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♪
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00:00:04,797 --> 00:00:06,463
Zdenek: A giant power plant
3
00:00:06,540 --> 00:00:09,466
That helped drive an
electrical revolution
4
00:00:09,543 --> 00:00:11,844
And power the american dream.
5
00:00:14,131 --> 00:00:16,965
At its heart,
giant-sized technology
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00:00:16,976 --> 00:00:20,644
That harnessed the raw
energy of coal and steam
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00:00:20,721 --> 00:00:23,147
To help take
millions of americans
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00:00:23,223 --> 00:00:25,941
Into the bright lights
of the modern age.
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00:00:27,644 --> 00:00:30,979
This super-sized piece
of engineering genius was
10
00:00:30,990 --> 00:00:34,158
One of the most advanced
power stations of its time.
11
00:00:36,987 --> 00:00:40,247
An incredible,
electricity-making machine
12
00:00:40,324 --> 00:00:43,208
That has finally reached
the end of its working life.
13
00:00:45,004 --> 00:00:47,838
It's time to tear it to pieces.
14
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(metal clanging)
15
00:00:49,091 --> 00:00:50,549
Now that's how you take
apart a power plant!
16
00:00:51,427 --> 00:00:54,303
And recycle what
we can for cash.
17
00:00:57,933 --> 00:01:01,268
As salvage teams strip back
this huge power station,
18
00:01:01,345 --> 00:01:03,929
I'll get up close and hands-on
19
00:01:03,939 --> 00:01:07,608
To discover the five
engineering innovations
20
00:01:07,684 --> 00:01:10,277
That made this mighty
machine's work possible.
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00:01:12,948 --> 00:01:14,940
As we break it down,
piece by piece,
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We uncover the extraordinary
story of electricity,
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How it was generated and
how coal powered america.
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00:01:22,041 --> 00:01:27,086
Before finally bringing buck
steam station crashing down.
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00:01:28,964 --> 00:01:31,039
♪
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I'm chad zdenek.
27
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I spent seven years building
rocket engines for nasa.
28
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Now, I'm taking things apart,
29
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Breaking down giants of
engineering piece by piece
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So I can discover what made
them legends of their time.
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♪
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Electricity helped start an
industrial revolution in america
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And when the economy was
booming in the 1920s,
34
00:02:02,990 --> 00:02:04,915
The pioneers of
electricity raced
35
00:02:04,992 --> 00:02:07,668
To build bigger and
better power plants.
36
00:02:07,744 --> 00:02:09,077
And this is one of them.
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Buck power station outside
salisbury, north carolina,
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It's a quarter of a mile
long and five stories high.
39
00:02:19,390 --> 00:02:23,058
It's made of 30,000
tons of metal and brick.
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00:02:26,939 --> 00:02:31,608
In 1925, most of the country
was still lit by kerosene
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00:02:31,685 --> 00:02:33,768
And powered by steam.
42
00:02:33,779 --> 00:02:36,530
Only a third of
every day americans
43
00:02:36,607 --> 00:02:38,323
Had access to electricity.
44
00:02:43,363 --> 00:02:45,530
But within a year,
it would be available
45
00:02:45,541 --> 00:02:49,042
To the entire country at
the flick of a switch.
46
00:02:50,537 --> 00:02:54,039
Several hydro and fossil-fueled
power plants were built
47
00:02:54,049 --> 00:02:57,050
In the first two
decades of the 1900s,
48
00:02:57,127 --> 00:03:01,054
But special engineering
was pioneered here at buck.
49
00:03:03,309 --> 00:03:07,269
♪
50
00:03:10,974 --> 00:03:12,140
For almost a century,
51
00:03:12,151 --> 00:03:14,476
This place provided
the electrical power
52
00:03:14,486 --> 00:03:17,062
For 15 million
homes and factories.
53
00:03:17,072 --> 00:03:19,907
It transformed this
part of america.
54
00:03:19,983 --> 00:03:21,408
And for all that time,
55
00:03:21,485 --> 00:03:23,902
Buck was completely
dependent on coal,
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00:03:23,913 --> 00:03:27,331
Burning up to 10,000 tons
of it every single day.
57
00:03:28,242 --> 00:03:31,409
Finally, coal power
is being replaced
58
00:03:31,420 --> 00:03:34,922
By cleaner, greener,
more efficient ways
59
00:03:34,998 --> 00:03:36,632
Of producing electricity.
60
00:03:38,252 --> 00:03:40,928
Now, this is a dinosaur
of the coal age
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00:03:41,004 --> 00:03:43,096
And its era is truly over.
(horn blaring)
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00:03:43,173 --> 00:03:46,183
♪
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00:03:47,519 --> 00:03:49,269
So we're gonna tear it apart.
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00:03:49,346 --> 00:03:50,762
Here's the plan.
65
00:03:50,773 --> 00:03:52,522
Over the next 12 months,
66
00:03:52,599 --> 00:03:55,442
I'm gonna help a demolition
team gut the place.
67
00:03:57,771 --> 00:04:01,189
As they salvage what they
can to sell for recycling,
68
00:04:01,200 --> 00:04:04,368
We'll set detonators and
implode the whole thing.
69
00:04:09,208 --> 00:04:10,874
Before the boom,
70
00:04:10,951 --> 00:04:13,710
I'll reveal the five
engineering innovations
71
00:04:13,787 --> 00:04:17,631
Inside this plant that first
transformed american life
72
00:04:17,708 --> 00:04:20,300
And then powered it
for nearly a century.
73
00:04:22,221 --> 00:04:26,139
First, the vast boilers
that devoured coal
74
00:04:26,216 --> 00:04:28,800
To make high-pressured steam.
75
00:04:28,811 --> 00:04:32,220
The mammoth turbines whose
fan blades used steam
76
00:04:32,231 --> 00:04:33,722
To create motion.
77
00:04:34,725 --> 00:04:39,111
The enormous generators that
turned motion into electricity.
78
00:04:40,906 --> 00:04:44,324
The giant condensers which
allowed the whole process
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00:04:44,535 --> 00:04:46,493
To run with maximum efficiency.
80
00:04:47,988 --> 00:04:51,415
And, the towering,
modern precipitators,
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00:04:51,491 --> 00:04:54,960
Built to battle the pollution
made by burning coal.
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00:04:57,089 --> 00:04:59,247
♪
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00:04:59,258 --> 00:05:00,582
Goodman: So actually,
probably the best thing
84
00:05:00,592 --> 00:05:03,343
To do is start at the
beginning of the process.
85
00:05:03,554 --> 00:05:06,171
Zdenek: Ronnie goodman
is the demolition engineer
86
00:05:06,181 --> 00:05:08,515
In charge of making
it all happen.
87
00:05:08,592 --> 00:05:10,684
This is not his first rodeo.
88
00:05:10,761 --> 00:05:14,512
Ronnie's already demolished
half-a-dozen coal power plants
89
00:05:14,523 --> 00:05:17,524
And has agreed to share
his trade secrets with me.
90
00:05:18,685 --> 00:05:20,018
Goodman: The building you
see today,
91
00:05:20,029 --> 00:05:22,437
It will look similar
to that the day
92
00:05:22,448 --> 00:05:23,855
We implode that building.
93
00:05:23,866 --> 00:05:26,450
But you'll take months
and months of preparation
94
00:05:26,526 --> 00:05:28,610
And then all of a sudden,
they'll push the button,
95
00:05:28,620 --> 00:05:29,619
Seconds later, the
whole building's
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00:05:29,696 --> 00:05:31,780
Reduced to a small pile.
97
00:05:31,790 --> 00:05:35,375
♪
98
00:05:35,586 --> 00:05:38,620
Zdenek: Demo work is a
science and a business.
99
00:05:38,630 --> 00:05:42,090
There's 30,000 tons of
valuable metal here.
100
00:05:45,804 --> 00:05:49,389
It could be worth $10
million if you're willing
101
00:05:49,466 --> 00:05:51,099
To do the hard
work to get it out.
102
00:05:53,812 --> 00:05:56,063
Goodman: We'll come through, all
these windows will get removed
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00:05:56,139 --> 00:05:57,472
From this building here.
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00:05:57,483 --> 00:05:59,733
Turbine and generator work,
condenser removal work,
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00:05:59,810 --> 00:06:01,401
That process will
keep continuin' down
106
00:06:01,478 --> 00:06:03,028
Towards this end
of the building.
107
00:06:04,740 --> 00:06:07,491
Zdenek: They're starting
on the six massive boilers.
108
00:06:07,567 --> 00:06:09,234
Conveniently, those are also
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00:06:09,244 --> 00:06:12,329
The first engineering
innovation I want to uncover,
110
00:06:15,084 --> 00:06:17,084
Down here in the dark.
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00:06:17,994 --> 00:06:19,920
♪
112
00:06:19,996 --> 00:06:23,164
Throughout the 19th
century, boilers were used
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00:06:23,175 --> 00:06:26,835
To create steam power
on a small scale.
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00:06:26,845 --> 00:06:29,930
Archival: America is at
the height of the steam age.
115
00:06:30,006 --> 00:06:32,265
The steam engine is the
nation's prime mover.
116
00:06:33,644 --> 00:06:36,436
Zdenek: Then, from 1882,
they were used
117
00:06:36,647 --> 00:06:39,264
To run america's
first power plants.
118
00:06:39,274 --> 00:06:43,568
These were small operations
with as few as 500 customers.
119
00:06:47,023 --> 00:06:50,024
The engineers at buck
were thinking much bigger
120
00:06:50,035 --> 00:06:52,661
And revolutionized
a new technology.
