Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1866-02-09


Of steamboat boilers recently on our
western waters, may well challenge all
minds 10 an investigation Of the oalises,
SO that these being once a~scertained, the
preventive, if there be one, may be dis
covered and applied.
We observe, in the columns Of our
city contemporaries, suggestions Of the
oHes, more OF less plausible, but none
fully satisfactory One, by our friend
Cook, the architect is truly startling, if
IL be true. II Is that these terrible dis
asters are the effects, OF rather the re-
sults, Of a particular electrical condition
Of the atmosphere. This may be so-for
gHN s15e-but, If true, it is a most
alarming discovery, leaving us. as we
conceive, without any adequate provision
against the recurrence Of these terrific
accidents.
We are inclined 70 think, however,
that friend COOKS theory is somewhat
far-fetched, and that THE real cause Of
these e~Xpl0sionsis to be found in q mar
rover domain Of scientific discovery,
than in the Mimitable and unknown
boundary Of electrical action.
One invariable condition is found to
attend these terrible ezp5osi0Hs-and that
&, the entire absence Of water, OF steam
IN its ordinary exhisition, in the boilers
which explode. We venture the opinion
that there is not an instance on record
where an explosion has taken place, in
which there was. at the time Of the ex-
plosi0n, a drop Of water in it, normal
condition Of fluid. Investigation will
show, we believe in every instance,
that all the water in the explo-
ding boiler had been converted
into steam, and that this steam. sub
jected TO a high degree Of heat ia direct
contact with the iron Of the boiler, had
been converted inUo-UhGtS II is Just
there, in our humble judgment, We must
search for the solution Of the problem, so
interesting 10 those vino commit them
selves 70 the dangers Of steam naviga-
ton. What does this steam become
thus subjected 10 high heat from the
surface Of the iron which confines It, and
h0l7 Is the change produced2
The answer TO these queries must settle
the whole phenomena Of steamboiIer ex-
plOsi0ns.
Steam, in its ordinary condition as
steam, has an expansive force whichis to
a certain extent appreciate and ascer-
taiuable-that is to say, we can measure
its pressure, and rate il a. 50 much to the
square inch. II the boiler which con-
fines f. IS not sufficiently strong, it.
"bursts" or splits. But between the
bursting ola boiler, and the explosion
ola boiler, there is a most marked differ
ence in the action exhibited. In the
first the Iivets give way, OF the head is
pressed out, and although there
may be sealding 70 the surround
ing persons, from the steam and
boiling water which rushes out. there Is
an end Of the calamity. Whenever any
part Of the boiler gives way, there is at
once relief given to the rest and the ac-
ton stops there. But in explosions. the
actions is instant and overwhelming
the force exerted being, from all the eE
fscts produced, far quicker and more
powerful than that Of gunpowder-re-
sembIug, indeed, the lightning which
splits the Un~wedgeable and gnarled
oak, % more than any other force in ma
turs.
Whence comes this terribly quick and
fearfuliy expansive force, which generated
in steam boilers, and born Of the steam.
whose power, in its ordinary condition,
we knOwand can measure, inconceivably
surpasses t.?
May it not be that steam, when
brought In contact with an iron surface.
heated TO acertain degree, Is deeomposed
the oxygen being absorbed andinoorpo-
rated with the iron, leaving the hydrogen
undergo, perhaps, further changes hv
tae high temperature, producing, in the
place o. The steqm a pure gas, Of inn
measurably explosive power?
Should this De 80, it isreadIIv perceived
SHY tubular boilers shoul. more often
than the ordinary two and three
iue boilers. The quantity Of water "a. be
converted into steam is less, and the iron
greater-hence the process limited I
1t may be more rapid and the resulu
more frequentsand unexpected. i
IF these suggestions are founded in sci 4,
.ntifc truth, 30 electrical condition Of
he surrounding atmosphere is Necessary
20 account for these terrific explosions.
and no safeguard can be provided surer
han that which viii assure the presence
water always in the boiler. In fact,
We believe IN explosion is impossible. #
here = water enough kept In the boiler
% msurea continual generation Of steam: +.
while We dc not believe there l. poweri in
be ingenuity Of man and the strengthen /
70 prevent them, il steam is heated
md baked % that degree which converts s
the processes Of nature, a useful and q
manageable servant into a frightful and q
ncontrollable demon Of destruction.
Win not some Of our scientific friends
i've Us the result Of their investigations !
T the subject2