The Dunedin Gasworks Museum Boiler collection
This page contains multiple records - scroll down to see the latest
Page Index: 1. The 10HP Anderson Boiler, 2. The Lancashire Boiler, 3. The Babcock Boiler, 4. The Dunedin Engineering Boiler, 5. The Anderson Boiler, 6. The 2014 Scotts Engineering Boiler, 7. DE boiler Weir's pumps,
Click on the gallery thumbnails to see the full picture.
1. 10 HP Anderson Boiler
This boiler was used to
steam the museum's engines from the 1990's until 2013. It was not
part of the Gasworks machinery, and was donated to the museum by Les
and Daphne Hull, of Alexandra. Built by Andersons of Christchurch in
1964, it saw service with Regent Retreads Dunedin, a Timber factory
and Preens dry-cleaners Alexandra.
It was an under-fired, fire tube boiler, rated at 10 HP and fitted with a waste oil burner. The machine gave sterling service over the years, but in 2013 failed certification due to excessive internal erosion, and external pitting of the boiler barrel. The damage was severe, and together the internal and external damage effectively eliminated a cost-effective repair. Installed in the original Gasworks boiler house adjacent to the Dunedin Engineering boiler (see later record) the boiler was retired from service in April 2013.
It was an under-fired, fire tube boiler, rated at 10 HP and fitted with a waste oil burner. The machine gave sterling service over the years, but in 2013 failed certification due to excessive internal erosion, and external pitting of the boiler barrel. The damage was severe, and together the internal and external damage effectively eliminated a cost-effective repair. Installed in the original Gasworks boiler house adjacent to the Dunedin Engineering boiler (see later record) the boiler was retired from service in April 2013.
2. The Lancashire boiler
The Lancashire boiler was located in the original section of the boiler house, probably in the late 1800's or early 1900's. The flue was connected to the (existing) chimney at a low level, and a few signs of the connection, along with the flue damper pulleys' remain. The boiler was decommissioned and removed in 1952. The boiler barrel was relocated to an exterior position, then further relocated to a position at the North wall of the boiler house extension, (now Anderson room) and used as a diesel fuel tank. The barrel still exists today and serves as the museum's fuel tank for the Scotts boiler.
One museum notation indicates an original pair of Lancashire boilers were installed. But it is noted there is no remaining physical evidence, or remaining gas works workers' cognisance of there ever being more than one Lancashire boiler at this position.
One museum notation indicates an original pair of Lancashire boilers were installed. But it is noted there is no remaining physical evidence, or remaining gas works workers' cognisance of there ever being more than one Lancashire boiler at this position.
3. The Babcock Boiler
Work is continuing on this boiler record. All that remains is the bricked up flue wall penetration to the chimney. Outside and inside views. The rubbish is work in progress and will be addressed soon. - Work in progress call back soon
4. The Dunedin Engineering Boiler
Installed in 1952, and rated at 80 HP this boiler was hand fired, usually burning coke. It holds significant heritage value as it is recorded as one of the last riveted boilers manufactured by Dunedin Engineering. This machine was still in service at the closing of the gas-from-coal operation in 1987. Operations during early days at the museum included volunteers hand firing the boiler with any wood that could be scrounged. This proved to be an onerous task as the boiler was very hungry, and much time and effort was required to raise and maintain the required steam pressure.
The boiler remains largely intact with connections to the chimney, steam manifold, and water still in place. Associated tools including fire rakes etc. are still held by the museum. While currently on display in the boiler house, some enhanced presentation will allow the machine to feature on equal terms with the engines. The boiler was retired from service in the early 1990's allowing volunteer work load to reduce significantly with the donation of the 10 HP oil burning boiler.
The boiler remains largely intact with connections to the chimney, steam manifold, and water still in place. Associated tools including fire rakes etc. are still held by the museum. While currently on display in the boiler house, some enhanced presentation will allow the machine to feature on equal terms with the engines. The boiler was retired from service in the early 1990's allowing volunteer work load to reduce significantly with the donation of the 10 HP oil burning boiler.
