In a steam boiler with single element feed water control, which variable is measured?

In a steam boiler that employs single element feed water control, the primary variable that is measured is the boiler water level. This method relies on a direct measurement of the water level within the boiler to control the feedwater flow. It helps maintain the desired water level in the boiler, ensuring safe and efficient operation.

The reason for focusing on boiler water level is that it directly influences the steam production capacity and the safety of the boiler. If the water level falls below a certain point, it can lead to overheating of the boiler components and potential damage. Conversely, if the water level is too high, it can lead to water carryover into the steam system, which can also cause operational issues.

In contrast, while steam pressure, feedwater temperature, and fuel flow rate are important parameters in boiler operation, they do not directly control the feedwater supply in a single element control system. Those variables can influence system efficiency and performance but are not the primary focus of a single element level control strategy. Therefore, the measured variable in this control method is specifically the boiler water level.