A Throttle-controlled Fuel Economizer
Page 61
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Details of an Amal Instrument Which Incorporates an Interesting Device for Reducing Fuel Consumption.
A NYTHING which affects the runtiming costs of a commercial vehicle is unquestionably of great interest to readers of TILe Commercial Motor. During a recent visit to the Amal carburetter works in Birmingham we were shown an interesting device which is incorporated in the latest type Amal carburetter and foe which claimsare made that a saving of petrol in the order of 16 per cent, is effected. The device is extremely simple both in construction and in operation, the working parts numbering two only, s.o that foolproofness is almost assured.
The principle involved in the Amal "economizer" takes advantage of the plain fact that whenever the throttle is closed during running, even momentarily, the driver desires the power output of the engine to be reduced. Now, it is well known that a mixture in the ratio of 12 or 13 to 1 air to petrol is about the ideal to obtain best results, so far as power output is concerned, but that it is possible for a mixture to fire regularly if it be as rich as 8 to 1 or as weak as 17 to 1, considered by weight.
In the Amal carburetter a valve is used which is automatically operated from the throttle spindle, a spring-steel plate being held on the spindle by a friction grip in such a manner that the valve is moved when the throttle spindle is turned.
Reference to the drawing of the carburetter will show bow the device works. As the throttle is opened the valve is moved into such a position that the ideal mixture strength is
obtained, but movement in the opposite direction causes the ratio of air to petrol to be increased from, say, 13 to 1 to, perhaps, 17 to 1. This alteration in ratio allows the engine to fire regularly, but naturally the power output is reduced. This, .however, is a matter of no moment, because every closing movement of the throttle is prompted by the fact that the driver requires less power from the engine, consequently t Ii e weakest mixture that will burn will suffice,, providing erratic running be avoided.
Amal. carburetters are manufactured in a wide variety of types and sizes to suit different designs of power units. Vertical and horizontal models are available, likewise left and right-hand positions for the float chambers; the throttle control, too, is a variable quantity, so that the exigencies of all designs of engine can be met.
Prices are distinctly moderate, the larger sizes of instrument being priced as follow :—With a 26 mat. choke the carburetter costs £3 10s., with 30 nun. choke £4, with 36 mm. choke PI 10s., and with 40 mm. choke £5.
The manufacturer is Amalgamated Carburetters, Ltd.. and the address of the company is Holford Works, Perry Barr, Birmingham,