Page:Walker (1888) The Severn Tunnel.djvu/95

40 who had been in charge of the work for the Company when the shaft was sunk, and the size fixed (38 inches) was just as large as would pass between the girder and the brickwork in the side of the shaft The projection of the flange of this column made it impossible to lower the pump into the sump of the shaft.

Attempts were made to remove the column sideways, but the diver was unable to do so. It was suggested that the upper flange should be cut or broken off. This was also beyond the power of the diver under such a depth of water, and almost disheartened by these repeated difficulties, it was determined to start the pump, and try to lower the water sufficiently to repair the broken H-piece of No. 1 26-inch plunger-pump.

Everything being ready, pumping was commenced with the 75-inch beam-engine and the 38-inch pump, and No. 2 Bull-engine with the 26-inch pump, at 7 a.m. on the 2nd July, and in 8½ hours the water was lowered to within a few feet of the bottom stage; when, at 3.30 p.m., the 38-inch pump suddenly broke all to pieces, and in a few hours the shaft was again full of water.

The breakage of a pump of such large dimensions was of itself sufficient to terrify all those who were near it. Suddenly the heavy pump-rods, losing the resistance of the water, ran out with a crash, the outer end of the beam (which weighed nearly 23 tons) striking with immense force the