Posted 4 years ago
hotairfan
(385 items)
Looking back a few months, I posted a steam boiler & engine project that I was getting ready for steam-up. I finally got all of the piping removed so I could remove the boiler and plug the entries with pipe plugs. I do wish that I could have shown all the photographed process that took place, but, it is limited to four photos a post.
Pictured is the pressure testing of my steam boiler. It is called a hydrostatic pressure test. the boiler is filled with water and more water is pressured into the boiler until it reaches the pressure limit that you desire. If the pressure holds for at least 10 minutes without losing pressure ( I held the pressure for 20 minutes), the test is a success.
I decided that 200 PSI. was sufficient to pass, because I only intend to operate the steam boiler at 70 PSI.
I reassembled all of the plumbing and now, the only thing that I have to do is set the pressure relief valves to 70 an 80 PSI respectively .
PS. I decided to run the boiler with Propane until I feel comfortable enough to trust a coal fired boiler, ... safer, you know.
I'll keep you posted. perhaps next, it will be running under steam.
How INTERESTING, hotairfan!! <applause> I've heard of similar sorts of test processes for compressed air tanks where they're filled full of water then hooked up to an ever increasing amount of (air) pressure until they either withstand roughly double the intended pressure for a predetermined period of time, OR otherwise spring a 'water leak' (instead of a potentially much more dramatic big "boom" blowing shrapnel all over the place) but your description of the boiler pressure testing using further pressurized water instead sounds like it *would* indeed be an interesting process to observe. GOOD luck with the continuation of your project -- I can't wait to see it actually STEAMING!!! :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)
Not lost on me. That's how we test scuba tanks. You've been around. Have plans for a use ?
No bb2, I just want to see it run for my own interest, maybe operate one of my many accessories to show to my grandkids. It is not certified so I can't take it to a steam show to show to the general public. That might be my next adventure after I get it running.
There is a certification ? Kind of like PADI tanks ? Wha a ting. No doubt gov't. controlled.