From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Test report on a sealed, pressurized radiator system to prevent water from boiling above 100°C.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 38\2\ Scan253 | |
| Date | 14th September 1923 | |
| Extract from Hsl/LG14.9.23 :- Test 1. It was definitely proved that by increasing the pressure on the water in the radiator above atmospheric, the engine could be run with the radiator water above 100°C without boiling taking place. The radiator was sealed and provided with a release valve which could be adjusted to work at any required pressure. The pressure was supplied by the steam itself and was 'self-adjusting'. When the water reached 100°C, sufficient vapour was given off to raise the pressure above atmospheric and consequently increased the boiling point. Any increase of temperature resulted in an increase of pressure, therefore a state of equilibrium was maintained up to a pressure at which the release valve would operate. Any increase of temperature above this resulted in boiling - the pressure remaining constant. Upon cooling down, the same state of equilibrium is preserved. During this test the valve was adjusted to varying pressures and at steam pressures below the valve pressure, no steam was observed passing through the top pipe and the glass inspection tube. When the steam pressure exceed the valve pressure, boiling took place in the same way as at atmospheric - accompanied by the throwing out of water. After the initial loss of water the valve simply passes steam. No trouble with the water pump occurred - the packing gland showing no signs of leaking and the circulation, as Contd. | ||