<kuid:64713:37000> Overhead Steampipe

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An above ground pipe system for the transfer of steam to local area
buildings. Based on an N&W prototype, this kind of construct could exist
anywhere in the world where a steam transfer system is operated.

In the first half of the twentieth century Norfolk & Western used a pressurized
steam transfer system to provide heating for the buildings at their Williamson,
West Virginia engine terminal. The terminal's powerhouse generated the steam,
which was then transferred to other buildings in the terminal area via a system
of overhead pipes. These steampipes were routed to the buildings on the
terminal grounds, at an elevation of about 15 to 20 feet above the ground, on a
network of kitbashed steampipe support stands. Each steampipe support stand
consisted of a pair of discarded trackrails mounted upright in a concrete base.
The steampipe itself was supported on mounting brackets affixed between the rail
pairs at the appropriate elevation.

These types of single source localized energy transferral systems are commonly
referred to as district heating or cooling systems. Because of their potential
for great economy, district heating systems are in common use in many locations
throughout the world today - especially where abundant natural sources of
heating or cooling energy can be found (geothermal springs or steam vents,
artesian springs, etc). Early examples of the use of district heating systems
are third century BC Chinese buildings with channels built into the walls for
the passage of steam or heated air and the public baths and gardens of the Roman
empire. These systems can be found in any region of the world where a single
source of heating or cooling energy can be found, and where some mechanism for
its transferral; at, above, or below ground level can be put into place.