how did old steam/coal work?

Unknown

Typically, there was a diaphragm actuator operated by steam pressure, which through a lever and counterweight operated an air damper. The damper adjusted the intake air under the grate thereby regulating the firing rate. Sometimes there was also an additional damper in the flue pipe, also controlled by the actuator which simultaneously regulated the draft over the fire.

The system pretty much operated as a modern pressuretrol does today.

Hollis

I have never seen a coal boiler being used. How did they keep the right amount of pressure in coal fired steam boilers? With the coal at different amounts between loadings, I imagine you had an air adjustment to level out the burn somewhat but didn't they get over pressured at times? Were blow off valves often going off?

Big Ed_4

Yes the newer more modern.....

..... Coal boilers had controls and a pop safety. Before that they just blow up if not properly mananged by a fireman. True..... The outlook was if your dumb enough , you deserve what you get. This was before a law suit came to be someones living....

Erich_3

There are quite a few modern coal boilers and furnaces made now.

In Northeast Pennsylvania coal is the most common fuel. In the greater Scranton area there are over 40 companies that deliver coal. Here is a link to an E-F-M coal boiler.

http://www.efmheating.com/d520.html

Here is a link to the AHS Coal Gun boiler. If you look at the chart you will be amazed at the different sizes that are available.

http://www.alternateheatingsystems.com/coalboilers.htm

Notice that the S1500 model is 1,650,000 BTU/hr and it weighs 5,000 lbs. The various automatic stokers and other options have made coal boilers much easier to operate. The fuel savings is typically 50% of oil or gas.

cattledog

steam/coal

We had a coal steamer when I was a kid. I remember having to fill the box for the automatic stoker which fed the boiler and raking out the firebox- all good work for a 10 yr old.