saving throughout the plant in the elimination of
stokers, coal passers, ash handlers, etc.

3rd. For equal heat value, oil occupies very much less space than coal.
This storage space may be at a distance from the boiler without
detriment.

4th. Higher efficiencies and capacities are obtainable with oil than
with coal. The combustion is more perfect as the excess air is reduced
to a minimum; the furnace temperature may be kept practically constant
as the furnace doors need not be opened for cleaning or working fires;
smoke may be eliminated with the consequent increased cleanliness of the
heating surfaces.

5th. The intensity of the fire can be almost instantaneously regulated
to meet load fluctuations.

6th. Oil when stored does not lose in calorific value as does coal, nor
are there any difficulties arising from disintegration, such as may be
found when coal is stored.

7th. Cleanliness and freedom from dust and ashes in the boiler room with
a consequent saving in wear and tear on machinery; little or no damage
to surrounding property due to such dust.

The disadvantages of oil are:

1st. The necessity that the oil have a reasonably high flash point to
minimize the danger of explosions.

2nd. City or town ordinances may impose burdensome conditions relative
to location and isolation of storage tanks, which in the case of a plant
situated in a congested portion of the city, might make use of this fuel
prohibitive.

3rd. Unless the boilers and furnaces are especially adapted for the use
of this fuel, the boiler upkeep cost will be higher than if coal were
used. This objection can be entirely obviated, however, if the
installation is entrusted to those who have had experience in the work,
and the operation of a properly designed plant is placed in the hands of
intelligent labor.

TABLE 47

RELATIVE VALUE OF COAL AND OIL FUEL

+------+--------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|Gross | Net | Net | Water Evaporated from and at |
|Boiler| Boiler |Evap- | 212 Degrees Fahrenheit per Pound of Coal |
|Effic-|Effici- |oration+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
| iency|ency[46]| from | | | | | | | | |
| with | with |and at | | | | | | | | |
| Oil | Oil | 212 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| Fuel | Fuel |Deg