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Chapter 9
Pricing and customer profitability
Choose the one alternative that best completes the statement or answers the question.
1) Companies must ALWAYS examine their pricing:
A) based on the supply of the product.
B) through the eyes of their competitors.
C) based on the cost of producing the product.
D) through the eyes of their customers.
Answer: D
AACSB: Able to analyse and frame problems
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
4) In a competitive market with differentiated products like cameras, what is/are the key factor(s) affecting
Copyright © 2018 Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) – 9781488612640/Horngren/Cost Accounting 3e
pricing decisions?
A) customer’s willingness to pay
B) cost of producing and delivering the product
C) the price charged for alternative products
D) All of these answers are correct.
Answer: D
AACSB: Able to analyse and frame problems
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
6) For long-run pricing decisions, what is the advantage of using stable prices?
A) Helps to build buyer-seller relationships
B) Minimises the need to frequently monitor competitors’ prices
C) Reduces the need to change cost structures frequently
D) Reduces competition
Answer: A
AACSB: Able to analyse and frame problems
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
Copyright © 2018 Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) – 9781488612640/Horngren/Cost Accounting 3e
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
8) Which of the following factors should NOT be considered when pricing a special order?
A) The incremental cost of one unit of product
B) Revenues that will be lost on existing sales if prices are lowered
C) Stable pricing to earn the desired long-run return
D) The likely bids of competitors
Answer: C
AACSB: Able to analyse and frame problems
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
Acacia Furniture manufactures rustic furniture. The cost accounting system estimates manufacturing costs
to be $140 per table, consisting of 60% variable costs and 40% fixed costs. The company has surplus
capacity available. It is Acacia Furniture’s policy to add a 50% mark-up to full costs.
9) Acacia Furniture is invited to bid on a one-time-only special order to supply 250 rustic tables. What is
the lowest price Acacia Furniture should bid on this special order?
A) $21 000
B) $7200
C) $14 400
D) $12 000
Answer: A
AACSB: Able to translate knowledge of business and management into practice
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
10) A large hotel chain is currently expanding and has decided to decorate all new hotels using the rustic
style. Acacia Furniture is invited to submit a bid to the hotel chain. What per unit price will Acacia
Furniture MOST likely bid on this long-term order?
A) $108 per unit
B) $72 per unit
C) $210 per unit
D) $140 per unit
Copyright © 2018 Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) – 9781488612640/Horngren/Cost Accounting 3e
Answer: C
AACSB: Able to translate knowledge of business and management into practice
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
Gold Coast Freshair (GCF) manufactures single room-sized air conditioners. The cost accounting system
estimates manufacturing costs to be $120 per air conditioner, consisting of 75% variable costs and 25%
fixed costs. The company has surplus capacity available. It is GCF’s policy to add a 40% mark-up to full
costs.
11) GCF is invited to bid on a one-time-only special order to supply 50 air conditioners. What is the lowest
price GCF should bid on this special order?
A) $4750
B) $4500
C) $6175
D) $6250
Answer: B
AACSB: Able to translate knowledge of business and management into practice
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
12) A medium-sized motel chain is currently expanding and has decided to create more rooms and air
condition all of its rooms, which are currently not air conditioned. GCF is invited to submit a bid to the
motel chain. What per unit price will GCF MOST likely bid for this special order of 50 units?
A) $140.00 per unit
B) $120.00 per unit
C) $168.00 per unit
D) $71.25 per unit
Answer: C
AACSB: Able to translate knowledge of business and management into practice
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
Copyright © 2018 Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) – 9781488612640/Horngren/Cost Accounting 3e
Alice Water Coolers is approached by Mrs Hu Qi, a new customer, to fulfil a large one-time-only special
order for a product similar to one offered to regular customers. Alice Water Coolers has excess capacity.
The following per unit data apply for sales to regular customers:
13) For Alice Water Coolers, what is the minimum acceptable price of this one-time-only special order?
A) $380
B) $330
C) $624
D) $480
Answer: A
AACSB: Able to translate knowledge of business and management into practice
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
14) Before accepting this one-time-only special order, Alice Water Coolers should consider the impact on:
A) long-term customers.
B) competitors.
C) current plant capacity.
D) All of these answers are correct.
