Insulating flexible Pipe

A special section just for steam engines and boilers, as without these you may as well fit a sail.
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JonRiley56
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Insulating flexible Pipe

Post by JonRiley56 »

Hi All,

What are folks using to insulate flex pipe between the boiler and engine ? Heat tape and cotton rope ? Something else ? Also, can anyone point me to a source for the flexible stainless steel braided flex hose ?

jon
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DetroiTug
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Re: Insulating flexible Pipe

Post by DetroiTug »

Jon,

I wrapped the flex hose on the tug with cotton cord the same way as the pipe. To start and stop the wrap, use a method like bowstring serving or tying on fishing rod eyes. I don't know what it's called.

There are a few different braided lines around. The one's I used are from McMaster -Carr and are adorned with a big tag that says Made in the USA. There are cheaper units available, but it doesn't say where they are made (in the listing anyway)and don't call out for steam service. The whole idea of a flexible steam line is a bit unnerving, I decided to go with one that was rated for steam up to 1200 degrees, and 316 stainless steel ends.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/118/255/=gvps1g

The is the one I use. Item# 5793K13

-Ron
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