Size: 6" steam cylinder, 6" pumping cylinder with 9" stroke and 36" diameter flywheel, double acting.
This pump was one of a pair installed in 1949, to transfer crude gas works tar from the new continuous horizontal gas retorts under construction at Panteg, Pontypool. The plant worked until the early sixties using coal as its feedstock, to produce towns gas for the Newport undertaking of the Wales Gas Board. The retorts were closed down following the construction of a new gas reforming plant that used naphtha oil as its feedstock. This plant also on the same site only ran for about 4 years when it too became redundant, but this time because of the advent of North Sea (Natural) Gas.
In 1972 the remaining equipment was offered for sale prior to demolition. The 2 pumps were purchased by Thomas Ness for use as spares at their tar distillation works at Caerphilly for the price of £30 each, plus £3 (VAT @ 10% in those days!).
No. 37672 was used for spares, whereas 37673 was installed as a replacement for 30898, the No 2 Daily Products pump worn out after 33 years of continuous use. 37673 was acquired from Caerphilly following closure of the tar works in 1986, along with the steam cylinder from 37672. Unlike 30898 this pump is fitted with a liner.
Installed in Steam Hall extension