Smoke Tube Boiler Definition
A smoke tube boiler is a kind of boiler where the smoky gases go through some tubes while being surrounded by water. This makes the water turn into steam as it absorbs the heat from the smoky gases. These boilers are quite straightforward and are commonly used in small businesses and industries.
What is an Internal Furnace Smoke Tube Boiler?
An internal furnace smoke tube boiler is a kind of boiler where there’s a furnace inside the boiler shell. The furnace is surrounded by water, and the heat from burning stuff in the furnace goes into the water through the furnace walls. After that, the smoky gases pass through some tubes that are also surrounded by water. This way of moving heat around is called convection. Internal furnace smoke tube steam boilers are popular for several good reasons. They are very efficient. You can use different types of fuels in them.
Main parts of a Smoke Tube Boiler
Following are the main parts of a smoke tube boiler:
Feed water valve
The Feed Water Valve controls the flow of water. It has the role of allowing water to enter and fill the boiler while also preventing water from escaping when the boiler is sealed or when it contains steam.
Water Level Indicator
Boilers, often referred to as steam generators, operate continuously. As water turns into steam, the water level decreases. The purpose of the Water Level Indicator is to display and alert us to the amount of water in the boiler. It functions to avoid overfilling and adds water when there is a shortage to maintain a safe water level.
Steam Check Valve
The Steam Check Valve is important because it prevents steam from flowing backward after it has been generated in a steam container.
Pressure Gauge
The Pressure Gauge monitors the water and the steam pressure in a boiler. By reading the pressure gauge, the boiler operator can ensure that the closed container is maintained within the appropriate pressure range.
Manhole
Since boilers operate continuously at high temperatures and require maintenance, it’s essential to have access inside them. Manholes are entry points into the boiler. It allows personnel to enter for cleaning the interior and maintenance.
Chimney
The Chimney is an external pathway that facilitates the release of burnt gases or flue gases from the boiler or container.
Blow Off Valve
The Blow Off Valve is used to eliminate impurities and to empty water from the boiler. Typically, Blow Off Valves are located at the lower bottom sides of a boiler for this purpose.
Main Types Of Smoke Tube Boiler
Smoke Tube Boilers are divided into 3 main types:
Dry Back Boilers
In dry back boilers, the back part of the furnace, including the smoke box and side plates, is exposed to the surrounding environment. This exposure causes a slight increase in radiation losses to the surroundings.
Semi-Wet Back Boilers
In semi-wet back boilers, the side shell of the wrapper drum that’s linked to the furnace is surrounded by water, while the rear end of the wrapper drum is open to the external environment. These boilers do experience radiation losses, but they are lower compared to dry back boilers.
Fully Wet Back Boilers
Fully wet back boilers are the most energy-efficient type of boilers. In these boilers, the entire wrapper drum that connects to the furnace, where the flue gases change direction, is enveloped by water. It minimizes or eliminates radiation losses to the surroundings.
Advantages of Smoke Tube Boilers
Following are the main advantages of Smoke Tube Boilers:
- Operating and maintaining them is easy.
- They have a compact design.
- Installation is simple.
- They are fuel-efficient
- It maximize fuel usage efficiency.
Disadvantages of Smoke Tube Boilers
- Operates at low pressures.
- Steam is less dry compared to Water Tube Boilers.
- Slower steam production due to more Fire Tubes.
- Lower efficiency
- Limited steam production rate
- Requires more ground space due to horizontal tube design.
Video on Smoke Tube Boiler
Difference between Smoke Tube Boiler and Water Tube Boiler
| Smoke Tube Boiler | Water Tube Boiler |
|---|---|
| Low evaporation rate | High evaporation rate |
| Less boiler pressure | High boiler pressure |
| Water surrounds the tube containing gas | Smoke surrounds the tube containing water |
| Used where steam demand is low | Used where steam demand is high |
| No need to consider water quality | water quality needs to be considered |
| Less compact | More compact |
FAQ’s
The cost of a smoke tube boiler can vary based on factors like size, type, and manufacturer. Small ones may cost a few thousand dollars. Larger models can range from 10 lakhs to 80 lakhs.
1. Regular cleaning to eliminate sediment and debris.
2. Inspecting for leaks and corrosion.
3. Replacing worn or damaged components as needed.
Several alternative boiler types can be used in place of smoke tube boilers. These alternatives include water tube boilers, fire tube boilers, and heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs).
Yes. Fire tube boilers are also known as smoke tube boilers.
Conclusion
That was all about smoke tube boilers. If you have any questions feel free to ask in comments below.