121
00:06:54,030 --> 00:06:57,949
They saw a way to use steam
to create electrical power,
122
00:06:57,960 --> 00:07:00,127
Not just for a
single neighborhood,
123
00:07:00,963 --> 00:07:04,089
But for huge,
industrial operations.
124
00:07:05,542 --> 00:07:08,468
♪
125
00:07:08,679 --> 00:07:12,889
Super-sized power plants
with super-sized boilers.
126
00:07:14,977 --> 00:07:18,728
So big, they housed them deep
in the bowels of the building.
127
00:07:32,235 --> 00:07:35,904
Somewhere around here, I can
hear the team working hard
128
00:07:35,914 --> 00:07:37,456
To cut through all that steel.
129
00:07:42,087 --> 00:07:44,245
They're starting at the
bottom of the boiler
130
00:07:44,256 --> 00:07:47,591
And using flame cutters to
slice through the enormous pipes
131
00:07:47,667 --> 00:07:49,593
That supplied the
boilers with water.
132
00:07:52,088 --> 00:07:55,056
But cutting those pipes
free is dangerous work.
133
00:07:56,101 --> 00:07:58,927
(metal crashing)
(chad exclaiming)
134
00:07:58,937 --> 00:08:01,188
Now that's how you take
apart a power plant!
135
00:08:02,516 --> 00:08:04,098
So this used to be a giant pipe,
136
00:08:04,109 --> 00:08:06,017
Like a three-foot diameter pipe.
137
00:08:06,028 --> 00:08:08,612
It's two-and-a-half
inches thick of steel
138
00:08:08,688 --> 00:08:10,614
And it's at the
bottom of the boiler.
139
00:08:10,690 --> 00:08:13,366
They already cut off the
bottom part of the pipe,
140
00:08:13,443 --> 00:08:16,369
Now the guys in the crawl space
are getting rid of the top.
141
00:08:16,446 --> 00:08:17,612
And these pieces have got
142
00:08:17,623 --> 00:08:19,748
To weigh a couple of
thousand pounds each.
143
00:08:23,537 --> 00:08:25,545
(metal crashing)
144
00:08:25,622 --> 00:08:26,955
Wow. (laughs)
145
00:08:26,965 --> 00:08:28,957
I thought I'd get hit with
slag, not mud! (laughs)
146
00:08:28,967 --> 00:08:30,875
Man: It's mud on your face.
147
00:08:30,886 --> 00:08:32,344
Zdenek: It's crazy work in here.
148
00:08:36,049 --> 00:08:38,299
It takes 10 days of hard work
149
00:08:38,310 --> 00:08:40,885
And sweat just to
remove the pipe work
150
00:08:40,896 --> 00:08:42,896
And bottom section
of the boiler.
151
00:08:42,973 --> 00:08:46,316
But now, I can look right up
into the combustion chamber.
152
00:08:48,979 --> 00:08:52,313
Once, this huge space
was filled with a giant,
153
00:08:52,324 --> 00:08:55,325
Swirling fireball that
burned all day long.
154
00:08:58,071 --> 00:09:01,581
The space is so big, I can
barely see the top of it,
155
00:09:01,792 --> 00:09:04,000
120-feet above my head.
156
00:09:05,245 --> 00:09:09,422
This boiler was 12 times bigger
than those on the titanic
157
00:09:09,499 --> 00:09:11,967
And it lasted a lot longer.
158
00:09:13,086 --> 00:09:16,429
But while it was big, it
also needed to be efficient.
159
00:09:19,017 --> 00:09:22,477
That depended on something
small, very small.
160
00:09:23,680 --> 00:09:27,682
Early boilers burned coal
in lumps the size of rocks
161
00:09:27,693 --> 00:09:31,278
At an efficiency of just 35%.
162
00:09:32,447 --> 00:09:35,782
Buck engineers were
determined to do better
163
00:09:35,859 --> 00:09:37,617
And discovered they
could produce even
164
00:09:37,694 --> 00:09:39,703
More energy from coal
165
00:09:39,779 --> 00:09:41,362
If they pulverized it.
166
00:09:41,373 --> 00:09:42,864
Goodman: They
pulverized this coal.
167
00:09:42,874 --> 00:09:44,949
And the most important thing
for us is that the coal goes
168
00:09:44,960 --> 00:09:47,535
From that size of
a rock to a powder.
169
00:09:47,546 --> 00:09:49,129
And it's really important
it gets down to a powder,
170
00:09:49,205 --> 00:09:51,956
Because it needs to be
a powder for combustion.
171
00:09:51,967 --> 00:09:54,092
Zdenek: Efficient
combustion, that is.
172
00:09:55,378 --> 00:09:56,961
When coal is powdered,
173
00:09:56,972 --> 00:10:00,298
It means more of the
carbon content is exposed.
174
00:10:00,309 --> 00:10:02,383
So when it's mixed with air
175
00:10:02,394 --> 00:10:04,894
And blasted into the
combustion chamber,
176
00:10:04,971 --> 00:10:07,105
It ignites almost instantly.
177
00:10:09,059 --> 00:10:12,527
This means it burns faster
and with less waste.
178
00:10:15,982 --> 00:10:19,075
I mean, this is like the size
of a small skyscraper in here.
179
00:10:19,152 --> 00:10:21,736
And can you imagine,
1,000-degrees fahrenheit,
180
00:10:21,747 --> 00:10:23,905
1800 psi,
181
00:10:23,915 --> 00:10:27,667
With a giant fireball just
swirling around inside of here.
182
00:10:27,744 --> 00:10:29,911
All that water in the
pipes turning into steam
183
00:10:29,921 --> 00:10:31,087
To power the turbine.
184
00:10:33,925 --> 00:10:37,919
The 26,000-square foot
combustion chamber,
185
00:10:37,929 --> 00:10:41,014
Lined with tens of thousands
of feet of pipework,
186
00:10:41,091 --> 00:10:43,591
All carrying cold water.
187
00:10:43,602 --> 00:10:47,437
As the pulverized coal
burned in the giant chamber,
188
00:10:47,514 --> 00:10:50,515
The enormous heat
generated by the inferno,
189
00:10:50,525 --> 00:10:53,434
Turned the water in
the pipes to steam.
190
00:10:53,445 --> 00:10:57,989
When that happens, steam
increases 1,000 times in volume.
191
00:11:00,026 --> 00:11:01,859
It's a handy rule of physics,
192
00:11:01,870 --> 00:11:04,954
Which means steam leaves the
boiler under enormous pressure,
193
00:11:05,031 --> 00:11:08,041
1800-pounds-per-square-inch.
194
00:11:08,118 --> 00:11:12,370
That's around 20-times higher
than early boiler designs.
195
00:11:12,381 --> 00:11:15,715
♪
196
00:11:15,926 --> 00:11:19,377
Buck's new technique quickly
became the industry standard,
197
00:11:19,388 --> 00:11:22,764
Increasing power production
right across america.
198
00:11:27,303 --> 00:11:30,897
♪
199
00:11:30,974 --> 00:11:34,892
Now, chunk by chunk, the
demolition team is cutting
200
00:11:34,903 --> 00:11:36,486
Out the giant boilers.
201
00:11:38,949 --> 00:11:42,066
Salvaging over 300-tons of steel
202
00:11:42,077 --> 00:11:45,120
That could sell
for up to $90,000.
203
00:11:49,167 --> 00:11:51,918
Finally, after a
century of service
204
00:11:51,995 --> 00:11:56,164
And eight weeks of salvage,
buck's boilers are no more.
205
00:11:56,174 --> 00:11:59,926
♪
206
00:12:03,339 --> 00:12:06,182
They're now taken to the
local scrap yard for sorting.
207
00:12:13,191 --> 00:12:15,024
We started tearing
into the boilers
208
00:12:15,101 --> 00:12:16,517
And this is all that's left.
209
00:12:16,528 --> 00:12:18,778
We separated the metal
into different piles
210
00:12:18,989 --> 00:12:21,573
And now it's all ready to
go to the recycling yard.
211
00:12:27,113 --> 00:12:30,749
In the 1920s, the american
economy was booming.
212
00:12:33,369 --> 00:12:36,463
New wealth and consumer
credit meant new markets
213
00:12:36,539 --> 00:12:38,506
For luxury and household goods.
214
00:12:39,968 --> 00:12:44,471
Archival: Golden america,
welcome to the promised land!
215
00:12:48,218 --> 00:12:50,551
Zdenek: North carolina
was cotton country,
216
00:12:50,562 --> 00:12:52,979
The number one textile
state in the union.
217
00:12:53,973 --> 00:12:56,974
To keep up with demand,
its mills needed power
218
00:12:56,985 --> 00:12:59,944
In bigger quantities
than ever before.
219
00:13:02,816 --> 00:13:05,399
Duke's local hydro-electric
power plant was
220
00:13:05,410 --> 00:13:07,994
Soon struggling to
generate enough juice.
221
00:13:09,039 --> 00:13:12,156
They needed an alternative
and they needed it fast,
222
00:13:12,167 --> 00:13:15,084
Which gave rise to
buck steam station.
223
00:13:22,502 --> 00:13:25,762
Company worker and historian
paul beattie has joined me
224
00:13:25,839 --> 00:13:28,306
To explain just how
quickly they did it.
225
00:13:29,175 --> 00:13:31,759
So you've got almost 40
years with the company,
226
00:13:31,770 --> 00:13:33,010
Plus when you started working,
227
00:13:33,021 --> 00:13:35,188
You were working with
old timers at the time
228
00:13:35,265 --> 00:13:38,933
That had been workin'
since maybe the '40s-'50s.
229
00:13:38,944 --> 00:13:40,360
But you're also a
mechanical engineer,
230
00:13:40,436 --> 00:13:42,937
So I'm hopin' that you
can tell me a little bit
231
00:13:42,948 --> 00:13:45,940
About the historical
part of the plant.
