Steam engine valve exploration

An exploration of how basic slide valves work in a steam engine. We'll build on this info later when e get to how the famous Corliss valve system works and what makes it so different.

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Outstanding explanation of the valves. I've never seen a riding cutoff valve in the flesh. I believe the ring on the back of the Sears and Robuck engine is a balancing ring for a balanced slide valve.. the ring is made to keep full steam pressure from getting to the area inside the ring, effectively reducing the surface area exposed to full steam pressure and reducing the friction loss caused by, say 100psi on the 36 square inches of a 6"x6" valve... Concentrated on only the surfaces touching the valve face.

[@JustFun-iz9rf]

thank you

[@michaelhurley5614]

Fascinating video. Nice to see a variety of differnt engine types and the valve mechanisms. Would love to have seen the original patterns for casting the steam chest / cylinders for the American Ball engine, must have been a nightmare to design!

[@newenglandwirelesssteammus4167]

Thanks for your comment. Yes, the American Ball casting is incredibly complicated. I believe it's shown a bit more in-depth and with better lighting in one of the subsequent videos. The steam passages are duplicated on both the upper and lower sides of the steam chest so the patterns and required cores must have been quite complex. Quite a testament to the foundry that cast it!

[@claudiopriess7659]

do you have a video aout the valves of thomas savery or newcomen steam engines