The Iron Age 1923-07-19: Vol 112 Iss 3

N AGE New York, July 19, 1923 VOI 112, No. 3 An Installation for Heavy Fuel Oil Heating Furnace Equipment Designed to Avoid the High Cost of Light Fuel Oils and the Limitation in the Supply—Details of the Design and Operation BY W. C. N | OST fuel oil installations serving heating fur- naces, especially the smaller installations, re- flect little credit on the designer, who often is the plant master mechanic and installs the oil equip- ment without design or a coordinated plan. The fol- lowing description of a recent oil fuel installation indi- cates what may be done, even under rather severe lim- itations. This installation was made at the plant of Hub- bard & Co., Pittsburgh, manufacturers of electrical pole line equipment, railroad tools, shovels, etc. In the various departments of this plant, which is of consid- erable extent, natural gas, oil and pulverized coal are used for fuel. A short time ago Hubbard & Co. de- cided to segregate the bulldozer operations of the elec- trical materials department, and for this purpose erected a brick, steel and glass monitor type building 60 ft. by 160 ft. When the engineers took over the design of the projected oil system, furnaces and machine layout, it was found impossible to locate the oil, steam and air piping in trenches under the floor, as is most desirable, owing to the fact that the concrete floor was in place. Accordingly, all the piping was placed overhead, sup- ported on the roof trusses. *Consulting engineer, Pittsburgh BUELL* It was arranged that 12 bulldozers, each with its furnace, should be installed, six sets on each side of the building. The general layout of that side of the plant which includes the fuel system is shown Fig. 1 This picture was taken with only two of the six ma- chines on their foundations. The hood at the top of each furnace was later connected to a common stack for the removal of heat from the fires, and the oil system at the left was inclosed with expanded metal Furnaces The furnaces were very simply constructed of steel shapes and fire brick, as shown in Fig. 2. Their in expensive rugged construction and the absence of cast iron are notable. The “bung clamps” A are cast steel and the rods B of bolt stock. Every reasonable effort was made to design the furnaces so as to give the oper- ators the maximum protection from the heat; notice the hood and the double shields at both sides. All furnaces were of the same fire box length—5 ft. 3 in.—but were supplied having two maximum widths of slot C 13% and 18 in. The width of slot is easily adjustable by means of the two bungs D, which are placed on the top of the furnace with the long axis in the horizontal plane. By this means of adjustment, sharply defined heats are given and the minimum fuel is required, as the furnace can be adjusted easily to Fig. 1. Bulldozer Furnaces and Their Fuel Connections, A and B Being Insulated Pipes Dropped from the Header Each Furnace: A Is the Oil Supply and B the Return. The tank svenenesonmentenenanyerneey easy veenenensenseaves weesenenecsss@en is. 1v04hrenne Srpvrrueneres reer yy ene ypne# ena main service supply pipe is at C and the oil return to the at D P0700 REE: DONE PH: » cFbe aSERROSURERERDEP TINT CTT? C18 609 ~ 129 , te ; + ‘4 150 THE IRON fit the work being heated. As will be readily seen, the furnaces may be used without change for either cente: yr’ ¢ 1 neats Oil Burners o O irners supplied by George J. Hagan Co., ; Pittsburgh, and of an advanced type (Fig. 3) were sed, two being applied to each furnace. The choice of burners was based on: (a) the method of circulat- ing fuel through the oil head of the burner (patented), ei (b) the method of adjusting air and fuel at the burner ' tip instead of at a point remote from the point of mix- ng and (c) the secondary air adjustment shutter which permits the character of the flame to be con- y roll ugh wide limits System for Heavy Oil the writer is firmly convinced that the present mm use of light fluid fuel oils will be greatly cur- tailed In the near future, both by the decreasing avuil- ibi this character at a relatively low price, and the action of public opinion against the misuse ° A] r : . 2 : Y ¢ _ , The 25-hp Oil Service and Air System ef valve. H; twin strainer, I; oil cylinder, J; emergency ‘ centrifugal pump, N, for unloading incoming fuel Mig. 4. Oil Unloading, of the lubricating and chemical reserves of the coun- try, and that only the heavy, viscous, petroleum re- siduums and tars from coal distillation processes will be considered permissible liquid fuels. With this thought in mind, the oil system predicated on the use of heavy liquids, with a viscosity above 300 Saybolt seconds at 100 deg. Fahr. ful use of such fuels requires that the fluid be kept constantly in motion in all pipe lines. Accord- . ingly, a circulating or two-pipe system was designed, yne pipe taking the oil from the service system to the surner heads, the other returning the unused balanck from the burner head to the storage tank. It will be noted in Fig. 1 that two insulated pipes, b drop from the header furnace. These are respectively the oil supply and return. The main service supply pipe ¢ is seen in this photograph was above to each * | position in the center of the second win low from the left, rising from the heater to the heade1 , and the o7! return to t l, al ank, ad, aiso In a eal position, may be na vertica on the trus ° seen at the extreme same window The service pumping double the maximum quantity o nm mov- for ~ based ( equipment wa fuel ¢ i required AGE July 19, 1923 burning, or approximately 300 gal. per hr. is shown an enlarged view of the oil service and air systems. It is conceded that generally an air pressure of 1 to 2 lb. per sq. in. brings about the most economical and satisfactory combustion condition with liquid fuels properly conditioned. The blower e is a 25-hp. 3-stage turbine type machine, designed to deliver 2250 cu. ft. per min. at 1% lb., and with an oil burning capacity of 135 gal. per hr. The air piping f, including the In Fig. 4 unloading, oil drops for each furnace, is spiral riveted pipe. This is more costly than the usual soldered galvanized sheet steel pipe, but once