XCOR $11000 Steam Engine Prize

From: http://www.xcor.com/steamengine.html

Discussion forum: http://www.xcor.com/phpBB2/

Reg form and rules:
http://www.xcor.com/SteamEnginePrizeRegistration.doc

Interface diagram:
http://www.xcor.com/PDF/PrizePumpInt...implified1.pdf

The XCOR Steam Engine Prize
$11,000.00 total prize money for three places

What it is: The XCOR Steam Engine Prize is being offered to anyone who
delivers a "steam engine" that meets the requirements of the rules.
Third place is USD $2,500.00 to the first person or organization that
meets all the requirements listed in the rules. The $3,500.00 Second
Place prize will be awarded to the first person or organization that
delivers a machine that meets all the third place requirements plus the
additional second place requirements. The $5,000.00 First Place prize
will be won by the first person or organization who delivers a machine
that meets all the above requirements plus the additional first place
requirement.

Who are we and why are we doing it? XCOR Aerospace, Inc., has developed
such a machine, but we want to explore alternatives available in the
large number of inventive and creative people who inhabit the world of
live steam.

The Rules: The steam engine shall be a four cylinder piston machine
that operates four water pump modules (provided by XCOR). The engine
shall be compatible with the interface drawing provided. The engine can
be of any configuration (in-line, Vee, radial, etc), any materials in
accordance with the interface drawing, and any type of valve train
(poppet, slide, sleeve, etc). The engine shall be self-starting with
the application of drive gas (water steam or compressed air) at 500
psi. Exhaust is to ambient. Inlet valve cutoff shall be no more than
60% of full stroke. Machine total lifetime shall be no less than one
hour with overhauls not more frequent than every 10 minutes of
operation. Machine speed shall be not less than 3,600 RPM, and weight
shall not exceed 10 kg not including modules. Prizes may be won in any
order.

Third Place: The First and Second place winners are disqualified from
winning Third place. The Third place prize will be awarded to whoever
provides a machine that meets the rules first.

Second Place: The First and Third Place winners are disqualified from
winning Second Place. The requirements to win Second Place are the same
as for Third Place, except the speed shall be not less than 7,200 RPM,
and the exhaust shall be collected in a manifold with attachable
fitting(s).

First Place: The Second and Third Place winners are disqualified from
winning first place. Requirements to win First Place are the same as
for Second Place, except the weight shall not exceed five kg (excluding
the pump modules).

The fine print: The prizes will be awarded after performance
demonstration at XCOR's facilities. XCOR will provide 500 psi air,
steam, or nitrogen drive gas and the water pump modules. Pump piston
bore and stroke are 1.242 x 1.10 inches and water outlet pressure will
be 850 psi average (26 KW for 3rd prize, 52 KW 2nd and 1st). The motor
may have two cylinders instead of four if double acting. Prizes are
payable in US dollars to anyone worldwide. Prize-winning hardware and
rights to manufacture will become property of XCOR Aerospace, Inc. You
must register as a contestant in order to win. Registered contestants
will receive interface drawing information. Judges' decisions are
final. Contest ends Mar 31st 2006 unless extended by XCOR Aerospace,
Inc. P.O. Box 1163, Mojave, CA 93502. Phone 661-824-4714.