Answer: D
AACSB: Able to translate knowledge of business and management into practice
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
15) If Mrs Hu Qi wanted a long-term commitment for supplying this product, what price would MOST
likely be quoted to her?
A) $330
B) $380
C) $480
D) $624
Copyright © 2018 Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) – 9781488612640/Horngren/Cost Accounting 3e
Answer: D
AACSB: Able to translate knowledge of business and management into practice
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
Geelong Generators is approached by Stephen Fleming, a new customer, to fulfil a large one-time-only
special order for a product similar to one offered to regular customers. Geelong Generators has excess
capacity. The following per unit data apply for sales to regular customers:
16) For Geelong Generators, what is the minimum acceptable price of this one-time-only special order?
A) $1075
B) $1000
C) $1290
D) $900
Answer: B
AACSB: Able to translate knowledge of business and management into practice
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
17) Before accepting this one-time-only special order, Geelong Generators wants to know how much profit
would be made on the order.
A) $0
B) $1000
C) Loss of $75
D) $215
Answer: A
AACSB: Able to translate knowledge of business and management into practice
Difficulty: Moderate
Copyright © 2018 Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) – 9781488612640/Horngren/Cost Accounting 3e
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
18) If Stephen Fleming wanted a long-term commitment for supplying this product, what price would
MOST likely be quoted to him?
A) $1400
B) $1000
C) $1290
D) $1075
Answer: C
AACSB: Able to translate knowledge of business and management into practice
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
Variable costs:
Direct materials $30
Direct labour 10
Manufacturing overhead 15
Marketing costs 5
Fixed costs:
Manufacturing overhead 100
Marketing costs 20
Total costs 180
Mark-up (10%) 18
Estimated selling price $198
19) If the Brazilian customer wanted a long-term commitment for supplying this product, what price
would MOST likely be quoted?
A) $180.00
B) $217.80
C) $198.00
D) $66.00
Copyright © 2018 Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) – 9781488612640/Horngren/Cost Accounting 3e
Answer: C
AACSB: Able to translate knowledge of business and management into practice
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
21) For Rockhampton Manufacturing, what is the minimum acceptable price of this one-time-only special
order?
A) $66
B) $40
C) $60
D) $55
Answer: C
AACSB: Able to translate knowledge of business and management into practice
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
22) A short-run pricing decision typically has a time horizon of less than:
A) one year.
B) two years.
C) five years.
D) None of these answers are correct.
Answer: A
AACSB: Able to analyse and frame problems
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
Copyright © 2018 Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) – 9781488612640/Horngren/Cost Accounting 3e
Answer the following questions using the information below:
Eucalyptus Products manufactures office desks. Eucalyptus Products has a policy of adding a 20%
mark-up to full costs and currently has excess capacity. The following information pertains to the
company’s normal operations per month:
23) Eucalyptus Products is approached by an overseas customer to fulfil a one-time-only special order for
2000 units. All cost relationships remain the same except for a one-time set-up charge of $20 000. No
additional design, marketing, or distribution costs will be incurred. What is the minimum acceptable bid
per unit on this one-time-only special order?
A) $67.38
B) $80.85
C) $111.13
D) $77.38
Answer: A
AACSB: Able to translate knowledge of business and management into practice
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
24) For long-run pricing of the office desks, what price will MOST likely be used by Eucalyptus?
A) $80.85
B) $67.38
C) $111.13
D) $133.35
Answer: D
AACSB: Able to translate knowledge of business and management into practice
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Copyright © 2018 Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) – 9781488612640/Horngren/Cost Accounting 3e
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
Ozfone manufactures high-tech mobile phones. Ozfone has a policy of adding a 30% mark-up to full costs
and currently has excess capacity. The following information pertains to the company’s normal operations
per month:
25) Ozfone is approached by an overseas customer to fulfil a one-time-only special order for 1000 units. All
cost relationships remain the same except for a one-time set-up charge of $15 000. No additional design,
marketing or distribution costs will be incurred. What is the minimum acceptable bid per unit on this
one-time-only special order?
A) $92.50
B) $180.00
C) $53.75
D) $234.00
Answer: C
AACSB: Able to translate knowledge of business and management into practice
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
26) For long-run pricing of the mobile phones, what price will MOST likely be used by Ozfone?
A) $65.00
B) $92.50
C) $180.00
D) $134.88
Answer: D
AACSB: Able to translate knowledge of business and management into practice
Copyright © 2018 Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) – 9781488612640/Horngren/Cost Accounting 3e
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
Write ‘True’ if the statement is correct and ‘False’ is the statement is incorrect.
30) Companies must always examine pricing decisions through the eyes of their customers.
Answer: True
Copyright © 2018 Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) – 9781488612640/Horngren/Cost Accounting 3e
AACSB: Able to analyse and frame problems
Difficulty: Basic
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
31) Companies that produce high quality products do not have to pay attention to the actions of their
competitors.
Answer: False
AACSB: Able to analyse and frame problems
Difficulty: Basic
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
32) A perfect market is characterised by many buyers and many sellers, a homogenous product, zero
transaction costs and some other conditions.
Answer: True
AACSB: Able to analyse and frame problems
Difficulty: Basic
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
33) In markets with little or no competition, the key factor affecting price is costs, not customers’
willingness to pay or competitors.
Answer: False
AACSB: Able to analyse and frame problems
Difficulty: Basic
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
34) Profit margins are often set to earn a reasonable return on investment for short run pricing decisions,
but not long-run pricing decisions.
Answer: False
AACSB: Able to analyse and frame problems
Difficulty: Basic
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
35) Full costs of a product are relevant for one-time-only special order pricing decisions.
Answer: False
AACSB: Able to analyse and frame problems
Copyright © 2018 Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) – 9781488612640/Horngren/Cost Accounting 3e
Difficulty: Basic
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
36) Bid prices and costs that are relevant for regular orders are the same costs that are relevant for
one-time-only special orders.
Answer: False
AACSB: Able to analyse and frame problems
Difficulty: Basic
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
37) In a one-time-only special order situation, if the price offered by the potential buyer is less than the
absorption cost per unit, the producer should not accept the special offer.
Answer: False
AACSB: Able to analyse and frame problems
Difficulty: Basic
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
Copyright © 2018 Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) – 9781488612640/Horngren/Cost Accounting 3e
41) Price dumping occurs when a domestic company is trying to get rid of out-of-style products at a
substantially reduced price.
Answer: False
AACSB: Able to analyse and frame problems
Difficulty: Basic
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
43) Bluegum Incorporated manufactures coffee tables. The cost accounting system estimates
manufacturing costs to be $100 per table, consisting of 70% variable costs and 30% fixed costs. The
company has surplus capacity available. It is Bluegum’s policy to add a 50% mark-up to full costs.
a. Bluegum Incorporated is invited to bid on an order to supply 100 coffee tables. What is the lowest
price Bluegum should bid on this one-time-only special order?
b. A large hotel chain is currently expanding and has decided to decorate all new hotels using the
Bluegum style. Bluegum Incorporated is invited to submit a bid to the hotel chain. What is the lowest
price per unit Bluegum should bid on this long-term order?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Answer:
a. The lowest price Bluegum should bid on the 100 table one-time special order is $7000 = Variable costs
Copyright © 2018 Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) – 9781488612640/Horngren/Cost Accounting 3e
($100 × .70 × 100 tables), the short-term incremental costs.
b. The lowest price Bluegum should bid on the long-term hotel chain order is $150 per table = Full costs
$100 + 50% mark-up, the long-term targeted price.
AACSB: Able to communicate effectively orally and in writing
Difficulty: Complex
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
44) Boomerang Company manufactures basketball backboards. The following information pertains to the
company’s normal operations per month:
Required:
a. For long-run pricing, what is the full-cost base per unit?
b. Boomerang Company is approached by an overseas city to fulfil a one-time-only special order for 1000
units. All cost relationships remain the same except for an additional one-time set-up charge of
$40 000. No additional design, marketing, or distribution costs will be incurred. What is the minimum
acceptable bid per unit on this one-time-only special order?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Answer:
a. Direct materials $100.00
Direct manufacturing labour ($12 × 5000)/15 000 4.00
Variable manufacturing ($150 000/15 000) 10.00
Fixed manufacturing ($300 000/15 000) 2.00
Marketing and distribution ($250 000/15 000) 16.67
Research and development ($200 000/15 000) 13.33
Total $146.00
Copyright © 2018 Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) – 9781488612640/Horngren/Cost Accounting 3e
b. Direct materials $100.00
Direct manufacturing labour 4.00
Variable manufacturing 10.00
Set-up ($40 000/1000) 40.00
Total $154.00
AACSB: Able to analyse and frame problems
Difficulty: Complex
Topic: A framework for pricing decisions
Learning Objective: 9.1 Develop and apply a framework for pricing decisions.
