“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.
GLOSSARY OF PUMP AND HYDRAULIC TERMS.
Air-bound. This word applies to both pump and piping and expresses the confinement of air between the discharge valve of the pump and the check-valve or the point of delivery.