installed it withstands usage that would cause the soldered pipe to leak, and a leak in an air line means expense for power, as energy required is on a basis of air moved. Oil Storage Ample oil storage for a 15-day supply is provided adjacent to the building. The termination of the oil suction line, a, in the tank, Fig. 5, is surrounded at its blower is at E; air piping, Ff’; service pump, G; emergency valve, K; steam booster heater, L; thermostatic control, M; from tank cars; twin strainer, O; meter, P lower end by a small pipe coil b through which steam thermostatically controlled is passed for warming the oil entering the pump suction line, and thus to permit easy flow. A sheet metal hood ¢ centering on the suc- tion pipe surrounds the suction end and coil and re- tards warmed oil from working to the surface of the oil body and dissipating the effects of the steam heat ing. The return line d from the oil service system dis- charges under this hood and all heated oil is thus re- tained in a relatively small volume. Thermostatic control on the steam, which is adjus- table within a considerable range, permits the tem- perature of the oil flowing in the suction line to the pump to be maintained constantly at a selected tem perature and, as oils available for fuel seldom requirs heating to temperatures over 100 deg. Fahr., for good pumping conditions, this is the usual suction oil tem- perature. Service System The service pump g, Fic. 4s is motor driven, of the triplex type with 2 in. diameter by 2% in. stroke of pistons, and geared to operate at one-half the rated pumping speed for water, or in this particular cas« July 19, 1923 45 r.p.m. The pump is capable of delivering at pres- sures up to 125 lb. gage, but with properly conditioned oils 30 to 60 lb. appears to be the desirable pressure range. After leaving the service pump the fluid then passes an emergency relief valve A, which is set to operate at a pressure 10 lb. greater than the selected Fig > Cros Se tion of Furnace with Cast Ste Bung Clamps” 1 and Bolts at B Slot C is adjustablk between bunges dD ° Fig. 3. Oil Burner with Fuel Connection Through the Head, A Zeing the Induced Ai: Adjustment, B the Oil Throttle, C the Air Throttle, D the Oil Supply and E the Oil Return service line pressure. There is a second relief valve in the return system (not shown), through which the unused oil returning to the storage tank passes, and which functions at the selected line pressure. This second relief valve is presumed to pass all surplus oil but if, for any reason, flow through this second valve is interrupted, an increase in service line pressure 0 10 lb. will cause the first-mentioned valve to funct thus safeguarding the service lines and apparatus against sudden and excessive pressures. Then the oil passes through a twin strainer, i, the baskets having a 1/32-in. screen, which is smaller than any apertures in the oil burners, and accordingly any foreign substance likely to interfere with burner oper- ation is removed. By means of a system of sliding valves either basket may be cut out of the line for cleaning and without interference in any way with yperation. ¢ 1 ion, The oil next passes into a vertical cylinder of con iderable height, 7, which is fitted with a gage glass in its lower section. From three-quarters to four-fifths of the volume of this cylinder is air filled; this gives a pneumatic cushion for the removal of the pulsations inherent in small pump operation. As fuel oil has a considerable affinity for air, there is a continual deple- THE IRON AGE 131 This is renewed by means of a small pipe connection from the shop air compressor lines, the pressure of which is always greater than the oil service pressure, and consequently the incoming air forces the oil to its proper level in the gage glass. Next in the oil service line is the emergency valve, x. The diaphragm of this is depressed and the oil valve held open by static pressure from the air blower system. If through interruption of the electric cur- rent or for other causes the blower ceases to function, this emergency valve closes, shutting off the oil flow and the valve will not function again until manually set with the air pressure at its normal point. This valve thus prevents oil flooding through failure of the air supply and its later functioning. Passing then through a steam booster heater, /, the oil is heated to the proper final temperature for correct atomizing action at the burners. This final tempera- ture depends upon the physical characteristics of the particular oil being used, but usually ranges between 160 deg. and 240 deg. Fahr. and the heater is fitted with a thermostatic control, m, adjustable within this range. tion of the air volume. Installed as described above, the system will work continuously with slight attention. Starting and stop- ping, which means throwing two electric switches, re- quires the attention of an operator, but aside from that and occasionally cleaning the strainers and giving the moving parts of the equipment the proper inspec- tion and oiling, no other attention is required. All Fig » Termination of Oil-Pumping System in Storage Tank, in which the Steam Pipe b Sur rounds and Heats the Oil Suction Pipe a. Re- turned oil is delivered at d, underneath the sheet metal hood « waste steam lines are trapped and all steam and oil lines are insulated, which in conjunction with the ther- mostatic controls allows proper heating from the mini- mum steam. As there is always hot fluid oil at the burners, the furnaces, even after a shutdown of several days in cold weather, may be started easily and quickly, and the absence of smoke from the fires during the starting ee rnyy 130 THE IRON AGE Tr he work being heated. As will be readily seen, the irnaces may be used without change for either cente: Oil Burners Oil burners supplied by George J. Hagan Co., tsburgh, and of an advanced type (Fig. 3) were ised, two being applied to each furnace. The choice of burners was based on: (a) the method of circulat- ing fuel through the oil head of the burner (patented), (b) e method of adjusting air and fuel at the burner tip instead of at a point remote from the point of mix- ng and (¢) the secondary air adjustment