8/6/2019 Boston Molasses Disaster

1/16

ME 6222: Manufacturing Processes and SystemsProf. J.S. Colton (C) GIT 2011

1

Boston Molasses Disaster

January 15, 1919

8/6/2019 Boston Molasses Disaster

2/16

ME 6222: Manufacturing Processes and SystemsProf. J.S. Colton (C) GIT 2009

2

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

8/6/2019 Boston Molasses Disaster

3/16

ME 6222: Manufacturing Processes and SystemsProf. J.S. Colton (C) GIT 2009

3

Tank explodes with great force

8/6/2019 Boston Molasses Disaster

4/16

ME 6222: Manufacturing Processes and SystemsProf. J.S. Colton (C) GIT 2009

4

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

8/6/2019 Boston Molasses Disaster

5/16

ME 6222: Manufacturing Processes and SystemsProf. J.S. Colton (C) GIT 2009

5

Area of devastation

8/6/2019 Boston Molasses Disaster

6/16

ME 6222: Manufacturing Processes and SystemsProf. J.S. Colton (C) GIT 2009

6

Map of Area

8/6/2019 Boston Molasses Disaster

7/16

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 .)

8/6/2019 Boston Molasses Disaster

8/16

ME 6222: Manufacturing Processes and SystemsProf. J.S. Colton (C) GIT 2009 8

Tank and Elevated Train Line

8/6/2019 Boston Molasses Disaster

9/16

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 .)

8/6/2019 Boston Molasses Disaster

10/16

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.

8/6/2019 Boston Molasses Disaster

11/16

ME 6222: Manufacturing Processes and SystemsProf. J.S. Colton (C) GIT 2009 11

Rescue Efforts

8/6/2019 Boston Molasses Disaster

12/16

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.

8/6/2019 Boston Molasses Disaster

13/16

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

8/6/2019 Boston Molasses Disaster

14/16

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

8/6/2019 Boston Molasses Disaster

15/16

ME 6222: Manufacturing Processes and SystemsProf. J.S. Colton (C) GIT 2009 15

Contemporary account

8/6/2019 Boston Molasses Disaster

16/16

ME 6222: Manufacturing Processes and SystemsProf. J.S. Colton (C) GIT 2009 16