|
|
|
|
Stationary steam engine
|
| |
|
| |
Stationary steam engines are fixed steam engines used for pumping or driving mills and factories, and for power generation. They are distinct from locomotive engines used on railways, traction engines for heavy steam haulage on roads, steam cars (and other motor vehicles), agricultural engines used for ploughing or threshing, and marine engines.
They were introduced during the eighteenth century and widely made for the whole of the nineteenth century and most of the first half of the twentieth century, only declining as electricity supply and the internal combustion engine became more widespread.
Discussion
Ask a question about 'Stationary steam engine' Start a new discussion about 'Stationary steam engine' Answer questions from other users |
Encyclopedia
Stationary steam engines are fixed steam engines used for pumping or driving mills and factories, and for power generation. They are distinct from locomotive engines used on railways, traction engines for heavy steam haulage on roads, steam cars (and other motor vehicles), agricultural engines used for ploughing or threshing, and marine engines.
They were introduced during the eighteenth century and widely made for the whole of the nineteenth century and most of the first half of the twentieth century, only declining as electricity supply and the internal combustion engine became more widespread.
Types of stationary steam engine
There are different patterns of stationary steam engines, distinguished by
the layout of the cylinders and crankshaft:
- Beam engines have a rocking beam providing the connection between the vertical cylinder and crankshaft.
- Table engines have the crosshead above the vertical cylinder and the crankshaft below.
- Horizontal engines have a horizontal cylinder.
- Vertical engines have a vertical cylinder.
- Inclined engines have an inclined cylinder.
Stationary engines may be classified by secondary characteristics as well:
- High speed engines are distinguished by fast-acting valves.
- Corliss engines are distinguished by special rotary valve gear.
- Uniflow engines have admission valves at the cylinder heads and exhaust ports at the midpoint.
When stationary engines had multiple cylinders, they could be classified as
- simple engines have multiple identical cylinders operating on a common crankshaft.
- Compound engines use the exhaust from high-pressure cylinders to power low-pressure cylinders.
In order of evolution:
Stationary engines may also be classified by their application:
See also
External links
- – examples of stationary steam engines preserved in the UK (with pictures and links)
- – comprehensive coverage of stationary steam engines in their original locations, working and non-working, in many countries
- – includes lesser-known museums containing such engines (UK)
- – Questions and answers about old steam engines, traction engines
|
| |
|
|
