Correct position of displacement lubricator.

[Brian JohnParticipant @brianjohn93961]

[Brian JohnParticipant @brianjohn93961]

Now that I have finished assembling the PM Research 3BIM engine, it is time to consider the pipe work which will lead to the boiler. The choice of boiler has not yet been made but I am considering the Midwest Steam vertical boiler.

Reading some other questions on this forum about lubricators, it is clear that the lubricator should be positioned as close as possible to the engine. Where should the globe valve controlling the steam go : before or after the lubricator ?

I have seen photos of completed stationary steam engines on the internet where the globe valve is closest to the boiler followed by the lubricator. This seeems correct as it places the lubricator close to the engine. But other photos show the lubricator close to the boiler followed by the globe valve near the engine which does not seem right ?

 

Edited By Brian John on 01/05/2014 05:07:54

Edited By Brian John on 01/05/2014 05:08:30

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

I would go with valve closer to the boiler, that way you can shut off the steam if you need to refill the lubricator if its a straight through type.

J

Edited By JasonB on 01/05/2014 07:44:50

[Jens Eirik Skogstad 1Participant @jenseirikskogstad1]

Lubricator near steam engine and globe valve near boiler. To prevent oil is sucking into by vacuum in the boiler after use, mount a vacuum valve or a globe valve to open to atmosphere when the boiler is cooled down.

[MichaelRParticipant @michaelr]

You could put the lubricator feeding into the steam chest, it doesn't have to be in the boiler to engine steam pipe. the photo shows the lubricator on my engine.

[Brian JohnParticipant @brianjohn93961]

I thought the lubricator had to be in the steam pipe ? How does it pick up oil and get to the cylinder/piston ?

I do not think it would be possible here :

[Jens Eirik Skogstad 1Participant @jenseirikskogstad1]

Brian, mount the lubricator on steam pipe near steam engine. Some lubricator is mounted on pipe or on steam chest, both works well. http://www.rcdon.com/assets/images/Vertical_Boiler_Project_0260.jpg

Edited By Jens Eirik Skogstad on 01/05/2014 17:35:07

Edited By Jens Eirik Skogstad on 01/05/2014 17:36:05

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

> I thought the lubricator had to be in the steam pipe ? How does it pick up oil and get to the cylinder/piston ?

As long as steam can reach the lubricator, some will condense in it (as it should be colder than the main part of the engine. This will slowly force oil up and along the pipe (as long as it doesn't slope upwards!)

In the steam pip is fine, but as I found, the initial dose of oil when it's cold can be quite generous…

Neil

[Jens Eirik Skogstad 1Participant @jenseirikskogstad1]

**LINK**

It is water by steam condensate who is neccesary to raise oil up to steam pipe and lubricate the steam engine.

[Author]

Posts