Steam vents locations? [[ Detroit Thermal )

**mpf** · May-22-10, 04:37 PM

Hi, Just started our trip planning [[live 300 mi. away) and was wondering if anyone can provide info on where some steam vents [[the ones coming from manholes/streets) are? Took a 'walking tour' thru DHS starting from Ford Piqutte last year, and saw the one near Cass & St.antoine... Others???
Reason: Auto photography, hope it doesn't seem vain, all!
Staying in town, will patronize city businesses.
Thanks.

**RickBeall** · May-22-10, 05:35 PM

There don't seem to be as many street steam vents as there used to be ... I think they installed tasteful homeless people saunas over most of them.

**Homer** · May-22-10, 06:05 PM

I could be wrong, but there are some located on Cass between Grand River and WSU area. Much easier to see the steam in Jan & Feb though.

**n7hn** · May-22-10, 06:16 PM

planning a bombing?

**lobo** · May-22-10, 06:17 PM

Plenty of steam on Woodward from W. Grand Blvd. to downtown. Like Homer says, come back in the winter too for dramatic displays. You will think you are in Yellowstone east. But watch out; there could be a bus bearing down on you from behind the clouds.

Retroit · May-22-10, 08:49 PM

Here's the steam map: http://www.detroitthermal.com/overview.htm

**mpf** · May-22-10, 09:59 PM

Originally Posted by Retroit

Here's the steam map: http://www.detroitthermal.com/overview.htm

Thanks for the legwork, did not see this...I wish they showed the vents, though...
And the other replies, don't worry, no bombing is planned!
Car pictures only!! TIA, guys.

**Mikeg** · May-22-10, 10:50 PM

There don't seem to be as many street steam vents as there used to be ...

The water vapor you see escaping from the manhole covers is usually the result of a malfunctioning steam trap. The purpose of a steam trap is to release accumulated condensate [[water) from the pressurized steam pipe without releasing any of the valuable live steam. However, if the steam trap becomes stuck in the the open position, it allows live steam to escape into the manhole, which produces the water vapor that you see coming from the manhole. Better maintenance of the steam traps means more profit for Detroit Thermal and fewer manholes with wafting plumes of water vapor.

Retroit · May-23-10, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by Mikeg

The water vapor you see escaping from the manhole covers is usually the result of a malfunctioning steam trap. The purpose of a steam trap is to release accumulated condensate [[water) from the pressurized steam pipe without releasing any of the valuable live steam. However, if the steam trap becomes stuck in the the open position, it allows live steam to escape into the manhole, which produces the water vapor that you see coming from the manhole. Better maintenance of the steam traps means more profit for Detroit Thermal and fewer manholes with wafting plumes of water vapor.

That may be one reason, but would not account for the steam coming from so many manholes. Most of the steam is created by water in the sewer lines boiling as it comes in contact with the hot steam lines that run through the sewers.

**luckycar** · May-22-10, 09:05 PM

Nice map for those who wish us harm....

**mikefmich** · May-22-10, 09:34 PM

Originally Posted by luckycar

Nice map for those who wish us harm....

Being paraoid or just living in fear, they have already beaten you.

**luckycar** · May-23-10, 06:01 AM

Originally Posted by mikefmich

Being paraoid or just living in fear, they have already beaten you.

I was always concerned one of those relief valves would fail as I was driving near or over them!

**Rockin' Best** · May-23-10, 07:24 AM

I wonder how many "steam tunnel mutants" live down there in the Detroit Thermal pipe passageways? Wild semi-humanoid critters who don't see daylight. Seen them myself way deep in the bowels of New York's Grand Central Station.