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Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2008 1:16:49 GMT
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jamespetts
Hi-poster
Closet eccentric. Also bakes cakes.
Posts: 185
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Post by jamespetts on Oct 11, 2008 22:19:08 GMT
Looking very good running! Excellent! Although, that's rather a lot of effort to light two little bulbs ;-)
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2008 23:01:08 GMT
Thanks. The idea is to get it all mounted up nicely on a permanent base once everything is working right. Instead of using another set of pulleys I tried lower voltage bulbs. This worked well and put the full load/light output at a lower engine speed. I was hoping this would more efficiently use steam, and it did seem to, but sustained operation was still not possible.
Now I am debating between building a bigger boiler or a better burner. I know the current boiler can do the job when forced, because when I supplement the ceramic burner with my MAPP gas touch I make enough steam.
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jamespetts
Hi-poster
Closet eccentric. Also bakes cakes.
Posts: 185
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Post by jamespetts on Oct 18, 2008 0:03:36 GMT
Interesting. Have you thought of trying coal?
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Post by Deleted on Oct 19, 2008 12:47:09 GMT
I hadn't thought of that. Would I get more heat out of the coal?
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jamespetts
Hi-poster
Closet eccentric. Also bakes cakes.
Posts: 185
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Post by jamespetts on Oct 20, 2008 20:18:51 GMT
I hadn't thought of that. Would I get more heat out of the coal? Possibly - I am not entirely sure. Perhaps other members could assist with the relative burning temperatures...? |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2008 22:09:52 GMT
Well, I am getting closer to success. Since I last posted I've done a number of things. I adjusted all the packing glands reduce leakage, and I converted to spring belt drive. This helped a bunch. The spring belt definitely consumes less power, but it can slip. With this new set-up I was able to reach steady state operation, but just barely. When I add water, the pressure drops and I have to stop the engine.
My next adventure was to try firing with a different gas. I've wanted to do this for a while, but didn't want to spend the money on a regulator for a propane bottle. Then the other day when I was Christmas shopping, I came a cross a single burner camp stove that mount right on top of the small propane cylinder. The valve looked like it could easily modified for my purposes, so I paid the $9 and I was off. I made short work of adapting the new valve (although I did break it on re-assembly and had to buy another, so I'm out $18), and fired it up. The propane really did the trick. Now it runs fine, and the water addition is where I have to pay attention. I also discovered that my new valve will screw onto the small MAPP gas torch cylinder, which produced even more heat.
Anyway, thanks to all for your help and suggestions. I still have quite a ways to go to make everything pretty and mounted up nicely. I'll be sure to post pictures in a couple of months when it is finally complete.
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Post by engineernut on Jan 20, 2009 19:24:10 GMT
I hadn't thought of that. Would I get more heat out of the coal? Possibly - I am not entirely sure. Perhaps other members could assist with the relative burning temperatures...? I have gas and coal fired boilers and all I can say is I find the coal fired, albeit slightly larger, are far better than the gas in relation to output and manoeuvrability. More trouble, dirtier, but fun and time consuming, whereas gas easier and quicker. My opinion  Fun running - gas. Serious running - coal. |
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jamespetts
Hi-poster
Closet eccentric. Also bakes cakes.
Posts: 185
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Post by jamespetts on Jan 27, 2009 12:09:33 GMT
Engineernut,
thank you for the information :-) I may well end up building a larger, coal-fired (or possibly even dual-fired) boiler.
Zatrum,
glad to hear of your progress :-)
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isc
Statesman
Posts: 708
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Post by isc on Jun 28, 2009 12:49:14 GMT
I don't have steam engines biggr than 1/4" bore x 1/2" stroke oscillators,but I do have hot air engines,one of which is based on Dyna by James Rizzo 1 3/4" bore 3/4" stroke unpressurized.I use a similar motor as generator,that drives a fan out of a computer to cool the radiator,it also has more than enough power to run a radio,and light 1or 2 lights,I think it produces a little over 1 watt.For the drive I use 3mm heat fused round belt on v pullies,large pully 4" small one on generator 1/2",motor speed 600-800rpm.I imagine your steam engine to be more powerful than that by miles, but that size belt would serve you well.I'm not to sure about chains,I have some little ones salvaged from a photocopier might try them !Lots of luck you need lots of power to make a little bit!
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