Requirements of a Perfect Steam Boiler

Nationwide Boiler is a proud partner and stocking distributor for Babcock & Wilcox (B&W), a boiler manufacturing company that has been around for over a century. The founders of B&W have compiled a list of requirements for the perfect steam boiler, and Nationwide Boiler would like to share them with you:

1. Proper workmanship and simple construction, using materials which experience has shown to be best, thus avoiding the necessity of early repairs.

2. A mud drum to receive all impurities deposited from the water, and so placed as to be removed from the action of the fire.

3. A steam and water capacity sufficient to prevent any fluctuation in steam pressure or water level.

4. A water surface for the disengagement of the steam from the water, of sufficient extent to prevent foaming.

5. A constant and thorough circulation of water throughout the boiler, so as to maintain all parts at the same temperature.

6. The water space divided into sections so arranged that, should any section fail, no general explosion can occur and the destructive effects will be confined to the escape of the contents. Large and free passages between the different sections to equalize the water line and pressure in all.

7. A great excess of strength over any legitimate strain, the boiler being so constructed as to be free from strains due to unequal expansion, and, if possible, to avoid joints exposed to the direct action of the fire.

8. A combustion chamber so arranged that the combustion of the gases started in the furnace may be completed before the gases escape to the chimney.

9. The heating surface as nearly as possible at right angles to the currents of heated gases, so as to break up the currents and extract the entire available heat from the gases.

10. All parts readily accessible for cleaning and repairs. This is a point of the greatest importance as regards to safety and economy.

11. Proportioned for the work to be done, and capable of working to its full rated capacity with the highest economy.

12. Equipped with the very best gauges, safety valves, and other fixtures.

Source: List prepared by George H. Babcock & Stephen Wilcox in 1875