Steam Pressure Vs Compressed Air
Steam Pressure Vs Compressed Air
(OP)
I'm using "waste oil" to fire a glass furnace. It's been working great for almost 2 years. It requires compressed air to atomize the oil. I have been using a continuous duty small compressor, 1/3hp. I'd like to simplify the system and use the exhaust heat to produce steam for atomizing the oil. If anyone has any simple helpful advice about rigging up a "steam machine" that produces 2cfm at 20psi I'd appreciate it.
Thanks,
Glenn
Thanks,
Glenn





RE: Steam Pressure Vs Compressed Air
2cfm @20psi not a lot really, BUT safety would be my first concern, so a pressure "pop off" would be first, BUT make sure that it dumps to some form of container (vented to air) that can hold the entire contents of your "generator" because if it goes, count on everything getting spewed... Second thing, how would you extract the heat to boil the water? A small thick plate cold steel container in the heat circuit? (NOTE: this could be a potential "bomb" if not designed be an engineer!!) The pressure release would have to sit some where in the circuit, and then feed water automated, to replenish the whole thing. I don't know, sounds really complex, to save a few dollars on elec. for the compressor.... OK, I can see a manual replenish thing (hand valve), BUT, what if it runs dry?? Would your oil supply, un-atomized become a problem???? Would this cause a run away fire at the furnace end????? What about using the original compressed air as a backup? Say, a pair of regulators (remember the one has to work in steam) and if the steam quits, the compressed air takes over...
The more I speak about this, the more I realize I better quit, it's getting way to complex....
G.
RE: Steam Pressure Vs Compressed Air
Best advice is if it works don't fix it. Stick with the air compressor.
RE: Steam Pressure Vs Compressed Air
Glenn
RE: Steam Pressure Vs Compressed Air
I suppose, if worse comes to worse, Glassmann could always go back to the pre-electrical system. Someone pumping a bellows. Actually if he has a stream with sufficient head or steady wind he could set up a mill expressly for that purpose. But I don't think he really wants to go that far. Personally I think he'd be better off going the emergency generator route. With sufficient fuel and proper sizing it would be more than adequate, especially if a blackout lasts more than a day or two.
RE: Steam Pressure Vs Compressed Air
There's a lot less compressed air available in even a big reservoir than you might initially think, especially for more than a few minutes operation.
RE: Steam Pressure Vs Compressed Air
Thanks Guys,
Glenn