Belpaire firebox
The Belpaire firebox is a type of steam engine firebox which was invented by
Alfred Belpaire of
Belgium.
Normally, the
firebox of a
steam locomotive has a semicircular top to match the contour of the
boiler, however, the Belpaire firebox has more of a rectangular shape, making a locomotive equipped with one easy to spot. As one might expect, attaching a square box to a round tube is more difficult, but there are advantages which offset this. Interior bracing of the firebox is simplified, and the flat top increases the
surface area at the top of the firebox, improving heat transfer and steam production.
Encyclopedia
The
Belpaire firebox is a type of steam engine firebox which was invented by
Alfred Belpaire of
Belgium.
Normally, the
firebox of a
steam locomotive has a semicircular top to match the contour of the
boiler, however, the Belpaire firebox has more of a rectangular shape, making a locomotive equipped with one easy to spot. As one might expect, attaching a square box to a round tube is more difficult, but there are advantages which offset this. Interior bracing of the firebox is simplified, and the flat top increases the
surface area at the top of the firebox, improving heat transfer and steam production.
The
Pennsylvania Railroad used Belpaire fireboxes on nearly all of their steam locomotives. The distinct square shape practically became a PRR trademark, as no other American railroad except the Great Northern used Belpaire fireboxes in significant numbers.
See also:
