What is the minimum allowable thickness for a firetube shell on a 60" ID boiler per code?

The minimum allowable thickness for a firetube shell on a 60" internal diameter boiler is determined by safety and regulatory standards. For this size boiler, the established industry code specifies that the minimum thickness must be sufficient to ensure structural integrity and safe operation under high-pressure conditions.

In the case of a 60" internal diameter boiler, a thickness of 3/8" meets the necessary requirements for pressure containment and accounts for potential corrosion, manufacturing tolerances, and stress factors that could affect the shell's integrity over time. This standard is crucial for ensuring that the boiler can operate safely and efficiently without risk of failure.

Thinner materials would not provide adequate strength or durability, increasing the risk of structural compromise during operation, while options thicker than 3/8" would surpass the minimum requirements without enhancing performance proportionately for this application. Thus, the best answer that reflects compliance with safety codes and operational criteria is 3/8".