for light, under the heads of convenience, health, comfort, reliability, readiness, and cheapness, gas is superior to all. ”

“ Clegg. This lamp is so constructed, that the gas cannot flow to the burner, when the flame becomes extinguished. If, therefore, the lamp should be blown out, and the stop-cock which supplies the gas be left open, the extinction of the flame will effectually shut the valve. The action of this lamp depends upon the expansibility of a metallic rod, heated by the flame of the lamp, and thus keeping open the valve, whereas, when the lamp is extinguished, and the rod becomes cold, it contracts to its natural dimensions, and, by that means, effectually closes the valve. ”

“ It is more economical to use cold-process gasoline gas with a mantle lamp than an open-flame burner for lighting. Be sure to use the burners made especially for this kind of gas. The lamps are managed like all others. ”

“ Why electric lamps are usually vacuums. Electric lamps usually have vacuums inside because the filament gets so hot that it would burn up if there were any oxygen to combine with it. But in a globe containing no oxygen the filament may be made ever so hot and it cannot possibly burn.
High-power electric lamps are not made with vacuums but are "gas-filled." The gas that is oftenest put into lamps is nitrogen,—the same gas that is mixed with the oxygen in air. By taking all the oxygen out of a quantity of air, the lamp manufacturers can use in perfect safety the nitrogen that is left. ”

“ In the Davy lamp a common oil-light is surrounded by a cylinder of wire-gauze. When the air around the lamp is pure the flame burns as usual, and the only effect of the gauze is somewhat to diminish the amount of light given out by the lamp. But so soon as the air becomes loaded with the carburetted hydrogen gas generated in the coal-strata, a change takes place. The flame grows larger and less luminous. ”

“ A lamp is an apparatus for converting hydro-carbon mineral oil into gas and burning it efficiently. The gas-jet burns gases produced by driving off hydro-carbon vapours from coal in apparatus specially designed for the purpose. Gas-making is now, in spite of the competition of electric lighting, so important an industry that we shall do well to glance at the processes which it includes. ”

“ If the lamp is allowed to remain too long in such a fiery atmosphere, it becomes dangerous, because the gauze, becoming heated to redness, may fire the external gas. For detecting the presence of fire-damp in amounts less than 21/2%, special lamps with non-luminous flames are adopted. In Pieler’s lamp, which is of the ordinary Da form, alcohol is burned on a silk wick, and a screen is provided so that the flame can be hidden. When exposed in air containing 1/4% a cap of 11/8 in. is formed, which increases to 2 in. with 1/2%, and with 11/4% the lamp is filled with a deep blue glow. ”

“ A very ingenious little lamp may be constructed which lights of itself without the help of a flame. It contains a bell of glass, which is filled with hydrogen gas, produced by the action exercised by a foundation of zinc on acidulated water. If the knob on the upper part of the apparatus is pressed, the hydrogen escapes, and comes in contact with a piece of spongy platinum, which, acting by oxidation, becomes ignited. The flame produced sets fire to a small oil lamp, which is opposite the jet of gas. This very ingenious lamp is known under the name of Gay-Lussac’s lamp. ”

“ If a piece of wire-gauze be held in the flame of a lamp, or of coal gas, no flame passes through the gauze; for though a portion of the inflammable vapour passes, it loses too much heat in its passage to propagate the flame; but in the case of inflammable mixtures of coal gas entering a lamp, and burning at the interior surface, that which is exterior has not been exposed to any heating cause, and consequently is in no danger of taking fire at the sides of the lamp ”

“ First, where we illuminate a room with candles or oil we are contented with a less intense and more local light than when we are using gas, and in a room of ordinary size would be more likely to use a lamp or two candles than the far higher illumination we should demand if gas were employed. Secondly, the amount of water vapour given off during the combustion of gas is greater than in the case of the other illuminants, and water vapour absorbing radiant heat from the burning gas becomes heated, and, diffusing itself about the room, causes great oppression. ”

“ The lamp in this case acts as a condenser, the rarefied gas being one coating, the operator's hand the other. By taking the globe of a lamp in the hand, and by bringing the metallic terminals near to or in contact with a conductor connected to the coil, the carbon is brought to bright incandescence and the glass is rapidly heated. With a 100-volt 10 c. p. lamp one may without great discomfort stand as much current as will bring the lamp to a considerable brilliancy ”

“ If electricity or coal gas are available from public supply sources there need be no anxieties whatever. A metallic filament incandescent electric lamp of high power is quite sufficient for the purpose, and if there is need for a concentrated strong light it can be obtained by mounting the lamp within a parabolic reflector, such as is used for automobiles. Coal gas with an incandescent burner and mantle is just as efficient, and concentration in this case can be managed in the same way with a reflector. ”