shutte which permits the character of the flame to be con- trolled through wide limits System for Heavy Oil rhe writer is firmly convinced that the present nmon use of light fluid fuel oils will be greatly cur tailed in the near future, both by the decreasing avail- yility of this character at a relatively low price, and the action of public opinion against the misuse iy Unloading, Oil Service and Air System. The 25-hp. blower is at EB; air piping, F’; service pump, G; emergency de ¢ a H % twin trainet I: oil cylinder, J emergency valve, A; steam booster heater, L; thermostatic control, M are ‘centr fugal pump "N. for unloading incoming fuel from tank cars; twin strainer, O; meter, J »bricating and chemical reserves of the coun- lower end by a small pipe coil b through which steam ot tne iworicavlhe « ( . . trv, and that only the heavy, viscous, petroleum re siduums and tars from coal distillation processes will be considered permissible liquid fuels. With this thought in mind, the oil system was nredicated on the use of heavy liquids, with a vis osity inge above 300 Saybolt seconds at 100 deg Fahr. Che successful use of such fuels requires that the fluid be kept constantly in motion in all pipe lines. Ace rd Jv. a circulating or two-pipe system was designed, y @ p pe taking the oil from the service system to the surner heads, the other returning the unused balanc« from the burner head to the storage tank. It will be noted in Fig. 1 that two insulated pipes, ‘-b drop from the header above to each furnace. These are respectively the oil supply and return. The main service supply pipe ¢ is seen in this photograph n a vertical position in the center of the second win low from the left, rising from the heater to the heade1 7 the truss, and the « return to tank, d, also in ertical position, may be seen at the extreme right of ame window The service pumping equipment was based on mo\ double the maximum quantity of fuel required for July 19, 1923 burning, or approximately 300 gal. per hr. In Fig. 4 is shown an enlarged view of the oil unloading, oil service and air systems. It is conceded that generally an air pressure of 1 to 2 lb. per sq. in. brings about the most economical and satisfactory combustion condition with liquid fuels properly conditioned. The blower e is a 25-hp. 3-stage turbine type machine, designed to deliver 2250 cu. ft. per min. at 1% lb., and with an oil burning capacity of 135 gal. per hr. The air piping f, including the drops for each furnace, is spiral riveted pipe. This is more costly than the usual soldered galvanized sheet steel pipe, but once installed it withstands usage that would cause the soldered pipe to leak, and a leak in an air line means expense for power, as energy required is on a basis of air moved. Oil Storage Ample oil storage for a 15-day supply is provided adjacent to the building. The termination of the oil suction line, a, in the tank, Fig. 5, is surrounded at its thermostatically controlled is passed for warming the oil entering the pump suction line, and thus to permit easy flow. A sheet metal hood ¢ centering on the suc tion pipe surrounds the suction end and coil and re- tards warmed oil from working to the surface of the oil body and dissipating the effects of the steam heat ing. The return line d from the oil service system dis- charges under this hood and all heated oil is thus re- tained in a relatively small volume. Thermostatic control on the steam, which is adjus table within a considerable range, permits the tem perature of the oil flowing in the suction line to the pump to be maintained constantly at a selected tem perature and, as oils available for fuel seldom requirs heating to temperatures over 100 deg. Fahr., for good pumping conditions, this is the usual suction oil tem- perature. Service System The service pump g, Fig. 4, is motor driven, of the triplex type with 2 in. diameter by 2% in. stroke of pistons, and geared to operate at one-half the rated pumping speed for water, or in this particular cas¢ July 19, 1923 45 r.p.m. The pump is capable of delivering at pres- sures up to 125 lb. gage, but with properly conditioned oils 30 to 60 lb. appears to be the desirable pressure range. After leaving the service pump the fluid then passes an emergency relief valve h, which is set to operate at a pressure 10 lb. greater than the selected Fig. 2. Cros sec tion of Furnas with Cast Stes “Bung Clamps” at A and Bolts at B Slot C is adjustabk between bunges PD ° Fig. 3. Oil Burner with Fuel Connection Through the Head, A Seing the Induced Ai: Adjustment, B the Oil Throttle C the Air Throttle, D the Oil Supply and E the Oil Return service line pressure. There is a second relief valve in the return system (not shown), through which the unused oil returning to the storage tank passes, and which functions at the selected line pressure. This second relief valve is presumed to pass all surplus oil but if, for any reason, flow through this second valve is interrupted, an increase in service line pressure of 10 lb. will cause the first-mentioned valve to function, thus safeguarding the service lines and apparatus against sudden and excessive pressures. Then the oil passes through a twin strainer, i, the baskets having a 1/32-in. screen, which is smaller than any apertures in the oil burners, and accordingly any foreign substance likely to interfere with burner oper- ation is removed. By means of a system of sliding valves either basket may be cut out of the line for cleaning and without interference in any way with yperation. The oil next passes into a vertical cylinder of con- lerable height, 7, which is fitted with a gage glass it ts lower section. From three-quarters to four-fifths f the volume of this cylinder is air filled; this gives a pneumatic cushion for the removal of the pulsations inherent in small pump operation. As fuel oil has a considerable affinity for air, there is a continual deple- THE IRON AGE 131 tion of the air volume. This is renewed by means of a small pipe connection from the shop air compressor lines, the pressure of which is always greater than the oil service pressure, and consequently the incoming air forces the oil to its proper level in the gage glass. Next in the