One HP Compound Steam Engine - Oiling

Oiling is under construction

In Late 2009 I started thinking more seriously about exactily how to oil the engine. I made prototypes of needle valve, wick and syphin oilers. I did more experiments with these drippers than I care to admit. My goal was to create a reliable oiler that would not need much attention during steaming or in between trips.

Turned down point for dripper. (9/29/09)

Turned down point for dripper. (9/29/09)

As you can see from the next pictures, I did not try the needle dripper. I made a 3/32" hole in the needle drippers. This was too big for the needle to close so the dripper profusly. I plugged the hole with gaskit material and just did experiments with cotton and wool wicks.

Oil Dripper Fixture for tests. (10/24/09)

Oil Dripper Fixture for tests. (10/24/09)

Tests of Wick Drippers 67 degrees F, 42% RH, Oil=30ND Time is in Hours:Minutes:Seconds for both cotton and wool wicks

Cotton

Oil Dripper Cotton Wick X=time; Y=Time between drips. (10/11/09)

Oil Dripper Cotton Wick X=time; Y=Time between drip. (10/12/09)

Wool

Oil Dripper Wool Wick X=time; Y=Time between drips. (10/21/09)

End so far.

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