Boiler tube insert and boiler tubes having inserts

A boiler tube configured to be used in a convection section of a boiler system, the boiler tube comprising:

• a front tube end configured to receive combustion gases from a furnace;
• a rear tube end configured to allow the combustion gases to exit the boiler tube;
• and
• a first section that extends from the front tube end along at least a portion of a length of the boiler tube and a second section that extends from the first section to the rear tube end, wherein the first section includes a boiler tube insert that includes a central core that extends along an entire length of the boiler tube insert, and a plurality of projections that each helically wrap around the central core in less than a full 360° arc.

A boiler system comprising:

• a housing;
• a furnace within the housing, the furnace including a rear wall;
• and
• a set of boiler tubes in a convection section of the boiler system;
• wherein each boiler tube of the set of boiler tubes includes a front tube end that receives combustion gases from the furnace, a rear tube end at which the combustion gases exit the boiler tube, and a first section that extends from the front tube end along at least a portion of a length of the boiler tube;
• wherein the first section of each boiler tube of the set of boiler tubes includes a boiler tube insert that includes a central core that extends along an entire length of the boiler tube insert, and a plurality of projections that each helically wrap around the central core in less than a full 360° arc;
• and
• wherein each boiler tube includes at least one indentation configured to retain the boiler tube insert within the boiler tube.

A boiler tube configured to be used in a convection section of a boiler system, the boiler tube comprising:

• a front tube end configured to receive combustion gases from a furnace;
• a rear tube end configured to allow the combustion gases to exit the boiler tube;
• and
• a first section that extends from the front tube end along at least a portion of a length of the boiler tube, wherein the first section includes a boiler tube insert that includes a central core that extends along an entire length of the boiler tube insert, and a plurality of projections that each helically wrap around the central core in less than a full 360° arc;
• wherein the boiler tube includes at least one indentation configured to retain the boiler tube insert within the boiler tube.