Operation of the Newcomen Engine

• Section view of the Newcomen Engine
• Operation of the Newcomen Engine
• Operation of the Newcomen Engine

 

Steam is generated at atmospheric pressure in the boiler and fills the cylinder during the upward stroke of the piston. The steam valve is then closed and the steam is condensed by a jet of cold water causing a vacuum under the piston. The atmospheric pressure acting on top of the piston forces it down, hence the description 'atmospheric' engine, and this constitutes a stroke. This piston is raised again by the over balancing weight of the pump rocks. Either force of lifting pumps were used. On the Dudley Castle engine force pumps were used and the working stroke was that when the pump rods went down.

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