Mapua University

School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

ME144L-2

Mechanical Engineering Laboratory 2

Experiment #1

HEATING SURFACE OF A BOILER

Cordova, Martin Sydney V. Date Performed: Aug 24, 2023

2021101326 Date Submitted: Aug 31, 2023

ME144L-2/B20

Group 1

Engr. Teodule A. Valle

Professor
 Table of Contents
Objectives 1

Theories and Principles 1

List of Apparatus 2

Procedures 3

Set-up of Apparatus 4

Final Data Sheet 6

Computation 7

Test Data Analysis 8

Question with answers / Problem with solution 9

Conclusion 10

References 11

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OBJECTIVES

 To be able to determine the heating surface area of the Mapua University Fire Tube
Boiler.

THEORIES AND PRINCIPLES

The heating surface refers to any area of the boiler's metal that contains hot combustion gases
on one side and water on the other. The heating surface refers to any area of the boiler's metal
that aids in the creation of steam. In square meters, a boiler's heating surface is calculated. A
boiler's efficiency increases with the size of its heating surface. Tons of water converted to steam
are used to measure the quantity of steam generated per hour. The term "boiler heating surface"
refers to the area of the heat transfer apparatus where the fluid being heated is a component of
the circulation system and where the gas or refractory is being cooled on one side. This surface is
measured on the side receiving heat. It is necessary to specify the boundaries of the furnace as
well as its heating surface. Fire tube boilers and water tube boilers are the two main categories of
boilers. In businesses where water flows within the cylinder, water tube boilers are frequently
employed because they are more effective than fire tube boilers. Given the financial and practical
requirement for power, designers are largely focused on improving the aesthetic of boilers. It is
enhanced by expanding the warming surface and accelerating the warmth's movement. In order
to increase the heating surface area, several experts are researching the layout of the water tubes
in boilers. The boiler with the water tube really has a flat wall, which creates a laminar flow.
Formulas used:

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LIST OF APPARATUS

1. Inside Caliper - a caliper with legs that extend outward to precisely measure inside
measurements, such as a pipe's interior diameter.

2. Outside Caliper - measure thicknesses and outside diameters of objects

3. Digital Caliper – is a caliper that is used to take specific and accurate measurements.

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 4. Steel tape - a flexible ruler used to measure distance.

5. Boiler - a pressure vessel that offers a surface for heat transmission between the water
and the combustion products (often a series of tubes).

PROCEDURE

1. Open the back cover of the MU fire tube type boiler.

2. Count the number of tubes for each pass.
3. Using a long wooden rod, mark the length of the tube for each pass by inserting the tube.
4. With the use of steel tapes, measure the length of the tube marked on the wooden rod.
5. Using a caliper, measure the inside and outside diameter of the tube.
6. Calculate the total heating surface area of the boiler.

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SETUP OF APPARATUS

Opening the boiler

Measuring the boiler

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Measurement of the tube

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FINAL DATA SHEET

Pass Number of Inside Outside Length Heating

Tubes Diameter Diameter Surface
1st 1 56 cm 62 cm 273 cm 48028.67
cm2
2nd 38 5.74 cm 6.349 cm 298 cm 225868.18
cm2
3rd 30 5.74 cm 6.349 cm 304 cm 181907.26
cm2
Crown Sheet Cover 151 cm ------------- 26584.053
True Value = 467302 cm2 Experimental Value = 482388.163
Percent Error = 3.23%

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SAMPLE COMPUTATIONS
Lateral Surface Area 1 st Pass= ( π ) ( 26 )( 273 ) ( 1 )=48028.67 c m2
2 2
2 nd Pass=( π ) ( 6.349 ) ( 298 ) ( 38 )=22586.18 c m 3 rd Pass=( π ) ( 6.349 )( 30 )( 30 )=181907.26 c m
π
ACS = ( 151 −56 −6.349 ∗30−6.349 ∗38 )=26584.053 c m
2 2 2 2 2
2
H . S total=48028.67+225868.18+ 181907.26=482388.163
482388.163−467302
% Error= =0.03228∗100=3.23 %
467302

TEST DATA ANALYSIS

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 Different values were given to each group regarding the inside and outside diameter and

Group 1 was given an inside and outside diameter of the 1 st pass with 1 number of tubes. The

length was also given and a formula was used to get the heating surface of the 1 st pass. The result

is 48028.67 cm2 of lateral surface area of the 1 st pass. After measuring the required objects, we

were able to get the inside and outside diameter of the 2 nd pass and 3rd pass. Using the same

formula for the 1st pass, we were able to get 22586.18 cm2 for the 2 nd pass and 181907.26 cm2

for the 3rd pass.

For the cross-section area, we also used a given formula to get the value of 26584.053

cm2 as well as the H.S total by adding the results of the 3 heating surface. Lastly is to get the

percentage error is using the formula to get the value of 3.23%.

QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS / PROBLEM WITH SOLUTION

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1. Why is heating the surface of a boiler an important experiment?

- An experiment that aids in understanding the mechanics of heat transfer that take

place within the boiler system is heating the surface of a boiler. Researchers can

assess the heating surface's effectiveness, performance, and room for improvement to

optimize energy conversion and boiler operation.

2. What factors can affect the heating efficiency of a boiler surface?

- The kind of fuel utilized, the caliber of the combustion process, the design of the

boiler, insulation, and maintenance are some of the variables that might affect how

efficiently a boiler surface heats water.

3. Why is it important to determine the heating surface of a fire-tube boiler?

- To build a steam producing unit for a fire tube boiler that would optimize the

equipment's heating capability while also being affordable, it is crucial to know the

heating surface of the boiler.

4. What are the three major components of a boiler system?

- The three major components of a boiler system are the feed water system which

regulates the water intake to the boiler to meet the steam demand. The steam system

which collects and controls the steam produced in a boiler and the fuel system which

all equipment used to provide fuel to generate thermal energy.

5. What would happen if the tube's length were to be reduced in terms of the heating surface

area?

- If the length of the tube in the heating surface is decreased, the overall heating surface

area will also decrease.

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CONCLUSION

Experiment 1, which heated the surface of a boiler, provided important new information
about how heat is transferred in these kinds of systems. We improved our grasp of how variable
heat input levels impact the boiler's overall efficiency and performance by making methodical
observations and measurements. The experimental results showed a clear correlation between
heat input and steam generation, with a rise in steam production rate observed as heat input rose.
Additionally, the researcher was able to comprehend the significance of heating surface area in
boiler performance. The quantity of thermal energy needed to heat a working fluid with a larger
heating surface area is greater. Since the cost of materials as well as the desired heating capacity
must be considered when designing the equipment/boiler, the heating surface area is crucial.
While most reciprocating steam engines in the 19th century used saturated steam, modern steam
power plants almost always use superheated steam, which allows for higher steam cycle
efficiency.

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REFERENCES

https://www.johnstonboiler.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ABMA_9_00.pdf
https://www.mecholic.com/2015/10/difference-between-boiler-mountings-and-accessories.html
https://mechanicalengineering.blog/fire-tube-boiler/
https://www.mechanicalbooster.com/2016/07/what-is-a-boiler-different-types-of-boiler.html
https://www.elprocus.com/fire-tube-boiler-working-principle-types-of-fire-tube-boilers/

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