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Steam generator (railroad)
A steam generator is a type of boiler used to produce steam for climate control and potable water heating in railroad passenger cars. The output of a railroad steam generator is low-pressure, saturated steam that is passed through a system of pipes and conduits throughout the length of the train.
Steam generators were developed when diesel locomotives started to replace steam locomotives on passenger trains. In most cases, each passenger locomotive was fitted with a steam generator and a feedwater supply tank. The steam generator used some of the locomotive's diesel fuel supply for combustion. When a steam-generator–equipped locomotive was not available for a run, a so-called "heating car" fitted with one or two steam generators was inserted between the last locomotive in the consist and the rest of the train.
Steam generators would also be fitted to individual cars to enable them to be heated independently of any locomotive supply.
In Ireland, Córas Iompair Éireann used "heating cars" as standard and CIÉ diesel locomotives were not fitted with steam generators.
In the first decades of passenger railroading, cars were heated by a wood or coal fired stove if heated at all. It was difficult to evenly heat the long, drafty cars, and passengers near the stove often found it uncomfortably hot, while those further away gained little heat at all. The stoves were also a safety hazard; cars were often ignited by embers from the stove, especially in a wreck, when a dislodged stove would overturn, dumping burning coals into the car.
The use of steam from the locomotive to heat cars was first employed in the late 19th century. High-pressure steam from the locomotive was passed through the train via pipes and hoses. The dangers of this arrangement became evident in the accidents that plagued the industry [citation needed].
In 1903, Chicago businessman Egbert Gold introduced the "Vapor" car heating system, which used low-pressure, saturated steam. The Vapor system was safe and efficient, and became nearly universal in railroad applications.
When steam locomotives began to be retired from passenger runs, Gold's company, now known as the Vapor Car Heating Company, developed a compact water-tube boiler that could be fitted into the rear of a diesel locomotive's engine room. Known as the Vapor-Clarkson steam generator, it and its competitors (notably the unit built by Elesco) remained a standard railroad appliance until steam heat was phased out.
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Steam generator (railroad)
A steam generator is a type of boiler used to produce steam for climate control and potable water heating in railroad passenger cars. The output of a railroad steam generator is low-pressure, saturated steam that is passed through a system of pipes and conduits throughout the length of the train.
Steam generators were developed when diesel locomotives started to replace steam locomotives on passenger trains. In most cases, each passenger locomotive was fitted with a steam generator and a feedwater supply tank. The steam generator used some of the locomotive's diesel fuel supply for combustion. When a steam-generator–equipped locomotive was not available for a run, a so-called "heating car" fitted with one or two steam generators was inserted between the last locomotive in the consist and the rest of the train.
Steam generators would also be fitted to individual cars to enable them to be heated independently of any locomotive supply.
In Ireland, Córas Iompair Éireann used "heating cars" as standard and CIÉ diesel locomotives were not fitted with steam generators.
In the first decades of passenger railroading, cars were heated by a wood or coal fired stove if heated at all. It was difficult to evenly heat the long, drafty cars, and passengers near the stove often found it uncomfortably hot, while those further away gained little heat at all. The stoves were also a safety hazard; cars were often ignited by embers from the stove, especially in a wreck, when a dislodged stove would overturn, dumping burning coals into the car.
The use of steam from the locomotive to heat cars was first employed in the late 19th century. High-pressure steam from the locomotive was passed through the train via pipes and hoses. The dangers of this arrangement became evident in the accidents that plagued the industry [citation needed].
In 1903, Chicago businessman Egbert Gold introduced the "Vapor" car heating system, which used low-pressure, saturated steam. The Vapor system was safe and efficient, and became nearly universal in railroad applications.
When steam locomotives began to be retired from passenger runs, Gold's company, now known as the Vapor Car Heating Company, developed a compact water-tube boiler that could be fitted into the rear of a diesel locomotive's engine room. Known as the Vapor-Clarkson steam generator, it and its competitors (notably the unit built by Elesco) remained a standard railroad appliance until steam heat was phased out.