Minnesota Special Engineer Boiler License Practice Exam

In which type of boiler is the water surrounding the tubes?

1. Water tube

2. Fire tube

3. Electric

4. Condensing

The correct answer is: Fire tube

In a fire tube boiler, the design features hot combustion gases flowing through tubes that are surrounded by water. This configuration allows the heat from the gases to transfer to the water, producing steam. The primary function of a fire tube boiler is to generate steam or hot water through this process of heat exchange. In contrast, a water tube boiler operates with water inside the tubes and hot gases flowing around them, which is the opposite arrangement. Electric boilers use electrical energy to heat water directly, while condensing boilers recover and utilize the heat from the exhaust gases, typically using a different heat exchange method. This clarification helps understand the design and operation principles essential for a Special Engineer Boiler License in Minnesota.