A Recording and Integrating Gas Calorimeter

Abstract

UNDERTAKINGS operating under the provisions of the Gas Regulation Act 1920, are required to deliver gas of a declared calorific value to consumers, and charges to individual consumers are to be based upon the value of the total thermal energy supplied to each. By calorific value is to be understood the number of B.Th.U. produced by the combustion of 1 cubic foot of gas measured at 60° F. under a pressure of 30 inches of mercury and saturated with water vapour. Under the Act, penalties are to be inflicted upon the gas undertaking, if on any day for a period of two hours or more the calorific value of the gas supplied is more than 6 per cent, below the declared calorific value, or if in any quarter the average calorific value is less than the declared calorific value. Embodied in Orders under the Act are clauses governing the price per therm (100,000 B.Th.U.) to be charged by individual gas undertakings, and the amount of dividend to be paid to proprietors, as regulated by this price. Such, in brief, are the main thermal clauses of the Gas Regulation Act 1920—the Charter of Liberty of the gas industry in this country, and the consumers' guarantee that gas undertakings must and will “deliver the goods.”