Tar oil was used to supplement coke as the fuel for the Dunedin Engineering boiler during the night shift. During the day, boiler-men hand-fired the boiler from the supply of coke held nearby, while at night the tar oil was used to supplement the coke and to reduce the boiler-men,s work load. The tar oil, stored in a tank near the second water gas plant was introduced to the boiler via a pump and pipe system connected to the boiler fire box via the still existing blanked off connection (highlighted in the accompanying photograph)
5. The Anderson Boiler
Installed in 1964 - 65 the Anderson Boiler was an automatic diesel fired machine. Operators recall the boiler as often problematic, with necessary frequent cleaning of the tubes, and at least one "blow back" experience. While still complete on closure of the gas-from-coal operation, the machine was partially dismantled around the time of the Museum early days.
Editors Note: Industry legend has it the machine was purchased to replace the hand fired Babcock boiler and, being automatic, to thwart the works boiler-men's intentions to strike for better pay and conditions.
Editors Note: Industry legend has it the machine was purchased to replace the hand fired Babcock boiler and, being automatic, to thwart the works boiler-men's intentions to strike for better pay and conditions.
6. The Scotts' Boiler
The Scotts boiler is a new boiler barrel installed on the existing Anderson cradle and refractory. The Anderson smoke box and flu have been reused on the new installation. The Anderson name plate has been retained on the smoke box, while the Scotts manufacturing data is stamped on the boiler barrel top access hatch rim.
Built in Scotts' Engineering, Christchurch, (left Pix) The Scotts' boiler arrived on-site at the Museum on 20 May 2014.
31 May 2014. Operations volunteers lifted the boiler onto its cradle. After assessing the use of a crane, it was determined the hand option with chain blocks was the only viable method. While now resting safely on its cradle, more detailed work is required to permanently fix the boiler.
4 June 2014. Operations volunteers permanently fixed the boiler into position and applied the insulation blanket. Electrical services have been removed.
12 June 2014. Installation progresses with installation work on the electricity power and control circuits, cladding, and feed water piping.
17 June 2014. Aluminum cladding and electrical circuits well advanced. Safety, stop valve, sight glass and feed water valves installed. Pressure and level control device installation well advanced.
21 June 2014. Electrical systems complete and control and indication devices connected. Work continues on pipework for blow down, drainage, fuel supply and control, completing refractory detail, and flu connections.
24 June 2014. Pressure gauge, various valves and cocks installed, and smoke box flu section installed. Oops! the flu section is somewhat misaligned! This is next to be addressed.
1 July 2014. Installation of the Scotts boiler nears completion. The misaligned flue has been connected, control and indication devices and associated pipework installed, refractory front door, burner mounting and electrical systems complete.
3 July 2014. Boiler normally-pressurized auxiliary pipework and systems pressure tested under surveyor supervision. On refitting the test work, the boiler was provided with its initial charge of water and, subsequently, level control devices adjustment and commissioning commenced.
5 July 2014. Today, for the first time, the fire was lit under the new boiler when the burner was connected and initiated. Control, security, pressure, and level tests continue.
6 July 2014. With the recent completion of basic tests, today the boiler was taken up to full pressure and the operational and safety devices tested and proved. Some non-safety issues were identified during the tests, and these will be addressed as soon as we have had a rest, and other commitments allow. Operational certification is scheduled for the week commencing 14 July 2014. Having available steam, we took the opportunity to run 3 of the 6 museum engines.
23 December 2014. After a long and sometimes frustrating delay we finally have the numbers, construction certificates and the complete paperwork for the Scotts boiler. We expect our surveyor to be able to issue the operating certificate before Christmas.
7. DE boiler Weir's pumps
Sunday 20th
September 2015 Tom ran up the Dunedin Engineering boiler feed pumps
for the first time in 15 Years. Manufactured by the Weir engineering
group, these steam operated pumps are commonly referred to as Weir's
pumps. The two units have been slowly but progressively overhauled by
volunteers. For this mile-stone event a small operating group
gathered to experience the occasion. Much to our delight (or dismay),
dry glands allowed plenty of steam to escape making an impressive
picture. Unfortunately, the camera auto focus setting failed, and
many great shots were lost. Tom spent the following Tuesday repacking
the glands and the photo opportunity is lost forever. Never-the-less,
with an installed closed circuit water system we are now proud to
present these two pumps in operating condition.