Introduction
The main difference between fire tube boiler and water tube boiler are that the hot gases flow inside the tube and water surrounds them in the fire tube boiler whereas, In the water tube, water flows inside the tube and Hot gases surround them. Before further detailed explanation let’s have some overview of Fire tube and water tube boiler.
What is a Boiler?
A boiler is a closed vessel in which fluid (generally water) is heated to high-pressure steam. These boilers are used in power plants, for the generation of steam. They are mostly used in power plants where steam turbines are used for the generation of electricity.
What is a Fire-tube boiler?
Fire-tube boiler is a type of boiler in which the fire or hot gas is present inside the tubes and water surrounds these fire tubes. Since fire is inside the tubes it is named as a fire tube boiler. The heat from the hot gases is conducted through the walls of the tube to the water.
Examples of fire tube boilers are as follows:
- Cochran boilers
- Lancashire boilers
- Cornish boilers
- Locomotive boilers
- Scotch marine boilers
- Velcon boilers
Read More : Fire Tube Boilers
Water-tube boiler
The water-tube boiler is a type of boiler in which the water is present inside the tubes and fire or hot gases surround these tubes.
The examples of water tube boilers are as follows:
- La-Mont boilers
- Benson boilers
- Stirling boilers
- Babcock and Wilcox boilers
- Yarrow boilers
- Loeffler boilers
Read More : Water Tube Boilers
Difference Between a Fire Tube and Water Tube Boiler
| FIRE TUBE BOILER | WATER TUBE BOILER |
| Hot flue gases flow inside the tube and the water flows outside the tubes. | Water flows inside the turbine and hot flue gases outside the tube. |
| These boilers are generally internally fired. | These boilers are generally externally fired. |
| The boiler pressure is limited to 20 bar. | The boiler pressure is limited to 100 bar. |
| The fire-tube boiler has a lower rate of steam production. | A water-tube boiler has a higher rate of steam production. |
| Not suitable for larger power plants. | Suitable for larger power plants. |
| Involves less risk of an explosion due to low pressure. | The risk of an explosion is higher due to high boiler pressure. |
| For a given power, it occupies a large floor space. | For a given power, it occupies less floor space. |
| Complex in construction. | Simple in construction. |
| Difficult in transportation. | Simple in transportation. |
| They require less skill to operate, as compared to the water tube boiler. | They require a skilled operator. |
| They are difficult to repair and clean as they are internally fired. | They are easy to repair and clean as they are externally fired. |
| They require a large shell diameter because the firetube is situated inside the shell. | They require a small shell diameter. |
| The efficiency of the fire tube boiler is less as compared to the water tube boiler. | The efficiency of the water tube boiler is more. |
| The maintenance of this boiler is costly. It requires regular inspection. | They are easy to maintain as they are externally fired. |
| Ex: Cornish Boiler, Lancashire Boiler. | Ex: Babcock and Wilcox Boiler. |
Read More : Boiler Mountings & Accessories
FAQ’s
What is a Boiler?
What are the types of boiler?
What is a Fire-tube boiler?
What is a water tube boiler?
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that fire tube and water tube boilers have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Fire tube boilers are simpler in design, easier to maintain, and generally have a lower initial cost. On the other hand, water tube boilers are more efficient, can handle higher pressure and temperature, and are generally safer due to their ability to contain internal pressure. Ultimately, the choice between a fire tube and water tube boiler will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the application.
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