User:Milton Beychok/Sandbox: Difference between revisions
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A '''steam generator''' is a device that uses a [[heat]] source to [[boiling point|boil]] liquid [[water]] and convert it into its [[Gas|vapor]] phase, referred to as [[steam]]. The heat may be derived from the [[combustion]] of a [[fuel]] | A '''steam generator''' is a device that uses a [[heat]] source to [[boiling point|boil]] liquid [[water]] and convert it into its [[Gas|vapor]] phase, referred to as [[steam]]. The heat may be derived from the [[combustion]] of a [[fuel]] such as [[coal]], petroleum fuel oil, [[natural gas]] or [[biomass]], a [[nuclear fission]] reactor and other sources. | ||
There are a great many different types of steam generators ranging in size from small medical and domestic [[humidifier]]s to large steam generators used in [[conventional coal-fired power plant]]s that require about 4,000 [[kilogram]]s of steam per [[Watt|megawatt]]-hour of [[energy]] production. | There are a great many different types of steam generators ranging in size from small medical and domestic [[humidifier]]s to large steam generators used in [[conventional coal-fired power plant]]s that require about 4,000 [[kilogram]]s of steam per [[Watt|megawatt]]-hour of [[energy]] production. | ||
Many small commercial and industrial steam generators are referred to as ''"boilers"''. In common usage, domestic water heaters are also referred to as ''"boilers"''. However, domestic water heaters do not boil water nor do they generate any steam. | Many small commercial and industrial steam generators are referred to as ''"boilers"''. In common usage, domestic water heaters are also referred to as ''"boilers"''. However, domestic water heaters do not boil water nor do they generate any steam. | ||
Revision as of 11:40, 17 November 2009
A steam generator is a device that uses a heat source to boil liquid water and convert it into its vapor phase, referred to as steam. The heat may be derived from the combustion of a fuel such as coal, petroleum fuel oil, natural gas or biomass, a nuclear fission reactor and other sources.
There are a great many different types of steam generators ranging in size from small medical and domestic humidifiers to large steam generators used in conventional coal-fired power plants that require about 4,000 kilograms of steam per megawatt-hour of energy production.
Many small commercial and industrial steam generators are referred to as "boilers". In common usage, domestic water heaters are also referred to as "boilers". However, domestic water heaters do not boil water nor do they generate any steam.