The various boiler mountings and accessories that are used in steam boilers are water level indicator, pressure gauge, safety valves, stop valve; blow off Valve, feed check valve, fusible plug, air pre-heater, super heater, economiser and feed pump. The boiler mounting and accessories are used in steam boilers for its proper, efficient and satisfactory working. In this article, we will discuss the functions of each of them.
Boiler Mountings and Accessories
The different boiler mountings and accessories that are installed on the steam boiler are as follows
Boiler Mountings
1. Water level indicator ( Water level gauge)
2. Pressure gauge
3. Safety valves
4. Stop valve
5. Blow off Valve
6. Feed check valve
Boiler Accessories
1. Air pre-heater
2. Superheater
3. Economiser
4. Feed pump
The function of various boiler mountings and accessories are:
1. Water Level Indicator
It is fitted in front of the boiler and generally present two in number.
It is used to indicate the water level inside the boiler. It shows the instantaneous level of water that is present inside the steam boiler which is necessary for its proper working.
2. Pressure gauge
It is also present in front of the boiler.
It is used to measure the pressure of the steam inside the boiler.
The pressure gauges generally used are of Bourden type
3. Safety Valves
Safety valves are attached to the steam boiler chest.
It is used to prevent explosion due to excessive internal pressure. When the internal pressure inside the boiler exceeds its working pressures than the safety valves blow off the steam and maintains the internal pressure.
Generally two safety valves are present on a boiler.
It is usually fitted on the highest part of the boiler with the help of a flange.
The main function of the stop valve is
To control the flow of steam from the boiler to the main steam pipe.
To completely shut off the steam supply when required.
5. Blow Off Valve
It is fitted at the bottom of the boiler drum.
The functions of blow-off Valve is
To empty the boiler whenever required.
To discharge the scale, mud and sediments which gets collected at the bottom of the boiler.
6. Feed Check Valve
It is non-return valve and fitted to a screwed spindle to regulate the lift.
It is fitted to the shell slightly below the normal water level of the boiler. A boiler must have its spindle lifted before the pump is started.
It regulates the supply of water which is pumped into the boiler by feed pump.
7. Fusible Plug
It is fitted to the crown plate of the furnace or firebox.
Its function is to extinguish fire in the furnace when the water level in the boiler falls to an unsafe limit. This avoids the explosion that may take place because of the overheating of the furnace plate.
Boiler accessories: the boiler accessories are the integral parts of the boiler. They are used in the boiler to improve its efficiency.
1. Air preheater
It is used to recover heat from the exhaust gases.
It is installed between the economiser and the chimney.
2. Superheater
It is placed in the path of hot flue gases from the furnace.
A superheater is an important accessory used in the boiler. Its main function is to increase the temperature of saturated steam without raising its pressure.
3. Economiser
It is used to heat the feedwater by the utilization of heat from the hot fuel gases before it leaves the chimney.
A economiser improves the economy of the steam boilers.
4. Feed pump
It is used to deliver water to the boiler.
This is the brief introduction of important boiler mountings and accessories. If you find anything missing or incorrect then let me know about it through your comments.
Thnx. It is really usefull information. Thanks