Choose the one alternative that best completes the statement or answers the question.
45) When the firm uses the target-costing approach to pricing, the target cost per unit is the difference
between the per unit target price and the per unit target:
A) operating profit.
B) contribution margin.
C) production costs.
D) gross margin.
Answer: A
AACSB: Able to analyse and frame problems
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Market-based pricing
Learning Objective: 9.2 Set market-based prices.
Copyright © 2018 Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) – 9781488612640/Horngren/Cost Accounting 3e
D) Using variable costing for some products and full costing for other products when setting prices
Answer: A
AACSB: Able to analyse and frame problems
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Market-based pricing
Learning Objective: 9.2 Set market-based prices.
48) WA Utility Company charges its high-usage commercial customers a lower rate per kilowatt-hour
than other customers. This is an example of:
A) high-load pricing.
B) price discrimination.
C) peak-load pricing.
D) customer-preference pricing.
Answer: B
AACSB: Able to translate knowledge of business and management into practice
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Market-based pricing
Learning Objective: 9.2 Set market-based prices.
LeBlanc Lighting manufactures table lamps and is considering raising the price by $15 a unit for the
coming year. With a $15 price increase, demand is expected to fall by 2500 units.
Current Projected
Demand 20 000 units 17 500 units
Selling price $150 $165
Variable costs per unit $100 $100
Copyright © 2018 Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) – 9781488612640/Horngren/Cost Accounting 3e
50) The demand for this product is:
A) elastic.
B) greatly inelastic.
C) slightly inelastic.
D) indeterminable.
Answer: A
AACSB: Able to translate knowledge of business and management into practice
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Market-based pricing
Learning Objective: 9.2 Set market-based prices.
51) The Cronulla Sea Eagles are evaluating ticket prices for basketball games. Studies show that Friday and
Saturday night games average more than twice the fans of games on other days. The following
information pertains to the stadium’s normal operations per season:
The stadium is open for five operating hours on each day a game is played. All employees work by the
hour except for the administrators. A maximum of one game is played per day and each fan has only one
ticket per game.
The stadium authority wants to charge more for games on Friday and Saturday. What is the minimum
price that should be charged for peak attendance nights?
A) $10.60
B) $171.45
C) $14.19
D) $6.40
Answer: C
AACSB: Able to translate knowledge of business and management into practice
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Market-based pricing
Learning Objective: 9.2 Set market-based prices.
52) Plaza Video Rentals is evaluating rental prices. Historical data show that Friday and Saturday have
twice the rentals of other days of the week. The following information pertains to the store’s normal
Copyright © 2018 Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) – 9781488612640/Horngren/Cost Accounting 3e
operations per week:
The store manager wants to charge more for rentals on Friday and Saturday. What is the minimum price
that should be charged during peak rental days?
A) $0.60
B) $0.90
C) $0.83
D) $1.07
Answer: D
AACSB: Able to translate knowledge of business and management into practice
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Market-based pricing
Learning Objective: 9.2 Set market-based prices.
Write ‘True’ if the statement is correct and ‘False’ is the statement is incorrect.
53) When demand is elastic, an increase in price will lead to an increase in profits.
Answer: False
AACSB: Able to analyse and frame problems
Difficulty: Basic
Topic: Market-based pricing
Learning Objective: 9.2 Set market-based prices.
54) Companies that operate in non-competitive environments offering products or services that differ
from each other can charge a very high price for their products and services.
Answer: False
AACSB: Able to analyse and frame problems
Difficulty: Basic
Topic: Market-based pricing
Learning Objective: 9.2 Set market-based prices.
