Difference between Water Tube and Fire Tube Boilers

Difference between Water Tube and Fire Tube Boilers!

Difference # Water Tube:

1. Water tube boilers can generate steam upto a pressure of 225 bar.

2. The rate of steam generation is more (upto 45000 kg/hr).

3. It can produce steam upto a maximum temperature of 560°C.

4. It has small shell that is area required by this type of boiler is less.

5. Since the size of the boiler drum is small it is simpler from transportation point of view.

6. Overall efficiency with economiser and air-preheater is upto 90%.

7. Construction is very much complex, hence more skill is required for operation.

8. Operating costs are more.

9. Steam generation capacity is more, hence large power plants use these boilers.

10. Boiler won’t get blown off, even if some of the tubes fail.

Difference # Fire Tube:

1. These generate steam only upto a pressure of 20-25 bar.

2. The rate of steam generation is less (upto 9000 kg/hr).

3. It can produce steam upto a maximum temperature of 340°C.

4. It has large shell and the area required by this boiler is more.

5. Its transportation and erection is difficult.

6. Overall efficiency is only upto 75%.

7. Construction is relatively simpler and hence less skill is required.

8. Operating costs are less.

9. It is not suitable for power plants, but is used in Dairy, Laundry and some process industries.

10. Danger of explosion of complete drum.