Fire will not burn where this gas exists, so that a small
stream of the chemical was more effective than a big stream of water.
The gas, being heavier than air, forms a sort of blanket over a blaze.
In the big copper tank was placed water, in which was dissolved some
bicarbonate of soda, the sort mothers use to cook with. Then, in a
small receptacle, fitting in one end of the big cylinder, was some
sulphuric acid, or oil of vitriol. The two liquids were prevented from
mixing until the proper time, by a simple arrangement.
When a fire occurred the chemical engine was to be hurried to the
place. The hose would be unreeled, and then a lever and valve wheel
would be turned, breaking the glass receptacle in which the sulphuric
acid was held. This allowed the acid to mingle with the solution of
soda water, and a strong gas was at once formed. The gas was under
such pressure that it forced the combined soda and acid solution out
through the hose for a considerable distance. It could be played on
the fire, the gas would be generated, and the blaze would be
extinguished in much less time than if water was used, and there would
be less damage done.
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