Boiler Types: Advantages and Disadvantages

By: Dane Haystead Objective: To inform the public about the pros and cons of different types of boilers.

Types of Boilers

• Shell boilers • Water-tube boilers

Shell Boilers

Advantages:

• Able to purchase whole plant as package.

• Able to build up a reserve of energy • Construction is straight forward • One furnace tube and burner

Disadvantages:

• Only 27000 kg/h steam output • Large diameter cylinders limit pressure

Water-tube Boilers

Advantages:

• Small water content • Small diameter tubes and steam drum • Able to produce superheated steam • Customizable design (flexibility)

Disadvantages:

• More complex construction • Complex control systems required

Conclusion

• Shell boilers are for smaller scale applications than water-tube boilers • Only need water-tube boilers when a high pressure or temperature is required (ie. Power stations)

References are available upon request