In this lecture we study the comparison bet Smoke tube boiler vs Water tube boiler,so let's see detail information,

Comparison between smoke tube boiler and water tube boiler

Comparison between smoke tube boiler and water tube boilers is important topic in steam condenser, so let's start without wasting of time.

Smoke tube boilers:-

A smoke tube boiler is a type of boiler that utilizes the products of combustion (smoke) to heat water. It consists of a shell containing a series of tubes through which the smoke passes.

 The heat from the smoke transfers to the water surrounding the tubes, producing steam. These boilers are commonly used in small-scale applications due to their simple design and ease of operation.

In this boilers the flue gases pass through the tubes which are surrounded by the water in boiler shell.

Types of Smoke tube boilers-

a) Simple Vertical Boiler

b) Cochran Boiler

c) Locomotive boiler

4) Lancashire boiler

5) Cornish boiler

Advantages of Smoke Tube Boilers:

Simple Design: Smoke tube boilers have a straightforward design, making them easy to install and maintain.

Quick Steam Generation: These boilers can generate steam rapidly, suitable for applications requiring immediate steam supply.

Cost-Effective: Smoke tube boilers are often more cost-effective to manufacture and operate compared to other types of boilers.

Easy to Repair: Their simple design facilitates easier repair and maintenance tasks, reducing downtime.

Disadvantages of Smoke Tube Boilers:

Lower Efficiency: Smoke tube boilers typically have lower efficiency levels compared to more modern boiler designs.

Limited Pressure Capacity: They may have limitations in pressure capacity, making them unsuitable for high-pressure applications.

Susceptible to Thermal Stress: Smoke tube boilers are susceptible to thermal stress due to temperature fluctuations, potentially leading to maintenance issues.

Space Requirements: They may require more space compared to water tube boilers, limiting their suitability for compact installations.

Water tube Boilers:-

 In these, contrary to the smoke tube boilers, the water flows in tubes and hot vapour are passes above the tubes. These types of and hot boilers used  for large amount of vapour generation at high pressure. Some of boilers of these types are being discussed below.

a) Babock-wilcox Boiler 

b) Stirling Boiler

What is the advantage of water tube boiler?

These are several advantage of water tube boiler

Higher Efficiency: Water tube boilers can achieve higher efficiency levels due to their design, which allows for better heat transfer and combustion efficiency.

Faster Steam Generation: Water tube boilers can produce steam more quickly than fire tube boilers, making them suitable for applications requiring rapid steam generation.

Greater Flexibility: Water tube boilers can handle a wider range of pressures and temperatures, allowing for greater flexibility in operation and adaptation to varying load conditions.

Reduced Risk of Explosion: Water tube boilers are inherently safer than fire tube boilers because the water is contained within the tubes, reducing the risk of catastrophic failure due to overheating or pressure buildup.

Water tube Boilers disadvantages

Water tube boilers also some disadvantages:

Higher Cost: Water tube boilers tend to be more expensive to purchase and install compared to fire tube boilers due to their more complex design and construction.

More Sensitive to Water Quality: Water tube boilers are more sensitive to water quality issues such as impurities and contamination, which can lead to corrosion and reduced efficiency if not properly addressed.

Longer Startup Time: Water tube boilers typically have a longer startup time compared to fire tube boilers, as they require more time to heat up and reach operating pressure.

Less Tolerant to Load Fluctuations: Water tube boilers may be less tolerant to sudden changes in load compared to fire tube boilers, requiring more careful control and monitoring to maintain efficient operation.

Higher Maintenance Requirements: Water tube boilers generally require more maintenance and regular inspections due to their complex design and higher number of components, leading to increased maintenance costs over time.

Comparison between smoke tube boiler and water tube boilers?

Smoke  tube       boiler	Water tube boiler
1) In this the hot flue gases flow in the tubes nearby outside by the water.	1) In this water flows in the tubes surrounded outside by the hot gases.
2) It can  of the boiler shell thickness and stress consideration. work only up to 20 bar pressure because of larger drum diameters and the limitations	2) Because of smaller drum diameter it can withstand high internal pressures for the same limit of thickness and stress therefore these boilers are suitable for high pressure      operations up to 200 bar pressure.
3) It has simple and rigid construction with initial small cost but has more repairing and operation cost.	3) It has simple and rigid construction with initial small cost but has more repairing and operation cost.
4) Transportation and installation of the boiler is difficult because of large size of shell.	4) It is easy to transport and install since its various parts can be easily disassembled easily and they can be reassembled at site
5) Furnace design is rigid, therefore particular type of fuel cam only be used	5) The boilers are mostly externally fired, the proportions of the furnace can be varied to suit the fuel requirement.
6) It requires less floor area.	6) It requires more floor area.
7) These are usually made in smaller in sizes and these are not suitable for large power houses.	7) These are bigger in size and suitable for large power plants.
8) These are slower in operation and have low evaporation rates.	8) It helps in reaching the steam temperature in the shorter time thereby increasing the passing rate.

Frequently ask Question-

What are the advantages of a fire tube boiler compared to a water tube boiler?

advantages of a fire tube boiler compared to a water tube boiler:

Simplicity of Design: 

Fire tube boilers have a simpler design compared to water tube boilers. They consist of a shell containing water and the hot gases produced by combustion pass through tubes within the shell. This simplicity can make them easier to operate and maintain.

Lower Initial Cost: 

Fire tube boilers are often less expensive to install than water tube boilers, making them a cost-effective choice for certain applications, especially in smaller scale operations.

Easier Maintenance: 

Because of their simpler design, fire tube boilers typically require less maintenance compared to water tube boilers. Maintenance tasks such as tube cleaning and inspection are generally easier to perform on fire tube boilers.

Faster Steam Generation: 

Fire tube boilers tend to generate steam more quickly than water tube boilers due to their smaller water volume and simpler construction. This makes fire tube boilers suitable for applications where rapid steam generation is required.

Compact Size: 

Fire tube boilers are usually more compact in size compared to water tube boilers, which can be advantageous in applications where space is limited.

Tolerance to Water Quality: 

Fire tube boilers are generally more forgiving of variations in water quality compared to water tube boilers. They can often handle feedwater with higher levels of impurities without experiencing as many operational issues.

Lower Risk of Water Leakage: 

Since fire tube boilers contain water within the tubes, there is typically less risk of water leakage compared to water tube boilers, where water is contained within the shell and flows through the tubes. This can reduce the likelihood of downtime and maintenance costs associated with addressing leaks.

These advantages make fire tube boilers suitable for a wide range of applications, including industrial processes, heating systems, and power generation.

So in this lecture we study the main types, comparison between Smoke tube boiler and Water tube boiler.

If you have any query comments below, Thank you.