A boiler or steam generator is a device used to create steam by applying heat energy to water. Although the definitions are somewhat flexible, it can be said that older steam generators were commonly termed boilers and worked at low to medium pressure.

Steam Boiler

A boiler or steam generator is a device used to create steam by applying heat energy to water. Although…

Water heating is a thermodynamic process using an energy source to heat water above its initial temperature. Typical domestic uses of hot water are for cooking, cleaning, bathing, and space heating. In industry, both hot water and water heated to steam have many uses.

Hot Water Heater

Water heating is a thermodynamic process using an energy source to heat water above its initial temperature.…

This coffee pot contains a bottom chamber which contains water. When this is heated, pressure from the steam pushes the water through a basket containing ground coffee.

Original Type Coffee Pot

This coffee pot contains a bottom chamber which contains water. When this is heated, pressure from the…

This design with natural induction used for marine purposes was the popular “Scotch” marine boiler, a scheme for a multi-tube one-pass horizontal boiler made up of two units: a firebox surrounded by water spaces and a boiler barrel consisting of two telescopic rings inside which were mounted 25 copper tubes; the tube bundle occupied much of the water space in the barrel and vastly improved heat transfer.

Steam Boiler Engine

This design with natural induction used for marine purposes was the popular “Scotch” marine boiler,…

Pressure cooking is a method of cooking in a sealed vessel that does not permit air or liquids to escape below a preset pressure. Because the boiling point of water increases as the pressure increases, the pressure built up inside the cooker allows the liquid in the pot to rise to a higher temperature before boiling.

Steam and Water Cooker

Pressure cooking is a method of cooking in a sealed vessel that does not permit air or liquids to escape…

"The illustration gives conventions for a number of different materials. Those in the first line are accepted by practically all who use conventional cross—hatching... Those given are part of the codes of government standards of the Bureau of Steam Engineering and the Bureau of Construction U.S.N." —French, 1911

Mechanical Drawing Cross Hatching of Material Symbols

"The illustration gives conventions for a number of different materials. Those in the first line are…

A traction engine is a self propelled steam engine used to move heavy loads on roads, plough ground or to provide power at a chosen location. This is the steering device for a road locomotive. Traction engines were cumbersome and ill suited to crossing soft or heavy ground so their agricultural use was usually either in the belt, or in the pairs.

Traction Engine Steering Device

A traction engine is a self propelled steam engine used to move heavy loads on roads, plough ground…

This centrifugal creamer is a machine used to separate cream through a steam power source which helps the cream stay warm.

Centrifugal Creamer

This centrifugal creamer is a machine used to separate cream through a steam power source which helps…

A slow cooker consists of a lidded round or oval cooking pot made of glazed ceramic or porcelain, surrounded by a housing, usually metal, containing a thermostatically controlled electric heating element. The lid is often transparent glass and is seated in a groove in the pot edge; condensed vapor collects in that groove and provides a low-pressure seal to the atmosphere.

Steam Cooking Vessel

A slow cooker consists of a lidded round or oval cooking pot made of glazed ceramic or porcelain, surrounded…

A food steamer or steam cooker is a kitchen appliance used to prepare various foods in a sealed vessel that limits the escape of air or liquids below a preset pressure.

Steam Cooking Utensil

A food steamer or steam cooker is a kitchen appliance used to prepare various foods in a sealed vessel…

A 1912 British navy battleship Iron Duke class. Battleships in this class is operated by steam and have 12 6 in. guns protected by 6 in. armor.

Iron Duke Class British Battleship

A 1912 British navy battleship Iron Duke class. Battleships in this class is operated by steam and have…

The Queen Elizabeth class of 1912 powered by steam. The battle ship have two chimney stacks to burn oil with secondary guns from the front to the center.

British Navy Queen Elizabeth Class Battleship

The Queen Elizabeth class of 1912 powered by steam. The battle ship have two chimney stacks to burn…

British Royal Navy's D class Torpedo Boat Destroyers (TBDs) launched in 1918. The ship had 12 guns, two funnels, and the top speed of 30 knots (34.52 mph). The D class was powered by a triple expansion steam engine.

British Royal Navy D Class Torpedo Boat Destroyer

British Royal Navy's D class Torpedo Boat Destroyers (TBDs) launched in 1918. The ship had 12 guns,…

British Royal Navy battleship, H.M.S. Erebus. The ship was completed in 1870, at Napier shipyard as H.M.S. Invincible. In 1904, the ship's name was changed to H.M.S. Erebus. The ship has a coal steam engine powering six boilers and sailing masts.

British Royal Navy H.M.S. Erebus Battleship

British Royal Navy battleship, H.M.S. Erebus. The ship was completed in 1870, at Napier shipyard as…

A U.S. Navy Omaha class battlecruiser launched in 1920. The top speed of the cruiser is 35 knots (40 mph). The ship was powered by steam.

