In a watertube boiler, how does the water circulate?

In a watertube boiler, water circulates by passing through the tubes. This type of boiler is designed so that water is contained within the tubes, which are heated externally by the combustion gases that flow around them. The water inside the tubes is heated to produce steam, which is then typically used to drive turbines or for heating applications.

The design of watertube boilers allows for better heat transfer and higher efficiency compared to firetube boilers, as the water is directly in contact with the heated tube surfaces. This also allows for faster pressure increases and responsiveness to changes in steam demand. Because the water is enclosed within the tubes, the risks associated with larger volumes of water are minimized, contributing to safer operation at high pressures.

Understanding how the water circulates is crucial for efficient operation and management of the boiler, particularly in how it is affected by factors such as temperature, pressure, and flow rates.