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[Geoff]

I'm not certain if my displacement lubricator is working properly. I would typically expect to see some emulsified oil but when checking the level the oil looks completley normal. The lubricator is directly in line from the boiler to the throttle control to the engine.
 
The engine is a double acting oscilator of my own design with components based on a Peter Arnot design from model boats articles published a good few years ago.
 
The lubricator is a simple hollow tube with the steam line running through with a very small hole in the steam pipe facing upwards. I have lagged the pipes both to and past the lubricator but would not think this should make much difference. The hole is not blocked as I can see steam/air bubbling through when first lighting the boiler.
 
I'm at a loss to know why it doesn't work as the design is virtually identical to the one on my Cheddar Puffine unit!
 
The only thing I can think of is that the cap may screw down a little close to the hole and possibly steam may be bouncing back straight into the hole and thus not condensing in any meaningfull way?
 
Any suggestions welcome?
 
Thanks
 
Geoff
 

[Circlip]

Is there enough "Head" clearance to allow oil to cover the top of the pipe? Is the body clear enough of heat sources preventing condensation?
 
  Regards  Ian

[Geoff]

That was one of my thoughts. I'm not certain if there is enough clearance at the top so I may hollow the cap out a little to make certain or make a spacer of some kind.
 
The lubricator is  next to the engine in a fairly enclosed engine room but there is plenty of condensation from the engine (rather too much actually) so would expect excess heat not to be a problem!
 
Thanks
 
G

[Circlip]

Not sure you would expect to see emulsification in the Lubricator as normally oil has to be thrashed about with water (Like car engine) rather than water allowed to percolate through? You'll see it around the engine cos it's been thrashed when it comes out.
 
  No doubt some learned hydrodynamisist will elucidate.
 
  Regards  Ian

[pettyofficernick]

Hi there, have you tried extracting the condensed water out of the lubricator and then checking the oil level, as it can appear to be full with even a little oil as the oil floats on top of the condensate. I put about 5ml of oil in mine and get 2 half hour runs before it needs a refill, use a syringe to suck the water out, unless you have a valve in the bottom for emptying.

[Geoff]

I'll give that a go and will see what it shows. In the meantime I have bored out the cap out a little to give more clearance above the hole - can't to any harm!
 
I'll report back after another sail!
 
Thanks to all for the observations and suggestions.
 
Cheers
 
Geoff
 
 

[geoff p]

Hmmm.
The very action of a displacement lubricator is to float the oil above water: any increase in water  (condensate) should raise the oil to the level where it goes into the steam pipe.

So, removing the cap and peering in, one will always see the oil at the same level - the lubricator will always appear to be full.

P.O.Nick's suggestion, to syringe the contents out from the bottom of the lubricator should quickly determine if there is water below the oil.  It's also a lot less messy than opening a bottom-drain.  Don't ask me how I know ...

Cheers,

Geoff

[Geoff]

Okay, I drilled out the cap to increase the volume above the hole and this appears to have worked as clearly the oil is now being used. I am however puzzled as the lubricator now seems to nearly be empty after a run! Clearly the oil is going somewhere so a better result.
 
More trials will tell.
 
Thanks
 
Geoff

[Jerry C]

I put a little dolls house galvanised bucket under mine to catch the condensate. It should only look empty after you remove the condensate.
Jerry.

[SteamboatPhil]

Well at least you are getting oil going through, if going for just a simple lubricator that you have described I would always favour the hole 90 degrees ie horizontal, this works very well, but you got there in the end