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 from Edward Sokal to Mr. M. Olley discussing engine tests and performance improvements using 'Katalite'.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 74\3\ scan0368 | |
| Date | 21th February 1924 | |
| Mr.M.Olley -2- February 21, 1924. III. Fuel Consumption Full and Part Throttle (cont'd.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary}) Sheet #4 gives the same curves for part throttle. In all these tests, the same cylinder head was used,- first in an untreated condition and then treated. Corrections were made for all variable conditions, such as temperature and barometric pressure. You will note that on this particular engine the improvement obtained by Katalite is larger on the part throttled engine than at full throttle. In fact, beyond a certain speed the part throttle fuel economy is better than with full throttle. This is partly accounted for by the characteristics of the Stromberg carburetor used in this test, having a special economizer which is closed at full throttle but at part throttle bleeds air through the fuel jet. IV. Type of Head. The tests to which the above sheets refer have been made on a so-called Ricardo cylinder head of a special experimental engine; of course, a great many other tests on the regular Locomobile engine have also been made. V.{VIENNA} Detonation and Spark Advance. One of the features which I thought would interest you particularly is the fact that Katalite positively stopped detonation at full throttle on the engine running with the Ricardo head. During the tests the same cylinder head was used in Katalited and in non-Katalited condition. It was also noted that the Katalited cylinder head would work at its optimum with a less advanced spark than the plain head, Corroborating experiments have been made on a Locomobile engine using dual ignition by taking one of the spark plugs out in a Katalited and a non-Katalited engine. The non-Katalited engine under these circumstances would immediately develop detonation troubles, while the Katalited engine would keep on running perfectly smoothly although with a slight decrease of power. This information, of course, is also confidential. I am convinced now that Katalite would enable you to increase the compression ratio appreciably. Hoping to hear from you soon, I beg to remain, with kindest regards, Yours very sincerely, EDWARD SOKAL. | ||