BOILER TYPES AND CLASSIFICATIONS

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Boilers
A gas/oil central heating boiler (heat generator) is like the engine of a car, this provides the heat that the facility needs to warm
itself up. The size of the boiler is matched to the size of the facility.

If the boiler is oversized, the fuel bills will be excessive.

If the boiler is undersized, it may not generate enough heat in winter.

The ideal size for a boiler is one that just copes adequately on the coldest day of the year. Most boilers are oversized by at least
30%. This is due to the way systems used to be calculated with a card calculator. These were always over-calculated "to be on
the safe side." Today, the emphasis is on energy conservation, and the fact that heat loss calculations can be done very
accurately, means there is no need to oversize. This allows smaller radiators and less water in the system, which in turn, means
a smaller boiler and reduced costs for both installation and fuel bills.
The boiler does not directly govern the amount of radiators fitted to the system. It is the power of the pump and circulation of the
water through adequately sized pipes that determines the number of radiators you can have. But the total output of all the
radiators, pipes, and cylinders determines the size of the boiler.
The boiler is not the heating system; it is only one of the parts in the global heating system. As shown in '''Figure 1''', a heating
system consists of four main parts:
1.

Boiler/burner combination (the part producing the heat)

2.

Piping with pumps and valves (the part distributing the heat)

3.

Radiators and convectors (the part emitting the heat to the room)

4.

Control equipment such as room thermostat and outside temperature control (the part controlling room and water
temperature)

'''Figure 1: Different Parts of a Heating System'''

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1 Boilers
1.1 Boiler Types and Classifications
1.1.1 Steel Boilers
1.1.1.1 Fire-tube Boilers
1.1.1.2 Water-tube Boilers
1.1.2 Cast Iron Boilers
1.1.3 Steam and Condensate Boiler System
1.1.4 Hydronic Boiler System
1.2 Boiler System Major Components
1.2.1 Feedwater Heaters
1.2.2 Fuel Heater
1.2.3 Deaerators
1.2.4 Pumps
1.2.5 Combustion Air Blowers

1.2.6 Flue
1.2.7 Economizer
1.2.8 Steam Traps
1.2.9 Piping
1.3 Boiler Room Definition/Terminology
1.3.1 Boiler and Heating Terms
1.3.2 HVAC and Boiler Symbols
1.4 Basic Boiler Room Valves and Identification
1.4.1 Butterfly Valves
1.4.2 Gate Valves
1.4.3 Globe Valves
1.4.4 Check Valves
1.4.4.1 Swing Check Valves
1.4.4.2 Lift or Piston Check Valve
1.4.5 Pressure Relief Valves
1.4.6 Regulating Valves
1.4.6.1 Direct-Operated Regulator
1.4.6.2 Pilot-Operated Regulator
1.5 Boiler Blowdown
1.5.1 Frequency of Manual Blowdown
1.5.2 Blow Down Purpose
1.6 Boiler Water Quality Recommendations
1.7 General Information on Water Treatment
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Boiler Types and Classifications

There are two general types of boilers: ''fire-tube'' and ''water-tube''. Boilers are classified as "high-pressure" or "low-pressure"
and "steam boiler" or "hot water boiler." Boilers that operate higher than 15 psig are called "high-pressure" boilers.
A hot water boiler, strictly speaking, is not a boiler. It is a fuel-fired hot water heater. Because of its similarities in many ways to a
steam boiler, the term ''hot water boiler'' is used.

Hotwater boilers that have temperatures above 250 Fahrenheit or pressures higher than 160 psig are called ''high
temperature hot water boilers''.

Hotwater boilers that have temperatures not exceeding 250 Fahrenheit or pressures not exceeding 160 psig are called
''low temperature hot water boiler''s.

Heating boilers are also classified as to the method of manufacture, i.e., by casting (cast iron boilers) or fabrication (steel
boilers). Those that are cast usually use iron, bronze, or brass in their construction. Those that are fabricated use steel, copper,
or brass, with steel being the most common material.
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Steel Boilers
'''Steel boilers''' are generally divided into two types: ''firetube'' and ''water-tube''.
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Fire-tube Boilers
In fire-tube boilers, combustion gases pass through the inside of the tubes with water surrounding the outside of the tubes. The
advantages of a fire-tube boiler are its simple construction and less rigid water treatment requirements.
The disadvantages are the excessive weight-per-pound of steam generated, excessive time required to raise
steam pressurebecause of the relatively large volume of water, and inability to respond quickly to load changes, again, due to the
large water volume.
The most common fire-tube boilers used in facility heating applications are often referred to as ''scotch'' or ''scotch marine''
boilers, as this boiler type was commonly used for marine service because of its compact size (fire-box integral with boiler
section).
The name "fire-tube" is very descriptive. The fire, or hot flue gases from the burner, is channeled through tubes ('''Figure 2''') that
are surrounded by the fluid to be heated. The body of the boiler is the pressure vessel and contains the fluid. In most cases, this
fluid is water that will be circulated for heating purposes or converted to steam for process use.

'''Figure 2: Fire-tube Boiler Gas Flow'''

Every set of tubes that the flue gas travels through, before it makes a turn, is considered a "pass." So, a three-pass boiler will
have three sets of tubes with the stack outlet located on the rear of the boiler. A four-pass boiler will have four sets and the stack
outlet at the front.
Fire-tube boilers are:

Relatively inexpensive

Easy to clean

Compact in size

Available in sizes from 600,000 btu/hr to 50,000,000 btu/hr

Easy to replace tubes

Well suited for space heating and industrial process applications

Disadvantages of fire-tube boilers include:

Not suitable for high pressure applications 250 psig and above

Limitation for high capacity steam generation

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Water-tube Boilers
In a water-tube boiler ('''Figure 3'''), the water is inside the tubes and combustion gases pass around the outside of the tubes.
The advantages of a water-tube boiler are a lower unit weight-per-pound of steam generated, less time required to raise
steampressure, a greater flexibility for responding to load changes, and a greater ability to operate at high rates of steam
generation.

'''Figure 3: Water-tube Boiler'''

A water-tube design is the exact opposite of a fire-tube. Here, the water flows through the tubes and is encased in a furnace in
which the burner fires. These tubes are connected to a steam drum and a mud drum. The water is heated and steam is
produced in the upper drum.
Large steam users are better suited for the water-tube design. The industrial water-tube boiler typically produces steam or hot
water primarily for industrial process applications, and is used less frequently for heating applications. The best gauge of which
design to consider can be found in the duty in which the boiler is to perform.
Water-tube boilers:

Are available in sizes far greater than a fire-tube design , up to several million pounds-per-hour of steam

Are able to handle higher pressures up to 5,000 psig

Recover faster than their fire-tube cousin

Have the ability to reach very high temperatures

Disadvantages of the water-tube design include:

High initial capital cost

Cleaning is more difficult due to the design

No commonality between tubes

Physical size may be an issue

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Cast Iron Boilers

Cast iron boilers ('''Figure 4''') are made in three general types: horizontal-sectional, vertical-sectional, and one-piece. Most of
the sectional boilers are assembled with push nipples or grommet type seals, but some are assembled with external headers
and screw nipples. Horizontal-sectional, cast iron boilers are made up of sections stacked one above the other, like pancakes,
and assembled with push nipples. Vertical-sectional, cast iron boilers are made up of sections standing vertically, like slices in a
loaf of bread. One-piece cast iron boilers are those in which the pressure vessel is made as a single casting.