United States Navy Omaha Class Battlecruiser

A U.S. Navy Omaha class battlecruiser launched in 1920. The top speed of the cruiser is 35 knots (40…

Water heating is a thermodynamic process using an energy source to heat water above its initial temperature. Typical domestic uses of hot water are for cooking, cleaning, bathing, and space heating. In industry, both hot water and water heated to steam have many uses.

Rotary Water Heater

Water heating is a thermodynamic process using an energy source to heat water above its initial temperature.…

Two vessels from the Thomas Savery first steam engine. The right tank fills up with water while the left fills up with steam to create a pressure in the vessel. At certain pressure, the lever lets cools the right vessel by pumping the water out of it.

Two Vessels from Thomas Savery First Steam Engine

Two vessels from the Thomas Savery first steam engine. The right tank fills up with water while the…

"A modification of Savery's engine, the pulsometer, is still quite common. It is used in places where an ordinary pump could not be used and where extreme simplicity is of especial advantage. Its valves work automatically and it requires very little attention." —Derr, 1911

Pulsometer from Steam Engine

"A modification of Savery's engine, the pulsometer, is still quite common. It is used in places where…

An illustration of Newcomen atmospheric steam engine. The boiler heats the water to build up steam in the piston. While the steam lever closes, the water is let in, and the piston compresses the steam to generate energy. The compressed steam turns to liquid, and opens the steam valve.

Newcomen Atmospheric Steam Engine

An illustration of Newcomen atmospheric steam engine. The boiler heats the water to build up steam in…

The illustration showing Watt's final steam engine design. The engine is fitted with series of rods to guide the in a straight line. James Watt and William Murdoch invented the throttle valve, centrifugal valve, regulator, and slide valve to improve on the steam engine.

Watt's Final Steam Engine Design

The illustration showing Watt's final steam engine design. The engine is fitted with series of rods…

A low power steam engine. The piston inside cylinder A moves the wheel, generating power at 100 horsepower or less. The steam from the system escapes the from the piston, moving the wheel.

Low Power Simple Steam Engine Diagram

A low power steam engine. The piston inside cylinder A moves the wheel, generating power at 100 horsepower…

A low power simple expansion steam engine. The steam engine can run at 100 horsepower, and not run continuously. The as the piston in the cylinder expands, part of steam is exhausted into the surrounding. The piston then moves the wheel to generate power.

Low Power Simple Expansion Steam Engine

A low power simple expansion steam engine. The steam engine can run at 100 horsepower, and not run continuously.…

Illustration of a cross compound steam engine. The engine is designed to hold pressure until the engine's minimum pressure is achieved.

Cross Compound Steam Engine

Illustration of a cross compound steam engine. The engine is designed to hold pressure until the engine's…

A piston diagram from a triple expansion steam engine. The three cylinders are designed at high, medium, and low pressures, with receiver between each cylinders. This design divides work between the three piston to increase efficiency.

Piston of a Triple Expansion Steam Engine

A piston diagram from a triple expansion steam engine. The three cylinders are designed at high, medium,…

A power pump steam engine without shaft. The engine turns the wheel with the reciprocal motion of the piston.

Power Pump Steam Engine

A power pump steam engine without shaft. The engine turns the wheel with the reciprocal motion of the…

"The direct—acting steam pump has the steam piston at one end of a rod and the water position at the other end. The steam pressure acts directly on the piston; no fly light, and there is no revolving mass to carry by the dead points." —Derr, 1911

Direct Acting Steam Pump

"The direct—acting steam pump has the steam piston at one end of a rod and the water position…

An illustration of the water entering and exiting the condenser through pump. The cooling water enters the circulating pump R, exiting at pipe M. The steam enters at pipe S, and is cooled, or condensed. The condensed steam enters pump B, removing the air in the system.

Steam Engine Condenser with Pumps

An illustration of the water entering and exiting the condenser through pump. The cooling water enters…

A sliced view of a jet condenser with pump. The steam enters at D, while cold water enters at A. The steam and water mixes in E, then enters the pump chamber F. The water mixture is pumped out of the system through pipe G.

Steam Engine Jet Condenser with Pump

A sliced view of a jet condenser with pump. The steam enters at D, while cold water enters at A. The…

An illustration showing the application of a jet condenser to pump a well. The steam enters the engine and leaves as exhaust. The exhaust steam is cooled by the well water in the jet condenser, then gets pumped into a separator. One stream exits into the sewer, and the remainder is pumped to the boiler as liquid and recycled into the condenser as steam.

Application of Steam Engine Jet Condenser used to Pump Well Water

An illustration showing the application of a jet condenser to pump a well. The steam enters the engine…

A plan of direct acting hoisting machine for mining industry. The machine is operated by compound Corliss steam engines. The shaft turns the two conical drums to lower or raise the cable.

