General Information

Serial #

N/A

Part Number

2

Total Parts

2

AKA

test wand or swab

Patents

N/A

General Description

metal rod; fabric [cotton?] swab

Dimensions

Note: These reflect the general size for storage and are not necessarily representative of the object's true dimensions.

Length

13.0 cm

Width

5.2 cm

Height

2.2 cm

Thickness

N/A

Weight

N/A

Diameter

N/A

Volume

N/A

Lexicon

Group

Domestic Technology

Category

Food processing

Sub-Category

N/A

Manufacturer

AKA

Unknown

Country

Unknown

State/Province

Unknown

City

Unknown

Context

Country

North America

State/Province

Unknown

Period

Presumably used c. 1930s+

Canada

Part of a collection of refrigeration parts and service items from Dr. G. Leslie Oliver. Dr. Oliver added to and documented a collection begun by his late father, of household and automobile technology. Dr. Oliver's father, T.H. Oliver established a refrigeration & electric service business in Aurora, Ont. 1924, the first and oldest such organization in York Region. In 2000, the business was sold but continues to operate under the T.H. Oliver name.

Function

Carrier used to introduce one substance to another, or to a object.

Technical

Used with ammonia spirit, to detect sulphur dioxide leaks within a refrigeration system. Sulphur dioxide has a distinctive odor, and most leaks are readily detected. One method of locating small or minor leaks was to wave a swab dipped in ammonia over the suspect area. Dense white smoke forms where sulphur dioxide and ammonia come in contact. (Ref. 3) For many years, ammonia with a minimum strength of 26%, which was recommended, could only be purchased at a specialty refrigeration wholesale dealer or at a drugstore. Ref. 4)

Area Notes

Unknown

Details

Markings

None evident.

Missing

Appears complete.

Finish

White cotton [?] fabric swab secured to metal wand.

Decoration

N/A