'''Figure 4: Cast Iron Boiler'''

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Steam and Condensate Boiler System

Boilers are generally used to provide a source of steam or hot water for facility heating and process needs.
In steam and condensate systems ('''Figure 5'''), heat is added to water in a boiler causing the water to boil and form steam. The
steam is piped to points requiring heat, and as the heat is transferred from the steam to the building area or process requiring
heat, the steam condenses to form condensate. In some very low-pressure saturated steam heating applications, the steam
distributionpiping may be sized to slope back to the boiler so that the steam distribution piping also acts as the condensate return
piping (single-pipe system).

'''Figure 5: Steam and Condensate Boiler System'''

In other low-pressure applications, there may be steam supply piping and condensate return piping (two-pipe system), although
the condensate system is open to the steam system. In typical packaged steam boiler operations, the boiler system may
generate steam at about 150 psig for distribution throughout the facility and may be lowered to the operating pressure of
equipment supplied through point-of-use pressure reducing stations. As heat is transferred from the steam, condensate is
formed which collects in discharge legs until enough condensate is present to operate a trap that isolates the steam distribution
system from the condensate system. In common facility heating applications, the condensate system is at atmospheric pressure
and the system is arranged to drain the condensate to a central condensate receiver, or into local smaller receivers that pump
the condensate back to the central condensate receiver.
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Hydronic Boiler System

A boiler is used to heat water that is circulated through a closed loop piping system for general facility and service water heating.
Low-temperature systems generally operate below 200 Fahrenheit Medium-temperature systems generally operate at
temperatures between 200 and 250 Fahrenheit.
A feature of hot water systems ('''Figure 6)''' is an expansion tank to accommodate the expansion of the water in the system as
the water is heated. The expansion tank, when piped into the system on the suction side of the circulating pumps, also
pressurizes the system to prevent flashing in the circulating pump, piping, and piping components. In many low- and mediumpressure systems, pressurization is maintained by flash steam in the expansion tank. In a few hot water systems, pressurization
is maintained by maintaining a compressed gas blanket above the water level in the expansion tank.

'''Figure 6: Hydronic (Hot Water) Boiler System'''

High-temperature hot water systems, which operate above 250 Fahrenheit, are basically the same as hot water systems that
operate below 250F. High-temperature systems are generally installed when a process requires the higher temperature, a
number of locations require small quantities of low-pressure steam that the high-temperature hot water can generate in a local
converter, or high-temperature drop equipment can be used at end use points to minimize the size of water circulation piping
required.
Most facility boiler systems are fired using a combustible gas (typically natural gas or propane) or fuel oil. In many facilities, the
boilers are designed to fire both a combustible gas fuel and a fuel oil. In these facilities, the combustible gas fuel is generally
natural gas that is considered the primary fuel, and fuel oil is considered to be the backup fuel.
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Boiler System Major Components

Boiler systems are comprised of the major components described below and shown in '''Figure 7'''.

'''Figure 7: Boiler Room Schematic'''

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Feedwater Heaters
Feedwater heaters are energy recovery devices generally found only in large steam generating plants where all of the steam
generated is not reduced to condensate by the steam user. This "waste steam" is reduced to condensate for return to the boiler
in the feedwater heater. The boiler feedwater is used as a cooling medium to reduce the steam to condensate, which increases
the temperature of the feedwater and, thereby, increases the thermal efficiency of the boiler.
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Fuel Heater
Many boilers firing heavy fuel oil require fuel heaters to reduce the fuel viscosity, so the fuel can be atomized by the burner
system for complete combustion.
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Deaerators
A deaerator is a special case of feedwater heater that is designed to promote the removal of non-condensable gases from the
boiler feedwater. The principal gases of concern are oxygen, carbon dioxide, and ammonia, which are major contributors to
boilers, and steam and condensate piping corrosion problems. In small steam plants, a portion of the steam generated by the
boiler is used to operate the deaerator if "waste steam" is not available. Failure to maintain and properly operate the deaerator
can lead to early failure of the boiler, steam using equipment, and the steam and condensate piping.
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Pumps
In most hot water systems, the system circulating pumps are electric motor-driven, end suction centrifugal pumps. In steam
systems, the condensate return pumps are typically electric motor-driven, end suction, centrifugal or turbine-type pumps.
Feedwater pumps are generally electric motor-driven, multiple-stage, end suction centrifugal pumps. The shutoff head of the
pump must be greater than the steam or hot water system operating pressure.
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Combustion Air Blowers

In many packaged boiler installations, the combustion air fan is designed and provided by the boiler manufacturer and is integral
with the boiler housing. In installations where a stand-alone fan is provided, low-pressure centrifugal blowers are commonly
used. An important characteristic of the blower is the ability to maintain a relatively constant air pressure over a wide range of
airflows.
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Flue
Flues (boiler firebox exhaust duct or boiler discharge stack) must be large enough to conduct the products of combustion away
from the boiler with a minimum of duct friction loss. Flues may be fabricated from any material suitable for the operating
temperature and pressure. Common materials of construction associated with packaged boiler installations are carbon steel and
stainless steel.
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Economizer
An economizer is an energy recovery device that uses the hot exhaust gases from the boiler (waste heat) to heat combustion air
or feedwater.
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Steam Traps
Steam traps are installed throughout steam systems to remove condensate (spent steam), air, and non-condensable gases from
the steam system. There are five types of steam traps in general use today, as described below.
1.

The heart of a '''balanced pressure thermostatic trap''' is the flexible bellows that moves the valve head from its seat to
discharge the condensate. The bellows is filled with a volatile fluid and hermetically sealed. The fluid has a pressuretemperature relationship that closely parallels, but is approximately 10 degrees Fahrenheit below that of steam.

2.

The '''liquid expansion steam trap''' has for its operating element a liquid-filled cartridge. Within this cartridge is a
hermetically sealed bellows which is attached to the valve head and plunger.

3.

'''Float and thermostatic steam traps''' provide immediate and continuous discharge of condensate, air, and noncondensables from a steam system as soon as they reach the trap. The trap consists of a ball float connected by
a leverassembly to the main valve head. As condensate reaches the trap, the ball float rises, positioning the valve to
discharge the condensate at the same rate as it reaches the trap.

4.

The '''inverted bucket steam trap''' is a type of trap with an inverted bucket attached to the valve head by a lever
mechanism and operates to open and close the trap. When condensate enters the trap, a water seal is formed around
the bottom of the inverted bucket which, since it is filled with air, becomes buoyant and rises and closes the trap. A small
hole in the top of the inverted bucket allows air to escape with condensate taking its place inside the bucket. The
inverted bucket loses its buoyancy and sinks to the trap bottom, opening the valve to discharge the condensate.

5.

'''Thermodynamic steam traps''' are a type of steam trap that responds to differences in kinetic energy between steam
and condensate to open and close the valve for discharging condensate.

