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ME 6222: Manufacturing Processes and SystemsProf. J.S. Colton (C) GIT 2011
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Boston Molasses Disaster
January 15, 1919
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ME 6222: Manufacturing Processes and SystemsProf. J.S. Colton (C) GIT 2009
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The Scene A cast-iron molasses tank in Boston at
the Purity Distilling Co. 58 feet high 90 feet wide Cast-iron plates
sunk in concrete riveted together
2.3 million gallons of molasses
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ME 6222: Manufacturing Processes and SystemsProf. J.S. Colton (C) GIT 2009
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Tank explodes with great force
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ME 6222: Manufacturing Processes and SystemsProf. J.S. Colton (C) GIT 2009
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The Flood
Molasses floods the streets with 8 15foot waves
Moves at speeds of 35 mph Force of 2 tons per square foot Devastates a low-lying section of
Commercial Street between Copps Hilland the playground of North End Park
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ME 6222: Manufacturing Processes and SystemsProf. J.S. Colton (C) GIT 2009
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Area of devastation
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ME 6222: Manufacturing Processes and SystemsProf. J.S. Colton (C) GIT 2009
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Map of Area
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ME 6222: Manufacturing Processes and SystemsProf. J.S. Colton (C) GIT 2009 7
The force of the explosion was sogreat that:
Half-inch steel plates of the huge molassestank were torn apart. ("Seeking Cause ofExplosion," The Salem Evening News ,January 16, 1919: 7.)
The plates were propelled in all directions,hard enough to cut the girders of the elevatedrailway. ( Ibid .)
After the explosion, a tremendous vacuumsucked into ruin buildings which hadwithstood the primary blast. ( Ibid .)
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ME 6222: Manufacturing Processes and SystemsProf. J.S. Colton (C) GIT 2009 8
Tank and Elevated Train Line
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ME 6222: Manufacturing Processes and SystemsProf. J.S. Colton (C) GIT 2009 9
The force of the explosion was sogreat that:
The vacuum also picked up a truck anddragged it across the street toward the
molasses tank. ("Big Molasses TankBlast Kills Eleven," The Boston Globe ,January 16, 1919: 8.)
An elevated train was lifted off the railsand fell onto the ties. ( Ibid .)
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ME 6222: Manufacturing Processes and SystemsProf. J.S. Colton (C) GIT 2009 10
The force of the explosion was sogreat that:
Some buildings collapsed. Some buildings were knocked off their
foundations. Some buildings were buried under the
flood of molasses.
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ME 6222: Manufacturing Processes and SystemsProf. J.S. Colton (C) GIT 2009 11
Rescue Efforts
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ME 6222: Manufacturing Processes and SystemsProf. J.S. Colton (C) GIT 2009 12
Clean-up Problems
As clean up began, the molasses spreadeven further due to the water being sprayedto try to remove the molasses.
Soon, seawater was used to try to wash thegoo away. This caused another problem. Theseawater caused the molasses to bubble andfoam and create an even bigger mess.
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ME 6222: Manufacturing Processes and SystemsProf. J.S. Colton (C) GIT 2009 13
Possible Causes of the Explosion
Fermentation Sudden rise in temperature (2 F to 43 F) Inadequate tank design and
construction
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ME 6222: Manufacturing Processes and SystemsProf. J.S. Colton (C) GIT 2009 14
Devastation
21 people killed 150 injured 2.3 million gallons of molasses released Buildings destroyed Cars crushed Elevated train trestles knocked over Company paid $1 million in damages PE registration
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ME 6222: Manufacturing Processes and SystemsProf. J.S. Colton (C) GIT 2009 15
Contemporary account
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ME 6222: Manufacturing Processes and SystemsProf. J.S. Colton (C) GIT 2009 16
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