Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 138, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 June 1917 — Rapid Evaporation of Water Secret of Success of The Iceless Refrigerator [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Rapid Evaporation of Water Secret of Success of The Iceless Refrigerator

Milk and other perishable foods can be kept cool and so preserved for considerable periods, even where ice Is unobtainable. This can be accomplished by the use of Iceless refrigerators, which are dependent on the rapid evaporation of water for the creation of low temperatures.. These devices have been perfected by woman demonstrators in extension work, South, of the United States department of agriculture. The iceless refrigerator consists of a wooden frame covered with canton

flannel, burlap or heavy duck. It is desirable that the frame be screened, although this Is not necessary. Wicks, made of the same material as the covering, resting In a pan of water on top of the cooler, conduct the water over the sides and ends of the pan and allow it to seep down the sides of the box. The evaporation from this moistened covering causes a lower

temperature inside. On dry, hot days a temperature of 50 degrees has been known to be obtained in the cooler. This is the way to build it: Make a screened case 3% feet high with the other dimensions 12 by 15 inches. If a solid top is used, simply place the water pan on this. Otherwise fit the pan closely Into the opening of the top frame and support it by one-inch cleats fastened to the Inside of the frame. Place two movable shelves In the frame, 12 to 15 inches apart. Use a biscuit pan 12 by 14 inches on the top to hold the water, and where the refrigerator Is to be used indoors have the whole thing standing in a large pan to catch any drip. The pans and case may be painted white, allowed to dry, and then enameled. A covering of white canton flannel should be made to fit the frame. Have the smooth side out and button the covering on the frame with buggy or automobile curtain hooks and eyes, arranged so that the door may be opened without unfastening these hooks. This can easily be done by putting one row of hooks on the edge of the door near the latch and the other just opposite the opening, with the hem on each sicjp extended far enough to cover the crack at the edge of the door, so as to keep out the warm, outside air and retain the cooled air. This dress or covering will have to be hooked around the top edge also. Two double strips onehalf the width of each side should be sewed on the top of each side covering, and allowed to extend over about 2% or 3 inches in the pan-of water. The bottom of the covering should extend into the lower pan. Place the refrigerator in a shady place, where air will circulate around it freely. If buttons and buttonholes are used on the canton flannel instead of buggy hooks, the cost will be reduced.

An Iceless Refrigerator.