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Piping
Piping two-inches and smaller used in steam and hot water systems is typically Schedule 80, American Society for Testing and
Materials (ASTM) A 106, Standard Specification for Seamless Carbon Steel Pipe for High-Temperature Service (1999), Grade B,
steel pipe with threaded joints and carbon steel fittings. Piping larger than two-inches is typically standard weight, ASTM A 106,
Grade B, steel pipe with flanged joints and carbon steel fittings.
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Boiler Room Definition/Terminology

There are many terms used in a discussion of boilers, the following is a list of some of the most common terms. There is a
glossary provided that covers some of the other terms that may be also used. This section also contains some of the basic
valves that are used on boiler and boiler systems, along with some of the common HVAC and piping symbols.
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Boiler and Heating Terms

'''BTU''' British Thermal Unit; the amount of energy required to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit.

1,000 BTU

1 lb. of steam

150 BTU

1 sq. ft. of hot water

34.5 lbs steam/hr

1 boiler horsepower

1 boiler hp

140 sq. ft. steam radiation

240 BTU

1 sq. ft. of steam

34,500 BTU

1 boiler horsepower

1 gallon of #2 oil

140,000 BTU

1 cu. ft. LP gas

2,550 BTU

1 cu. ft. natural gas

1,000 BTU

1 KWH

3,413 BTU

1 therm. natural gas

100,000 BTU

'''Boiler'''- An enclosed vessel in which water is heated and circulated, either as hot water or as steam, for heating or power. A
container, such as a kettle, is used for boiling liquids. In our context, a boiler is "a piece of heating equipment that is used to heat
water for use in a hot water-based heating system." Examples of hot water-based heating systems include under-floor radiant
heat, baseboard hot water, and radiator-based systems. A ''furnace'' is a piece of heating equipment that is used in a hot airbased heating system to heat the air that is circulated through the ductwork.
'''Burner'''- One that burns, especially:

A device, as in a furnace, stove, or gas lamp, that is lighted to produce a flame

A device on a stovetop, such as a gas jet or electric element that produces heat

A unit, such as a furnace, in which something is burned such as an oil burner

An incinerator

'''AFUE'''- Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, a standard government rating for energy efficiency.
'''Air Conditioner'''- A device used to decrease the temperature and humidity of air that moves through it.
'''Anode Rod'''- A sacrificial metal used to protect against corrosion in a hot water heater.
'''Baseboard Heating'''- Heating elements around the perimeter of a room used to give off heat produced by hot water circulating
through them.
'''Blower'''- A unit used with a furnace to circulate air through a network of ducts.
'''BTU/h'''- (British Thermal Units per hour) a standard rating for heat transfer capacity.
'''Cast Iron'''- A durable metal with an exceptional capability to hold and transfer heat.
'''Chimney Venting'''- A vertical vent used to transfer exhaust products from a boiler or furnace to the outdoors.
'''Combustion'''- The process of converting fuel into heat; requires oxygen.
'''Convective Heat'''- The natural circulation of air across a heat source to heat the air.
'''Direct Vent'''- A boiler design where all the air for combustion is taken from the outside atmosphere and all exhaust products
are released to the outside atmosphere, also known as sealed combustion.

'''Draft Hood'''- A device that prevents a backdraft from entering the heating unit or excessive chimney draw from affecting the
operation of the boiler or furnace.
'''Ductless Split A/C Systems'''- A system that cools and dehumidifies air without the use of conventional duct work. The
equipment location is split, with the condenser and heat pump outside of the home and the air handler and controls inside.
'''Efficiency Rating'''- The ratio of heat actually generated versus the amount of heat. Theoretically possible from the amount of
fuel inputted.
'''Flue'''- The passageway that takes combustion exhaust from the combustion chamber to the flue collector and venting system.
'''Forced Hot Air'''- A furnace system using a blower to circulate air from within the home through the furnace and back into the
home (as opposed to gravity circulation).
'''Furnace'''- An enclosure in which energy in a non-thermal form is converted to heat, especially such an enclosure in which heat
is generated by the combustion of a suitable fuel.
'''Heater'''- An apparatus that heats or provides heat.
'''Heat Exchanger'''- The part of the boiler or furnace used for transmitting heat from the flame to air or water for heating.
'''Heat Transfer'''- The transmission of heat from the source (flame) to air or water.
'''Heating Capacity'''- The amount of usable heat produced by a heating unit.
'''High-boy'''- A term used to describe a furnace which has a small "footprint" but is tall. The blower is under the heat exchanger.
'''Hot Water Boiler'''- A heating unit that uses water circulated throughout the home in a system of baseboard heating
units,radiators, and/or in-floor radiant tubing.
'''Hot Water Heater'''- A unit with its own energy source that generates and stores hot water.
'''Hydronics'''- The science of heating or cooling with water.
'''Indirect Hot Water Storage Tank'''- A unit that works in conjunction with a boiler to generate and store domestic hot water, it
does not require its own energy source.
'''In-Floor Radiant Tubing'''- Tubing, typically plastic or rubber, used in conjunction with heated boiler water to heat floors.
'''Low-boy'''- A term used to describe a furnace that has a low profile. The blower is located on the same level plane as the heat
exchanger.
'''Low Water Cut-off'''- A device used to shut down a boiler in the event of a low water condition exists.
'''Natural Gas'''- Any gas found in the earth (e.g., methane gas) as opposed to gases which are manufactured.
'''Oil Heating'''- The production of heat by burning oil.

'''Propane'''- A manufactured gas typically used for cooking or heating.

'''Push Nipples'''- Metal sleeves used to join adjacent sections of a boiler.
'''Radiant Heating'''- The method of heating the walls, floors, or ceilings in order to transfer heat to the occupants of a room.
'''Radiator'''- A heating element, typically metal, used in conjunction with water or steam to give off heat.
'''Safety Shut-off Device'''- Any device used to shut down a heating appliance in the event an unsafe condition exists.
'''Sealed Combustion'''- A boiler design where all the air for combustion is taken from the outside atmosphere and all exhaust
products are released to the outside atmosphere, also known as ''direct vent''.
'''Steam Boiler'''- A heating unit designed to heat by boiling water, producing steam, and circulating it to radiators or steam
baseboard units throughout the home.
'''Stack Damper'''- A device installed in the venting system that will automatically close when the appliance shuts down.
'''Supply Tapping'''- Opening in a boiler by which hot water enters the heating system.
'''Tankless Heater'''- A copper coil submerged into the heated boiler water used to transfer heat to domestic water.
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HVAC and Boiler Symbols

'''Figure 8''' and '''Figure 9''' show common HVAC and boiler system symbols.

'''Figure 8: Common HVAC and Boiler Symbols'''

'''Figure 9: Common Boiler System Symbols'''

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Basic Boiler Room Valves and Identification

The following valves are the most common valves found on boilers and boiler systems. Each type is briefly discussed.
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Butterfly Valves
A butterfly valve is composed of two semicircular plates hinged on a common spindle, used to permit flow in one direction only.
Butterfly valves ('''Figure 10''') are of the quarter-turn family and are so designed because a 90-degree turn of the operator fully
opens or closes the valve.

