Steam Pressure Gauges

[kiwimodeller]

Can somebody (Sandy perhaps?) explain why boiler manufacturers reccommend a siphon tube (which I presume should really be called an anti-siphon tube) be fitted when fitting a gauge yet in many instances these are shown as being horizontal. It seems that if it is designed to stop condensed water entering the gauge then the tube and gauge should be mounted verticle or have I got it all wrong? Thanks, Ian.

[sandy_ACS]

   

Hi PD's....just put Dereks boiler bits in the pickle so I am having a CUP OF TEA...and thought I would check the site.

Can somebody (Sandy perhaps?) explain why boiler manufacturers reccommend a siphon tube (which I presume should really be called an anti-siphon tube) be fitted when fitting a gauge yet in many instances these are shown as being horizontal. It seems that if it is designed to stop condensed water entering the gauge then the tube and gauge should be mounted verticle or have I got it all wrong?

The answer to your question Ian is: -

most pressure gauges, especially those used in model steam, are built using a 'BOURDON TUBE' mechanism (often just soft soldered) and it is not, therefore, recommended that the workings of these gauges be subjected directly to high pressure/temperature steam, unless damage is wanted.

The idea behind the SYPHON is to create a condensed column of water which will thus buffer the workings, but will not reduce the accuracy.
The orientation of this SYPHON tube is not really all that important, however, it is normally arranged such that the loop, or coiled part lies below the gauge, and the tube as a whole should be of sufficient length to promote condensation.

I hope this is of help.

        ...Eddie...it's nice to see your much appreciated, and hard work in organising the forums is reaping benefits....we could not achieve this without the great work that all you moderators perform...Thanks.

keep them coming PD's

sandy

[thewharfonline]

I don't know if I was wrong with my learning but don't the syphons pump the excess steam and water over the edge of the paddler. At least that's what happened on the Pev and the Adelaide while I was up at Echuca.

I learned a bit about pressure gauges and stuff...myt engineering skills aren't too good though yet but I want to be a steam enineer now when i 'grow up'

[derekwarner_decoy]

Hi PD’s – Sean -  Sandy Campbell [one of our newer PD members] explains the ‘syphon’ or ‘U tube’ [for pressure gauges] in one of his posts under drive systems - but I am sure you are correct in that there are differing terms for the use of ‘syphons’ in steam systems  
   
I am sure that Sandy will offer further comment here & if I could have some of my time but over again I too may choose a steam related path !! - Derek        
 
From: thewharfonline [mailto:livesteam@paddleducks.co.uk]
 Sent: Monday, 24 October 2005 10:13 PM
 To: livesteam@paddleducks.co.uk
 Subject: RE: Steam Pressure Gauges  
 
   
I don't know if I was wrong with my learning but don't the syphons pump the excess steam and water over the edge of the paddler. At least that's what happened on the Pev and the Adelaide while I was up at Echuca.
 
 I learned a bit about pressure gauges and stuff...myt engineering skills aren't too good though yet but I want to be a steam enineer now when i 'grow up'
 
 
 
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[thewharfonline]

hey Derek it is never to late...well it is however too late when your ashes are flying over the great murray river. Why don't you get in contact with some of the paddler companies and volunteer some time with them. That's what I'm doing.

All you have to do basically is gain 2000 hours behind the engines and then apply for a test etc.

You can become a traction engine driver without even doing any hours, you just have to read the book!