The shell was deeply corroded where it rested on the side walls of the bottom flue, and the strength of the boiler was thereby so much reduced, that it was unable to bear the ordinary working pressure.
No.26. Halifax. ([Fig. 16.])
May 26th.
1 killed.
Fig. 16.
One Tube Cornish, 24ft. 6in. long, and 5ft. diameter, taper tube, slightly oval in the front, 2ft. 8in. diameter, and 2ft. diameter at the back, 3/8 inch plates. The boiler was fitted with glass water gauge, float, self-acting feed apparatus, and safety valve loaded to 52 lbs., and also a mercury gauge.
The tube collapsed over the fire, a rent taking place in the second ring of plates. The issuing steam and water caused the death of a man in front, but the shell of the boiler was not injured or moved.
The cause of the explosion was shortness of water, and as the glass gauge was set unusually low, the man in charge may have been deceived. The oval shape of the fireplace, and the laminated iron, as shown in the fracture, rendered the tube peculiarly liable to collapse.
No.27. Durham.