×
INTELLIGENT WORK FORUMS
FOR ENGINEERING PROFESSIONALS

Log In

Come Join Us!

Are you an
Engineering professional?
Join Eng-Tips Forums!
  • Talk With Other Members
  • Be Notified Of Responses
    To Your Posts
  • Keyword Search
  • One-Click Access To Your
    Favorite Forums
  • Automated Signatures
    On Your Posts
  • Best Of All, It's Free!
  • Students Click Here

*Eng-Tips's functionality depends on members receiving e-mail. By joining you are opting in to receive e-mail.

Posting Guidelines

Promoting, selling, recruiting, coursework and thesis posting is forbidden.

Students Click Here

Jobs

model steam engine design

model steam engine design

model steam engine design

(OP)
I am designing a small model steam engine. It has two single acting cylinders on a closed crankcase.  3/4" bore X 3/4" stroke. I want to include cylinder jackets with full boiler pressure steam. This may mean that the working steam will be somewhat superheated. The design is semi-uniflow, with pressure dumped at the end of the power stroke and any residual steam exhausted by normal slide valve operation.

The question is: Do I need a lubricator?  Two turn of the century references tell me that no lbricator is needed, lubrication will be taken care of by slight oil transfered from the pistons and valve rod.  However, they were thinking of somewhat different engines.

I am considering a displacement lubricator, but feel that it would have some fairly serious probelems too.

RE: model steam engine design

I remember reading an article about lubricators once in "Live Steam" magazine.  I no longer have that issue, just wanted to offer a thought on a possible search place.

RE: model steam engine design

Steam engine cylinder lube used to be made from animal fats. Cylinder lubes are noted for low friction. Today's versions are synthetically formulated. Another clue is to look for worm gear lube. Check the Plant Engineering Magazine (DesPlaines, IL) annual feature on interchangeable lubes. They also have an annual synthetic lube listing.

RE: model steam engine design

(OP)
Thanks for all the helpful respoinses.  I put an inquiry on the chaski site and got several thoughtful replies......

Red Flag This Post

Please let us know here why this post is inappropriate. Reasons such as off-topic, duplicates, flames, illegal, vulgar, or students posting their homework.

Red Flag Submitted

Thank you for helping keep Eng-Tips Forums free from inappropriate posts.
The Eng-Tips staff will check this out and take appropriate action.

Reply To This Thread

Posting in the Eng-Tips forums is a member-only feature.

Click Here to join Eng-Tips and talk with other members!


Resources