Which valve is used to control water levels in a boiler?

The water level control valve is specifically designed to manage and maintain the appropriate level of water within a boiler system. This valve functions by automatically adjusting the flow of water into the boiler based on the desired water level setpoint. When the water level drops below the setpoint, the valve opens to allow more water into the system. Conversely, if the water level rises too high, the valve can close to prevent overflow or flooding within the boiler.

In the context of boiler operation, maintaining correct water levels is critical for efficient and safe performance. If the water level is too low, it can lead to overheating and damage to the boiler components, while too high of a water level can cause carryover, where water is carried into the steam lines, potentially damaging downstream equipment.

Other valve types do serve important functions in piping and system operation but do not serve the specific role of actively managing water levels in boilers. For instance, gate valves are typically used for on/off control, check valves prevent backflow but do not regulate levels, and butterfly valves are often used in larger systems for throttling flow rather than precise level control.