Which heating method is generally faster in a tubular boiler?

In a tubular boiler, the heating method that is generally faster involves utilizing copper tubing. The reason for this lies in the thermal conductivity properties of copper. Copper is known for its excellent heat transfer abilities, allowing it to efficiently transfer heat throughout the boiler system. When hot fluids pass through the copper tubing, they effectively transfer heat very quickly to the surrounding water or steam, resulting in a faster heating process.

In comparison, although electric heaters and natural gas burners are also effective heating methods, they can take longer to reach optimal temperatures due to additional factors, such as the time required to generate heat before it can be transferred. Cast iron heating elements, while durable and effective for heat retention, are typically slower in achieving rapid temperature increases compared to copper tubing.