Where are soot blowers commonly found?

Soot blowers are commonly found on water tube boilers. Their primary function is to remove accumulated soot and other particulate matter from the heat exchange surfaces within the boiler. This cleaning process ensures optimal heat transfer and maintains the efficiency of the boiler.

Water tube boilers are particularly prone to soot buildup due to the high temperatures and pressures involved in their operation. The presence of soot can significantly impair the boiler's efficiency by acting as an insulating layer, reducing the heat transfer efficiency from the combustion gases to the water. By utilizing soot blowers, operators can ensure that the heat exchange surfaces remain clean, thereby enhancing performance and reducing fuel consumption.

In contrast, fire-tube boilers operate differently, where the combustion gases pass through tubes surrounded by water. While they might experience some soot buildup, they typically do not employ soot blowers in the same manner as water tube boilers. The other options, such as oil tanks and cooling towers, are not directly related to the process of soot removal in the context of boiler operations.