 | Documentary History of the Construction of the Buildings at the University
of Virginia, 1817-1828 |  |
Sellers & Pennock
Water Works Circulars
CIRCULAR.
THE Subscribers, encouraged by the favourable reception given to their improved method
of manufacturing Hose, by connecting with metallic rivets the edges of the leather of which
that article is fabricated; and having been successful in the introduction of other important
improvements in the method of extinguishing fires, suggested by their long experience as
firemen, have formed an establishment for furnishing all kinds of Fire Apparatus on
improved plans of construction.
The Patent Rivetted Hose is confidently offered to the attention of the citizens of the United
States, as possessing advantages which could never be obtained from the sewed hose, the
perishable quality of the thread seam rendering the latter a very imperfect conduit for water
on any occasion, and totally inadequate to a high pressure. The disuse of the sewed hose in
this city, and its complete substitution by the Rivetted Hose, of which upwards of 20,000
feet are now used by our firemen, are ample testimonals of its superiority.
By employing hose for conveying hose for conveying water to fires, the formation of lanes,
always attended with delay, from the difficulty of immediately procuring a sufficient number
of men and buckets, and organizing the former, is avoided. A hose of 100 feet in length will
supercede the services of sixty persons, and will cost much less than the number of buckets
requisite for keeping up a supply through the extent; and, though the use of hose, in this
respect, is particularly adapted to such towns or villages, as are supplied with water from an
elevated reservoir, the same object is advantageously obtained by departing from the usual
custom of placing the engine near the fire, stationing it wherever the water can be most
conveniently obtained, and thence propelling the water to the fire, through hose, by the
power of the engine. Should the water to be obtained, proceed from a common pump, it may
be conveyed through hose, to a considerable distance horizontally, the hose being attached
to the pump, by a screw inserted in the side of the latter, or by a short tube or piece of hose,
having at one end a lap or flange, by which it may be girded to the nose of the pump.
In the transmission of water from the engine to the fire, the use of hose is conspicuously
beneficial. It is presumed that not more than one fourth of the stream, projected from a fire
engine, without hose to confine and conduct it, is usefully applied. Most of the water never
reaches the matter in combustion, and is therefore wasted. Beside, it is all important, that
the water thrown on the burning material, should be in a compact form; for, when it is
thrown into an intense flame, in the form of spray, it is decomposed, and its component
gases, instead of diminishing, increase the vigour of the destroying element.
At a time when water is of so much consequence, the loss of three-fourths of the quantity is
a serious evil, the only remedy for which, is to be found in attaching hose to the engine, and
conveying its water through this flexible conductor, to the spot where it is discovered to be
most wanted. All the water is then applied in the best way, and, in the early stages of fire,
the most beneficial result may be anticipated.
The Hydraulion is designed to carry the above views into effect, in the most convenient and
economical manner. It combines all the purposes of a fire engine with a carriage for
conveying the hose, at a price considerably less than the cost of an engine of similar power,
on the old construction: thus, by reducing this part of the expense of a complete fire
establishment, the means are reserved for providing a greater quantity of hose. The method
of operating with the Hydraulion is, to proceed directly to the fire, and thence to the nearest
supply of water; the hose being discharged from the reel, as the carriage proceeds to the
place where the water is to be obtained. The end of the hose near the fire, having the branch
pipe attached to it, is immediately conveyed into that part of the building where the water
may be applied to the most advantage, while the other end of the hose, or so much of it as
has been discharged from the reel, is attached to the screw of the Hydraulion; the reservoir is
then filled, if from a pump, by the means before designated, or if from a pond, by a few
buckets, carried with the machine. Twenty men are sufficient to put into complete operation
the Hydraulion and hose, and to perform the services which, by the old method, the number
employed in lanes being taken into view, required hundreds to execute.
The importance of immediate action, on the discovery of fire, is obvious. A few men,
sufficient to manage the Hydraulion, may be readily convened; but when numerous hands,
and their organization into lanes, are requisite, delay is inevitable; and such delay may
occasion a total destruction of property.
