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Title: |
1906 Article-Robey & Co. Ltd., Portable Compound Steam Engines |
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Source: |
Modern Machinery, Jan 1906, pg 11 |
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Insert Date: |
9/19/2012 9:43:02 AM |
Portable Steam Engine
We illustrate herewith two patterns of portable steam engines lately brought out by Messrs. Robey & Co., Ltd., Lincoln.
The cylinders have the working barrels, or liners, cast separately from the bodies, and are made of a specially hard mixture being forced by special apparatus tightly into the cylinder bodies, and afterward being accurately bored. They are designed particularly with a view to giving the largest amount of power with the greatest possible economy. They are fastened to steel flanged seatings, which are riveted to the boiler. It will thus be seen that not a single bolt for securing the cylinder passes into the steam space. This, point is of the utmost importance. A very efficient jacket is provided by the space between the liner and the cylinder casing, which is of far more value than if the jacket were cast in one with the cylinder. The pistons are made from the same material as the cylinder and fitting the same accurately, but at the same time working with a minimum of friction, thus again securing considerable economy. Piston and valve rod are of mild steel of ample strength, with necessary means of adjustment. The crankshaft is of very large diameter, so that the full power of the engine can be taken out without heating of the bearings, and is sufficiently long to carry a pulley in addition to the flywheel. It is made of the best steel and by means of special machinery forged from a single bar. The crankshaft brackets are of heavy construction and fitted on to planed seatings, which in their turn are again bolted to flanged steel seatings, which are riveted to the boiler. The crankshaft brackets are arranged to slide on a planed surface, being connected to the cylinder by turned steel stay rods of ample section. The engine itself is thus complete and all strain of working is taken from the boiler. The valve motion is extremely simple. Not only does the eccentric admit of the point of cut-off being altered from 1/8 to 3/4, but the lead of the valve remains constant and the engine can be set to run In either direction. Too much stress cannot be laid upon the absolute simplicity and efficiency of this valve gear, which tends to the highest economy under working conditions.
The governors are of the high-speed type and work directly onto a gunmetal equilibrium valve. The feed pump is fitted with double valve boxes so that it can work continuously, the water not required being returned through the overflow cock and pipe to the feed tank. On its way it is heated by the exhaust steam, forming an efficient feed water heater.
The pump itself is secured to the flanged seating carrying the carriage brackets, and no bolts are inserted into the steam space.
The stop valve is of the screw-down type. The wearing parts are all made adjustable wherever necessary and are of large dimensions. All parts are interchangeable. The boiler Is made for 100 pounds working pressure. The plates are of steel, all planed or turned on the edges before being put together. The firebox is of large size, large enough for burning wood and turf when fairly dry. Manholes of sufficient size are provided, cut out by special machinery and strengthened with the necessary rings. The mud-holes are so arranged that every part of the boiler can be thoroughly cleaned with the greatest possible convenience. The safety valves are so arranged, that it is impossible for the attendant to tamper with them. |
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1906 Robey & Co. Ltd., Portable Compound Steam Engine
1906 Robey & Co. Ltd., Portable Compound Steam Engine
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