[1] See discussion by George H. Babcock, of Stirling’s paper on “Water-tube and Shell Boilers”, in Transactions, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Volume VI., Page 601.
REQUIREMENTS OF STEAM BOILERS
Since the first appearance in “Steam” of the following “Requirements of a Perfect Steam Boiler”, the list has been copied many times either word for word or clothed in different language and applied to some specific type of boiler design or construction. In most cases, although full compliance with one or more of the requirements was structurally impossible, the reader was left to infer that the boiler under consideration possessed all the desirable features. It is noteworthy that this list of requirements, as prepared by George H. Babcock and Stephen Wilcox, in 1875, represents the best practice of to-day. Moreover, coupled with the boiler itself, which is used in the largest and most important steam generating plants throughout the world, the list forms a fitting monument to the foresight and genius of the inventors.
REQUIREMENTS OF A PERFECT STEAM BOILER
1st. Proper workmanship and simple construction, using materials which experience has shown to be the best, thus avoiding the necessity of early repairs.
2nd. A mud drum to receive all impurities deposited from the water, and so placed as to be removed from the action of the fire.
3rd. A steam and water capacity sufficient to prevent any fluctuation in steam pressure or water level.
4th. A water surface for the disengagement of the steam from the water, of sufficient extent to prevent foaming.
5th. A constant and thorough circulation of water throughout the boiler, so as to maintain all parts at the same temperature.