A REMARKABLE PETROLEUM WELL

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1779, 2 March 1888, Page 3

A REMARKABLE PETROLEUM WELL

The Russian paper " Caspian " gives the following interesting details of one of the largest naphtha fountains yet known, which has lately broken out near Baku, and which threatens to inundate all Balokani. The naphtha, owing to the pressure of the gneos which accompnay it, rises to a height of 280 ft to 420 ft, and is carried away by the wind to a great distancej falling like fine rain at tho more distant parta of the district, but near the fountain coming down m torrents that form rivers and streamlets. Further on it falls like sleet, and settles m a layer on on the buildings m the neighorbhood These naphtha rivers run for a distance of more than half a mile, and pass through wells, works, reservoirs, and inhabited houses, etc. Unfortunately, all tho reservoirs m the neighborhood were full when the fountain broke nut, and the oil was thus . wasted. Owing to the stillness of the atmosphere, at one time the gases which accompany the naptha j spread m a heavy layer for more I than 280 yardp, filling tho houses, | and placing their inhabitants m a most danger oua' position, especially at night, when fires were lit. The sand and dußt thrown up by the fonntain form s, hill of considerable siqe, and have buried the boiler-house of the Mining Company's worka, and all buildings inclose proximity to the fonntain. There is no doubt that any exposed flame would set the . whole district from the Mining Oompany'a works to the Sabounchi railway station m one blaae. Many efforts have been made to stop the fountain, but all proved unavailing, for after five or six hours the fountain would again burst forth with all its former vigour. For some days the fountain has been left to play without hindrance, and has increased m power. Thanks also to a strong and changing wind, the naphtha has been Bcattered m every direotion, turning the whole distriotinto a petyoleunj swamp. The naphtha pours 'from the roof ti of the houses, on to which also* fall the earth and stones oarried up by the oil.