Locomotive boiler washout

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John Ashworth
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Locomotive boiler washout

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Photos and captions by Nathan Berelowitz April 2009
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Adriaan "Spikkels" De Beer, inside the smokebox of 19D 2650, prior to having a boiler washout. There are two washout plugs on the lower tubeplate that will be used to rinse the boiler barrel with high pressure water. Of interest is the smokebox layout, with the spark arrestors and baffle plates removed. The "hole" in the foreground is the blast pipe area for exhaust emission from the cylinders, and you can clearly see the conical spark arrestor, slightly clogged up. The elements can be seen in the background, in which the steam is superheated before entering the header and then through the branch steampipes (pipes on both sides of the smokebox) to the steam chest and finally exhausting. Interesting, is it not?!
Adriaan "Spikkels" De Beer, inside the smokebox of 19D 2650, prior to having a boiler washout. There are two washout plugs on the lower tubeplate that will be used to rinse the boiler barrel with high pressure water. Of interest is the smokebox layout, with the spark arrestors and baffle plates removed. The "hole" in the foreground is the blast pipe area for exhaust emission from the cylinders, and you can clearly see the conical spark arrestor, slightly clogged up. The elements can be seen in the background, in which the steam is superheated before entering the header and then through the branch steampipes (pipes on both sides of the smokebox) to the steam chest and finally exhausting. Interesting, is it not?!
locowashoutapril052009 002.jpg (56.36 KiB) Viewed 1971 times
A closer view of Spikkels holding the brass washout nozzle in position, deep in the smokebox at the tube plate. One can clearly see the elements and tubes
A closer view of Spikkels holding the brass washout nozzle in position, deep in the smokebox at the tube plate. One can clearly see the elements and tubes
locowashoutapril052009 004.jpg (52.7 KiB) Viewed 1970 times
Boiler inspector Des Paton has his paraffin flare lamps ready to insert into the open washout plug areas, to examine the inner firebox. Some areas he will insert a small mirror, to have a look see, in the confines of the boiler
Boiler inspector Des Paton has his paraffin flare lamps ready to insert into the open washout plug areas, to examine the inner firebox. Some areas he will insert a small mirror, to have a look see, in the confines of the boiler
locowashoutapril052009 006.jpg (40.74 KiB) Viewed 1970 times
Des holds the flare lamps ready for insertion into a washout plug cavity
Des holds the flare lamps ready for insertion into a washout plug cavity
locowashoutapril052009 009.jpg (55.38 KiB) Viewed 1970 times
Here, he has placed the small mirror (right side), into the water space above the foundation ring, and provided light from the flare lamp to illuminate the area, so that he will be able to see if there is any obstruction or damage to the inner firebox, such as loose stays or scouring. This procedure will be repeated in all areas around the firebox area, both inside and outside the cab.
Here, he has placed the small mirror (right side), into the water space above the foundation ring, and provided light from the flare lamp to illuminate the area, so that he will be able to see if there is any obstruction or damage to the inner firebox, such as loose stays or scouring. This procedure will be repeated in all areas around the firebox area, both inside and outside the cab.
locowashoutapril052009 011.jpg (53.36 KiB) Viewed 1971 times
Some of the scale that gets dislodged by the jets of high pressure water. This is usually an accumulation of water treatment, salts and scale that will form. Remember, there are different qualities of water and not all is good for boilers, especially bore hole water, if it is not treated beforehand. Railways, in steam days, used to have water softening plants at many depots and areas along the line at water stops.
Some of the scale that gets dislodged by the jets of high pressure water. This is usually an accumulation of water treatment, salts and scale that will form. Remember, there are different qualities of water and not all is good for boilers, especially bore hole water, if it is not treated beforehand. Railways, in steam days, used to have water softening plants at many depots and areas along the line at water stops.
locowashoutapril052009 014.jpg (46.84 KiB) Viewed 1970 times
Des Paton pulls a copper rod through the washout plug opening in the front of the firebox, above the foundation ring. He has been scratching out all the accumulation of scale and grunge that forms in loco boilers, hence, like any kettle at home, a good rinse is needed to get rid of the scale etc
Des Paton pulls a copper rod through the washout plug opening in the front of the firebox, above the foundation ring. He has been scratching out all the accumulation of scale and grunge that forms in loco boilers, hence, like any kettle at home, a good rinse is needed to get rid of the scale etc
locowashoutapril052009 016.jpg (43.22 KiB) Viewed 1970 times
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Stefan Andrzejewski
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Re: Locomotive boiler washout

Post by Stefan Andrzejewski »

This kind of info is of great interest to someone like me who is a Steam Train fan but who knows little of the intricate workings of a Locomotive such as this. More Please.
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John Ashworth
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Re: Locomotive boiler washout

Post by John Ashworth »

Stefan, see also the explanation of blowdown cocks at http://www.friendsoftherail.com/phpBB2/ ... =90&t=4155, which is connected with this as it discusses the build up of salts in the boiler water.

If you look back through the People at Work section of the photo gallery you'll find quite a few pictures of us doing routine maintenance tasks on steam locomotives, which might be of interest. If you need further information, post a question and we'll try to give a full explanation.
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Stefan Andrzejewski
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Re: Locomotive boiler washout

Post by Stefan Andrzejewski »

Yes I have followed the Blowdown cock with great interest. I certainly will have a look.
Thanx
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