How is a firetube boiler designed?

A firetube boiler is designed with fire inside the tubes that are surrounded by water. This design allows hot combustion gases from the fuel to pass through the tubes, which are immersed in water. As the gases exit the tubes, they transfer heat to the surrounding water, heating it to create steam or hot water for various applications.

This configuration is effective for several reasons: it provides a large surface area for heat transfer, which increases efficiency, and it can handle a wide variety of fuel types. Additionally, since the fire is contained within the tubes, it aids in the overall safety and control of the boiler heat exchange process.

In contrast to other designs, such as having the fire around the exterior or involving gas above the water level, the firetube boiler's specific arrangement offers a compact structure that's typically easier to maintain and operate while delivering reliable performance.