Fig. 12.
One Tube Cornish Boiler, 30ft. long, and 7ft. diameter, tube slightly oval about 4ft. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 43 lbs., fitted with 3½ inch safety valve, which is much too small for such a boiler, glass water gauge, two gauge cocks, and pressure gauge.
The tube collapsed from end to end. The front end was blown out with a short length of the tube attached, and was driven against a wall about 30 yards to the front. The main body of the shell, and the back end, with the collapsed tube within it, were driven back against another wall, about the same distance away. Very great damage was done to the surrounding property.
The cause of the explosion was the weakness of the tube of so large a diameter, without strengthening rings, which made it unable to bear the ordinary working pressure. It is very probable, however, that at the time of the explosion, the pressure was considerably more than usual during the stoppage of the engine, and the confusion caused by a man becoming entangled in the machinery.
No.21. Morpeth.
April 10th.
1 killed.
Plain Cylinder Boiler, 34ft. long, and 5ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates placed lengthways, 33 lbs.