1896. Serpollet's boiler was a low-water-content type with thick-walled tubes to provide a store of heat. Serpollet patented a steam generator in 1888, US Patent 379,421, but this is an early version which differs from the one illustrated above.

Benefits and drawbacks

Flash boilers are lighter and less bulky than other types and take less time to raise steam from a cold start. However, they are more prone to overheating because there is no large reservoir to cool the tubes if the water flow is interrupted or inadequate.

Fuel

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