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Passing Comments

10th May 1957, Page 28
10th May 1957
Page 28
Page 29
Page 28, 10th May 1957 — Passing Comments
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A MOST interesting discovery, in fact the first really complete change in the curing of rubber products which has occurred for over 100 years, has been accomplished by scientists of the B. F. Goodrich Co., of America, who have succeeded in vulcanizing a tyre by atomic energy.

The experiment Was carried out at the National Reactor Testing Station at Idaho. The process itself was quite simple. A tyre was placed iii a steel case and rotated slowly over radio-active fuel elements in 17 ft. of water. This tyre showed under test that it had about 10 per cent, more resistance to abrasion and twice as much resistance to ageing and deterioration.

Nevertheless, if nuclear radiation becomes economically practicable, Goodrich believe that tyres could be vulcanized "cold" much more rapidly than by today's heat processes.

Although the nuclear process is so revolutionary, it is said to be quite possible that it will become commercially feasible within 10 years.

it is understood that work in the same field is being conducted by the Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd., in this country.

Where Maintenance Saves Much

A FIRM of oil fuel pump and injector specialists, rm. Messrs. Richmond and Pritchard of Great Yarmouth, have issued an interesting short commentary concerning fuel consumption and fuel costs during

the " overhaul life of an oil engine. They ask whether the operator keeps a check on these or whether he forgets, after the first few thousand miles, the pleased initial surprise at being able approximately to double the m.p.g. formerly attained with petrol engines of corresponding power.

It is pointed out that oil engines in general usually A26

complete from 15,000 to 20,000 miles without any noticeable increase in fuel consumption, but above this mileage, there may be appreciable wear on the injector-nozzle valve seats, and this may mean a loss of from 377 m.p.g. On the other hand proper attention at reasonable intervals would ensure that the consumption over a mileage of 100,000 is kept virtually constant.

The estimate given for such maintenance over this mileage is about £60, which means 1,700 miles for £1. Taking a mileage of 80,000 at 20 m.p.g., the total fuel consumption would be 4,000 gal. The total at only 16 m.p.g. would mean an additional 1,000 gal. which at, say, 5s. per gal. would equal £250, so that the saving that can be effected •is easily appreciated.

The Roving Land-_Rovers •

THE new -Land-Rover films in the maker's 1957 programme give ,still more evidence of the versatility.and reliability .of these vehicles.

In the first, entitled: In Search of the Kalahari Bulhmen," Col. Laurence Van der Post narrates his own story of a 3,000-mile expedition in four LandRovers throukh the Kalahari Desert, waterless and at the .worst time of the year. The only troubles incurred were seven punctures and a broken spring.

"Overland to Singapore " is the film record of a trip made by six members of the Oxford and Cambridge Far Eastern Expedition in two Land-Rover station wagons. . They .set out, from London in September, 1955, and achieved the distinction of 'being the first people to motor overland the whole way to Singapore, via the Middle East, India and the

famous Ledo Road in Burma.

The third film, "Rover Review," represents a Magazine record of the Rover Company's activities during 1956, and shows Land-Rovers Participating in rural activities at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show at Rhyl. • These films together last slightly under an hour and can be obtained, on loan, free of charge, from the Public Relations Dept., The Rover Co:, Ltd.; Solihull, Warwickshire. Early application should be made for them.

Hide and Seek

I N certain rural and other areas, houses which hitherto have borne nothing else than names-some of a fanciful nature—are being given r.15ers; This not only aids postmen but also especially, tradesinen and others delivering by van who may not have an intimate knowledge of -the districts concerned.

in certain instances, however, the residents seem to have resented the change, this applying particularly to comparativelynew arrivals. Consequently, whilst the house names have remained in evidence on their gates, the new numbers have been added to their front doors. Some of these doors may be in porches or so far from the gates that the numbers cannot easily be read and the main object of the numbering is then defeated.

• To save time and-annoyance, it would be advisable for local authorities to make some ruling as to the position of numbers, pointing out that need for these to be fully visible.

. . and Hose as Well.'

NYLON yarns from polymer prepared from adipic. '

acid and hexarnethytene diamine, are produced by British Nylon Spinners, Ltd., 25 Upper Brook Street, London, W.1, and their new 20-page booklet "Nylon Goes To Work" describes many of the important uses in industry for textiles, ropes and other products in this material.

The motor industry is eonstantly making greater use of nylon in various forms of which perhaps the most important is tyres. Theseare safe and depeniiable, and tests in America are said to have shown that they can cut tyre costs per mile by as much as 46 per cent.

Road hauliers are also realizing th& economic advantages of nylon tarpaulins, which may weigh half as much as others of comparable strength.

British fire brigades now employ over 10m. feet of nylon hose, which need not be dried, is impermeable and, therefore, involves lower pressure losses.

Many modern motor vehicles now have hardwearing upholstery in bright-coloured nylon, whilst tow ropes made of it are strong but light. Moreover, the material, in whatever form it is employed, is highly resistant to most chemicals, insects, and practically all bacteria.

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People: Laurence Van
Locations: London

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