Posted by john on November 19, 2001 at 22:03:08:
In Reply to: Cleaver-Brooks FLX (Bent/Flex) Watertube vs. Hurst Firetube posted by Peter Consitt on October 31, 2001 at 15:29:24:
: We are evaluating the purchase of two boilers for an industrial application. Two boilers are 150HP CB Flextube (FLX series) and 150HP 3 pass Hurst Scotch marine firetube. The process supported requires approx. 4000#/hr of steam @ 125 psi. Process runs 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. We would appreciate any feedback on experiences (positive or negative) with either of these boilers.
: Thanks, Peter
Peter, I have worked on the CB Flextube and the Hurst 3 pass wet back firetube boilers. Both boilers do a good job for high pressure steam, I would like you to think of your application. these are general questions for any manufactured boiler. Watertube- fast steamer, smaller floor space occupied, less weight with smaller water capacity, water treatment is critical, any scale may cause localized overheating tube problems, don't soot up boiler, difficult and time consuming to remove soot from 5 passes, side panels must be removed, shrinkage and swell in gauge glass more noticeable, may cycle feed water pump more often, if you have large load swings fix system, you may oversteam boiler capacity and go down on low water, jacket may give off more heat to room as boiler has typically less heating surface than firetube. Firetube- slow steamer, warm up and cool down longer, need larger floor space including room to pull tubes. heavy doors to open,usually more gasket,ropes,etc. water treatment more fogiving as scale falls to bottom of shell, but best to run great water treatment. usually more refractory in firetubes, but 3 pass wetback model available, no rear door refractory. little swell in gauge glass, good steam, soot removal punch tubes. Typically larger blower motor to overcome passes, electricity dollars, get the information sheets from manufactures and ask them how much does it cost to make 1000 pounds of steam in your plant? they can estimate this. Hope this helps.