232
00:13:45,951 --> 00:13:49,953
Beattie: They built this
particular plant in nine months.
233
00:13:50,029 --> 00:13:51,120
Zdenek: Nine months?
234
00:13:54,084 --> 00:13:55,375
Beattle: They
self-performed all the work.
235
00:13:55,451 --> 00:13:57,961
They had local folks
that were very talented,
236
00:13:58,037 --> 00:14:00,797
Very knowledgeable,
from that standpoint.
237
00:14:00,874 --> 00:14:02,957
It was a monumental
task at the time
238
00:14:02,968 --> 00:14:05,385
If you think of how quickly
they made it happen.
239
00:14:05,461 --> 00:14:07,804
Zdenek: When buck steam
station was finished,
240
00:14:07,881 --> 00:14:10,223
It could produced
80 times more juice
241
00:14:10,300 --> 00:14:12,216
Than the hydro-electric plant,
242
00:14:12,227 --> 00:14:14,644
Enough to power
the booming mills.
243
00:14:16,139 --> 00:14:20,567
But such a monster machine
required serious manpower,
244
00:14:20,643 --> 00:14:22,443
300 workers per shift.
245
00:14:25,315 --> 00:14:28,241
♪
246
00:14:30,829 --> 00:14:33,988
Duke energy also
had to build a town,
247
00:14:33,999 --> 00:14:35,832
They called it dukeville.
248
00:14:36,751 --> 00:14:38,918
And even started their
own baseball team.
249
00:14:41,581 --> 00:14:44,165
The coal came in by rail,
250
00:14:44,175 --> 00:14:48,928
10,000 tons of the
stuff, every single day.
251
00:14:49,005 --> 00:14:52,181
All delivered from
up to 500 miles away
252
00:14:52,258 --> 00:14:54,767
To keep buck's giant
boilers burning.
253
00:14:55,678 --> 00:14:59,180
But giant boilers and
high-pressure steam were
254
00:14:59,190 --> 00:15:02,942
Only the first step in
providing power to the people.
255
00:15:07,857 --> 00:15:09,115
The next next
engineering innovation
256
00:15:09,192 --> 00:15:11,951
That I want to uncover
is the crucial invention
257
00:15:12,028 --> 00:15:14,612
That turned steam into movement.
258
00:15:14,623 --> 00:15:16,873
It's an invention
that was so efficient
259
00:15:16,950 --> 00:15:19,459
And so effective,
that 100 years later,
260
00:15:19,535 --> 00:15:22,203
It's still being used
in modern power plants.
261
00:15:22,213 --> 00:15:25,840
It's the steam turbine.
♪
262
00:15:26,635 --> 00:15:29,552
Buck had six of them
and they're huge!
263
00:15:32,966 --> 00:15:34,807
Three months in and they're next
264
00:15:34,884 --> 00:15:36,300
On the list for destruction.
265
00:15:37,470 --> 00:15:40,355
The team is preparing to cut
them apart and recycle them.
266
00:15:46,062 --> 00:15:47,645
But it's not gonna be easy,
267
00:15:47,656 --> 00:15:52,033
Each one is underneath a steel
casing, three-inches thick,
268
00:15:53,078 --> 00:15:55,569
Held in place by bolts so big
269
00:15:55,580 --> 00:15:57,580
We need a crane
to lift them out.
270
00:16:02,078 --> 00:16:05,922
The covers are so heavy, we
have to cut each one into pieces
271
00:16:05,999 --> 00:16:07,340
Before we can move it.
272
00:16:11,513 --> 00:16:13,012
After hours of cutting,
273
00:16:13,089 --> 00:16:15,348
We're ready to crane
out the first section.
274
00:16:17,343 --> 00:16:20,428
So, we used one of the
existing bolt holes
275
00:16:20,438 --> 00:16:22,522
And then torched
a hole in the side
276
00:16:22,598 --> 00:16:25,858
So that we have an access point
to attach the shackles to.
277
00:16:25,935 --> 00:16:27,184
Otherwise, there's
no real safe way
278
00:16:27,195 --> 00:16:30,822
To lift up (laughs) 35
tons worth of metal.
279
00:16:36,779 --> 00:16:40,206
To move it, we're using
buck's 100-ton crane.
280
00:16:40,283 --> 00:16:44,002
It was installed in 1926
to assemble the plant.
281
00:16:48,550 --> 00:16:49,966
Nearly a century later,
282
00:16:50,043 --> 00:16:52,218
We're using it to
take the place apart.
283
00:16:54,797 --> 00:16:58,466
The crane's pulleys are
maneuvered inches at a time,
284
00:16:58,476 --> 00:17:03,021
One false move and the
giant cables could snap.
285
00:17:03,982 --> 00:17:05,189
Come on!
286
00:17:06,059 --> 00:17:07,558
Lift!
287
00:17:07,569 --> 00:17:12,030
Come on!
♪
288
00:17:15,910 --> 00:17:17,535
Ah, there it goes!
289
00:17:19,289 --> 00:17:21,989
Well, we finally got the
high-pressure turbine cover off
290
00:17:22,000 --> 00:17:25,585
And it was really heavy,
even the 100-ton crane had
291
00:17:25,661 --> 00:17:27,003
To work to get the thing off.
292
00:17:29,248 --> 00:17:33,051
♪
293
00:17:38,433 --> 00:17:39,766
♪
294
00:17:39,842 --> 00:17:43,352
The turbine casing alone
weighs around 10,000 pounds.
295
00:17:44,522 --> 00:17:47,982
For the salvage team,
that could mean $20,000.
296
00:17:49,769 --> 00:17:51,027
What I'm excited about,
297
00:17:51,104 --> 00:17:54,447
Are the huge circular
elements revealed inside.
298
00:17:54,524 --> 00:17:55,940
They're the turbine blades
299
00:17:55,950 --> 00:17:58,442
And they're really clever
pieces of engineering.
300
00:18:01,280 --> 00:18:03,864
A turbine works on
an ancient principle,
301
00:18:03,875 --> 00:18:05,792
That by moving one large wheel,
302
00:18:05,868 --> 00:18:08,044
Connected to the
other small wheels,
303
00:18:08,121 --> 00:18:09,962
You can covert thermal energy
304
00:18:10,039 --> 00:18:13,290
Into mechanical energy
using moving water
305
00:18:13,301 --> 00:18:15,376
Or air to turn a wheel.
306
00:18:18,214 --> 00:18:20,965
Romans employed the
technique to grind corn
307
00:18:20,975 --> 00:18:22,892
As early as 70 b.C.
308
00:18:22,969 --> 00:18:26,354
And windmills were invented
over 1,000 years ago.
309
00:18:27,899 --> 00:18:30,983
Both are ancestors of
buck's huge turbines
310
00:18:31,986 --> 00:18:34,737
Which use steam,
instead of air or water,
311
00:18:34,814 --> 00:18:36,697
To turn giant fan blades.
312
00:18:38,827 --> 00:18:42,036
These fan blades are
mounted on a central shaft.
313
00:18:44,407 --> 00:18:46,999
The high-pressure steam
from the boiler is pumped
314
00:18:47,076 --> 00:18:48,543
Into the turbine casing.
315
00:18:50,163 --> 00:18:52,246
As it's forced over
the fan blades,
316
00:18:52,257 --> 00:18:55,591
The steam spins the blades
and drives the shaft.
317
00:18:59,430 --> 00:19:00,838
♪
318
00:19:00,849 --> 00:19:03,090
The person behind
this invention was
319
00:19:03,101 --> 00:19:05,017
Irishman, charles parsons.
320
00:19:06,396 --> 00:19:10,231
He built his first steam
turbine design in 1884.
321
00:19:11,517 --> 00:19:14,944
The turbine operated
in a series of stages,
322
00:19:15,021 --> 00:19:18,948
Which drew energy out of
the steam as it expanded,
323
00:19:19,025 --> 00:19:22,276
Making it slower,
more controllable
324
00:19:22,287 --> 00:19:25,029
And less likely to wear out
or break under the strain.
325
00:19:27,867 --> 00:19:29,709
Steam turbines have
replace pistons
326
00:19:29,785 --> 00:19:33,129
For extracting power almost
universally since then.
327
00:19:35,875 --> 00:19:37,967
Within a few decades,
it made cheap
328
00:19:38,044 --> 00:19:40,303
And plentiful
electricity possible
329
00:19:40,379 --> 00:19:44,182
And revolutionized marine
transport and naval warfare.
330
00:19:46,969 --> 00:19:48,728
Parsons' invention
was a breakthrough
331
00:19:48,804 --> 00:19:50,563
In mechanical engineering.
332
00:19:50,640 --> 00:19:54,650
It was later adopted for all
major world power stations.
333
00:19:57,063 --> 00:19:58,654
The earliest turbines produced
334
00:19:58,731 --> 00:20:01,065
Just under eight
kilowatts of power,
335
00:20:01,075 --> 00:20:02,983
But the genius of
that invention was
336
00:20:02,994 --> 00:20:05,328
Its ability to scale
up dramatically.
337
00:20:05,404 --> 00:20:08,656
Here at buck, by
a factor of 10,000!
338
00:20:08,666 --> 00:20:12,835
Those turbines produce 80,000
kilowatts of power each.
339
00:20:18,918 --> 00:20:22,511
♪
340
00:20:24,006 --> 00:20:27,183
Like everything else, these
rotors are super heavy.
341
00:20:29,479 --> 00:20:33,847
Each one is made up of at
least 15,000 pounds of steel
342
00:20:33,858 --> 00:20:36,734
And they were never designed
to be completely dismantled.
