When determining which boiler is right for your facility, it’s important to explore all of the major components. Building operators want to know, specifically, in which cases it’s best to use a fire tube boiler or a cast-iron sectional boiler.

How A Fire Tube Boiler Works

A fire tube boiler creates heat in pipes to heat the water surrounding the tubes, and the boiler vessel itself contains the water being heated. While this type of commercial boiler would be ideal for both low- and high-pressure steam, or for hot water applications, it is limited in the amount of pressure available. Fire tube boilers are only used in settings where pressure over 350 psi is not required. They often range in size from 600,000 btu/hr to 50,000,000 btu/hr, but can range from 500,000 btu/hr to 75,000,000 btu/hr.

Fire tube boilers contain tubes that are easy to replace, so maintenance is simpler than with other types of boilers. Fire tube boilers are often found in facilities that need to vaporize liquids other than water. They are typically bigger than water tube boilers, so fitting the appliance into a facility can be a challenge or disadvantage.

*Tip: Fire tube boilers work best in facilities with plenty of installation room, since they cannot be brought in piece by piece like a cast-iron sectional.

How A Cast-Iron Sectional Boiler Works

With a cast-iron sectional boiler, also called a pork chop boiler, the appliance is built up from sections of cast iron. The iron castings are then bolted together like an old steam radiator and sealed by gaskets. They typically range in size from 35,000 to 14,000,000 btu/hr. The steam pressure does not exceed 15 psi and hot water pressure doesn’t go past 160 psi; temperatures do not go over 250’F. Cast-iron retains heat well but its brittle nature isn’t as conducive for high-pressure steam production activities. Still, they are highly resistant to corrosion.

Cast-iron sectional boilers are often used in commercial spaces for heat, too. The sections include passages for water and combustion gas and the different sections are then assembled on site. Additional sections can also be added for greater capacity.

*Tip: A cast-iron sectional boiler can be easier to install and fit, so it is better for tight spaces.

Key Points to Remember

  • Fire tube boilers are resistant, long-lasting and good for facilities with plenty of installation space.
  • Cast-iron sectionals are great for limited space installations.
  • Overheating or thermal shock can cause cracking, so be sure to monitor water circulation and temperature.
  • Boiler treatment chemicals can cause corrosion in cast-iron sectionals.

To determine if a fire tube boiler or cast iron sectional boiler is right for you, contact American Boiler Company today. Our experts have the industry expertise to help you choose the commercial boiler that best suits your needs.