A boiler is a closed metal container with a heating element. Its purpose is to produce steam or heat water by increasing the temperature inside the chamber so that it is higher than that of the environment. Boilers also increase the pressure so that it is greater than atmospheric.
The combination of a boiler and a superheater is known as a steam generator.
How do boilers work?
The basic principle of operation of the boilers consists of a chamber where combustion occurs with the help of combustion air. Then, through the use of a heat exchanger, the transfer of heat is performed and the water is heated.
Taking that into account, the term “boiler” is a remnant of the past when steam boilers boiled water to generate steam. Modern boilers generally heat water using natural gas, butane, or propane.
This hot water is distributed to each radiator through a network of pipes. This causes heat to be distributed more evenly throughout the room and provides a more homogeneous temperature throughout the building during the winter months.
What is the structure of a boiler?
The actual structure of a boiler will depend on the type; however, in a general way, we can describe the following parts:
- Burner: used to burn the fuel.
- Home: it houses the burner inside and its where the fuel is burned to generate the hot gases.
- Heat exchange tubes: The heat from the gases is transferred to the water as they travel through these tubes. It also generates steam bubbles.
- Liquid-vapor separator: it is necessary to separate the drops of liquid water from the hot gases before feeding them to the boiler.
- Chimney: it is the escape route of the fumes and combustion gases.
- Housing: contains the home and the heat exchange tube system.
Boiler classification
Several characteristics define the type of boiler:
A. Depending on the relative position between the fluid and the flue gases
1. With multiple smoke pipes – Pirotubular.
2. With multiple tubes of water pipes – Acuotubular.
B. Depending on the number of steps:
1. One step of gas travel.
2. Multi-step.
C. Depending on the energy needs of the process:
2. Thermal fluid.
Advantages of gas boilers at home
Price: There are boilers with a variety of prices.
Speed, comfort, and space: for home use, the heating process can be quite fast. You can regulate the consumption and temperature using the built-in thermostat. Also, they do not usually take up much space.
Shelf life In general: this type of boiler lasts longer than other heaters.
Cleaning: Natural gas boilers, unlike some of the alternatives, do not pollute, unlike other means of heating that do emit waste.