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Two Stage Steam Valve
This item was reportedly found at the forward end of the Boilers. The high resolution photos provide us no clues to this items purpose or manufacturer. In fact the only discernable markings are the number 5 stamped on the inside of each ornate cap. This 5 is next to the hole found in each cap and we believe it indicates the orifice/hole diameter. At first we thought this was the ship's whistle. It's shape and design is much like the steam whistles found on this era of ship. There are, however, a few glaring differences. First, this item appears to have two hand operate needle valves which would require the operator to stand quite close to operate the whistle. All of the whistle we have seen from that era are lever actuated and could be operated from a distance. Secondly, this item does not have a gap near its base like the majority of the whistles of that day. Lastly, the item was found in an area that would not be conducive to where a whistle would be mounted on this ship. See the Analysis area of this page for our current assessment of this item. I have included high resolution pictures here for viewing. Just click on the gallery to view the high resolution picture. If you can provide any assistance identifying or explaining any of these items or answering the Questions listed below would be greatly appreciated. Statistics:
Valve Overall Length
------------ 21 Inches Pictures: FRONT VIEWS BACKSIDE VIEWS OTHER VIEWS
Synopsis: Not the whistle. Some sort of two stage pressure relief valve or condensation removal device for the boiler system. Because the ornate caps were pressed on to the ends of each cylinder and not welded or fastened with any thing that could withstand any appreciable shear, we have concluded that this device could not have withstood high pressures. Therefore it is likely that this device was mounted on the return side of a steam engine system or in some other location that would expose it to lower pressures. We surmise that this device was mounted vertically with the needle valves on top and facing out for ease of use. This would result in the ornate caps with the holes at the bottom facing down. In this configuration it seems possible that this item was some sort of condensation removal or water sampling/testing device. The small rings found at the base of each cylinder could have been used as retainers to hold small collection cups. The larger chamber has two plumbing pipes coming out of the top. The second could have been used to mount a pressure gauge or relief valve shown in the Plunger Relief Valve area of the site. Granted, there is not much horizontal room for anything other then more plumbing to a more remote site or to the other chamber. We concede that this is a bit of a wild guess because, so far, we have been unable to get much detail on mechanical items that might have been found in the boiler area of these types of ships. Type Of Ship: It appears to be a steam boiler related device. Cargo: No conclusions from this item. Sinking Date: No conclusions from this item. Cause Of Sinking: No conclusions from this item. How It Sank: Unless this item somehow migrated to the top the fire brick or was mounted under the furnace, its location in the debris would support the theory that the ship is upside right on the bottom. 1. What is this device? 2. Would it be found in the boiler room? 3. What would its mounting orientation likely be? |
