Which three fuels are most commonly used for steam production?

The three fuels most commonly used for steam production include natural gas, fuel oil, and propane.

Natural gas is a popular choice due to its efficiency and relatively low cost. It is clean-burning and produces high energy output, which makes it ideal for large-scale steam generation.

Fuel oil is often used in commercial and industrial applications where natural gas might not be available. It can provide high temperatures and is widely utilized in water tube boilers and fire tube boilers.

Propane is another alternative, especially in areas where natural gas pipelines do not reach. It burns cleanly and can be used effectively for steam production, especially in smaller or mobile applications.

Other options like coal and wood are less commonly used today due to environmental regulations and availability issues. Gasoline and diesel are primarily used for transportation rather than steam generation, and while electricity and solar energy can be used to produce steam, they are not traditional fuels for this purpose in most boiler systems.