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dealt with were (a) the fire-resistant treatment of fabrics, (b) the efficiency of foaming
compounds for fire extinguishers, (c) the relative efficiency of various fire retarding
coatings for wood, (d) cause of fires, e.g. the careless use of a painter's blow-lamp.
Steam raising,
heating, etc.,
plants ;
laundries
Much consultative and advisory work was done for both the Chief Engineer's and
Architect's departments involving examinations in situ and subsequent analysis of samples
in the laboratory regarding scale formation, scale removal and corrosion problems.
Samples from some of the larger installations were examined regularly. Phosphate
conditioning of boiler water has now become standard practice though in some cases
the use of soda ash and quebracho is being continued. An interesting investigation related
to corrosion in a hot water circulating system; it was, most unusually, found to be due
to the action of sulphate reducing bacteria which had gained access to the feed tank.
Heat insulating materials of the magnesia plastic and hardsetting types were analysed as
to their suitability for use.
In co-operation with the Chief Engineer's Department investigations were made into
the operation of the many laundries maintained by the Council. The problem was
approached not only from the detergency angle but also from that of the effect on the
clothes in the process. Both these aspects are now capable of being examined by scientific
tests and, although the whole range had not been completed by the end of the year, it
had already been possible to introduce certain improvements in operation.
Miscellaneous
Many other matters were dealt with of which a few examples are :
(a) Estimating the thickness of chromium and other electroplating on manufactured
goods.
(b) Death of fish in a pond.
(c) Assessing scientifically the approach to truth of the colour of colour photographs
supplied by contract.
(d) Civil Defence matters were considered.
Attention was paid to the development of new analytical methods and close liaison
was maintained with many Research Associations, Government Scientific Establishments,
etc. During the year many visitors, both from home and abroad, were welcomed to
inspect the work of the various laboratories. The Library of the Chemical Branch
continued to develop and is an essential part of its equipment. The Chcmist-in-Chief
served on four committees of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, four of
the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and nine of the British Standards
Institution. The Deputy Chemist (Dr. S. G. Burgess) served on a committee of the
Ministry of Food and on five committees of the British Standards Institution.
Publications and lectures during the year were :
(a) 'The Condition of the Tidal Portion of the River Thames'—C. J. Regan.
(b) 'Cleopatra's Needle'—S. G. Burgess in collaboration with R. J. Schaffer of
the Building Research Station, D.S.I.R.
(c) 'Investigations into Swimming Bath Water Treatment'—S. G. Burgess and
D. Burns, in collaboration with C. W. Tidy of the Chief Engineer's Department.
(d) 'Chemistry of Water Conditioning with respect to Economy'—S. G. Burgess.
(e) 'Science and Painting Problems'—S. G. Burgess.
(J) 'A Method of Estimating Sulphides in Waters '—J. E. Houlihan and P. E. L.
Farina.
(g) 'Total Hardness of Water by the Versenate Method: Direct titration with
Ethylene diamine tetra-acetate (EDTA) '—J. E. Houlihan.