Steam Engine Design/Valves
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Various types and kinds of valves used in steam engines are summarized here.
General Valve Notes
Placement of Exhaust Port Placement of the exhaust port in the cylinder wall vs. the fully extended position of the piston matters as it determine the amount of time that steam has to escape the chamber. If the distance is too short, steam will be compressed on the return stroke.
Water Build-up If water builds up in the cylinder without some way to relieve it, it can result in a blow-out of the cylinder end caps. Perhaps the water drain plug can be a valve itself, held in place with a strong string. If water builds up in the cylinder, it will eventually force the water drain valve to open and blow out some of the water. Springs will have to hold against the maximum steam pressure, however.
Uniflow Engines "Steam Engine Valves", Pg. 107 describes Uniflow Engines. Steam admission is done with drop valves.
Bump (or Bash) Valve
See Steam Engine Design/Bump Valve
Piston Valve
See Steam Engine Design/Piston Valve