Talk:Boiler feed pumps and injectors/@comment-217.39.64.14-20200519224519

I'm pleased that people have found this Wiki which I abandoned when my build strayed so far away from LBSC's plans as to not be relevant. I looked at a half a dozen axle pump dimensions on a variety of designs and as a result reduced the bore on mine to 10mm and am using an X-ring instead of an O-ring. I'm not a fan of Graphited yarn. I'm sure it works, but it's from the dark ages. Modern alternatives are cheap and readily avaliable. There's a good reason that industry uses them and not obsolete materials.

I'm not sure that the LBSC injectors are that good, you'd probably be better off with a commercial type. Not all injectors are created equal. Some types like the Chiverton ones have non-return valves on the outlet as well as in the usual place. This makes them more tolerant of water at higher temperatures. On SPEEDY, there's plenty of room behind the tanks to add a lot of insulation. If you're using water solely from the tanks and only using injectors, I don't think you'll have problems with the water getting hot since it will likely be getting used up before it gets that way. If you're using water from a riding truck, it's hardly surprising that the temperature of the water in the pannier tanks creeps up to the point where injectors no longer work.

I'm a big fan of axle pumps for a variety of reasons. Anyone who tells you they've never had trouble with injectors letting them down simply isn't being honest or hasn't used them much. Axle pumps are also useful when you want to reduce the amount of work you need to to, manageing the water level. This is particularly useful when letting a learner have a go.

I don't see any point in hand pumps. If your only source of feed water is a hand pump, your run is over, just drop the fire.

I think the pannier tanks ought to be enough to run the locomotive for a significant amount of time if it's well set up. It it leaks, has poor valve events and you're always running in full gear then it won't last as long. I also think the Superheaters leave a lot to be desired. Replacing them with radiant types will likely reduce the amount of water you need measureably.