Weighing in at 1,400 tons these 104 feet high
triple expansion crank and flywheel water pumping steam engines are the largest
ever built. At 1,000 h.p. they are
not the most powerful as there are smaller triple expansion engines with a
larger horsepower. The four engines reside at the
Greater Cincinnati Water Works where we invite you to take a tour and explore a
state-of-the-art, high volume, and high quality water pumping system for a
growing community in the early 1900s. We present this site as an effort to
preserve an important part of our industrial heritage that has contributed to
the success of making us who we are today.
Pocket hoppers, charging cars, and hot wells were
a familiar vocabulary when steam powered water pumping engines prevailed. The
efficiency of steam engines increased dramatically during that period of time
with the use of the multi expansion cylinders. The coal to water efficiency for
a crank and flywheel triple expansion water pumping steam engine with
enhancements measured near 25%.
Cincinnati
Triple Steam is a tribute to the men and women that have contributed to the
successful effort by the Greater Cincinnati Water Works to provide a reliable,
high volume and high quality water supply for the Greater Cincinnati area. The
success of their effort continues today.
Tours and
the web site are an
all volunteer effort and we do appreciate donations. 100% of all donations are
allocated to enhancing the tour experience. There are no administrative costs.
Donations are via PayPal™ below. Thank you in advance.
Cincinnati
Triple Steam is a tribute to the men and women that have contributed to the
successful effort by the Greater Cincinnati Water Works to provide a reliable,
high volume and high quality water supply for the Greater Cincinnati area. The
success of their effort continues today.