'''Figure 10: Butterfly Valve'''

The valve uses elastomer seats and seals and their surge in popularity can be attributed to these advantages. In some cases,
they may be used for non-critical throttling applications. They are lighter in weight than conventional valves. The position of
the leverindicates whether they are wide open, partially open, or fully closed.
Butterfly valves are compact and space-saving and easily installed in new piping or as replacements in existing piping. They are
easily adapted to lever, manual, gear, electric, or pneumatic operation.
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Gate Valves
Gate valves ('''Figure 11''') are, by far, the most widely used in industrial piping. They are used as stop valves to fully shut off or
fully turn on flow the only job for which gate valves are recommended'''. '''

'''Figure 11: Gate Valve'''

Gate valves are inherently suited for full open service. Flow moves in a straight line and practically without resistance when
thewedge is fully raised. There are two basic designs of gate valves: inside screw stem and outside screw stem.
Seating is perpendicular or at right angles to the line of flow meets it head on. That is one reason why gate valves are
impractical for throttling service. When throttling is necessary, globe valves should be used. Repeated movement of the wedge
near the point of closure, under high velocity flow, may create a drag on the seating surfaces and cause galling or scoring on the
downstream side. A slightly opened wedge may also cause turbulent flow with vibration and chattering of the wedge.
A gate valve usually requires more turns to open it fully. Also, unlike many globe valves, the volume of flow through the valve is
not in direct relation to the number of turns of the hand-wheel.
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Globe Valves
Unlike the perpendicular seating in gate valves, globe valve ('''Figure 12''') seating is parallel to the line of flow.

'''Figure 12: Globe Valve'''

All contact between seat and disc ends when flow begins. These are advantages for more efficient throttling of flow, with
minimum wire drawing and seat erosion. Valve disks and seats in most globe valves can be conventionally repaired or replaced
often without removing the valve body from the line.
Shorter disk travel, with fewer turns required to operate globe valves, saves considerable time and work, also wear on valve
parts.
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Check Valves
Check valves ('''Figure 13''') are designed to automatically prevent the reversal of flow in a pipeline system. They control the
direction of flow, rather than throttling or isolating flow as other valve designs do. Reverse flow may create problems or it could
cause damage to equipment. Check valves are sometimes known as ''reflux'' valves.

'''Figure 13: Check Valve'''

There are several basic designs of check valves, a few of which are described below.
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Swing Check Valves

This type of check valve uses a hinged mounted disc that swings open and closed with flow. They can be used in the horizontal
and vertical (flow upwards) position. The swing check ('''Figure 14''') is the most commonly used design of check valve as it does
not restrict flow.

'''Figure 14: Swing Check Valve'''

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Lift or Piston Check Valve

This type of check valve ('''Figure 15''') uses a piston rather than a hinge-mounted disc to prevent the reversal of flow. This
provides a cushioning effect during the operation of the valve. They must only be used in a horizontal position. Lift check valves,
like globe valves, are flow restricting; therefore, they are generally used as companions to globe valves.

'''Figure 15: Lift Check Valve'''

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Pressure Relief Valves

''Pressure relief'' is simply a dumping of excess fluid safely into the atmosphere. The excess fluid is that which would
cause pressure to exceed the safety limit. The relief/safety valve is the most widely used piece of equipment in this category.
However, liquid seals and rupture discs may also be used.
There are two basic kinds of relief valves: self-operated and pilot-operated. The spring-type relief valve is the most widely used.
The pilot-operated type is also frequently used, and it offers more precise operation. The pilot-operated type is more frequently
used as pressures become higher and capacities greater.
Pressure relief valves are designed to open automatically at a pre-determined set pressure level of system pressure and to
achieve a rated relieving capacity at a specified pressure and temperature above the setpoint (overpressure) before re-closing at
a pressure below the opening point (blowdown). The simplest and most reliable type of pressure relief valve, even some fourhundred years on from the first design, is the spring-loaded design ('''Figure 16''') where a spring force opposes the system
pressure acting on the valve disc. When the system pressure rises above the level of the spring force, the valve opens. This
valve type may also be fitted with a bellows ('''Figure 17''') for better emission control performance.

'''Figure 16: Spring-Type Pressure Relief Valve'''

'''Figure 17: Bellow Spring-Type Relief Valve'''

The significant elements of all spring-loaded pressure relief designs are the springs and the seats. The springs must provide the
desired compression rate and a reasonable range of adjustment. They must also fit into the valve bonnet and stay within the
design perimeters. The seats may be flat or angled, metal or soft. As the seat area usually defines the load transmitted to and
from the spring, very high precision is essential to ensure proper valve operation.
A second type of valve, which is more sophisticated and offers operating advantages in selected applications, is the pilotoperated pressure relief valve ('''Figure 18''').

'''Figure 18: Pilot-Operated Relief Valve'''

This type of valve consists of a main valve and a pilot valve. The pilot responds directly to system pressure and communicates
with the main valve. As with the spring-loaded valve, many unique models exist. However, some common design features of
pilot-operated pressure relief valves include the sensing line, pilot valve, and main valve.
The sensing line is either connected to the valve inlet or a remote location and conveys system pressure to the pilot.
The pilot valves senses and responds to the system pressure. The pilot is the controlling member of the valve system and
determines all of the operating characteristics of the valve. It consists of many small parts and passages and usually relies on
elastomer seals for operation.
The main valve operates in response to the pilot and provides the main rated flow capacity to reduce excess pressure.
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Regulating Valves
Regulating valves are used in many systems on a boiler from feed flow to fuel flow. Regulators attempt to manage flow by
adjusting the flow area available to the fluid. Most designs incorporate a plug or similar element that occupies a portion of a
stationary orifice while throttling. In an action often called ''modulation'', the plug or similar element is shifted to increase or
decrease available flow area. Flow through a particular size of open orifice area is primarily dependent upon the available
pressure difference.
Where the managed parameter is pressure, obviously, flow and pressure are interdependent. While the pressure being
maintained may be at a location remote from the valve, there must always be an immediate and inherent relationship maintained

among the managed flow, the pressure to which the regulator is responding and the regulators response mode. Essentially, the
regulator must be able to influence pressure at the measured point and must exercise that influence in the appropriate direction
of response.
Where the managed pressure is upstream from the regulating valve, you normally would want the valve to open to permit flow as
pressure begins to rise.
Therefore, the valves response disposition is "open on rise." The term normally applied to this mode of operation is inlet
pressure regulator function. Conversely, if managed pressure is downstream from the valve, the valves disposition would be
"open on drop," and the normal reference for function is outlet pressure regulator.
Finally, regulators often are called upon to manage operating conditions other than pressure, such as temperature or flow. A
regulator will be either direct- or pilot-operated. Direct-operated regulators are simple, single-minded devices intended for a
specific application within a particular range of pressures.
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Direct-Operated Regulator
In a direct-operated pressure regulator ('''Figure 19'''), managed pressure is applied to some internal surface within the valve.
The resulting force is transmitted to the modulating parts of the valve and balanced by a second force applied within the valve. In
many cases, the second force is adjustable to establish the setpoint. Movement of the modulating parts inherently involves a
change in the balanced forces and thus a change in the managed pressure. The more the demanded flow deviates from what
the regulator was experiencing at the time it was first adjusted, the more the pressure must deviate from setpoint.

