coal fired vs wood fired and oil fired steam locomotives...

[Steamdemon]

How do oil fired steam locomotives work?

 

[clam1952]

Some info on the Ffestiniogs conversion to oil firing which may be interesting http://www.martynbane.co.uk/modernsteam/smcmahon/oilfiring/ofsotwng.htm

 

[jadebullet]

The oil is atomized(sprayed in very small droplets) into the firebox by the atomizer and is either ignited by an igniter, or the existing heat in the firebox.

 

[magickmaker]

From what I remember reading, the oil tends to be pretty thick. To make using it easier in the boiler, steam from the engine itself is used to heat and thin the oil some. Otherwise, when cold it's got about the consistency of molasses.

 

[bendorsey]

And the exact same principal applies to jet engines. Its atomized, squirted in via nozzles (or spray rings in the after burner) and either ignited by the existing flame or a continuous electric sprark from an ignitor (which doesn't exactly look like a spark plug but does the same job. Perhaps steam engines aren't that far out of touch as some folks think. lol.

Ben

 

[BobCass]

Is there a real difference in Traction Oil vs Coal??

 

[Steamdemon]

Just found some information on oil fired locomotives. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_burner_(engine)

 

[clam1952]

Have a look here http://welshhighland.freeforums.org/oil-vs-coal-firing-which-is-better-t1530.html interesting discussion on coal v oil involving those at the sharp end.

 

[wva-usa]

In the U.S., availability and price was the primary factor that influenced what fuel was used. The largest qualities of the best coal was in the eastern and central sections, so oil was popular as a fuel on the Pacific Coast, etc.