Hilfsbläser und Luftklappen

Wie stark der Brennstoff verbrannt wird, kann durch den Lufteinlass in den Feuerraum gesteuert werden. Damit wird die Temperatur der Feuerbüchse reguliert. Der Sauerstoff in der Luft entzündet Feuer.

The primary way to feed air to the firebox is by opening the regulator and cutoff fully, and propelling the vehicle. As the steam is expelled from cylinders out into the atmosphere through the chimney, with every gear cycle, it creates a vacuum in the firebox, drawing in fresh air.

Zusätzlich gibt es zwei Möglichkeiten den Luftzug zu regulieren: den Hilfsbläser und die Luftklappen.

The blower is usually operated by a valve. When open, it releases some steam from the boiler to the chimney. This creates vacuum in the firebox, drawing in fresh air. However, since this airflow is vastly inferior to the acceleration airflow, the blower is only efficient when used on a stationary engine.

The damper is usually operated by a lever. When closed (pushed down) it chokes the airflow, drastically reducing fire temperature, even if the vehicle is accelerating. This is used to intentionally cut steam production when it is no longer needed, although doing so with a well-timed water injection is an even more efficient alternative.