Plan of Direct Acting Hoisting Machine with Corliss Steam Engines for Mining

A plan of direct acting hoisting machine for mining industry. The machine is operated by compound Corliss…

A diagram illustrating cooling steam exhaust of steam engine using a water tower. The water is pumped out of the water tower using a motor into the condenser. The steam enters the condenser to be cooled by the water flowing by the adjacent pipe.

Water Tower Condenser Steam Cooling System in Engine Room

A diagram illustrating cooling steam exhaust of steam engine using a water tower. The water is pumped…

The side view of 1802 Trevithick's Steam Carriage. This horseless carriage is operated by a steam engine in the back, rotating the wheels. The front wheels turn the vehicle, operated by the stick.

Side View of 1802 Trevithick Steam Carriage

The side view of 1802 Trevithick's Steam Carriage. This horseless carriage is operated by a steam engine…

A mechanical plan of 1802 Trevithick's Steam Carriage. The piston, operated by steam, is connected to the shaft, turning two gears on both sides. These gears turns the the larger wheels.

Plan of 1802 Trevithick Steam Carriage

A mechanical plan of 1802 Trevithick's Steam Carriage. The piston, operated by steam, is connected to…

A eight cylinder Bentley superheated steam engine fitted to a tractor. The steam is used to move the piston.

Bentley Eight Cylinder Diagonal Tandem Compound Superheated Steam Engine for Tractor

A eight cylinder Bentley superheated steam engine fitted to a tractor. The steam is used to move the…

"In this engine the cam—shaft by which the steam and exhaust valves are operated is situated midway of the shaft." —Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1910

Sheppee Motor Company Compact Double Acting SUperheated Engine

"In this engine the cam—shaft by which the steam and exhaust valves are operated is situated midway…

Illustration showing a twin cylinder steam engine fitted to a sentinel wagon. The steam expands and compresses as the piston oscillates. This oscillation rotates both the piston shaft and cam shaft, attached to the wheel.

Twin Cylinder Steam Engine Fitted to Sentinel Wagons

Illustration showing a twin cylinder steam engine fitted to a sentinel wagon. The steam expands and…

A side and inside view of the superheated steam vehicle. Water is heated by a heat transferred by the fuel in the front casing of the vehicle. The steam is transferred to the piston, underneath the vehicle, to be compressed and expanded. The piston shaft is moves the bar connected to the wheel to operate the vehicle.

Side and Inside View of Steam Operated Vehicle

A side and inside view of the superheated steam vehicle. Water is heated by a heat transferred by the…

A tractor compound steam engine with outside suspension spring. The spring suspension helps stabilize the tractor. The tractor is fitted with plates to minimize dust entering the engine.

Steam Operated Tractor with Outside Spring Suspension

A tractor compound steam engine with outside suspension spring. The spring suspension helps stabilize…

A steam operated wagon with two speed gear. The gears are located at the intermediate shaft, moving the back wheel by a chain drive. The gearing is enclosed to protect it from dust exposure during use.

Steam Operated Wagon with Transmission Gearing with Double Helical Gear

A steam operated wagon with two speed gear. The gears are located at the intermediate shaft, moving…

"The transmission on the first type of vehicle is by means of gearing throughout, and is completely enclosed, thus ensuring protection from dust, and more perfect lubrication. Change gears to give two speeds are provided." —Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1910

Wagon with Steam Engine and Transmission Gearing with Double Helical Gear

"The transmission on the first type of vehicle is by means of gearing throughout, and is completely…

An illustration of a steam wagon with a transmission with two side chains. The boiler is located on at the front, while the water tank is on the bottom back. The chain connects the back wheel and the engine.

Steam Wagon with Two Side Chains Transmitting Drive

An illustration of a steam wagon with a transmission with two side chains. The boiler is located on…

A steam wagon with single chain, connecting the back wheels to the differential gear. The engine is located at the top of the fuel bunker, connected to the large intermediate gear shaft.

Steam Wagon with Single Chain Transmitting Drive

A steam wagon with single chain, connecting the back wheels to the differential gear. The engine is…

A Yorkshire steam wagon patent with unique boiler construction. The wagon operates with the drive chain connected to the back wheel to the intermediate shaft. The boiler is located at the front oriented sideways, while the engine is located behind the driver.

Yorkshire Steam Wagon Patent

A Yorkshire steam wagon patent with unique boiler construction. The wagon operates with the drive chain…

A Yorkshire steam wagon transverse boiler. Water is continuously enters the large cylindrical container. The water heating is provided by burning coal in the furnance.

Yorkshire Steam Wagon Transverse Boiler

A Yorkshire steam wagon transverse boiler. Water is continuously enters the large cylindrical container.…

A superheated steam tractor built by Colonel Crompton. The boiler, located in the front, heats the water, then the steam enters the piston near the rear wheel. The large rear wheel is connected to the gears by a drive chain.

