Hi
I hope I've come to the right place. I'm working on a new museum in Western Australia about electricity and electricity generation. Included in the exhibition are historical objects from various power stations. I have found information on a lot of them but there are four items that I'm drawing a blank on (and so is my reference group). I was hoping people on here might be able to lend a hand with filling in some information about them please?
At the least, I'd really like to know their proper names, the year they were built and where they were built. Additional information good to know would be generally how they worked and what they were used for.
I've attached a pdf with photos of the objects inside.
Item 1: Hopkinson Steam Pressure Gauge
We've been led to believe that this is a steam pressure gauge from the East Perth Power Station, built in c1930 in Huddersfield, England. The steam pressure gauge was suspended from above and measured the pressure in a boiler in the East Perth Power Station. The needle had to stay in the centre, which meant the boiler was operating at a steam pressure of 600 pounds per square inch (psi). The gauge ranged from 570 to 630 psi. If it reached between 625 and 630 psi, safety valves blew. Operators controlled the boiler pressure to maintain steam levels so the turbo-alternators would meet electricity demand as it rose or fell throughout the day. Its size meant that if the needle moved from the centre it would be easily seen from a distance and a message quickly passed on that more or less pressure was required.
HOWEVER, someone on my reference group seems to think that this actually measures the boiler water level instead. Thoughts?
Item 2: Brown, Boveri & Company Three Pole Oil Switch
Info I have: Built in c1918 this manually operated 200amp three pole oil switch was used in the East Perth Power Station. Serial number B94612, 24000 volts, PL41806h, 50000 testens.
I'm not sure what this does, whether it's a circuit breaker or a switch or both.
Item 3: Ellison Volt Regulator
I've included photos of this but apparently it's called an Ellison Volt Regulator. I have no details on when it was made, its model number or what it does. Any help would be appreciated.
Item 4: Control Board
We're not sure if this is a complete object or whether it was cobbled together from various bits and pieces. Any indication of what it is or does would be fantastic.
If you know of anyone who might be of help, other than the people on the forum, please let me know.
Thanks for your time.
Daniel
I hope I've come to the right place. I'm working on a new museum in Western Australia about electricity and electricity generation. Included in the exhibition are historical objects from various power stations. I have found information on a lot of them but there are four items that I'm drawing a blank on (and so is my reference group). I was hoping people on here might be able to lend a hand with filling in some information about them please?
At the least, I'd really like to know their proper names, the year they were built and where they were built. Additional information good to know would be generally how they worked and what they were used for.
I've attached a pdf with photos of the objects inside.
Item 1: Hopkinson Steam Pressure Gauge
We've been led to believe that this is a steam pressure gauge from the East Perth Power Station, built in c1930 in Huddersfield, England. The steam pressure gauge was suspended from above and measured the pressure in a boiler in the East Perth Power Station. The needle had to stay in the centre, which meant the boiler was operating at a steam pressure of 600 pounds per square inch (psi). The gauge ranged from 570 to 630 psi. If it reached between 625 and 630 psi, safety valves blew. Operators controlled the boiler pressure to maintain steam levels so the turbo-alternators would meet electricity demand as it rose or fell throughout the day. Its size meant that if the needle moved from the centre it would be easily seen from a distance and a message quickly passed on that more or less pressure was required.
HOWEVER, someone on my reference group seems to think that this actually measures the boiler water level instead. Thoughts?
Item 2: Brown, Boveri & Company Three Pole Oil Switch
Info I have: Built in c1918 this manually operated 200amp three pole oil switch was used in the East Perth Power Station. Serial number B94612, 24000 volts, PL41806h, 50000 testens.
I'm not sure what this does, whether it's a circuit breaker or a switch or both.
Item 3: Ellison Volt Regulator
I've included photos of this but apparently it's called an Ellison Volt Regulator. I have no details on when it was made, its model number or what it does. Any help would be appreciated.
Item 4: Control Board
We're not sure if this is a complete object or whether it was cobbled together from various bits and pieces. Any indication of what it is or does would be fantastic.
If you know of anyone who might be of help, other than the people on the forum, please let me know.
Thanks for your time.
Daniel
