In a watertube boiler, what flows through the tubes?

In a watertube boiler, water flows through the tubes. The design of a watertube boiler consists of water-filled tubes that are surrounded by combustion gases. This allows for efficient heat transfer, as the heat generated by burning fuel passes around the tubes and heats the water inside them. As the water is heated, it converts to steam, which can then be used for various applications, such as heating or power generation.

This design contrasts with firetube boilers, where the combustion gases flow through tubes that are surrounded by water. In the case of the watertube boiler, the water being heated retains its liquid form within the tubes, and the efficient flow of water allows for higher pressure and temperature operations, making it suitable for high-capacity steam generation. Understanding the flow of water in this type of boiler is essential for recognizing its operational principles and applications in various industrial settings.