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impact of fuel policy on clean air policy it was stated that, although solid smokeless
fuels from the gas industry had decreased since the publication of the White Paper
on Domestic Fuel Supplies and Clean Air Policy in December, 1963, the National
Coal Board and private producers had announced plans to make substantial increases
in the production of open-grate premium fuels. The Board also expected to increase
the availability of hard coke for use in domestic closed appliances up to the level
forecast in that White Paper. In addition, there were plentiful supplies of non-solid
smokeless fuels, gas, off-peak electricity and oil. All these together should be fully
sufficient to maintain progress with the clean air policy.
Returning nearer home, no local difficulties were experienced in obtaining supplies
of solid smokeless fuels, only in a few isolated instances where supplies of a particular
fuel were not available within a reasonable time.
FUELS AUTHORIZED FOR USE IN SMOKE CONTROL AREAS
The Smoke Control Areas (Authorized Fuels) (No. 2) Regulations, 1965, which
came into operation on 13th December, added a new fuel called "Multiheat" to
those previously declared to be "authorized fuels This fuel was originally to be
known as "Phurnacine" and as such had been declared an authorized fuel by
regulations made earlier in the year but later revoked.
This new fuel, produced by the National Coal Board in Cardiff, is a high quality,
smokeless boiler fuel, based on the mild heat treatment of briquettes made mainly
from anthracite small coal. It is designed mainly for boilers but is also suitable for
burning in most types of room heaters. The National Coal Board expected that
production would be at the rate of 110,000 tons a year by the end of the winter of
1965-66.
NEW FURNACES
Notifications of intention to install new boilers in domestic, commercial and
industrial premises totalled 103 during 1965. A noticeable feature was the preponderance
of gas-fired installations for domestic premises. Out of 69 notifications for
this type of premises, 55 related to gas-fired boilers.
One particular notification was of interest—that of an oil-fired regenerative glassmelting
furnace. Similar furnaces operated by the company concerned over a
number of years have been fired by producer-gas, and have given rise to smoke
emission at the time of regeneration. It is expected that the new oil-fired furnace
will overcome this particular emission.
PRIOR APPROVAL
There were no formal applications for prior approval. Much consultation,
however, arises out of notifications of proposed new furnaces and the submission of
plans for new chimneys, and gives good opportunities to press for modifications.
HEIGHTS OF CHIMNEYS
Building Byelaw applications involving new chimneys numbered 19 during the
year, of which eight required amendment before approval. Gradual improvement
in the understanding of the principles underlying the safe dispersal of flue gases is
becoming noticeable, and architects and heating engineers frequently discuss a
proposed boiler and flue before making formal application under the Byelaws.
Particular cases of interest were the new chimney forming part of the full fume
arrestment apparatus to be installed at the British Bath Works during 1966, and the
chimney for the glass-melting furnace before-mentioned. The Bath Works chimney
will reach 125 ft. and, when completed and operational, the equipment should effect