From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Letter discussing Dr. Sokal's catalysing process for engine cylinders and a proposal for further testing.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 74\3\ scan0359 | |
| Date | 27th February 1924 | |
| Oy1-E-22724 February 27, 1924. Mr. Claude Johnson, Rolls-Royce, Ltd., London, England. (Copy for attention of Mr.E.Platford " " " " Mr.E.Hives) Dear Sir: Re: Ketelite At Mr. Haldenby's visit I was asked what progress if any had been made towards proving out Dr. Sokal's catalysing process on cylinders about which Mr. Platford obtained all the information then available. Dr. Sokal has now sent the attached letters and power and consumption curves which we attach for transmission to Mr. Platford. We think that there is sufficient evidence of the benefit of this process to warrant taking the matter up with Mr. Royce with a view to Experiment at Derby. The difficulty with a non-detachable head engine is that it is difficult without special equipment to sandblast the head for the proper attachment of the catalyser without damaging the cylinder bores, and without sandblasting, the catalyser will not stay on. To be certain of the results it is desirable to test the same head before and after catalysing. We would suggest that if a Goshawk engine could be tested with two heads of which one was subsequently sent over for catalysing, the change in power and economy could then be checked up against the untreated head on the return of the treated head. If the results justified it, Dr. Sokal would undoubtedly grant rights for the process to Rolls-Royce, Ltd. A 15% decrease in fuel consumption at full throttle and 21% decrease at part throttle obtained by the possibility of reducing the mixture strength with the catalysed head, agrees with my experiences on my own car with a catalysed head. | ||