Cylinder drain cocks

[Geo46]

Greetings, we are trying to determine if this globe gate valve is necessary, could it be removed and a valve cock similar to the other 2 be installed?
Thanks

[crueby]

The 2 are cylinder drains? If so, I  don't see  why another valve is needed in the center at all.

[Charles Lamont]

I don't think I see any globe gate valve. Looks more like a pipe cross, used as a tee, with a plug, perhaps for cleaning. Does the central pipe actually go into the cylinder?

[Geo46]

That valve in the center has a spot to put a wrench on so I don’t believe it is a Tee, does go into the cylinder.

[pgp001]

Those look like steam operated drain cocks, the centre pipework is the steam supply.

https://fmes.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Steam-operated-drain-cocks-updated.pdf

[Charles Lamont]

Those look like steam operated drain cocks, the centre pipework is the steam supply.

https://fmes.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Steam-operated-drain-cocks-updated.pdf

That is what I thought. The black fitting in the middle does not seem large enough, relative to the diameters of the pipes going into it, to be any kind of valve. I saw the provision for a wrench, which is why I suggested that it is a plug. What scale or gauge is this?

[Geo46]

7 1/2”, I wonder if there may have been a small hand wheel on that shaft at some point.

[Geo46]

Can someone explain the operation of these steam drain cocks?

[michaelr]

This link may help explain the workings
https://www.google.com/search?q=how+do+steam+operated+cylinder+drain+coks+work&rlz=1C1GCEA_en-GBGB1186GB1186&oq=how+do+steam+operated+cylinder+drain+coks+work&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCjM0MTc1ajBqMTWoAgiwAgE&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

[john mills]

these look like be a diaphragm operated drain cocks
follow the connecting pipe work back to the cabin   should be an operating valve  pressure to hold valves   (drain cocks ) shut and exhaust to release pressure and allow valves to open
john