From large industrial production, and home heating systems to small water heaters, there are most common two types of steam boilers used for centuries to provide steam heating and hot water. At a glance, it may seem that all types of steam boilers are more or less the same, but the truth is that steam systems can be very different from each other. In terms of structural layout, fuel, use, working pressure, etc., there are many differences. Different types of steam boilers need to be selected according to different application scenarios. So what are the types of steam boilers, and what are the two types of steam boilers most commonly used? In this blog, let’s delve into the questions in our minds from the following aspects:

What Is A steam boiler?

What Are The Types of steam boilers?

What Are The Most Common Two Types of Steam Boilers?

What Are The Practical Applications of The Two Most Common Types of Steam Boilers?

1.What is a steam boiler?

1.1 Definition

A steam boiler is a device that uses thermal energy to convert water into steam. Its thermal energy comes from a wide range of sources, including burning fossil fuels, biomass and even solar energy. Steam boilers are widely used in industry and households, serving a variety of needs.

EPCB steam boilers mainly serve the industrial field. We are committed to helping users save energy, enhance corporate competitiveness, and provide them with high-efficiency industrial boilers and related product solutions.

1.2 Working principle of steam boiler

The working principle of steam boilers is based on the principles of thermodynamics. When thermal energy acts on water, the water undergoes a phase change from liquid to gaseous state, forming steam. This process takes place in a closed vessel called a boiler. Thermal energy is transferred to the water by conduction, convection, and radiation, and the steam produced is used in a variety of applications.

EPCB steam boilers are widely used in many industries, including food, textiles, biotechnology, power generation, services and many other fields.

1.3 A brief history of steam boilers

The origins of steam boilers can be traced back to ancient Greece, when Hero of Alexandria invented a device called the "aeolipile." This device uses steam to rotate a sphere, demonstrating the power of steam. During the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries, steam boiler technology made major breakthroughs. Steam power became a powerful driving force for industrialization and technological progress.

2. What Are The Types of Steam Boilers?

There are many types of steam boilers, and different types of steam boilers are configured according to different application scenarios. Steam boilers can be classified from different perspectives, and the following are several common classification methods.

2.1 Classification According to Boiler Structure

Fire tube boiler: The combustion chamber is connected to the boiler barrel, and the gas is heat transferred to the water supply through the fire tube.

Water tube boiler: the combustion chamber is separated from the cylinder, and the flue gas is transferred to the water supply through the water pipe.

Shell and tube boiler: composed of a combustion chamber, a boiler barrel, and a flue gas tube shell, in which the flue gas transmits heat to the water supply.

2.2 Classification by Boiler Application

Industrial boilers: used for steam supply in industrial production processes, such as chemical, textile, food processing, etc.

Power generation boiler: Steam generation unit used in power plants to produce high temperature and high pressure steam to drive steam turbines to generate electricity.

HVAC boiler: Hot water or steam supply for heating systems.

2.3 Classification According To Boiler Working Pressure:

Low-pressure boiler: the working pressure is less than 1.6MPa.

Medium pressure boiler: the working pressure is between 1.6-4.0MPa.

High-pressure boiler: the working pressure is between 4.0-9.8MPa.

Ultra-high pressure boiler: the working pressure exceeds 9.8MPa.

2.4 Classification By Boiler Fuel

Coal fired boiler: A boiler that uses coal as fuel.

Oil fired boiler: A boiler fueled by petroleum or heavy oil.

Gas fired boiler: A boiler fueled by natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas.

Biomass fired boiler: a boiler fueled by biomass particles, straw, etc.

3.What are the two most common types of steam boilers?

From different perspectives and different application scenarios, the two most common types of steam boilers are also different. But overall, fire tube boilers and water tube boilers are the two most commonly used types of steam boilers.

Biomass fired reciprocating grate steam boiler

3.1 Fire tube boiler

Fire tube boilers are the most common type of steam boilers and are known for their simple design and ease of maintenance. In a fire tube boiler, hot gases from burning fuel flow through tubes surrounded by water. The heat in the gas is transferred to the water, converting it into steam. 

A major advantage of fire tube boilers is their compact design, making them ideal for small to medium-sized applications. In addition, its installation and operating costs are relatively low.

3.2 Water tube boiler

Water tube boilers are another common type of steam boiler, known for their efficiency and ability to withstand high pressures. In a water tube boiler, water flows through tubes heated by hot gases produced by burning fuel. The heat in the hot gas is transferred to the water, converting it into steam.

Water tube boilers are particularly useful in applications where high pressure steam or large volumes of steam are required, such as power plants or industrial processes. Water tube boilers are more efficient than fire tube boilers because they can achieve higher steam temperatures and pressures. 

Fire tube boilers and water tube boilers are the two most commonly used types of steam boilers in various industries. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and which type to choose depends on the needs of the specific application scenario. Whether it is a fire tube boiler or a water tube boiler, they all play an important role in their respective fields of application.

4. What Are The Practical Applications of the Two most Common Types of Steam Boilers?

4.1 Fire Tube Boilers

Heating buildings and providing hot water for domestic use: Fire tube boilers are commonly used in residential and commercial buildings to provide heat and hot water for heating purposes. Power generation: Fire tube boilers are also used in power plants to generate steam for electricity production. Of course, the practical application of fire tube boilers is not limited to the above two types.  It has the characteristics of high combustion efficiency, safety and stability, space saving, fuel saving, large load adjustment ratio, and so on. The boiler adopts fully automatic control and has good adaptability to the burner.

4.2 Water Tube Boilers

Industrial processes: Water tube boilers are commonly used in various industrial processes such as chemical manufacturing, food processing, and textile production where high-pressure steam is required for heating, sterilizing, or drying materials. Power generation: Water tube boilers are also used in power plants for electricity generation as they can produce high-pressure steam efficiently. Water tube boilers are also widely used in industrial production, so they are one of the most common types of steam boilers.

Overall, both types of steam boilers are essential for various applications in industries, buildings, and power generation, providing a reliable source of steam for heating, processing, and power production.

5.Conclusion

Fire tube boilers are simple and suitable for small industrial production, while water tube boilers are efficient and meet large-scale needs. The selection of steam boilers must be based on production scale and demand to improve efficiency and reduce costs.