What Makes a Good Steam Boiler?

The following criteria should be considered when selecting or evaluating a good steam boiler:

1. It should have a three-pass, fully cylindrical design with a water-cooled rear reversal chamber.
2. The combustion chamber (furnace) and rear reversal chamber should be of sufficient diameter and length.
3. It should deliver the required capacity and pressure.
4. It should reach operating conditions in a short time.
5. It should run safely and trouble-free.
6. Fuel consumption should be economical.
7. Flue gas temperature should not be high; it should be efficient.
8. Initial installation cost should be economical.
9. It should have a long service life.
10. Its dimensions should not be excessive.
11. It should not place excessive demands on boiler feedwater treatment.
12. Repair and maintenance should be easy and low-cost.
13. It should not carry water over with the steam.
14. Boiler feedwater pH should be 11, with conductivity of 7,000 microsiemens. Conductivity should not exceed 3,000 microsiemens in a steam generator.
15. It should respond well to sudden steam demand.
16. Gas-side resistance should not be high.
17. It should be easy to transport and install.
18. It should have adequate automatic controls and safety devices.
19. It should work in harmony with its burner.
20. It should not operate with excessive noise or vibration.
21. It should meet the capacity the business requires.
22. Flue gas emissions should be below standard limits and should not pollute the environment.
23. Electricity consumption should be low.
24. It should allow for fuel changes.
25. It should suit the conditions of the country where it will operate.