Chapter IV: Part 4

Some rents took place at the under side of the shell, allowing the central portion to open out and blow away. The portion containing the dome was thrown to the left, and the other to the right. The front end, with 3 rings of the shell, with the tubes and back end, were but little moved from their original position. The tubes were dented in on the top and bottom, by the fall of some large coping stones upon them, but the crowns of the furnaces were uninjured, and there was no sign of shortness of water or overheating.

Extensive corrosion on the under side of the shell, where it rested on the brickwork, had so reduced the strength, that it was unable to bear the working pressure.

In the sketch the fragments are drawn so as to show their position when in the boiler.

_No. 51. Newark. September 21st. none injured._

One tube Cornish. The tube collapsed from shortness of water, and the escape of the steam and water blew off the door frame.

_No. 52. Ashton. September 23rd. 1 injured._

Plain Cylindrical Boiler, 7ft. long, and 2ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 30 lbs.

The upper part of the boiler at the first ring of plates was torn off, and the front end was blown out.

Extensive external corrosion, where the plates rested against the brickwork, rendered the boiler too weak to bear the ordinary pressure.

_No. 53. Norwich. (Fig. 23.) September 25th. 7 killed._

One Tube Cornish, 20ft. long, 4ft. 6in. diameter, tube 2ft. 6in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 100 lbs. It was double-rivetted, and the crown of tube was strengthened with angle iron. The shell was formed of six rings, each of two plates alternately jointed top and sides. The third ring from the front had stripped off, and was thrown to the right and forwards against a wall. The line of rent was confined to the plates forming the ring, which was an outer one, and covered the two adjoining rings in the laps, the rent being from the edge of the inner lap to the nearest rivets. The first rent had taken place in the solid iron, about 1 inch from the rivets of a seam on one side, and from this the rent had extended along the seams on either side, and of course the whole ring soon tore off when the equilibrium was destroyed by the first rent.

The fittings of the boiler were sufficient, except that there was only one safety valve, and that was so constructed that it could only open a very little way.

The cause was a defect in the iron at the point of the first rent, and accumulated pressure during the time of standing.

_No. 54. Macclesfield. September 25th. none injured._

Multitubular Boiler, with large internal fireplace, 60 lbs.

The furnace crown became overheated from shortness of water, and was crushed down and torn across two seams. The boiler was lifted from its seat and thrown back against a stone wall.

_No. 55. Chelmsford. October 5th. 1 killed, 7 injured._

Agricultural, 45 lbs., and had only just been set to work.

The crown plate to the fire-box was so deeply corroded from long wear that it gave way, and the issuing contents scalded those near.

_No. 56. Greenwich. (Fig. 24.) October 8th. 2 killed, 2 injured._

Marine, 16ft. long, slightly oval, front end flat, 8ft. 6in. wide, 7ft. 10in. high, and the dimensions of the back hemispherical end were 2ft. less each way, 3/8 inch plates, 26 lbs. There were two internal fireplaces, of irregular shape, uniting at the back into one flue of similar shape, which did not come to the front, but passed through the steam space, and out at the top of the boiler.

While the vessel was waiting to start, with steam up, the wing furnace of the starboard boiler collapsed on the wing side, as shown by the dotted lines, and allowed the steam and water to escape into the stoke hole.

The side of the furnace next the shell was rent along the edge of a longitudinal seam in a line, which was slightly nicked in the caulking. This rent extended about 5ft. 6in. from the front, and then at a cross seam it went along the line of rivets from the crown to the bottom of the furnace. Beyond this cross seam the furnace was collapsed, until it nearly touched the other side of the furnace, and the bulge died away towards the back end. There was also a rent in the lower part of the front of the shell, as shown in dotted line.

The cause of the explosion was the weakness of the shape of the flue, which was not stayed to the shell. It had evidently gradually been giving way some time before the explosion, and eventually collapsed at nearly the ordinary pressure. Symptoms of the same alteration of shape were noticed in the corresponding flue of the other boiler.

_No. 57. Liverpool. (Fig. 25.) October 9th. 7 killed, 1 injured._

Crane Boiler, 5ft. 6in. high, and 2ft. 6in. diameter, with internal conical fire-box, with two cross tubes and a chimney at the top, 1/4 inch plates, 75 lbs.

The outer shell of the boiler was rent into many pieces, leaving the central conical fireplace intact. The nature of the rents showed that the plate round the manhole, which was unstrengthened by a ring, had first given way, and all the other fractures had led away from that point. This is confirmed by the fact, that the manlid was thrown a good distance, with force enough to make its way through the timber walls of a cabin. The front plate divided into many pieces, and scattered right and left, while the back plate was thrown through a cabin in the opposite direction to the manhole.

The central flue showed a slight indication of overheating, but the construction was such that the upper portion passed through the steam space, and was always exposed to the action of the fire, without the protection of the contact of water. The manhole without a ring on its edge to strengthen the plate, and held in by two clamps, which caused additional strain when carelessly screwed up, was by far the weakest place. The engine was standing after a short time of working, and as the safety valve was very defective, and could be screwed down until tight, against almost any pressure, it is most probable that the pressure mounted much higher than usual, when the weakest part gave way, and led to the sudden tearing up and scattering of the whole fabric.

Faulty construction of both boiler and fittings, rendered it unable to bear that accumulated pressure, which the safety valve ought to have made impossible.

_No. 58. Durham. October 13th. 1 killed._

One Tube Cornish, 14ft. long, 6ft. diameter, internal flue 3ft. 3in., by 2ft. 10in., 3/8 inch plates, 27 lbs., standing on three saddles, with a bearing surface of 3ft. by 4 inches.

A portion of plate 20in. by 18in., at the bottom of the boiler, was so corroded that it was blown out, and the issuing contents scalded a man to death.

_No. 59. Bristol. (Fig. 26.) November 1st. 7 killed._

Two Marine Boilers exploded simultaneously. They were 16ft. long, 6ft. 6in. diameter at the flat front ends, and somewhat less at the hemispherical back ends. Each had two internal fireplaces, united in one flue, which returned nearly to the front and passed up through the steam space, and out at the top of shell into the funnel. The central fireplaces were not circular, and the outside fireplaces and the return flues were still more distorted, but the weakness of the shape was somewhat compensated for by stays between the tubes, and from the tubes to the shell. The mountings to the boiler were of the ordinary kind and efficient.

