CONSTRUCTION. The body is sheet metal and in the form of a cylinder. (See fig. 94.) At the side there is a lever, the fixed end being embedded in lead. At the top there is a cap-stan formed by two flange-like pieces of metal. A silken mooring cord is wound around the capstan and attached at one end to a wooden float and by the other end to one of the flanges. A central jet projects from the top of the cylinder from which acety-lene gas is emitted when the float is activated. It is enclosed in a short tube, welded to the top of the cylinder to form the combustion chamber. A second duct to emit phosge-ne gas is formed by a narrow tube curving toward the central jet through a slot in the side of the combustion cham-ber. The slot also allows any water collecting in the com-bustion chamber to drain away.

OPERATION. The lever arm located at the side of the flare is freed from its safety wire and pulled outward, breaking it away so as to leave a hole of entry for water. When in the sea, water enters to react with calcium phosphide and carbide. Acetylene gas is pro-duced from its jet and is ignited by phosphine gas emer-ging from the other jet. Phosphi-ne ignites immediately on exposure to air, thus if the acetylene is extinguished by a wave, it will be reignited by the phosphine. It takes appoximately 3 minutes from the time of immersion for the phosphine to be evolved in sufficient quantity to produce flame. The acetylene gas may take a little longer and may not ignite until a period of 10 minutes has elapsed.

REMARKS. All types are similar in operation with only slight variations in construction and appearance. The Lux S differs little in internal functioning from the Lux M.

The Lux S can be seen from a distance of approximately 6.5 km at normal eye level when the observer is standing 3 meters above sea level.

COLOR AND MARKINGS. Yellow over all with the word "Lux S" stenciled in black on side.

Figure 94 – Lux S Flame Float, Types 1, 2, and 3