'''Figure 19: Direct-Operated Regulator'''

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Pilot-Operated Regulator
A pilot-operated regulator ('''Figure 20''') consists of a pilot section and a slave section. Two flows are managed by the valve. The
first, which is by far the greater proportion of the total flow, is managed by the plug and orifice in the slave section. The second,
the pilot stream, is managed by the pilot section. The pilot section may have its inlet connected to the immediate upstream side
of the main valve or may source its flow from a higher pressure space. The pilot sections modulating portion is available in all
dispositions and functions of direct-operating regulators.

'''Figure 20: Pilot-Operated Regulator'''

Talk Page

Boiler Blowdown
Blowdown of steam boilers is very often a highly neglected or abused aspect of routine boiler room maintenance. The purpose of
boiler blowdown is to control solids in the boiler water. Blowdown protects boiler surfaces from severe scaling or corrosion
problems that can result otherwise.
There are two types of boiler blowdowns: ''continuous'' and ''manual''.
A continuous blowdown uses a calibrated valve and a blowdown tap near the boiler water surface. As the name implies, it
continuously takes water from the top of the boiler at a predetermined rate. A continuous blowdown is an optional feature and
may not be included on your steam boiler; however, all steam boilers should include a means for manual blowdown as standard
equipment.
Manual blowdowns are accomplished through tapings at the bottom of the boiler. These openings allow for the removal of solids
that settle at the bottom of the boiler. Manual blowdown is also used to keep water level control devices and cutoffs clean of any

solids that would interfere with their operation. All steam boilers require manual blowdown whether or not they are supplied with
continuous blowdowns.
Talk Page

Frequency of Manual Blowdown

When continuous blowdown is used, manual blowdown is primarily used to remove suspended solids or sludge. The continuous
blowdown removes sediment and oil from the surface of the water along with a prescribed amount of dissolved solids.
When surface or continuous blowdown is not used, manual blowdown is used to control the dissolved or suspended solids in
addition to the sludge.
In practice, the valves of the bottom blowdown are opened periodically in accordance with an operating schedule and/or
chemical control tests. From the standpoint of control, economy, and results, frequent short blows are preferred to infrequent
lengthy blows. The length and frequency of the blowdown is particularly important when the suspended solids content of the
water is high. With the use of frequent short blows, a more uniform concentration of the pressure vessel water is maintained.
In cases where the feedwater is exceptionally pure, or where there is a high percentage of return condensate, blowdown may be
employed less frequently since less sludge accumulates in the pressure vessel. When dissolved and/or suspended solids
approach or exceed predetermined limits, manual blowdown to lower the concentrations is required.
It is generally recommended that a steam boiler be blown down at least once in every eight-hour period, but frequency may vary
depending upon water and operating conditions. The blowdown amounts and schedule should be recommended by your local
Cleaver-Brooks authorized representative.
A hot water boiler does not normally include openings for surface blowdown and bottom blowdown since blowdowns are seldom
practiced. Always be alert to system water losses and corresponding amount of raw water makeup. A water meter is
recommended for water makeup lines.
Proper blowdown is performed as follows:
1.

Blowdown should be done with the boiler under a light load.

2.

Open the blowdown valve nearest the boiler first. This should be a quick-opening valve.

3.

Crack open the downstream valve until the line is warm. Then open the valve at a steady rate to drop the water level in
the sight glass 1/2 inch. Then close it quickly being sure that the handwheel is backed off slightly from full close to
relieve strain on the valve packing.

4.

Close the valve nearest the boiler.

Repeat the above steps if the boiler has a second blowdown tapping. Water columns should be blown down at least once a shift
to keep the bowls clean. Care should be taken to prevent low water shutdown if this will affect process load.
Please keep in mind that all blowdown piping should be checked once a year for obstructions.
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Blow Down Purpose

The purpose of blow down is to control the amount of solids and sludge in the boiler water. The blow down process involves
partially draining the boiler to remove sludge and to maintain pre-determined concentration levels of solids.
As the water is turned into steam, the solids remain behind. Unless there is 100% condensate return, the solid content tends to
build up when the boiler takes on make-up water. On hot water systems, there is generally no make-up water. Therefore, the
solid concentration remains constant and no blow down is needed.
The amount and frequency of blow down differs for each boiler application and should be determined by your water management
consultant. Blow down is affected by the type of boiler, operating pressure, water treatment, and the amount and quality of makeup water.
Blow down piping should be at least the same size as the blow down tapping on the boiler. Blow down valves should be sized in
accordance with the ASME code and piped to a safe point of discharge. There should be either two slow opening valves or one
quick opening valve and one slow opening valve piped in series. A slow opening valve is defined as needing five complete 360
degree turns to go from fully closed to fully open. A quick opening valve goes from fully closed to fully open in one complete
motion. In the case of one quick and one slow opening valve, the quick opening valve should be located closest to the boiler. If
possible, the blow down valves should be piped on the same side of the boiler as the water column gauge glass.
To blow down the boiler:

Open the quick opening valve (valve closest to the boiler) first.

Open the slow opening valve last.

Blow down the boiler for the required amount of time, per your water management consultant, by opening and then
closing the slow opening valve.

'''Remember''': Pay close attention to the water level in the gauge glass. Certain loads may require several blow down cycles of
short duration to maintain proper water level in the boiler.

Close the slow opening valve first.

Close the quick opening valve (the valve closest to the boiler) last.

Open the slow opening valve again to drain the line between the quick and slow opening valve.

Close the slow opening valve again and double-check for tight shutoff after the valve has cooled off.

'''NEVER''' pump the quick opening valve to blow down the boiler! This may cause water hammer, which could damage piping
and valves and may cause personal injury. Also, NEVER leave an open blow down valve unattended!
'''Remember: The quick opening valve (the valve closest to the boiler) is opened first and closed last, which ensures its
protection from the wear associated with blow down. This will make this valve more reliable so maintenance and repair can be
performed on the slow opening valve furthest from the boiler, without draining the boiler.
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Boiler Water Quality Recommendations

Refer to '''Table 1''' for recommended boiler water quality for total dissolved solids (TDS), alkalinity, and hardness.

Table 1: Boiler Water Quality Recommendations at Increasing Pressures

Boiler Steam Pressure (psi)

Maximum TDS Maximum Alkalinity Maximum Hardness

(ppm)
(ppm)
(ppm)

Low 300

3500

700

<20

301 450

3000

600

451 600

2500

500

601 750

2000

400

751 900

1500

300

901 1000

1250

250

1001 1500

1000

200

1501 2000

750

150

2001 3000

150

100

'''Proper Feedwater Treatment is an absolute necessity!'''