55) ‘Peak-load pricing’ is the practice of charging a lower price for the same product or service when the
Copyright © 2018 Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) – 9781488612640/Horngren/Cost Accounting 3e
demand for it approaches the physical limit of the capacity to produce that product or service.
Answer: False
AACSB: Able to analyse and frame problems
Difficulty: Basic
Topic: Market-based pricing
Learning Objective: 9.2 Set market-based prices.
57) Companies that operate in non-competitive environments offering products or services that differ
from each other use a market-based approach when making their long-run pricing decisions.
Answer: False
AACSB: Able to analyse and frame problems
Difficulty: Basic
Topic: Market-based pricing
Learning Objective: 9.2 Set market-based prices.
58) Sellers estimate a target price for a product or service that potential customers will be willing to pay
based on their understanding of customers’ perceived value of its outputs and how competitors will price
competing products or services.
Answer: True
AACSB: Able to analyse and frame problems
Difficulty: Basic
Topic: Market-based pricing
Learning Objective: 9.2 Set market-based prices.
59) ‘Reverse engineering’ involves disassembling and analysing competitors’ products to determine
product designs and materials and to become acquainted with the technologies that competitors use.
Answer: True
AACSB: Able to analyse and frame problems
Difficulty: Basic
Topic: Market-based pricing
Learning Objective: 9.2 Set market-based prices.
60) Different categories of customers are willing to pay different prices for services depending on their
Copyright © 2018 Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) – 9781488612640/Horngren/Cost Accounting 3e
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by the square piece C. Screws are turned through the legs and into
the square piece to keep it in position.
Keeping Magazines in a Book Form
Several Boxes will Appear the Same as a Set of Books and will Preserve the
Magazines
The Wire on the Creaser Presses the Paper into the Space between the Two
Wood Pieces
The Furnace Made of Fire Brick is Connected to the Condenser and Washers
with Ordinary Iron Pipe through Which the Gases Pass After being Purified
Before They Enter the Storage Tank
In connecting the first and second cans, use a piece of 1-in. pipe.
This may be bent or connected with ells to form a U-shaped piece. In
either case, one end should be longer than the other so that one will
just pass into the first can, where it is sealed with asbestos cement,
while the other end passes through the second-can top, where it is
sealed, and extends to the bottom of the can. For the connection to
the third can, make a hole in the top of the second can, but do not
seal it up to the connection until the can is first filled with water to
within 2 or 3 in. of the top. Also put powdered coke into the water,
about halfway of the can’s height.
The connection from the second and third cans should be made of
glass so that the gas can be observed passing through it between
the cans. This is not absolutely necessary, however, and a piece of
¹⁄₂-in. iron pipe can be used instead. This pipe is connected in the
same manner as that between the first and second, extending to the
bottom of the third can and being sealed where it passes through the
tops. The third can is filled with water to within 2 or 3 in. of the top.
The gas coming from the third can or washer, is ready for use, but
as the pressure would not be uniform, a storage tank must be
provided. To make a storage tank suitable for the needs of this small
plant, procure two pans from 10 to 12 in. in diameter and from 3 to 4
in. deep. One pan should be a trifle smaller, so that it may be
inverted in the larger pan, as shown. Make a connection from the
third can with a rubber hose to the bottom of the larger pan, near the
center, and use this pan as the bottom part of the storage tank. Pour
into this pan enough water to make it 2 in. deep, invert the other pan
and set it into the water. Attach a gas hose to the bottom of the
inverted pan and fasten a gas jet into the rubber-hose end. This will
make the gas plant complete and ready to operate.
To start the furnace, bore a hole in one side of the brick walls,
about the size of an ordinary lead pencil, and insert a lighted taper to
set fire to the kindling. There may be some difficulty in getting the fire
to burn at first, and it may be necessary to force considerable air in;
however, when the fire is fairly started, it will burn freely and the
gases will soon find their way through the first pipe to the condenser,
which is the first can. There they will mingle and deposit some tar
and ammonia, then flow out through the second pipe, up through the
coke and water in the second can and through the glass tube, where
they may be observed passing into the can of water, where some
more tar and ammonia will be deposited. After leaving this can the
gas will find its way through the rubber tube into the storage tank. It
passes from this tank to the burner, where it can be lighted and will
burn with a bright flame.
