StationarySteam.com

The history of steam engines dates back to the 1st century AD when the “aeolipile” was described by the Hero of Alexandria for the first time.  More than 1500 years later, the primitive forms of turbines driven by the power of steam were explained by Taqi al-Din in 1551 as well as Giovanni Branca in 1629.  These were either small steam jacks or escapement devices.  They were mainly used by inventors to demonstrate that the power of steam shouldn’t be underestimated.

 

There was a significant industrial challenge that miners faced during the 1700's and this was related to the extraction of water from deep mines.  At this time, the true power of steam was showcased as the energy was used to pump up the water from deep within the mines.  With this, the potential power of steam was discovered, leading to the invention of a full-fledged stationary steam engines.

 

Stationary steam engines are  NOT  locomotive, marine or early automotive type of engines. They are stationary fixed engines used in power generation (Steam Turbine), hoists, pumping, operating factories, mills and mines.  These engines are particularly suited for areas where there is no electricity.  In some of parts of the world they are still very popular and are being used for different tasks.  

 

Introduced during the early 18th century and widely manufactured through the first half of the 20th century, Stationary Steam Engines declined drastically in use as both electricity and the internal combustion engine came into widespread use.

There are various types of stationary steam engines differentiated by their design and layout of the cylinders and crankshaft.  For example, Beam Engines have a rocking beam providing the connection between the vertical cylinder and crankshaft whereas Table Engines have the crosshead above the vertical cylinder and the crankshaft below.  Other designs include Horizontal Engines that have a horizontal cylinder, Vertical Engines that have a vertical cylinder and Inclined Engines that have an inclined cylinder.  

 

Stationary steam engines can be classified by certain characteristics of the engine itself.  High-speed Engines are distinguished by fast-acting valves whereas Uniflow Engines will have admission valves at the cylinder heads and exhaust ports at the midpoint.

 

They can also be classified by manufacturer (i.e. Boulton & Watt -or-  George Saxon & Co.) or even by their application or use. Pumping Engines are used in Mines or Pumping Stations.  Winding Engines power hoists and cranes while Mill Engines are used to power Textile Mills and factories.