What is the function of the waterwall tubes in a boiler?

The function of the waterwall tubes in a boiler is primarily to protect furnace refractories by absorbing heat and creating a water-cooled surface. These tubes are typically arranged in panels on the furnace walls and act as a barrier between the aggressive environment of the combustion chamber and the protective refractories. By doing so, they help to maintain the structural integrity of the furnace and ensure that it operates efficiently without excessive wear or damage.

The thermal absorption by the waterwall tubes also serves to generate steam, but their main role is not the production of steam but rather to serve as a protective mechanism. Other options, such as storing water or increasing pressure, do not accurately reflect the primary purpose of waterwall tubes in boiler systems.