Is the steam engine lubricator still used today?
When more sophisticated lubricators, such as the Wakefield and Detroit types, were developed, displacement lubricators fell out of use but they are still used on model steam engines.
How does a displacement lubricator work?
A displacement lubricator works by passing the steam input to the engine over the surface of a small bath of steam oil. The condensate sinks to the bottom of the lubricator and the oil column moves up to maintain a constant oil level for extraction by the steam flow.
How were steam engines lubricated?
The use of heavy mineral oils in steam engine cylinder lubrication was quickly found to be less than perfect because, unlike tallow, mineral oils will not mix with water. The tallow “saponifies”, or forms a sticky, soapy emulsion when heated by the steam and agitated by the turbulence in the cylinders and valve chests.
How does a hydrostatic lubricator work?
Called a “hydrostatic lubricator,” it was basically a tank located on the back head of the boiler which fed oil under boiler pressure to the points where it was needed. The water, being heavier than the oil, forced the oil through feeds in its top to tubing to valve chambers and even the air pump.
Do steam locomotives pollute?
Do steam engines pollute? Steam engines, as a mechanical source of power, do NOT cause pollution. However the steam generated in a boiler may be heated by an energy source that does cause pollution. Early steam engine railway locomotives used wood or coal to fire the steam boiler.
Why do steam locomotives make so much smoke?
A The color of exhaust you see coming out of a steam locomotive’s smoke stack indicates how efficiently it is burning fuel. Darker or blacker smoke is an indication that small fuel particles (coal, wood, fuel oil, etc.) have made it through the firebox unburned and are therefore wasted.
Do steam engines need oil?
An oil burner engine is a steam engine that uses oil as its fuel. The term is usually applied to a locomotive or ship engine that burns oil to heat water, to produce the steam which drives the pistons, or turbines, from which the power is derived.
Who invented oil lubricators for steam engines?
engineer Elijah McCoy
African American mechanical engineer Elijah McCoy patented this version of his of lubricator in 1882. The many moving parts on a steam locomotive required constant lubrication, and crews had to apply oil regularly.
What lubricates a steam engine?
the lubricant most commonly used is mineral oil, and it’s introduction between the surfaces in moving contact, in the shape of a think film, greatly reduces the friction and permits a save and easy movement.
How many steam locomotives are left in the world?
There is only one place left on earth where steam locomotives are still widely in use: the Chinese industrial hinterland. Rail enthusiasts are now regularly traveling there to witness the last gasps of the engine that created the modern world.
Why is train smoke white?
White smoke is simply steam – evaporated water. With diesel locomotives, white smoke can mean that oil is vaporized – that happens with cold machines that get too much diesel fuel injected. Those are also the ones who shoot out flames of the exhaust when the vaporized diesel ignites in the hot exhaust.
What was the purpose of an automatic lubricator?
This style of mechanical lubricator was used by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway and latter by British Rail, as well as by the various UK private locomotive builders for export overseas. Commonly 2 lubricators were fitted, one for lubricating the cylinders and the second for lubricating the axleboxes.
What kind of lubricator does a locomotive use?
Modern locomotive lubricators. The centre item is a mechanical lubricator for the cylinders, operated by the connecting lever seen below it (or by the hand wheel, for priming). The smaller one to the right is a drip-feed lubricator.
Who was the manufacturer of the Detroit Lubricator?
This type of hydrostatic displacement lubricator was made by the Detroit Lubricator Company of the USA. A British patent was granted in 1911 and this lubricator was then manufactured by the Vacuum Oil Company (later Mobil Oil) as the British Detroit Lubricator.
When did the Silvertown lubricator come into use?
The Silvertown lubricator was designed and developed by the Midland Railway in 1911 and from 1922 was commercially available from Gresham and Craven. This style of mechanical lubricator was used by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway and latter by British Rail, as well as by the various UK private locomotive builders for export overseas.