[modeleng] Re: The power of steam

I wonder what the pressure of the steam was & how do you check the condition 
of the pipes underground.

E.W.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Alan Stepney" <alan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <modeleng@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2007 11:25 AM
Subject: [modeleng] The power of steam


> We sometimes see novices question the rules regarding boilers, often
> accompanied by comments that show little knowledge of the effect of steam
> under pressure.
>
> Todays news has an example of the damage that it can cause.
> ----------------------------------------------------------------
> A steam pipe exploded in central Manhattan in New York Wednesday, sending
> plumes of steam roaring into the sky and throwing debris nearby. Mayor
> Michael Bloomberg attributed the blast to a "failure of infrastructure."
>
> One woman died of heart attack in the aftermath of the explosion and about
> two dozens were injured, some seriously, Bloomberg told a news conference
> amid wailing sirens.
>
> Blocks near the site were evacuated and several subway lines diverted as a
> result of the blast, which struck shortly before six o'clock in the
> afternoon.
> People are advised to stay away from the site of the rush-hour blast as
> tests are conducted about the possible presence of asbestos.
>
> Bloomberg said a steam pipe, 24 inches in diameter, ruptured, possibly
> caused by cold water, from raining or otherwise. The pipe was installed in
> 1924, he added.
> The underground steam pipes, which heat and cool buildings in New York, 
> have
> been turned off, and a gapping crater could be seen in the middle of the
> street. A red pickup truck sat in the crater.
>
> Some described the spewing steam and debris as "tornado rising from the
> ground."
>
> Some windows were blown out in buildings adjacent to the site of the
> explosion.
>
> Fire trucks and emergency crew are working at and near the site, which is
> located near 41st Street between 3rd and Lexington Avenue.
>
> Utilities crew are cleaning up and conducting tests for any "collateral
> damage."
>
> The last major steam explosion happened in 1989, killing three people and
> sending mud and debris several stories into the air.
>
> Alan Stepney
>
> http://www.alanstepney.info
> Model Engineering & steam engine information pages
>
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