How are tube sheets supported in a fire-tube boiler?

In a fire-tube boiler, tube sheets play a crucial role as they separate the fire tubes from the water or steam in the boiler. The correct method of support for these tube sheets is through the shell, stays, and tubes.

The shell of the fire-tube boiler provides a structural framework to which the tube sheets are attached. The stays, which are rods or beams used to provide additional support and prevent deflection, further ensure that the tube sheets maintain their position under operational conditions. The presence of the tubes, which run through the tube sheets, helps to distribute the forces acting on them and adds stability.

This combination of support ensures that the tube sheets are capable of withstanding the pressures and forces during normal operation, as well as thermal expansion and contraction that can occur with temperature changes. Proper support is essential for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the boiler system.