BOILERS

1. One of the most important items of equipment aboard ships, boilers are used for
numerous purposes. They are used to heat feedwater in order to produce steam. Thermal
energy released by combustion of fuel is used to make steam at the desired temperature
and pressure.
2. Safety - The boiler should be safe under operating conditions.
Accessibility. - The various parts of the boiler should be accessible for repair and
maintenance.
Capacity. - Should be capable of supplying steam according to the requirements.
Efficiency. - Should be able to absorb a maximum amount of heat produced due to
burning of fuel in the furnace.
Construction . simple in construction.
Cost its initial cost and maintenance cost should be low.
Easy starting should be capable of quick starting and loading,
3. There are two basic types of boiler on board vessels, namely the water-tube boiler and
fire-tube boiler. They are two main types of boilers. These are known as the basic
boilers, the rest all are different versions of them.
4. In the fire tube boiler the hot gases pass through the tubes and the feedwater surrounds
them. Fire tube boilers are used for auxiliary purposes. F.e.g. for steam-driven windlass.
5. In the water tube boiler the feeedwater is passed through the tubes and the hot gases pass
over them. Water tube boilers provide steam for main propulsion turbines, cargo pump
turbines and for auxiliary purposes.
6. 1. Generation of steam is much quicker due to small ratio of water content to steam
content. This also helps in reaching the steaming temperature in short time.
2. The combustion efficiency is higher because complete combustion of fuel is possible
as the combustion space is much larger.
3. All parts of the water tube boilers are easily accessible for cleaning, inspecting and
repairing.
7. In the conclusion, the boiler is the heart of a steam power plant. Without boilers on ships,
a lot of auxiliary purposes would not be done.