343
00:20:42,441 --> 00:20:44,700
Carlos: Okay, take it up.
344
00:20:44,777 --> 00:20:46,702
Zdenek: So this is really just
the nature of the beast,
345
00:20:46,779 --> 00:20:48,037
There's no written manual
346
00:20:48,114 --> 00:20:50,039
On how to deconstruct
those things.
347
00:20:50,116 --> 00:20:53,951
We're relying on carlos and
the guys' decades of experience
348
00:20:53,962 --> 00:20:55,378
In taking these things apart.
349
00:20:56,539 --> 00:21:00,383
There are no shortcuts here,
just blowtorches and sweat.
350
00:21:00,459 --> 00:21:03,210
It takes five weeks
to remove the casings
351
00:21:03,221 --> 00:21:05,129
And cut up each turbine.
352
00:21:05,139 --> 00:21:08,808
♪
353
00:21:17,143 --> 00:21:19,568
I'm back in time to help
with the final unit.
354
00:21:20,980 --> 00:21:22,905
This is the last turbine.
355
00:21:22,982 --> 00:21:25,324
I'm gonna flame
cut the bottom bolt
356
00:21:25,535 --> 00:21:27,743
And then we'll be able
to lift the casing out.
357
00:21:31,407 --> 00:21:32,915
(torches hissing)
♪
358
00:21:32,992 --> 00:21:36,210
I had to get certified to
be able to use one of these.
359
00:21:38,914 --> 00:21:41,915
It burns oxygen
and acetylene gases
360
00:21:41,926 --> 00:21:44,927
At 6,000 degrees fahrenheit.
361
00:21:45,004 --> 00:21:48,672
Enough to melt solid
steel in seconds.
362
00:21:48,683 --> 00:21:50,924
I start by cutting
through the giant bolts
363
00:21:50,935 --> 00:21:52,685
That secure the
thing to the floor.
364
00:21:55,023 --> 00:21:56,355
(metal clanging)
365
00:21:56,566 --> 00:21:58,190
All right, that's
four bolts gone.
366
00:22:00,278 --> 00:22:02,102
With the turbine
itself gone out,
367
00:22:02,113 --> 00:22:05,281
The rest of the team cuts
the bottom casing into pieces
368
00:22:05,358 --> 00:22:06,991
So the crane can lift them out.
369
00:22:09,028 --> 00:22:12,371
We've got the crane
hoisted on each side
370
00:22:12,448 --> 00:22:14,206
And we got to make sure
that it's not too tight.
371
00:22:14,283 --> 00:22:15,949
Because if there's
too much tension,
372
00:22:15,960 --> 00:22:18,461
Right when they snap through
that last part of the steel,
373
00:22:18,537 --> 00:22:22,131
It'll pop up and can cause
an injury or kill somebody.
374
00:22:27,963 --> 00:22:31,223
You can tell it's heavy by how
it's bending that cable, huh.
375
00:22:31,300 --> 00:22:34,977
♪
376
00:22:48,067 --> 00:22:51,494
There goes the last of buck
steam station's six turbines.
377
00:22:53,998 --> 00:22:58,075
Extraordinary pieces of
engineering that started to turn
378
00:22:58,086 --> 00:23:00,961
At a critical time in
the nation's history.
379
00:23:04,417 --> 00:23:08,010
♪
380
00:23:10,005 --> 00:23:12,848
The plant's builders won
their nine month race
381
00:23:12,925 --> 00:23:16,018
To keep up with north
carolina's textile boom.
382
00:23:16,095 --> 00:23:19,980
But just as their hard work was
paying off, disaster struck.
383
00:23:21,934 --> 00:23:25,936
The great depression brought
industry to its knees.
384
00:23:25,947 --> 00:23:29,356
In the crisis, the federal
government stepped in,
385
00:23:29,367 --> 00:23:32,276
Realizing that infrastructure
projects, like buck,
386
00:23:32,286 --> 00:23:34,995
Could power a lot more
than textile mills.
387
00:23:37,032 --> 00:23:40,951
Across the country, armies
of men built new power lines
388
00:23:40,962 --> 00:23:42,962
That connected
everyone to the grid.
389
00:23:46,801 --> 00:23:50,970
Up to 500 miles of
cable went up every day.
390
00:23:51,046 --> 00:23:54,140
First, major textile
mills were connected.
391
00:23:54,216 --> 00:23:57,560
Followed by tobacco
companies and then homes,
392
00:23:57,636 --> 00:23:59,636
Building up the national grid.
393
00:23:59,647 --> 00:24:03,399
♪
394
00:24:05,403 --> 00:24:08,237
♪
395
00:24:08,314 --> 00:24:10,739
Today, we're nearly
half way through
396
00:24:10,816 --> 00:24:13,150
This year-long
demolition process.
397
00:24:13,161 --> 00:24:16,745
The team has removed
buck's six giant boilers
398
00:24:16,822 --> 00:24:19,081
And its huge turbines,
399
00:24:19,158 --> 00:24:23,878
Together, over 500 tons of
steel, copper and brass.
400
00:24:28,426 --> 00:24:32,303
That's up to $1 million of
scrap at today's prices.
401
00:24:33,756 --> 00:24:35,172
Next on the chopping block,
402
00:24:35,183 --> 00:24:37,766
Are the power plants
mighty generators.
403
00:24:38,928 --> 00:24:40,436
They transformed the energy
404
00:24:40,513 --> 00:24:43,522
From the spinning
turbines into electricity.
405
00:24:43,599 --> 00:24:46,275
And like everything else
at buck, they're big.
406
00:24:51,949 --> 00:24:53,440
Without these generators,
407
00:24:53,451 --> 00:24:56,994
America's electrical revolution
might never have happened.
408
00:25:03,794 --> 00:25:07,120
Today, these are big
value pieces of salvage,
409
00:25:07,131 --> 00:25:11,091
Loaded with precious metals
like copper, nickel and brass.
410
00:25:12,637 --> 00:25:14,711
The turbine converts
high-pressure steam
411
00:25:14,722 --> 00:25:16,472
Into mechanical energy.
412
00:25:16,549 --> 00:25:18,632
Now it's this generator
that will convert
413
00:25:18,643 --> 00:25:21,227
That mechanical energy
into electricity.
414
00:25:24,649 --> 00:25:27,057
It sounds like
magic, but actually,
415
00:25:27,068 --> 00:25:28,642
It's the engineering inspiration
416
00:25:28,653 --> 00:25:31,987
Of a british inventor
named michael faraday.
417
00:25:32,064 --> 00:25:33,906
♪
418
00:25:33,983 --> 00:25:37,910
In 1831, he discovered
that moving a coil of wire
419
00:25:37,987 --> 00:25:42,081
Within a magnetic field
produces an electrical current.
420
00:25:44,335 --> 00:25:46,410
When it comes to working
with electricity,
421
00:25:46,420 --> 00:25:49,004
No other metal is
better than copper.
422
00:25:49,081 --> 00:25:52,082
When a high-voltage current
passes through a wire,
423
00:25:52,093 --> 00:25:54,718
There's a constant rise
and fall in temperature.
424
00:25:56,589 --> 00:26:00,674
Not every metal can take such
heat change, but copper can.
425
00:26:00,685 --> 00:26:03,343
It's also very elastic,
which means it's perfect
426
00:26:03,354 --> 00:26:06,814
To wind into a coil around
this generator shaft.
427
00:26:08,192 --> 00:26:11,768
Almost 200 years later,
generators have been made
428
00:26:11,779 --> 00:26:14,613
More efficient and
built to huge specs,
429
00:26:14,690 --> 00:26:16,865
But the concept
remains the same.
430
00:26:20,454 --> 00:26:22,946
♪
431
00:26:22,957 --> 00:26:25,949
This generator has a
copper coil surrounded
432
00:26:25,960 --> 00:26:27,459
By giant magnets.
433
00:26:29,455 --> 00:26:32,456
The coil is mounted
on a shaft connected
434
00:26:32,466 --> 00:26:33,757
To the spinning turbine.
435
00:26:34,885 --> 00:26:37,878
Which is at constant
speed with more steam,
436
00:26:37,888 --> 00:26:40,139
Meaning more load
until it hits the max.
437
00:26:41,809 --> 00:26:43,475
That copper coil's made to spin
438
00:26:43,552 --> 00:26:45,477
Inside of that magnetic field
439
00:26:45,554 --> 00:26:47,813
And that creates an
electrical current ready
440
00:26:47,890 --> 00:26:49,315
To send to the electrical grid.
441
00:26:53,988 --> 00:26:57,814
Now these huge generators are
ready for the recycling yard.
442
00:26:57,825 --> 00:27:00,659
But first, all that
high-price metal has
443
00:27:00,736 --> 00:27:02,911
To be salvaged from inside them.
444
00:27:02,988 --> 00:27:04,913
I've been told that's my job
445
00:27:04,990 --> 00:27:07,124
And to make sure none
of it gets left behind.
446
00:27:08,744 --> 00:27:09,826
All right, this is the rotor
447
00:27:09,837 --> 00:27:11,670
Out of one of the
last generators,
448
00:27:11,881 --> 00:27:12,921
And this thing is
spinning inside the
449
00:27:12,998 --> 00:27:16,083
Generator at 1800 rpm.
450
00:27:16,093 --> 00:27:19,428
It's actually a steel shaft
that's covered in copper.
451
00:27:19,505 --> 00:27:22,172
Now the copper's very expensive
when it comes to recycling,
452
00:27:22,183 --> 00:27:23,757
So we're gonna take this off
453
00:27:23,768 --> 00:27:26,018
And it's gonna go to a
different recycling yard
454
00:27:26,095 --> 00:27:27,269
Than the steel goes to.
