The Vale de Milhaços Gunpowder Factory
The installation of the Vale de Milhaços Gunpowder Factory – Black Powder Circuit dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1897, an accident at a previous black powder production plant on the same site gave rise to a new industrial plant in 1898, with technological features that made it more efficient and safer, including machinery from the German brand Krupp Grusonwerk.
The mechanical steam energy production system, consisting of a 1911 João Peres steam boiler and a 1900 Joseph Farcot steam engine, was maintained and operated by an operator with the dual role of stoker and machinist.
The steam-produced mechanical energy was transmitted by a system of overhead cables to the crushing, encasing, mixing, sieving, granulating and polishing workshops, some 500 meters away. The boiler and steam engine buildings stand out from the other factory buildings for storage, raw material processing and support services.
The Vale de Milhaços Gunpowder Factory is a post-industrial heritage site located in Corroios and has been part of the Seixal Municipal Ecomuseum since 2001. It was classified as a monument of public interest in 2012.
Thanks again Jose for sharing this wonderful article.