The under sides of the shells were so deeply corroded that they were rent longitudinally for their whole length, allowing the sides to open out and tear away from the front ends. Each shell fell at a considerable distance. The furnaces, with parts of the front ends attached, fell into the water, but except one of the side flues that was a little collapsed, they were uninjured. Small pieces of the front ends were thrown to a great distance. The sides of the vessel were so completely blown out that she sank.

The corrosion was no doubt caused by the leakage of the vessel, keeping the shells of the boilers constantly wet.

_No. 60. London. (Fig. 27.) November 3rd. none injured._

Agricultural, barrel was 3ft. 9in. long, and 2ft. 6in. diameter, 70 lbs. From the internal fire-box the heat passed through a number of 1-inch tubes to the front smoke box and chimney.

During a stoppage for breakfast, the fire-box end was torn from the barrel, and from the position of those fragments that could be found, the boiler appeared to have turned over. Part of the fire-box was sent through the stage upon which the boiler was travelling, and the barrel with the tubes remaining in it, first struck a rail which caused it to be dented in, and then rebounded to a point about 100 yards from its original position.

Enough of the fragments were not recovered from the river to trace the cause of the explosion, but it is presumed that, although when the boiler was left, only 20 lbs. pressure was shown by the gauge; the fire door being left closed, the pressure must have risen to a point much above the working pressure, and to more than the boiler could bear.

_No. 61. Bilston. (Fig. 28.) October 1st. none injured._

One Tube Cornish, 22ft. long, 6ft. diameter, tube 4ft. 6in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 12 lbs. There was an unusually large dome at the back end, 5ft. diameter, and the whole of the shell was cut out from under it, so that the construction was peculiarly weak.

The boiler had been off for cleaning, and steam was being got up in the night, and it was said that an extra pressure was caused by the stop valve being left closed, but it could not have been very great, or the large tube would have collapsed.

The dome was split in two, in the line marked in the sketch, owing to the extreme weakness of the shell at the juncture of the dome, and the shell was a little ruptured on each side of it, and so large a rent was suddenly made, that the contents of the boiler passed harmlessly into the air, without moving the boiler on its seat.

_No. 62. Preston. (Fig. 29.) November 11th. 1 killed, 1 injured._

_Fig. 29._]

One Tube Cornish, 16ft. 3in. long, and 5ft. 8in. diameter, tube 3ft. 1in. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 60 lbs.

The tube collapsed from end to end, from over-pressure, as the man in charge had fastened 3 bricks to the lever of the safety valve causing 27 lbs. extra pressure, under the impression that he could thus accumulate a quantity of steam during the night, to be available on commencing work on the morrow.

_No. 63. Tamworth. (Fig. 30.) November 20th. none injured._

Revolving Steam Chamber, 12ft. 6in. long, and 5ft. diameter, 12 lbs.

The manhole was large, to facilitate filling and emptying, and was rectangular and unstrengthened on the edges, and measured 3ft. 6in. in length, and 1ft. 6in. in width, and the lid fitted on the inside and was held by clamps.

The boiler was much out of repair, and a crack shown in sketch, from one corner of the manhole to the commencement of the hemispherical end was only temporarily prevented from leaking by a screw-patch, which did not restore the strength.

The explosion happened when in revolving, the manlid was downwards, and the lid was driven nearly through the floor, and the shell was rent from opposite corners of the manhole, and blown through the roof.

The large manhole cut away nearly all the strength on one side, and the fastenings of the lid were not contrived to compensate at all for the loss of strength. The constant strain when revolving, also tended to weaken it. These two causes together were sufficient to account for the explosion, at the usual working pressure of 12 lbs., although it is possible that it might have been increased to 35 lbs., as that was the pressure in the boiler supplying the steam, although the pressure was regulated by a check valve.

This explosion (and also No. 41 in this year) clearly show that a mere vessel of steam not exposed to the fire, or any chance of overheating of the plates, can burst and cause very great destruction, although there could be no sudden _increase of pressure_ which is so often supposed necessary to account for the havoc caused by explosions.

_No. 64. Manchester. November 26th. none injured._

This Boiler was 28ft. long, 7ft. diameter, made of 7/16 inch plates, and worked at 50 lbs. pressure, with two internal fireplaces united into one tube beyond.

The sides of the oval chamber forming the junction of furnaces and tube, crushed inwards, being of such a weak shape as to be unable to resist the ordinary working pressure.

_No. 65. Hull. (Fig. 31.) December 1st. 3 killed, 2 injured._

Agricultural, 7ft. 6in. long, and 3ft. 8in. diameter, 1/4 inch plates, 35 lbs., fire-box 2ft. long, and 2ft. 10in. broad. Two 11-1/2-inch tubes led to an internal chamber at the other end of the boiler, and three 8-1/4-inch tubes led back again to an external smoke box and chimney fixed over the fire door.

The bottom of the right hand side lower tube was forced upwards, and rent along to within 12 inches of the fire-box.

The tubes were so corroded from leakage of patches, that they were unable to bear the slight increase of pressure during a short stoppage.

_No. 66. Glasgow. December 4th. 2 killed, 6 injured._

Two Tube Cornish, 22ft. long, and 7ft. 6in. diameter, tubes 3ft. diameter, and strengthened with rings in the approved manner.

The second from the back of the seven rings, was ruptured at the bottom and torn off by a rent through the line of rivets on each side, and the boiler was thrown from its seat, and turned completely over, so as to lie in a contrary direction to what it was before.

Extensive corrosion, from leaking of the seams beneath the brickwork, where hidden from view, was the cause of explosion.

_No. 67. Willenhall. December 7th. none injured._

Plain Cylinder, with hemispherical ends, 9ft. long, 3ft. 3in. diameter, 20 lbs.

The boiler was rent all along one side, and the reaction of the issuing contents caused it to be thrown some yards away, and one of the ends became altogether detached, and flew to a considerable distance.

The plates were so thinned by corrosion, that they gave way on a very slight increase of pressure during a temporary stoppage of the engine.

