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Lesson 2. Fire Tube Boiler Constructions and Operational Principle
Lesson 2. Fire Tube Boiler Constructions and Operational Principle
Starter
1 Discuss the questions.
1. What criteria define the efficiency of a boiler?
2. What is better: less reliable boiler with cheaper spare parts of more reliable boiler with
more expensive maintenance? Justify your opinion.
Vocabulary
2 Label the pictures.
Shell
Firebox
Flange
Manhole
Fire grate
Superheater
Safety valve
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Reading
Fire tube boiler is a type of boiler in which hot flue gas passing through tubes surrounded with
water. The heat of the gasses is transmitted through the walls of the tubes by thermal conduction,
the water is heated and, eventually, the steam is generated.
Constructions Of Fire Tube Boiler
Fire tube boiler consists of a vertical, cylindrical shell, fitted with a firebox in the bottom, water
space in the middle portion and steam space in the upper portion.
The fire grate is positioned at the bottom of the firebox and coal is fired at the firebox. The ash
pit is located at the bottom of the grate to collect the ash of the coal that has been burned, and is
regularly removed.
One or more cross tubes are either flanged or riveted to the water area in the firebox to increase
the heating surface area in order to enhance the flow of water.
At the top of the firebox, a short chimney is attached to discharge the waste flue exhaust gases at
a higher height. Manhole and hand holes are provided for cleaning the inside of the boiler shell
and the cross tubes.
The boiler is also equipped with a pressure gauge, a water level indicator, a safety valve, a steam
stop valve and a manhole to provide safety and ease of operation.
Operations Of Fire Tube Boiler
The fuel burns in a firebox on the grate. The hot gas of burnt fuel is allowed to pass around the
cross tubes.
The water surrounding the cylindrical firebox also receives heat through convection and
radiation. That’s how steam is produced. The circulation of water in the boiler depends on the
difference in water density caused by the difference in water temperature.
Speaking
10 Make up a poster to help your fellow cadet getting ready for the interview with the training
officer in a crewing company. A poster must include brief description of fire tube boiler
construction and explanation of working principle.