Operating principle of a steam boiler
From the name you can understand that this device is a unit that allows you to produce steam. It can be used both in everyday life and for industrial purposes. With the help of a boiler, even rooms that are very different from each other can warm up.
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Steam boiler tasks
The design has many purposes and all of them can be divided into separate industries:
- Energy. Most often in power plants. It is there that the steam generator must release electrical energy, which is converted from hot steam. Due to the rotation of the built-in shaft, the ability is actually developed.
- Heating system. In addition to production, the device can act as an energy carrier. Only this time the steam moves specifically through the heating circuits. Therefore, it becomes possible to heat the room with heat energy. Unlike similar technologies, which also have the function of heating space, this one can fill even large-scale objects with heat. However, it is worth using more powerful devices.
- And the last area of application is industry. Conversion into mechanical energy from thermal energy. They can also provide movement for a variety of system components.
How does a steam boiler work?
Despite the significant range of types of powers, each boiler has a similar assembly. Since the boiler converts water into steam, the design consists of a container made from a pipe. In addition to this element, the unit is equipped with a firebox - fuel is burned in it. Its structure and features directly depend on the type of material used for kindling. For example, if this role is played by firewood or coal, then you can notice the presence of a grate, which is intended specifically for the heat source. In the case where the energy carrier is fuel oil or gas, a burner is introduced. In order for the draft to be effective, a chimney is specially built in.
From this we can conclude that the constant elements of the system, regardless of dependence, always remain:
- smoke outlet;
- bowl of water.
Other elements may vary depending on the fuel consumed.
What is the working principle of a steam boiler
After you have figured out the device itself, you can proceed to the principle of operation of the device. This point is quite easy to understand:
- First of all, the water needs to be purified. This happens using an electric pump. The liquid is first sent to a reservoir located at the top of the boiler.
- Then it moves from top to bottom through the pipes into the collector.
- Directly from it, water flows back in the direction, however, through the heating zone. This is where fuel combustion actually occurs.
- Then it is converted into steam, which eventually comes out upward. This is due to the pressure difference between gas and liquid.
- There is a separator in the upper section. It is designed to separate steam from water (the latter of which is sent to the steam line to consumers).The excess that remains after this manipulation is returned to the tank.
- As for the steam generator, all the listed steps are repeated to achieve the desired result.
Is the steam boiler safe to operate?
Operational safety can only be guaranteed if the user complies with the conditions for safe use. The most significant condition is maintaining the specified temperature of the metal heating structure. For this continuous operation of the coolant should be carried out, since the output product has high heat degrees. Otherwise, the metal will lose its stability. As a result, an emergency situation is possible.