What is the function of the pressure gauge in a boiler?

The function of the pressure gauge in a boiler is to monitor the pressure of steam or water. This is critical because maintaining the appropriate pressure levels is essential for the safe and efficient operation of a boiler. A pressure gauge provides operators with real-time data about the internal pressure, allowing them to make necessary adjustments or take corrective actions to prevent unsafe conditions, such as overpressure, which can lead to equipment failure or accidents.

Understanding the pressure within the system helps in ensuring that the boiler operates within its design parameters, optimizing performance and energy efficiency. The information from the pressure gauge allows for the proper regulation of boiler operation, ensuring steam production meets current demands without risking safety or performance.

The other options, while related to boiler operation, do not represent the main purpose of the pressure gauge. For example, indicating water level pertains to different instruments like water level gauges, while steam quality relates to aspects of steam that are not generally indicated by pressure gauges. Monitoring the fuel supply is outside the scope of what a pressure gauge measures. Therefore, the primary role of the pressure gauge is indeed to monitor the pressure of steam or water within the boiler system.