The interesting thing is that this happens every few weeks (at least - sometimes multiple times per week), and generally they don't know why.
Not in Adams Morgan. Not in Foggy Bottom. Not even in Georgetown Heights. Only in Georgetown, Its become a local joke.
Regards
Marshall EubanksOn Thursday, February 20, 2003, at 05:43 PM, Sean Donelan wrote:
Check out Georgetown in Washington DC, the exploding manhole capital of
the world. They have a lot of experience with exploding manholes, from
many different causes. The most recent incident was in the last couple of
days. There is a lot of energy in being pumped into utility lines. A
short circuit can release that energy into the underground vaults, and
blow the manhole cover a considerable distance.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A33073-2003Feb19.html
The Washington Post also has a special report covering exploding manholes
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/metro/specials/manholes/
On Thu, 20 Feb 2003, Allen Hamner wrote:
I am a chemist who consults with the mayor of Bluefield WV where an incident two weeks ago (a cold day) blew a 70 pound iron cover 10 feet from an conduit tunnel containing several public untility lines. We believe we can exclude a natural gas leak. Rumor has it that hydrogen is involved, which may arise by electrolysis (?) or pyrolysis of insulation (?). A previous incident had done no damage but this explosion destroyed a nearby plate-glass window.
There is no coal in the area so mine gas seepage is excluded. Sewer gas is tentatively not an issue. The source of the spark is unknown.
I would like to participate in the exchange on this topic.
Allen Hamner (Ph.D.) [EMAIL PROTECTED]
T.M. Eubanks Multicast Technologies, Inc. 10301 Democracy Lane, Suite 410 Fairfax, Virginia 22030 Phone : 703-293-9624 Fax : 703-293-9609 e-mail : [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.multicasttech.com
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