In this post, we will discuss what is Lamont Boiler. Its Definition, Parts, Working, Advantages, and Application of Lamont Boiler.
What is Lamont Boiler?
The Lamont boiler was developed by Walter Douglas La-Mont. La Mont first introduced a forced circulation boiler in 1925. Its unique structure includes a sizable water and steam-filled drum as well as a pump that moves water through tubes.
This is one of the modern high-pressure water tube-type steam boilers working on forced circulation. A circulating pump is employed to circulate water inside the small-bore water tubes of the boiler.
This innovative boiler was first created for marine use and represented a substantial development in the field of steam generation technology.
Because of its quick production of high-pressure steam, the LaMont Boiler is a vital part of many sectors, including chemical manufacture and power generation.
Parts of Lamont boiler
The following are the main parts of Lamont Boiler:
- Feed pump
- Furnace
- Grate
- Economiser
- Circulating pump or centrifugal pump
- Superheater
- Radiant evaporator
- Convection evaporator
- Evaporator tubes
- Steam separating drum
- Air pre-heater
#1. Feed Pump.
A feed pump is used to drive the feed water at high pressure inside the boiler.
#2. Furnace.
The vertical furnace is employed in the Lamont boiler. The principal function of the furnace is to burn solid fuel.
#3. Grate.
The surface area of the grate, over which the fire takes place, is called the grate surface. It is on the underside of the furnace.
#4. Economiser.
Economizer uses the remaining heat of combustion gases to preheat water. It increases the overall efficiency of this boiler by decreasing fuel consumption.
#5. Circulating Pump or Centrifugal Pump.
It is a centrifugal pump driven using a turbine. This transmits the water from the steam-separating drum to the small diameter tubes of the radiant superheater, convection superheater, and back to the steam separator.
#6. Superheater.
The superheater is used to raise the temperature of the steam above the saturation temperature. In this, it superheats the steam to the desired temperature to hit the turbine blades for power generation.
#7. Radiant Evaporator.
The radiant evaporator evaporates the mixture of water and steam with the help of the radiation method.
#8. Convection Evaporator.
It converts the mixture of water and steam into saturated steam through the convection method of heat transfer.
#9. Evaporator Tubes.
Evaporator tubes or water tubes are located on the furnace wall which increases the heating surface of the boiler. It is also placed above and below the furnace. The main purpose of these tubes is to evaporate the water into steam.
#10. Steam Separating Drum.
The steam-separating drum is placed outside the boiler. The mixture of water and steam from the evaporator tube transfers to the steam-separating drum, where it separates the steam and then forwards it to the superheater. After, the remaining water is again sent back to the economizer.
#11. Air Pre-heater.
In the air pre-heater, it preheats the air before entering the furnace.
Working Principle of La Mount Boiler
It works on the principle of forced circulation of water inside the boiler. The circulation is controlled by a centrifugal pump, operated is then drawn to the circulating pump through the tube. by a steam turbine.
The centrifugal pump transmits the mixture of steam and water into the small diameter tubes of the boiler.
Working of Lamont Boiler
The feed water from the hot well is supplied to the storage and separating drum (boiler) through the economizer. Most of the sensible heat is supplied to the feedwater passing through the evaporator tubes and the part of the vapor is separated in the separator drum.
The forced circulation causes a weight of feed water to circulate through the water walls and drums equal to 10 times the weight of steam evaporated. This prevents the tubes from being overheated.
It is then moved to the circulating pump over the tube. The centrifugal pump delivers the water to the headers at a pressure of 2.5 bar above the drum pressure.
The distribution headers distribute the water through the nozzle into the generating tubes acting in parallel to the evaporator.
The water and steam from these tubes pass into the drum. Now, the steam is separated in the boiler and is further passed through the superheater where the steam is superheated. The superheater improves the steam temperature to the desired level.
Finally, the superheated steam transfers to either a steam collecting drum or supplied to the prime mover for power generation. The working pressure, temperature, and capacity of this boiler are maybe 170 bar, 773 k (kelvin), and 50 tons/hour.
Features of Lamont Boiler
The following are the important features of the Lamont boiler:
- It makes use of forced circulation, which involves pumping water through the boiler to ensure effective heat transfer and stop bubbles from forming in the tubes.
- It is a type of water-tube boiler that can operate at high pressure and temperature because water circulates inside the tubes and is heated by the combustion gasses outside the tubes.
- It has an economizer that increases overall thermal efficiency by using the remaining heat from the flue gases to warm the feed water.
- It has a superheater that allows it to generate superheated steam, which increases the power generation and steam turbine efficiency.
- Because of its compact and space-efficient installation design, the Lamont boiler is appropriate for situations where there is a shortage of room.
- The Lamont boiler can produce steam quickly because of its forced circulation and effective heat transfer, which makes it perfect for applications requiring a speedy start-up.
- Due to the great thermal efficiency provided by the forced circulation, economizer, and superheater, fuel consumption and operating expenses are decreased.
Advantages of Lamont Boiler
The following are the advantages of the Lamont boiler:
- This boiler can be started easily.
- It transfers the heat at a higher rate.
- The Lamont boiler has a high steam generation capacity of about 50 tons/hour.
- It can be easily reassembled with the natural circulation boiler.
- Simple in design.
- It is a high-pressure boiler.
Disadvantages of Lamont Boiler
The following are the disadvantages of the Lamont boiler:
- The LaMont Boiler can’t be appropriate for low-pressure or small-scale steam-generating applications because of its huge capacity and high-pressure design.
- Installing a Lamont boiler can require a large initial cost.
- Because of its intricate design, it will cost more to manufacture and maintain.
- In certain applications, it could be challenging to attain the necessary high water flow rate.
- It is not appropriate for high-pressure steam requirements because of its restricted pressure capabilities.
Applications of Lamont Boiler
The following are the various applications of Lamont boilers:
- Lamont boilers are frequently employed in power stations to produce energy.
- They are used in industrial applications where steam at high pressure is necessary.
- These boilers are appropriate for a variety of heavy industries and steam-driven turbines.
- They work in petrochemical and chemical industrial facilities.
- Because of their efficient and small form, they are frequently utilized in ships and maritime applications.
Conclusion
So as you know Lamont Boiler is a high-pressure water tube steam boiler. And it is easy to get started and it has a high steam generation capacity. Lamont Boiler has a great application in the power plant industry.