12 Boiler Mountings and Accessories 12.1. Introduction, 12.2. Boiler mountings; Water level indicator—Pressure gauge—Saety valves— High steam and law water safety valve—Fusible plug—Blow-off cock—Feed check gr atap valve, 12.2. Accessorin : Peed pampe-lajector—Eemomiser_Als probeater— learn separator—Stoam trep—Highlights—Objective Type Questions—Theoretical 12.1, INTRODUCTION Boller Mountings. These are different fittings and devices which are necessary for the operation and safety of a boiler. Usually these devices are mounted over boiler shell. In accordance with the Indian boiler regulation the following mountings should be fitted to the boilers. © Two safety valves ‘Two water level indicators © A pressure gauge © Acsteam stop valve @ A feed check valve © A blow-off cock . . . An attachment for inspector's test gauge Aman hole Mud holes or sight holes. © Steam trap. 122. BOILER MOUNTINGS ‘The various boiler mountings are discussed as follows : 549THERMAL ENGINEERING 12.2.1. Water Level Indicator ‘The function of @ water level indicator is to indicate the level of water in the boiler con- ‘tantly. It is alao called water gauge. Normally two water level indicators aro fitted at the front end ‘of every boiler. Where the boiler drum is situated at considerable height from the floor, the water ‘gauge is often inclined to make the water level visible from any position. When the water being \beated in the boiler transforms into steam the level of water in the boiler shell goes on decreasing. ‘For the proper working of the boiler, the water must be kept at safe-level. If the water level falls ‘bellow the safe level and the boiler goes on producing steam without the addition of feed water, great damage like crack and leak can occur tr the parts of the boiler which get uncovered fram water. ‘This can result in the stoppage of steam generation and boiler operation. A= End plate ofboiler HandJ~= Twoballs Band = Hollow gun metal castings = Drain cock Dand B= Cocks Le Guard glass Gauge glass M,N,P, R= Screwed caps @ = Hollow metal column. X,¥~ Flanges Fig. 12.1. Water level indicator.BOILER MOUNTINGS AND ACCESSORIES 551 Fig. 12:1 shows a Hopkinson’s water gauge. It is a common form of glass tube water-level gauge. A is the front end plate of the boiler. F is a very hard glass tube indieating water level and is connected to the boiler plate through stuffing boxes in hollow gun metal eastings (B, C) having flanges X, ¥ for bolting the plate. For controlling the passage of steam and water cocks D and F are provided. When these cocks are opened the water stands in the glass tube at the same level as in the boiler. K is the drain cock to blow out water at intervals so as not to allow any sediments to accumulate. Upper and lower stuffing boxes are connected by a hollow metal column G, Balls J and H rest in the position shown in the normal working of the gauge. When the glass tube breaks due to rush of water in the bottom passage the balls move to dotted positions and shut off the water and steam. Then the cocks D and E can be safely closed and broken glass tube replaced. M, N, P and R are screwed caps for intornal cleaning of the passage after dismantling. L is the guard glass ; it is tough and does not give splinters on breaking. Thus when the gauge glass breaks, and this guard glass which nor- mally will hold flying pieces, also gives way, the pisces will not fly one and hurt the attendant. 12.2.2. Pressure Gauge The function of a pressure gauge is to measure the pressure exerted inside the vessel. The gauge is usually mounted on the front top of the shell or the drum. It is usually constructed to indicate upto double the maximum working pressure. Its dial is graduated to read preasures in bs pylon haeahinig yp reecimansyaan There are two types of pressure gauges : (i) Bourdon tube pressure gauge and (ii) Diaphragm type pressure gauge. A pointer, which rotates over a circular graduated scale, indicates the pressure. Fig. 12.2. Bourdon pressure gauge.