Introduction to Steam Generators or Boilers
- The requirement of steam as a working substance is either for power generation or for process and space heating in industrial applications.
- Steam generator or a boiler as per Indian boiler act 1923 is a closed pressure vessel used for generation of steam under pressure.
- A boiler is usually made of steel in which the chemical energy of fuel is converted by combustion into heat and this heat energy of products of combustion (flue gases) is transferred to water so as to produce steam.
- In case steam is used for power generation, it is generated at high pressures and in large quantities due to high efficiency requirements.
- The design of such boilers is quite intricate and it depends upon the type of fuel used and its capacity.
- In case the steam is to be used for industrial process heating or for space heating of buildings, the required boiler pressures are low.
- The design of such boilers are comparatively simpler and these are easy to operate.