Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length.

[livesteam]

Hi!
Does anybody know if there is a gas control valve available which can be controled with a servo? I know the automatic gas pressure control valves, but they have one major drwaback: if the model got a break down on the pond there is no possibility to stop the burner. But obiously this could be very important... So in fact, I am looking for an item just to stop the gas supply to the burner. Couldn't find one so far, so any hints are much appreciated, thank you!
Kaspar

[TAG]

Kaspar
Polly Models sell a steam valve for servo operation (90 degree lever movement) which I have used on gas, but have not tried any long term tests. Their email address is www.pollymodelengineering.co.uk
Regards
Tim

[KBIO]

Good morning!
Anton does one which is reliable:

This is the top one. I check if I have a drawing somewhere and I post it.
JMC does some too , but I have a neat preference for the Anton.
Also, what I shall do now in my boats:


Regards!

[livesteam]

Thanks!
KBIO: The one from Anton looks interesting, but I couldn't find it on the Anton website nor on Kramer-Steam (the Anton distribution in Switzerland). ?
Regards

[Brian Adley]

Hi KBIO, could you send me that drawing that you referred to please.  My email is adley@mweb.co.za
Thanks and regards
Brian Adley

[HS93 (RIP)]

when I bought my automatic gas valve of Stuart i bought an extra gas valve the bit that is driven by the standard  servo, it does have a pilot light facility but you can set that so the gas turns off. they are a well proven unit.

Peter

[livesteam]

Thanks Peter! But same problem as with the Anton valve: couldn't find it in the Stuart catalogue...

[Circlip]

If you're using "O" rings to seal the "Piston" on the cross section of the valve KBIO, beware that the outlet hole can cut the OD of the ring due to it sliding.

  Regards  Ian.

[HS93 (RIP)]

Thanks Peter! But same problem as with the Anton valve: couldn't find it in the Stuart catalogue...

Just e-mail them, they respond with a price. or skype them

Peter

[KBIO]

Hello!
 the outlet hole can cut the OD of the ring
You are right. I thought of this and I smotthen the port hole to gas line. It works until now. (until it leaks :embarrassed:in fact)!
Another way to shut off the gas in emergency:


Last. I should have the drawing of Anton Shut off Gas Valve sometime tonight. I'll post it tomorrow.
Regards!

[KBIO]

Hello again!
From my friend Graine au Vent!
Some different way to shut off gaz if you can machine down or have it done:





Always the same principle = the piston is in tension and the servo releases it : shuting the gas inlet!
 
Regards!

[ooyah/2]

Has nobody thought of using the 90 deg Globe valve from the top of the gas tank and replacing the h/wheel with a straight bar and connect it to a servo.
With the servos 90deg swing you could control the gas flow and shut down when required, or is this too simple.
George. 

[flashtwo]

Hi,

I buy "GoSystem Tech Multi Torch MT2055" for about £10 just for the gas valve (you also get a full gas cylinder).

I dismantle the valve, removing the "o"-rings, machine off the large EN417 thread and silver solder the thread that I wish to use. I remove the handle and fit a sleeve that connects to a standard servo.

The reassembled valve is then mounted on a metal plate with the servo and you end up with a fully modulating radio controlled gas valve even though the valve shaft only turns through 90degrees.

Although there is obviously a bit of work involved, the valve seat gives a very good seal and can shut off the gas completely.

I have also made my own valve from scratch, which has a lead valve seat which also has a very good shut-off.

Ian.
 

[kno3]

Regner has a new and smallish r/c gas valve, with hand wheel and servo. It is being sold with the servo attached directly to it.
I couldn't find it on their website yet, but it will most likely be in their new catalogue which is due to be published any day now. I have seen it in their paper newsletter.

[livesteam]

kno3: thanks! Although not completely satisfied with some products of this company, I will check the new catalogue. This valve certainly seems to be interesting!

[ooyah/2]

Hi Ian ( flashtwo )
I was suggesting using the 90deg valve as a cheap way for those who don't have the machinery to make a shut down valve.
It would appear that it's only you and I that make things rather than forking out cash for steam items, how much do these fancy Gismo's cost ?
George.

[KBIO]

Hello!
As promised for Brian:

and my last one:

Regards!

