Hydraulic Pumping Station Ancoats Manchester

A new pumping station which has been erected in Pott-street, Ancoats, in connection with the Manchester Corporation Hydraulic Power Supply was opened on the 6th inst. The plans for the building were prepared by Mr J W Beaumont of Manchester and the machinery and ironwork by Mr L. Holmes Lewis, the engineer and manager.[Builder 22 July 1899 Page 90]

 HYDRAULIC POWER FOR MANCHESTER. - Since the corporation of Manchester began to supply hydraulic power in 1894, the demand for this form of energy has steadily increased. Almost before the erection of the Gloucester   street pumping station was completed, it was decided to erect a second station. A fresh site was secured in Pott street, Ancoats. The plans for the building were prepared by Mr. J. W. Beaumont, and the designs of the machinery and ironwork by Mr L. Holme Lewis, tho engineer and manager. When the work is completed the plant will have the same capacity as that at Gloucester street station. At present, however, only two of the six sets of engines are erected, but the contract has been let for two more sets. The contracts already let and nearing completion amount to £35,921 7s. 4d. The energy which the ordinary water supply contains before it passes to the storage tank is used for driving the machinery which conveys the coal to and the ashes from the boiler furnaces, and also for driving the mechanical stokers. Provision is made for utilising all the water from condensed steam. The pipes in the engine and boiler houses are all arranged on the duplicate or circuit system, and access is given to all parts of the machinery, pipes, and fittings. The station is to be lighted by electricity, which will be generated by the hydraulic pressure on the premises. The dynamo is driven direct from the shaft of the hydraulic motor, and both are mounted on the same bedplate. The pressure in the mains will be maintained at not less than 1,000lb. to the square inch. When greater pressures are required they can be obtained by means of " intensifiers" fixed on the consumer's premises. The length of hydraulic mains laid in the city is nearly sixteen miles The pipes are of various sizes, ranging from 6in. to 8in. internal diameter. The corporation are supplying power, taking the difference of pressure into account, at a lower price than any other corporation or company in the country. [Building News 28 July 1899 Page 96]

Reference    Builder 22 July 1899 Page 90
Reference    Building News 28 July 1899 Page 96