Records of Steam Boiler ExplosionsMarten, Edward Bindon
History
Records of Steam Boiler Explosions
Marten, Edward Bindon
Steam-boiler explosions
Internal corrosion is frequently observed where boilers are fed
from canals or streams in the neighbourhood of chemical works from
which corrosive matter is discharged at intervals into the water.
The corrosion takes place in isolated spots, but causes deep holes;
which seems to be accounted for on the supposition that the scale
previously upon the plate cracks during the cooling of the boiler for
cleaning, and forms a blister, so that a piece of about 2 inches area
is raised slightly from the iron. When the boiler is again put to
work, this blister becomes filled with the corrosive water, which is
held there without circulation and causes corrosion. When the boiler
is again emptied these blisters may be seen, and if broken show the
blackened water and the injured surface. In future working each of
these blisters forms a constant unprotected point for attack. It is
frequently seen further that such corrosion is arrested if water be
used which deposits scurf; but fresh blisters and renewed corrosion
will result from a return to the use of the bad water.
The internal corrosion called furrowing has proved a frequent cause
of explosion, especially in locomotive boilers. It differs from other
corrosion by being in deep narrow continuous lines with abrupt edges.
It will sometimes go completely through a plate; and is found where a
sudden change of thickness occurs, either along the lines of the seams,
or opposite the edge of angle-iron attachments. This effect is supposed
to be due to the alternate springing of the plates under each variation
of the pressure or temperature, causing the line of least resistance to
receive a strain somewhat similar to that produced by bending a piece
of iron backwards and forwards for the purpose of breaking it. This
line of injury is exposed to constant attack from corrosion, because
the scurf is always thrown off from it.
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