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Pipes May Be Ruined

Pipes May Be Ruined image
Parent Issue
Day
31
Month
October
Year
1902
Copyright
Public Domain
OCR Text

By Electrolysis from Street Car Line

Working To Prevent

The Electric Lines, Water and Gas Companies Working in Harmony to Prevent Damage

Tuesday the Ann Arbor Water company, the Ann Arbor Gas company and the Detroit Electric lines began a work which may save all of them costly litigation and endless trouble. Employees of the water and gas companies made tests along the route of the railroad to determine the amount of damage and its location caused by the electrolysis which takes place when the current from the rails leaves and enters the gas and water pipes. In other words the tests are to determine the difference in voltage between the rails and the pipes at various locations.

When the current comes in contact with the pipes they are corroded and very costly damage results in a short time unless some provision is made to stop it. Mr. H. W. Douglas, of the gas company, said today that there had been much litigation on these points during the last few years, but that in this case there was not likely to be any as the railroad company was doing everything in its power to lessen the damage. The tests are made in this way. If the pipe is found to be negative and the rail positive then the current is passing from the rail into the pipe and vice versa. Along Packard street the electric line employees found that they bonds connecting the rails which are supposed to prevent this injury to the pipes had been broken, and work was at once begun to replace them. In this way the companies are working hand in hand. It is said by the best authorities in the city on electrical matters that the only safe way to prevent the destruction of the pipes from the electrolysis that is caused by the ground currents, is to string a return wire, with connections at short intervals along the route. This will insure the safe conduct of the current back to the power house without any harmful results. That the road will eventually do this is very probable, unless some other means can be provided whereby the two city companies will not have their pipes endangered.

Byron C. Whittaker made a creditable record in the state legislature. He has an acquaintance and friendships which will enable him to be of more service than a new man. He has lived in the county for years, has been a good citizen and should poll a big vote, especially in the townships.

If the democratic vote is out next Tuesday Durand will be elected. See that all your neighbors vote.