455
00:27:28,189 --> 00:27:33,350
♪
(chisel buzzing)
456
00:27:36,188 --> 00:27:39,698
Copper's worth two-and-a-half
times as much as steel
457
00:27:39,775 --> 00:27:41,274
Because it's very flexible
458
00:27:41,285 --> 00:27:44,536
And can withstand big
changes in temperature.
459
00:27:44,613 --> 00:27:47,414
That makes it ideal for
carrying electrical current.
460
00:27:48,367 --> 00:27:51,377
There are thousands of pounds
of copper in these generators.
461
00:27:52,296 --> 00:27:54,129
I've been told to pry it free
462
00:27:55,040 --> 00:27:57,091
And that the only way
to do that is by hand.
463
00:27:58,127 --> 00:28:00,678
But with just a
crowbar, it ain't easy.
464
00:28:05,643 --> 00:28:07,467
Bueno! (sighs)
465
00:28:07,478 --> 00:28:08,894
It was a lot of hard work,
466
00:28:08,971 --> 00:28:12,189
But it's about 25
pounds of copper.
467
00:28:13,150 --> 00:28:15,976
So this whole thing's
got about 11,000 pounds,
468
00:28:15,986 --> 00:28:17,403
So it's worthwhile
to separate it
469
00:28:17,479 --> 00:28:19,813
So we can send it
to a different yard.
470
00:28:19,824 --> 00:28:22,324
♪
471
00:28:24,987 --> 00:28:28,997
It took a long time to free
just that one, 25-pound strip.
472
00:28:29,074 --> 00:28:31,491
At this rate, it'll
take me about six weeks
473
00:28:31,502 --> 00:28:32,584
To do all of them.
474
00:28:33,996 --> 00:28:36,004
And that's when I
realized the guys were
475
00:28:36,081 --> 00:28:37,715
Just makin' fun of the new kid.
476
00:28:38,509 --> 00:28:41,385
It turns out, the real
pros use mini digger.
477
00:28:43,005 --> 00:28:45,422
All right, these guys were
treating me like rookie,
478
00:28:45,433 --> 00:28:47,090
There's a much
faster way to do it.
479
00:28:47,101 --> 00:28:49,009
We're gonna use some
heavy equipment to do it,
480
00:28:49,019 --> 00:28:51,103
Nothing like a bobcat,
and we should be able
481
00:28:51,180 --> 00:28:53,439
To take out three or
four of them at a time.
482
00:29:05,119 --> 00:29:08,620
♪
483
00:29:08,697 --> 00:29:12,949
Through the 1930s,
'40s and '50s,
484
00:29:12,960 --> 00:29:14,951
Generators like
these were installed
485
00:29:14,962 --> 00:29:18,622
Into at least one new
power station every month.
486
00:29:18,632 --> 00:29:23,719
By 1960, 600 new coal
power plants had opened
487
00:29:23,796 --> 00:29:26,889
And america went from producing
almost no electricity,
488
00:29:26,965 --> 00:29:31,185
To generating four trillion
kilowatt hours every year.
489
00:29:33,806 --> 00:29:35,972
Whether you live in the
city or the country,
490
00:29:35,983 --> 00:29:38,141
Your life was now transformed.
491
00:29:40,979 --> 00:29:43,989
Electricity changed cooking,
492
00:29:44,066 --> 00:29:45,491
Music,
493
00:29:45,567 --> 00:29:46,366
Leisure,
494
00:29:47,244 --> 00:29:48,076
Entertainment
495
00:29:49,321 --> 00:29:51,655
And thanks to some very
clever engineering,
496
00:29:51,665 --> 00:29:53,665
It was something
everyone could afford.
497
00:29:57,079 --> 00:30:00,005
♪
498
00:30:01,166 --> 00:30:03,091
There's a reason this
power station was built
499
00:30:03,168 --> 00:30:04,843
So close to the river.
500
00:30:05,054 --> 00:30:07,846
Coal power plants, they
need huge volumes of water
501
00:30:08,057 --> 00:30:09,556
In order to operate efficiently.
502
00:30:14,438 --> 00:30:17,931
Remember, it's the water in
the pipes lining the boilers
503
00:30:17,942 --> 00:30:21,193
That becomes the pressurized
steam that powers the turbines.
504
00:30:22,446 --> 00:30:24,938
Buck used giant
machines to do that
505
00:30:24,949 --> 00:30:27,199
More efficiently
than ever before.
506
00:30:28,786 --> 00:30:30,110
They are the next innovation
507
00:30:30,120 --> 00:30:32,996
I want to get inside,
the condensers.
508
00:30:35,534 --> 00:30:37,784
There are six in the plant,
509
00:30:37,795 --> 00:30:42,840
Each one is a giant tank,
30-feet tall and 40-feet deep.
510
00:30:46,712 --> 00:30:49,012
Plenty big enough for
me to crawl inside.
511
00:30:58,315 --> 00:31:00,056
When the power
plant was operating,
512
00:31:00,067 --> 00:31:01,483
This would have been sealed off
513
00:31:01,560 --> 00:31:04,611
And filled with water
and thousands of pipes.
514
00:31:06,982 --> 00:31:10,242
The pipes carry cold
water in from the river.
515
00:31:10,319 --> 00:31:12,494
When the spent steam from
the turbine is pumped
516
00:31:12,571 --> 00:31:16,415
Into the tank, the hot
steam hits the cold pipes
517
00:31:16,491 --> 00:31:19,576
And it condenses
back into water.
518
00:31:19,587 --> 00:31:21,328
Which is fed back to the boiler,
519
00:31:21,338 --> 00:31:24,840
So the whole process
can begin again.
520
00:31:24,917 --> 00:31:26,925
This is the ultimate
recycling process
521
00:31:27,002 --> 00:31:29,678
And key to the work of
a power plant like buck.
522
00:31:31,340 --> 00:31:34,591
It made the process of
generating electricity at buck
523
00:31:34,602 --> 00:31:38,094
Even more efficient,
keeping costs down
524
00:31:38,105 --> 00:31:41,514
And electricity as
affordable as possible.
525
00:31:41,525 --> 00:31:46,019
Now taking them apart is
gonna take a lot of work.
526
00:31:46,030 --> 00:31:48,780
♪
527
00:31:51,109 --> 00:31:54,369
They're so big, we have
to start 20-feet up.
528
00:31:55,372 --> 00:31:57,915
The pipes are each made
of stainless steel.
529
00:31:59,534 --> 00:32:01,034
Because that's rust-proof,
530
00:32:01,045 --> 00:32:03,378
It's worth top
dollar as recycling.
531
00:32:04,298 --> 00:32:06,873
And worth the sweat of
salvaging separately
532
00:32:06,884 --> 00:32:08,216
To the rest of the condenser.
533
00:32:09,962 --> 00:32:11,378
Hey, raphael.
Raphael: How you doing?
534
00:32:11,388 --> 00:32:13,380
Zdenek: Good, how are you?
Raphael: Good!
535
00:32:13,390 --> 00:32:15,223
Zdenek: It looks like an
endless job,
536
00:32:15,300 --> 00:32:18,551
And maybe not one I should
have volunteered for.
537
00:32:18,562 --> 00:32:20,228
Man, that's a lot of pipes!
538
00:32:20,305 --> 00:32:22,648
Raphael: There's about
2500 in this space right here.
539
00:32:22,724 --> 00:32:24,224
Zdenek: And you gotta take
every one out, one-by-one.
540
00:32:24,234 --> 00:32:25,484
Raphael: One-by-one, yep.
541
00:32:26,979 --> 00:32:29,312
Zdenek: We have a
custom-built machine to help.
542
00:32:29,323 --> 00:32:32,366
It has jaws that grab the
pipe and then pull it out.
543
00:32:33,494 --> 00:32:34,743
But it's still gonna take a lot
544
00:32:34,820 --> 00:32:36,203
Of heavy and repetitive work.
545
00:32:37,990 --> 00:32:43,001
Each pipe is 20-feet long,
weighs about eight pounds
546
00:32:43,420 --> 00:32:46,079
And is worth around $5 as scrap.
547
00:32:46,090 --> 00:32:49,749
Not much, but when you've
got 15,000 of them,
548
00:32:49,760 --> 00:32:52,970
Removing them one-by-one
begins to make sense.
549
00:32:54,223 --> 00:32:55,847
Once we've pulled each pipe,
550
00:32:55,924 --> 00:32:57,766
We feed it into a guillotine,
551
00:32:57,843 --> 00:33:00,435
Where it's cut into pieces
ready for melt-down.
552
00:33:01,680 --> 00:33:04,773
(guillotine clicking)
553
00:33:04,850 --> 00:33:08,443
♪
554
00:33:10,948 --> 00:33:12,864
With the condensers'
pipes removed,
555
00:33:12,941 --> 00:33:15,525
The steel outer casings
are cut into chunks
556
00:33:15,536 --> 00:33:18,453
And lifted to ground level,
ready for the salvage yard.
557
00:33:20,032 --> 00:33:23,834
Another huge piece of buck
power plant stripped away.
558
00:33:28,966 --> 00:33:33,051
♪
559
00:33:33,128 --> 00:33:34,970
After seven months of work,
560
00:33:35,047 --> 00:33:39,132
The team has salvaged
almost 3,000 tons of metal.
561
00:33:39,143 --> 00:33:42,719
We've removed the six
boilers, turbines,
562
00:33:42,730 --> 00:33:44,980
Generators and condensers.
563
00:33:47,276 --> 00:33:50,986
Together, a mighty machine,
which for 80 years,
564
00:33:51,063 --> 00:33:54,731
Harnessed the power of coal
to generate electricity.
