Steam valve

How easy would it be to install a steam valve on my pw? I have an alkota 3500psi 5.5gpm.

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You'd need quite a few parts and the ability to assemble them, but it could be done.

For true 275° steam...
ball valve
metering valve
temperature gauge
hi limit switch
thermostat
flow switch
fittings
connector hoses
combination hose ( steam @ 300 psi or 200° @ 3,000 psi)
open steam gun
steam nozzle

For 225° steam...
thermostat
smaller nozzle
 
You'd need quite a few parts and the ability to assemble them, but it could be done.

For true 275° steam...
ball valve
metering valve
temperature gauge
hi limit switch
thermostat
flow switch
fittings
connector hoses
combination hose ( steam @ 300 psi or 200° @ 3,000 psi)
open steam gun
steam nozzle

For 225° steam...
thermostat
smaller nozzle


Russ, if you use a smaller nozzle, say instead of a 6.5 for a 5.5gpm 3000psi machine how much smaller would you say? 5.5? 5.0? 4.5? 4.0?

Also, most pressure hoses I have seen say that they are rated for 250 to 275 degrees, do you think it would be safe using them or what would you recommend and how much is that hose?

I will call you tomorrow about that question you had, just been busy trying to get the trucks finished, limping along as fast as I can. hahahahaha

Thanks Russ.
 
You'd need quite a few parts and the ability to assemble them, but it could be done.

For true 275° steam...
ball valve
metering valve
temperature gauge
hi limit switch
thermostat
flow switch
fittings
connector hoses
combination hose ( steam @ 300 psi or 200° @ 3,000 psi)
open steam gun
steam nozzle

For 225° steam...
thermostat
smaller nozzle


Russ, if you use a smaller nozzle, say instead of a 6.5 for a 5.5gpm 3000psi machine how much smaller would you say? 5.5? 5.0? 4.5? 4.0?

Also, most pressure hoses I have seen say that they are rated for 250 to 275 degrees, do you think it would be safe using them or what would you recommend and how much is that hose?

I will call you tomorrow about that question you had, just been busy trying to get the trucks finished, limping along as fast as I can. hahahahaha

Thanks Russ.
 
Russ, if you use a smaller nozzle, say instead of a 6.5 for a 5.5gpm 3000psi machine how much smaller would you say? 5.5? 5.0? 4.5? 4.0?

Also, most pressure hoses I have seen say that they are rated for 250 to 275 degrees, do you think it would be safe using them or what would you recommend and how much is that hose?

I will call you tomorrow about that question you had, just been busy trying to get the trucks finished, limping along as fast as I can. hahahahaha

Thanks Russ.

If the machine is putting out 190° to 200°, a half size smaller will back up enough water to push it to 225° steam. A standard pressure hose should handle this.
 
Russ, what about hooking up a small electric pw (1.5gpm, 1500psi) to a large burner? I tried this and the burner cycled once every minute or two when the therm was set at 225. I didn't have the guts to turn up the therm past that.
 
I didn't have the guts to turn up the therm past that.

And you shouldn't without the properly rated components. Steam is "controlled chaos". Under the correct reins and safety devices, it's a great cleaning medium. Out of control, it can get people hurt...severely.
 
As Russ said steam can cause sever injuries quickly, don't cheap out or be stupid with it. Make sure all your equipment from jumper hoses to the hose reel can take the temperature you are asking of it. If you are unsure just put a steam rated hose right from the burner and make sure you wash gun is also rated for the temperature and psi you are going to achieve.

I would also recommend using one of your newer hoses when doing steam. You really don't want a blown hose if possible when doing steam and typically the heat will bring out all the hose flaws.
 
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