oil service line is the emergency valve, k. The diaphragm of this is depressed and the oil valve held open by static pressure from the air blower system. If through interruption of the electric cur- rent or for other causes the blower ceases to function, this emergency valve closes, shutting off the oil flow and the valve will not function again until manually set with the air pressure at its normal point. This valve thus prevents oil flooding through failure of the air supply and its later functioning. Passing then through a steam booster heater, |, the oil is heated to the proper final temperature for correct atomizing action at the burners. This final tempera- ture depends upon the physical characteristics of the particular oil being used, but usually ranges between 160 deg. and 240 deg. Fahr. and the heater is fitted with a thermostatic control, m, adjustable within this range. Installed as described above, the system will work continuously with slight attention. Starting and stop- ping, which means throwing two electric switches, re- quires the attention of an operator, but aside from that and occasionally cleaning the strainers and giving the moving parts of the equipment the proper inspec- tion and oiling, no other attention is required. All Fig » Termination of Oil-Pumping System in Storage Tank, in which the Steam Pipe b Sur rounds and Heats the Oil Suction Pipe a. Re turned oil is delivered at d, underneath the sheet metal hood « waste steam lines are trapped and all steam and oil es are insulated, which in conjunction with the ther- mostatic controls allows proper heating from the mini- mum steam. As there is always hot fluid oil at the burners, the furnaces, even after a shutdown of several days in cold weather, may be started easily and quickly, and the absence of smoke from the fires during the starting « ° ” oF ~ : . . 7 A a” ' " . : . . ‘ * » . ” . * ‘ ; S + e * . ’ . t + . “ ‘§ o 132 THE IRON AGE July 19, 1923 period is most noticeable, especially to one who has operated furnaces with the one-pipe, cold oil system. Oil Unloading System The oil set for unloading incoming fuel from tank cars and delivering it into the storage tanks is shown at the extreme left of Fig. 4. This consists of a motor- driven centrifugal pump, n, rated at 100 gal. per min., a twin strainer, o, of ample capacity and a meter, p, the latter to check the oil volume of the invoice. The unloading pump suction is placed in a pit adja- cent to the railroad siding, a couple of hundred feet away; when a tank car is being unloaded the discharge valve on the car is connected to the suction by means of a 3-in. flexible metallic hose. A steam line is wrapped to the suction throughout its entire length, terminating at the pit aforementioned, and this is, when necessary, connected to the heating coils of the tank car to warm the oil for pumping The Operation To try out the system the owners purchased a ear of Kentucky fuel oil of about 20 deg. Beaumé gravity but highly viscous at low temperature. The car was delivered on the last and coldest day of the coldest spell of the winter and the oil temperature was not far from zero. As it was desired to operate the plant at once, an immediate effort was made to unload. The suction and steam lines were attached to the car and it was then found that the car heating coils were inoperative (quite a usual occurrence). For four hours the pump, rated at 100 gal. per min., was able to deliver less than that quantity per hour, but later through the introduc- tion of steam directly into the oil, the pump operated at its maximum and all oil was easily transferred to the storage system. As ample provision had been made for draining the storage tanks, the added water was later easily removed after time had been allowed for settling. The service system was then put in opera- tion and within 30 min. after starting, perfect opera- tion was secured in all the furnaces. Eliminating repairs necessitated by cracked and STORING COAL Railroads Carrying Out Agreed Program—Facts as to Rolling Stock WASHINGTON, July 17.—Substantial progress is be- ing made by the railroads in carrying out provisions of the program unanimously agreed upon by them in New York last April, in accordance with which they are to complete by Sept. 1 the storage of coal designed for railroad use, so that after that date the equipment and other transportation facilities may be used to the greatest extent for the transportation of commercial coal necessities. Forty-four railroads representing 75 per cent of the total mileage of the Class One railroads have re- ported that during the month of June, they stored 1,821,412 tons of coal. This would mean that each of the 44 roads during the month of June stored an average of more than 41,000 tons. Including the 1,821,412 tons which was stored dur- ing June, the 44 railroads on July 1 had a total of 6,638,812 tons of coal in storage, compared with 4,817,- 400 tons on June 1. This would indicate that the railroads are cooperat- ing with the Secretary of Commerce in his efforts to get the industries of this country to lay in their winter coal during the light consuming season—that is, from now until Sept. 1. The railroads of the United States on July 1 had 190,411, or 8.4 per cent of the freight cars on line, in need of repair. This is the smallest number in need of repair since December, 1920. The railroads of the United States had on July 1, the latest date available, the largest number of service- faulty fittings (which were noted at once and corrected as soon as possible), no trouble of any kind has been encountered, nor is any anticipated, so long as the sys- tem is conscientiously given the small amount of super- vision required. Advantages of Heavy Oil Heavy oils offer the user: (a) A considerable differential of price per gallon, often 20 per cent or more. (bd) A considerable increase in calorific value: note the figures following, and further that the difference between 10 deg. Beaumé and 30 deg. Beaumé in this particular respect is 9 per cent. 10 deg. Beaumé, 156,686 B.t.u. per gallon 15 deg. Beaumé, 153,198 B.t.u. per gallon 20 deg. Beaumé, 149,783 B.t.u. per gallon 25 deg. Beaumé, 146,760 B.t.u. per gallon 30 deg. Beaumé, 