Steam Boilers

Definition of a Boiler
Boiler is defined as a closed metallic vessel in which the
water is converted into steam above the atmospheric
pressure by the application of heat generated by the
combustion of fuels.

Function of a Boiler
The function of a boiler is to generate & supply the
steam at the required constant pressure with its quality
either dry, wet or superheated.

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 Classification of Boiler
1. According to the axis of the shell:
a. Horizontal boiler
b. Vertical boiler
c. Inclined boiler
2. According to the application
a. Stationary boiler
b. Mobile boiler
3. According to the location of the furnace
a. Internally fired boiler
b. Externally fired boiler

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4. According to the type of fuel used
a. Solid fueled boiler
b. Liquid fueled boiler
c. Gaseous fueled boiler
5. According to the method of circulation of water
a. Natural circulation boiler (circulation of water due to
difference in temperature)
b. Forced circulation boiler (pumps are used)
6. According to the flow of water and fuel gases
a. Fire tube boilers
b. Water tube boilers
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 Fire Tube Boiler:

The hot flue gases are led

through a tube or a nest of
tubes around which the
water circulates.

Example:

Lancashire boiler.

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 Water Tube Boiler:

The water circulates inside

the tubes while the hot
gases are passed around
them externally.

Example:

Babcock and Wilcox boiler

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Babcock and Wilcox boiler (Horizontal, Externally
fired, Natural circulation stationary water tube boiler)
A: Water tubes
Q L P B: Uptake header
T
D C: Down take header
O
R D: Boiler drum
E: Steel Caps
V N F: Mud Box
s G: Dampers
E M
H: Doors
W
J: Chain grate stoker
K: Furnace door
F L: ‘T’ tube
K M: Lower junction box
J G
H N: Upper junction box.
O: Stop valve connection
X

P: Stop valve, Q: Safety valve, R: Water-level indicator, S: Super heater,

T: Pressure gauge, V: Feed check valve, W: Baffles, X: Blow off valve
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 Babcock & Wilcox boiler
(Water tube boiler)

It is a horizontal, stationary, externally fired, natural

circulation, water tube boiler.

By using this boiler, we can get steam up to a pressure

of 75 – 80 bar.

Application:

It is widely used in thermal power stations.

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Construction:
It mainly consists of 4 parts
Boiler drum
Water tubes
Chain grate stoker
Super heater
Boiler drum rests on iron channels.
A number of inclined water tubes at a very low inclination
are connected at right angles to the end boxes called
headers.
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The water tubes are arranged in a number of vertical
rows, each row consisting of 4 to 5 tubes.
There will be a number of such vertical rows one behind
the other.
Each row of such inclined water tubes are connected to
one set of 2 headers.
Header shown at the right end of the water tube is called
down take header and the other shown at the left end of
the water tubes is called uptake header.
Each set of header is in turn connected to the boiler
drum, with one set of inclined tubes.
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A mud box is provided just below the down take header.

Any sediments or impurities collected in the mud box are

blown off from time to time through the blow off pipe.

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Function of chain grate stocker:

The speed of chain grate stocker can be adjusted so that

if we use low quality coal, then the speed can be reduced
and hence the time for coal to reach from front end to rear
end can be increased. Hence there will be effective
burning of the fuel.

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 Advantages of Water Tube Boilers over
Fire Tube Boilers
1. Steam can be raised more quickly
2. Steam at higher pressures can be produced
3. Higher rate of evaporation
4. Sediment deposition is less
5. Suitable for any type of fuel and method of firing
6. Failure of one of the water tube will not affect the
working of boiler
7. Occupies less Space
8. Easy maintenance.
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 Disadvantages of Water Tube Boilers over
Fire Tube Boilers

1. Not suitable for ordinary water

2. Not suitable for mobile application
3. High initial cost and hence not economical

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 Differences / Comparison
Particulars Fire tube Water tube
Flow of water & Hot gases inside Water inside the
hot gases the tubes and tubes and hot
water outside the gases outside the
tubes tubes

Mode of firing Internally fired Externally fired

Operating Low (Max. up to High ( Max. up to
pressure 15 bar) 75 bar)
Rate of steam Low High
production

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 Differences / Comparison
Particulars Fire tube Water tube
Applications Suitable for Ideally suitable for
chemical & sugar power generation
industries & not for plants.
power generation

Safety Safe, due to low Not safe, due to

pressure high pressure
Treatment of Not essential Essential
water
Shell diameter Large for given Small for given
capacity capacity

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