The first chimneys functioned in ancient times. They were used to remove gases and other harmful substances from bakeries and small workshops. But real industrial giant pipes began to appear only at the end of the 18th century. This article talks about the tallest factory pipes in the world. You will find out where they are and what height they have.
Briefly about chimneys ...
For the first time, the design and principle of operation of the chimney were described by the ancient Greek scientist Theophrastus in the fourth century BC. The main function of modern chimneys is to discharge into the atmosphere the products of fuel combustion (smoke, soot, ash, soot and gases).
The standard pipe externally is a vertical hollow device. The principle of its operation is based on the traction effect. It is he who provides the movement of gas masses in the direction from the inlet of the pipe to the outlet. Factory pipes can have different cross sections: round, oval or polygonal.
The height of the chimneys varies from several tens to several hundred meters. They are built from heat-resistant and durable materials. It could be:
- Brick.
- Steel.
- Concrete.
- A natural stone.
The following article lists the twelve tallest pipes in the world. Some of them are particularly detailed.
The highest chimneys in the world: TOP-12
Most often, chimneys accompany thermal power plants, metallurgical and chemical enterprises (for example, copper smelting or sulfuric acid production). Below is a list of the twelve tallest pipes in the world. In addition to the names and locations of the facilities, the table also shows their height and year of commissioning.
No. | Title | Location | Year | Height (m) |
1 | Pipe of Ekibastuz state district power station-2 | Ekibastuz, Kazakhstan | 1987 | 419.7 |
2 | Inco Pipe Superstack | Greater Sudbury, Canada | 1971 | 380 |
3 | 4 pipe station Homer City | Homer City, USA | 1977 | 371 |
4 | Chemical pipe Kennecott Smokestack | Magna, USA | 1974 | 370.4 |
5 | Pipe Berezovskaya GRES | Sharypovo, Russia | 1985 | 370 |
6 | 2 chimney of the Mitchell power plant | Moundsville, USA | 1968 | 367.6 |
7 | Pipe of a power station in Trbovl | Trbovle, Slovenia | 1976 | 360 |
8 | Pipe thermal station Endesa Termic | Puentes de Garcia Rodriguez, Spain | 1974 | 356 |
9 | Phoenix Mill Pipe | Baia Mare, Romania | 1995 | 351.5 |
10 | 3 chimney of Syrdarya state district power station | Shirin, Uzbekistan | 1980 | 350 |
eleven | Pipe of the Teruel Power Station | Teruel, Spain | 1981 | 343 |
12 | Pipe of Plomino power station | Plomin, Croatia | 1999 | 340 |
The tallest pipe in the world: photos and sizes
The Kazakhstan city of Ekibastuz is extremely rich in industrial records. Yes, and world records! So, the largest coal mine on Earth with the corresponding name “Bogatyr” is being developed here. From here begins the longest power transmission line on the planet (power lines), stretching almost to Moscow. And finally, it is in Ekibastuz that the highest pipe in the world is located.
The absolute record holder among all the chimneys is located in the village of Solnechny and belongs to Ekibastuz GRES-2. Today, this thermal station is capable of generating 1000 MW of electricity. This is quite enough for the full-fledged operation of the Baikonur Cosmodrome and the railway system of the whole of Kazakhstan.
The parameters of the tallest pipe in the world are truly impressive. Its height is almost 420 meters, and the diameter at the base is 40 meters. It is taller than the famous Eiffel Tower and is roughly commensurate with the Ostankino TV tower (though, if you remove the upper spire from it).
Smoke Giants of Europe
Three structures from the top ten largest factory pipes are located in Europe: in Romania, Spain and Slovenia. The following is a brief article about each of these pipes.
Above the eastern outskirts of the Romanian city of Baia Mare stands a 350-meter “tower” of the Phoenix smelter. The height of the chimney is not accidental, since this production produces toxic fumes. Today it is the third largest factory pipe in Europe. It was built in 1995 from concrete and brick.
The factory chimney in the Spanish town of Puentes de Garcia Rodriguez is five meters higher than its Romanian “colleague”. It was built in 1974 and is owned by a local coal-fired thermal power station.
Well, the highest chimney in Europe is located in Slovenia, in the city of Trovovle. Its total height is 360 meters. As early as 1904, the first thermal power station was built in Trbovl, which operated on local coal deposits. In the mid-70s, in order not to pollute the lower atmosphere, this grandiose construction for smoke extraction was erected here. I must admit that in the middle of the mountain landscape this pipe looks very unusual. Just look at the magnificent views from its top:
The highest factory pipe in Russia
In 1987, in the small town of Sharypovo, Krasnoyarsk Territory, the Berezovskaya State District Power Plant with a capacity of 2,400 MW was commissioned. It works on local raw materials (brown coal) and is considered the most economically profitable among all thermal stations in Russia.
But not only these are known for the state district power station in Sharypovo. So, it was here that for the first time in the country a new model of an outboard steam boiler was mastered. Well, the station's chimney is the highest industrial building in Russia. Its height is 370 meters.