Colonel Crompton's Superheated Steam Tractor

A superheated steam tractor built by Colonel Crompton. The boiler, located in the front, heats the water,…

A spindle governor where both balls are connected to the base. The governor is used to regulate the amount of fuel of the steam engine. As the governor spins, the diameter of the circle increases.

Governor with the Balls Connected to the Base for Steam Engine

A spindle governor where both balls are connected to the base. The governor is used to regulate the…

"This type of governor is used frequently on throttling engines; it consists of a pendulum governor with springs added to counteract the centrifugal force of the balls. Thus the height and sensitiveness are increased." —Derr, 1911

Spring Governor for Steam Engines

"This type of governor is used frequently on throttling engines; it consists of a pendulum governor…

An exterior view of a waters spring governor. The governor is used to regulate fuel by closing and opening the valves. The valve is opened or closed by rotating the two heavy balls.

Exterior View of Waters Spring Governor

An exterior view of a waters spring governor. The governor is used to regulate fuel by closing and opening…

"In this goveror the weights are always in the same plane, the variation in height being due to the action o the bell crank levels connecting the balls and spindle. When the balls move outward the spindle moves downward and tends to close the valve." —Derr, 1911

Waters Spring Governor with Safety Stop

"In this goveror the weights are always in the same plane, the variation in height being due to the…

"A wheel which contains and supports the various parts of the governor is keyed to the shaft. Two arms, having weights A A at the ends, are pivoted to the arms of the wheel at b b. The ends having the weights are connected to the collar on the loose eccentric C by means of rods B B." —Derr, 1911

Buckeye Engine Governor

"A wheel which contains and supports the various parts of the governor is keyed to the shaft. Two arms,…

A straight line engine governor illustrating the direction of the ball (B) is going. The single ball is rotated around by spring S, spinning the wheel. The valve closes as the wheel spins.

Straight Line Engine Governor

A straight line engine governor illustrating the direction of the ball (B) is going. The single ball…

An apparatus used to oil the crank pin of the belt drive system. The oil cup is filled with lubricant and travels through the small pipe, making the belt drive system to run smoothly.

Belt Drive Oiling Apparatus

An apparatus used to oil the crank pin of the belt drive system. The oil cup is filled with lubricant…

An illustration of a rotary steam engine. The steam turbine system was invented by Branca in 1629. Steam spins the turbine to turn a series of gears, generating power.

Steam Rotary Engine

An illustration of a rotary steam engine. The steam turbine system was invented by Branca in 1629. Steam…

A De Laval steam turbine. The turbine is operated by supplying steam into the four nozzles. The steam is then expanded and exits the valve through the vanes.

De Laval Steam Turbine

A De Laval steam turbine. The turbine is operated by supplying steam into the four nozzles. The steam…

A De Laval steam turbine connected to a generator. The turbine generates electricity by turning the shaft. The turbine is operates by providing steam into the vanes.

De Laval Steam Turbine Connected to Generator

A De Laval steam turbine connected to a generator. The turbine generates electricity by turning the…

A cross sectional view of the Pearsons turbine for generating electricity. The turbines, located in P are turned by steam, generating electricity.

Pearsons Turbine for Electricity Generator

A cross sectional view of the Pearsons turbine for generating electricity. The turbines, located in…

A piston system from a quadruple expansion engine showing the movement of steam. Steam first enters the first piston, then expanded into the first intermediate piston. This pushes the piston down, then the steam enters the second intermediate to push the piston up. The steam then enters the low piston, where the steam exits the system.

Quadruple Expansion Engine Piston

A piston system from a quadruple expansion engine showing the movement of steam. Steam first enters…

"The cylinder covers are also made hollow to permit a circulation of live steam. A cylinder having the annular space (A) filled with steam is said to be jacketed. A liner, L, is often used in jacketed cylinders." —Derr, 1911

Jacketing Piston to Reduce Heat Loss

"The cylinder covers are also made hollow to permit a circulation of live steam. A cylinder having the…

A Watt's work diagram, or indicator diagram, for steam pressure in cylinder. The graph (top) illustrates how the piston will do work on the steam. The curved top portion is the steam expansion.

Watt's Work Indicator Diagram

A Watt's work diagram, or indicator diagram, for steam pressure in cylinder. The graph (top) illustrates…

"The indicator consists of a cylinder in which a piston is fitted, a spring, multiplying lever, and parallel motion for the pencil and cylinder or drum for the paper. The piston is fitted accurately to the cylinder and has a travel about one—half inch." —Derr, 1911

Thompson Indicator for Steam Engine

"The indicator consists of a cylinder in which a piston is fitted, a spring, multiplying lever, and…