First Test of a DIY Steam Turbine running off a 4″ Copper MSM Boiler.

[Blue HeelerParticipant @blueheeler]

First Test of a DIY Steam Turbine running off a 4" Copper MSM Boiler.

[Blue HeelerParticipant @blueheeler]

[Simon CollierParticipant @simoncollier74340]

Pretty exciting. It would be good to have an idea of the rpm. Also the design of the turbine. Sorry if you have posted details before and I missed them. A lot of fun, as you say.

[Blue HeelerParticipant @blueheeler]

Posted by Simon Collier on 17/12/2020 02:18:01:

Pretty exciting. It would be good to have an idea of the rpm. Also the design of the turbine. Sorry if you have posted details before and I missed them. A lot of fun, as you say.

Thanks Simon, I forgot to take pics as I built it, just got too immersed.

Its pretty simple inside, I made the vanes out of quite thick copper sheet and they are very heavily silver brazed into place on the brass section to with stand the force on them. I think I might have to invest in one of those el cheapo digital tachometers on eBay as I would like to know the rpm's.
Hooked it up a little while ago to a small DIY genny and it lit up a gang of light bulbs without a problem.

[Simon CollierParticipant @simoncollier74340]

Did you see the recent series on turbines in ME? It was very detailed and would be a good guide for better efficiency. A turbine for say, a loco headlight, eg, DHR B, would want to be thrifty on steam. But if yours is just for fun, it doesn't matter.

[Blue HeelerParticipant @blueheeler]

Posted by Simon Collier on 17/12/2020 06:27:53:

Did you see the recent series on turbines in ME? It was very detailed and would be a good guide for better efficiency. A turbine for say, a loco headlight, eg, DHR B, would want to be thrifty on steam. But if yours is just for fun, it doesn't matter.

No unfortunately I didn't Simon.
Its been ridiculously hot since I finished this and have had only limited time in my shed. I did hook it up to a DIY genny and it lit a bank of globes very easily. There's a fair bit of internal centrifugal weight when its up and spinning, but it won't have the same grunt as a steam engine.

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