History of the steam engine This boat could typically make 7 to 8 miles per hour, and traveled more than during its short length of service. The Fitch steamboat was not a commercial success, as this route was adequately covered by relatively good wagon roads. In 1802 William Symington built a practical steamboat, and in 1807 Robert Fulton used a Watt steam engine to power the first commercially successful steamboat. Oliver Evans in his turn was in favour of "strong steam" which he applied to boat engines and to stationary uses. He was a pioneer of cylindrical boilers; however Evans' boilers did suffer several serious
Ajax Engines Ajax Engines Ajax integral engine-compressors are gas compressors with built-in reciprocating engines. Their compact design and gas drive make them useful for field installation and work. The Ajax Iron Works started in 1877 in Corry, Pennsylvania, manufacturing steam engines. In 1895, the company added gas engines to its product line, and would continue to manufacture gas and steam until the latter was discontinued following World War II. Starting in 1946, Ajax gas engines became a primary product utilized by oil and gas companies. In 1958, the first Ajax integral engine / compressor was manufactured and was specifically designed for field