Which type of boiler can operate at higher pressures?

The water tube boiler is capable of operating at higher pressures compared to other types of boilers. This is primarily due to its design, where water circulates in tubes surrounded by hot gases. The pressure within the water tubes can be more easily managed because the tubes themselves can withstand greater pressure than large water-containing vessels.

Additionally, water tube boilers have a smaller volume of water compared to fire tube boilers, which reduces the risk of explosion from superheated steam. They are commonly used in industrial applications and power generation, where large amounts of steam are needed efficiently at high pressures.

In contrast, fire tube boilers contain the hot gases within the tubes, surrounded by water. This design is generally suited for low to medium pressure operations, as the large water volume can lead to less efficient steam production under higher pressures. Other types, like steam generators and electric boilers, also have their own specific applications and limitations related to the pressures they can safely and effectively operate under.