Fuel Economizer Gives 27 Per Cent. Increased Mileage
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I T has always been the firm policy of "The Commercial Motor" to avoid giving editorial publicity to any accessory for which extensive claims were made, without first confirming them by :est. This principle has been applied to a fuel economizer known as the Airstrom Atomiser, an extra-air device which fits between the inlet manifold and the carburetter.
Unlike theusual run of such devices, the ingoine air, in this case, is divided into two streams which, by reason of the channels through which they have to pass, enter the main air stream in :he form of a vortex. Entry of the extra air is controlled by a valve which is interconnected with the carburetter butterfly.
The ports in the valve are so arranged that in the slow-running position and at partial throttle opening, no extra air can enter, so that starting and tick-over are not affected. After a certain point is reached in throttle opening, the extra-air ports start to open and, thereafter, progressively allow more air to enter up to the fullthrottle position.
There is a master slide covering the air intake to the extra-air-valve housing, which can be adjusted as required, but experience has shown that, despite the unusually large ports selected for kveral popular types of unit, this master slide can be left fully open.
Through the co-operation of Mr. F. C. Hoggart, transport manager for U. W. Nevill, Ltd., the well-known baker, "The Commercial Motor" was able to test the device on a 1936 Bedford 30-cwt. vehicle. The carburetter fitted was a 1938 Zenith downdraught instrument. In all, five separate raps 'were made, each time over the same course on a measured quart of fuel.
The first three runs were mad without the device, and on the first two only 2 miles per quart could be obtained. It was subsequently discovered that the carburetter was leaking, and after this fault had been corrected, the figure returned was at the rate of 11 m.p.g., which, our representative was informed, was normal for the particular vehicle. The average speed throughout was 15 m.p.h., and two changes of gear were made.
The Airstrom .Atomiser was then fitted, the time taken being 15 minutes, which did not include replacing the manifold studs with those supplied With the device. On the first run the vehicle was driven at an average speed of 27 m.p.h., and the quart of fuel ran out at 3.25 miles, equal to 13 m.p.g. On a second run, but averaging 23.28 m.p.h., the figure returned was 14 m.p.g.
With the economizer, the engine ran more smoothly and had a better topgear performance. At no time was there any symptom of weak mixture, although the extra-air ports are 11/32 in. in diameter. This is equal to a total area of 0.1856 sq. in., or a single hole just over 15/32 in. in diameter.
Experience has shown that use of the device makes for longer engine life, as a portion of the unburned fuel which would normally get past the pistons to dilute the crankcase oil is picked up and vaporized.
it is estimated that 15,000 gallons of fuel per annum will be saved in the case of the Nevill's fleet, of which nearly 100 vehicles are equipped.
The economizer is made by A.B.C. Devices, Ltd., 58, St. Vincent Street, Glasgow, C.2. Sole distributor for thz United Kingdom is the Vel-va-Lube Co., Ltd., 22, Addison Street, Nottingham. Export enquiries should be sent to A.B.C. Devices, Ltd., 52, Old Nelson Street, Lowestoft.