What is a primary disadvantage of fire tube boilers?

A primary disadvantage of fire tube boilers is their susceptibility to catastrophic failures, which can occur if there is a significant pressure and temperature increase within the system. This is largely due to the construction and the operational principles of fire tube boilers, where water surrounds the combustion gases. If there are failures in the pressure management system, it can lead to an explosive scenario, especially if the boiler is not properly maintained or operated outside of its designed parameters.

While high initial costs, low efficiency, or poor thermal insulation are factors in boiler selection and operation, they do not directly relate to the safety concerns associated with fire tube boilers. The focus on catastrophic failure highlights the critical importance of safety in boiler operation and maintenance, making it a significant disadvantage for users and operators of this type of equipment.