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Questions and Answers
EASY What is the primary function of a low water fuel cut-off (LWCO)?
EASY What is the primary function of a low water fuel cut-off (LWCO)?
Which type of boilers does not require a low water fuel cut-off?
Which type of boilers does not require a low water fuel cut-off?
What is the lowest water level at which a boiler can be safely operated?
What is the lowest water level at which a boiler can be safely operated?
What is the purpose of the float chamber in the LWCO device?
What is the purpose of the float chamber in the LWCO device?
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What happens when the water level in the boiler drops below the minimum safe level?
What happens when the water level in the boiler drops below the minimum safe level?
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What is the function of the diaphragm in the LWCO device?
What is the function of the diaphragm in the LWCO device?
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Which type of boilers commonly uses the LWCO device shown in Figure 1?
Which type of boilers commonly uses the LWCO device shown in Figure 1?
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What is the purpose of the safety shut-off valve (SSOV)?
What is the purpose of the safety shut-off valve (SSOV)?
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What is the highest normal operating level in the boiler?
What is the highest normal operating level in the boiler?
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What happens when the water level drops to level C?
What happens when the water level drops to level C?
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What is the purpose of the magnetic low water fuel cut-off?
What is the purpose of the magnetic low water fuel cut-off?
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What type of low water fuel cut-off has no moving parts?
What type of low water fuel cut-off has no moving parts?
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Why is it necessary to check and clean the electric probes?
Why is it necessary to check and clean the electric probes?
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What type of boiler can experience low water conditions due to human error or mechanical failure?
What type of boiler can experience low water conditions due to human error or mechanical failure?
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What is the purpose of the float in the magnetic low water fuel cut-off?
What is the purpose of the float in the magnetic low water fuel cut-off?
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What happens when the water level drops below the upper probe in the electric probe type low water fuel cut-off?
What happens when the water level drops below the upper probe in the electric probe type low water fuel cut-off?
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What is the advantage of the electric probe type low water fuel cut-off?
What is the advantage of the electric probe type low water fuel cut-off?
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What is the purpose of the low water fuel cut-off device in hot water heating boilers?
What is the purpose of the low water fuel cut-off device in hot water heating boilers?
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What is the function of the bellows assembly in the low water fuel cut-off system?
What is the function of the bellows assembly in the low water fuel cut-off system?
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What happens to the electrical circuit when the boiler water level drops below the LPWL?
What happens to the electrical circuit when the boiler water level drops below the LPWL?
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What is the purpose of the mercury switch in the low water fuel cut-off system?
What is the purpose of the mercury switch in the low water fuel cut-off system?
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What happens when the boiler water level drops and the float closes the two-wire switch?
What happens when the boiler water level drops and the float closes the two-wire switch?
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What is the function of the float in the float chamber?
What is the function of the float in the float chamber?
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What happens when the boiler water level continues to drop and the three-wire switch acts as a boiler emergency shutdown?
What happens when the boiler water level continues to drop and the three-wire switch acts as a boiler emergency shutdown?
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What is the purpose of the combination low water cutoff and feeder valve?
What is the purpose of the combination low water cutoff and feeder valve?
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What is the function of the float in the float controlled make-up water valve?
What is the function of the float in the float controlled make-up water valve?
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What happens when the boiler water level drops to the point where heat transfer surfaces could overheat?
What happens when the boiler water level drops to the point where heat transfer surfaces could overheat?
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What is the purpose of the float chamber in the low water fuel cut-off system?
What is the purpose of the float chamber in the low water fuel cut-off system?
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What may cause a rapidly falling water level in the boiler?
What may cause a rapidly falling water level in the boiler?
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What is not a cause of a gradual reduction in boiler water level?
What is not a cause of a gradual reduction in boiler water level?
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What happens when the water level drops to the low water cut-off point?
What happens when the water level drops to the low water cut-off point?
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Why is it essential for the plant operator to conduct regular tests of the low water cut-off?
Why is it essential for the plant operator to conduct regular tests of the low water cut-off?
