Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2009/12/17
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I am getting the feeling that Sonny had last week, when no one commented on his parade shot. So far, 36 viewers and not a word, good or bad. So, it's probably an APS image, shot with a Kodak Advantix I was using when my work kept me too busy for serious photography. And, it is probably an image that no one else on the LUG could appreciate. However, as a vital part of my life experience, this busy patch of real estate means a lot. This is one of six compressor units in a plant designed in the 1950s for a specific purpose. As such, it did its job. However, like PhotoShop of today, new challenges kept coming. During the 1960s and 1970s, there was a demand for rocket motor testing at altitudes never envisioned when the plants and test cells were designed. When we were asked if we could help, we added a few valves and exhaust stacks and created a test cell exhauster plant which could be connected to ducting leading to the engine test facility. We learned how to handle the moisture created when cooling white-hot engine exhaust flow, not without a few setbacks. We even learned how to handle exhaust flows rich with hydrogen, using timed additions of nitrogen to separate the air from the hydrogen. And NASA, as well as the USAF, got their rocket tests done, providing the data that they badly needed. So, I will leave the photo in my gallery, even if I am the only one who cares for it. It brings back memories of challenges faced and conquered! Jim Nichols Tullahoma, TN USA ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Nichols" <jhnichols at lighttube.net> To: "LUG at Leica-Users.org" <lug at leica-users.org> Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 12:40 PM Subject: [Leica] IMG: Compressor Unit 1986 > My ears still ring from years of exposure, even with hearing protection, > to the sounds of wind tunnel compressor plants that I managed during my > working career. This is one of the smaller compressors, photographed > during a rare photo op at an "open house" day in 1986. Like aircraft > turbine engines, these compressors had to undergo periodic inspections. > Since the ducting was above the compressors, all of it had to be > disassembled and removed in order to remove the top half of the compressor > case to inspect the compressor blades, seals, and bearings. > > http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/Compressor+Unit+1986.jpg.html > > Comments and critiques welcomed. > > Jim Nichols > Tullahoma, TN USA > > _______________________________________________ > Leica Users Group. > See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information > >