CONCRETE FLUES[48]
By Francis T. Havard
In discussion of Mr. Edwards’s interesting and valuable paper, I beg to submit the following notes concerning the advantages and disadvantages of the concrete flues and stacks at the plant of the Anhaltische Blei-und Silber-werke. The flues and smaller stacks at the works were constructed of concrete consisting generally of one part of cement to seven parts of sand and jig-tailings but, in the case of the under-mentioned metal concrete slabs, of one part of cement to four parts of sand and tailings. The cost of constructing the concrete flue approximated 5 marks per sq. m. of area (equivalent to $0.11 per sq. ft.).
Effect of Heat.—A temperature above 100 deg. C. caused the concrete to crack destructively. Neutral furnace gases at 120 deg. C., passing through an independent concrete flue and stack, caused so much damage by the formation of cracks that, after two years of use, the stack, constructed of pipes 4 in. thick, required thorough repairing and auxiliary ties for every foot of hight.
Effect of Flue Gases and Moisture.—The sides of the main flue, made of blocks of 6 in. hollow wall-sections, 100 cm. by 50 cm. in area, were covered with 2 in. or 1 in. slabs of metal concrete. In cases where the flue was protected on the outside by a wooden or tiled roof, and inside by an acid-proof paint, consisting of water-glass and asbestos, the concrete has not been appreciably affected. In another case, where the protective cover, both inside and outside, was of asphalt only, the concrete was badly corroded and cracked at the end of three years. In a third case, in which the concrete was unprotected from both atmospheric influence on the outside, and furnace gases on the inside, the flue was quite destroyed at the end of three years. That portion of the protected concrete flue, near the main stack, which came in contact only with dry, cold gases was not affected at all.
Gases alone, such as sulphur dioxide, sulphur trioxide, and others, do not affect concrete; neither is the usual quantity of moisture in furnace gases sufficient to damage concrete; but should moisture penetrate from the outside of the flue, and, meeting gaseous SO2 or SO3, form hydrous acids, then the concrete will be corroded.
Effect of the Atmosphere Alone.—For outside construction work, foundations and other structures not exposed to heat, moist acid gases and chemicals, the concrete has maintained its reputation for cheapness and durability.
Effect of Crystallization of Contained Salts.—In chemical works, floors constructed of concrete are sometimes unsatisfactory, for the reason that soluble salts, noticeably zinc sulphate, will penetrate into the floor and, by crystallizing in narrow confines, cause the concrete to crack and the floor to rise in places.