Boilers are an important part of any industry as they produce steam which is used in power generation, heating and manufacturing processes. There are mainly two types of boilers – Fire Tube Boiler and Water Tube Boiler. In this blog, we will discuss Water Tube Boilers in detail and understand its working principle, types and advantages. Also, we will see a water tube boiler diagram and water tube boiler example so that you can have a clear understanding of it.
What is a Water Tube Boiler?
Water Tube Boiler is a boiler in which water flows inside the tubes and hot gases burn in the furnace from outside heat. This heat turns the water into steam. This system is different from a Fire Tube Boiler, where gases flow inside the tubes and water is outside. Water Tube Boilers are more used in large industries as it can produce more quantity of steam at higher pressure in less time.
Water Tube Boiler Working Principle
The water Tube Boiler working principle is very simple. In this, water is poured inside the tubes and hot gases pass from outside. When these gases heat the tubes, the water inside slowly boils and turns into steam. This steam is collected in a separate drum and then it is used for power generation or heating.
That is, in simple language –
Water inside the tubes,
Hot gases outside the tubes,
And as a result steam is produced.
Water Tube Boiler Diagram
If we look at the water tube boiler diagram, then many important parts are visible in it. These include a furnace, water tubes, steam drum, superheater and chimney. Furnace is the place where fuel burns and hot gases are produced. Water tubes are filled with water and as soon as the gases heat these tubes, the water turns into steam. Steam collects in the drum and gases escape from the chimney.
This diagram clearly explains how this boiler works step-by-step.
Water Tube Boiler Example
As a Water Tube Boiler example, many types of boilers are used in the industry. The most popular names among them are – Babcock and Wilcox Boiler, Stirling Boiler, Yarrow Boiler and Lamont Boiler. All these boilers are used in different industries according to their features. For example, Yarrow Boiler is used more in ships and Babcock and Wilcox Boiler in power plants.
Types of Water Tube Boiler
There are many types of Water Tube Boiler and each one is used according to different needs.
Babcock and Wilcox Boiler: This is the most popular water tube boiler which has a drum and many tubes. It is used in large power plants.
Stirling Boiler: It has many drums and can produce large amounts of steam.
Yarrow Boiler: Due to its compact and lightweight design, it is suitable for ships and marine industry.
Lamont Boiler: It is a high pressure boiler and a pump is used to circulate water in it.
Advantages of Water Tube Boiler
Water Tube Boilers have many advantages due to which they are more popular in the industry. They produce steam faster and are more efficient. They can produce high pressure and high temperature steam which is necessary in power generation and large industrial works.
Their operation is relatively safe because the tubes are small and the volume of water is less, which reduces the risk of blast. They heat up quickly and start working and also occupy less space.
Disadvantages of Water Tube Boiler
Although it has many advantages, water tube boilers also have some drawbacks. Their design is complex, installation and repair costs are high. A trained operator is required to operate it. Their use in small industries is not economically feasible.
Where are Water Tube Boilers Used?
Water Tube Boilers are used on a large scale. They are especially used in power plants, sugar mills, paper factories, chemical and fertilizer industries. Apart from this, they are also very useful in the marine sector i.e. ships as they are compact and have high capacity.
Conclusion
Water Tube Boilers are an indispensable technology for modern industries. Their working principle is simple – water inside the tubes and hot gases from outside, which converts water into steam. They are used in many industries and many types are available like Babcock and Wilcox, Stirling, Yarrow and Lamont.
Durga Boilers & Engineering Works is a trusted name in manufacturing and supplying high quality water tube boilers. If you are looking for modern and durable boiler solutions then you can contact us.
Also Read : Coal Fired Boiler: What It Is, How It Works, and Why Industries Still Prefer It
