Quote:
Originally Posted by Chillytoes
Having now looked up the subject in my various books, I see that it is suggested that no cylinder lubrication is necessary with saturated steam, but superheated steam must have lubrication, and I doubt they would be using superheated steam in their museum.
The message appeared to suggest no lubrication anywhere, whereas it is still required on rods, crossheads, valve rods, etc and some of this oil & grease can find its way into the feed system. Thus, as Wazeyes says, an oil filter is a good idea anyway.
So the Science & Industry Museum people better get used to the idea of lubrication and filters. I just find it typical that such a group cannot find information that I found in a few minutes nor appear to have any experience in the operation of these machines. Its all a re-inventing the wheel story.
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A. L. Breguet once said "give me the perfect oil, and I'll give you the perfect watch".
John Harrison made clocks that, due to careful design and choice of materials, ran dry - a phenomenal accomplishment, done by 1726!
My experience with mechanisms requiring lubrication is basically "if it spins, oil. If it slides, grease". Obviously, the second can't apply to piston rings.
One of the primary purposes of museums is conservation. I've seen this sort of ignorance many times, I'm sure I'll see it many more. I'll never have patience with it though.