Water Level Indicator | Boiler Mounting and Accessories

BOILER MOUNTINGS AND ACCESSORIES

Boiler mountings are the devices mounted on the boiler surface for safe operation, efficient working, control steam generation and easy maintenance of the boiler.

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
• A steam stop valve
• A feed check valve
• A blow-off cock
• An attachment for inspector’s test gauge
• A man hole
• Mud holes or sight holes

Read more :Introduction to Boilers | Classification Of Boilers

Water Level Indicator

Function:

To indicate the level of water in the boiler constantly.It is also calledwater gauge.

Description:

Normally two water level indicators are 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 heated 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 below the safe level and the boiler goes on producing steam without the addition of feed water, greatdamage like crack and leak can occur to the parts of the boiler which get uncovered from water.This can result in thestoppage of steam generation and boiler operation.

Working:

It is a common form of glass tube water-level gauge.Ais the front end plate of the boiler.Fis a very hard glass tube indicating water level and is connected to the boiler plate through stuffing boxes in hollow gun metal castings(B,C) having flangesX,Y for bolting the plate.

For controlling the passage of steam and water cocks D andEare provided. When these cocks are opened the water stands in the glass tube at the same level as in the boiler.Kis the drain cock to blowout water at intervals so as not to allow any sediment to accumulate. Upper and lower stuffing boxes are connected by a hollow metal columnG.BallsJandHrest 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 andEcan be safely closed and broken glass tube replaced.M, N, PandRare screwed caps for internal cleaning of the passage after dismantling.Lis the guard glass; it is tough and does not give splinters on breaking. Thus when the gauge glass breaks, and this guard glass which normally will hold flying pieces, also gives way, the pieces will not fly one andhurtthe attendant