Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1896 [PAGE 76]

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PROCEEDINGS OF BOAED OF TRUSTEES.

79

These tests would surely accomplish much good. They would attract considerable attention to our University from all parts of the state, and if possible such tests should be undertaken. Yours truly,

L. P. BRECKENRIDGE,

Professor of Mechanical Engineering..

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS,

URBANA, March 12, 1895.

To the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. GENTLEMEN: In accordance with your request made at your last meeting,. I have considered the question of experiments in connection with the economical burning of coal under steam boilers. I submit to you a report which I had already prepared for your last meeting, and which did not at that time come to your notice. This report covers the principal features of the case, and is probably what you desire. I understand that you have decided that a central heating plant is not necessary at the University of Illinois. The crowded condition of our present boiler house will not allow of making experiments on as careful and satisfactory a plan as was anticipated in the report above referred to. It is probable r however, that something can be done; but I am very much opposed to making very much stir outside our regular work, because we can not go into the subject in so careful a manner as we should do if we are to advertise generally throughout the state that, we are making scientific tests looking toward the economical consumption of coal and prevention of smoke. I have received proposals from three different concerns representing as many devices for smoke prevention. The first two appliances could, with advantage, be experimented with here r and to do that would not involve any serious changes in our boiler construction, but simply the introduction of special grate bars or devices in introducing wxarm air near the bridge wall. It occurs to me, however, that it would be more advantageous, as far as results obtained are concerned, if money could be appropriated so that tests could be made of such devices as exist in different parts of the state for producing economical results and smoke prevention, and that we be authorized to go to these places for the purpose of making the test. This would give us an opportunity of testing a larger number of devices than we could possibly afford to test in our present quarters, and I should much prefer to recommend that a small sum, say $500.00, be appropriated for making tests at Chicago. After this amount was expended we should be able to see how far such money would reach, and what the expense would be of making these tests at the different cities. It would be necessary to go to different places, where the devices exist, obtain permission (which I think it would be possible to do) t ship our apparatus to these points, make a series of trials, and then move on to some other place. I submit these recommendations for your consideration, as requested, believing that something in the line of work indicated is very desirable, and would be of value to the University and state. Very respectfully submitted,

L. P. BRECKENRIDGE,

Professor of Mechanical Engineering.

A communication from Mr. W. R. Howe, offering to do grading on Green street at prices named, was referred to the Committee on Buildings and Grounds. Mr. Armstrong, to whom, with President Draper, Professor Shea's resignation had been referred, reported recommending that the