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MEDIUM What can cause an interruption of the water supply to the feedwater pump?
MEDIUM What can cause an interruption of the water supply to the feedwater pump?
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What would cause a rapidly falling water level in the boiler?
What would cause a rapidly falling water level in the boiler?
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What could cause a gradual reduction in boiler water level?
What could cause a gradual reduction in boiler water level?
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What happens if the low water cut-off fails to shut down the boiler?
What happens if the low water cut-off fails to shut down the boiler?
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Why is it essential for the plant operator to conduct regular tests of the low water cut-off?
Why is it essential for the plant operator to conduct regular tests of the low water cut-off?
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What is a possible cause of an interruption of the water supply to the feedwater pump?
What is a possible cause of an interruption of the water supply to the feedwater pump?
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What is the primary purpose of the bellows assembly in the low water fuel cut-off system?
What is the primary purpose of the bellows assembly in the low water fuel cut-off system?
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What happens when the boiler water level drops and the float closes the two-wire switch?
What happens when the boiler water level drops and the float closes the two-wire switch?
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What is the purpose of the combination low water cutoff and feeder valve?
What is the purpose of the combination low water cutoff and feeder valve?
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What happens when the boiler water level continues to drop and the three-wire switch acts as a boiler emergency shutdown?
What happens when the boiler water level continues to drop and the three-wire switch acts as a boiler emergency shutdown?
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What is the function of the mercury switch in the low water fuel cut-off system?
What is the function of the mercury switch in the low water fuel cut-off system?
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What happens when the water level in the boiler drops to the LPWL?
What happens when the water level in the boiler drops to the LPWL?
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What is the purpose of the float in the float chamber?
What is the purpose of the float in the float chamber?
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What happens when the boiler water level drops and the float moves to a lower position in the float controlled make-up water valve?
What happens when the boiler water level drops and the float moves to a lower position in the float controlled make-up water valve?
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What is the purpose of the cut-off switch at level C?
What is the purpose of the cut-off switch at level C?
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What happens when the water level continues to drop even after the switch has shut off the burner?
What happens when the water level continues to drop even after the switch has shut off the burner?
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How does the electric probe type low water fuel cut-off work?
How does the electric probe type low water fuel cut-off work?
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What is the purpose of the float chamber in the low water fuel cut-off system?
What is the purpose of the float chamber in the low water fuel cut-off system?
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Why is it necessary to check and clean the electric probes?
Why is it necessary to check and clean the electric probes?
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What is a feature of the magnetic low water fuel cut-off?
What is a feature of the magnetic low water fuel cut-off?
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What can occur in hot water heating boilers due to human error or mechanical failure?
What can occur in hot water heating boilers due to human error or mechanical failure?
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At what level does the control switch close, and the feedwater pump starts?
At what level does the control switch close, and the feedwater pump starts?
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What happens when the water level drops below the upper probe in the electric probe type low water fuel cut-off?
What happens when the water level drops below the upper probe in the electric probe type low water fuel cut-off?
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What is an advantage of the electric probe type low water fuel cut-off?
What is an advantage of the electric probe type low water fuel cut-off?
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What is the purpose of the low water fuel cut-off device in hot water heating boilers?
What is the purpose of the low water fuel cut-off device in hot water heating boilers?
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What happens when the water level drops to level A?
What happens when the water level drops to level A?
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What is the primary purpose of the low water fuel cut-off device in a boiler?
What is the primary purpose of the low water fuel cut-off device in a boiler?
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Which of the following boilers does not require a low water fuel cut-off?
Which of the following boilers does not require a low water fuel cut-off?
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What is the purpose of the flexible diaphragm in the low water fuel cut-off device?
What is the purpose of the flexible diaphragm in the low water fuel cut-off device?
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What happens when the float switch opens in the low water fuel cut-off device?
What happens when the float switch opens in the low water fuel cut-off device?
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What determines the lowest permissible water level (LPWL) for a boiler?
What determines the lowest permissible water level (LPWL) for a boiler?