143,550 B.t.u. per gallon (c) A much greater floating supply. Heavy, relatively low priced oils are with us today and will be with us when light oils as fuel are for- gotten. Light oils can be burned satisfactorily under almost any conditions, except as to operating costs and continuity of supply. As the treasurer and the purchasing agent are the only persons aware of these two factors, the operating man has excellent grounds for objecting to the use of heavy oils in his plant, he knowing that his light oil, one-pipe system will not give satisfactory operation when heavy oils are used. Often his objections to the introduction of a system for heavy oils comes from the fact that a considerable amount of theoretical and practical engineering knowledge is required in the de- sign and installation. The heavy oil, two-pipe system has only a slightly higher first cost than the one-pipe system, while the only added operating cost is the small amount of steam required for heating. Under most adverse conditions the cost of steam will not add more than 0.2c. per gal., and this will be many times overbalanced by the favorable price and calorific dif- ferentials of the heavy oils. able locomotives, but the smallest number in need of repair for any time since the compilation by the Car Service Division of such reports began in August, 1920. Serviceable locomotives on July 1 totaled 52,456. This was an increase of 1237 over the number of ser- viceable locomotives on June 15. At the same time the railroads had 11,450 locomotives in need of repair or 18 per cent of the total number on line. The railroads of this country also had stored on July 1, 2181 serviceable locomotives in good repair which are being held in readiness for increased traffic demands. From June 15 to July 1, a total of 20,602 locomotives were repaired and turned out of the shops, which was an increase of 1665 over the number re- paired during the first 15 days in June. Despite the fact that loading of revenue freight for the week which ended on June 30 totaled 1,021,770 cars, the greatest number for any one week in the history, the railroads of the United States had on June 30 a total of 63,636 surplus freight cars in good repair. The net railway operating income of the Class One railroads of the United States in May amounted to $89,999,600, which represented a return on an annual basis of 6.33 per cent on their tentative valuation. The net operating income for the carriers in the Eastern district was at the annual rate of return of 7.72 per cent; the Southern district, 6.72 per cent, and the Western district, 4.43 per cent. The same carriers in May last year had a net operating income of $62,069,- 000, or 4.46 per cent. In April this year, it was $83,- 197,800 or 6% per cent. The J. L. Mott Iron Works, sanitary supplies, is building a large warehouse with railroad siding on Berley Street, Boston. Important Work of ‘Trade Associations Activities Reviewed by Department of Commerce—Secretary Hoover Makes Suggestions in Regard to Extending the Field of Usefulness—Causes of Criticism Considered BY L. W. WASHINGTON, July 17.—Completely setting forth the many important phases of work of trade associations and their vital bearing on the efficiency in modern day business, the Department of Commerce yesterday made public a book dealing exhaustively with this important subject. The book entitled, “Trade Associa- tion Activities,” is a work of thorough-going research, such as never has been attempted before, and un- questionably will be used by business interests through- out the country, as a reference and guide in all the fundamental problems in their lines. Consisting of 368 pages in 16 chapters, together with appendixes, the work deals with the question of trade associations from every possible point of view and involves a full sweep discussion of a multiplicity of subjects and reveals in a striking manner the broad and comprehensive grounds covered by well organized trade associations. Contributions have been made to the book by a multitude of trade associations in line with the inquiry made by the Department of Commerce to ascertain and lluminate those activities of trade associations which contribute to public welfare. As pointed out in the foreword to the book, the department instituted the work in cooperation with the industries for the elimina- tion of waste, for the extension of trade, and for the improvement in processes of production and distribu- tion. Not alone does the book draw its material from MOFFETT in business along the lines inaugurated. The investi- gation was undertaken jointly by the Bureau of Census, Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce, and Bureau of Standards, and was supervised by a committee of which F. M. Feiker was chairman. Secretary Hoover's Introduction In an introduction by Secretary of Commerce Her- bert Hoover, it is declared that the American public is little acquainted with the work of trade associations, which varies widely in the different fields. It is evi- dently one of the purposes of the book to show all trade associations where they can improve their work. Some of them, it has been pointed out, could well coordinate their work, reduce the number of their associations into a more compact organization and compile more comprehensive and vital statistics than they do at present. Mr. Hoover, after explaining certain types of asso- ciations with limited functions which are frequently mistaken for trade associations, explains the purpose and aim of a trade association. He says it is to deal with all questions of general application in the branch of industry or commerce it serves and so to develop its field that the enterprises in it may be conducted with the greatest efficiency and economy. “The constructive purposes of trade associations the trade associations, but, reaching out further, it have unfortunately been confused with the minority ® carries material from officials of the Government de- of activities which have been used as a cloak for action partments and bureaus, showing the relation of the against public interest,” says Mr. Hoover, “It is also work of these departments to that of trade associa- rye that a vast amount of