Boiler glass, officially known as "boiler water level gauge observation window glass" or "water level gauge glass plate", is a special glass installed on the boiler water level gauge for directly observing the internal water level of the boiler.
Core functions and extreme working environments.
Its core function is to provide a pressure resistant, high-temperature resistant, and transparent observation window, allowing operators to monitor the boiler water level in real time and prevent serious explosion accidents caused by water shortage or full water.
It must withstand extremely harsh working conditions:
High temperature: In direct contact with saturated steam and boiling water inside the boiler, the temperature can reach several hundred degrees.
High pressure: withstand the enormous pressure inside the boiler, ranging from a few megapascals to tens of megapascals.
Thermal shock: A sudden change in temperature caused by cold water splashing onto high-temperature glass or drastic fluctuations in water level.
Chemical erosion: Long term exposure to boiler water with a certain alkalinity.
Mechanical stress: The compressive force and internal pressure work together during installation.
Main types and characteristics:
Boiler glass is mainly divided into two categories, with significant differences in material and characteristics:
1. High borosilicate glass boiler water level gauge glass
This is currently the mainstream choice for high-performance applications.
Material: silicate glass containing a high proportion of boron oxide.
Features:
Excellent heat shock resistance: With an extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion, it can withstand drastic temperature changes without breaking.
High strength and hardness: Excellent mechanical properties and pressure resistance.
High transparency: able to observe the real water level clearly and without distortion.
Chemical corrosion resistance: Has good resistance to alkaline boiler water.
Form: Usually a flat glass plate.
Application: Various medium and high pressure steam boilers, hot water boilers, are the most commonly used types in the industrial field.
2. Quartz glass boiler water level gauge glass
Material: High purity silicon dioxide.
Features:
Ultimate high temperature resistance and thermal shock resistance: The performance far exceeds the above two and can be used in ultra-high temperature environments.
Disadvantages: Relatively low mechanical strength, not scratch resistant, and may slightly dissolve in high-temperature alkaline environments, resulting in surface "loss of transparency" (becoming rough).
Application: Used in extreme working conditions with special requirements.
The choice of boiler glass depends on the working pressure, temperature, and maintenance cost considerations of the boiler. Modern industrial boilers commonly use high borosilicate glass plates because they provide the best safety, reliability, and clarity of observation. Correctly selecting, installing, and maintaining boiler glass is an indispensable part of boiler room safety management.
