The 3 Types Of Steam Generators
If your business needs a steam generator, you need to know what type of generator they need. There are actually multiple types of steam generators. The three most popular types of steam-based generators include fire tube boilers, water tube boilers, and combustion heat generators.
1. Fire-Tube Boilers
Fire tube boilers are not very common in the industrial setting anymore. Fire tube boilers represent the original steam generator. The heat with a fire tube boiler is creating through the burning of either wood or coal. The heat from the fire box, where the fuel is burned, is directed through a series of chambers. These chambers heat up the water inside the water chamber. As the water inside of the chamber is heated up, steam is released.
It is not common to install a fire tube boiler anymore; however, they were once a very popular method of creating and generating energy via heat and steam. They were what powered many boats and trains during the 1900s.
2. Water Tube Boilers
Water tube boilers are a natural evolution from fire-tube boilers. Water tube boilers use the same principles as fire-tube boilers. A source of heat is passed through a series of tubes, which heats up the water, and creates steams. Water tube boilers are set-up in such a way so that not only is steam generated but also steam at a high pressure. High-pressure steam can then be translated into other functions. For example, steam that is under high pressure can then be used to power a machine more effectively. Water-tube boilers are used in a wide range of industrial settings.
3. Combustion Heat Generators
Finally, there is a combustion heat generator. With a combustion heat generator, instead of a direct source of fuel, such as wood, coal, or gas, electricity is used to power the generator. The electric is used to power a heat exchange that allows for large amounts of water to be heated in an efficient manner and turned into steam that can then be used to power large industrial machines.
If you are not sure what type of steam generator you need still, talk to a steam generator company. They will be able to assess your current system and set-up and will be able to let you know what type of generator you need. For most modern industrial settings, you are going to either need a water tube boiler or a combustion heat generator. Both can produce high levels of steams needed for industrial applications.
