CAUSE OF THE EXPLOSION AN EXPERT'S VIEWS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 76, 31 March 1914, Page 8

CAUSE OF THE EXPLOSION AN EXPERT'S VIEWS.

During the course of an interview today Mr. Wm. Lewis, an acetylene gas expert, made some statements regarding the suggestions that had been nut forward to the • effect that the explosion was due to gas generated by the plant situated at the rear of Messrs/ Benge and, Pratt 's building. He had paid a visit to the scene, and after investigation, as well as reading and hearing different versions, had no hesitation in saying that tho explosion wav not caused as a result of gas from the generator. One theory mentioned was that a break in the gas pipe might have been the cauee, but to this Mr. Lewis attached no importance whatever. In the first place a leakage such ac would be caused by si break would not only Tesult in a slight explosion, but would moan a complete- wreckage of the plant, caused by tlie flame' driving through the pipe to the generator. Examination had found the plant to be inta-ct, so that .th'ss theory is groundless in Mr. Lewis's opinion. , • In reference to a statement which had been made that a drum of carbide was stored in the shop, and to which some attributed the explosion, the expert stated that this could not have been the cause as, from what he gathered, the water had not been, turned 011 to the fire until after the explosion. It was possible, for carbide, and this had been proved by Mr. Lewis, to be burnt for hours and eventually go to an ash without any gas being produced. Water ,muat'be employed for generating gae. In reply to a question the expert stated that it would be possible for a drum of carbide (2cwt) to wreck a building if water entered the drum. This would result in a large quantity of gas being given off — sufficient to fill the room with dense volumes — and Avhen the fire came into contact a terrific explosion would occur. In the case under investigation the water was, he understood, pouTed on to the burning building 'after the explosion, and such being the case the theory that the cause was due to this carbide must be groundless. It had been stated that the consumption of each burner connected with the generator was, small — about two cubic feet per hour. The largest amount, however, according to JVlr, Lewie, would be still less — not more, than one and a-half cubic feet.