Gas Powered Steam Boilers: So You Can Know It Too!

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A boiler is a closed vessel made of steel. Its function is to transfer the heat produced by the combustion of fuel (Solid, liquid, gaseous) to water and ultimately generate steam. Today we will be discussing about gas powered steam boilers. Unlike the older oil powered boilers that required more tedious maintenance and attention; gas powered boilers are more efficient with a simple gas valve to turn the fuel intake off. 

Most will agree that George Babcock and Steven Wilcox were two of the founding fathers of the steam-generating boiler; being the first to patent their designs tracing back to 1867. 

There are many different types of gas powered steam boilers that more of less performs the same functions. Therefore they all have some necessary components known as Boiler Mountings. Some of these mounts on the boiler for its proper function and overall safety includes:

• Water level indicator – Shows how much liquid is in the system.

• Pressure gauge – Used to measure the pressure of steam inside the boiler.

• Safety valves – Attached to the steam chest for preventing explosions due to excessive internal pressure of steam.

• Steam stop valve – It is the largest valve on the steam boiler. Its purpose is to control the flow of steam from the boiler to the main steam pipe, as well as to shut off steam completely when required.

• Feed check valve – It is a non-return valve that feeds water into the system uniformly.

                    Boilers also contains an important component known as a Blow Off Cock or Blow Off Valve. It is fitted at the bottom of the boiler drum with the purpose of emptying the boiler  whenever required. The blow off cock discharges the scale, mud and sediments which gets collected at the bottom of the boiler; crucial for maintaining and supporting longevity for proper function.                                   

Boiler Starting System 

Before starting to light up the boiler, certain checks shall be done:

• All manhole doors on the boiler and ducts are to be closed.
• All dampers in the flue gas path, primary and secondary air path spot checked for correct position.
• Valve status shall be checked on the boiler. 
• Gas line valve should be open to ensure proper fuel intake.
• All electronically operated dampers shall be switched on.

Then switch on the main ON/OFF switch and let the boiler fills automatically. That should take approximately 15 minutes before the water level is visible in the sight glass. When both low water lights come on, pressing the reset button will release the locking relays and the boiler is ready for operation!

Maintenance 

It is imperative that we do weekly, monthly and yearly boiler maintenance for the longevity and overall safety of ourselves  having an immensely pressured system in our homes!

From weekly maintenance such as making sure the boiler room is clean and inspect water quality; to monthly maintenance such as checking the water pump gaskets and non-return valve. 

To yearly or seasonal maintenance such as flushing the accumulated sediments through  the blow off cock valve.