SECTIONAL TRANSACTIONS.— G. 379 



SECTION G.-ENGINEERING. 



( For references to the publication elsewhere of communications entered in the 

 following list of Transactions, see page 447.) 



Thursday, August 5. 



1, Ur. EzER Griffiths, F.R.S., and Mr. Edgar A. Griffiths. — Some 

 Engineering Problems in Connection with the Refrigerated Trans- 

 port of Apples. Followed by Discussion on Food Transport 

 and Refrigeration. 



The paper is based on the observations made during the course of an experimental 

 investigation of conditions in the holds of ships carrying apples from Australia to 

 England. 



In this branch of the overseas transport of fruit the ship has usually to serve the 

 dual function of pre-cooler and carrier, as the apples are taken direct from the orchard 

 to the ship. 



In order to ascertain the variations of temperature from point to point in the 

 cargoes cooled by representative systems of refrigeration, four ships were fitted out 

 with resistance thermometers inserted in the fruit-cases. From the data obtained 

 as to the temperature distributions, it was possible to suggest modifications so as to 

 obtain (a) rapid initial coohng of the cargo, (6) uniformity of temperature throughout 

 the mass. To cool down quickly, without freezing, a compactly stowed mass of 

 fruit is a difficult engineering problem to solve. 



Supplementary investigations have been made in the laboratory to determine the 

 system of stowage which would result in uniform cooling of the cargo. True model 

 scale tests could not be constructed, as this would necessitate handling 20,000 or more 

 units representing the number of apple-boxes stowed in a hold. A novel scheme of 

 vertical air-ducts is suggested and the design of dunnage required for this method of 

 stowage is described. 



The second problem considered is that of the ventilation of a ship's hold to remove 

 the carbon dioxide produced by the respiration processes of the fruit. 



The third problem is that of the design of instruments for use in connection with 

 the transport of fruit. As the result of the experience gained on the voyage, 

 modifications in temperature-measuring outfits now in use are suggested. 



A robust form of resistance thermometer is described and the laboratory tests of 

 same. 



Various simple forms of carbon -dioxide measuring instruments are also described, 

 and the limitations of various commercial forms of gas-analysis apparatus are 

 indicated. 



2. Prof. C. F. Jenkin, C.B.E. — Small Refrigerating Plants. 



3. Mr. A. A. RowsE. — Production of Motor Cars. (Cinematograph.) 



Friday, August 6. 



4. Presidential Address by Sir John Snell, G.B.E., on The Present 



and Future Development of Electricity Supply. (See p. 156.) 



5a. Mr. J. M. Kennedy. — The Distribution of Electrical Energy. 



Until comparatively recently the generation of electricity for any district has 

 been under the control of the local authority or company who have distributing 

 powers in that district. 



Technical developments of generating plant, coupled with legislation recently 

 passed and now in contemplation, will bring about in the next few years a great 

 concentration of generation in large stations, with the consequent closing-down of 

 the smaller and less efficient stations. 



