The New York herald., 1871-09-03
BOILER EXPLOSIONS.
Experiments by Experts. ON Steam Boilers by
Eydr0stntic Pressure.

Experiments by Experts ON Steam Boiler. by
Eydr0stntic Pressure.
The Westdeld explosion, Notwithstanding the
horrible catastrophe which 1t caused, has been
productive OF some good, and shows the
truth OF the saying that ats an ill wind
blows nobody good.' In the case OF
The westneld much benefit is likely
10 result from the more thorough INSPECTION and
testing OF boilers which that fatal explosion viii
induce. The engineering world has of late been
considerably exercised over the subject OF boiler
explosions, and many theories have been developed
as to the probable cause OF rupture IN general
whether ovcrpressure Of steam or the wear and tear
on the boiler rendered IL incapable OF sustain.
ing the amount pressure which it was
supposed TO be able to carry win safety
With view TO throwing some lignt Oh this question
Mr. +. y. stevens, superintendent OF tho Camden
and Amboy Railroad works AT Hobokcn who
besides has charge OF the ferryboats running IN
connection with tue railroad determined to Ins,,-
tutc q series OF experiments some boilers which
had been taken from their boats within the
last six months. The first OF this series was COM
menced yesterday in the presence OF q number
or experts whom Mr.. stevens mad invited. These
were J. j. Roberts, Cnief Engineer In the revenue
service; RoDert ii. Thurston, late or the United
states Naval Engineers and at present Professor of
Mechanical Engineering al the stevens institutes;
Charles W. Copeland. Consulting Engineer; W. w.
Snippen, superintendent OF the Hoooken Ferry
Company; Captain Addison Low United States Su-
pervlsing Inspector; @. II. Delamaer OF the Della.
mater Iron Works; William and Andrew w. Fletcher
OF the firm Of Fletcher Harrison; George NJ. Cope
land, Consulting Enlneer: lonn McCurdy, OF
Murphy McCnrdy WoFden, anu Thomas McDon-
aid, CivIl Enaineer.
The experiments consisted OF ruptUring by hydro
staIic pressure four steamship boilers and, from
the noies ,aken by Messrs. Thurslon 4 Copeland,
the following reSltnc was Ubtained:--
Tlie frst one cxperinlented on was built by
Fletcher Harrison IN 1858, and when taken from
,le steamer kenton was allowed TO carry forty
pounds OF steam. Under The test IL leaked at pitch
nInty pounds pressure, started the stay Dons at
100 and hnaly at ll2 the experiment Was discOn-
tiDued.
The second boiler tested was built as mate to
the nrsC for inc same steamer ana was allowed also
20 carry forty pounds oil steam. 1t gave 0ut AZ
sixty six pounus the stay bolts IN the back conncc-
tioD pulling through, causing 10 leak so badly
to prevent higher pressure.
Tue tnrd was Quilt IN lsl6 byJ. +. Morris & Co.,
of Philadelphia, and when last ia use was allowed
thirty pounds OF steam. The brace broke over the
crown snects nc Iorty-two POUNDS, but without any
leak. Al Sky pounds four brace rivets broke In
the arcn OF the furnace, winch caused IL 10 leak SO
badly that tie test was discontinued.
The fourth and last boiler cXperncntcd
on was built hy n. X. Dunham a Co., III Is4J, and
was allowed forty pounds of steam wlen taken our.
At sixty-three pounds the stay bo,ts gave way;
pressure then ran up 10 seventy.hve pounds, when
a socket bolt IN the oack' connection drew out
causing 10 Isrgs leak as to compel the expert
yrls concluded the first day's experimenting: bur
ir is the intention Of Mr.. stevens 20 continue the
pernents anu hnaliy' 10 explode tho boilers by
steam pressure they being bus little injured by the
severe test WHICH ,ney underwent. BY tnis means
the difference between The action b! steam and n.y.
drostauc pressure Will be ascertained. Ali the gen
rieneL present were unanimous IN the opinion mat
fsC,s such az were developed By these experiments
were Low wanted By the engineering word