Classificatoin of boilers

 Classification of boilers

In this blog, we will learn how boilers are classified

Fire tube and water tube :

Fire-tube boiler: Those types of boiler in which hot gases flow inside the tube and water surrounds the tube is called Fire tube boilers
Example: Locomotive Boiler, Lancashire Boiler, Cochran 

Water Tube Boiler: They are basically opposite of fire tube boilers.Those types of boilers in which water is inside the tube and hot gasses surround the tube are called water tube boilers.

Example: Babcock and Wilcox, Stirling, Yarrow boiler, etc

Based on the inclination of  Boiler:

Boiler can also be classified based on their inclination

If the boiler axis is horizontal to the surface then it called horizontal boiler
Note: they are easy to clean, but consume more space

If the boiler axis is vertical then it is called vertical boiler
Note: less space consume, difficult to clean

If the boiler axis is inclined then the boiler is called inclined boiler

Externally and internally Fired:

If the heat is supplied outside the shell then it is called an externally fired boiler.
Example : Stirling Boiler , Babcock and Wilcox

If the heat is supplied inside the shell then it is called an Internally fired boiler

Example: Cochran, Lancashire Boiler

Based on Pressure on boilers:

If the steam pressure produced by the boiler is 80bar and above then it is called a high-pressure boiler.
if the steam pressure produced by the boiler is 80 bar and below then it is called a low-pressure boiler.

High-pressure boiler example: Babcock and Wilcox, Benson Boiler

Low-pressure boiler example: Cochran, Cornish

Based on Circulation of Water:

If the circulation of water in the boiler is done by using an external convention or pump then it is called Force circulation.
Example: Velox , Benson Boiler

if the circulation of water in the boiler is done by using Natural convention then it is called Natural circulation.

Example : Lancashire Boiler,Babcock and Wilcox

Based on Portability :

If the boiler is at the stationary place,fixed, and cannot be moved then it is called a stationary boiler

Example: Velox , Benson Boiler

If the boiler is portable and moving then it called Portable boiler

Example: marine , locomotive (old time coal gas steam engine is best example)