BETA
Chapter 1
The underground science of steam
Chapter 2
The historic Gilded Age roots
Chapter 3
The iconic orange chimneys and safety
Chapter 4
Global steam and the future
YOUR GOAL
Master of Why New York City streets steam
Ch 3 · The iconic orange chimneys and safety
artiteacher Stack striped chimneys over street vents to discover why steam rises from New York streets.
artiteacher NYC Steam Safety Stacks
Steam on the street, Manhattan's beat, Orange stacks keep safe the heat!
artiteacher Occasional high-pressure ruptures have caused dramatic street explosions.
artiteacher Cold water meeting steam inside a pipe can cause destructive shockwaves.
Fun Fact
Temporary safety stacks: Those orange-and-white steam stacks are made of highly heat-resistant plastic and are placed only when Con Edison is scheduling repairs.
Glossary
steam stack (noun)
A vertical pipe through which steam is discharged into the atmosphere. Con Edison uses orange-and-white versions to safely divert hot underground vapor away from Manhattan traffic.
A vertical pipe through which steam is discharged into the atmosphere. Con Edison uses orange-and-white versions to safely divert hot underground vapor away from Manhattan traffic.
Quiz
If a steam stack is placed over a manhole, what does it indicate about Con Edison's schedule?
Quiz
In what decade did film directors heavily popularize the image of smoking Manhattan manholes in movies?
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of the orange-and-white striped stacks seen on New York City streets?
Quiz
Which hazardous material was released into the air during the major 2007 steam pipe explosion near Grand Central?
Quiz
How do drivers benefit from the placement of orange-and-white steam stacks on busy streets?
Quiz
Which major Manhattan transit hub was temporarily closed due to a massive steam pipe explosion in July 2007?
Quiz
What material are the modern orange-and-white steam stacks usually made of to withstand high heat?
Quiz
What dangerous physical phenomenon occurs when cold water suddenly condenses steam inside a pipe?