Advantages and disadvantages of

watertube boilers

Advatages over tank

Savings in weight of about 3:1 for a comparable heating surface area
Possibility of using higher temperatures and pressures without unduly
increaseing wall thicknesses increases plant efficiency.
More efficient combustion space allowed
Greater flexibility of the structure and rapid circulation prevents the
problems of thermal stressing in the tank boilers which leads to
grooving. In water tube boilers roof and floor tubes are sloped at 15' to
ensure circulation
thinner tube materials allow rapid steam raising and faster heat transfer
rates
Saving in space for sam steaming rate
Wider safety margings- limited tube diameters and protected drum
surfaces mean failure in tubes releases a flow of steam dependent on
tube diameter
Thin tubes are easier to bend, expand and bell mouth
Disadvatages
Lower reserve of water means a more efficient water level control is
required
High quality feed required
little allowance to corrosion </UL< ul>