Quick Connect Fitting

[ianmac]

I had perhaps a stupid idea but an idea none the less of a quick connect boiler fitting whereby i could connect a hose to the boiler when i wanted for the purpose of refilling the boiler.

House hold water mains is about 90psi and so would be above the operating pressure of the loco. I could leave the blower running and slowly add water to the boiler bringing it back up easily.

Basically like a small quick connect that we use for the garden hose etc.

Figured it would be easier before i fitted an axel pump.

Any ideas

[Deleted]

Ian. I hate to put a 'damper' on your idea, but here in the UK, water pressure can vary from the supplier's target of only 1 bar, to around 10 bar, depending on your elevation, your local usage, leakage and corrosion levels, the distribution system in your property, and the age of the main: the newer the better. It can also vary wildly depending on instantaneous demand. I suspect that things may be just the same where you are!
JB

[jgb7573]

A common method of filling boilers in our club is to remove the safety valve and then use a hose. Refit the safety valve with PTFE tape around the threads and fire up.

[steam4ian]

G'day Ian

Have a look at an Enots valve, sometimes called a Goodall valve..

It seems like Ozzie water pressure is higher than UK, typically 100psi + in SA under good conditions. If you want serious pressure get yourself a Karcher often only $99. Karchers are great for cleaning the car during water restrictions; I have a large drum mine draws from which I fill with a bucket to "obey" the washing with a bucket rule.

Regards
Ian (nuther wun)

[ianmac]

JB,

Water pressure here is 100+ little higher out of peak.

JGB,

I did not want to removing the safety for filling this way because i want the loco in steam while i am filling. I was just going to crack open the blower and slowly water via clack valve. It is much less mucking around if the loco is under steam while filling.

What would be easier is the axel pump but this needs some thought

Steam4ian,

These look to be the common tyre pump variety? Would i be correct in my assumption. That would be very easy connect in that case.!



Wealth of know how on this forum!

[steam4ian]

G'day ianmac

Missed your post so sorry for the slow reply. The pump is intended for high pressure spray cleaning. The big hardware chains have them on special from time to time. You just missed Father's Day.

Regarding a quick connect fitting you could look into standard hydraulic fittings used for coupling brake lines.

Regards
Nuther Ian

[ianmac]

Ill go and take a look!

Cheers

Ian

[mutley]

www.pps-steam-models.co.uk/

click on accesories-steam fittings and then half way down the page...


Andy

[bookworm]

Hi Ian,

As the other Ian said use a Goodall valve see www.steamup.info/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=234 .

They are quite easy to make, just like an old bycycle tyre valve, but you can also buy them.

Do you really use tapwater in your boiler?

Your water supply must be a lot better than here in the UK. I and a lot of other G1 users rely on water from a condensing tumble drier, dehumidifiers etc. Tapwater furs up your boiler in no time.

Peter

[ianmac]

I think you will find the water is ok here in OZ

every club for 5 inch and 7 1/4 fill their boilers from the tap!

I played non stop with a traction engine as a kid (15 yrs ago) and and a look in the boiler recently. wasnt too bad and i ran that thing dry all the time.

Worst case is i build a new boiler from stock in 2 hours in 5 years time.

I like building things.....i think it will get steamed by me twice and then ill be onto the next project..........im not too worried. Now the young fella is gona give it a caining when hes old enough so the boiler aint gona be the only thing that needs replacing! ;D.

By the way.......i have a blowdown valve! Most g1ers would find it dificult to blowdown after a run.

[steam4ian]

G'day Ian

You must be luckier than some wrt to water hardness. From my experience Sydney and Melbourne water is relatively soft. Adelaide water is hard but does not seem to leave much fur in the kettle now that it is fully filtered. Really hard water in NSW could be found in streams originating from the Janolan Caves, this water is blue with Calcite.

Adelaide steam clubs tend to use rainwater.

Of interest is that water hardness is measured in German Hardness units. I found out about this personally when staying in a Munich hotel. I had to prick open the holes in the shower rose before I could take a shower.

I'd be very wary of using distilled or demin water without buffering it by adding some sodium carbonate. Without buffering tap water would be better. Scale can always be removed with vinegar or citric acid.

Regards to all
Nuther Ian

[ianmac]

Even with only a few cap fulls of vinegar in your tank water when your running the loco you can smell the vinegar.

Makes you want some hot chips ;D