How are the sections of a cast iron sectional boiler secured together?

In a cast iron sectional boiler, the sections are secured together primarily using tie rods. Tie rods play a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity and stability of the boiler by holding the individual cast iron sections tightly together. This is particularly important because the boiler needs to withstand various stresses during operation, including pressure from the steam generated inside.

The tie rods effectively compress the sections against each other, preventing leakage and ensuring that the joints between the sections remain tight. Their design allows for greater thermal expansion management, which is critical given the varying temperatures that the boiler may experience during operation.

Using tie rods helps to ensure a safe operation by maintaining a secure assembly, thus minimizing the risk of failure due to inadequate fastening of the boiler sections.