A steam boiler is generally a machine to boil water, thereby to create steam which is then used for generating energy. A boiler is an air tight vessel in which a liquid is heated and the vapour exits at a high temperature and pressure. Normally used for heating and energy purposes. Apart from conventional energy sources, a modern steam boiler uses electricity instead of gasoline or coal. Hence, there is an eco friendly aspect to using such a source for energy needs. These machines are available in many shapes and varieties like the electric boiler, hot water boiler and the vertical tubeless steam generators. Thermal energy is now being considered as an energy source of the future considering it’s environmental impact is the least as compared to energy obtained from fossil fuels.

The pressure vessel contained in the boiler is made of steel nowadays although initially copper was used because of its high conductivity. Cast iron may also be used for the heating chamber but it would be used for the purpose of hot water and not steam. The brittle and fragile nature of cast iron although makes it unsafe to be used in a high pressure steam boiler.

In the growing industrialisation phase and with the pressures of environmental pollution and potential degradation of the environment due to constant burning of fossil fuels, steam boilers may soon be the most widely used method of power and heat generation. Its key benefits are that it has a relatively low installation cost and virtually maintenance free. An added benefit is that it doesn’t need a separate boiler room in which it should be installed. The installation can be done at any suitable place not too close to crowded areas. It works silently and emissions are totally not present. In a way, these boilers offer more safety and protection to the factory workers because there is no risk of a gas leakage or explosion because it runs on electricity and not fuel, and absolutely no risk of an explosion if the electric boilers are running with lesser than required amount of water.

Apart from this, routine check ups should be done to ensure that the boiler is working efficiently and has not developed any leaks or damages. Most boilers have a pre installed mechanism for detecting low water levels, but the older models need to be constantly monitored in order to prevent mishaps in the work place. Steam boilers have a long and promising way into the future and promise to decrease our dependence on fossil fuels.