Water crane
A water crane is a device used for delivering a large volume of water into the tank or tender of a steam locomotive.[1][2][3] The device is also called a water column in the United States and Australia.[4] As a steam locomotive consumes large quantities of water, water cranes were a vital part of railway station equipment, often situated at the end of a platform, so that water could be refilled during a stop at the station.
Overview
Generally, water cranes consist of an upright steel pipe about Script error: No such module "convert". in diameter with a horizontal, pivoting pipe connected to its upper end so as to form a swinging arm.[5] The swinging arm is usually designed to rest parallel to the rails when not in use.[6] Water cranes may be able to deliver up to Script error: No such module "convert". of water per minute.
Water supply
In hilly country, natural streams can be dammed and water fed by gravity to the water crane.[7] In flatter country this arrangement is not always possible, so water may be supplied by a tank next to the crane. Water tanks may vary in volume from Script error: No such module "convert". to greater than Script error: No such module "convert"..[5] In some cases a well may be used to supply the water to the tank.[8]
Depending on the quality of the water under supply, it may need to be treated chemically to eliminate hardness which induces scale buildup on the inside of the locomotive boiler.[5] The scale which builds up on heat transfer surfaces forms a layer of insulation between the metal of the firebox and the boiler water.[9] This causes metal to overheat or corrode and eventually fail.
See also
- Water stop
- Track pan (US) (water trough (UK))
References
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- ↑ <templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>Template:Citation/make link, John W. Thomas, Jr., "Stand-pipe for railway uses", issued Script error: No such module "auto date formatter".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
- ↑ <templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>Template:Citation/make link, James F. Murphy, "Railway stand-pipe", issued Script error: No such module "auto date formatter".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
- ↑ <templatestyles src="Citation/styles.css"/>Template:Citation/make link, Patrick Henry Knight, "Stand-pipe for railway water-supply", issued Script error: No such module "auto date formatter".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
- ↑ Railway and Locomotive Historical Society, Marietta, GA (2008). "The Railroad Station Water Column." Railway and Locomotive Historical Society Quarterly, Vol. 28, No. 4 - Vol. 29, No 1. p.6.
- ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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