Regulator size

k36no4862002 · Post by **k36no4862002** » Mon Mar 06, 2023 4:05 pm

Ok chaps,
I'm at the point where I need to design my boiler. I have to supply steam to 4 cylinders of 3.5 inch bore.
What size regulator would you suggest.
I'm planning on using a ball valve in the smokebox.

This is for an overscale challenger loco.

Thanks
Paul

Bill Shields · Post by **Bill Shields** » Mon Mar 06, 2023 10:37 pm

What is the total cross section area and configuration of the pipes supplying the cylinders?

NP317 · Post by **NP317** » Mon Mar 06, 2023 11:54 pm

And what is the piston stroke, so that cylinder volume can be calculated?
RussN

k36no4862002 · Post by **k36no4862002** » Tue Mar 07, 2023 4:28 am

Gents,
Currently I have 4 off 3/4 BSP fittings in the cylinders to supply steam, but these can be reduced if needed.
The stroke is 5"

Bill Shields · Post by **Bill Shields** » Tue Mar 07, 2023 10:30 am

How are they interconnected? Is there a diameter of the main supply pipe you had in mind?

k36no4862002 · Post by **k36no4862002** » Tue Mar 07, 2023 10:33 am

Hi Bill,
So on a Challenger there is the Left and Right feed coming out of the smokebox.
That feed is then split to feed the front and the back cylinders from a tee on the side of the smokebox, the fittings into the cylinders are 3/4 BSP.
I had in my mind 1 1/4 BSP as the main feed from the boiler to a ball valve inside the smokebox but I have no workings to prove this, hence my initial question.
Paul

Bill Shields · Post by **Bill Shields** » Tue Mar 07, 2023 5:57 pm

What is boiler diameter?

Do you have space above flues to accommodate a 1 diameter feed?

k36no4862002 · Post by **k36no4862002** » Wed Mar 08, 2023 8:37 am

Hi Bill,
Boiler is 14" diameter and I have plenty of space above the flues probably 3"

765nkp · Post by **765nkp** » Wed Mar 08, 2023 1:44 pm

Can you post any pictures of your engine? I'd like to see it, I'm sure others would too.

Bill Shields · Post by **Bill Shields** » Thu Mar 09, 2023 6:32 am

I would tend toward a 1" or 1.25" V-Ball valve which is specifically designed for throttle service.

At intended maximum running speed, and a pressure half of your boiler's rated pressure, how many pounds of steam / hour are you going to need?

k36no4862002 · Post by **k36no4862002** » Fri Mar 10, 2023 4:03 am

Thanks Bill,
I was thinking 1.25" initially so your figure seems to support that.

I will try and post some pics of the build so far

Bill Shields · Post by **Bill Shields** » Fri Mar 10, 2023 4:38 am

Point is. A V Ball, not straight ball.

Not sure how available they are in 1.25" size - been a while since I looked

What do you anticipate the steam generation rate of your bouler will be?

https://www.valtorc.com/valves/v-ball-valves/

The Home Machinist!

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