565
00:33:54,742 --> 00:33:58,577
And help drive america's growth
through the 20th century.
566
00:34:01,415 --> 00:34:04,240
By the 1970s, it was clear,
567
00:34:04,251 --> 00:34:06,918
Burning coal came at a cost.
568
00:34:06,995 --> 00:34:09,755
Archival: Wherever fuel
is burned to generate power,
569
00:34:09,831 --> 00:34:13,583
The inevitable, unavoidable
result is pollution.
570
00:34:13,594 --> 00:34:16,586
Zdenek: Dangerous gases
and heavy metals released
571
00:34:16,597 --> 00:34:18,096
Into the atmosphere.
572
00:34:18,173 --> 00:34:21,767
Sulfur dioxide, that
creates acid rain.
573
00:34:22,594 --> 00:34:26,021
Nitrogen oxide,
which causes smog.
574
00:34:26,098 --> 00:34:30,517
Mercury, that contaminates
waterways, killing wildlife.
575
00:34:30,527 --> 00:34:35,197
And soot, which can trigger
asthma and bronchitis.
576
00:34:35,273 --> 00:34:38,533
Buck power plant had
helped changed america,
577
00:34:38,610 --> 00:34:42,329
But the dark side of coal power
could no longer be ignored.
578
00:34:43,332 --> 00:34:45,031
The u.S. Government responded
579
00:34:45,042 --> 00:34:47,542
By introducing
the clean air act,
580
00:34:47,619 --> 00:34:49,786
Designed to reduce pollution
581
00:34:49,797 --> 00:34:52,255
By enforcing new
standards for industry.
582
00:34:55,043 --> 00:34:57,302
♪
583
00:34:57,379 --> 00:35:00,722
In response, duke
energy built these.
584
00:35:00,799 --> 00:35:03,892
They're called
precipitators and inside,
585
00:35:03,969 --> 00:35:06,019
There's some pretty
cool engineering.
586
00:35:12,319 --> 00:35:15,237
The precipitators
stretch 110 feet,
587
00:35:15,313 --> 00:35:16,988
The entire height
of the building.
588
00:35:18,817 --> 00:35:21,993
Inside each one is an
array of metal plates,
589
00:35:22,070 --> 00:35:24,121
Charged with static electricity.
590
00:35:25,666 --> 00:35:28,166
Exhaust gases from
the boilers are pumped
591
00:35:28,377 --> 00:35:29,584
Into the precipitator.
592
00:35:30,579 --> 00:35:32,996
These gases are
laden with particles
593
00:35:33,006 --> 00:35:35,173
Of ash and poisonous metals.
594
00:35:36,585 --> 00:35:39,928
As this mixture passes
between the metal plates,
595
00:35:40,005 --> 00:35:42,180
The static electrical
charge attracts
596
00:35:42,391 --> 00:35:45,592
The dangerous particles, so
that they cling to the metal
597
00:35:45,602 --> 00:35:48,270
While the gases release
into the atmosphere.
598
00:35:50,182 --> 00:35:52,691
Vibration then frees the ash
599
00:35:52,767 --> 00:35:54,484
So that it can be
collected below.
600
00:35:57,105 --> 00:35:59,948
Now, it's time to
tear them down.
601
00:36:00,025 --> 00:36:03,026
Brad: Roberto and ricardo, y'all
are gonna be machine operators,
602
00:36:03,036 --> 00:36:05,871
Supportin' tommy
lean and long arm.
603
00:36:05,947 --> 00:36:07,697
You ready, you're work
trucks full, ready to go?
604
00:36:07,708 --> 00:36:09,115
Man: Yep.
605
00:36:09,126 --> 00:36:10,283
Zdenek: And normally, they might
just blow out the legs
606
00:36:10,294 --> 00:36:11,951
And take the whole
thing down in one piece,
607
00:36:11,962 --> 00:36:13,378
But we can't do that here
608
00:36:13,455 --> 00:36:15,881
Because we have an
active switch yard.
609
00:36:15,957 --> 00:36:18,625
All the transformers and
high-voltage lines over there,
610
00:36:18,635 --> 00:36:20,960
All that's active
and you can see,
611
00:36:20,971 --> 00:36:23,889
It's dangerously close to
where our precipitator is.
612
00:36:23,965 --> 00:36:26,474
So instead, we're
gonna use an excavator,
613
00:36:26,551 --> 00:36:28,968
It's basically this
100-foot arm with shears
614
00:36:28,979 --> 00:36:31,062
On the end that bite down,
615
00:36:31,139 --> 00:36:33,890
And take this structure
down, piece by piece.
616
00:36:33,901 --> 00:36:36,568
It takes a lot longer, but
it's much more controlled,
617
00:36:36,645 --> 00:36:37,903
Because we don't
want anything falling
618
00:36:37,979 --> 00:36:39,529
Into that electrical over there.
619
00:36:40,649 --> 00:36:43,158
It seems almost a bit like
david and goliath. (laughs)
620
00:36:43,235 --> 00:36:45,744
This monster
precipitator (laughs)
621
00:36:45,820 --> 00:36:48,079
And this guy working this
one machine down here.
622
00:36:50,075 --> 00:36:54,502
(metal clanging)
(excavator creaking)
623
00:36:54,579 --> 00:36:56,755
This is amazing to
see this process.
624
00:36:56,831 --> 00:36:58,414
I mean, you lose perspective.
625
00:36:58,425 --> 00:37:02,001
We're about 200 feet away
and he's literally shearing
626
00:37:02,012 --> 00:37:04,179
Through I-beams to
take this apart.
627
00:37:05,933 --> 00:37:10,977
(metal clanging)
♪
628
00:37:11,596 --> 00:37:13,271
For three whole days,
629
00:37:13,482 --> 00:37:17,016
The excavators huge jaws
tear at the precipitators
630
00:37:19,854 --> 00:37:23,657
Until eventually, the giant
machines are reduced to scrap.
631
00:37:31,032 --> 00:37:34,033
About a month ago, we started
taking apart the precipitators
632
00:37:34,044 --> 00:37:37,704
With the excavator and
this is all that's left.
633
00:37:37,714 --> 00:37:39,956
We've separated all the
metal into different piles
634
00:37:39,967 --> 00:37:41,967
To get it ready for recycling.
635
00:37:42,043 --> 00:37:44,970
♪
636
00:37:48,225 --> 00:37:53,270
98% of this metal will be melted
down, sold and used again.
637
00:37:54,306 --> 00:37:55,814
Inside the building,
638
00:37:55,890 --> 00:37:59,985
I'm helping to clear the very
last pieces of salvaged steel.
639
00:38:00,061 --> 00:38:01,144
Getting these giant chunks
640
00:38:01,154 --> 00:38:04,814
Of scrap offsite
requires heavy haulage.
641
00:38:07,652 --> 00:38:09,536
So how much would
you say these weigh?
642
00:38:10,539 --> 00:38:11,246
Elberson: 20,000.
643
00:38:12,082 --> 00:38:13,489
Zdenek: Each?
644
00:38:13,500 --> 00:38:15,375
Elberson: This one's 20,
that one's about 15.
645
00:38:16,920 --> 00:38:19,579
Zdenek: So we're puttin' the
shackles on, we got four of 'em.
646
00:38:19,589 --> 00:38:21,923
We had to put two
extras on the other side
647
00:38:22,000 --> 00:38:23,425
To help level it out,
648
00:38:23,501 --> 00:38:26,919
'cause we're grabbing a lot
lower end of the piece there
649
00:38:26,930 --> 00:38:29,514
And we got to make it fairly
even for the main lift.
650
00:38:33,186 --> 00:38:35,020
Time for the big crane.
651
00:38:36,773 --> 00:38:39,858
When you're movin' 25,000
pounds worth of steel,
652
00:38:39,934 --> 00:38:41,735
You got to make sure
you do it right.
653
00:38:44,022 --> 00:38:46,031
So you got two
chains on each one?
654
00:38:46,107 --> 00:38:47,282
Elberson: Yep.
655
00:38:47,359 --> 00:38:48,441
Zdenek: And then that's
it, we're good to go?
656
00:38:48,452 --> 00:38:49,993
Elberson: They're good to go.
657
00:38:51,705 --> 00:38:54,039
Zdenek: Now I've designed
jets for spaceships
658
00:38:54,115 --> 00:38:55,948
And built engines for cars,
659
00:38:55,959 --> 00:38:59,878
But one thing I've never done
is ride in an 18-wheeler.
660
00:39:01,048 --> 00:39:02,538
I'm tryin' not to
be too excited here,
661
00:39:02,549 --> 00:39:04,382
This is my first
time in a big rig.
662
00:39:04,459 --> 00:39:05,875
Elberson: Hey, it's exciting.
663
00:39:05,886 --> 00:39:07,126
Zdenek: (laughs) I know it's
probably old hat for you,
664
00:39:07,137 --> 00:39:08,970
But this is pretty damn cool.
665
00:39:09,047 --> 00:39:10,129
Elberson: I've been in
them for 34 years
666
00:39:10,140 --> 00:39:10,889
And it's still exciting.
667
00:39:10,965 --> 00:39:12,131
(chad laughing)
668
00:39:13,885 --> 00:39:15,718
Zdenek: So can you feel
how heavy the load is
669
00:39:15,729 --> 00:39:17,896
Or does it feel the same
regardless of the weight?
670
00:39:17,972 --> 00:39:19,389
Elberson: You can tell
the difference
671
00:39:19,399 --> 00:39:22,567
'cause most of what we do
is oversized and overweight
672
00:39:23,228 --> 00:39:24,652
And so you can really tell.
