The Flyball Governors Feb 17, 2006

On a recent return visit I shot a series of these as portraits. As to what they are? A quick check on the web indicated that they're a feedback mechanism for a steam engine.

The shaft of a flyball governor is spun by a steam engine. As it spins, centrifugal force throws weights outward, moving linkages that slow the machine down. As the shaft slows down, the weights fall, engaging a throttle that speeds the engine up. The flyball governor forces the engine to operate at a constant and consistent speed.

Found at the Edventures Term Browser website.

The flyball governors at the Rankine Generating Station have the same purpose, but look decidedly more antique. (Even though they were installed at the same time as these ones.)