New York Low Pressure Boiler COF Practice

Why are fire tube boilers preferred over water tube boilers?

1. Higher maintenance cost and larger floor space

2. Lower initial cost and compactness

3. Better efficiency and easier operation

4. Higher safety standards and durability

The correct answer is: Lower initial cost and compactness

Fire tube boilers are often preferred over water tube boilers primarily due to their lower initial cost and compact design. This makes them particularly suitable for applications where budget constraints are significant, or where space is limited. The design of fire tube boilers, where hot gases pass through tubes surrounded by water, allows them to be built in a more compact manner compared to water tube boilers, which require a more extensive framework to support the numerous water tubes. This compactness not only saves space but also reduces installation costs, making fire tube boilers an appealing choice for many facilities. While other characteristics such as efficiency, operation ease, safety, and durability are important in selecting boiler types, the combination of lower initial costs and the compact footprint stands out as a key advantage when considering fire tube boilers versus their water tube counterparts.