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Title: |
1891 Article-Stearns Mfg. Co., Woodbury Horizontal Steam Engine |
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Source: |
The Electrical Engineer, 20 May 1891, pg. 585 |
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Insert Date: |
2/11/2016 11:58:40 AM |
We illustrate in the accompanying engraving the latest type of the Woodbury engine, designed by Mr. Daniel A. Woodbury, of Rochester, N. Y., and built by the Stearns Manufacturing o., of Erie, Pa.
In cross section the frame is a tapered box, wide at the base and heavily flanged at the top and bottom, the top flanges extending from the hood formed at the cylinder end, in a direct line to main bearings. At the crank end, the frame widens out to afford an unyielding support to the journals, and the top flanges also become wider towards the boxes, the latter being cast with the frame.
The governor is of that class in which the valve closure is effected by moving the eccentric across the shaft. The movement of the eccentric is operated by centrifugal weights, the centripetal force being furnished by a single spiral spring. The direction of the pull of the spring is such as to bring the bearings upon the pivot pins always on the same side, whether the weights be moving outward or inward, thus avoiding all lost motion and rattling due to either wear or loose fitting.
The valve employed is of the adjustable type and balanced by means of a relief plate, thus taking the steam pressure off the valve and eliminating all valve friction. This leaves the governor free to act upon the valve and to change the lead with change of load in the shortest possible time.
The shaft and crank pin are formed with the cranks in one solid steel forging, and the construction is such that the counterbalancing discs can be readily removed and replaced in their original position; this allows of easy access to the pin which can then be trued up in a lathe, when necessary.
The relative weight of counterbalance to that of the reciprocating parts has been determined by a series of experiments throughout the entire range of speed, and with changeable counterweights. The proportions adopted are such as to secure perfect smoothness of action and an entire absence of vibration under the different conditions of load, speed, and steam pressure. The engines are tested for this quality by loosening the foundation nuts, and running up to speed, with the belt off. With the proper amount of counterbalance, no vibration or tendency to longitudinal movement is shown, the engine running as steadily as when bolted down.
The lubrication of all the moving parts has been thoroughly provided for, and the best materials and workmanship employed in the construction of these engines, which have already been introduced in a large number of electric light stations. |
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1891 Stearns Mfg. Co., Woodbury Horizontal Steam Engine
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