Hi, I have seen several posters ask about steam electricity generation so I thought I'd share how I've done it as I am redoing it for the boiler for the Nyitra I. My "big secret" to success has been Wind Blue Powers Alternators. They start with an American Delco alternator, change the rotor to a per...

I am going to have a stack blower (above the top tubesheet), if that's the same as a sootnlower. But you aren’t tearing my 1/2" multipurpose steam hose from me. 8-) I wouldn't have a VFT boiler on solid fuel firing without a soot blower in the smokebox, to do so would be a recipe for bad steaming. H...

DetroiTug wrote:industrial patina

I like to call this an steam engine/vehicle "in its working clothes".

-CB

Well I feel you can get as complicated as you want with steam lances. This is a fascinating 50's documentary about locomotive cleaning including steam lances: WASH AND BRUSH UP http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fWnjd2eftY Skip to minute 12 for proper Steam lance. What I have is a steam rated hose and ...

The only likely problem is that you'll need to clean the tubes a bit more often, just as you say, mucky stuff. I had this problem this weekend with bituminous and it confused me until I realized what was going on. The fire would love to burn with firebox door open and the flames coming out. :o But ...

No offence but I question that 9% figure. Not that the calculation is wrong, but that that is the issue. With handfired boilers - those calculations are a starting point - but there are a lot of variables - not all under your control and not all even practically measurable. 9% to me seems like it wo...

My first boiler was from union steam aka Ross Bendixen also. I was naive and bought it for the same reasons lighthousekeeper did. I did learn a lot on mine, but it did have issue with it. I tried on the side to give lighthousekeeper some suggestions and tricks, there are many who are burned by Ross ...

I used the instructions on that smokestak link on my new boiler this fall - Not pressurized - meaning It was open to the atmosphere on a low to very low fire and I let it steam for 1/2 and hour. 2 Lbs per 100 gallons TSP and 2 Lbs per 100 gallons Soda Ash I still have 49 pounds of Soda Ash if anyone...

I hope that when you said that you are " taking a chance on it, not sure it will even work" means that you will have it tested against a reliable standard before you use it. I had a couple of gauges tested and tagged with dated calibration stickers at certified shop for $30 each. Well worth the cos...

lighthousekeeper,

Borosilicate glass (pyrex) - a redline can make it easier to see the water level.

I like GreatGlas - they ship to Canada.
http://www.greatglas.com/

http://www.greatglas.com/SightGlassRedline.htm

-CB