[livesteam]

Hi Ian ( flashtwo )
I was suggesting  valve as a cheap way for those who don't have the machinery to make a shut down valve.
It would appear that it's only you and I that make things rather than forking out cash for steam items, how much do these fancy Gismo's cost ?
George.

Hi George
I think using the 90deg valve is an interesting point, but in my opinion there is a major drawback: as one should refill the gastank outside the hull, it might be a bit fiddly to remove the connection to the servo each time (depends on position and space available). Compared to the costs of an engine and boiler such a valve doesn't cost a furtune.
Kaspar

[mrsgoggins]

I use a home made shut-off valve which has to be reset manually - ie I can't turn the gas back on by accident.
It works well but ironically the only fire I have had (so far) was due to a leak from the valve and it melted the plastic servo arm, preventing me from turning off the gas.
My pre-sail procedure is now even more rigorous.

[Patrick Henry]

Pardon me for interrupting chaps, but would these valves be suitable for air?


Rich

[ooyah/2]

Hi George
I think using the 90deg valve is an interesting point, but in my opinion there is a major drawback: as one should refill the gastank outside the hull, it might be a bit fiddly to remove the connection to the servo each time (depends on position and space available). Compared to the costs of an engine and boiler such a valve doesn't cost a furtune.
Kaspar

Hi Kasper,
You are absolutely correct in that you must not refill gas tanks in the boat.
I suggested using the 90 deg valve as a low cost option and it's not very difficult to soft solder a brass plate on to the gas tank with a cut out to take the servo which would allow you to take the tank out as a unit for refilling.
One of my concerns is that a new comer to steam looks on this forum for advice and it must frighten the life out of him to see the costs of all these components.
I have just checked the STUART web site and one of these valves cost £113 + V.A.T. now it may not expensive for you but not every body has that sort of cash, and goodness only knows what boiler level and gas adjusting valves cost on top of a steam plant.
I am a member of a club  www.glasgowrichmondmbc.co.uk and we have about 12 members who operate steam plants and not one of us has any of these gismos fitted and we have learned to operate our steam plants without any trouble.
It's a great learning curve to run a simple steam plant without all these extras that can go wrong, but by all means add them on if you wish but you have to remember that they are not all fail safe as has already been stated that "O" rings going over a drilled hole is a NO NO
So all that I am trying to get across, especially for new comers, is that all these extras are not necessary. 
I may not have explained myself well enough but I hope this is helpful to new comers.
George.

[Circlip]

Problem is George, the golden years of steam are long gone in the respect that most who played with fire had the capability to make all the bits neccessary. We know that some shouldn't be entrusted with a key to wind a clockwork boat, let alone dabble  

  Prices charged however are only what the market will stand.

 What is surprising is that CORGI or whatever they call themselves now haven't jumped onto the band waggon and insisted that you need a bit of paper to qualify you to connect the gas plant together.


  Regards  Ian.

[KBIO]

Hello Rich!

Pardon me for interrupting chaps, but would these valves be suitable for air?

Why not! Anton RC gas Valves are originally made for sub-marine ballast.
I've seen gas tank pressure up to 8 bars and no problem. I guess tha they can wistand more, but up to what???? I do not know!
Regards!

[Patrick Henry]

Hello Rich!Why not! Anton RC gas Valves are originally made for sub-marine ballast.
I've seen gas tank pressure up to 8 bars and no problem. I guess tha they can wistand more, but up to what???? I do not know!
Regards!

Thank you, sir..


Rich

[KBIO]

Good morning!
For information, Anton is selling his Cut Off gas : 80€ -(inclTVA).I agree that Stuart is "a bit "expensive..................but it is THE name!
Also, I want to remind that all the gas valves  I show here did not cost nothing, as, they are machined down on friend's or club's lath.   Except the first one = 30€!
For low budgets, Wilesco is a good approach to steam. My first steam machine, was a hand made oscillating engine and a boiler without water level, pressure gauge and any valve. As soon as the condensation was out ==> the boat was in the water and   praying that she does not stop in the middle of the pond. It happened every time!
I agree though , that there is only old chaps playing w/ steam as it represents an important sum of money.  
But this is a choice!   And we help the youngest to join us until they made up there decision and decide to invest a bit. In the mean time, the club & friends are helping with there machines and knowledges.
Thanks & long live to the steam and steamers!