GAS-HOLDER RE-COVERED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20174, 7 February 1929, Page 10

GAS-HOLDER RE-COVERED.

WORK DONE IN FIVE WEEKS.

SOAP BUBBLES FOR TESTING

The last rivets in the new top of tho Auckland Gas Company's largest gasholder at Freeman's Bay will be hammered in this morning, and preparations will then be made for testing tho work to. ascertain whether the holder is gas-tight. Removal of tho old top was started fivo weeks ago' to-day, and it was then estimated it would take up to two months to place the new plates in position and to test, the work. Tho largest factor in tho saving of time effected was tho workmanship displayed liy tho makers, of tho plates. Cut so as to fit into a domo each plate has fitted so exactly that thero has not been occasion to alter any one of over 40,000 rivet holes which were punched in them at tho foundry. Tho testing of tho gas-holder is a comparatively simple matter. Water is poured into it until the air is compressed and tho movable pactions lift. Soapy water is then poured over tho top, and if there is any escape of compressed air the position of the leaks will bo indicated by bubbles visible somo distance away. Any leaks found will bo caulked. After tho test tho top will bo covered with red lead, and a few days later with a special tar paint for ironwork. In tho hot weather sinco Now Year working on tho holder has not been very pleasant, but tho men who have had tho hardest time were thoso working on the inside during tho" progress of riveting and of coating the interior of tho cover with red lead, Copious supplies of water were used in endeavours to lessen tho heat.

The new plates are heavier and of better composition than the ones they have replaced, and have a lifetime of service ahead of them. The added strength given to the holder will enable the company to use it under greater pressure.