Classification of Boilers

Starter
Solve the riddle
I am a vessel, closed and tight,
On ships, I work both day and night.
I generate steam, both hot and grand,
For propulsion, heating, and tasks at hand.

With tubes of fire or water inside,

In my belly, hot gases glide.
What am I, on the ocean’s ride?
ɹǝlᴉoq ǝuᴉɹɐW :ɹǝʍsu∀

1 Comment on the saying

"In the heart of the ship, where steam and fire meet,
the marine boiler ensures our journey's fleet."

Vocabulary
2 Study the sentences and match the words in bold to the definitions

The ship’s boiler is In the boiler, water is Efficient steam The high-pressure
essential for heated until it is generation is crucial steam produced by
generating the steam vaporized into for the ship's the boiler drives the
needed to power the steam, which is then propulsion and turbine, which in
main engine and used for various heating systems. turn powers the ship's
auxiliary systems. applications on the propeller.
ship.

Natural circulation Unlike natural The composite boiler The exhaust gas
boilers rely on the circulation boilers, combines the features boiler utilizes the
natural convection of forced circulation of both fire-tube and waste heat from the
water to circulate boilers use pumps to water-tube boilers, ship's main engine
within the system, ensure the water making it versatile exhaust to generate
eliminating the need moves through the for different heating steam, improving
for pumps. system efficiently. needs. overall efficiency.
 A machine that converts the energy in steam, water, or gas
1 Boiler A
into mechanical energy by rotating a series of blades or vanes.
A type of boiler that combines the features of both fire-tube
2 Vaporized B
and water-tube boilers, utilizing the advantages of both.
The process of converting a liquid into a vapor or gas,
3 Steam Generation C
typically through the application of heat.
A closed vessel in which water or another fluid is heated to
4 Turbine D
produce steam or hot water for various applications.
Natural Circulation Boilers that use mechanical pumps to circulate water through
5 E
Boilers the system, ensuring efficient heat transfer.
Forced Circulation A boiler that uses the waste heat from the exhaust gases of the
6 F
Boilers ship’s main engine to generate steam.
The process of producing steam by heating water in a boiler,
7 Composite Boiler G
which is then used for various purposes.
Boilers that rely on the natural convection currents of water to
8 Exhaust Gas Boiler H
circulate within the system, without the need for pumps.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

3 Fill in the sentences with the words from 2

1) The process of ______________ in the boiler is critical for the ship's heating and propulsion
systems.
2) By using an ______________, the ship can recover waste heat from the engine exhaust,
reducing fuel consumption and improving efficiency.
3) The steam ______________ converts the thermal energy of steam into mechanical energy,
driving the ship forward.
4) The ______________is an efficient solution for ships that need both fire-tube and water-tube
boiler capabilities.
5) As the water is ______________ in the boiler, it transforms into steam, which is then directed
to various parts of the ship.
6) ______________are often preferred for their simplicity and reliability, as they do not require
mechanical pumps.
7) Regular maintenance of the ______________ is essential to ensure it operates efficiently and
safely on long voyages.
8) ______________are designed to handle higher pressures and temperatures, thanks to the use
of pumps to circulate water.

Reading
4 Answer the questions
1. What do you know about the role of steam in industrial
applications?
2. How do you think the generation of steam can impact the
efficiency of a ship?
3. How do you think steam generated by a marine boiler is used on a
ship?
4. Can you name some different types of boilers you might find on a
ship?

5 Read the text and a) check your answers in 4

A boiler is a closed vessel in which a fluid, typically water, is heated. The heated or vaporized
fluid exits the boiler for use in various processes or heating applications. A marine boiler is a
critical component of a ship's machinery, primarily used to generate steam. This steam is
essential for various purposes, including propulsion, heating, and powering auxiliary machinery.
The main functions of a marine boiler include:

1. Steam Generation: Producing steam to drive the ship's main propulsion turbines or engines.
2. Heating: Providing heat for fuel oil tanks, cargo tanks, and accommodation spaces.
3. Powering Auxiliary Systems: Supplying steam to auxiliary systems such as pumps, winches,
and other machinery.

