The Steamboating Forum

Hi All,

My boiler finally arrived this week !!! I could use some help identifying the penetrations into the boiler to make sure that I hook things up right. I bought it from a steam enthusiast's widow. He was unfortunately unable to finish the boat that he inteded this boiler for before he passed away. It has never been steamed.

It is obvious that the two lower valves are blow offs. There is a steam dome on the top of the boiler that has four openings, one of them is connected to the quick acting valve with the red handle on the front of the boiler. The other three are open.

My assumption is that 2 of the ports on the front are for a water gauge. (I received a reflex gauge that matches the didtance between two openings.) I would assume the opening that is 1/4" is intended for the pressure gauge. That leaves one opening that is essentially at the midpoint of the steam drum, my thought is that this was intended for a try-cock to confirm water levels.

Can I assume that the quick closing valve that is on a line running into the steam dome is for feed water ? If not, where is the feed water being supplied ?

thanks in advance for the help !

jon

I'd put the feed water into the mud ring. That quick closing valve was probably intended for the thottle.

Bart

Hi Bart,

The only existing penetrations in the mud drums are the blow down valves..............


jon

I'd run a heavy nipple out of the boiler to a steam-rated ball valve (for your shut-off), then to a tee w/ the water feed and blowdown valve. Orient things so the blowdown flow has a straight shot out. I've done this before - works fine. That ball valve is there in case you need to service the check.

- Bart

Hi Bart,

I assume the check valve is on the feedwater line ? Sounds like a good solution. If I go that route, should I set it up so that both sides are being fed ? That way I wont have cold water going into just one side and upsetting the flow.

What do you think ?

jon