EARLY CONVERSION ENGINE CITED FOR HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Contact: John Varrasi 212-705-8158 [email protected]
August 1, 1997
An engine developed by The Bessemer Gas Engine Company at the turn of the century, which allowed steam engines on oil drilling sites to be converted to more efficient gasoline-powered systems, has been cited for historical significance by ASME International (American Society of Mechanical Engineers).
The Bessemer 12-horse power conversion engine will be named an ASME Historical Mechanical Engineering Landmark at an awards ceremony this Aug. 1, in Scottsville, Mich. The honor places the Bessemer engine among 195 other mechanical engineering achievements distinguished for their contribution to technological progress and public service.
The Bessemer engine was designed as a retrofit for the steam engines used on the site of oil producing wells in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and other regions. It essentially converted the steam engines to more efficient, harder working internal combustion engines. The Bessemer kit included a cylinder, auxiliary flywheel, and friction clutch and pulley connecting to the steam shaft.
The Bessemer conversion engine provided a strong economic benefit. The engine ran on gas, which was processed from oil available in abundance on the drilling sites.
According to an ASME plaque to presented in Scottsville, the Bessemer engine ìillustrates the transition to internal combustion, and how machine life can be extended by clever adaptation of newer technology to save costs and resources.î
The engine being cited by ASME has been fully restored following an 88-year tour of duty in and around Brookville, Pa. The machine is owned by Dale Sonke of Rockford, Mich.
The mechanical engineering landmarks program is administered by the History and Heritage Committee of ASME International. Other landmarks include the Saturn rocket and Voyager space probes.
ASME, with 125,000 members around the world, is focused on technical, educational and research issues. It conducts one of the worldÃs largest technical publishing operations, holds some 30 technical conferences and 200 professional development courses each year and sets many industrial and manufacturing standards.
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