A steam boiler is a vessel containing water that is heated to produce steam using oil, gas, or coal as fuel. When a source of heat is applied, the water boils, and the steam produced is then transferred through pipes to perform a variety of functions. The following are common types of boiler systems and how they work.
A closed boiler system returns 100 percent of the steam to the vessel in the form of water so that it can be reused. This variety of steam boiler is more efficient and less expensive to operate. However, there are some industrial processes that can contaminate the steam so that it cannot be reused. In contamination cases, an open boiler system is required. An open system does not return the steam to the water vessel, which keeps it safe from impurities, but is not as efficient.
The water vessel in a steam boiler is in a separate compartment from the heat source, usually attached by metal rods. The rods heat the water directly to create steam, which initially collects in the dome of the vessel above the water before exiting. The dome serves to condense the steam so that it exits the boiler with a significant amount of pressure. There are many industrial applications to which pressurized steam is important, such as powering heavy equipment and turbines. All steam boilers should come equipped with a safety valve through which excess steam can be released to prevent explosions. Each boiler also has a drain, so that contaminants and sediment can be removed from the water vessel if needed. A built-in chimney allows excess heat to escape after it has passed through the water, further increasing the safety of these systems.
There are two main types of steam boilers, both of which are uniquely specific, known as fire tube and water tube boilers. The configurations of these boilers control how they operate and affect the entire steam boiler system.
In a fire tube boiler, there are metal rods that pass through the center of the water vessel. Heat is applied directly to the water through the rods, which are arranged in banks. The banks ensure that the heat can circulate through the vessel multiple times before escaping through the chimney. Fire tube boilers have the maximum amount of water storage space available. This boiler also exposes the maximum amount of heated surface to the water as possible, making it efficient to operate.
Water tube boilers are set up in almost the complete opposite way when compared to fire tubes. The water is contained inside tubes that run through the center of the vessel. Heat is applied to the tubes, rather than to the water directly. Water tube boilers are built vertically and can generate more units of steam per hour than a fire tube can. However, these steam boilers provide less water storage space.
Because boilers provide stability and efficiency to your operations, maintenance is a vital step in protecting your business. Keeping your entire system in good working order will not only keep your operations going, but will also ensure the safety of your employees.
Common maintenance practices include verifying water quality, checking on smaller components like steam management systems (or valves), and verifying all pipes are in good condition. Contacting an expert local plumbing company that is experienced in working with boiler systems will ensure that your system will not break down and halt your operations.
If you are looking for the best plumbing company to handle your boiler maintenance and repairs, contact Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical, Inc. in Amarillo, Texas. We provide professional Heavy Industrial, Commercial, and Residential services throughout the Texas Panhandle and Tri-State area. You can call us at (806) 376-8345 or Contact Us by email to learn more. You can also visit us in person at 404 S. Hayden St. in Amarillo to see how we can help you.
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