Boiler insulation

A special section just for steam engines and boilers, as without these you may as well fit a sail.
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ianrichards
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Boiler insulation

Post by ianrichards » Mon Dec 18, 2017 8:55 am

I need to fill the voids behind the steam and mud tubes on my Lune Valley boiler but I’m not sure what to use.
I have been recommended to use foil backed blankets from Heritage Steam but they cost ££££££s
Here’s a link
https://www.heritagesteamsupplies.co.uk ... -x-1m.html
I came across Victas Ceramic fibre blanketwithout the foil backing, would this be okay or do I have to bite the bullet and spend the money?

http://www.vitcas.com/fibre-ceramic-blanket

I don’t mind really, I just want to do it right.
Thanks to all
Ian
Mike Cole
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Re: Boiler insulation

Post by Mike Cole » Mon Dec 18, 2017 4:10 pm

ianrichards wrote:I need to fill the voids behind the steam and mud tubes on my Lune Valley boiler but I’m not sure what to use.
I have been recommended to use foil backed blankets from Heritage Steam but they cost ££££££s
Here’s a link
https://www.heritagesteamsupplies.co.uk ... -x-1m.html
I came across Victas Ceramic fibre blanketwithout the foil backing, would this be okay or do I have to bite the bullet and spend the money?

http://www.vitcas.com/fibre-ceramic-blanket

I don’t mind really, I just want to do it right.
Thanks to all
Ian
Hi Ian
I used the ceramic blanket with out the foil, it has the right temp range, to support it I used a stainless steel mesh of got from ebay. I the mesh size I got was about 4mm , I would go a bit bigger next time. maybe around 8-10 mmm. I used insulation bricks around the grate up to about 6-8 inchs and tucked the bottom of the mesh behind that.
Mike Cole
ianrichards
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Re: Boiler insulation

Post by ianrichards » Mon Dec 18, 2017 4:14 pm

Brilliant, thanks
Should the mesh be 316 or could I get away with 304 ?
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fredrosse
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Re: Boiler insulation

Post by fredrosse » Mon Dec 18, 2017 5:27 pm

304 or 316 will do very well, however the 316 is the better material for this service.
ianrichards
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Re: Boiler insulation

Post by ianrichards » Tue Dec 19, 2017 9:46 am

Mike.
I have been given a meter of 50mm thick ceramic fibre which when placed where required will be a snug fit against the outer casing.
If I was to adhere it to the backs of the steam and mud tubes, would it still be necessary to use the wire mesh?
If not, I can save about £50.
Once the outer casing panels are fitted there would be no opportunity for the fibre to be damaged.
What do you reckon
Thanks
Ian
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cyberbadger
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Re: Boiler insulation

Post by cyberbadger » Tue Dec 19, 2017 3:55 pm

ianrichards wrote:Once the outer casing panels are fitted there would be no opportunity for the fibre to be damaged.
That's an optimistic idea. :)

You are mostly likely going to pay that that 50pounds in someway. It's your choice whether it's doing it right now, or pay later. 50 quid is nothing in the scheme of a steamboat.

-CB

P.S. Remember you will be servicing this boiler, perhaps on the water. If you have something lying around or see something cheap that fits the bill fine. But don't make it hard on yourself later...
ianrichards
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Re: Boiler insulation

Post by ianrichards » Tue Dec 19, 2017 4:36 pm

Point taken
Steel mesh ordered
Thanks for putting me straight ;-)
Ian
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