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The Claudel Atomizor

7th July 1933, Page 61
7th July 1933
Page 61
Page 61, 7th July 1933 — The Claudel Atomizor
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Now in Production

Models Now Available Suitable for Converting Ford and Bedford Vehicles. Smooth Running and Freedom from Fumes. Increased Power Output Claimed

IT will be recalled that, in October last, we described an interesting adaptation of a carburetter for the vaporization of a mixture of heavy oil and petrol, which had been evolved by Monsieur H. Claudel, the well-known French carburation expert.

Difficulties arose, however, in connection with the Excise for it is not permissible to mix petrol and oil. In . consequence, the Claudel Atomizor, as it is known, has been completely redesigned, and we understand that it is now approved by the Excise authorities.

The models now available are specially suitable for Ford, Chevrolet and Bedford vehicles, to which they can be fitted without any extensive adaptation or special vaporization features. Furthermore, when actually in use, the performance obtained from the vehicle is indistinguishable from that with the normal carburation system, whilst there is no smoke or smell, and it is claimed that no oil dilution takes place. The engine is started on petrol, on which also it idles, but the carburetter automatically changes over to the oil supply, which is used for all normal purposes and is efficiently atomized.

The fuel employed is Shell Spark or any similar vaporizing oil which has a specific gravity between .820 and .870; the final boiling point of the fuel is 250 degrees to 265 degrees C. Economy in running is one of the most important features, and the cost of converting an engine of a lorry used every day would be covered, it is claimed, within three months or so. As an example of the fuel consumption, a Chevrolet 30-cwt. van with a 15-cwt. load has been tested and found to cover 25-26 m.p.g. on oil and 85-100 m.p.g. on petrol, petrol being, of course used only for starting and for idling. The Claude' Atomizor can readily be installed in the place of thes,existing carburetter, the normal manifdding being employed, but it is advisable to shield this in order to maintam it at a fair temperature, protecting it front cold air. It is necessary also to make suitable connections with the exhaust pipe to allow for the ingoing air into the earburefter to be heated suitably and assist in vaporizing the oil, but these are -all part of the outfit and are not difficult for a mechanic to install. .

The cost of a complete conversion is £22 for a Ford, Chevrolet or Bedford ; this consists of £10 for the carburetter, £9 for the hot-box and fittings, and a for labour.

The device consists essentially of two separate carburetters built into a unit, one of which uses petrol as a fuel, whilst the other runs on the oil, There is no connection between the two, and the change over from petrol to oil is entirely automatic.

There are two main parts—namely, the tap section, which carries the fuel inlets and filters, choke tube, main jet and an automatic control for the supply of air, whilst the base carries the two float chambers, idling and change-over jets and the diffuser tubes.

One of the most important features of the instrument is the way in which the heavy fuel is vaporized. For this purpose a separate supply of super-heated air is admitted through the centre of the vaporizer, in addition to the warm air which is drawn through the main air intake. The special hotair supply provides heat for a central tube against which the oil impinges as it is drawn from the main jet.

This assists in the vaporization and the partly vaporized fuel is then drawn actually into the tube, where it mingles with the supply of very hot air. In this way it is fully vaporized and eventually passes out into the choke, where it again mingles with the normal warm air supply.

Yet another interesting feature of the carburetter is the way in which an additional supply of air is obtained for fullthrottle working. The choke is surrounded by a drilled ring, there being over each hole a small steel ball. Both ring and ball are carefully graduated, and, as the depression in the manifold increases, so the balls are raised off their seating, allowing additional air to be drawn in, The Claude]. Atomizor is extremely well made, is easily dismantled for inspection purposes, the main-jet holder, as a matter of fact, acting as the locating bolt for the top and bottom members of the instrument. The two other jets can he removed quite readily. whilst close-mesh filters are embodied in both fuel inlet pipes. The floats are pivoted.

The Claudel Atomizor is being handled in this country solely by Mr. H.• Boswell-Reid, of Amptan Street Works, Gray's Inn Road, London, W.C.1, under whom Gladwell and Kell (1932), Ltd., of the same address' has been appointed as sole manufacturer. Service and fitting stations are being established throughout the country.

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