flyrotary@lancaironline.net Mailing List Archive

Hi Todd,

Thanks for the information, and I will check into it, as I'm still in the learning/research stage anyway. I think the explosive potential for what I have in mind may be considerably less though, as the boiler would be something about the size of a coffee can at the focus of a parabolic reflector.

Grant Schemmel

From: Rotary motors in aircraft [mailto:flyrotary@lancaironline.net] On Behalf Of Todd Bartrim
Sent: Monday, June 09, 2008 11:13 PM
To: Rotary motors in aircraft
Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Steam engines

Hi Grant;

            My previous occupation was as a Power Engineer (steam) for 14 years in a large industrial powerplant operating 2 large boilers (260 tonnes/hr & 180 tonnes/hr). I’m currently an Instrument Mechanic in the same plant. Believe me when I say that steam generation is not to be taken lightly. Many people died back in the old days before it became regulated. I know that the US has different regulations concerning the design, fabrication and maintenance of boilers and auxiliaries, but in Canada it is quite strictly regulated. But I wouldn’t expect the blessing of any regulatory bodies regardless of where you live in the US. I’d expect that it would be a federal jurisdiction. Shouldn’t be too hard to figure out. I’d look on the net… but I’m exhausted and going to bed now.

            When I got my ticket 21 years ago the net wasn’t even invented yet, so it was mostly done through correspondence, firing time at work and school time at BCIT, but you may find some info to get you started if you Google “power engineering”. At the very least you should be able to find some youtube videos of pressure vessel explosions etc. (I’ve seen some in the past), that will either scare you off the idea or really get you hooked… depending on your personality.

            Not trying to talk you out of it, just want you to be aware of the potential power.

Todd Bartrim

-----Original Message-----
From: Rotary motors in aircraft [mailto:flyrotary@lancaironline.net]On Behalf Of Schemmel, Grant
Sent: Monday, June 09, 2008 6:22 AM
To: Rotary motors in aircraft
Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Steam engines

Thanks for the suggestions Bob. At this point I'm still in the learning process on steam generation, as I have an electrical engineering background, with electrician and mechanic experience thrown in, but none of it power generation related. Got some boning up to do on the whole subject before I even start the design effort. It sounds like you might have experience with this - got any suggestions as to some reading material?

Thanks

Grant Schemmel

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