Photograph as originally submitted to this page in the Historical Marker Database www.HMdb.org. Click on photo to resize in browser. Scroll down to see metadata.

Photographer: Craig Swain
Taken: July 25, 2008
Caption: Boiler Washing
Additional Description: The mud ring runs between the two sheets of the boiler and is riveted together in a steam-tight joint. As a layer of mineral sediment settles out from the feedwater in the boiler and collects along the mud ring. This sediment reduces the efficiency of the fire and corrodes the inside of the boiler. As it accumulates, the sediment bakes into a hard scale. It is this hard scale and other contaminants that are cleaned out during boiler washing.

The National Park Service, following historic practices, uses treated water to reduce sediment and corrosion. Historic methods also included periodically taking each engine out of service for boiler washing.
Submitted: June 13, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
Database Locator Identification Number: p66938
File Size: 0.883 Megabytes

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