action in public interest tions. It includes contributions from all of the de- has been lost and even great national calamities partments of the Government, and recites in a brought upon us by lack of cooperative action. All tie fascinating and informative manner the relationship who know the situation in such matters realize that between the Government and trade associations. The the problems of cooperative action are mainly the ron and steel, foundry and allied industries, together ¢oncern of smaller businesses. The material in this with the engineering societies, share space in the book, book has been brought together not from the point ach affording constructive efforts. of view of educating big business, but with the idea . that the legitimate trade associations and other forms : Used to Restrain Trade of business cooperation are the real basis for promo- . Necessarily, the book points out that during rae ar a SaaS comprehensive economic ye many of the SEBOSIRTIERS have been subjected system, it seems to me that the time has come when 7 to criticism “because certain individuals have used the we should take cognizance of the mecencities. The . reputable cloak of trade associations for conspiracy in pr owing complexity of our industrial life, its shift of violation of restraint-of-trade acts. One of the pur- objective and service, requires the determination of an poses of the book is to show the constructive functions economic system based upon a proper sense of rightful of trade associations in serving public welfare, oo cooperation, maintenance of long-view competition, in- merce and industry. Tribute is paid to trade associa- qividual initiative, business stability, and _ public tion bureaus of scientific research for improvement of interest.” : technical processes, the utilization of wider varieties All Activities not Good . of raw materials, the establishment of standards in quality and grades, simplification of the dimensions Mr. Hoover points out that all trade association / of articles, better methods of distribution and the activities are not good just as all individual habits are . development of higher business ethics. Through ac- not good until so proved by their reaction on the tivities in insurance, in transportation, in credit in- individual and the community. He suggests that the formation and in promotion of foreign commerce, it best way to guide activities into the most constructive is pointed out in the foreword, trade associations have and profitable channels is through thorough-going greatly benefited their members and increased national analysis and examination of these activities which seem - efficiency. Through activities in gathering statistics of production, consumption, stocks and prices, where these have been made equally available to the public, they have contributed to the stability of business and the diminution of speculation and, in fact, it is pointed out many of the national barometers of business and credit which are vital to all business men in formulat- ing judgment “are the work of the trade associations.” The Department of Commerce since its reorganiza- tion has been particularly active in cooperating with trade associations to develop progress and efficiency on the surface to be constructive in their application and results. Most trade associations, he declares, have evidenced active interest at some time or other in the collection, compilation, preparation and dissemination of statis- tical material relative to their industries and trades, considered with particular emphasis to production, stocks, shipments or cancellations. Sometimes the greatest desire, it is asserted, has been for data re- garding prices and orders. Statistical activity by trade associations has legal limitations, it is explained. 133 ? . ee? 13 THE IRON AGE However, he continues, there is no question that the curves in the business cycle from activity to depres- sion have been less disastrous in those industries or trades where accurate lawful statistical data have been available to all. He shows the necessity of statistics “if industry is to march with reasonable profits instead of undergoing fits of famine and feast, if employment is to be held constant and not subjected to vast waves of hardship.” Whether these services are to be maintained by the Government or by trade associations, Mr. Hoover says, they must be maintained “if we are to have an orderly economic life.” Demand from Legislatures Dealing with the question of legislative activities, Mr. Hoover says that the open preparation and pre- sentation of views of different trades upon all sorts of questions of public interest is constantly in demand by legislatures, and that this method of presenting the facts is far more consonant with proper develop- ment of public life than the private lobbying of the few or powerful. With regard to simplification and standardization, Mr. Hoover says that the elimination of waste can be accomplished only by collective action in a trade. Hundreds of millions of dollars are de- clared to have been saved through the adoption of programs of simplification and standardization, not only to the business groups concerned, but to the ultimate consumer. Trade association work is given credit for proving itself the most potent organized in- fluence in the study of cost in industry and trade. The trade association is declared to be a trusted and reliable clearing house for vital credit and collection information. While it is true, Mr. Hoover states, that credit information has been used for restraint of trade, this is not its primary or usual purpose and obviously should be prohibited. The stamping out of unfair com- petition and misrepresentation and the adoption of fair practice principles are held to have been real accomplishments of scores of trade associations in the direction of better business. If the present-day indi- cations of trade associations have real meaning, Mr. Hoover says, the question of the human factor and its mass relation in business will not be approached blindly and without preparation and knowledge. Elimination of Waste Taking up the question of insurance, the Secretary says that, strange to say, there has been little