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What is the purpose of the float chamber in the low water fuel cut-off device?
What is the purpose of the float chamber in the low water fuel cut-off device?
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Why is the low water fuel cut-off device an important boiler safety control?
Why is the low water fuel cut-off device an important boiler safety control?
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What is the function of the safety shut-off valve (SSOV) in the low water fuel cut-off device?
What is the function of the safety shut-off valve (SSOV) in the low water fuel cut-off device?
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HARD What is the most likely cause of a rapid fall in boiler water level if the make-up water or condensate return systems are functioning properly?
HARD What is the most likely cause of a rapid fall in boiler water level if the make-up water or condensate return systems are functioning properly?
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What is the primary consequence of a faulty low water cut-off system?
What is the primary consequence of a faulty low water cut-off system?
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Which of the following is NOT a cause of a gradual reduction in boiler water level?
Which of the following is NOT a cause of a gradual reduction in boiler water level?
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What is the purpose of regular testing of the low water cut-off system?
What is the purpose of regular testing of the low water cut-off system?
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What is the most likely consequence of a faulty feedwater level controller?
What is the most likely consequence of a faulty feedwater level controller?
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What would happen if the feedwater supply switch fails to open when the water level drops to level B?
What would happen if the feedwater supply switch fails to open when the water level drops to level B?
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What is the purpose of the alarm switch in the low water fuel cut-off system?
What is the purpose of the alarm switch in the low water fuel cut-off system?
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How does the electric probe type low water fuel cut-off device work?
How does the electric probe type low water fuel cut-off device work?
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What is the primary purpose of the low water fuel cut-off device in hot water heating boilers?
What is the primary purpose of the low water fuel cut-off device in hot water heating boilers?
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What happens when the water level drops below the upper probe in the electric probe type low water fuel cut-off?
What happens when the water level drops below the upper probe in the electric probe type low water fuel cut-off?
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Why is it necessary to check and clean the electric probes in the electric probe type low water fuel cut-off?
Why is it necessary to check and clean the electric probes in the electric probe type low water fuel cut-off?
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What happens when the water level in the boiler continues to drop even after the switch has shut off the burner?
What happens when the water level in the boiler continues to drop even after the switch has shut off the burner?
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What type of low water fuel cut-off has no moving parts?
What type of low water fuel cut-off has no moving parts?
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What is the purpose of the cut-off switch at level C?
What is the purpose of the cut-off switch at level C?
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What happens when the water level in the boiler drops to level C?
What happens when the water level in the boiler drops to level C?
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What is the primary benefit of having a unique lowest permissible water level (LPWL) for each boiler design?
What is the primary benefit of having a unique lowest permissible water level (LPWL) for each boiler design?
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What is the significance of the float chamber being connected to the same boiler openings as the directly connected water gauge glass?
What is the significance of the float chamber being connected to the same boiler openings as the directly connected water gauge glass?
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What is the primary purpose of the flexible diaphragm in the LWCO device?
What is the primary purpose of the flexible diaphragm in the LWCO device?
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What would happen if the LWCO device were to fail to shut off the boiler burner system when the water level drops below the LPWL?
What would happen if the LWCO device were to fail to shut off the boiler burner system when the water level drops below the LPWL?
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What is the primary reason why electrode-type electric boilers do not require a low water fuel cut-off?
What is the primary reason why electrode-type electric boilers do not require a low water fuel cut-off?
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What is the primary purpose of the safety shut-off valve (SSOV) in the LWCO device?
What is the primary purpose of the safety shut-off valve (SSOV) in the LWCO device?
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What is the significance of the boiler manufacturer identifying the LPWL for each boiler design?
What is the significance of the boiler manufacturer identifying the LPWL for each boiler design?
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What is the primary benefit of using a LWCO device that directly detects the level of water in the boiler?
What is the primary benefit of using a LWCO device that directly detects the level of water in the boiler?
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What is the primary function of the bellows assembly in the low water fuel cut-off system?
What is the primary function of the bellows assembly in the low water fuel cut-off system?
