Steam & Excursion > Whazzit? (47)

Referring back to Whazzit? (46) https://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?10,5231676,
a detail from which is posted below.....

Are those three loops of copper pipe at locations "A" really necessary?

What's the logic?



-LD



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/12/21 17:02 by LarryDoyle.

---

Condensation traps.

patd3985 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Condensation traps.

Yes!

Can you explain why?

-LD

My Guess, is to keep the gauges from getting moisture interring into the gauge and effecting the gauges accuracy. 

To prevent live steam from entering gauges.

Don Allender

Czuleget, you've got the right idea, but backwards. When H2O changes from water to steam it takes on more energy, which would cause the gauge to give a false reading if filled with steam. The loops in the pipe radiate heat, causing the gauge to fill with water only, assuring an accurate reading of pressure.

-LD



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/12/21 21:09 by LarryDoyle.

LarryDoyle,
Ever hear of Bourdon tube-equipped gauges getting 'freeze damaged'
from winter's temps below freezing?  I've Never had any freeze-damaged piping that
connected the gauges, either---- on the many varied engines that I've taken care-of.
( Although, I seem to remember loosening the nuts at the gauges, and then blowing-out
the pipes ... the mists of time are making my memory become clouded..)

Did water ever make it into the Bourdon tubes, or  does it just lay in the coils
before the gauge, proper?

When I've "blown-out" locos ( compressed air) for winter storage, I'd never thought
about protecting the gauges....

But , also. I'd never been in the habit of removing the gauges to warmer, safe keeping.
Yet, i don't  remember any ruptured or damaged gauges.--- ever. 
Even at temps near zero, here in the east...from New England, to New York region,
to Ohio lake region...

Should gauges always be removed to warm, safe keeping?

( I've never had gauges vandalized, either, during my years operating steamers...
it never crossed my mind.... But it was common to find gauges, and other glass 
items broken --- on locos abandoned & in open, public display..)

​W.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/13/21 03:43 by wcamp1472.

After looking around in the computer, and to add a little bit more to the conversation, the condensate in the loop/syphon/siphon protects the pressure gauge from the heat of the steam.  It also reduces the effect of rapid pressure surges. 

Eugene Crowner