A Silently Operating Washing Plant
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O(AWING to the fact that, in many instances, washing appliances have to be employed during the night, it is desirable that they should be reasonably silent in operation, especially if the garage be situated in a thickly populated
area. With this thought well to the fore, Simpkins Engineering Works, of Gad ling, Nottingham, have enclosed the worm drive of their new Southwell highpressure two-gun washine plant and have taken other precautions to ensure silence. The worm drive takes the place of the usual double-reduction spur gear, so that there are no bearings which require lubrication and no grease cups to fill.
The appliance is operated by means of a 2 h.p. petrol engine. The housing for the worm gear has an inspection lid in its top face and a plug for facilitating oil replenishment. At each end of the worm shaft there is a flange cover, which permits easy access to the worm wheel, connecting rods and three-throw crankshaft. There is also an inspection
plate which allows adjustments to be made to the big-ends.
The working parts are lubricated on the splash principle. A gauge glass is provided, so that the correct level of oil can be registered ; the sump is emptied by means of a drain cock.
The pump is of the horizontal trebleram type, and has capacity of 30I9 gallons per hour, the pressure being 300 lb. to 350 lb. per sq. in. When the
guns are turned off an air vessel, pressure gauge and an efficient by-pass release valve permit the water to re turn to the suction pipe. A useful quantity of hose is provided, two 20-ft. lengths being part of the standard equipment.