uni- formity in State legislation affecting insurance and here in particular the trade association has been in- strumental in the reasoned elimination of waste and unnecessary expense. Declaring that public relations— publicity and advertising—has become an exact science, Mr. Hoover says that each trade has its peculiar prob- lems attendant upon merchandising itself or its wares and just so each trade association is proving itself the dominating factor in the development of the pub- lic relations of its own business group. It may be cooperative advertising or it may be something more complex. ‘Whatever it is,” it is stated, “it always needs the scientifically trained and guided hand of the trade association specialist backed by unanimous sup- port of the group in telling its story to the public, who must know the truth, the whole truth, at all times.” The trade association in its bearing upon traffic and transportation as an aid for goods to find their way to market readily, is pointed out. There are rate mat- ters, classification, car supply, auditing of transporta- tion bills, the study of competitive transportation agencies, and the real force of such competition. The problem of the cost of distribution and its relation to commercial research is said to be recognized by trade associations with a view to eliminating waste and serving the requirements of consumers. Mr. Hoover states that goods do not find the market with readiness and ease and must be adjusted to demand, an exacting, much sought-after and not too well-defined market. Especially does this apply to export markets and Mr. Hoover says that commercial research by trade asso- ciations is proving a real force in this great problem. With relation to industrial research, Mr. Hoover de- clares this will bring gigantic financial return to July 19, 1923 industry as a whole in its more general application through trade-association activity. Government Relations Dealing with Government relations, Mr. Hoover Says: “Whether the attitude of business be to keep Government out of business or to the contrary, it nevertheless is tru that the Government in its manifold activities directly im- industry at many points. The restraint-of-trade acts, the volume of Government expenditures, all materially iffect business, not to mention the legislative problems thrust upon the Government as the result of after-war re-organiza tion Official trade information, official industrial statistics official standards, procedure, and practice are being sought bv the trades, and the Government is constructively active in cooperation with business to develop these fundamental serv- upon commerce and utilities, the pinges control of public large ces All of these topics discussed by Mr. Hoover are amplified in great detail in the book. Commissioner Nelson B. Gaskill of the Federal Trade Commission, in an article expressing his in- dividual views on legal aspects of statistics in his con- clusion says in part: The purpose of this discussion is to show that the servics of statistical information as to production costs, volume of sales, and selling prices is a useful and proper activity for a trade association. It is clear that each of these trade information, or all of them combined, can be collected and distributed in a lawful man- Each and all of them are Experience production, stocks elements of ner and for a lawful purpose. equally capable of misuse for unlawful purposes. shows that both methods of treatment have been employed The character of the service, its intent, and the use to which it is put depends upon the spirit of the members of the asso- ciation projected through the agency which they create. The level of association action will be what its members de- termine An effort has been made here to explain the prin- ciples underlying the law and the judicial decisions, the reasons for the opposition of the law and the attitude of the administrative agents of the law to certain tendencies, to movements in this or that direction, for a clearer under- standing on the part of association members. The present state of the law and the principles which it expresses may or may not meet None the less, what trade associations have now to meet is the law as it is, and the tests of conduct are those which the law now establishes universal approval. Legislative Activities In a chapter on legislative activities, prepared by Attorney Rush Butler of the National Coal Associa- tion, Secretary Frederic W. Donahoe of the Refrac- tories Manufacturers’ Association, William J. Matthews, Harry Meixell of the National Motor Vehicle Confer- ence Committee, and William Tyler Page, Clerk of the House of Representatives, the concluding paragraph reads as follows: It must be further remembered that the success of an impressing its views upon legislation is in ratio to the time in advance of the consideration of association in lirect pending legislation that such association has used in gaining ind interpreting the facts and the views of its membership If an association and its members have come to agreement and judgment after full strengthened. consideration, its position is im- mensely In discussion of the relation of Government depart- ments to trade associations, the State Department says that one of the chief ways in which it can be and is of service to American trade associations is in giving such assistance as it properly can render with a view to promoting and protecting the interests of their members in foreign countries. The War Department says that the Army in time of war will make demands on almost every line of industry and the cooperation of trade associations will be vital to insure success. Purchasing by the Navy The Navy Department’s statement says at one point: The Navy's purchasing have perhaps helped trade associations in their dealings with the commercial world more in the line of standardization of materials and containers than in any other direction. It is practically impossible even to estimate the Navy's worth to the trade in this particular. It has been such a gradual development and the trade has fallen in line demand for supplies and its methods of July 19, 1925 THE IRON AGE 135 such a manner that the standards