Steam boilers are fundamental to the operation of power generation facilities. In these plants, a large water-tube steam boiler produces high-pressure, high-temperature steam. This steam is then directed onto the blades of a turbine, causing it to spin. The rotational energy from the turbine, powered by the steam boiler, is used to generate electricity. The efficiency and reliability of the steam boiler are therefore directly linked to the power output of the generation station. After passing through the turbine, the steam is condensed back into water and returned to the steam boiler, creating a continuous cycle.

The industrial manufacturing sector relies heavily on steam boilers for process heating. In food processing plants, a steam boiler provides steam for cooking, sterilization, and cleaning equipment. The precise and clean heat from a steam boiler makes it ideal for these applications. Chemical and pharmaceutical industries use steam from a steam boiler in various reactions, for distillation, and for maintaining sterile environments. The textile industry utilizes steam from a steam boiler for fabric dyeing, drying, and finishing processes. In each case, the steam boiler serves as a central utility providing essential thermal energy.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems in large buildings often employ a steam boiler. In this application, the steam boiler generates steam that is distributed through pipes to radiators or convection units throughout the building. As the steam condenses, it releases its latent heat, warming the space. This type of system, often powered by a steam boiler, is common in older buildings and in regions with cold climates. Hospitals, universities, and large office complexes may use a centralized steam boiler plant to provide heating and hot water for an entire campus or complex.

Beyond traditional roles, steam boilers find use in specialized applications. They are used in agriculture for soil sterilization and in the paper industry for drying massive rolls of paper. Marine steam boilers, though less common now than in the past, were used to power ship turbines. Regardless of the application, the principles remain the same: the steam boiler converts water into a versatile working fluid capable of transferring large amounts of energy. The selection of a steam boiler for any specific use depends on factors such as the required steam pressure, temperature, capacity, and the nature of the fuel available.