_No. 68. Glasgow. December 12th. 1 killed, 1 injured._

This Boiler was 14ft. long, with hemispherical ends, and 7ft. diameter, 30 lbs.

The cause of the explosion was over-pressure and thinness of plates, wasted by corrosion.

_No. 69. Manchester. (Fig. 32.) December 15th. 5 injured._

Two Tube Cornish, 24ft. long, 6ft. 6in. diameter, tubes 2ft. 8in. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 50 lbs. The boiler was fired in each of the tubes in the ordinary way, and also the heat from two furnaces passed from the back, one on each side of the outside shell.

Both the internal furnaces collapsed, until the crowns almost touched the fire bars, as shown in dotted lines, but without fracture. The back of the shell, on the right side, had evidently been overheated, and had rent along the centre of a bulge, and this rent had extended along the line of rivets of the transverse seam on each side, allowing two rings of the plates of the shell to open out flat as shown. There was a bulge on the plate, on the right side of shell, corresponding with the one which parted on the opposite side.

The cause of the explosion was overheating of the plates from shortness of water.

_No. 70. Aberdeen. December 24th. 1 injured._

No particulars have been obtained.

BOILER EXPLOSIONS IN 1867.

_No. 1. Hull. January 2nd. 1 killed, 1 injured._

A small Boiler to heat a bath. It exploded, causing great damage, because the connecting pipes were frozen. All such boilers should have a proper safety valve.

_No. 2. Durham. (Fig. 1.) January 2nd. 3 killed, 3 injured._

Plain Cylinder, 33ft. long, 6ft. diameter, 33 lbs. pressure. Only set two days, but was old and deteriorated, and had worked before at another place. It had been turned 1/4 round, and old fitting-holes stopped. First rent was supposed to be in a seam at front end, over the fire. Main portion of shell was driven back, and front end forward, and torn in its flight. The cause of explosion was, that the seam in front was overheated and injured, and also incautious working without a steam gauge.

_No. 3. Sheffield. (Fig. 2.) January 2nd. 1 killed, 4 injured._

One Tube externally fired, 30ft. long, 6ft. 6in. diameter, with dished ends. Tube 2ft. 9in. diameter, slightly oval. Pressure 60 lbs. Tube collapsed sideways from end to end, because it was not strengthened by hoops or other means, which were the more needed, because it was slightly oval, and the longitudinal seams were nearly in one line.

_No. 4. Preston. January 3rd. 1 killed._

Boiler for heating apparatus. Fire was lighted without noticing that as there was no safety valve, and that all escape of steam was prevented by the connecting pipes being frozen.

_No. 5. Westerham. January 5th. 1 killed._

Cast-iron Boiler for heating water for a horse shower bath, fixed behind an ordinary fireplace. Burst and caused great damage, owing to the pipes being frozen. There was no safety valve.

_No. 6. Barr. January 9th. 1 killed, 3 injured._

Kitchen Boiler, which burst because the supply pipes were stopped by frost, and there was no safety valve.

_No. 7. London. January 11th. 1 killed._

Cornish, 12ft. long, 4ft. 6in. diameter, tube 2ft. 4in. diameter, pressure 40 lbs. Small piece of plate was blown out near the bottom, and the boiler was displaced by the reaction of issuing contents. The cause of explosion was extensive external corrosion on the lower part.

_No. 8. Preston. January 16th. none injured._

Kitchen Boiler. Burst and did great damage, because pipes were frozen preventing escape of steam. There was no safety valve.

_No. 9. Brechin. January 23rd. 1 killed._

Kitchen Boiler. Fire had been out some days, and the boiler burst soon after re-kindling it and did much damage, because the supply pipes were stopped by frost, and there was no safety valve for escape of steam.

_No. 10. Sunderland. (Fig. 3.) January 26th. 3 injured._

Plain Cylinder, 30ft. long, 6ft. 2in. diameter. Pressure 30 to 35 lbs. Rent into four pieces, which were flattened out and scattered on to other boilers, but are arranged in sketch so as to show their original position in the boiler. It had worked a very long time, and was overheated and injured along the fractured line.

_No. 11. Exeter. (Fig. 4.) January 30th. 2 killed, 2 injured._

Elephant Boiler, 16ft. long, 5ft. diameter, tubes 1ft. 10in. diameter, 45 lbs. pressure. Flat end blew out, throwing boiler upwards by reaction, but shell and tubes were not injured. The flat end was not sufficiently stayed, having only one stay-rod to the centre, the bolt of which was broken.

_No. 12. Glasgow. February 8th. 1 killed, 4 injured._

Small Boiler to 6-horse power engine. Gave way at centre of furnace, and water forced out at both ends, and it was suspected that the water was low.

_No. 13. Sheffield. (Fig. 5.) February 11th. 4 injured._

Cornish, about 30ft. long. Tubes 3ft. unstayed. Tube collapsed sideways, and was rent from grate bars to end, without injuring front plates or shell. It was said to be short of water, but most likely the true cause was the weakness of the tube.

_No. 14. Manchester. February 15th. none injured._

Two flued, 28ft. long, 6ft. 9in. diameter, slightly oval; plates 3/8 inch; tube 2ft. 8in. diameter, pressure 45 lbs. Shell had once been externally fired. Rent along the seams which were in one line, and a large piece of the plate blew away, leaving tubes uninjured. The cause of explosion was defective form and worn out state of shell.

_No. 15. Weymouth. (Fig. 6.) March 12th. 1 killed, 3 injured._

Agricultural, 45 lbs. pressure. Fire-box blew off, and the outer shell separated from it. The cause of explosion was over-pressure from the safety valve being screwed down.

_No. 16. Lynn. (Fig. 7.) March 19th. 8 killed, 4 injured._

Agricultural, 45 lbs. pressure. Fire-box and tubes blew out. The cause of explosion was over-pressure, as the safety valve was tied down with string.

_No. 17. Blackbraes. March 23rd. 3 killed, 1 injured._

Colliery Boiler, 30 lbs. pressure. Rent in two while the engine was standing, but no details obtained.

_No. 18. Barnsley. (Fig. 8.) March 29th. 2 killed, 2 injured._

Small plain Cylinder, with ends nearly flat, 4ft. 7in. long, 2ft. 4in. diameter, plates 3/16 inch. No emptying plug or feed-pipe, and only a very small hand-hole. Front end attached by slight angle iron, which gave way, leaving the shell unmoved. The cause of explosion was the internal corrosion of front end owing to very bad water being used. The plates were reduced to a knife edge in line of fracture.

