Re: Long winded introduction
Posted by: (163.232.56.---)
Date: May 30, 2010 09:03PM
starting time is less a matter of IF you can start quickly, but rather SHOULD you start quickly.
Boilers and steam plant require to be warmed evenly and this cannot occur if not allowed to soak through.
If you want longevity from any engine, internal or extenal combustion, it must be able to warm before stressing, with internal combustion, the oil must be pumped to the main bearings and a hydrodynamic wedge allowed to separate the metal components to prevent wear.
Steam engines also must be lubricated and allowed to warm/expand evenly to allow correct bearing alignment and reduce wear.
Boilers are metal and metal will expand as heated, unless done evenly you WILL overly stress the metal, reducing the life.
steam is a bit like sex, quicker is not better.