WHAT A STEAM PUMP WOULD SAY IF IT COULD TALK.
The well-known pump expert, Mr. F. Meriam Wheeler, writes us saying that if the manufacturers of steam pumps would send out with their pumps a card reading something like the following, it would probably impress the men who run the pumps more forcibly than anything that could be said or written in the ordinary way of giving instructions:
“Please do not gorge me with oil, as it will give my steam chest indigestion. What I like is a steady diet and thus enable my valves to work smoothly and with durability. A very small amount of oil fed to me steadily is the thing—it saves oil and repair bills.
“Two or three times a year give me a good dose of kerosene, to clean out any obstructions that may have accumulated in the passageways of my steam chest, or on the face or working parts of the valve and valve-seat, or on the chest piston.
“Do all you can to help me make a full length of stroke, as it means that I will use less steam and do better work. The adjustable collars on the valve rod will allow you to regulate the length of my stroke to a nicety.
“By allowing me to make short strokes, you prevent my steam piston from getting in its proper cushion, which it would do if it could complete its full stroke. My steam piston is supposed to run up to the end of the cylinder and pass across the exhaust port, cushioning on the confined steam between said port and the cylinder cover.
“The hand wheels on the side of my steam cylinder are for controlling the amount of this cushion. For slow speeds these cushion valves should be shut tight. When running at ordinary speed or a high rate of speed, these cushion valves should be slightly opened.
“Once in a while take a look at my water cylinder. See that the packing of the water piston is not set up so tight that it makes me grunt, producing unnecessary friction and wear. Or, perhaps the packing is too loose a fit, or is worn out and needs renewing.
“Please see that my water valves are seating properly, because if they are not tight I cannot pump as much water as I ought to do for a given speed. Sometimes the springs on the backs of my water valves need renewing or looking after.
“If you have not already provided a good suction air chamber for my water cylinder, you ought to do it, because it will prevent the water column in the suction pipe from slapping the face of my water piston at the end of each stroke in a harsh manner and so produce ‘water hammer.’ A good suction air chamber, properly located, saves wear and tear, and makes a pump quiet running.
“Please keep me nice and clean. I may not be of as much importance as your big engine, but there is no reason why I should not be kept free from dirt and grease. I hate to have oil slobbered all over my steam chest, or my stuffing-boxes left leaking.
“You will find it pays to keep me in good condition, like a well-groomed horse. Treat me well and I’ll serve you well and long!!!”—The Engineer.