Key Points of Boiler Tube Layout

Boiler tubes are special seamless steel pipes used to manufacture boiler pressure components (such as water-cooled walls, superheaters, reheaters, economizers, etc.). Common types of pipes in boilers also include mild steel pipes and carbon steel pipes, which show good durability and thermal conductivity under high temperature and high pressure. Boiler tubes are generally located inside the boiler and are the core components of boiler equipment. They are responsible for heat conduction and heat transfer. Their location and layout are crucial to the operation of the boiler.

Position and layout of boiler tubes

As an important part of boiler equipment, the location and layout of boiler tubes are crucial. Boiler tubes are usually located inside the boiler. According to the design and structure of the boiler, they are arranged in a specific layout. These pipes are responsible for transferring the heat energy generated by combustion to water or other media in the boiler to achieve the conversion and utilization of heat energy.

In common boiler equipment, boiler tubes usually include two types: water tubes and fire tubes.

1. Water tubes

Water tubes are mainly located in the steam-water system of the boiler and are responsible for transporting steam or hot water to where it is needed.

2. Fire tubes

The fire tubes are located in the combustion chamber, directly receiving the heat from the flames, and transferring the heat energy to the water or other media in the boiler.

The layout and connection of these boiler tubes will vary according to the model, power and usage requirements of the boiler.

4 major arrangements of boiler tubes

1. Horizontal arrangement

In the horizontal arrangement, the boiler tubes are placed horizontally in the boiler shell, and the arrangement of each layer of tubes can be parallel, staggered or cross-arranged.

Advantages: Easy to clean and maintain, easy to discharge when draining.

Disadvantages: The tube layout makes it difficult to utilize the furnace space.

2. Vertical arrangement

In the vertical arrangement, the boiler tubes are arranged vertically or approximately vertically in the horizontal direction.

Advantages: The height of the boiler can be utilized to save ground space.

Disadvantages: The layout of the boiler tubes is relatively complex, and the phenomenon of local overtemperature will occur during the operation of the boiler.

3. Diagonal arrangement

In the diagonal arrangement, the boiler tubes are arranged in a diagonal manner, and the space utilization rate of the boiler is relatively high.

Advantages: Reasonable pipe layout, easy ventilation and coal supply.

Disadvantages: Unbalanced boiler water flow, easy to scale and corrosion.

4. Spiral arrangement

In the spiral arrangement, the boiler tubes are spiral or multi-circle spiral arrangement, and the boiler space utilization rate is very high.

Advantages: High heat exchange efficiency between tubes and good sealing.

Disadvantages: Complex pipe layout, difficult design and manufacturing.

Basic principles of boiler tube layout

When arranging boiler tubes, the following basic principles need to be followed:

1. Safety principle

Ensure that the pipeline layout complies with relevant safety regulations to prevent safety accidents caused by pipeline rupture, leakage, etc.

2. Economic principle

On the premise of meeting performance requirements, reduce the cost of pipeline layout as much as possible and improve economic benefits.

3. Easy maintenance principle

Consider the maintainability of pipeline layout to facilitate future maintenance and replacement work.

Key steps of boiler tube layout

1. Determine the layout plan

Determine a reasonable pipeline layout plan based on the model, capacity and actual use requirements of the boiler.

2. Select pipes and fittings

Select appropriate pipes and fittings based on the properties, temperature, pressure and other parameters of the medium in the pipeline.

3. Draw layout drawings

Draw detailed pipeline layout drawings according to the determined layout plan to provide a basis for subsequent construction. If necessary, use pup joints and other components to improve the flexibility and connection stability of the pipeline system.

4. Construction and installation

Carry out pipeline construction and installation work according to the requirements of the drawings to ensure that the construction quality meets the standards.

Precautions for boiler tube layout

When arranging boiler tubes, pay attention to the following points:

1. Avoid pipelines that are too long or too bent to reduce fluid resistance and improve heat transfer efficiency.

2. Ensure that the setting of pipeline supports and hangers is reasonable and can withstand the weight of the pipeline and the vibration generated during operation.

3. For pipelines in special parts such as high temperature and high pressure, corresponding protective measures should be taken, such as installing insulation layers, explosion-proof films, etc.

4. Regularly check the operation status of the pipeline to promptly discover and deal with potential safety hazards.

Summary

In summary, boiler tubes play a vital role in boiler equipment. Understanding the location and layout of boiler tubes helps us better understand and use boiler equipment to ensure its safe, efficient and stable operation. Different arrangements have their own advantages and disadvantages, and should be selected based on the actual situation of the boiler and operating requirements. 

Read more: How To Weld Boiler Tubes? or Material of Boiler tube