20 Questions
What is the purpose of the slide valve in the engine cylinder?
To admit and exhaust steam from the engine cylinder
Why is the engine described as 'double acting'?
Because it produces power on both the upward and downward stroke
What term is used to describe cutting off the steam supply and allowing the steam in the cylinder to expand?
Expansive use of steam
What component of the engine is described as 'eccentric' or 'off center' with respect to the crankshaft?
The sheave of the eccentric
What is the purpose of lubricators in the engine?
To feed oil between sliding surfaces to reduce friction and wear
What is the function of the crosshead in the engine?
To guide the piston rod directly into the cylinder without side-to-side motion
What has contributed to the nearly obsolete status of steam engines?
The greater complexity of the steam engine compared to the steam turbine
In what situation are steam engines still used today?
To power restored vintage locomotives, sawmills, steamships, and agricultural traction engines
What is the construction type of the steam engine described in Figure 2?
Single cylinder, double-acting, vertical engine with a D-slide valve
What component of the steam engine discharges lubricating oil with exhaust steam?
Stuffing box and gland
Where are steam engines rarely seen in service today?
In power plants generating electricity
What part of the steam engine is responsible for controlling the admission of steam to the cylinder?
D-slide valve
What is used to squeeze the packing tightly into the box around the rod?
Gland
What is fitted into the lowest part of the cylinder and valve box for the removal of water caused by steam condensation?
Drain cocks
In most steam engines, when does the admission of steam stop?
Before the end of the stroke
What regulates engine speed with the change in load requirements?
Governor
What is often fitted to dampen or even out the changes of speed caused by varying steam pressure and loads?
Flywheel
What does the frame of the steam engine provide?
Means of securing the engine on its foundation
What does a small vertical single cylinder, double-acting steam engine have in its steam chest?
Piston type steam slide valve
What needs to be cleared from flywheels, pulleys, drive belts, and other moving parts before starting a steam engine?
Debris
Test your knowledge of the historical significance and decline of steam engines compared to steam turbines, combustion engines, and electric motors. Learn about the complexities and lower efficiency of steam engines, as well as the challenges in recovering and reusing lubricating oil. Discover why steam engines are now rarely used.
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