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).
Design, testing, and modification of petrol pumps, comparing different design schemes.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 17\5\ Scan097 | |
| Date | 31th October 1931 | |
| COPY. X7460 HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} R2/M31.10.31. X7460 C. to SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} P. 2. PETROL PUMPS. Your test would suggest that both A-C and our own design works at its best somewhat erratically, as one would expect with no air chamber on the delivery side, and a flexible diaphragm that might do anything - i.e. bulge and collapse. You will see why I desired the metal vessel as well as its more lasting qualities. In our recent modifications we have arranged a small air chamber on both suction and delivery which might help us to work with lighter delivery spring. We soon felt that the heavy load constantly upon the cam by the lower spring might cause seizing or wear, so we replaced it by our simple scheme giving free action. The delivery spring should only give about 2 lbs. per sq.in.= 6 ft. head maximum. The electrical vibrator pumps seem to work without the erratic action, and though I think one must avoid electrical contact breakers in close proximity with petrol, we might learn something from this pump. The lower spring scheme was taken from a pump I believe that was passed as OK, by the Air Ministry. We may not have got the same pressure but I feared stiff springs, and should pass on at once to our own later design. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||