Sr.
No FIRE TUBE BOILERS
1 Hot flue gases pass through tubes
which are immersed in water
2 Pressure range is limited to 17 bar
3 Raising of steam is slow
4 Reduced evaporation because
heating area is less
5 High quality feed is not a
requirement
6 High reserve of water, does not
require a very efficient water level
control.
7 Bursting of even one tube affects the
working of the boiler very much.
8 The chances of a tube bursting are
less.
9 Space occupied by the boiler for per
Kg of steam generated is more.
10 It is not suitable for power plants
since reduced evaporation.
11 Construction of this boiler is costly
and difficult.
NOTE: In water tube boilers the drums are protected from flame impingement
and direct heat
WATER TUBE BOILERS
Water is circulated through tubes
that are surrounded by hot flue gases
This can generate steam at a pressure
of 200 bar
Raising of steam is more rapid
Evaporation rate is high since water
is circulated through tubes
High quality feed water required
Lower reserve of water means a
more efficient water level control is
required
Bursting of even one or two tubes
does not affect the working of the
boiler very much
The chances of tubes bursting are
more.
Space occupied by the boiler for per
Kg of steam generated is less.
It is best suitable for power plants.
Construction of this boiler is cheaper
for the same capacity.
Advantages and disadvantages of water tube
boilers
Advantages over tank

 Savings in weight of about 3:1 for a comparable heating surface

area

 Possibility of using higher temperatures and pressures without

unduly increasing 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 deg to ensure circulation

 Thinner tube materials allow rapid steam raising and faster heat
transfer rates

 Saving in space for same steaming rate

 Wider safety margins- 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

Disadvantages

 Lower reserve of water means a more efficient water level control

is required & High quality feed required.