Dec 30, 2008: Wood Pipe PAR

[xoxoxoBruce]

I originally got this in a email, but it peaked my interest so I went searching the net. I found it, but I have the impression this happened in 1966.
Since you didn't know about it, I guess that doesn't matter... no you di'n't.

btw, PAR is the Port Arthur Refinery in Texas.

The Wood Stave Line that is pictured in the photos below was installed in 1917 on Estimate 1636. Drawing Y-1745 depicts the route of this line, which was from the West Side Coke Stills (which were located generally where FCCU 1 & 2 were later built) along South "R" street between Ninth Avenue and First Avenue. The line was a condenser water overflow line from the WSCS to Alligator Bayou (which in those days was along the route of Flare Road in that area).

Two things;
1- they were dumping waste water directly into the bayou.
2- the bayou isn't there any more... probably filled.

We are currently finalizing efforts to secure and restore a section of the line that the CEP (Crude Expansion Project) team would like to donate to the refinery museum.

From the patent (US 4897140) for this style of pipe.

Wood stave pipe is "composed of a plurality of longitudinally straight but transversely curved wood-staves, the longitudinal edges thereof being provided with a tongue and groove configuration and being glued together, while being mounted in a sidewise engagement in a cradle-like mounting means. The pipe-shaped bodies are later processed by milling, grinding or polishing internally and externally..."

Like a barrel, only straight instead of tapered.

Most likely the wood used in PAR's wood stave pipes was cypress. It is in very good condition, considering that it was probably cut in 1916. The craftsmanship in the line that we found is almost unbelievable. The joints are meticulous.

They use cypress for industrial "swamp" type air conditioners and cooling towers, because it doesn't rot when it's used in wet locations.