Category Archives: Gasometer

1960s, Gasometer

Tissot Gasometer, Collins, 120 Liter, 1967

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Tissot_Gasometer_Collins_120L_1967

From “Directions for operating a Collins chain-compensated gasometer”, Second Edition Cat. No. P-469.  Warren E. Collins, Inc.  May, 1967.

“PRINCIPLE OF CONSTRUCTION

“The Gasometer is made of stainless steel with an outer body and an inner body space about two inches apart to form a water seal for the Spirometer bell fo “float” in. The inner body is also shapes to occlude most of the dead space; and the whole unit is mobile on its own casters.

“CHAIN COMPENSATION

“When the Gasometer is filled with water to the petcock level, and the Spirometer bell is in its lowest position, the bells weighs less than when it is in its highest position, because of the buoyant effect of the water.  To automatically compensate for this increasing weight so that the bell will be perfectly counterbalanced throughout its travel, the Collins Gasometer uses a chain to connect the bell to the main counterweight.  Thus, as the bell rises, more segments of chain pass over the pulley.  As the bell becomes heavier, so does the counterweight in direct proportion, with the result that almost perfect balance is achieved in all positions.

“ATTACHMENTS

“The Gasometer is fitted with the following standard attachments:

“Thermometer – indicates the temperature of the gas within the bell to facilitate various gas volume calculations.

“Auxillary Counterweight – removable so that the Spirometer maybe emptied quickly bu gravity.

“Two-Way Valve – permits addition or subtraction of gas while the patient is breathing.  May also be used for sampling.”

Adjustable Height Knob – 120 Liter model: permits telescoping of the chain and pulley downwards.  350 and 600 liter models: pulley supports unscrew.  Facilitates transportation and permits moving through low doorways.

“Leveling Screws – assures vertical position of the Spirometer so that the bell will not contact the side of the outer body.

Breathing Branch Assembly – supplies with the 120 liter Gasometer only. It serves as a support for the J-2 Valve or other breathing valves and tubing when the patient is to breathe directly into the Spirometer either from a sitting position or from the bedside.”

1880s, Drawing, Gasometer

Gasometer, Oxygen storage, 1887

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Gasometer_Oxygen_1887

From: Oxygen in Therapeutics.  By Clyde E. Ehinger.  1887, page 65.

“For administering the combined gases after the method of Doctor Wallian, at least three gasometers are necessary; one for storing the pure nitrous oxide, another for pure oxygen, and a third for a modified mixture.

“It is possible to make one or two gasometers server the purpose, but it will not be found economy to do so, as such an arrangement will necessitate much extra work, and be a constant source of annoyance. One of the greatest objections to having but one or two gasometers is that a supply of both gases – unmixed – cannot be kept on hand – an almost fatal defect, as emergencies are constantly arising which require one or the other of the pure gases.

“The gasometers may be made of zinc or galvanized iron; the latter material, on account of its strength and durability, is preferable for the larger sizes. By using large gasometers it will not be necessary to generate so frequently.

“To a physician who has not a competent assistant to whom he can entrust the generation of gases and care of apparatus, the size of the gasometers will be found a most important item, as much of his time will be consumed in preparing chemicals, generating and commingling the gases.

“For an ordinary practice I would not advise gasometers of less than seventy-five gallons capacity, and where but three are made use of, it would be better to have the one which is used for storing the commingled gases with a capacity from 100 to 150 gallons.”

1880s, Drawing, Gasometer

Gasometer, Oxygen Dispensing, 1889

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Gasometer_oxygen_1889

From: Essay on medical pneumatology by By Jean Nicolas Demarquay and Samuel S. Wallian, 1889, page 265.  From a chapter on “Aerotherapy” or treatment with oxygen.  The oxygen was created chemically and then stored for use.

“Metal gasometers with a capacity from fifty to 100 gallons are generally adopted for office use when other than small quantities of gas are needed.  Zinc and galvanized iron are both used, the latter preferable because stronger and more durable.  The best forms have self-supporting frames and weights adapted to balance the weight of the bell, or gas holder, as it rises and falls.”