Oil free steam engine?

[Jim Holmgren]

Hi.

I want to build a single acting uniflow engine with a condenser and to avoid the hassle with oil from the condenser to feed pump, I would like to make a engine that don't use any oil in the steam.

I have head of some that have converted air-compressor pumps that don't use oil, however it must be the pistong rings that are made so it doesn't need lubrication?

I want to use a poppet valve for intake and superheated steam.

So any advice or thoughts on this?

/Jim H.

 

[vederstein]

What you're looking for is a high temperature, low friction, tough, high tensile strength, abrasion resistant material for pistons and/or rings, seals, seats, etc.

As far as I know, PTFE (Teflon) is what to try in the realm of "common" plastics. Kynar may work but it's bloody expensive.

Anyways, after 300+ years of steam engine technology, I doubt there's really an applicable material that'll hold up to hundreds or thousands of hours of use.

...Ved.

 

[Hopper]

Hi.


I have head of some that have converted air-compressor pumps that don't use oil, however it must be the pistong rings that are made so it doesn't need lubrication?

If it's a converted air compressor, maybe they left the original rings in place and rely on the oil in sump to lubricate the rings and bore?