Steam engine

[Jim Berquist]

Go to the flea market. Purchase a small 5 qt unit. with the weight sets. This would be safe and controlled. You should get a 1/8 lb, 1/4lb 1/2lb/ and 3/4lb set....

That should be enough to make it role.

Just Me!.....Jim

[Dang911]

Ok, I'm a bit confused.... I'm getting a pressure cooker? And inside are these weights (explain). Do these weights store heat energy? Under pressure water will boil at a higher temperature. I though pressure cookers are only good up to 12 psi, not quite in the scope of what I need.

[heada]

The pressure cooker has a lid that locks on. On the lid is a pressure relief hole. The weights sit on this hole. Once the pressure is greater than the weight, the weight moves off to the side and lets some of the steam out. The bigger the weight, the more pressure builds inside the cooker.

-Aaron

[Dang911]

Ok, With a little research, there is a "law" which sets the max allowable pressure inside a pressure cooker to be 15 PSI. This is the absolute minimum pressure at which my steam engine can run on. So I don't think the pressure cooker is the best method.

With that being said, 120 PSI is totally on the other side of the scale. That would be a goal, but isn't a "must". A good 50-80 should do me just fine.

As the pressure increases though, we are talking some serious heat to boil the water and make some steam. @120 PSI water will boil at 323 F while @60 PSI water will boil at 293 F.

I still need to do more calculations...

[Graham C. Williams]

Have a look at "Experimental Flash Steam" by J.H.Benson and A.A. Rayman it may help you.
It's full of practical information and design tips. Pressure feeds, Pumps, burner designs the lot.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Experimental-Fl ... 480&sr=8-1

Graham.

[toakreon]

If you're wanting a "desktop engine" might I suggest you don't go "steam" at all, but go for a "Stirling" hot-air engine? Far more "interesting" and no high pressures on your desk. Oh - and almost instant start-up with no need for a boiler to boil and pressurize.

John

[Dang911]

well for one, I already have a beautiful steam engine built. Building a powerless quiet stirling is just not my taste. I think it will be totaly cool waiting for steam and watching the engine come alive converting heat into mechanical motion.

[Jim Berquist]

Here Dang! Powerless

Mark: This would make a kick ass Put Put Boat!

Jim

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVjMu0T4 ... ed&search=