Discussion on “present status of prime movers” (Stott, Pigott and Gorsuch), Detroit, Mich., June 25, 1914. (see proceedings for June, 1914)

R. Tschentscher: The division entitled “Gas Engines” comprises internal combustion prime movers using natural gas, producer gas, or blast furnace and coke oven gas. The relative measure in which each enters into the problem is not given. In 1907, blast furnace gas engine installations began in the iron and steel industry. It was my lot at that time to place in service and operate the first plant of any considerable size. Power from the plant referred to was imperative, and there was therefore but little time for miscellaneous experiments, alterations, readjustments, etc. The conditions presented each day were varied. Experienced men were not obtainable, the hours were long, gas headaches were frequent, and the force was ever changing. The blast furnace operating conditions required readjustment from a condition of making pig iron with gas as a by-product used for air heating or steam generation purposes, to a condition where the maintenance of an adequate gas supply was necessary in order to supply electric power for the equipment used in making the pig iron. This proposition presented an entirely different phase to the blast furnace man. If he did not make the gas, the electric power could not be supplied, and hence he could make neither pig iron nor gas. I am afraid, therefore, that in some quarters a knowledge of the earlier more or less unsatisfactory power costs and operating results incident thereto, is still the basis for an opinion as to the status of the blast furnace gas engine in power stations at the present time.