수위

Maintaining a proper water level in the boiler is critical. This is done by observing the water gauge and adjusting the amount of water in the tank accordingly. The water level should be visible on the water gauge at all times. This range typically shows between 75% and 85% of the boiler height, which is the intended range of operation. Blowdown valve is used to dump water from the boiler, while the injector is used to add more. Having the water level above the gauge leaves less than optimal room for steam to generate in and may overflow to the cylinders, potentially causing major damage. Having the water level below the gauge can be even more catastrophic. If the firebox is sufficiently hot and its top surface (known as “crown sheet”) protrudes above the water level, it can melt, causing the pressurized boiler to explode.

수위도 등급에 따라 다릅니다. 기관차가 내리막길을 달리면 수평면이 평평한 표면보다 낮게 나타나고 그 반대의 경우도 마찬가지입니다. 비상시 폭발을 방지하는 방법 중 하나는 블로우다운 밸브, 블로워 또는 실린더 콕을 사용하여 보일러에서 증기를 배출하는 것입니다.

Water level is also grade dependent and subject to sloshing. If a locomotive is going downhill the level will appear lower than on a flat surface, and vice versa.

In case of low water level emergency, one of the last resort actions to prevent explosion is to wide open the injector to add more water and immediately dump coals from the firebox in hopes to lower its temperature, before the crown sheet melts.