zozen boiler
Home Service FAQs FAQ of gas-fired(oil-fired) boilers What is the difference between shell boiler and water tube boiler?

What is the difference between shell boiler and water tube boiler?

29 Jul 2022

Shell boiler (also is known as the fire tube boiler) and water tube boiler are two main types of industrial boilers. There are many differences between shell boiler and water tube boiler, and they have their own advantages and disadvantages. Users can choose shell boiler and water tube boiler according to specific application conditions. This article will analyze the difference between shell boiler and water-tube boiler, and help you make correct purchasing decisions.

 

Working principle of difference between shell boiler and water tube boiler

In the shell boiler, the high-temperature flue gas produced by the burner flows through the threaded flue pipe surrounded by water, and heats the water, steam or steam-water mixture outside the flue pipe wall to produce steam or hot water.

 

The operation mode of water tube boiler is just opposite to that of shell boiler. It is an industrial boiler with combustion chamber and heating surface outside the drum, which causes water and steam to flow in the tube. Water circulates in the boiler tube, and the tube is surrounded by high-temperature flue gas. The high-temperature flue gas heats someone in the water tube to produce steam or hot water.

 

Structure of difference between shell boiler and water tube boiler

The whole structure of boiler water pipe includes boiler body and auxiliary equipment. The basic structure of a shell boiler is to install a small cylinder, a tube or other shell in a large cylinder.

 

Characteristics of difference between shell boiler and water tube boiler

Shell boiler is generally used for users with small capacity because of its structural characteristics. Because the cross-section of the boiler inside the tube is smaller than that outside the tube, the steam-water flow rate is greatly increased, and the steam generated on the heating surface is immediately washed away, which improves the heat absorption rate of the boiler water.

 

Summary: it is found that the difference between shell boiler and water-tube boiler is obvious. Each enterprise should choose the appropriate boiler type according to the actual demand of its own production line, such as steam demand, reasonable boiler room area, boiler operation cost and maintenance convenience.

Related news View More
  • ZOZEN Boiler: Empowering High-Quality Development in the Building Materials Industry
    The continuous growth of the building materials industry places higher demands on thermal energy supply in production—stable steam output, efficient energy utilization, and emissions that meet environmental standards have become core criteria for selecting boiler equipment. Leveraging a deep understanding of industry-specific production needs, ZOZEN Boiler provides customized products and technical advantages to deliver reliable thermal energy support for building materials enterprises at ...
    21 Oct 2025
  • ZOZEN Boiler Breaks the High Humidity Biomass Combustion Challenge with Reciprocating Grate Biomass Steam Boiler
    ZOZEN Boiler Breaks the High Humidity Biomass Combustion Challenge with DZW Series Reciprocating Grate Biomass Steam Boiler Recently, Jinzhi Morning Hong Paper Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Morning Hong Paper") reached an important cooperation with ZOZEN Boiler, successfully introducing the DZW series reciprocating grate biomass steam boiler. This brings new impetus for efficient and green production to the company. As a leading paper product manufacturer in North China, Morning Hong P...
    14 Oct 2025
  • ZOZEN Boiler to Showcase at Heatpower Expo 2025 in Moscow, Russia
    From October 21 to 23, the Heatpower Expo, Russia’s premier industrial boiler and heat exchange exhibition, will be held at the Crocus International Expo Center. As a benchmark event in the industrial boiler and heat exchange equipment sector in Russia, the expo serves as both a window into industry trends and a high-energy platform for fostering practical cooperation. ZOZEN Boiler’s Russian-speaking sales team will participate with its core boiler solutions, demonstrating clean, eff...
    07 Oct 2025

Find the Right Boiler For You

Name *

Email *

WhatsApp/WeChat

Products

Power/Capacity