What Is Steam Boiler? Purpose and Primary Requirements of a Boiler

What Is Steam Boiler?

STEAM BOILER is A closed vessel in which steam is produced from water by combustion of fuel. It means that a steam boiler is a device that converts water into steam by applying heat energy from a fuel source. It consists of a shell, a furnace, a set of tubes, and other parts that facilitate heat transfer, water circulation, and steam generation. A steam boiler can use various fuels such as natural gas, oil, coal, wood, or biomass.

Purpose of boilers

•  For generating power in steam engines or steam turbines
• In textile industries for sizing and bleaching
•  For heating the buildings in cold weather and for producing hot water for hot water supply
• For sterilizing equipment and instruments in hospitals and laboratories
• For drying wood and paper products in lumber and pulp industries
• For cooking and processing food in canning, dairy, and other industries
• For driving steam turbines that generate electricity in power plants
• For providing heat and steam for industrial processes such as refining, distilling, and brewing

Primary requirements of a boiler

• The water must be contained safely

• The steam must be safely delivered in desired condition (as regard its pressure, temperature, quality and required rate)

• The boiler must have a quality control system that complies with the applicable ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) sections

• It must have a deaerator tank that removes oxygen and other dissolved gases from the feed water to prevent corrosion

• The boiler must have a pressure relief device that prevents excessive pressure buildup and protects the boiler from damage

• Have a device that transfers heat from the exhaust gases to the feed water and reduces fuel consumption

• Achieve the minimum efficiency levels for gas-fired or oil-fired boilers as required by the building regulations