Office of Steam Logo_1

« previous next »
Pages: [1]

Author Topic: This as a boiler heater? Maybe?  (Read 626 times)

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 90
  • Location: France Profonde
    • Photography and Wood Butchery
This as a boiler heater? Maybe?
« on: November 24, 2024, 05:44:11 am »
I went ahead and splurged on one of these PTC hot plates (made for desoldering LEDs) with the hopes that it might be useable and a boiler heater for one of my steam engines.
Here are the specs:
220 volts
600 watts
Heats to 260 C (500 F) in 20 seconds
Measures 4.75" x 2.75"

I'll report back on whether of not it works. If not, it was only 20 euros.

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]
Logged
I had an old college professor who used to say, "The cows may come and the cows may go, but the bull goes on forever."

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 617
  • Location: Plano, Texas
Re: This as a boiler heater? Maybe?
« Reply #1 on: November 27, 2024, 01:29:21 am »
Honestly, I wouldn’t have a clue, but the best way to test this before putting it on a boiler is while it’s flat putting a flat thing of water that’s made of metal, preferably something similar to a boiler like copper or brass, maybe you can find a flat brass plate somewhere, so long as every part of the hot plate touches it, put water in it, and see if it boils the water and doesn’t burn out out (blow out)

If it’s an Amazon purchase, returns are pretty easy. If it isn’t Amazon, be weary on your tests. Do not fully trust this until you test it in some way mentioned above.

Perhaps someone else on the forum with more
Knowledge may be able to guide you? Don’t fully take my words of advice for gravy because there are more “seasoned” folks on here.

Just thought it’s a “possible” way of testing it first.
Logged
The steam engine has done much more for science than science has done for the steam engine.”

― Lord Kelvin

  • Global Moderator
  • Engineer
  • *****
  • Posts: 5596
  • Location: St. Paul Indiana
Re: This as a boiler heater? Maybe?
« Reply #2 on: November 27, 2024, 06:25:06 pm »
I will be patiently awaiting your report back on how well it worked for you. Hoping its all you need it to be. 😊
Logged
Bruce, St. Paul Indiana, USA
"Originality thrives in seclusion free of outside influences beating upon us to cripple the creative mind."
  Nikola Tesla

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 457
    • WeedenSteam
Re: This as a boiler heater? Maybe?
« Reply #3 on: November 28, 2024, 11:18:53 am »
Logged
Frank C.
http://weedensteam.com
       - engine identification and parts

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 90
  • Location: France Profonde
    • Photography and Wood Butchery
Re: This as a boiler heater? Maybe?
« Reply #4 on: December 04, 2024, 03:38:49 am »
UPDATE

So, I tried to boil water in a small aluminum pan sitting on the plate. It did produce steam, but only bubbles appeared on the bottom of the pan. It never reached a rapid boil. I doubt it would work well enough underneath a brass boiler. Perhaps if the plate could be bent to the shape of the bottom of the boiler, but probably not.

Anyway, it looks like I might have something to heat water for tea. It was a fun experiment, nonetheless.

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]
Logged
I had an old college professor who used to say, "The cows may come and the cows may go, but the bull goes on forever."

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1194
Re: This as a boiler heater? Maybe?
« Reply #5 on: December 04, 2024, 02:27:51 pm »
220volts/600watts...doesn't that equate to 110volts/300watts?

Then, you ought to check the resistance - how many ohms?

It is not exact but ohms in the 30's will give about 300-400 watts
(less ohms is more power).  If the wattage is anything less than that
it is tricky.  Some engines will run w/250watts (A B43 I have runs
on a bit more than 200watts, go figure) but most need more.

FYI - I use cartridge heaters for horizontal boilers and for vertical
boilers band heaters.  Heaters from China are not always accurate in
the wattage noted in the description.  I have a dud box.

Whatever way you go keep in mind you need to make sure the heating
element can transfer its power to the boiler.  Homemade heat-sinks
are a must.  A strong naked heating element will burn itself out.
Incandescent, even!

Good Luck,
Wayne
 

Good Luck
Logged

  • Global Moderator
  • Engineer
  • *****
  • Posts: 5596
  • Location: St. Paul Indiana
Re: This as a boiler heater? Maybe?
« Reply #6 on: December 04, 2024, 06:03:56 pm »
I was thinking there would be very little contact with a cylindrical boiler, but "what the heck" it was cheap enough.
Logged
Bruce, St. Paul Indiana, USA
"Originality thrives in seclusion free of outside influences beating upon us to cripple the creative mind."
  Nikola Tesla

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1194
Re: This as a boiler heater? Maybe?
« Reply #7 on: December 04, 2024, 06:25:14 pm »
Have you measured the resistance?  I'd be curious.
Logged
Pages: [1]
« previous next »