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Earth's Interior Drives Engines
bu C.W.Person O
VOLTERRA. GROSSETO AND DOZENS OF SMALLER TOWNS IN CENTRAL TUSCANY IS
HEATED STEAM CHAMBERS BELOW THE CRUST OF THE EARTH
ists always have pointed out as the cause
that ultimately would bring about the extinction
of the human race.
For countless centuries, steam under
terrific pressure has been spouting with
great violence and constancy from blowholes
and volcanic vents in the ground
near the little town of Larderello. It
has brought to the surface a large quantity
of boric acid, borax, and other mineral
substances of less importance. Until
recently, the steam itself was lost, having
no local application.
This brings us to the distinguished
Italian engineer of the present project.
Prince Ginori-Conti, who erected a borax
plant on the site several years ago. The
steady continuance of the superheated
steam jets proved to him that ancient
volcanic energies were still alive there.
although lava, ashes, and fire no longer
belched forth.
Consequently, in 1903, he turned his
attention to the utilization of these
powerful jets for motive power.
As good fortune would have it. he succeeded
at the first attempt in making the
captured steam drive a little rotary
engine. The results thrilled him. He
tried again. This time he made the
steam drive a modest reciprocating
steam engine attached to a dynamo, and.
to his joy. sufficient current was derived
to light his entire borax plant. Spurred
on by this success he continued his experiments
until, in l^Oo. the same superheated
steam was driving an engine of
forty horsepower.
At this stage difficulties arose. So far
as the mechanical power of the steam
was concerned, it gave satisfactorv results
; but it was so highly charged with
boric acid, sulphuretted hydrogen, and
sulphuric acid that it seriously corroded
the iron parts of the engine and made
frequent repairs necessary. But the
Prince, already familiar with his source
of power, was amply prepared for the
emergency.
Dissatisfied with the supply of steam
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