Injector Piping: Have I got it wrong?

[Deleted]

I've recently retro-fitted a Gordon Chiverton 12oz vertical injector that produces a lot of hot water from the overflow at any pressure up to 90 psi.

Before I start some serious plumbing, can anyone confirm I've got the connections right? i.e.

Top vertical = steam, upper horizontal = water and lower horizontal = feed.

More questions later I'm afraid!

Cheers,

Gareth

[baggo]

Hi Gareth,

the connections sound ok. You could have a serious restriction in the output from the injector with the result that some or all of the water is coming out of the overflow rather than going into the boiler. Check the boiler clack to make sure it's not stuck or internally restricted. Have you checked the delivery cone to make sure it's not blocked?
Another possibility is the steam supply to the injector is insufficient.

John

[drjohn]

Can't follow your writen description Gareth - post a picture with annotations.

DJ

[baggo]

Like this but with the delivery horizontal?

[Deleted]

Thanks John, yes that's it exactly.

The original injector I thought was too beefy and while the boiler filled up pdq that resulted in an alarming pressure drop*. I reckoned that Gordon's 12oz would be a bit more subtle and look more to scale. I know, if it ain't broke........

The steam and water pipes were replaced with new ones; a 5/32 ferrule soldered onto the steam pipe and the end sawn off to fit the 3/16 ferrule needed for the steam valve. I made a similar join, but pipe to pipe, on the delivery side. All pipes blow through ok and appear to be tight.

The clack is fitted to the backhead and looks home made. There's what looks to be a bit of cotton waste and fire cement involved so removing that for examination / replacement will be done with eyes shut and fingers crossed. Before that I might try the injector delivering to air rather than the clack. I'm getting used to stress-testing the tender handpump.

Will post how it goes.

* Having now run the engine on a rolling road, rather than just steamed her on the patio table, I think I have some draughting issues which will be the subject of my next begging thread!

Thanks and regards,

Gareth

[drjohn]

Jan 27, 2010 12:38:10 GMT John Baguley said:

Like this but with the delivery horizontal?

Thanks John - with the big writing in capitals rather than the funny joined up stuff, I comprehended the piccy - spoke a thousand words did that, although you did forget the word "OVERFLOW"! ;D

DJ

[Deleted]

Looks as if the backhead clack was the culprit.

During a short test the hand pump clack gave up the ghost as well so I think I'll replace all three.

Thanks to John for the steer.

GW

[Tony K]

Feb 1, 2010 13:51:39 GMT @walshg10 said:

Looks as if the backhead clack was the culprit.
During a short test the hand pump clack gave up the ghost as well so I think I'll replace all three.
Thanks to John for the steer. GW

The clacks using an O ring, rather than a ball, are delivering the goods for me.

[Deleted]

I agree. Taking the old clacks off and blowing through them I couldn't tell if I was at the boiler end or pipe end without looking.

But the new ones...... beautiful.

However, the new ones aren't flanged so I'd appreciate any suggestions as to how I can ensure they're steam tight into the boiler bushes? A lock nut and washer I'd guess but if I'm talking rubbish please say so!

If I'm wrong, is there a dodge to ensure they're tight when at the angle they need to be at? I'm screwing into pre-existing bushes.

Thanks in advance,

Gareth.

[pondok]

Hi Gareth,

Yip, a lock nut, it should allow you to tighten the fitting in any position, using whatever sealant you prefer...

[Tony K]

It was a bit tight for me at ¼ x 40 so a half nut and PTFE tape.

[Deleted]

Thank you Gents, much appreciated.

One more if I may. With a commercial clack and a bronze boiler bush, what material would you suggest for the lock nut? And if needed, would a washer be best in copper, fibre or neither of those?

Sincer thanks,

Gareth

[baggo]

No reason why the nut can't be ordinary brass as it's not in contact with the boiler water. Personally, I'd stick with a copper washer, I've never found the fibre ones to be much good.

John

[Deleted]

Excellent, that's my week-end sorted.

Sincere thanks to one and all.

Gareth.