Pressure drops.
Hello fellow live steamers. Today I received a pressure gauge from the club shop and it has been great for learning more about these magnificent little engineering masterpieces.
Maybe someone can explain why the pressure drops quite markedly when the
regulator settings are being changed?
Is it simply because the heater is not getting full power during zero volt interruptions or something other?
Thank you.
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Hi Andrew, It is most likely an anomaly that when the regulator is moved, a tiny amount of steam is displaced within the system so showing a fluctuation. Generally the gauge will show system running pressure and will allow you to set the safety valve at the optimum for running. Just over 2 bar is ideal. As the safety valve releases periodically you will notice a lowering of the needle and then it should maintain running pressure. Any difficulty in getting to running pressure will be shown and a leak is apparent. This gadget is like having a stethoscope for your live steam loco. Have fun!!