Which type of boiler is specifically designed to provide steam at higher pressure?

The water tube boiler is specifically designed to generate steam at higher pressures due to its construction and operational characteristics. In water tube boilers, water circulates inside tubes that are heated externally by combustion gases. This configuration allows for a much larger surface area for heat transfer compared to fire tube boilers, where hot gases pass through tubes surrounded by water.

The capability to achieve higher pressures is also influenced by the materials used in water tube boilers, which can be built to withstand greater stresses from the steam generated at high temperatures and pressures. Additionally, the design enables better control of water circulation and steam production, allowing for rapid responses to changes in demand. This makes water tube boilers particularly suitable for industrial applications where high-pressure steam is often required.

In contrast, fire tube boilers are typically not designed for high pressure because the pressure is primarily exerted on the shells of the tubes, which limits their operational pressure compared to water tube systems. Modular and vertical tube boilers have their specific applications, but they do not generally achieve the same high pressures as water tube boilers.