“ We often see a flame suddenly burst from the densest smoke, and as suddenly disappear; and if a light be applied to the little jets that issue from the bituminous parts of the coal, they will catch fire, and burn with a bright flame. A considerable quantity of a gazeous fluid, capable of affording light and heat continually escapes up the chimney, whilst another part is occasionally ignited, and exhibits the phenomena of the flame and light of the fire.
The theory of the production of gas-light is therefore analogous to the action of a lamp or candle. ”

“ Neither will it do to hold the lamp in a current of gaseous air moving at a greater rate of speed than six or eight feet per second, since in that case the flame is apt to be driven through the gauze and to set fire to the gas outside. There is also danger if the lamp be thrust suddenly into an explosive mixture that the force of the explosion inside the wire-gauze cylinder will force the flame through the mesh. It will be seen, therefore, that even the safety lamp is not an absolute protection against danger from explosive and inflammable gases. ”

“ Gas-lighting has, of course, its limitations. It is not adapted for use beyond the range of cities or towns whose populations are sufficient to warrant the large expenditures necessary for gas plants. It is a special rather than general light. Yet within its limited domain of use it has proved of wonderful utility,—a source of cheer for millions, a clean, safe, and economic light, a convenience far beyond the candle, the lamp, or any previous lighting appliance. In the street, it is a source of safety against thieves and way-layers. ”

“ Third, a student oil-lamp gives the most satisfactory illumination, if kept in good order. The wick should be kept free from excrescences, so that it always gives its proper, steady, mellow, yellow light. The ordinary gas burner nickers too much, the electric light is steadier but can not be regulated, the Welsbach-mantle light is too brilliant if turned on full and too variable if turned down. ”

“ Every French provincial who visited Paris was expected to admire the "cordon de lumiere de la Rue de Rivoli." Now that electricity has replaced gas, I fancy that the lamps are placed further apart, and so the effect of a continuous quivering band of yellow flame is lost. Equally every French provincial had to admire the "luxe de gaz" of the Place de la Concorde. It certainly blazed with gas, but now with electric arc-lamps there is double the light with less than a tenth of the number of old flickering gas-lamps; another example of quality vs. quantity. ”

“ It must be remembered that electric lighting is comparatively a new science, and not yet fully understood. There is very little doubt that, by practice, it will before long approach more nearly to perfection, and sooner or later entirely supersede gas, the arc form of lamp being employed for the illumination of streets and large areas, while the incandescent pattern meets domestic requirements.—Good Words. ”

“ The lamp is surrounded with this gauze, and although, should the air be filled with gas to an explosive point, it will ignite if it comes in contact with flame, the gauze prevents the light of the lamp from exploding the gas-charged air outside. When the air is of a very explosive character even the Davy-lamps have to be extinguished, as the heat caused by the frequent ignitions within the lamp raises the gauze to a red heat, and the gas beyond will take fire.
Jack took his place in the cage with Bill Haden and as many others as it could contain. ”

“ PATENT GAS and LAMP CHIMNEY.—COGAN’S ECONOMIC ELONGATOR, secured by her Majesty’s Letters Patent, is superior to any hitherto introduced to the public, produces a more brilliant light, and so effectually prevents smoke, that Gas may now be introduced into the best-furnished apartments, without fear or injury to its adornments. Lace-merchants, shawl-warehousemen, and others, will find it worthy their adoption. Common Lamps, with this simple chimney, though burning inferior oil, will give light equal to the Solar, and without smell. ”

“ That the operations just described should be intelligently and carefully performed, is of the greatest importance, as each lamp when burning represents a given amount of coal being consumed at the station; and as the light is sold at a predetermined and stated price, just as gas is, it is necessary, in order to have the electric light company's books balance in favor of the proper parties, that no coal should be burned unless the light is in actual use. ”

“ We say that we burn oil in our lamps, but what we really do is to heat the oil until it gives off gas, and then we burn the gas. To keep the flame regular and help on the burning, we use a chimney on the lamp. The hot air rises in the chimney and the cold air underneath rushes in to take its place and brings oxygen to the flame. In a close, stuffy room no lamp will give a good clear light, because there is not oxygen enough for its flame. ”

“ The use of argon gas, which has a poorer heat conductivity than nitrogen, made it possible to produce smaller lamps, 50-watt gas-filled lamps for 110-volt circuits now being the smallest available. In the present state of the art, a vacuum lamp is more efficient than a gas-filled lamp having a filament smaller than one consuming about half an ampere. Thus gas-filled lamps are not now practicable much below 100 watts for 220 volts, 50 watts for 110 volts, 25 watts for 60 volts, 15 watts for 30 volts, etc. ”