20
Hong Kong Builder
Two views of some of the machinery which is responsible for the delightful air conditioned atmosphere in the Shop, Cafeteria and Offices, full description of which is given in the accompanying article.
Due to the high humidity together with high tempera- ture prevailing in Hong Kong, air conditioning presents a problem more difficult than in other localities. Visitors to the Dairy Farm premises will find an escape from the sweltering Hong Kong weather, for the air conditionin plant not only cools the place, but keeps it dry and fresh at all times.
The control panel for the 50 H.P. Synchronous motor is equipped with the latest devices for fully protected automatic operation. An ingenuous Slip Cycle Instru- ment removes the D.C. field excitation, should the motor be pulled out of synchronism by abnormal mechanical load
or voltage disturbance. This allows the motor to reaccele- rate as an induction motor and thus develop its maximum pull in torque, and the relay will operate to resynchronize when conditions permit.
The 10 H.P. motors driving the other compressors are all of the high torque silent running, squirrel cage type.
The voltage for the lighting of the cold stores is stepped down to 60 volts for safe operation.
The entire air-conditioning equipment was supplied and in- stalled by the York-Shipley Company who are represented in Hong Kong by the Jardine Engineering Corp., Ltd.
The electrical installation for this plant was also carried out by The Jardine Engineering Corpn., Ltd.
a
The equipment and servicing of а restaurant kitchen is larger and more complicated version of the kitchen problem in a modern residence, and many arrangements used to speed up service in a restaurant kitchen can be used in modified form in a home.
In planning a kitchen of this character. comfort, convenience, speed and efficiency are primary considerations. Meals must be cook- ing appetisingly at all times and at short notice while a wide range of dishes must be easily prepared and served. These factors led to the consideration of the fuel to be employed and the methods of utilizing the selected fuel to the best advantage.
Various figures were given a number of undertakings and it was found that gas was the most desirable fuel from all aspects, therefore the Hong Kong & China Gas Co., Ltd. installed a battery of No. 6936 "Frontier" Gas Cookers in porcelain enamel finish, these cookers carry out the whole of the cooking, roasting, grilling and steaming with the highest efficiency. In addition a 15-ton gas operated Bakers Oven is fixed in the Branch Bakery for baking bread, cakes and pastry, which are now in great demand. Auxiliary hotplates are provided to meet the peak demand while a gas heated Hot Closet is provided to heat serving dishes and plates as and when required.
Dish and utensil washing. a very important item in Hong Kong, is dealt with a most hygienic manner, hot water is provided continuously to a battery of four chromium plated sinks by an Ewarts Empire Multipoint Water Heater, this appliance is of automatic action, gas only being used when hot water is drawn off. As an auxiliary a porcelain enamel geyser provides hot water in a similar manner for the larger and more cumbersome utensils.
The decorative effects in shop and restaurant have been carried out mainly by means of the lighting arrangements. All ceilings and walls has been plastered with one coat of Gypsum Fibrous Plaster and finished with one coat of Gypsum Plaster of Paris. All air ducts are covered with Simplex Plaster Boards finished in gypsum plaster. All this work was carried out by Simplex Gypsum Products Ltd. who also insulated the main pipes of the air-conditioning plant with a special gypsum plaster. Messrs. Leigh & Orange were the Architects in charge of the undertaking.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.