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A short class with Sarah and her students. The other ways are under More.
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Today, we'll understand how a double acting steam hammer works. Can anyone tell me what happens during the upward stroke?
Isn't air supplied to the lower cylinder to push the hammer up?
Exactly! As the hammer rises into the upper cylinder, air in that cylinder is expelled. This process is crucial for our understanding of how these hammers function.
What happens when the hammer is coming down?
Good question! Air is supplied into the upper cylinder, pushing the hammer down and releasing air in the lower cylinder. Remember, this alternation is essential for its operation!
Now let's talk about energy sources. What do you think drives the hammer?
Maybe it's the weight of the hammer?
That's a common assumption! However, in this case, 90% of the blow energy comes from steam energy. This means we can use lighter hammers effectively.
So, it's not about the hammer weight, but the steam?
Correct! Lighter hammers allow for easier mobility and efficiency. Excellent observations!
Under which conditions do you think this hammer should be used?
Perhaps in lighter soil conditions?
Exactly! It's designed for light to medium piles and normal soil with standard frictional resistance. Not suitable for tough clay, right?
Why can't we use it for concrete piles?
Great question! The high blow rate, which is around 95 to 300 blows per minute, can damage concrete piles. Understanding these limitations helps optimize our applications!
Up and down the hammer goes, air in, the steam flows!
Imagine a steam hammer at work, pumping air like a heart, sending the hammer up and down to craft the strongest piles.
H.A.S.S (Hammer, Air, Steam, Soil): Remember these elements while discussing the steam hammer operations.
DASH (Double Acting Steam Hammer): Understand what this acronym stands for and its implications in operation.
Term
What is a double acting hammer?
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Term
What is the blow rate of the double acting steam hammer?
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A type of hammer that utilizes compressed air or steam to deliver blows in both upward and downward strokes.
The number of blows delivered by the hammer per minute, typically for this hammer, ranging from 95 to 300 blows.
The resistance faced by piles when being driven into soil, which can affect the choice of hammer.
This section describes the operation of a double acting steam hammer, emphasizing the mechanisms of upward and downward strokes.
It outlines how air is supplied to the upper and lower cylinders to drive the hammer upwards and downwards, respectively. The section also highlights the energy dynamics involved, optimal usage conditions, and the suitability of this hammer for certain types of piles and soil conditions.
In the operation of a double acting steam hammer, air supply into the lower cylinder initiates the upward stroke, lifting the hammer into the upper cylinder and expelling the air already present there. Conversely, supplying air to the upper cylinder causes the hammer to strike downward into the lower cylinder, expelling air through the exhaust. This cyclical process allows for efficient driving of lighter piles, particularly in soil conditions with normal frictional resistance. Since 90% of the energy driving the hammer comes from steam, lighter hammers can effectively be used, which is advantageous in applications where higher blow rates (95 to 300 blows per minute) are needed. However, the hammer is not suitable for driving concrete piles due to the risk of damage from its high blow rates.