UNIT II

ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS

(10M)

1. What is the necessity for safety valves in a boiler?

2. Explain the working of (i).Blow off cock (ii).Fusible plug

2 MARKS QUESTIONS
1.
2.
3.
4.

Explain the use of following: (i) Blow off cock. (ii) Fusible plug.
Explain the use of following: (i).Water level gauge (ii). Pressure gauge
Which type of safety valve is suitable for marine applications?
Explain the use of following: (i).Feed check valve (ii).Junction or stop valve

MOUNTINGS

WATER LEVEL INDICATOR

The function of a water level indicator is to indicate the level of water in the boiler constantly.
It is also called water gauge. When the water being heated in the boiler it transforms into steam and
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, great damage like crack and leak can occur to the
parts of the boiler which get uncovered from water.

PRESSURE GAUGE

The function of a pressure gauge is to measure the pressure exerted inside the vessel.

U-tube syphon connects the gauge

to the boiler. Plug R is used for connecting the
Inspectors standard gauge and testing accuracy
of boiler pressure gauge while in service. Plug Z
Is employed for cleaning the syphon. Three way
cock S is used for either connecting the boiler
pressure gauge to steam space or inspectors
pressure gauge to the steam space.

SAFETY VALVES
The function of a safety valve is to release the excess steam when the pressure of steam inside the
boiler exceeds the rated pressure. A safety valve is generally mounted on the top of the shell. As soon
as the pressure of steam inside the boiler exceeds the rated pressure the safety valve automatically
opens and excess steam rushes out into the atmosphere.
Types of safety valves
1. Dead Weigh safety valve
2. Lever safety valve
3. Spring loaded safety valve
4. High steam and low water safety valve
1. Dead weight safety valve

Merits
Simplicity of design
Performance is good during operation

Demerits: Unsuitable for locomotive and marine works due to high vibrations.

2. Lever safety valve

3. Spring Loaded Safety valve

In locomotives and marine engines both the lever and dead weight types are unsuitable. This
valve is suitable and is not affected by vibration or deviations.

The below figure shows Rambottom spring loaded safety valve. It consists of two separate valves
and loaded by a spring, the spring being placed between the valves.

When the pressure exceeds the rated pressure the two valves lifted up and the excess steam passed
into the atmosphere.

4. High steam and Low water safety valve

This valve serves the following purposes.
1. The steam automatically escapes out when the level of water falls below a certain
level.
2. It automatically discharges the excess steam when the pressure of the steam rises
above a certain pressure.

Fusible Plug
The function of a fusible plug is to protect the boiler against damage due to overheating for low water
level. It is fitted on the fire box crown plate or over the combustion chamber at its appropriate place.

BLOW OFF COCK

A blow off cock performs the following two functions

1. It may discharge a portion of water when the boiler is in operation to blow out mud, scale or
sediments.
2. It may empty the boiler when necessary for cleaning, inspection and repair.

FEED CHECK VALVE

The function of a feed check valve is to control the supply of water to the boiler
and to prevent the escaping of water from the boiler when the pump pressure is less or pump
is stopped.

JUNCTION OR STOP VALVE