If it is possible to force steam into the furnace when the fire is at its
height, a much better quality and a larger volume of gas will be
made. This is accomplished by placing a closed can of water over a
fire near the furnace and connecting it to the latter with a piece of 1-
in. gas pipe. The water in this can must be boiling hot at the time the
fire in the furnace is lighted. The steam entering the furnace is
decomposed, the hydrogen being released as a gas. The pipe
connecting the boiler with the furnace should be fitted in the furnace
wall so that the steam will pass in at the top of the fire; about halfway
up the side of the furnace being about right. The steam will start the
gases more rapidly and force them through the pipes.
Make sure that all connections are carefully sealed to prevent the
escape of gases, as they will always follow the lines of least
resistance and pass out through a very small crevice. The only
danger with a plant of this size is from fire, wherefore it should be
built away from inflammable materials. It will not make sufficient gas
to be of injury to any living being.
Webfoot Attachments for Swimmers
In order to make the feet more effective in swimming, webfoot
devices are frequently used. A simple arrangement for this purpose
is shown in the illustration. It consists of three thin sections of metal,
or wood, fastened together on the back side with spring hinges,
which tend to remain open, thereby keeping all the sections spread
out in one straight surface. The center section should be cut to
conform closely to the shape of the foot, or it will produce
considerable resistance during the onward stroke of the foot, and
tend to stop the forward movement of the swimmer. Straps should be
provided for attaching the device to the foot; one to fit across the
toes, and the other adjusted around the ankle by a buckle.
Device for Attaching to the Feet to Work Like Webfeet
When using the device, the upward or forward stroke of the legs
will cause the wings to brush against the water, creating sufficient
resistance to overcome the slight force of the springs, thereby
pushing the wings parallel with the direction of the stroke. During the
opposite, or pushing, stroke, the resistance of the water combined
with the opening tendency of the hinges will quickly spread the wings
out flat, greatly increasing the effectiveness of the feet.—Contributed
by J. B. Laplace, New York City.
Repairing Sectional Spun-Metal Candlesticks
In repairing hollow, spun-brass candlesticks I find that frequently
the metal rod holding the sections together becomes loosened from
the pitch composition designed to hold it in the base. By tinning the
outer edges of the sections that fit into the other portions, which are
also tinned on the inner surfaces, and then using an iron, or an
alcohol torch, to run the solder together at these points, I secure a
very firm job. Paper can be placed at points necessary to keep the
solder from running out of bounds. When the rod is firm and the nut
only gives trouble, solder can be used to fasten the nut permanently
to the grease cup at the top.—Contributed by James M. Kane,
Doylestown, Pa.
Alcohol Blowtorch for Difficult Soldering
Clamps for Holding the Alcohol Receptacle on the End of the Blowpipe
To light a match in a stiff wind is very easy if the wood part back of
the prepared end is cut and turned up about it before striking the
match. The curled-up shavings about the striker will catch fire easily
and hold a flame, where in the ordinary way it is easily blown out
when the composition of the striker has burned up.—Contributed by
E. K. Marshall, Oak Park, Ill.
A Miniature Cement Plant
By MORTON SOUTHARD
Formolded
many years geologists searched for a substance which could be
into any size and form, and would have the hardness of
rock. As a matter of fact it was found that limestone was composed
of carbonic-acid gas, clay, and lime, and that when great heat was
applied the sealing bond was disrupted and the rock was reduced to
a powder. When this powder was placed in water the gas was set
free so fast that it made the water boil. The powder, or calcined rock,
is now known as lime. This action demonstrated that nature used
heat and moisture in forming these materials into rock. Knowing that
clay contained silica, and that silica furnished the sealing quality of
rocks, experiments were made to reverse the order of this rock
formation, and a cement was produced. Equal portions of lime and
clay were mixed together and stirred until all parts were thoroughly
mingled, and then the mixture was subjected to a very high heat,
after which the resulting mass was ground to a powder. When this
powder was mixed with water, instead of the gases passing off as
they did in the case of the lime, they penetrated the clay and the
mixture became hard. This was first called Portland cement, as it
was made from Portland limestone.
The Furnace is Built Up of Ordinary Brick and Used for Calcining the Lime