The following article appeared in Baths and Bath Engineering (The Official Journal of the National Association of Bath Superintendents) page 36 February 1936 Issue 24 Volume 3 Editor; Jenkyn Griffiths B.Sc; P.A.Inst.W.E

In the description of the new slipper baths and wash-house at Gainsborough-road, Hackney Wick, published in our last issue, we referred to the Kennicott base exchange water softening plant which has been installed by Messrs. Kennicott WTater Softener Co., Ltd., of Wolverhampton. We are reproducing herewith an illustration of this plant, together with the notes which accompanied the article.

The plant, which contains the Kennicott natural mineral ‘‘ Kanzelite M,’’ is designed to deal with 20,000 gal. of water between regenerations, softening it from 18 deg. to zero at the rate of 5,000 gal. per hour. A special by-pass connection with meter is provided, in order that the hard water may be mixed with the softened water to bring the final water up to 6 deg. of hardness. The method employed for regeneration is the Kennicott system of brine recovery; the re-use of partially spent brine results in the efficient and economical use of salt for regenerative purposes.

The plant is 5 ft. by 8 ft. 9 in. overall, and provision is made for duplicating this unit at a later date.

Washing Machines

The six washing machines installed at the Hackney wash-house were the manufacture of Messrs. J. J. Lane, Ltd., of Phoenix Engine Works Cranbrook Street, Old Ford Road, London, E. 2, supplied through Messrs. Aimers, McLean and Co., Ltd. The photograph on page 3 of our January issue shows the machines very prominently. They are generally to Messrs. Lane’s standard design, each having a capacity of &23 cu. ft., the actual washing capacity being 45 shirts per load. The inner cages are made of best quality hard rolled brass with special brass water lifting and rinsing beaters incorporated in the design. The forged steel cage axles are supported in self-aligning watertight ball bearings.

The driving arrangement was specially designed for the job. The machines are arranged in two lines of three with a motor-driven reversing gear to each line operating one common backshaft, the cages being engaged by claw clutches, so that each machine can be worked independently of the others.