The New Vulcan Superheater.
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It is, of course, no news that, since it has become increasingly difficult for users of commercial vehicles to obtain sufficient petrol to meet their requirements, many have perforce turned their thoughts to the use of paraffin as a fuel. In many of these cases we know that this fuel is being used with a proportion of petrol.
There are, however, a number of users, who, by the. aid of a superheater or fitting of a like nature, appear to be obtaining good results, by using pure paraffin after previously starting the engine on petrol. A number of such devices are on the market, and each is claimed to possess indisputable' advantages. All the principal types were described by us in the series "Two-Fuel Carburetters and Fittings," which appeared in these columns last year.
A superheater which has been on the market for some time past, and which, it is stated, is finding a favourable reception, is the new Vulcan superheater, manufactured by Alvaston Motors, Derby. This attachment, which has been considerably modified and improved since its initial introduction, is of simple construction, and has been expressly designed for fitting to the Ford engine. It will be seen from the illustration reproduced herewith that it comprises a central tube which is directly connected to the exhaust manifold, around which is a heavy flanged casting. The lower portion of this tube conveying the exhaust gases for heating terminates in a small silencer. On the lower end of the outside casting is a flange to which is fitted the Ford carburetter.
The manner of working is as follows :—The engine is first of all stafted on petrol, which is contained in an auxiliary fuel tank conveniently clipped to the steering column. In the original design a petrol reservoir was connected to the special inlet manifold and allowed to drip directly into it. The engine is started on petrol, and in a very few minutes the exhaust gases will have heated the superheater to the required degree to ensure combustion of the heavyfuel vapour. It is claimed that there is no smell or smoky exhaust noticeable when running.
• If short-stops are made with the vehicle the vaporizer keeps warm so that the engine will start again on paraffin. After a long pause the engine should be run for a few yards on petrol previous to turning over the two-way tap to paraffin. A great point with this superheater is that the only alteration to be made before it is fitted is to drill a hole in the ex haust manifold. The new inlet manifold is !titerchangeable with the original. From the long list of testimonials we have perused concerning the efficient working of the New Vulcan superheater, which have been received by the makers, we should say that the device possesses a big selling value. The makers of the device will be pleased to hear from those interested. .