Kazánok

Kazánok, meaning boilers in Hungarian, are closed vessels used to generate hot water or steam by transferring heat from a fuel source or electricity to a working fluid. They are a central component of heating systems and many industrial processes, providing thermal energy for space heating, water heating, and process heat.

In operation, a burner or heater raises the temperature of the circulating fluid inside the boiler. The resulting heat is transferred through a heat exchanger to the water or steam, which is then directed to radiators, heating loops, or process equipment. Common boiler designs include fire-tube boilers, where combustion gases pass through tubes surrounded by water, and water-tube boilers, where water flows through tubes heated by combustion. Modern installations often use condensing technology to recover additional heat from flue gases, improving overall efficiency; non-condensing models are still in use in older systems. Boilers can run on natural gas, oil, biomass, coal, or electricity, depending on availability and application.

Domestic kazánok are typically categorized as combination (combi) boilers, system boilers, or conventional boilers, differing mainly in how they store and supply hot water. Industrial and district heating boilers are designed for larger capacities and may be integrated with steam turbines or process heat exchangers. Key components include the burner, heat exchanger, boiler shell, safety devices (such as pressure relief valves and water level controls), pumps, and control systems.

Efficiency and safety are governed by national and European regulations, with emphasis on high combustion efficiency, reduced emissions, and reliable operation. Regular maintenance and appropriate ventilation are important to prevent hazards such as carbon monoxide leakage and to ensure safe, efficient performance.