set the Navy were dustry This division has endeavored to acquaint, as eX lopted as a matter of course and without resistance ertiv as ssible, tl foreign field services of the Uovern- The statement adds that requests from manufac- mm me t ul asp f the iron and steel and turers to reprint Navy specifications for their manu- ferrous metals industries order that foreign market 7 - ° 1 the products might be more scientifically analyzed. The facturing department are not infrequent, and OLY TO aivintans ham tale tan teadkomeieea id eed nt te ently one of the largest steel rolling mills requested atracts fer Asmeticam icon. nied eee cies i list of specifications involving over 600 different items statistical data relating to ir nd steel production and for use in their manufacturing department. foreig ude of th 1por industrial nations ar The Department of Labor says that it does not inslated and currently compiled from foreign Government accept data through industrial trade association sources publications and made available to the trade. Upon request but that information as to wages and prices must be ‘rom the Refractories Manufacturers, Association, the min taken from the books of individual establishments. -— and metals sectior this division, in cooperation w e Hence, it is pointed out, the only way in which asso 0 ee ee ee ee ee ee ciations can be of service to the Bureau of Labor ee a Statistics is by opening the way for sympathetic con- Industrial Machinery Division sideration of the subjects by their individual members. as : The statement says, however, that the bureau has ac- rhe Industrial Machinery Division of the Bureau . cepted statistics in the cases of wage scales made makes the following statement between large employers’ associations or group of The Industrial Machinery Divis ae B . * . . . . . ighly practical assistance on almost nv quest that such associations with district trade-unions or in some aa samara any pike cases even National unions; as, for instance, the aaa ae a oie < oes a National Stove Manufacturers’ Association concluded ' nn eeedl ioe. alti oh ths A eee 1 wage scale for all of its members with the National vane cach tndeess of aetheiiel a6 eatin tee [ron Molders’ Union, covering all the members of na. ? t ' troubi and similar matter hat organization working in the stove trade. i s perat trade associations | ee! Tectiv ma hroug ! appointed committee Iron and Steel Division hese comm ttees ng through the bureau, have been ab The Iron and Steel Division of the Bureau of — — RE Of OF Rey Cone Neen Foreign and Domestic Commerce contributes the fol Se re ahem ; ot = o pees a > 7 owing statement: ~ 1 a anainns caiaindeeiiias ink . cman ' The Iron and Steel Division has established its 1 ! let vey « h r lers in foreign count! ide association contacts with producers of nonferrou been other accomplishment f the divisior The kind etals and manufacturers thereof It also operates ig f ichinery with which the I strial Machinery Divisior National Association of Manufacturers by the establis primarily concerned are the industrial enter ent of a contact with this organization's foreig bu i rises ¢ 1 kinds eluding fact es, mines. and tl} cor d more lately with a pecial committee fr ruction of engineeri: y ; Loose Pulleys and Countershaft Boxes with %oxes may be conveniently put in hangers, already in nn ° place. Pressed steel hangers with the boxes are also Taper Roller Bearings avaliehis. : Loose pulleys in sizes from 2% to 22 in. in diameter, equipped with adjustable taper roller bearings for 2 De , . . taking end thrust, are being marketed by the St. Louis June Building Construction Declines Machine Tool Co., St. Louis. Construction work contracted for in June fell off , The races on the bearings can be made so thin that 14 per cent from the May total, according to figure: loose pulleys down to 2% in. in diameter may be used compiled by the F. W. Dodge Corporation, New York. hq pp 1 witl e Tay Roller Beat gs As Showr i Right Ar Ava | ible Sizes Fron e Vy te Ir D umé A press teel hanger with 7 | an | } | had t | ir witl ; : inge . | : = Ihe iecline wa y eral except in portions of the Cen- tral West Total contracts awarded during June in 6 States (including about seven-eighths of the total mounting the bearings directly on the shait. volume of the country) amounted to $371,034.,000. In : Mounting them on a sleeve is preferred, however, and pite of the decline, the figure indicates that a large vhere this construction can be used it is said that old yolume of work was started. The Dodge Corporation ind worn arbors and shafts may frequently be saved. states that any month which exceeds $350,000,000 The same bearings are also being provided on the hese 36 States is a heavy month. mpany’s countershaft boxes, which are made up of box with proper sockets for adjustment between thé — crews, and will fit in standard hangers. At both the front and back a felt groove and retainer is provided. The Colonial Steel Co., Pittsburgh, has purchased : (he boxes are fitted with suitable adjustable taper vacant property, 50 x 135 ft., at 1440-42 Bryan Place, ; ller bearings for the service required, the necessary Chicago, as a site for a warehouse and office building et and retaining collars being also provided. The to house the Chicago branch of the company. \. Be is CONTROL URGED AS MARK FALLS Gold Basis Urged for Budget, Taxes and Wages Business Unchanged—-More Companies Under Foreign Control BERLIN, GERMANY, June 26.—No material change has taken place in the iron and steel markets in June. In unoccupied territory the slight increase in activity, which resulted from the collapse of the mark-stabiliza- tion attempt of February, March and April, has con- tinued. In occupied territory production continues for stock. The French embargo on transport to unoccu- pied territory continues, while the attempt to create a modus vivendi with France making export possible has failed. Reserves of ore are still being consumed. Smelting activity has declined and coke ovens are idle except on production for local consumption. The fuel supply in unoccupied territory continues sufficient. In April coke imports, which averaged 1,000,000 metric tons monthly in 1922, in