Unless your boiler receives water of proper quality, the boilers life will be needlessly shortened. A steam plants water supply
may originate from rivers, ponds, underground wells, etc. Each water supply source requires a specific analysis. Depending
upon this analysis, various pretreatment methods may be employed to prepare makeup water for your boiler feedwater system.
Talk Page

General Information on Water Treatment

Suspended solids represent the undissolved matter in water, including dirt, silt, biological growth, vegetation, and insoluble
organic matter.
When minerals dissolve in water, ions are formed. The sum of all minerals or ions in the water in the total dissolved solids or the
TDS.
Iron can be soluble or insoluble. Insoluble iron can clog valves and strainers and can cause excessive sludge build-up in low
lying areas of a water system. It also leads to boiler deposits that can cause tube failure. Soluble iron can interfere in many
processes, such as printing or the dying of cloth. In domestic water systems, porcelain fixtures can be stained by as little as 0.25
ppm of iron.
''Water hardness'' is "the measure of calcium and magnesium content as calcium carbonate equivalents." Water hardness is the
primary source of scale in boiler equipment.

Silica in boiler feedwater can also cause hard dense scales with a high resistance to heat transfer.
''Alkalinity'' is "a measure of the capacity of water to neutralize strong acid." In natural waters, the capacity is attributable to
bases, such as bicarbonates, carbonates, and hydroxides; as well as silicates, borates, ammonia, phosphates, and organic
bases. These bases, especially bicarbonates and carbonates, break down to form carbon dioxide in steam, which is a major
factor in the corrosion of condensate lines. Alkalinity also contributes to foaming and carryover in boilers.

List of boiler types, by manufacturer

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

There have been a vast number of designs of steam boiler, particularly towards the end of the 19th century when
the technology was evolving rapidly. A great many of these took the names of their originators or primary
manufacturers, rather than a more descriptive name. Some large manufacturers also made boilers of several types.
Accordingly it is difficult to identify their technical aspects from merely their name. This list presents these known,
notable names and a brief description of their main characteristics.

See also[edit]

Glossary of boiler terminology

Contents :

A[edit]
Definitions

Admiralty three-drum boiler: the Royal Navy's standardised pattern of three-drum boiler.

annular fire-tube boiler: a vertical fire-tube boiler with the tubes arranged radially,[1] such as the Robertson.

annular water-tube boiler: a vertical water-tube boiler with the tubes arranged radially, such as the Straker with
horizontal tubes, or near-vertically and conically[2] as used by Thornycroft for steam wagons.

Points of
Interest

Thornycrof
t steam

auxiliary boiler: An auxiliary boiler, on a steam ship, supplies steam that is not used for main propulsion, but is
necessary for some part of the essential machinery.[3]
See also donkey boiler.
A small boiler may be used as an auxiliary boiler when at sea, or a donkey boiler in port. A composite auxiliary
boiler does this, using waste heat from the main engines when at sea, or is separately fired when acting as a donkey
boiler.
Contents :

Top

B[edit]

wagon
boiler,
an annular
water-tube
with
inclined
tubes

Definitions

Babcock-Johnson boiler: early production Johnson boilers operating at high pressures (850psi)
and with water-wall ends to their furnace.[4]

Babcock & Wilcox boiler

Babcock & Wilcox marine boiler

Points of Interest

Bagnall boiler: a development of the launch boiler, with an enlarged furnace. Also known in
agricultural use as the 'colonial' or 'Britannia'.

Belleville boiler: an early marine water-tube boiler.[5][6]

Benson boiler: a monotube "once-through" steam generator.[7]

Blake boiler

Blechynden boiler: An early naval water-tube boiler.[5][8]

Bolsover Express boiler [9]

box boiler: An early marine boiler with flat sides. Owing to the flat sides, even with extensive
rod stays, the boilers were only suitable for low pressures. These boilers were physically large and
contained a few large flues, each heated by its own furnace. The flues were round, rectangular or
arched and usually long and labyrinthine.[10]

Brotan boiler: a rarely used boiler for steam locomotives that combined a conventional fire-tube
boiler barrel with a water-tube firebox. There is a prominent steam drum above the boiler barrel,
making it resemble a Flaman boiler.[11][12]

Brotan-Deffner boiler: a variant of the Brotan boiler. The steam drum was shortened
and placed behind the boiler barrel, giving a much more conventional silhouette. Around a
thousand of these were used in Hungary.[11][12]

Babcock & Wilcox

Brotan-Defner boiler firebox

Brotan-Fialovits boiler: a further variant of the Brotan-Deffner boiler.[11]

bundled-tube water-tube boiler; early large-tube water-tube boilers where the tubes were
grouped into bundles (of 19, forgeometrical reasons) that shared a common header, so as to improve
shared access for tube cleaning.[13]

Butterley boiler: a form of Cornish boiler where the furnace was opened up into a "whistle
mouth", enlarging the grate area.
Contents :

Top

C[edit]
Definitions

Points of Interest

Clarke Chapman "Tyne" boiler: a form of vertical water-tube boiler, a development of

the cross-tube boiler intended to encourage better water circulation.

Clarke Chapman "Victoria" boiler: a form of vertical cross-fire-tube boiler.

Clarkson thimble tube boiler[14]: the original thimble-tube boiler, using a great many short
closed-ended watertubes. Often used for heat-recovery from the exhaust of large Diesel engines.
[15]

Climax boiler: A vertical water-tube boiler with many long spiral coils around a central
steam-and-water drum.[16]

Cochran boiler: a vertical boiler with horizontal fire-tubes.[17]

composite boiler: a boiler used for either direct-firing, or as a heat-recovery boiler.[18]

Corner tube boiler: a natural circulation water tube boiler in which the pre-separation of
steam takes place from the water-steam mixture outside the drum and the preheated
downcomers.

section through aCornish boiler

Cornish boiler: a large horizontal stationary boiler with a single flue.

cross-tube boiler: usually a vertical flued boiler with a small number of large watercarrying cross-tubes within the firebox.
The term is also applied to vertical boilers with other arrangements of tubes, such as those
with horizontal fire-tubes.

Vertical flue cross-tube boiler

Crosti boiler:
Contents :Top

D[edit]
Definitions

De Poray boiler: patented French designs with a secondary combustion chamber to improve combustion efficiency. A
vertical form of this uses field-tubes.
Doble steam-car boiler:
donkey boiler: A donkey boiler is used to supply non-essential steam to a ship for 'hotel' services such as heating or
lighting when the main boilers are not in steam, for example, when in port. [3] Donkey boilers were also used by the last
sailing ships for working winches and anchor capstans.
See also auxiliary boiler.

du Temple boiler: An early naval water-tube boiler, patented in 1876.[5][8][19]

Dublin "economic" boiler: a vertical multitubular return fire-tube design, for model engineering-scale uses.[15]

Drr boiler An early naval water-tube boiler, developed and mostly used in Germany, but also trialled in the
BritishHMS Medusa (1888)[20]
Contents :

Points
of
Interes
t

E[edit]
Definitions

egg-ended boiler: an early form of tubular wagon boiler, with hemispherical ends to support
higher pressures.

Points of Interest

Elephant boiler: an early multi-cylindered wagon boiler, popular in France.

express boiler: another term for small-tube water-tube boilers, on account of their high ratio
between heating surface area and water volume, and thus their rapid steam-raising.

