An Immense Iron Structure

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The Oswego Starch Company have recently had an immense iron frame put in their building, which is probably the largest structure of the kind to be lound in the country. The main posts and beams of the factory, which have decayed, have been taken out and replaced by this huge iron frame, which is formed of hollow iron columns, upon which are cast-iron beams witb wrought-iron trusses. This frame, which has its foundation on the rock, is five stories high, and weighs 300,000 pounds. The Oswego Starch Factory is now the largest establishment of the kind in the United States. The factory and buildings cover one and a-half acres of ground, and are lighted by between 75 and 100 sky- lights. The buildings contain 600,000 pounds of machinery, among which are three cast iron kettles holding 1,000 gallons each; eight little pumps capable of discharging 80,000 gallons ot starch an hour ; five rotary and force pumps capable of discharging 5,000 gallons of water a minute; over one mile in length of water pipe; 200 vats used in the manufacture of starch, holding 800,000 gallons, and four pair of cast- iron rollers, weighing 10,000 pounds each. This establishment gives employment to lOO.men, and consumes annually from 175,000 to 200,000 bushels of corn, 800 tons anthracite coal, and from 600,000 to 800,000 feet of lumber in the manufacture of boxes and other purposes, and makes 10,000 pounds ot starch a day. The machinery is propelled by four water wheels, combining 80-horse power •

Scientific American Magazine Vol 8 Issue 11This article was published with the title “An Immense Iron Structure” in Scientific American Magazine Vol. 8 No. 11 (), p. 83
doi:10.1038/scientificamerican11271852-83c

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