This comprehensive volume details the science and industrial practice of steam generation, tracing its development from early historic devices by Hero and Worcester to the refined water-tube boilers of the modern era. The authors examine the thermodynamic properties of water and steam, providing foundational data for calculating heat, pressure, and expansion. Particular emphasis is placed on the mechanical requirements of efficient boilers, analyzing circulation dynamics, combustion processes, and the prevention of structural failures.
Thermal efficiency is a central theme, with extensive examination of heat transfer, temperature measurement methods, and flue gas analysis. The text explores the behavior of fuels, contrasting solid, liquid, and gaseous energy sources, while detailing the chemical reactions of combustion and the necessity of precise air regulation. Practical engineering solutions are provided for common operational obstacles, including scale formation, corrosion, priming, and heat losses in the system.
Water treatment methodologies are rigorously analyzed, offering chemical and thermal strategies to purify feed water and protect pressure parts from premature degradation. The economic and operational benefits of superheated steam are thoroughly evaluated, demonstrating its impact on prime movers, turbines, and overall plant efficiency. Detailed tables of steam properties, high-temperature measurements, and specific heats support the technical evaluations throughout the work.
Ultimately, the volume serves as both an historical record and a definitive manual for the design, operation, and maintenance of modern power plants. By establishing clear standards for safety, durability, and commercial efficiency, the text outlines the principles that govern successful steam engineering. The discussion culminates in a practical assessment of boiler types, highlighting the structural features that ensure maximum reliability under the most demanding industrial conditions.