The above method of operating with the Hydraulion, is exhibited in the plate prefixed to this
Circular. When required, the machine, at an extra charge, is so constructed as to draw its
water from a pond, or other source, by Suction. In lieu of the common suction hose, the plan
of a metallic pipe, consisting of several tubes connected by swivel joints, has been devised,
and is much preferred. The addition of a suction apparatus ought not however to be made,
when the expense would interfere with the more important provision of an ample supply of
hose.
A Hydraulion for the security of mills and factories, is also constructed. It consists of the
pump part of the Fire Hydraulion placed in a substantial Box or Reservoir, which is usually
attached to the Forebay, from which it draws its water, and is worked by the power of the
mill. By means of Hose, or of stationary iron pipes connected with the Hydraulion, and
communicating with the several apartments of the Building, a copious supply of water, may,
by the agency of one person, be almost instantaneously conveyed into any room where it
may be desired.
Swivel screws for the hose, on a much improved construction; rivetted fire buckets, more
neat, substantial and durable than the sewed; and all varieties of apparatus, subordinate to
the above plans, for the extinguishment of fires, are furnished by the Subscribers. They
make also Fire Engines, on the old construction, when ordered.
Directions will accompany the Hose and Hydraulion for keeping them in proper condition,
and for applying the instruments used in repairing the former.
Prompt attention will be given to all commands, and the articles furnished will be executed
in the most substantial manner. Payment to be made in Philadelphia, upon completion of the
order.
SELLERS & PENNOCK,
No. 231 Market Street, Philadelphia.
[engraving]
Fire apparatus of all descriptions, furnished on the most approved plan.
LIST OF PRICES.
of substance adequate to 100 feet pressure. Diameter 2½ inches Per foot .60
pressure of upwards of 200 feet. Diameter 2 3-8 inches .60
pressure. Diameter 2 5-8 inches .70
best where the water is fresh. The tutanag composition, or copper rivets and burrs,
used for salt water, form an additional charge per foot, of .5
projecting water from the end of the hose the usual distance of fire engines,
and calculated to carry from 600 to 1000 feet of hose 450.00
Suction Apparatus, including 20 feet jointed metallic suction pipe, with provision for
carrying it, forms an additional charge to the Hydraulion of 125.00
chamber and 9 inch stroke, equal to Hydraulion of 16 men power 175.00
per foot; screws and pipes suitable for the same are applied.
other articles not above enumerated, are offered at reasonable prices.
DIRECTIONS
FOR PRESERVING THE HOSE.
After the Hose has been used, it should be well washed to remove any dirt from it. Each section should then be
separately suspended by the middle, to drain it; and if the Leather requires greasing, it should be taken down
when about half dry, then dubbed and again suspended, until it becomes quite dry; when it should be placed on
the Reel for service.
It is important that the Hose should be kept clean, flexible by occasional dubbing, and free from dampness; and
that after use it should not be dried by a hot sun, or any great heat; but a small Stove may be advantageously used
to impart a moderate warmth to facilitate the drying.
FOR REPAIRING THE HOSE.
Should a Rivet fail when the Hose is in service, a string lashed tight round the place will prevent its leaking. To
replace it, the repairing Anvil is attached to a wooden Rod of sufficient length to reach the place. The Rivet is
then put between the prongs on the face of the Anvil, and conveyed, in this way, to the hole where it is to be
inserted. When the Rivet is brought into its birth, a burr is placed upon its projecting end and partially driven by
the application of the hollow end of the Compressor, so as to hold the Rivet in its place, while it is disengaged
from the Spring. A fair bearing on the Anvil being now given to the Rivet, the Burr is forcibly driven down, and
being there firmly held by the flat end of the Compressor, is secured by spreading, with a hammer, the projecting
part of the Rivet.
Should it be necessary on any occasion to remove any of the rivets, it may be readily done, by severing the
projecting ends of the rivets with a pair of strong cutting Nippers, or a Cutler's Saw.
SELLERS & PENNOCK,
Patentees and Manufacturers of Rivetted Hose,
philadelphia.
| Documentary History of the Construction of the Buildings at the University
of Virginia, 1817-1828 | |