Cross Drum Boiler

The cross drum boiler is longitudinal in which the steam drum is located opposite the heat source. The water tube boilers differ from the shell type in which the water gets circulated from the tubes with the source of heat surrounding it.

This article will discuss the water and cross drum tube boiler and their working principle.

Working Principle of a Cross Drum Boiler

The Cross drum boiler and longitudinal drum boiler are similar to each other:

1. With the help of feed water intake, feed water is transferred to the cross drum.
2. Water flows downward with the help of a down-comer pipe and then enters in inclined water, which is placed in a hot chamber.
3. Here, the water becomes hot, and steam is generated from the water, which then comes into the steam chamber.
4. Water and steam get separated naturally in the steam drum.

Water Tube Boiler

 

In a water tube boiler, the water of the tube gets heated, which is surrounded by hot gases. Opposite a fire tube boiler is nothing but a water tube boiler. A fire tube boiler is a boiler in which hot gases pass through the tubes surrounded by water.

Components of Water Tube Boiler

A water tube boiler comprises a boiler shell, mud drum, burner, mud ring, furnace, strainer, sight glass, steam stop valve, etc.

1. Boiler shell: boiler shell is a shell that has the outer cylindrical part of a pressure container.
2. Mud drum: In the base of water space, a cylindrical shape space is formed, which gathers impurities like mud, sediments, etc.
3. Furnace: A furnace is an enclosed space that provides for fuel combustion. ( An enclosed structure in which a material or other object can get heat to a very high temperature)
4. Strainer: This device is a filter that holds solid elements and lets a fluid supply.
5. Steam stop valve: The steam stop valve controls the flow of steam to supply outside

Cross Drum Water Tube Boiler

The Cross drum boiler and longitudinal drum boiler are similar to each other. In a cross drum boiler, the steam drum is located opposite the heat source. At the bottom of the drum, a down-comer is installed while a riser is installed on the top of the drum by a horizontal roof.

About 5 degrees to 15-degree inclined water tubes are connected by the down corner and riser tube in the same way so that a Babcock-Wilcox boiler is connected.

The cross drum boilers achieve higher uniform temperature throughout the drum, and the working principle of the cross drum water tube boilers is the same as the longitudinal drum.

The principle on which the longitudinal drum works on the same principle, the cross drum also works, except that it achieves a little more uniform temperature over the drum.

Water Tube Steam Boiler

In our modern age, steam is one of the great sources of energy. From the start of the 1st industrial revolution in human history, humans have been using steam.

We started using steam from the start of the first industrial revolution, which provided sterilization and also many other applications and works which are essential for industrialization.

With the help of a boiler or steam generator, steam is created by applying heat energy to the water. The large utility boilers mostly depends on water-filled tubes.

In water, tube boiler water circulates in a tube heated externally by the fire. In the furnace, fuel is burned and creates hot gases, which boils water in the steam-generating tubes.

Flex Tube Boiler

A Bent water tube boiler powers the vehicle’s engine and is immensely rugged. Because of his past experience in the projects for the future, Bryan is promoted to the leader in making flexible water boilers.

The flexible tube boiler provides faster, natural internal circulation that helps in maximum heat transfer and higher operating efficiency. No dependency on the external pumps.

One of the precious FTH series “Flex Tube” boilers is nothing but the two drum system with multiple longitudinal passes separated by the tangent water walls. As a result, long, turbulent gas will travel without gas stratification.

Advantages of Water Tube Boiler

There are various advantages of a water tube boiler:

1. Water tube boilers are best suitable for thermal power stations.
2. We can achieve a large heating surface area by using water tubes.
3. The flow of water is faster than that of a fire tube boiler; that’s why the heat transfer rate is high as it results in higher efficiency. As a result, very high pressure can be obtained smoothly.
4. Water tube boilers are safe, and they are easy to operate. Water tube boilers react fast to steam demand, and they provide a highly efficient performance of more than 90% with an economizerTransformation of heat is rapid.
5. Water tube boilers can be easily transported from one place to another. And quickly get access while cleaning, repairing, and during the inspection; it can easily tolerate high steam pressure and have extensive.

Disadvantages of Water Tube Boiler

Water tube boilers also have some disadvantages, which we are going to describe:

1. If the dust settles in the feed of the water, there is a possibility that the boiler gets damaged because it blocks the circulation of the water.
2. The salt and sediments which are deposited on the inner surface of the water tube are the most common problem which happens in this type of boiler.
3. The use of water in a water tube boiler is significantly less; that’s why the water level needs to be checked randomly. A makeup pump or water pump is used to supply the necessary water.
4. The maintenance cost required for the maintenance of the water tube boiler is very high.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about cross drum water tube boilers:

What is a cross drum boiler?

A cross drum boiler is a type of water tube boiler where the steam drum is placed at the opposite end of the heat source, ensuring better circulation and uniform temperature throughout the drum.

How does a cross drum boiler work?

Cross drum boilers work similarly to longitudinal drum boilers. Water is fed into the boiler through a feed water intake, flows downward through a down-comer pipe, enters inclined water tubes in a hot chamber, where it heats up and generates steam. Steam and water are naturally separated in the steam drum.

What are the components of a water tube boiler?

A water tube boiler consists of several key components including the boiler shell, mud drum (to collect impurities), furnace (where fuel combustion occurs), steam stop valve (controls steam flow), and various tubes for water circulation and heat exchange.

What are the advantages of water tube boilers?

Water tube boilers offer advantages such as a larger heating surface area, faster water circulation leading to higher heat transfer rates and efficiency, suitability for high-pressure operations, and ease of maintenance and cleaning.

What are the disadvantages of water tube boilers?

Some disadvantages include the potential for damage due to blockages caused by dust or sediment in the feed water, issues with salt and sediment buildup inside the tubes, and higher maintenance costs compared to fire tube boilers.

How do cross drum boilers differ from longitudinal drum boilers?

In cross drum boilers, the steam drum is located opposite the heat source, promoting better water circulation and temperature uniformity. Longitudinal drum boilers have the steam drum placed along the length of the boiler.

What are some applications of water tube boilers?

Water tube boilers are commonly used in thermal power stations due to their efficiency and ability to handle high pressures. They are also utilized in industrial processes where steam is required for various operations.

Why are water tube boilers considered safer?

Water tube boilers react quickly to steam demand, have efficient heat transfer, and are designed with safety features that make them less prone to catastrophic failures compared to some other boiler types.

How are water tube boilers transported and maintained?

Water tube boilers can be easily transported due to their modular design and are accessible for cleaning, repairs, and inspections. However, maintenance costs can be higher due to the complexity of the system.

What is the role of down-comer and riser tubes in cross drum boilers?

Down-comer tubes carry water from the steam drum to the water tubes, while riser tubes carry steam and water mixture back to the steam drum, facilitating efficient circulation and heat exchange.