The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1905-10-13

ton, it is necessary to heat the oil to
the flash point which has never been
less than 114o Fair. since the Iwilei
tanks have been used. Especial care
has been taken to prevent saturation
of the ground i'm the vicinity Of the
Tanks with oil, and there is no HgAkage
or saturation of the ground visible
about the tanks.
AS to danger of fire communicating
from one tank to another: We were
informed that connections exists be-
tween all tanks of the respective COM
panies, and in case of fire i'm any par
ticular one, as only the oil on the sur
face burns and the heat from the igni-
ton does not appreciably extend below
the surface, the contents of the burn
ing tank up to say two feet of the sur
face could be quickly drawn off from
its bottom to another without danger
and the fire shall be confined to a lin
tied quantity of oil in the burning tank.
Interesting experiments illustrating
above points can be readily made, viz:
a fire brand thrust into a bucket of oil
from the tanks would be extingushed.
a small tin containing this oil heated
TO the flash limit and the vapor ignitei
can be held in the hand and say two
thirds of the contents allowed to burn
without discomfort.
PUMPS.
Oil is used for fuel in the Union Cos
pump, while an electric motor has been
installed by the Pacific Co. The latter
is preferable, as it minimizes danger
from fire.
RESTRICTIONS AS TO DISCHARGE
OF OIL FROM SHIPS.
We find that oil ships discharge at an
open wharf used especially for that
purpose, and do not endanger other
cargo. AS to open lights we are inform
ed that the requirements of the oil COM
panies of their vessels are strict, but
we would suggest a harbor regulation
covering this point.
We find that double gate valves exist
as recommended by the Underwriters:
also, that instead of male and female
couplings, flange couplings with bolts
and lead or copper gaskets are used,
which are considered equally as effect
i've to prevent leakage as the male and
female couplings.
The pipe line is only partially buried:
the oil companies claiming that it can
be more readily inspected in this man
ner. The Pacific Co.'S line where above
surface is covered with a roof
In a general way your committee We're
impressed with the orderly appearance
of the tanks and property, and the evil
dence of care to guard against fire or
accidents.
While the actual danger from fire
and the damage which would follow
contiagration in the tanks are largely
matter of conjecture, we believe that
every possible precaution should be TAX
EN- to safeguard shipping and property
interests, avoiding unreasonable re-
quirements from the oil companies who
have made an investment of some S1S5.-
600 at Iwilei, after securing the ap-
proval of this site by the Department
Of Public Works. This site with proper
precautions is as good as any avail
able for receiving and delivering oil
in bulk.
The trend of the land is toward the
quarantine island, and flow from the
tanks would probably be towards Ka-
lihi basin, which, outside of the pros
pective use for shipping, is connected
by channel with Honolulu harbor.
% We recommend that the oil COM
panies promptly arrange to throw up
an earthen embankment, as specified
by the Board of Fire Underwriters ON
the mud flats makai of the present oil
site This land is controlled by the
Oahu Railroad & Land Co. and the
DoWsett CO., Ltd, who might consent
TO the erection of such an embankment
While the property remains unimproved.
In case of use, which would involve fill
ing i'm, special action to suit the condi-
tons would then have to be taken.
CD We ihrther recommend the re-
moval of the wooden residence from
the oil companies Enclosure. On this
point it was shown that no fires were
used i'm existing building and great
care was taken, but we consider this
recommendation necessary, as pre-
cautionary measure.
CD We further recommend that no
sore oil than the present capacity of
the tanks, say 10000, 900 gallons be
stored on present Iwilei site.
90 We further recommend the con-
struction of walls and bitches, as be-
fore explained, around the oil COM
panies' site.
COD We further recommend that the
Union Company use electric power in
stead of oil for their pump.
CD We further recommend that
there be harbor or other authoritative
regulation, prohibiting open lights on
ships discharging oil i'm bulk.
Cd We find that the majority of
disasters abroad from oil have result
ed from ignition of the gases generated
by low test products, and we recon-
mend that Legislative action be again
sought to raise the flash test of crude
petroleum in this Territory from 1902 to
say 1902 Far.
ON this point we would quote as fol-
lows:
Letter dated March gath 1905 from
local inspector Of boilers, San Fran
cisco, to National OIL TRANSFORMATION