_No. 19. Cornwall. (Fig. 9.) April 10th. 1 killed, 1 injured._

Cornish, one tube 32ft. long, 6ft. diameter, tube 3ft. 10in. diameter, plates 3/8 inch, pressure 25 to 40 lbs. It was 20 years old, but just repaired and reset. Furnace tube failed and collapsed from one end to the other, except about 4 feet of front, owing to its weakness, being unstrengthened by hoops or cross tubes.

_No. 20. Belfast. (Fig. 10.) April 20th. 1 killed, 2 injured._

Plain Cylinder, 6ft. long, 2ft. 5in. diameter, plates 1/4 inch, pressure 90 lbs. The end blew out from excessive pressure, as the escape from the safety valve was prevented by a plug in the exit pipe.

_No. 21. Birmingham. (Fig. 11.) May 9th. 2 injured._

Plain Cylinder, 3ft. 2in. long, 1ft. 8in. diameter, plates 5/16 inch, pressure 30 lbs. Workmanship and material very inferior. Piece of top ripped out from manhole and allowed manlid to blow out through manhole. The cause of the explosion was, the large manhole and over-pressure. The safety valve was too small, and very roughly made.

_No. 22. Hartlepool. (Fig. 12.) May 10th. 1 killed, 1 injured._

Locomotive, 130 lbs. pressure. Barrel blown away and broken to pieces, leaving fire and smoke boxes. The cause of explosion was supposed to be the strain on the boiler caused by its being made a stay to the frame without allowance for expansion, and thereby weakening a horizontal seam.

_No. 23. Newark. (Fig. 13.) May 18th. 4 injured._

Cornish, one tube 20ft. 6in. long, 5ft. 4-1/2in. diameter, tube 3ft. diameter, plates 3/8 inch, pressure 64 lbs. The ends came out and tube collapsed for its full length, every joint being broken. The cause of explosion was bad construction and workmanship, and tube too weak for pressure.

_No. 24. Tamworth. (Fig. 14.) June 4th. 2 killed._

Two tube, externally fired, 30ft. long, 7ft. diameter, tubes 2ft. 4in. diameter, pressure 50 lbs. Two plates lately put in bottom gave way, and shell rent along bottom and opened out, dividing into several pieces, which were scattered to great distances, but are arranged in sketch so as to show their original position. The cause of explosion was too frequent repair over the fireplace, and external firing.

_No. 25. Dudley. (Fig. 15.) July 10th. 1 killed, 2 injured._

Balloon, 22ft. diameter, pressure 5 lbs. Bottom blew out and was torn in pieces. Main portion of shell fell over on to another boiler. The cause of explosion was deep corrosion along the bottom where it rested on the brickwork.

_No. 26. Batley. (Fig. 16.) July 11th. 3 killed, 3 injured._

One tube Cornish, 26ft. long, 8ft. 10-1/2in. diameter, tube 5ft. diameter, for 8ft. 6in. of front end, tapering to 4ft. diameter at back, pressure 30 lbs. Rent along bottom, allowing central ring of plates to open out. The whole boiler was thrown some distance by the reaction of issuing contents. The cause of explosion was corrosion at mid-feather wall, the plates being little thicker than paper.

_No. 27. Rotherham. (Fig. 17.) July 13th. none injured._

Two tube Cornish, 31ft. long, 7ft. diameter, tube 2ft. 7in., tapering to 2ft., pressure 55 lbs. Left hand tube collapsed, and about the centre of collapse, plate was torn in two pieces from seam to seam. The cause of explosion was overheating, because the water was being let low before all the fire was out.

_No. 28. Bilton. (Fig. 18.) July 24th. 1 injured._

Locomotive. Side-plate in the upper part of high top fire-box blew away. The cause of explosion was most likely the boiler being made the frame of the engine without allowance for expansion.

_No. 29. Ecclesfield. August 5th. 1 killed, 2 injured._

Full particulars were not obtained, but the steam and hot water were allowed to come in from a neighbouring boiler through the blow-off pipe while the men were cleaning.

_No. 30. Belfast. (Fig. 19.) August 27th. 7 killed, 3 injured._

Cornish, 18ft. long, 4ft. 9in. diameter, tube 1ft. 6in. diameter, plates 3/8 inch, pressure 50 lbs. There were no stays. End plate blew out while being caulked at a jump joint in back angle iron. The cause of explosion was bad construction and want of stays, and also want of proper care in working.

_No. 31. Plashetts. September 2nd. 2 injured._

Locomotive, but no details obtained.

_No. 32. Ashton. September 9th. none injured._

Two flued, 40 lbs. pressure. The cast-iron mouth-piece of manhole fractured from insufficient strength, and allowed lid and upper flange to blow off.

_No. 33. Blackburn. October 4th. 4 injured._

Water Heater, made of large bottle-shaped pipes placed in the flue. The force of explosion caused the neighbouring boilers to be unseated. No details have been obtained as to the cause of the explosion.

_No. 34. London. (Fig. 20.) October 7th. 1 killed._

One tube Cornish, 11ft. long, 4ft. diameter, plates 3/8 inch, tube 2ft. 1-1/2in. diameter, pressure 50 lbs. Gave way underneath. Top thrown upwards. Front part and tube thrown to the front. The cause of the explosion was extensive corrosion at the bottom where it touched the walls.

_No. 35. Preston. October 31st. none injured._

Cornish, 26ft. long, 5ft. 6in. diameter, tube 2ft. 11in. diameter, plates 3/8 inch. Pressure 30 lbs. Tube collapsed for want of proper strengthening hoops, blowing out back end, and throwing boiler forward.

_No. 36. Durham. (Fig. 21.) November 3rd. 1 killed, 1 injured._

Plain Cylinder, 19ft. long, 6ft. diameter, pressure 40 lbs. It was 36 years old, and iron deteriorated and also much patched. The cause of explosion was over-pressure for so old a boiler.

