*** Quoting MIKE ROSS from a message to Kevin Crosby ***
MR> Hehehe! It would just have to be an institution as traditional as the 
MR> Navy who still uses steam. I was discussing things more along the 
MR> lines of self propelled land vehicles but it's an excellent example! 
MR> BTW are there any electric ships besides subs of course?
MR>  Mike
Thanks to a bunch of losers in Washington, DC our naval fleet is still using 
a lot of ships that saw service in Korea.  Some are WWII vets.
Steam propulsion is still efficient in larger vessels.  The technology is 
proven and the reliability is quite high.  A (relatively) modern steam 
propulsion system isn't even close to what was in use 50 yrs. ago.  
Combustion air is forced in under pressure, and the air and fuel flow are 
constantly monitored and adjusted by gas analization systems which sample the 
stack gasses.  Boiler water level is automatically adjusted, and feed water 
quality and chemistry are constantly analized by electronic sensors.
Another advantage of steam is that it can be used for purposes other than 
propulsion, such as heating, domestic hot water, galley services, tank 
cleaning, etc.
The fuel injection nozzles are force fed fuel, which is heated and 
pre-atomized by either steam (normal operation) or compressed air 
(light-off).  This design allows the use of fuels ranging in viscosity from 
heavy (industrial) heating oil up through JP-5 (Jet A) jet fuel.
You might find it interesting to further study marine propusion systems.  A 
good reference book on the subject would be "Steam and Gas Turbines for 
Marine Propusion" (U.S. Naval Insitute, 1987.  ISBN 0-87021-690-2)  
Interesting reading, but a good portion of it covers stuff that requires a 
calculator with more functions than mine....and I detest working formulas on 
paper.
Kevin
--- Telegard v3.02/mL
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