Locomotive Boiler 8 Parts, Operation, Pros & Cons, and Usage [PDF]

In this article, we shall learn about the parts, working, advantages, disadvantages, and applications of a locomotive boiler. We have also provided a PDF for the same.

As the name denotes “locomotive boiler” which means this type of boiler moves with a certain velocity. Generally, it moves with a velocity of 60 to 70 km/hour. The construction of this is the same as any fire tube boiler with some differences

Locomotive Boiler

This is a fire tube boiler. It is a device that is used to create steam from water by using heat energy. It is a horizontal drum-axis multi-tube boiler. Its main function of it is to generate a high steam rate because of that we see the grate area of this type of boiler is quite big also it has several fire tubes for improving the steam-producing rate.

Also, you can see an artificial steam jet draught is present in this type of boiler for increasing the heat transfer rate. In this type of boiler, the stack is used instead of a chimney and burnt gas or flue gasses are removed by this stack.

locomotive boiler

As the name suggests it is a locomotive boiler means it is movable so that we don’t need to fit a chimney in it, the flow of air over the stack removed the flue gases due to the pressure difference between the grate and the outside. This type of boiler is capable of producing a high steam rate and hence it is used for railway locomotive engines and in marines.

Construction of Locomotive Boiler

A locomotive boiler is consists of the following parts

  • Ashpan
  • Blow off Valve
  • Water level Indicator
  • Pressure Gauge
  • Main Hole
  • Regulator
  • Boiler Tubes
  • Smoke Box

Ash pan

An Ash pan is a tray fitted beneath a grate in which ashes can be collected and removed.

locomotive boiler valve

Blow off Valve

The function of the blow-off valve is to discharge mud and other sediments. It can also be used to drain off boiler water.

Water level indicator

A water level indicator is an instrument that is used in the boiler to indicate the level of water.

Pressure gauge

The pressure gauge is an instrument that shows the reading of the Boiler pressure.

locomotive boiler pressure gauge

Man Hole

The manhole is like an entrance where people enter the boiler and for maintenance and repair purposes

Regulator

The regulator is a valve that regulates the steam through the main steam pipe for superheating.

Boiler Tubes

Here the tubes you are seeing in the diagram are the fire tubes through which the hot flue gases pass and exchange the heat with the surrounding water. 

Smoke Box

A smoke Box is a box in which the smoke of the burnt fuel after passing through the fire tubes gets collected and From there it is exhausted in the environment by the chimney.

Schematic Diagram of Locomotive Boiler

Working Principle of Locomotive Boiler

Video by Into The Ordinary

To fuel the boiler, we use a grate and ignite the fuel with fire. As the fuel burns, it produces hot flue gases which are continuously passed through a pipe until they heat the surrounding water. As a result, the water undergoes a phase change and turns into saturated steam. This saturated steam can be used as is or can be further heated for superheating.

Advantages of Locomotive Boiler

  • This is portable which means Locomotive Boiler can displace whenever required.
  • It is capable of meeting the sudden and fluctuating demands of steam.
  • This is a cost-effective boiler.
  • This Boiler has a high steam generation rate.
  • It is compact.

Disadvantages of Locomotive Boiler

  • It faces the problems of corrosion and scale formation.
  • Unable to work under heavy load conditions because of overheating problems.

Applications of Locomotive Boiler

  • Locomotive boilers are mostly used in railways and marines. 
  • The efficiency of this locomotive boiler is low
  • The locomotive boiler cannot work in heavy-load conditions because this leads to the overheating of the boiler and finally gets damaged.
  • This boiler is also used in traction engines, steam rollers, portable engines, and some other steam road vehicles.
locomotive boiler applications

FAQ

What Is A Locomotive Boiler?

locomotive boiler is a device that is used to create steam from water by using heat energy. This is a horizontal drum axis, multi-tubular, natural circulation, artificial draft, forced circulation, medium pressure, solid fuel fired fire tube boiler that has an internal fire furnace

What Is The Function Of The Locomotive Boiler?

The main function of it is to generate a high steam rate because of that we see the grate area of this type of boiler is quite big also it has several fire tubes for improving the steam producing rate.

Why There Is No Chimney In A Locomotive Boiler?

In this type of boiler, we use the stack, instead of a chimney because as the name suggests it is a locomotive boiler means it is movable so that we don’t need to fit a chimney in it, the flow of air over the stack removed the flue gases due to the pressure difference between the grate and the outside.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a locomotive boiler is an essential component of steam-powered locomotives, providing the necessary steam to power the engine. The boiler is composed of several parts, including the firebox, tubes, smokebox, and chimney, each serving a critical function in the heating and circulation of water and steam.

While the locomotive boiler has several advantages, such as its simplicity and durability, it also has some disadvantages, such as its size and limited steam capacity. Overall, the locomotive boiler remains an important and reliable component in the history of transportation and continues to find use in some applications today.

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