One boiler. Switching engines

[Sshire]

I'm about to begin a build of a PMR Horizontal boiler. This is my first venture into live steam. What is common (and safe) practice if one has one boiler and wants to switch engines. Not multiple engines on one boiler; one engine at a time. Do I plumb each engine so that the pipe will line up with the boiler and use a union?
I'm sure this is done frequently. Not a manifold as I want one engine only connected.

Thanks
Stan

 

[Philjoe5]

Stan,
At the Rough & Tumble Museum in Kinzers we have a large (about 30 hp) boiler that feeds steam to a table with connections spaced at intervals. When the boiler is fired exhibitors can connect to the steam line with standard copper tubing and fittings. In this video:

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQp3A-o8so8[/ame]

my engine is plumbed into the steam line (red piping). Larger scale than what you're talking about but same principle.

Cheers,
Phil

 

[Sshire]

Thanks, Phil
Is this soft copper tubing as used on refrigerators, etc?

 

[Philjoe5]

Stan,
Yes, I buy it and the fittings at the hardware store. Some folks also use braided stainless but that stuff is expensive.

Cheers,
Phil