FIRETUBE BOILERS

In a fire-tube boiler, the fire or hot gases are directed through the inside of a large number of tubes within the boiler shell. The modern fire-tube boiler is a very efficient unit, with maximum heat transfer per square foot in mind.

These high efficiency boilers are not as tolerant of waterside deposits as less efficient units. Therefore, more attention than ever before must be given to the water treatment given for these units.

WATER TUBE BOILERS

In this tube of boiler, the hot gases are directed around the outside of boiler tubes, while the boiler water is inside the tubes. The tubes in water tube boilers are generally connected to two drums, the steam drum, where steam escapes and the mud drum. The mud drum is at the bottom of the boiler and collects boiler sludge and other materials, which are removed through blow-down. Water tube boilers are commonly larger than fire-tube boilers, and operate at pressure up to and above 1000 psig, depending on their service. Normally larger boiler installations are water tube boilers.

PROBLEMS AFFECTING STEAM GENERATING SYSTEMS

The problems associated with water in steam generating systems are classified under these categories.

1. Corrosion.
2. Scaling and deposition.
3. Carryover.

Any competent water treatment program can control these three problems.

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