_No. 37. Bradford. (Fig. 22.) November 6th. 2 killed, 3 injured._

Agricultural, wagon-shaped, 6ft. 5in. long, 3ft. high, 2ft. 4in. wide, plates 3/8 inch, pressure 50 lbs. Upper portion of barrel blew off. The cause of the explosion was over-pressure from locked safety valve and defective construction.

_No. 38. Sheffield. (Fig. 23.) November 7th. 1 injured._

Plain Cylinder, 12ft. 3in. long, 3ft. 11in. diameter, pressure 20 lbs., flat front, and round back end. Main portion thrown back and front forward. Front torn all round the root of angle iron, and stay rivets drawn through flat end. The cause of explosion was weakness of construction of flat end, and bad safety valve, which could have been loaded to 60 lbs.

_No. 39. Langley Mill. (Fig. 24.) November 11th. 3 killed, 10 injured._

Plain Cylinder, 40ft. long, 5ft. diameter, plates 7/16 inch, pressure 45 to 50 lbs. Parted at third seam, and front thrown forward and main portion backwards. The cause of explosion was a seam-rip of old standing near patch at place of first rupture.

_No. 40. Bradford. (Fig. 25.) November 14th. 4 killed, 3 injured._

Breeches tube 25ft. 6in. long, 7ft. 6in. diameter, plates 7/16 inch, pressure 30 lbs. Front end and fire-grate tubes and taper junction were thrown to the front in one piece. Main shell not injured. Back part of tube remained in boiler. Bottom part of taper junction where flattened to receive the two fire tubes, collapsed upwards. The cause of explosion was the want of proper stays or strengthening tubes, and consequent weakness. There was only one safety valve of small size.

_No. 41. Chippenham. (Fig. 26.) November 21st. 3 killed, 2 injured._

One tube Cornish, 11ft. long, 5ft. diameter, pressure 44 lbs. Tube gave way at an old crack at back of strap-plate and partially collapsed.

_No. 42. Dudley. (Fig. 27.) November 27th. 1 killed._

Plain Cylinder, 25ft. long, 6ft. diameter, plates 7/16 inch, pressure 50 lbs. Had been a one tube Cornish, but tube had been taken out, leaving flat ends. Back end was blown out. Main shell thrown forwards. The cause of explosion was weakness of construction in not sufficiently strengthening the flat end to compensate for loss of tube.

_No. 43. Shields. (Fig. 28.) December 7th. none injured._

One tube Cornish, 28ft. long, 6ft. diameter, tube 4ft. diameter, plates 3/8 inch. Pressure 28 lbs. Tube collapsed for the whole length, but no particulars of the cause obtained.

_No. 44. Belfast. December 14th. 2 killed._

Some repair had been done to a Boiler, and a blank flange used to stop off the steam was being removed without shutting the stop-valves to the other boilers, and the joint blew out when the bolts were loosened.

_No. 45. Manchester. (Fig. 29.) December 23rd. 6 killed, 4 injured._

One tube Cornish, 18ft. long, 6ft. diameter, tube 3ft. 2in. diameter, plates 3/8 inch. Pressure 25 lbs. Rent along bottom, and two rings of plates blown away, but tube and ends not much injured. The cause of explosion was extensive corrosion on the part resting on the mid-feather wall.

_No. 46. Barnsley. (Fig. 30.) December 28th. 1 killed._

Balloon, 11ft. 6in. diameter, and 11ft. 6in. high, plates 3/8 inch. Bottom domed up 3ft. 6in. over fire; ordinary pressure 8 lbs. Boiler had worked two days at 25 lbs. pressure, but safety valve loaded to 16 lbs. The cause of explosion was undue pressure for an old boiler of such weak shape.

_No. 47. Leeds. (Fig. 31.) December 30th. 2 injured._

Two tube Cornish, 22ft. long, 7ft. 2in. diameter, tubes 2ft. 7in. diameter, pressure 15 lbs. Rent along bottom, and shell blown away, leaving tubes and ends nearly uninjured. The cause of explosion was, that the bottom was corroded to a knife edge all along the mid-feather wall.

_No. 48. Shields. (Fig. 32.) December 31st. 2 killed, 1 injured._

Plain Cylinder, 30ft. long, 4ft. 6in. diameter, plates 3/8 inch, pressure 29 lbs. Rent over fire near where a new plate had lately been put in. Front part of shell opened out and rent, and back end blew away in one piece. The cause of explosion was deterioration from 20 years' wear, and bad management.

BOILER EXPLOSIONS IN 1868.

_No. 1. Newcastle. (Fig. 1.) January 13th. none injured._

One of three. Plain Cylinder, 27ft. long, 5ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 35 lbs. pressure. The boiler was much torn up, and all the fragments thrown to the front of their original position. The cause of the explosion was that the boiler was very old and much deteriorated, so that it was unable to bear the ordinary pressure. The longitudinal arrangement of the plates, and the entrance of the feed directly on the bottom, no doubt contributed to the weakness.

_No. 2. Glasgow. January 27th. 1 killed, 5 injured._

One of four. Kier or steam chamber, and not used for generating steam. It was 8ft. 6in. high, 6ft. 6in. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 40 lbs. pressure. It was rent from top to bottom, owing to inferior iron and workmanship.

_No. 3. Sheffield. (Fig. 2.) January 28th. 1 killed._

One of four. One tube Cornish, 26ft. 4in. long, 6ft. 6in. diameter. Tube 3ft. 9in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 15 lbs. pressure. The dotted line shows outside shell of boiler. The tube collapsed from end to end while the steam was being raised, owing to the weakness of so large a tube without strengthening rings.

_No. 4. London. (Fig. 3.) January 29th. 1 killed._

One tube Cornish, 18ft. 3in. long, 4ft. 10in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates. Tube 3ft. diameter, 5/16 inch plates. In sketch the external shell is shown in outline to allow the tube to be seen. The tube collapsed owing to shortness of water, and rent open at one seam, allowing the contents to issue violently, although the boiler itself was not disturbed.

_No. 5. Bolton. (Fig. 4.) January 31st. 1 injured._

Locomotive, 90 lbs. Sketch shows interior view of fire-box with front removed. The left side of the copper fire-box burst inwards owing to the plate in line of fracture being corroded to less than 1/8 inch.

