SECTIONAL TRANSACTIONS.— G. 383 



4. Presidential Address, by Prof. T. Hudson Beare, on Some 

 Australian Railway Prohlenu. (See p. 133.) 



Saturday, September 9. 



The Hull Docks were visited to inspect features of special engineer- 

 ing interest. 



Monday, September 11. 



5, Discussion on Economic Stpam Production, with special reference 

 to Marine Practice. 



(a) Dr. C. H. Lander. — Home-produced Oil Fuel. 



During the past fifteen years a complete substitution of coal by oil fuel in 

 the Navy has been effected. In the Mercantile iMarine development has taken 

 place at a slower rate, but during the year 1920-21 58 per cent, of the new vessels 

 classed under Lloyd's Register were fitted for burning oil fuel. 



The question of home sources of supply has been under consideration since 

 1912, l)ut since then the urgency of the problem has increased. 



The natural source of oil fuel of this country is discussed, with especial 

 reference to distillation of oil, and it is shown that the only practicable method 

 is the replacement of coal used in the domestic grate and in industry by some 

 form of manufactured smokeless fuel. 



Figures of possible oil production are given, based on the experimental work 

 on coal carried out by the Fuel Research Board, and the suitability of this oil 

 for steam-raising is discussed. 



(h) Engr. Comdr. Fraser Shaw, E.N. 



Two distinct questions : commercial economy, fuel economy. Commercial 

 economy always wins the argument. 



With scientific aids the economy of a well-run installation on land does not 

 leave very much to be desired. Considerable drop in efficiency between well-run 

 and badly run plants. Avoidable losses in latter due to leaky settings and 

 inferior personnel (supervision and stoking). 



Considerations confined to coal-fired single- and double-ended return tube 

 tank boilers. Marine boiler at a disadvantage compared with land boiler, 

 owing to cramped space and reduced heating surface for given output; but at 

 an advantage owing to being self-contained and not dependent on brick settings. 



By the use of liquid fuel stokehold personnel may be reduced and its efficiency 

 increased. 



Distinct improvement possible even in coal-fired ships by introduction of 

 scientific instruments, so far little used at sea. 



Superheaters in fairly general use at sea. 



Economisers not used at sea so much as on land. 



In considerations of economy first place must be assigned to system of control 

 to stop gross waste and work existing appliances and known methods to best 

 advantage. 



(c) Engr. Comdr. E. Beeman, C.M.G., E.N. 



The question of economic steam production is dealt with from the naval 

 aspect. 



Improvement in economy of fuel leads in any specific case to a greater radius 

 of action or, on the same radius of action, to a lesser weight of fuel to be 

 carried, and consequently a higher speed, both important advantages. Economy, 

 however, depends, given equal conditions of running, upon the initial design, 

 whi"h in turn depends in the main upon the weight and space that can be given 

 to tlie machinery. Any design is thus a compromise betvv-een the several leading 



