A NEW MEANS FOR AVOIDING BOILER SCALING.
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A Non-chemical Method for which High Claims are Made.
THE scaling of boilers and of large water jackets, etc., obviously causes a gradual diminution of power, a waste of fuel and subsequent expense for cleaning and clearing, in addition to which there is the loss incurred through the plant being put out of action during the cleaning period. Various specifics are on the market for prevention of the formation of scale, and to our knowledge at least one of these is effective and economical to use.
Particulars have recently been sent us concerning a new mode of attack upon scaling, which, of course, is the result of the deposition of lime separated from the water by the process of boiling. In some districts, where a considerable amount of lime is contained in the water, the trouble is a ery serious one, and must be met Irj some process if Con
B28 siderable increase of expenditure in operation is not to be incurred.
The new process is known as the Etherium Activator method, and it is handled in this country by Actinium Developments, Ltd., of Alder House, Aldersgate, London, E.C.1 (opposite the General Post Office building).
No explanation is given of the principle at work with this device. The Activator is a cylinder which is sealed, and is suspended by a piece of galvanized iron wire (itself specially treated) in •the feed tank in such a way that free circulation of the water around it is allowed. The Activator is made in several sizes so that any quantity of water can be dealt with, the smaller size being said to be specially suitable for steam wagons and for small boilers.
It is claimed for the Activator that it is non-chemical and that it con tains a new radio active agent. The cylinder being suspended in the water, in a short space of time the rays of force emitted by this agent permeate the water, precipitating the scale-forming solids, which can be blown off, or, on occasional opening, can be readily removed by washing or brushing clown. At the same time, it is claimed that the Etherium breaks away all the old scale which it finds in every part of the pipes and boiler. This operation of-dispersing old scale may take several weeks or even months, but once the system is cleared of scale it is claimed that so long as the Activator is kept in the feed tank no hard scale will again form. The Activator is fully charged for about three or four months, according to the amount of old scale to be removed and the quantity of water used.
It appears from the circulars issued by the company that the
cylinders are not sold, but are supplied on a rental basis, the use of a single Activator for one year being 25s., for two years 408. and 15s. per annum for each additional Activa-tor.
Without any experience of the apparatus and without a knowledge of the principle at work, it is im
possible to pass an opinion upon it, but the company issues a list of a number of corporations and firms which has adopted the proceas and a pamphlet which contains a number of testimonials, one of which, from the county surveyor for the Devon County Council, says that his department has installed the Activator in two steam wagons and a steam roller in daily use, and that the results have been very beneficial, the corrosive matter passing away as sediment when the boilers are washed out. We can only suggest that users of steam wagons and boilers should make their own inquiries from the company.