673
00:39:24,729 --> 00:39:26,321
The heavier it gets, the more
you can feel in the truck.
674
00:39:26,398 --> 00:39:27,480
Zdenek: Really, huh.
675
00:39:27,491 --> 00:39:30,983
(dispatcher muttering)
676
00:39:30,994 --> 00:39:33,152
Zdenek: Every day for
the last year,
677
00:39:33,163 --> 00:39:35,988
Trucks like this have
been leaving buck,
678
00:39:35,999 --> 00:39:38,833
Carrying giant chunks of
scrap down the highway.
679
00:39:43,915 --> 00:39:45,164
We're driving down
the interstate
680
00:39:45,175 --> 00:39:47,500
With about 25,000
pounds of steel,
681
00:39:47,511 --> 00:39:49,344
Heading off to the
recycling yard.
682
00:39:49,421 --> 00:39:51,429
And I'm really excited
to be in this big rig,
683
00:39:51,640 --> 00:39:54,182
Never done it before
and super grateful
684
00:39:54,259 --> 00:39:55,975
For jake takin' me on the ride.
685
00:39:58,263 --> 00:40:00,897
To one of the biggest
salvage yards in the state.
686
00:40:02,275 --> 00:40:03,433
It's where the other side
687
00:40:03,443 --> 00:40:05,443
Of the demolition
business takes place,
688
00:40:07,105 --> 00:40:10,532
Storing and selling the
30,000 tons of metal,
689
00:40:10,608 --> 00:40:13,118
Salvaged from the buck site.
690
00:40:15,947 --> 00:40:18,289
You're talkin' about acres
and acres of land over here,
691
00:40:18,366 --> 00:40:20,950
I don't even know how
big it is, but it's huge.
692
00:40:20,961 --> 00:40:24,036
And they've got it
down to a science
693
00:40:24,047 --> 00:40:26,673
On how they separate
things, weigh it all out
694
00:40:27,801 --> 00:40:29,801
And put it in different piles.
695
00:40:29,878 --> 00:40:31,886
Then, literally
timing the market
696
00:40:31,963 --> 00:40:33,763
For when it's good
to offload it.
697
00:40:35,967 --> 00:40:37,976
It's a pretty impressive
operation for sure.
698
00:40:40,397 --> 00:40:43,055
I recognized some
parts here from buck.
699
00:40:43,066 --> 00:40:45,558
Cavanaugh: Yeah, you've got,
this is one of the main staters.
700
00:40:45,569 --> 00:40:46,901
And then up there, of course,
701
00:40:46,978 --> 00:40:48,227
You got either some of the high
702
00:40:48,238 --> 00:40:50,280
Or low-pressure rotors
that we took out.
703
00:40:51,232 --> 00:40:54,650
Zdenek: So on the pieces that
we're bringin' in today,
704
00:40:54,661 --> 00:40:56,068
We'll unload it right here
705
00:40:56,079 --> 00:40:57,662
And these guys will
start choppin' it up?
706
00:40:57,739 --> 00:40:59,998
Cavanaugh: Yep, they'll unload
it with the crane here.
707
00:41:00,074 --> 00:41:02,000
They'll prepare it,
get it mill ready,
708
00:41:02,076 --> 00:41:03,918
Then they'll load it on
the truck, ship it out.
709
00:41:03,995 --> 00:41:04,919
Zdenek: Wow.
710
00:41:04,996 --> 00:41:06,421
Cavanaugh: Steel prices
fluctuate,
711
00:41:06,498 --> 00:41:08,006
So we wait for a good
time in the market.
712
00:41:08,082 --> 00:41:09,582
We've got a big enough yard
713
00:41:09,593 --> 00:41:12,135
And we're fortunate enough that
we can stockpile some of it.
714
00:41:16,341 --> 00:41:19,184
Zdenek: Most of the scrap metal
will eventually be melted down
715
00:41:19,260 --> 00:41:21,102
And turned into
building materials,
716
00:41:21,179 --> 00:41:23,396
Like steel girders
for construction.
717
00:41:24,691 --> 00:41:26,933
The haul of metal
from buck is enough
718
00:41:26,943 --> 00:41:29,777
To forge 40,000 feet of I-beams,
719
00:41:30,614 --> 00:41:34,657
Or four-and-a-half thousand
sheets of one-inch steel.
720
00:41:35,527 --> 00:41:37,944
In fact, 2/3 of the steel we use
721
00:41:37,954 --> 00:41:42,040
In america has been recycled
from salvaged metal like this.
722
00:41:46,454 --> 00:41:49,038
It's hard to imagine that
this stuff was actually built
723
00:41:49,049 --> 00:41:52,792
Almost 100 years ago, and
here we are a century later,
724
00:41:52,802 --> 00:41:54,886
Taking it all apart
and it, soon enough,
725
00:41:54,963 --> 00:41:58,297
Is going to be reused
for the next century.
726
00:41:58,308 --> 00:42:01,392
♪
727
00:42:01,469 --> 00:42:05,388
Buck steam station was
a marvel of its age.
728
00:42:05,398 --> 00:42:09,150
When it was built, it was a
highly efficient power plant,
729
00:42:09,227 --> 00:42:11,277
Using cutting-edge technology.
730
00:42:14,065 --> 00:42:16,074
Today, it's a dinosaur.
731
00:42:19,329 --> 00:42:23,414
The precipitators stopped
99% of harmful particles
732
00:42:23,491 --> 00:42:25,241
From reaching the atmosphere,
733
00:42:25,252 --> 00:42:28,244
But those pollutants
weren't eradicated.
734
00:42:28,255 --> 00:42:30,672
Instead, they were
collected in the form
735
00:42:30,748 --> 00:42:32,590
Of millions of tons of ash,
736
00:42:32,667 --> 00:42:35,218
Which then had to be
disposed of elsewhere.
737
00:42:38,932 --> 00:42:41,757
Here at buck, that was
done by digging giant pits,
738
00:42:41,768 --> 00:42:43,351
Called ash ponds.
739
00:42:43,428 --> 00:42:46,762
Water was used to move the
ash to a series of these ponds
740
00:42:46,773 --> 00:42:48,982
And then that ash would
settle to the bottom.
741
00:42:51,027 --> 00:42:54,988
But over time, toxins seeped
into the local groundwater.
742
00:42:56,941 --> 00:43:00,702
The pollution caused by
burning coal was not going away
743
00:43:02,038 --> 00:43:04,706
And that's one reason
buck steam station was
744
00:43:04,782 --> 00:43:08,126
Finally decommissioned in 2013.
745
00:43:14,551 --> 00:43:17,885
Newer, cleaner ways of
producing electricity are taking
746
00:43:17,962 --> 00:43:20,054
The place of coal-fired plants.
747
00:43:21,141 --> 00:43:23,224
This is the new
buck power plant.
748
00:43:23,301 --> 00:43:27,478
It doesn't burn coal, instead
it's powered by natural gas.
749
00:43:27,555 --> 00:43:30,473
It produces twice the
power more cheaply
750
00:43:30,483 --> 00:43:33,985
With far fewer pollutants
than its neighbor ever did.
751
00:43:34,062 --> 00:43:37,071
♪
752
00:43:37,991 --> 00:43:43,036
The 620-megawatt natural gas
plant began operating in 2011.
753
00:43:43,997 --> 00:43:47,665
The natural gas is fed through
a pipeline from new mexico.
754
00:43:47,876 --> 00:43:51,911
It's cleaner, cheaper,
twice as powerful
755
00:43:51,921 --> 00:43:54,714
And can be run by a
team of just 20 people.
756
00:43:57,001 --> 00:44:00,136
But the technology
proved at buck lives on.
757
00:44:01,514 --> 00:44:06,509
There are still turbines,
condensers and generators,
758
00:44:06,519 --> 00:44:09,937
Engineering innovations
that continue to evolve
759
00:44:10,014 --> 00:44:11,648
And stand the test of time.
760
00:44:14,944 --> 00:44:17,528
♪
761
00:44:20,950 --> 00:44:22,825
It's a considerable legacy.
762
00:44:26,289 --> 00:44:28,781
One man who's proud of
the role buck played
763
00:44:28,792 --> 00:44:32,868
In powering the modern
age is dean beaver.
764
00:44:32,879 --> 00:44:34,212
Beaver: It's been
a good long career.
765
00:44:35,373 --> 00:44:38,383
Zdenek: He spent his
entire working life here.
766
00:44:38,459 --> 00:44:42,720
Beaver: 35 years spent with the
team makin' this place run
767
00:44:42,797 --> 00:44:47,642
And five years of watchin'
it cut up and torn down.
768
00:44:47,719 --> 00:44:49,135
Zdenek: I think most
people think of demo
769
00:44:49,145 --> 00:44:51,896
And, okay, you get a wrecking
ball, some explosives
770
00:44:51,973 --> 00:44:53,889
And you take the
whole building down.
771
00:44:53,900 --> 00:44:56,401
But something like this,
it's amazing, it takes years.
772
00:44:56,477 --> 00:44:58,903
Beaver: It does and like I
said, we do it safely
773
00:44:58,980 --> 00:45:00,154
And environmentally safe.
774
00:45:01,315 --> 00:45:03,649
I've talked to people
from other plants,
775
00:45:03,660 --> 00:45:06,994
They said the big one will
come when they implode it.
776
00:45:07,071 --> 00:45:08,404
Zdenek: Really?
777
00:45:08,415 --> 00:45:09,163
Beaver: They said that's when
you'll really feel it.
778
00:45:09,240 --> 00:45:10,832
Zdenek: It hits home then.
