2020 Had my full size flash steam engine running

Had my full size flash steam engine running yesterday on compressed air unfortunately have not got too much pressure and quantity for high rpm so just a pop, pop at low rpm.

Had to retard inlet poppet valve and use compression release valve to enable it to run with my limited compressor also added temporally extra mass to crankshaft for this test a lathe chuck.

Would run on about 90psi with this setup but need a lot more pressure to run on the proper valve settings..

Crikey folks, clear the runway.... Windy's coming through....

Big milestone, when does it go in a frame?

Neil

Another test running on compressed air.

**LINK**

Not sure if my link worked on my slow speed test runs so will try this.

**LINK**

Very Good. Obviously expanding nicely, judged by the condensate in the exhaust.

Wondered why the Tacho case was in the swarf tray of the Myford, but found out towards the end of the video.

Should be quite something after fine tuning!

Howard

Wonderful! Is the poppet valve pressure balanced in any way, or does it just open against HP steam?

Afraid not I played about with them in my early days with the model but have high rpm to contend with.

Discussing this with my steam rocket drag motorcycle friend when his poppet valves went wrong against tons of water pressure.

We came up with a very simple nearly balanced poppet valves they would probably be ok at slow speed openings.

He decided on a butterfly type valve instead from America that their water, steam rocket people use successfully.

The successfully Canyon jump machine jets were similar to his rocket motorcycle power unit.

**LINK**

Edited By Windy on 08/01/2020 17:31:52

Have been looking at full size water pump pulsation dampeners the industrial ones would make a hole in my wallet.

Been thinking of certain paint ball and aqua diving bottles that might be a possibility.

They are available in many sizes and pressures to 45000 psi they are aluminium or carbon fibre.

Any thoughts and designs that members might know of.

Would prefer to buy one that is certificated otherwise might make one.

**LINK**

For a DIY pulsation damper, could you maybe use a piston in a cylinder, working against a spring? (Like a safety valve, but without vents)

Maybe a pneumatic cylinder off the shelf , with a beefier spring? I've seen such cylinders in surplus places going quite cheaply. Many are good for 400 psi plus. Just food for thought.

Bottles for recharging air rifles come in at least 3,4,5,7 litre, & larger sizes, usually rated 300bar. They like lightweight ones to carry in the field..

Edited By DiogenesII on 14/01/2020 07:57:38

Had a few delays with health issues but still experimenting with full size flash steamer had a few problems with steam generator burners but sorted them.
Generator is 12 inches diameter and would not self ignite when hot the exhaust outlet was too large cooling it down.
Restricted exhaust outlet and seems fine am only using a small hand pump for initial tests the liquid on bottom burner is a drop of high temperature oil from a connection I lubricated.
New exhaust similar to my proven model design now being made.

This might get to to the video

Edited By Windy on 16/06/2022 18:49:26

Edited By Windy on 16/06/2022 18:55:57

Edited By JasonB on 16/06/2022 19:04:11

Edited By Windy on 16/06/2022 19:12:06

That's a ferocious looking burner Windy! red hot in just under 25 seconds! Looking forward to seeing engine and boat runs with that one. Thanks for sharing the video. Cheers!

It's not for a boat but full size wheeled vehicle either two or three I have all the generator coils ready thanks to another ME and full size record breaker

Good heavens!

You don't need the steam engine, you've got a full functional ramjet right there...

Neil

Re. the steam bike earlier in this thread, for those with Facebook access, this just popped up in my timeline.
It was linked by my old mate driving the recue unit; I think he's going to need a faster ambulance.

See also Force of Nature
http://www.force-of-nature.com/content/home-page

Bill