_No. 6. Stoke. (Fig. 5.) February 6th. none injured._

One of three. One tube Cornish, with two external fire grates with a water tube over each fire. It was 30ft. 2in. long, 6ft. diameter. Tube 3ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 40 lbs. pressure. External shell is shown in dotted lines to allow of the tubes being seen. The tube had formerly been placed rather higher in the boiler. The tube collapsed sideways, having become overheated from shortness of water. The boiler itself was but little disturbed.

_No. 7. Kelso. (Fig. 6.) February 11th. none injured._

One tube Cornish, 9ft. 9in. long, 4ft. 6in. diameter. Tube 2ft. 3in. diameter, 5/16 inch plates, 30 lbs. pressure. The boiler rent open at the bottom, and was thrown a considerable distance by the reaction of the issuing contents. The plates along the bottom were reduced by corrosion to 1/16 inch where in contact with the brickwork, so that the boiler was unable to bear the usual working pressure.

_No. 8. Durham. (Fig. 7.) February 12th. 2 killed, 1 injured._

One of four. External shell is shown in dotted lines in sketch, to allow the tubes to be seen. It was 20ft. long, 7ft. diameter, 40 lbs. pressure. The two internal fire grates in the flues were 2ft. 8in. diameter, which joined at the back with a central return flue to a chimney passing out of the top of the boiler. The sides of flues were flattened to allow them to be packed closer together, and especially the central return flue, which was flattened on both sides, and thus rendered so weak that the left side collapsed and allowed the contents of the boiler to issue, blowing out the grate on the left side.

_No. 9. Halifax. (Fig. 8.) March 3rd. none injured._

Plain Cylinder, with flat ends, 18ft. 6in. long, 3ft. 11in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 50 lbs. pressure. The back end gave way at the root of the angle iron all round, and was thrown 60 yards to the rear. The boiler was forced forward, and tilted up by the reaction of the issuing contents, and forced through a wall. The cause of explosion was the want of sufficient stays to the flat end.

_No. 10. Newcastle. (Fig. 9.) April 4th. 1 killed, 4 injured._

One of four. Plain Cylinder, 28ft. long, 6ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 30 lbs. pressure. The boiler was much torn and scattered, and much damage was done. The plates were improperly arranged longitudinally. The boiler gave way at a patch lately put on, and had become so deteriorated by nearly 30 years' wear, that it was unable to bear the usual pressure.

_No. 11. Aberdeen. April 7th. 1 killed._

Two tube Cornish, 6ft. diameter. Few particulars have been obtained. The upper part of front end was blown out and did considerable damage. Most likely this was for want of proper stays.

_No. 12. April 15th. 1 injured._

One of four. One tube Cornish, 15ft. long, 4ft. 7in. diameter. Tube 2ft. 8in. diameter, 1/4 inch plates, 60 lbs. pressure. The tube collapsed and rent open near the bridge, owing to its weakness with such thin plates and no strengthening rings.

_No. 13. Cornwall. May 1st. 1 killed._

No details obtained. One tube Cornish. Tube collapsed, owing to its weakness without strengthening rings.

_No. 14. Cornwall. May 9th. none injured._

Few particulars obtained. One tube Cornish, 34ft. long. Tube 4ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 40 lbs. pressure. Tube collapsed owing to its weakness without strengthening rings.

_No. 15. Oldham. May 11th. 1 killed, 1 injured._

A very small plain cylinder, 3ft. 5in. long, 1ft. 8in. diameter, 1/4 inch plates, 45 lbs. pressure. It burst at a faulty place at the lower part of the back, on the left hand side, allowing the hot water to issue, but the boiler was not much disturbed.

_No. 16. Bristol. May 11th. 1 killed._

Marine. Single internal fire grate, with small return tube, 7ft. 9in. long, 5ft. 4in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, tube 2ft. 7in. diameter, 1/4 inch plates, 62 lbs. pressure. Tube collapsed and rent open owing to its weak, corroded, and deteriorated condition, and the contents issued so violently, as to cause much damage to the boat.

_No. 17. Hull. (Fig. 10.) May 12th. 2 killed, 2 injured._

One of two. Plain Cylinder, 4ft. 9in. long, 3ft. diameter, 1/4 inch plates, 25 lbs. pressure. This was a second-hand boiler, and rent into several pieces just after being put to work, owing to its having become thinned to 1/8 inch by corrosion.

_No. 18. Coatbridge. May 15th. 1 injured._

Plain Cylinder, flat ends, 15ft. long, 5ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 30 lbs. pressure. The back end blew out and caused considerable damage, and the boiler was thrown some distance. The end was very insufficiently stayed.

_No. 19. Gravesend. (Fig. 11.) May 28th. 2 killed._

One of two. Marine, 13ft. 5in. long, 7ft. 2in. diameter, 5/16 inch plates, 25 lbs. pressure. The fire was in two internal furnace tubes united at the back, and the flame was returned to the front by four smaller tubes. The furnace tubes were of exceedingly weak shape as the sides followed the curve of the shell, but were not attached to it by proper stays, so that the left hand tube collapsed upwards, and one seam rent open and allowed the contents to violently escape. It is probable there may have been greater pressure than usual at the time, but the furnaces without stays were unsafe, even at the ordinary pressure.

_No. 20. Durham. (Fig. 12.) June 8th. 2 killed._

One of eight. Plain Cylinder, 30ft. long, 6ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 35 lbs. pressure. The plates were arranged longitudinally. Boiler had worked 27 years, and was much deteriorated, and gave way at an old fracture over the grate, and was torn into 4 pieces, which were thrown a great distance.

_No. 21. Huddersfield. (Fig. 13.) June 20th. 1 killed, 6 injured._

One tube Cornish, 24ft. long, 6ft. diameter. Tube 3ft. 3in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 40 lbs. pressure. The seams were arranged diagonally, but the rents had not followed the seams, but had torn the plates. The shell gave way where extensive corrosion had reduced the plates to 1/8 inch in thickness, and all the shell was blown off, and the tube thrown over and turned end for end.

_No. 22. June 22nd. none injured._

Two tube Cornish, 27ft. long, 7ft. 6in. diameter. Tube 3ft. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 70 lbs. pressure. Left hand tube collapsed from end to end owing to its weakness without strengthening rings.

