The Evolution of Boiler Technology: A Historical Overview

Boiler technology revolves around steam generation. Earlier forms of boiler technology generated steam to create power for transportation and industrial machinery. But modern boiler technology generates steam to provide heat for homes and businesses.

A French inventor Denis Papin created the first steam boiler to feature a safety valve. Thanks to the Industrial Revolution, the development of new boiler technology began to pick up between the mid-1700s and early 1800s. The first mainstream boiler had a kettle-type design in which people placed water on top of a burning firebox. As the water boiled, it produced steam for heating purposes.

Steam boiler manufacturing took off even more throughout the early 1800s as heavy industry grew in Europe and the United States. In 1867, the first convection boiler was developed, giving birth to the steam-generating sector of the modern era. The convection boiler design featured a walled structure made of firebrick and a series of tubes. It allowed the movement of gas or liquid to transfer heat, similar to the function of a convection oven.

Two inventors, Steven Wilcox and George Babcock, founded the first steam-generating boiler in 1867. They went on to form the Babcock and Wilcox Company in New York City in 1891. The company manufactured small coal-powered boilers that had to be fired by hand. These small boilers were still relatively primitive by today’s standards but were revolutionary in the mid-1800s.

Newer boiler technologies were invented throughout the 20th century. The models in the early 20th century generated 50,000 pounds of steam per hour, while the mid-20th century models generated four million pounds of steam per hour.