Classifications for Types of Boilers

CLASSIFICATIONS FOR TYPES OF BOILERS The almost endless variety of boilers now in use is due largely to the many conditions under which they are used. Other reasons for the numerous forms are the great latitude in design and construction, and the competition among engineers, who have, during the last century, sought to produce, at moderate cost, steam generators that will be safe, durable, and economical.

The necessity for careful classification before discussing the details is apparent when one considers the similarities and differences. Much valuable time may be saved by selecting some make of boiler to represent a given class. Still further, the classification reduces the chances of overlooking interesting features.

Boilers may he classified in many ways. They may be divided into the following great classes: Fire-tube and water-tube, vertical and horizontal, stationary and non-stationary, or externally-fired and internally-fired. They may also be classified according to uses or according to forms of construction. For illustration, two classifications, of which the following seems better for this discussion, are given.