Role and Application of Boilers on Ships

1. Propulsion:
Main Boilers: Generate high-pressure steam to drive steam turbines connected to the ship's
propeller. This system is common in older ships, naval vessels, and icebreakers.
2. Power Generation:
Auxiliary Boilers: Supply steam to steam turbine generators, producing electricity for the ship's
operations.
3. Heating:
Cargo Heating: Maintain the temperature of cargo, especially in tankers carrying oil or
chemicals.
Fuel Heating: Heat heavy fuel oil to the required viscosity for efficient combustion in the main
engine.
4. Domestic Use:
Heating Water: Provide hot water for crew use, including showers and cooking.
Cleaning: Supply steam for cleaning purposes, ensuring hygiene and safety on board.
5. Emergency Operations:
Backup Power: Provide steam for emergency power generation, ensuring critical systems remain
operational during power failures.

Classification and Types

Marine boilers can be classified based on various criteria:
1. Based on Pressure:
• Low-Pressure Boilers: Operate at pressures below 15 psi.
• High-Pressure Boilers: Operate at pressures above 15 psi.
2. Based on Fuel Type:
• Oil-Fired Boilers: Use oil as fuel.
• Gas-Fired Boilers: Use natural gas or other gases as fuel.
• Dual-Fuel Boilers: Can use both oil and gas.
3. Based on Construction:
• Fire-Tube Boilers: Hot gases pass through tubes surrounded by water.
• Water-Tube Boilers: Water passes through tubes surrounded by hot gases.
4. Based on Usage:
• Auxiliary Boilers: Used for auxiliary purposes such as heating and powering auxiliary
machinery.
• Main Boilers: Used for main propulsion.
5. Based on Circulation:
• Natural Circulation Boilers: Rely on natural convection for water circulation.
• Forced Circulation Boilers: Use pumps to circulate water.

Types of Marine Boilers

1. Scotch Marine Boiler: A fire-tube boiler commonly used on ships.
2. Water-Tube Boiler: More efficient and used in modern ships.
3. Composite Boiler: Combines features of both fire-tube and water-tube boilers.
4. Exhaust Gas Boiler: Utilizes exhaust gases from the main engine to generate steam.

By understanding the classification and roles of boilers on ships, we can appreciate their
importance in maintaining the efficiency and safety of maritime operations.

b) complete the table

Role on ship Types Functions Classified by

6 Choose the correct answer

1. Which of the following is NOT a main function of a marine boiler?

A) Steam Generation
B) Heating
C) Powering Auxiliary Systems
D) Cooling Cargo Tanks
2. What is the primary purpose of main boilers on ships?
A) Heating water for crew use
B) Generating high-pressure steam for propulsion
C) Supplying steam for cleaning purposes
D) Providing backup power during emergencies
3. What pressure range do low-pressure boilers operate at?
A) Below 15 psi
B) Above 15 psi
C) Between 15 and 30 psi
D) Above 30 psi
4. Which type of boiler can use both oil and gas as fuel?
A) Oil-Fired Boiler
B) Gas-Fired Boiler
C) Dual-Fuel Boiler
D) Composite Boiler
5. Which type of marine boiler utilizes exhaust gases from the main engine to generate
steam?
A) Scotch Marine Boiler
B) Water-Tube Boiler
C) Composite Boiler
D) Exhaust Gas Boiler
6. Which of the following is a domestic use of marine boilers?
A) Generating high-pressure steam for propulsion
B) Heating heavy fuel oil
C) Providing hot water for crew use
D) Supplying steam to steam turbine generators

7 Mark the statements as True or False and correct the False ones.

1. ___ Marine boilers are primarily used to generate steam for propulsion, heating, and powering
auxiliary machinery.
2. ___ Main boilers on ships are used to generate electricity for the ship's operations.
3. ___ Low-pressure boilers operate at pressures above 15 psi.
4. ___ Dual-fuel boilers can use both oil and gas as fuel.
5. ___ Water-tube boilers are less efficient than fire-tube boilers.
6. ___ Exhaust gas boilers utilize exhaust gases from the main engine to generate steam.
7. ___ Auxiliary boilers are used for main propulsion.
8. ___ Marine boilers can be classified based on pressure, fuel type, construction, usage, and
circulation.
9. ___ One of the domestic uses of marine boilers is providing hot water for crew use.
10. ___ Composite boilers combine features of both fire-tube and water-tube boilers.

