Boilers are systems that heat a fluid (usually water) in a closed vessel. It can be heated, boiled, or vaporized. The result can then be used for a variety of purposes or heating applications, such as cooking, water heating, sanitation, central heating, boiler-based power generation, and so on.
Boilers work in conjunction with the heat-emitting system, control system, and distribution system to achieve the desired result. Furthermore, various boiler parts are among the main components of boilers in thermal power plants.
Boiler Parts and Spares
A boiler is made up of various components, and while they’ve been around for a while and modern boilers are more energy-efficient than older ones, some of these components remain the same.
Combustion Chamber Or Firebox
In this chamber, the burner produces combustion, which heats the heat exchanger to several hundred degrees. The type of fuel used in this chamber varies. The most common fuel sources used in boiler combustion chambers are kerosene, heating oil, and liquid propane.
To withstand the heat and pressure of the process inside, the firebox or combustion chamber is typically made of cast iron. The process raises the temperature inside the chamber to several hundred degrees in a very short period of time, so the materials used must be suitable for such a condition.
Heat Exchanger
The heat generated by the combustion in the firebox is transferred by the heat exchanger to heat the fluid in the tank. This heat exchanger transfers the heat generated to the fluid without making direct contact with the water.
Expansion Tank
Another component of a boiler is the expansion tank. This small tank protects the boiler from excessive pressure and ensures its safety throughout the process.
Burner
The burner is one of the most important parts of a boiler because it is where the air is mixed with the fuel source, resulting in combustion, which provides the necessary heat to heat up the fluid. They are in charge of starting the combustion reaction in the system by sending an electronic signal to the burner via the thermostats. This signal alerts the system when there is a need to generate heat.
The fuel is pumped from an outside source through a filter mechanism and used by the burner. On the burner, a nozzle is designed to turn this fuel into a spray and ignite it to start the combustion inside the firebox.
Aquastats
Aquastats are boiler components that send the correct signal to the burner about when to stop or start the process. They determine the appropriate time based on the temperature of the fluid in the boiler.
Backflow Valve
The backflow valve serves as a safety device, allowing fluid to flow only in one direction.
Supply Lines
These boiler components are pipes that are in charge of delivering the heated stream of fluid to the boiler’s distribution points.
Return Lines
Return lines are in charge of returning cooled fluid or cooled steam (which has changed its state back to liquid form) to the boiler to be heated again.
Circulator Pump
This component circulates hot water throughout the boiler, allowing it to reach the various outlets in our homes, offices, and other locations where the boiler is used. They are found in boilers that use hot water to heat.
Boiler Parts Maintenance
In order to get the most out of your boiler, you must maintain each component and ensure that it is as efficient and healthy as possible. To do so, schedule a regular maintenance check (usually once a year) and clean the boiler to maximize its efficiency. Debris and residue should also be cleaned out of the firebox.
Keep each part under control and hire a professional to inspect them for damage and repair any broken ones as soon as possible to avoid larger problems in the future.
If you are not a professional, avoid attempting to repair the boiler yourself because these systems should only be maintained by licensed technicians. Each component must be properly maintained and installed because they work with energy, heat, and combustion processes. As a result, leave this delicate task to the professionals to ensure your safety and the safety of the system.
There are other parts designed in boilers that aid in the process, but the ones mentioned above are the most important ones found in the various types of boilers on the market.