_No. 23. Halifax. July 9th. 6 injured._

Two tube Cornish, 20ft. long, 6ft. 3in. diameter. Tube 2ft. 3in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 55 lbs. pressure. The shell was blown completely off, leaving the tubes and ends intact. The bottom was extensively corroded, so that the strength of the boiler was so reduced as not to be able to bear the usual pressure.

_No. 24. Wrexham. (Fig. 14.) July 9th. 2 injured._

Two Furnace Upright, 22ft. high, 8ft. 10in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 14 lbs. pressure. Small piece was blown out of the bottom, and the issuing contents disturbed the brickwork surrounding the boiler. The plate was corroded to a knife edge in the line of fracture, from the leaking of the adjacent blow-pipe joint.

_No. 25. Dundee. July 13th. 1 killed, 1 injured._

Two tube Cornish, 28ft. 6in. long, 7ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates. Tube 2ft. 2in. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 40 lbs. pressure. Both furnaces collapsed, and ruptured from overheating through shortness of water.

_No. 26. Halifax. July 14th. 3 injured._

Locomotive, 10ft. 9in. long, 4ft. diameter, 1/2 inch plates, 130 lbs. pressure. Nearly all the barrel was blown away. The inside was very much corroded, and there was a deep furrow at the line of first rupture, caused by the alteration in form of the boiler in the strain of working. This is usually obviated by substituting butt for lap joints, so that the pressure does not tend to alter the circular shape of barrel.

_No. 27. Limerick. July 21st. 2 killed, 1 injured._

Locomotive. Few particulars are obtained. The connecting rod broke, and the loose end attached to the crank pierced the boiler, and allowed the contents to issue and scald those near.

_No. 28. Hanley. (Fig. 15.) July 31st. 1 killed._

One of three. Plain Cylinder, 36ft. 9in. long, 5ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 50 lbs. pressure. The boiler parted at a seam over the fire bridge. The front end was thrown upwards and to a considerable distance to the front. The back part of the boiler was forced backwards. The first rent took place at a seam-rip at the ruptured seam, and the boiler exploded while the fire was being drawn in order to repair the faulty place.

_No. 29. Easter Ross. August 8th. 2 killed, 3 injured._

Agricultural. It exploded while travelling, by its own steam power. The engine had stuck fast, and extra pressure of steam was raised to try and extricate it. The boiler was torn in pieces, and scattered to a great distance.

_No. 30. Bilston. (Fig. 16.) August 17th. 1 killed._

One of two. Plain Cylinder, 30ft. long, 5ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 46 lbs. pressure. The boiler gave way on the side where the plates were overheated by the water being too low, and the front part of the shell was flattened out and thrown some distance to the rear, as its course was influenced by its remaining attached to the rest of the boiler as by a hinge; while the front end was rent into several pieces, and the back end was thrown also to the rear and rolled down a declivity into a stream.

_No. 31. Liverpool. (Fig. 17.) August 20th. 7 killed, 5 injured._

Two Furnace Chimney Boiler, 42ft. 4in. high, 6ft. 9in. diameter, 1/2 inch plates, 50 lbs. pressure. Nearly half the bottom plate was blown out, and the issuing contents found their way into the furnace and increased the damage. The line of rupture near where it joined the shell was corroded almost to a knife edge, which so reduced its strength as to make it unable to bear the usual working pressure of steam, in addition to that of the column of water in the boiler.

_No. 32. Accrington. August 31st. 1 killed._

A Kier or Steam Bleaching Chamber, somewhat like No. 2, and not used for generating steam, 9ft. high, 8ft. diameter, 1/2 inch plates, 50 lbs. pressure. The bottom blew out, and the shell was torn to pieces. The cause of explosion was weakness of the ruptured end, and want of care in working.

_No. 33. Birmingham. September 11th. 1 killed, 1 injured._

Two tube Cornish. The manlid was wrongly fixed outside with internal clamps. It was being screwed up tighter to stop leaking when the bolt broke, and the lid came off and allowed the contents of the boiler to escape.

_No. 34. Greatbridge. (Fig. 18.) September 21st. none injured._

One of four. One tube, externally fired, 18ft. 6in. long, 6ft. 6in. diameter. Tube 3ft. diameter, 1/2 inch plates, 40 lbs. pressure. In sketch the shell is shown in dotted lines to allow the tube to be seen. The tube collapsed from end to end and ruptured at two seams, and the contents issued so violently as to knock down the brickwork and displace the boiler. The tube was in a very weak and corroded condition, and unable to bear the usual working pressure.

_No. 35. Moxley. (Fig. 19.) September 28th. 13 killed, 2 injured._

One of four. Four Furnace Upright, 22ft. high, 10ft. 6in. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 40 lbs. pressure. The boiler was rent into nine pieces, one of which was not found. The dotted line in sketch shows the outline of the boiler before explosion, and the fragments are arranged as nearly as possible in their original position. The first rent was at a seam-rip opposite the largest furnace, from whence the rupture opened in every direction. This seam-rip must have existed some time before explosion, and must have extended from rivet to rivet, until the boiler was so much weakened as to be unable to bear the usual pressure.

_No. 36. Winsford. September 30th. 1 killed._

Plain Cylinder. Few particulars obtained. The end over the fire burst open and allowed the contents to escape. A thick accumulation of scale on the bottom had caused the plate to become overheated by preventing proper contact of the water.

_No. 37. Elsecar. (Fig. 20.) October 2nd. 2 killed._

One of four. Two Furnace Upright, 21ft. high, 7ft. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 58 lbs. pressure. A large piece of plate was blown out of the side of the boiler, and the reaction of the issuing contents threw the boiler over on to its side. The plate was said to be overheated from shortness of water, but as the centre tubes were uninjured, the ruptured plate may have become overheated from the intense heat impinging on one place, causing so rapid a generation of steam as to prevent proper contact of water.

_No. 38. Glasgow. October 12th. 1 killed, 1 injured._

Plain Cylinder, 39ft. long, 5ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates. A small piece of plate about one-and-half-feet area blew out of the bottom, and the contents issued so violently as to do much damage, although the boiler itself was not otherwise injured. The ruptured plate was corroded, to 1/16 inch thickness by the leaking of seams, caused by the feed water entering close to the bottom of the boiler.