8 Answers the questions

1. What are the primary functions of a marine boiler?

2. What is the role of main boilers on ships?
3. How do auxiliary boilers contribute to a ship's operations?
4. What are the different applications of marine boilers on ships?
5. How are marine boilers classified based on pressure?
6. What types of fuel can marine boilers use?
7. What is the difference between fire-tube and water-tube boilers?
8. What are the uses of auxiliary boilers on ships?
9. How do natural circulation boilers differ from forced circulation boilers?
10. What is the purpose of an exhaust gas boiler?
11. What are some domestic uses of marine boilers on ships?
12. How do composite boilers combine features of other boiler types?
13. Why is steam generation important for a ship's propulsion system?
14. What are the benefits of using water-tube boilers in modern ships?
15. How do marine boilers contribute to the safety and efficiency of maritime operations?

9 a) Define type of boiler

Utilizes exhaust gases from the main engine to generate steam.
Combines features of both fire-tube and water-tube boilers.
A fire-tube boiler commonly used on ships.
More efficient and used in modern ships.

b) Write sentences with the information from a)

1._______________________________________________________________________
2._______________________________________________________________________
3._______________________________________________________________________
4._______________________________________________________________________

Speaking
10 Complete the conversation

Engine Cadet: Good morning, Third Engineer. I have a few questions about marine boilers.
Could you help me understand their role and functions on the ship?
Third Engineer: Good morning! Of course, I'd be happy to help. Marine boilers are essential for
_____________________________________________________________________________.
Engine Cadet: I see. So, what are the main functions of a marine boiler?
Third Engineer: The main functions include _________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________.
Engine Cadet: That makes sense. How are these boilers classified?
Third Engineer: Marine boilers can be classified based on several criteria. For example, based
on pressure, we have _________________________________________________________.
Based on fuel type, we have _______________________________________________.
Engine Cadet: What about their construction?
Third Engineer: Good question. Based on construction, we have ________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________.
There are also __________________ that combine features of both fire-tube and water-tube
boilers.
Engine Cadet: Interesting. Can you tell me about the different types of marine boilers?
Third Engineer: Sure. We have Scotch Marine Boilers, which are
________________________. ____________________ are more efficient and used in modern
ships. _______________ combine features of both fire-tube and water-tube boilers. Lastly,
_________________ utilize exhaust gases from the main engine to generate steam.
Engine Cadet: That's very informative. What are some specific applications of these boilers on
ships?
Third Engineer: Main boilers __________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________.
They also _____________________________________________________________________.
Additionally, they can ___________________________________________.
Engine Cadet: Thank you so much for explaining all this. It's really helpful to understand how
crucial marine boilers are for the ship's operations.
Third Engineer: You're welcome! Always happy to help. If you have any more questions, feel
free to ask.

12 Comment the situations

Situation 1: Propulsion System Failure

Scenario: The main boiler fails to generate sufficient steam pressure,
causing the ship's propulsion system to slow down.

Situation 2: Cargo Heating System Malfunction

Scenario: The boiler system responsible for heating the cargo tanks
is not functioning properly, causing the cargo temperature to drop
below the required level.

Situation 3: Fuel Heating System Issue

Scenario: The fuel heating system is not working properly, causing the
heavy fuel oil to remain too viscous for efficient combustion in the
main engine.
 Situation 4: Domestic Hot Water Supply Interruption
Scenario: The boiler system responsible for providing hot water for
crew use is not functioning, leading to a lack of hot water for showers
and cooking.

13 Describe types of boilers and their role on ship.