Neal Lewis Posted March 22, 2011 Report Share Posted March 22, 2011 In the attached pic of an old, coal fired steam boiler, there's a weighted lever type device at the top. The purpose seems to be to automatically or manually release steam pressure from the boiler. I assume with coal fired equipment, it was difficult to control the temperature inside. Hence the need to literally blow off steam once in a while. Am I correct? Click to Enlarge 45.61 KB Click to Enlarge 40.38 KB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inspectorjoe Posted March 22, 2011 Report Share Posted March 22, 2011 It's a damper regulator. As the steam pressure increases, it closes a damper to slow the rate of combustion. Was that thing still functional? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Raymond Posted March 22, 2011 Report Share Posted March 22, 2011 That is a beautiful machine from a simpler age. I'd keep it around even if it didn't work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Kibbel Posted March 22, 2011 Report Share Posted March 22, 2011 When the steam pressure rises to a set pressure, a diaphragm lifts the arm of the damper regulator, slacking the chain on the other end, allowing the draft damper to close. I can't tell from the picture, but there should be a rod on the other end of the arm that simultaneously opens the "check draft" damper on the flue connector. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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