Boiler hydraulic test 4 hours

[cogdobblerParticipant @cogdobbler]

Looks like a lovely little unit and should make the basis for a nice steam plant.

It is what, in industry, would be called an underfired single-pass firetube boiler. Quite a popular design in the mid 20th century. I’m old enough that I worked on several full sized versions over the years.

[endckr111Participant @endckr111]

Yes, it’s an interesting design, nice to know someone who actually worked on them! The more I uncover, the more questions I have! It will be nice to get it steaming one day, still a fair amount of work to do, new fittings ect, and still wondering about insulation and firebox lining material which extends to boiler sides, easier to see once covers removed

[endckr111Participant @endckr111]

One side removed revealing firebox

[endckr111Participant @endckr111]

<p style=”text-align: center;”>Just noticed the water level take off from boiler, that doesn’t looked-bushed but silver soldered directly, maybe it’s stepped down and soldered? Is it worth drilling out and bushing?</p>

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Probably more trouble than it is worth. There is a risk of melting other joints as you try and solder in a new bush which may then be hard to rectify.

[endckr111Participant @endckr111]

<p style=”text-align: left;”>Well, I’ve disassembled it, taking precautions! A lot of very small screws holding everything together, which I will replace. As you can from photos boiler looks ok, and there’s two silver soldered extension (not sure if it’s a brazed or silver soldered that goes for all the boiler)one each side, and as pointed out I think best to leave them in place, one I think will be for hand pump , the other possibly an injector. The main manifold which needs to support pressure gauge and blower, and water gauge top fitting,needs replacing, so I will look around for some suitable fitting, first job, blanking plugs ect!</p>

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

When it comes to sealing all the various joints and suchlike Air Setting cement of the type used in pottery kilns will be ideal Alec Tiranti  used to supply. Good luck. Noel.

[Nigel Graham 2Participant @nigelgraham2]

The gauge-glass fitting in the side looks to me as if screwed, possibly soldered, into a bush that itself is silver-soldered into the shell.

I’d be inclined to leave that alone. It obviously withstood the hydraulic test, although it is not in the best position functionally.

The gauge-glass fitting itself though should have a simple blow-down valve below the lower glass elbow, to flush the glass through and ensure it is working.

[endckr111Participant @endckr111]

I agree with you Nigel, not worth the hassle re-bushing, and as you say, if it past hydraulic test, then leave be. Also agree with gauge glass blow down valve, that should be an easy fix!.

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