_No. 39. Swansea. October 13th. 2 killed, 1 injured._

One of twenty-four. One tube Cornish, worked by two furnaces, 23ft. long, 6ft. 6in. diameter. Tube 3ft. 9in. diameter, 1/2 inch plates, 40 lbs. pressure. The tube was divided by a wall down the middle. The tube collapsed sideways. It was said that one side was overheated through shortness of water, but it is more than probable the explosion was owing to the weakness of so large a tube without strengthening rings.

_No. 40. Preston. October 16th. 2 injured._

This was an arrangement of pipes, called an "Economiser," placed in the flues of a set of boilers for heating the feed water. It was shattered into fragments, causing considerable damage. As the whole apparatus was said to be in proper order, the explosion had been attributed to coal gas in the flues, and some peculiarities in the ruptured pipes bear out the supposition.

_No. 41. London. (Fig. 21.) October 19th. 6 injured._

Kitchen Boiler, for supplying hot water to the top of a lofty house. It was rectangular, 3ft. 6in. wide, 2ft. 6in. high, and 1ft. deep. The front was blown out and caused considerable damage. The boiler was of most weak shape, and although no pressure of steam was intended, it appeared to have been overlooked that the column of water to the top of the house would give sufficient pressure to make such a boiler unsafe.

_No. 42. London. (Fig. 22.) October 30th. 2 killed, 10 injured._

One tube Cornish, 15ft. long, 5ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 50 lbs. pressure. Tube oval at fire end, 2ft. 11in. wide, 2ft. 6in. high. Circular beyond bridge, tapering to 2ft. diameter at back end. In sketch outside shell is shown in dotted lines to allow tube to be seen. The front of the tube burst beneath the fire bars, and rent upwards. Tube collapsed beyond bridge and rent open at each side, but remained intact over the fire. The oval part of the tube was of so very weak a shape, that it burst open, and the collapse of the back part followed as a consequence.

_No. 43. Birmingham. (Fig. 23.) December 2nd. 1 injured._

Small Portable Boiler, 4ft. 9in. high, 2ft. 3in. diameter, 1/4 inch plates, 40 lbs. pressure. The shell was rent completely off. The explosion arose from the large size of the manhole, which had no guard ring on the edge, and the lid had strained it and caused several cracks, and at last forced itself through the boiler, and the rents spread in every direction, and caused the break up of the boiler.

_No. 44. Newcastle. (Fig. 24.) December 11th. 3 killed, 3 injured._

Marine Upright, 13ft. 3in. high, 6ft. 6in. diameter, 1/2 inch plates. Internal fire-box 8ft. 6in. high, 6ft. diameter at bottom, 5ft. 3in. diameter at the top, 3/8 inch plates, 50 lbs. pressure. In the sketch the shell is shown in dotted lines to allow the internal fire-box to be seen. The boiler was rent into many pieces, many of which were lost in a river, so that a satisfactory conclusion as to the cause of the explosion was impossible. The boiler was not very firmly stayed, and it is supposed that it was weakened by corrosion round the fire doors.

_No. 45. Hartlepool. December 29th. 1 injured._

Marine, with 3 internal fireplaces joined at the back. The back of the junction tube gave way at a place deeply corroded, and allowed the contents of the boiler to escape.

* * * * *

NOTE.--Two more illustrations may be given which are not sufficiently important to include in the above list.

* * * * *

_Willenhall. (Fig. 25.) December 24th. none injured._

One of two. Plain Cylinder, 25ft. 6in. long, 5ft. 6in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 30 lbs. pressure. The water was allowed to get low, and the overheated plates opened and allowed the steam to escape harmlessly.

_Stoke. (Fig. 26.) December 9th. none injured._

One of eight. Four Furnace Upright, 22ft. high, 9ft. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 45 lbs. pressure. The water was allowed to get so low that the shell was overheated and rent, and the side tube slightly collapsed, and the injury was not discovered until the feed water had risen up to the rupture, when it ran into the furnaces without causing any violent explosion, although cold water had been put into a red hot boiler.

* * * * *

STOURBRIDGE:
PRINTED BY R. BROOMHALL, HIGH STREET.

BOILER EXPLOSIONS IN 1869.

_No. 1. Chesterfield. (Fig. 1.) January 14th. 4 killed, 2 injured._

One of two. One tube Cornish, 26ft. 6in. long, 6ft. diameter, tube 3ft. 3in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 45 lbs. pressure. The gauge glass was broken and the float was either out of order or unobserved, as the water was allowed to get 9 inches below the usual level, so that the crown of the furnace became overheated and collapsed, and rent open where a patch had been put on some little time before.

_No. 2. Manchester. (Fig. 2.) January 22nd. none injured._

Locomotive. The barrel was 10ft. 6in. long, 4ft. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 130 lbs. pressure. The engine was 14 years old, and had lately been tested to 180 lbs. hydraulic pressure. The seams near the bottom were so deeply "furrowed" or corroded just above the lap joint in a continuous line that they rent open.

_No. 3. Greatbridge. (Fig. 3.) January 26th. 1 killed, 1 injured._

One of two. Plain Cylinder, with flat ends, 22ft. long, 4ft. 3in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 60 lbs. pressure. There had formerly been a tube with internal furnace, and this had been removed without sufficient stays to compensate for the loss of strength. The plates were arranged in the weakest way with seams in one line from end to end, and the strength of the boiler had been further reduced by very frequent patching. Fracture commenced about the centre of the long seam under the dome, which had gradually ripped from rivet to rivet, until unable to bear the ordinary pressure. The boiler exploded because it was completely worn out, and shows how treacherous and uncertain a boiler becomes by constant patching and alteration. See also No. 45.

_No. 4. Rotherham. (Fig. 4.) January 27th. 1 injured._

One of five. Plain cylinder, with dished ends, 36ft. long, 4ft. 6in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 55 lbs. pressure. It had worked about 8 years, and was much patched over the fire end, and had lately been put into what was supposed to be thorough repair. As there was no need of an inquest the wreck was quickly cleared and some of the fragments cut up, but enough particulars were obtained to give some idea of the nature of the explosion.

The first rent must have taken place in the bottom seams over the fire, where weakened by frequent repair.