Sight Glass and Valves
Maintaining proper water level in your boiler is extremely important for safety and protection of your equipment. The boiler sight glass is the window into what is going on in the inside of your boiler. BoilerWAREhouse.com stocks many types of glass and valves from major manufacturers such as Clark Reliance, Jerguson, Conbraco, and United Brass Works.
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Sight Glass
5/8 X 10 1/4 Red line sight glass (EA)
- SKU:
- RL581014 5/8 X1
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What Are Sight Glasses and Valves & What Is Their Function?
Sight glasses and valves are the windows into your boiler
Proper water levels are crucial to boiler operation. Sight glasses and sight glass valves work together to give a clear reading of the amount of water inside the boiler, so it can operate safely and efficiently.
Sight glasses and valves show the boiler’s water level
The water level in a boiler fluctuates regularly during operation as water is lost to steam production and blowdowns, then replaced with feed water. The level of water inside the boiler has to be maintained at a specified level, though, or else the boiler’s performance will suffer.
The sight glass is essentially a water gauge mounted near the front or side of the boiler. It’s a clear tube with valves located above and below it. When the valves are opened, the water level in the sight glass will settle at the same level as the water in the boiler.
The valves are also used to isolate the sight glass during inspection and maintenance to prevent the release of steam or scalding water.
The Role Sight Glasses and Valves Play In A Boiler
Sight glasses help boiler operators physically confirm the level of water in a boiler. There are no sensors or electronics, just the laws of physics. This reliable reference is crucial for safe, efficient boiler operation. Too much water and the boiler can’t make enough steam. Too little, and the boiler will become overheated or over-pressurized, leading to boiler damage and dangerous situations.
What Are The Effects Of Bad Sight Glasses and Valves?
If the valves above and below the sight glass leak steam, they will give false readings as the steam condenses. If they leak water, the sight glass won’t maintain the correct water level.
Sight glasses themselves become unusable if they are cracked, leaky, or too dirty to read, as they will display inaccurate or unreadable water levels.
Things To Consider About Sight Glasses and Valves:
- Make sure there is a clear marking on the boiler somewhere near the sight glass that displays the correct water level.
- Marking the sight glass itself is fine, but it’s important to have another physical reference point should the sight glass’s markings become smudged or get wiped off.
Helpful Resources
Relevant WARE Videos on Sight Glasses and Valves
What Are Sight Glasses on a Steam Boiler
Steam Boiler Gauge Sight Glass Replacement
Cleaning the Boiler Sight Glass
Adding High Visibility Sight Glasses to Your Boiler Room
How to Change a Boiler Sight Glass
Hot Torquing a Heavy Duty Sight Glass
Knowing the Water Level in the Sight Glass
Importance of a Blowdown Line for Sight Glass
Fixing a Valve Packing Leak on a Boiler Sight Glass
How Conductivity Can Affect the Level in the Boiler's Sight Glass
How to Use the Tricocks on a Steam Boiler
Different Types of Valves in the Boiler Room
Explore over 750+ explanatory videos on boilers and boiler systems on our Youtube channel. Our videos can help you quickly grasp complex boiler topics. Watch more here!
Relevant WARE Blog Articles on Sight Glasses
How Conductivity Can Affect the Level in the Boiler's Sight Glass
Boiler Sight Glass: The Unsung Safety Feature Protecting Us All
Knowing the Water Level in the Sight Glass
Dirty Sight Glass? Before You Replace It, Try Cleaning It
Replacing a Steam Boiler Sight Glass
Modulating Feedwater Valves: The Method Behind the Movement
Our informative and educational blog content can help you gain a deeper understanding of the boiler room. Read more here!
Technical Documents
Sight Glass and Valves FAQ
Can I repair a broken sight glass?
Repairs might risk inaccurate readings down the line, or a rupture that releases steam and hot water. Replacement is always the best option.
Does sight glass come in standard sizes?
Every boiler is different, and pipes can shift and settle over time. For these reasons, sight glass is almost always custom-cut for a boiler by a qualified technician.
What is sight glass made of?
Sight glass is made of either glass, acrylic, or another transparent material that is resistant to heat.
Are sight glasses required?
Yes, they are required by code in nearly every instance.
Does a sight glass need a blowdown valve?
WARE highly recommends the installation of a dedicated blowdown valve on every sight glass. The pipe that leads from the boiler to the sight glass is notorious for collecting scale, sediment, and other impurities. The installation of a blowdown to regularly flush your sight glass will help it stay clean, readable, and accurate.
Does a dirty sight glass have to be replaced?
Not necessarily. In many cases, a boiler’s sight glass can be cleaned, flushed, and restored to usability. As long as the sight glass is not damaged, cracked, or leaking, try cleaning it first.