Todd Thanks for answering Grants Question., I just got to a point where  I could sit down and read my e mails. 

You are  right about the regulation part.  Having worked for the federal government all my career as a Power Engineer (steam not nuclear there is a big difference) we didn't worry to much about the licenses thing, but we did have to comply with the ASTM standards to a high degree.  The size of the boiler , by that I mean the amount of steam generated per hour, would determine whether or not it would require licenses to operate.  A home water heater is boiler of type and has to comply with ASTM. but doesn't require a license for its operation.  When things go terribly wrong (the T&P valve doesn't open when the thermostat contacts weld close) with a water heater, it can destroy the house and you in the process of venting all that stored energy.  A small boiler can and will do the same thing if not properly designed.  The rule of thumb is that a boiler must have the capability to release one and one half  (1 1/2) times the volume of steam it is capable of generating per hour to atmosphere through safety valves that are attached directly to the boiler while being continuously feed with fuel and feed water.   But even with all the safety devices in place and all the water chemistry checks in place, a boiler will fail, I can assure you of that.

Also don't forget about our old friend INSURANCE, I don;t know how a home owners policy would cover such an experiment, but probably for the right money they will cover anything with wavers.

 
I know that Combustion Engineering, B&W Boilers, and ABB all have publications out there, ASTM has a web page but I am not sure if all the standard are listed and available. 

Todd if you get a green card, and want to move to the sunny south, there are all kinds of openings down here for PE's and IM's.  An economic s lump has never affected those fields that I know of.

Bob Perkinson

-------------- Original message from "Todd Bartrim" <bartrim@gmail.com>: --------------

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