The Steamboating Forum

Hi Daysaver1

Thanks so much for the very comprehensive drawing. This is what I had in mind. My reasoning is that the fewer fittings that one has welded directly into the boiler, the less places there are that can potentially leak. It would just seem more practical to have an external appliance that is easily accessible for repairs and maintenance. I am assuming that your manifold is insulated.

Another question: I have seen many references to a steam lance other than on your drawing. What would you use it for and what does it consist of?

regards
Gavin

Me Again

What is the purpose of the steam injector into the boiler? I dont quite understand this part of the drawing. It appears that the injector is on the suction side of the pump in the water line. Confused (but that is not unusual for me!!!!)

1) The steam lance is a 1/4"+/- metal tube bent at a 90 degree angle in which steam can be blown through the boiler flues (fire tube) or on the water tubes to dis-lodge soot which has accumulated which slows the heat transfer. This is primarily necessary on wood burners but oil burners can generate lots of soot also. Think of it's use as a chimney sweep. Note: only use this when you have a good side wind and clear open water down-wind.

2) The steam injector is generally the third method of feeding water to your boiler, after engine driven feed water pump and hand pump. The steam injector is especially useful when returning to the dock at the end of a run, after you've allowed the boiler water level to get low, to dump in some cool water speeding the colling down of your boiler. Another note: when you plan to purchase aninjector, be vary careful of the type. Friends have purchased three or four on Ebay before finding one that's appropriate.