ABSTRACT

The term boiler or steam generator is applies to device for generating steam which may be used
for power generation as in case of steam engines or turbines, for textile industries, for heating as
in case of heating installation for building. The demand for the high power output from the boiler
and associated plants has increased in the last ten years. It is a common practice to use high
pressure and temperature steam in power plants to increase the efficiency of the plant and to reduce
the cost of electricity production. The high pressure boiler which is also known as modern boilers
used for power generation are for steam capacities 30 to 650 tons/hr and above with a pressure up
to 160 bar and maximum steam temperature of about 540°C.

In High Pressure Boilers pumps are used to maintain forced circulation of water through the tubes
of the boiler. This ensures positive circulation of water and increased evaporative capacity of the
boiler and less number of steam drums will be required. The heat of combustion is utilized more
efficiently by the use of small diameter tube in large number and in multiple circuits. Also
Pressurised combustion is used which increases rate of firing of fuel thus increasing the rate of
heat release. Due to compactness, less floor space is required. The tendency of scale formation is
eliminated due to high velocity of water through the tubes. All the parts are uniformly heated,
therefore the danger of overheating is reduced and thermal stress problem is simplified. The
differential expansion is reduced due to uniform temperature and this reduces the possibility of gas
and air leakages. The components can be arranged horizontally as high head required for natural
circulation is eliminated using forced circulation. There is a greater flexibility in the components
arrangement. The steam can be raised quickly to meet the variable load requirements without the
use of complicated control devices. The efficiency of plant is increased upto 40 to 42 per cent by
using high pressure and high temperature steam. A very rapid start from cold is possible if an
external supple of power is available. Hence the boiler can be used for carrying peak loads or
stands by purpose with hydraulic station. Use of high pressure and high temperature steam is
economical.