Egg-ended boiler
with (wagon boiler behind)

Contents :

F[edit]
Definitions

Points of Interest

Fairbairn's five-tube boiler

Fairfield-Johnson boiler: a later form of Johnson boiler operating at lower pressure (450psi
rather than 850psi), but still a high superheat temperature 825 F (441 C).[4]

Fairlie boiler: A double-ended locomotive boiler with a central firebox, used in Fairlie's patent
for double-ended articulated steam locomotives.

field-tube boiler:[21]

fire-tube boiler: A boiler with many narrow fire-tubes inside a water drum. A development of
the flued boiler, where the many smaller tubes give a much larger heating surface area for the overall
boiler volume.

Flaman boiler: an attempt to squeeze the largest possible locomotive boiler into the loading
gauge by splitting the boiler into two drums: a fire-tube boiler beneath and a steam drum above. [22]

flued boiler: A boiler with only one or two large diameter fire-tubes inside a water drum. These
later developed into the fire-tube boiler.

forced-circulation boiler: boilers where circulation is forced by a pump, rather than relying
on thermosyphon effect. These may use either forced-water-circulation (e.g. La Mont) or forcedsteam-circulation (e.g. Lffler).[23]

Foster-Wheeler boiler

D type

controlled-superheat type

ESD type (External Superheat, D type)

Franco-Crosti boiler:
Contents :

Flaman boiler

G[edit]
Definitions

Points of Interest

Galloway boiler: a Lancashire boiler fitted with Galloway tubes. Originally these fused the
Lancashire boiler's original two flues into a single kidney-shaped flue, with the tubes mounted in
the joined section. Later boilers kept the cylindrical flues separate and placed the tubes within
them.

gothic boiler: an early locomotive boiler, where the outer firebox was particularly large and
served as the steam dome, often highly decorated with polished brass. These were popular for
early railway locomotives, from 1830 to 1850.[24]
This is another form of boiler frequently described as a "haystack".

gunboat boiler: similar to the commonly known locomotive boiler, from steam
locomotives.
A horizontal boiler drum contains multiple fire-tubes and a separate furnace. However the
furnace in a gunboat boiler has no opening at the bottom of the furnace to allow dumping of
ash, the furnace is completely water cooled, similar to a scotch boiler furnace. These boilers
were used in early torpedo boats and gunboats, having low height for protection from
enemy gunfire.

Galloway boiler

Contents :

H[edit]
Definitions

Points of Interest

Harris "Economic" boiler [25]

haystack boiler: Early balloon- or haystack-shaped, circular in plan with a domed top and
often a flat base.
See also Napier and gothic, quite different designs also described as "haystack" boilers.

heat-recovery boiler: a boiler without its own furnace, used to recover heat from some
earlier process, such as a large marine Diesel engine or an industrial furnace. [18]

Hornsby boiler: a form of bundled-tube water-tube boiler.[13]

Huber boiler: a return-tube boiler used in the Huber company's traction engines.

haystack boiler

Contents :

I[edit]
Definitions

Illingworth boiler: a water-tube boiler.[26]

Points
of
Interes
t

Inglis: a modified form of the Scotch boiler, with an additional combustion chamber.[27][28]
Contents :

J[edit]
Points
of
Interes
t

Definitions

Johnson boiler: one of the first "modern" classes of high-pressure marine oil-fired water-tube boilers. They have a
single steam drum above a single water drum. Their small-diameter water-tubes curve outwards on each side to form a
cylindrical furnace. As there is no grate or ashpan beneath, firing must be by oil. Return circulation is by external
downcomers. Early versions also used water-walls at each end of the furnace, later ones had plain firebrick walls. [4]
Contents :

K[edit]
Points
of
Interes
t

Definitions

Kier: (sometimes Keeve or Kieve) an un-fired boiler, a pressure vessel heated by an external steam supply, used for
bleaching in dyeworks and processing paper pulp. In use they were continuously rotated by an engine, steam being
supplied through a rotating joint in the axle. They were usually spherical, sometimes cylindrical, and some were recycled
from old boiler shells.[29]

Kingdom boiler: an uncommon pattern of water-tube boiler.[30]

Kewanee Boiler: Maker of fire tube boilers[31]

Contents :

L[edit]
Definitions

Points of Interest

La Mont boiler: a forced-water-circulation boiler.[32] They are often used as marine heatrecovery boilers.[32] It was also used, unsuccessfully, for an experimental steam locomotive in
East Germany in the 1950s.[33]
Lancashire boiler: a development of the Cornish boiler, with two flues.
large-tube water-tube boiler: early water-tube boilers with large diameter water-tubes, of
3 inches and above, rather than the later small-tube designs.

Larsen & Toubro MHI Boilers: Super Critical Boilers.

launch-type boiler: a small fire-tube boiler used in launches and smaller steam yachts. A

Lancashire boiler

horizontal cylinder in form, with a cylindrical furnace and multiple fire-tubes. They have some
resemblance to a small Scotch boiler or Huber boiler, but with the fire-tubes extending beyond
the furnace end, rather than folded back as a return-tube boiler.[34]
Sometimes small return-tube boilers of just this form are also described as "launch-type".

Lentz boiler A large launch-type boiler with a corrugated furnace, used rarely for some
steam locomotives. Of German design.[35]A similar boiler, the Vanderbilt, was used in the
USA.

Locomobile steam-car boiler

locomotive boiler: the commonly known form familiar from steam locomotives.
A horizontal boiler drum contains multiple fire-tubes and a separate firebox.

Lffler boiler: a forced-steam-circulation boiler. It was used unsuccessfully on a German

steam locomotive of the 1930s.[33][36]

Lune Valley boiler [37]

Locomotive boiler

Contents :

M[edit]
Definitions

Monotube steam generator: A single tube, usually in a multi-layer spiral, that forms a oncethrough steam generator. The first of these was the Herreshoff steam generator of 1873.[38]
monotube boiler (White steam

Points of Interest

Multi-tube boiler: fire-tube boiler with multiple small fire-tubes, rather than a single large flue.

car)

Mumford boiler: A form of three-drum water-tube boiler by Mumford[disambiguation needed] of Colchester.

The water-tubes are highly curved and the flue only covers the centre of the steam drum, not
enclosing its whole length.[39]

Mumford

Contents :

N[edit]
Definitions

Points of Interest

Napier boiler: A high-domed low-pressure boiler used on early steamships. [40]

Also known as the "haystack", although not the usual, and even earlier, haystack boiler.[40]

Niclausse boiler: a field-tube boiler, with the field-tubes set at a shallow angle to horizontal.
[5][41]

Normand boiler: an early three-drum boiler used mainly by the French Navy.[5][8][42]

Normand-Sigaudy boiler: a siamesed Normand boiler, for larger ships.[43]

Normand boiler

Contents :

O[edit]
Points
of
Interes
t

Definitions

One Atmosphere Boiler: A compact boiler capable of producing superheated steam to over 1000C at one atmosphere's
pressure.[44]
Contents :

P[edit]
Points
of
Interes
t

Definitions

Paris boiler:[45]
Paxman "economic" boiler: a form of Scotch boiler, adapted for stationary use and set in a brick surround as an
external flue.

pistol boiler: a form of small locomotive boiler with a circular firebox, to avoid the need for staying.
Contents :

R[edit]
Definitions

Ramzin boiler or 'straight-through boiler': a once-through monotube boiler with a water-wall

furnace. It was distinguished from similar boilers, such as the Benson, by its use of near-horizontal
tubes in a shallow helix.[46] It was invented by the Russian Leonid Ramzin, whilst imprisoned in
a sharashka.

