What is the significance of cleanliness in boiler tubes?

The significance of cleanliness in boiler tubes primarily relates to its influence on natural circulation within the system. Clean boiler tubes ensure that water and steam can freely move through the system without obstruction. Deposits, such as scale and corrosion products, can accumulate on the internal surfaces of the tubes, which can drastically hinder the flow of water and steam. This can disrupt the natural circulation that is crucial for effective heat transfer and overall system efficiency.

When the natural circulation is compromised, the efficiency of the boiler decreases, and the risk of overheating or even tube failure increases. Clean tubes allow for optimal thermal conductivity and minimize the temperature differential, thereby supporting stable and efficient operating conditions.

While reduced need for insulation, improved aesthetic appearance, and decreased operating costs are all beneficial outcomes of maintaining cleanliness, they do not directly address the functional performance aspects that influence the operation of the boiler in the same critical way that natural circulation does.