What is a Fire Tube Boiler?

Thermal conduction is mentioned in our last blog post and is a large part of explaining fire tube boilers. Oxford Languages defines conduction as “the process by which heat or electricity is directly transmitted through a substance when there is a difference of temperature or electrical potential between adjoining regions, without movement of the material.” The commercial and industrial industries mostly use fire tube boilers in Florida. Whether for industrial, commercial, or even residential use, Engineering Energy Equipment will refer you to the perfect product or fix and maintain the fire tube boiler you already use.

What is a Fire Tube Boiler?

Thermodyne Engineering Systems, an industrial steam boiler manufacturer, supplier, and exporter in India, explains, “A fire-tube boiler is a type of boiler in which hot gases pass from a fire through one or (many) more tubes running through a sealed container of water.” This type of boiler is portable and requires less floor space.

How does a Fire Tube Boiler Work? What is a Fire Tube Boiler Used For?

The same article from Thermodyne Boilers explains, “the heat of the gases is transferred through the walls of the tubes by thermal conduction, heating the water and ultimately creating steam.” In general, hot gases from the firebox at the end of the cylinder, or barrel, flow through small tubes that penetrate a tank of water, creating steam to warm up a surface. Elprocus.com says, “The applications of this boiler mainly involve marines, railways, plants, and industries.” For an explicit video showing how this boiler works, please visit http://bit.ly/3liyCk1 on the Sellers Manufacturing website.

What parts make up a Fire Tube Boiler? What are their Functions?

Most fire tube boilers are cylindrical in shape and either vertical or horizontal. Fire tube boilers have three main sections: a firebox at the base that sources the hot gases, a tank in the center that holds the water, and a space at the top for the steam created by the boiler. The firebox contains the fire started by burning fuel or coal. The ashes produced by the burnt coal pass through a fire grate on the bottom of the firebox and are collected in the ash pit below.

Rows of small tubes stacked on each other pass through the firebox and the water tank to increase the water flow rate. The presence of many small pipes creates a larger heating area. A small chimney at the top of the fire tube boiler discharges the wasted flue exhaust gases. The webpage on Elprocus.com mentioned above describes “a water level indicator, a pressure gauge, steam stop tap security tap…” and “… mountings for providing security as well as simplicity.” This article about fire tube boilers is also linked to further explanations of the controls and gauges.

If you are in a smaller industry and use or need a fire tube boiler, our heating solutions and maintenance experts are one call away!