"DEVON" TYPE.--In its full original design this type owes its origin to Mr. H. E. Nixon, General Manager of the Devon Estates, Malacca, where it forms part of unit divisional installations worked under a scheme of decentralisation.
The original units consisted of a building erected with an iron framework covered with sheets of asbestos-slate, and a roof of galvanised iron.
The novelty in design lies in the utilisation of external platforms upon which the racks of bars supporting the sheets of rubber may be drawn out of the smoking chambers, and on which the racks are loaded and unloaded. By this device it is possible to remove the contents of any compartment bodily without interfering with the continuity of curing in the other compartments. That is to say, smoking in such a house can proceed day and night if necessary, and yet the rubber in any part of the house can be examined, can be removed, or can be replaced without cessation of smoking.
It will be seen from the illustrations that the house is more or less of the same general design as the "Third Mile" type, with the addition of external platforms. It has two storeys for the reception of rubber; and a basal furnace-room with sloping sides converging downwards into a pit containing a large drum-furnace. This is mounted on a low truck, and travels on a short length of railway.
[Illustration: GENERAL VIEW OF DOUBLE "DEVON" TYPE OF SMOKE-HOUSE.
The platforms are common to both units. Building of brick with iron roof (Batu Caves Estate).]
Each of the curing-rooms is divided into four compartments (making eight compartments in all). These are closed by swing doors, each of which is the full width of a compartment, and has a slight overlapping edge. Through these doors light railways run into the house and out upon the platforms. On the rails "bays" of racks run, and when fully loaded they are easily moved. The racks were designed with a frame of stout hard wood, but light angle-iron could be utilised.
[Illustration: GENERAL VIEW OF DOUBLE "DEVON" SMOKE-HOUSE AND FACTORY BUILDINGS.
Timber in foreground cut to length for stoking. Note water-tower and engine cooling-tanks adjacent to factory.]
The chimney style of smoke-vent has an internal butterfly flap, which is controlled by means of a wire from the outside. In the ordinary course of smoke-curing, it is advised that this flap should be permanently open so as to reduce the possibility of internal condensation of moisture and creosotic matter. The exact degree to which it should be open must be found by experience.