779
00:45:10,908 --> 00:45:11,916
Well, dean, I think
it's safe to say
780
00:45:11,993 --> 00:45:13,826
That you've earned
that retirement.
781
00:45:13,837 --> 00:45:17,338
Beaver: (sighs) I'm ready for
it, it's been a good career.
782
00:45:23,421 --> 00:45:24,846
Zdenek: We've reached
the end of the road
783
00:45:24,922 --> 00:45:26,389
For the buck steam station.
784
00:45:27,175 --> 00:45:30,977
In just a few days, it will
all come crashing down.
785
00:45:36,443 --> 00:45:39,935
♪
786
00:45:39,946 --> 00:45:42,605
After 12 solid
months of salvage,
787
00:45:42,615 --> 00:45:45,950
The demolition team is now
setting explosive charges
788
00:45:46,027 --> 00:45:50,079
To bring buck steam station's
empty shell crashing down.
789
00:45:56,037 --> 00:45:59,797
This coal power plant's
era is truly over.
790
00:46:00,008 --> 00:46:01,632
For the past several months,
791
00:46:01,709 --> 00:46:03,459
I've been given
an amazing insight
792
00:46:03,470 --> 00:46:05,961
Into the world of demolition.
793
00:46:05,972 --> 00:46:08,890
What stands out, is
the attention to detail
794
00:46:08,966 --> 00:46:11,976
In taking apart such
a giant structure.
795
00:46:12,053 --> 00:46:15,054
The careful planning,
the way the teams extract
796
00:46:15,064 --> 00:46:18,316
Every cents worth of metal from
the building for recycling.
797
00:46:21,988 --> 00:46:24,739
Duke has handed the site
over to steve pettigrew,
798
00:46:24,816 --> 00:46:27,450
The blast engineer in
charge of the operation.
799
00:46:29,579 --> 00:46:33,405
He's been working with
explosives for over 40 years
800
00:46:33,416 --> 00:46:35,583
And he takes his
business seriously.
801
00:46:37,995 --> 00:46:40,588
I'm one of the lucky
few allowed access
802
00:46:40,665 --> 00:46:42,340
Before the big explosion.
803
00:46:45,753 --> 00:46:47,002
So, steve, what does it take
804
00:46:47,013 --> 00:46:49,013
To take down a structural
building of this size?
805
00:46:49,090 --> 00:46:51,265
Pettigrew: Well, being a
structural steel building,
806
00:46:51,342 --> 00:46:53,759
We use linear shape charges,
807
00:46:53,770 --> 00:46:55,853
Which actually target
the steel flanges
808
00:46:55,930 --> 00:46:58,105
And they penetrate
and sever the steel,
809
00:46:58,182 --> 00:47:01,016
Just like a torch would,
only in milliseconds.
810
00:47:01,027 --> 00:47:04,019
Zdenek: So we've got the low
shape charges down here,
811
00:47:04,030 --> 00:47:06,030
Cutting low, and then
the high ones up there?
812
00:47:06,107 --> 00:47:07,439
Pettigrew: Yes, exactly.
813
00:47:07,450 --> 00:47:08,699
Zdenek: And how to you actually
kick this thing out
814
00:47:08,776 --> 00:47:10,025
Once it's cut?
815
00:47:10,036 --> 00:47:12,119
Pettigrew: That severance is
made low and high.
816
00:47:12,196 --> 00:47:15,114
The kick charge goes off,
which is a slower explosive
817
00:47:15,124 --> 00:47:17,208
And it actually
eliminates the column.
818
00:47:17,285 --> 00:47:19,293
Zdenek: So, again, for a
building of this size,
819
00:47:19,370 --> 00:47:21,879
How many charges or
explosives would you need
820
00:47:22,090 --> 00:47:23,622
To take the building down?
821
00:47:23,633 --> 00:47:27,126
Pettigrew: We have 350 charges,
ranging from smaller charges
822
00:47:27,136 --> 00:47:29,303
To medium and some
extra-heavy charges.
823
00:47:29,380 --> 00:47:31,213
Zdenek: So it's really
down to the second
824
00:47:31,224 --> 00:47:32,473
On getting this thing down.
825
00:47:32,550 --> 00:47:33,891
Pettigrew: Well, it's the
precise millisecond.
826
00:47:34,102 --> 00:47:35,726
Zdenek: Millisecond.
Pettigrew: Yes, millisecond.
827
00:47:35,803 --> 00:47:36,802
Zdenek: So it's gotta
be engineered
828
00:47:36,813 --> 00:47:38,220
So that the cuts
are made
829
00:47:38,231 --> 00:47:40,398
Where they need to be, and
then the final cut is done
830
00:47:40,474 --> 00:47:41,899
By the shape charge.
Pettigrew: Exactly.
831
00:47:41,976 --> 00:47:43,392
Zdenek: Which will bring
this whole thing down.
832
00:47:43,403 --> 00:47:44,902
Pettigrew: Yeah, over time
and space.
833
00:47:44,979 --> 00:47:46,979
Zdenek: So that's the
traditional big boom explosives
834
00:47:46,990 --> 00:47:48,314
That we think of.
Pettigrew: Right.
835
00:47:48,324 --> 00:47:49,824
Zdenek: So, those will
kick this thing out,
836
00:47:49,901 --> 00:47:52,326
Almost like the leg of a chair,
so that once these are gone,
837
00:47:52,403 --> 00:47:53,578
The weight of the
building brings it down?
838
00:47:53,654 --> 00:47:55,288
Pettigrew: Exactly,
gravity takes over.
839
00:48:01,078 --> 00:48:03,254
Zdenek: This place is rigged
and ready to blow.
840
00:48:03,331 --> 00:48:06,257
We've got 350
explosive charges set
841
00:48:06,334 --> 00:48:07,925
And if all goes
according to plan,
842
00:48:08,002 --> 00:48:10,928
This should drop like a house
of cards and land right here.
843
00:48:11,005 --> 00:48:12,930
So I'm gonna head up
to the command center.
844
00:48:13,141 --> 00:48:15,975
♪
845
00:48:21,774 --> 00:48:23,941
The command center
is a safe zone,
846
00:48:24,018 --> 00:48:27,111
3/4 of a mile away
from the blast site.
847
00:48:27,188 --> 00:48:29,989
(sirens blasting)
848
00:48:31,609 --> 00:48:33,784
All right, we got a lot
of people here. (laughs)
849
00:48:33,861 --> 00:48:35,620
This is the first command center
850
00:48:35,696 --> 00:48:37,705
With the second command
center back there
851
00:48:37,782 --> 00:48:40,041
And then the viewing
area behind that.
852
00:48:40,117 --> 00:48:41,367
There's a couple
hundred people up there
853
00:48:41,377 --> 00:48:43,377
And we just heard
the three blasts,
854
00:48:43,454 --> 00:48:44,962
Which is the five
minute warning.
855
00:48:45,173 --> 00:48:46,255
This is about to happen.
856
00:48:49,043 --> 00:48:51,052
And some things,
despite technology,
857
00:48:51,128 --> 00:48:52,628
Don't change a whole lot.
858
00:48:52,639 --> 00:48:55,047
We still got a red terminal
and a black terminal
859
00:48:55,058 --> 00:48:56,807
(laughs) and one button to push
860
00:48:56,884 --> 00:48:58,976
And that building's comin' down.
861
00:48:59,053 --> 00:49:02,063
♪
862
00:49:04,233 --> 00:49:07,059
I begged and pleaded,
but supervisor, javier,
863
00:49:07,070 --> 00:49:08,903
Gets to press the button,
864
00:49:08,980 --> 00:49:11,397
Bringing the station
crashing to the ground.
865
00:49:11,407 --> 00:49:16,202
Pettigrew: Six, five,
four, three, two, one, fire.
866
00:49:19,499 --> 00:49:20,331
Zdenek: Wait for it.
867
00:49:22,210 --> 00:49:23,909
(explosions blasting)
868
00:49:23,920 --> 00:49:26,504
First, the shape
charges explode,
869
00:49:26,580 --> 00:49:29,006
Cutting off the top and
bottom of the beams.
870
00:49:29,217 --> 00:49:32,343
Then, the conventional
big boom charges kick
871
00:49:32,420 --> 00:49:35,096
Out the whole beam like
the leg of a chair,
872
00:49:35,172 --> 00:49:38,090
Causing the weight of the
building to come crashing down.
873
00:49:38,101 --> 00:49:43,145
(explosions blasting)
(metal crashing)
874
00:49:50,271 --> 00:49:53,447
After the dust settles, a
mammoth building is reduced
875
00:49:53,524 --> 00:49:57,526
To a pile of rubble, ending
the buck coal-fired era.
876
00:49:57,537 --> 00:50:00,204
The site where the steam
station stood will become
877
00:50:00,281 --> 00:50:02,614
A grassy field
after it's graded.
878
00:50:02,625 --> 00:50:05,126
♪
879
00:50:06,129 --> 00:50:10,047
All that's left of the plant
is the $10 million they made
880
00:50:10,258 --> 00:50:11,215
In recycled metal.
881
00:50:12,969 --> 00:50:14,626
For almost 100 years,
882
00:50:14,637 --> 00:50:18,055
The buck power plant
has provided electricity
883
00:50:18,266 --> 00:50:21,633
And a way of life for
millions of americans.
884
00:50:21,644 --> 00:50:23,302
I know its time has come,
885
00:50:23,312 --> 00:50:26,731
But buck's engineering made
it a legend of its time.
886
00:50:26,807 --> 00:50:30,484
Now, it's demolished and
it's time to say goodbye
887
00:50:30,561 --> 00:50:33,154
To an incredible
piece of history.
888
00:50:33,230 --> 00:50:36,240
♪
77280
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