How does the heat release of water walls compare to that of refractory walls?

Water walls in a boiler system are designed to absorb and carry away heat more effectively than refractory walls. This is primarily because water has a high specific heat capacity, allowing it to store and transfer more energy as it heats up. The heat release from water walls is influenced by the continuous circulation of water, which facilitates a more efficient heat exchange process.

As water is heated, it transforms into steam, which also carries a significant amount of energy away from the heat source. This dynamic process leads to higher overall heat release when compared to refractory walls, which are more passive in their function. Refractory walls primarily serve as insulation to withstand high temperatures without effectively transferring the heat to a working fluid. Therefore, the heat release in water walls is indeed higher due to their active role in heat absorption and energy transfer compared to the static nature of refractory walls.