MARINE LIGHTING EQUIPMENT OF THE PANAMA CANAI,. 103 



carries the lantern G at a focal height of 15 feet. The draught of the buoy- 

 is 12 feet, and the total weight without anchor chain 10,500 pounds. Before 

 painting and shipping the buoy is subjected to a hydrostatic test of 15 pounds 

 per square inch. 



The best materials and processes are employed for preserving the buoy 

 from the severe corroding action of sea-water and sea-air. The entire inside 

 of the buoy is first given one coat of bitumastic solution applied cold, and 

 then one coat of bitumastic solution applied hot in accordance with the 

 formulae and processes of the American Bitumastic Enamels Co. The 

 exterior is given one coat of boiled linseed applied hot and two successive 

 coats of best quality red lead mixed with best quality of boiled linseed oil. 



With reference to the gas supply and lighting apparatus, H represents 

 the accumulators, of which there are four, filled with dissolved acetylene 

 and inserted in the pockets J, which latter are furnished with hinged covers, 

 K, for facilitating the removal and renewal of the accumulators. G is the 

 lantern containing the pressure regulator or governor, as it is termed, and 

 the flashing mechanism. 



The high-pressure gas is led from the accumulators to a manifold, L^ 

 thence up the leg of the tower E, and through the shut-off- valve M to the 

 governor. The gas piping is of special manufacture, made of solid drawn 

 steel, 8 mm. outer diameter by 4 mm. inner diameter, with an outer pro- 

 tecting envelope of copper drawn thereon, which renders it completely 

 rust-proof. 



PORTABI^E AC^TYI^ENE. 



The system of storing acetylene in portable accumulators is known as 

 Dissolved Acetylene (D. A.), and is based upon the properties of acetone 

 in combination with a suitable porous substance. 



TH:e POROUS MASS — THE SAFETY DEVICE. 



If a gas in a state liable to spontaneous dissociation or explosion is 

 stored in a vessel whose diameter is less than that in which the explosive 

 wave can be propagated, it is impossible to produce an explosion. Advan- 

 tage has been taken of this fact in such a way that vessels are entirely filled 

 with some very porous, solid matter, the minute crevices of which are almost 

 of insensible magnitude. In a vessel prepared in this way it will be quite 

 impossible to produce an explosion. This fact has been demonstrated 

 beyond doubt by a variety of tests, and is practically recognized by the 

 permission now granted in all countries to use compressed acetylene in 

 vessels prepared according to this method. 



