gas meter (gas meter)

An apparatus through which illuminating gas is made to pa , in order to ascertain the number of cubic feet of it produced at gas-works or consumed by those supplied with it. Of this apparatus there are two types, the wet and the dry, the former being now principally used for measuring the quantity produced, and the latter, on a much smaller scale, the quantity consumed. The wet meter is composed of an outer box about three fifths filled with water. Within this is a revolving four-chambered drum, each chamber being capable of containing a definite quantity of gas, which is admitted through a pipe in the center of the meter, and, owing to the arrangement of the partitions of the chambers, causes the drum to maintain a constant revolution. This sets in motion a train of wheels carrying the hands over the dials which mark the quantity of gas pa ing. The dry meter consists of or chambers, by a partition or diaphramide exible city on one side is diminished, while that on the other is increased. By means of slide-valves, like those of a steam gas to be measured pa atenately dist in and out of each space. The contractions and expansions set in motion the clockwork which marks the rate of consumption. The diaphragms in all the chambers are so connected that they move in concert.