Rastrick boiler: a vertical heat-recovery boiler, typically used in ironworks. Owing to the
conditions of their use, they acquired a poor reputation for safety and explosions.[47]

Points of Interest

return-flue boiler

Reed boiler: An early naval water-tube boiler.[5][8]

return-flue boiler: flued boiler with a single large flue that folds back on itself. Used in early
steam locomotives.

return-tube boiler: fire-tube boiler with multiple small fire-tubes that reverse the direction of
gas flow within the boiler. Individual tubes are not folded: there is usually a furnace, a combustion
chamber that reverses the flow, then the tubes return from that. TheScotch is a well-known example of
this type.

Robertson boiler
round-topped boilers are a form of locomotive boiler, where the outer wrapper of the firebox is
a semi-circular continuation of the cylindrical boiler barrel.

Robertson boiler

Contents :

S[edit]
Definitions

Points of Interest

Schmidt boiler: a high-pressure locomotive boiler, as used for the experimental LMS 6399 Fury.
To avoid the usual problems of scale formation in a highly stressed firebox, the Schmidt system uses a
separate primary circuit filled with distilled water.[48]

Scotch marine boiler

Scott boiler:[49]

Sentinel boiler

Sentinel-Cammel boiler

Sentinel-Doble boiler

Shand & Mason:[50]

shell boiler:

small-tube water-tube boiler: water-tube boilers with small-diameter tubes, 2 inch or less, rather
than the older large-tubedesigns, with tubes of 3 inch and above. Also
termed Express or Speedy boilers.

Smithies boiler: A development of the pot boiler with added watertubes, used for model steam
locomotives.[51] The boiler was invented by F. Smithies in 1900 and developed by Greenly. It consists
of a cylindrical water drum hidden inside a larger drum that forms the visible part of the model. Long
slightly-sloping water-tubes are mounted beneath this water drum. The advantage of the boiler over
similar model boilers is the use of almost the entire water drum surface for heating, although this also
tends to scorch any paintwork on the outer drum, unless this is insulated. [52] In a later development by
Greenly, the backhead of the boiler becomes a double-walled water space and straight water-tubes are
led into this at an angle.

Spanner boiler: a vertical multitubular fire-tube boiler, notable for its use of "Swirlyflo" firetubes.[53] Spanner boilers were also known for their use as train-heating boilers.

Scotch marine boiler

spherical boiler:[54]

Stanley steam-car boiler: an extremely compact vertical multitubular fire-tube boiler, used in
the Stanley steam car.

Steam generator: modern boilers, with very small volume in relation to their heating area.
Boiling is thus almost instantaneous and the volume of heated, but unboiled, water is minimal. [55]

Stirling boiler: an early large-water-tube boiler, used in large stationary installations.

Stone-Vapor: a monotube forced-circulation steam generator formed of a single helical watertube.[55]

Straker boiler: a vertical water-tube boiler for the Straker steam wagon.
submerged multi-tube boiler: a vertical multi-tubular fire-tube boiler, with the boiler shell
extended upwards in an annular ring, so as to always maintain the whole length of the
tubes submerged. Used in steam wagons and similar, where the water-level may be disturbed as the
vehicle climbs a hill.[2]

Sulzer boiler: a monotube "once-through" steam generator.[56]

Contents :

T[edit]
Definitions

three-drum boiler: water-tube boilers with three drums in a triangular arrangement. The best known of these are
the Yarrow andAdmiralty patterns. Lesser-known examples are the Normand and Mumford.

Thornycroft boiler: Several variants of an early naval water-tube boiler.[5][8][57]

Also a small annular water-tube boiler used in Thornycroft's steam wagons.

Thornycroft-Schulz boiler: a development of the marine Thornycroft boiler.

Thuile locomotive: a unique variant of the Flaman boiler using a barrel that was an elongated figure-8 section rather
than circular.[58]

transverse boiler: A boiler with the drum mounted sideways in a vehicle, such as that used by the Yorkshire Patent
Steam Wagon Co.

Points
of
Interes
t

Contents :

V[edit]
Definitions

Points
of
Interes
t

Vanderbilt boiler An American design, similar to the Lentz and large launch-type boilers.[35]

Velox boiler:[59]

vertical boiler: flued or fire-tube designs where the main shell is a cylinder on a vertical axis, rather than horizontal.
Boilers of this external form may have a great variety of internal arrangements.

vertical fire-tube boiler: a vertical multi-tube fire-tube boiler.

Contents :

W[edit]
Points
of
Interes
t

Definitions

wagon boiler: an early boiler, enlarged from the haystack to a flat-sided rectangular plan that permitted a larger grate
area, but could only withstand low pressures.

water-tube boiler

Woolnough boiler: a three-drum water-tube boiler used by Sentinel.[60][61]

White boiler: An early naval water-tube boiler.[5][8]

White-Forster boiler

White steam-car boiler: a monotube boiler, used in the White steam car.

Woodeson boiler: a form of bundled-tube water-tube boiler.[62]

Woolf boiler:[63][64]
Contents :

Y[edit]
Definitions

Points of Interest

Yarrow boiler:[5][57][65][66][67]
Yorkshire steam wagon boiler: A double-ended transverse-mounted boiler used in steam
wagons, to avoid problems of tilting when climbing hills. Internally it resembled
a locomotive or Fairlie boiler with a central firebox and multiple fire-tubes to each end. In the
Yorkshire though, a second bank of fire-tubes above returned to a central smokebox and a single
chimney.

Yarrow boiler

Yorkshire steam wagon

Contents :

References[edit]
1.

Jump up^ Harris, Model Boilers, pp. 56-57

2.

^ Jump up to:a b Harris, Model Boilers, p. 55

3.

^ Jump up to:a b Milton, J. H. (1961) [1953]. Marine Steam Boilers (2nd ed.). Newnes. p. 60.

4.

^ Jump up to:a b c Milton, Marine Steam Boilers, pp. 111-115

5.

^ Jump up to:a b c d e f g h i Brassey, Thomas Allnutt (1896). The Naval Annual. Brassey. pp. 118119. ISBN 1-4212-4178-1.

6.

Jump up^ Brown, David K (2010) [1997]. Warrior to Dreadnought. Chatham. p. 137.ISBN 978-1-84832-086-4.

7.

Jump up^ Milton, Marine Steam Boilers, pp. 144-145

8.

^ Jump up to:a b c d e f Brown 1997, p. 140

9.

Jump up^ Harris, K. N. (1974). Model Boilers and Boilermaking. MAP. pp. 5859. ISBN 0-85242-377-2.

10.

Jump up^ Rippon, Commander P.M., RN (1998). The evolution of engineering in the Royal Navy. Vol 1: 1827-1939.
Spellmount. p. 29. ISBN 0-946771-55-3.

11.

^ Jump up to:a b c "Brotan". Loco Locomotive gallery.

12.

^ Jump up to:a b "Brotan".

13.

^ Jump up to:a b Kennedy, Modern Engines, Vol VI

14.

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