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What happens when the boiler water level drops to the level where the mercury switch tilts to the opposite side?
What happens when the boiler water level drops to the level where the mercury switch tilts to the opposite side?
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What is the advantage of using a combination low water cutoff and feeder valve in low-pressure steam heating boilers?
What is the advantage of using a combination low water cutoff and feeder valve in low-pressure steam heating boilers?
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What is the purpose of the vacuum inside the mercury switch?
What is the purpose of the vacuum inside the mercury switch?
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What happens when the float in the float controlled make-up water valve moves to a lower position?
What happens when the float in the float controlled make-up water valve moves to a lower position?
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What is the purpose of the lever system in the low water fuel cut-off system?
What is the purpose of the lever system in the low water fuel cut-off system?
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What happens when the boiler water level continues to drop even after the three-wire switch has shut off the burner?
What happens when the boiler water level continues to drop even after the three-wire switch has shut off the burner?
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What is the purpose of the float in the float chamber?
What is the purpose of the float in the float chamber?
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What is the function of the electrical contacts inside the mercury switch?
What is the function of the electrical contacts inside the mercury switch?
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What happens when the two-wire switch closes due to a drop in water level?
What happens when the two-wire switch closes due to a drop in water level?
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Study Notes
Low Water Fuel Cut-Off (LWCO)
- A float or probe-operated switch that detects the water level in a boiler and shuts off the boiler burner system if the level drops to a predetermined unsafe level.
- Prevents overheating and weakening of the pressure-retaining parts of the boiler.
Importance of LWCO
- Each boiler design has a unique lowest permissible water level (LPWL) identified by the boiler manufacturer.
- LWCO ensures the boiler is shut down before the water level drops to the LPWL.
Types of LWCO
- Float-operated LWCO:
- Uses a float chamber connected to the boiler openings, with a float that follows the changes in water level.
- Electric switch is actuated by the float, which shuts off the fuel supply to the burner when the water level drops below the LPWL.
- Mercury switch LWCO:
- Uses a mercury switch that opens or closes the electrical circuit when tilted.
- Tilted by the movement of the float and rod, which is connected to the bellows assembly.
- Magnetic LWCO:
- Uses a permanent magnet attached to a pivoted mercury switch.
- When the water level drops, the plunger drops out of the magnetic field, and the switch tilts to open the circuit.
- Electric probe type LWCO:
- Uses two electric probes immersed in the water.
- When the water level drops below the upper probe, the flow to the solenoid stops, and the switch opens.
Applications of LWCO
- Used in steam boilers, except for electrode-type electric boilers, coil tube and fin tube boilers, and those under continuous operator attendance.
- Used in hot water heating boilers, with modifications to accommodate higher pressure ratings.
Causes of Low Water Level
- Rapidly falling water level:
- Faulty feedwater level controller.
- Feedwater or condensate pump failure.
- Interruption of the water supply to the feedwater pump.
- Leakage from the boiler.
- Gradual reduction in boiler water level:
- Leaks in hot water supply or return piping.
- Damaged condensate return piping.
- Defective condensate return pumps.
- Excessive blowoff or blowdown.
- Relief valve discharge caused by full expansion tanks.
Importance of Regular Testing
- Regular testing of the LWCO is essential to ensure the boiler shuts down automatically in case of low water level.
- Failure to test the LWCO can lead to a dangerous drop in water level.
Low Water Fuel Cut-Off (LWCO)
- A float or probe-operated switch that detects the water level in a boiler and shuts off the boiler burner system if the water level drops to a predetermined unsafe level.
Importance of LWCO
- Prevents overheating and weakening of the pressure-retaining parts of the boiler.
- Essential for boiler safety control.
Exemptions from LWCO Requirement
- Electrode-type electric boilers.
- Coil tube and fin tube boilers that require forced circulation to prevent overheating.
- Boilers under continuous operator attendance.
Lowest Permissible Water Level (LPWL)
- The lowest water level at which a boiler can be safely operated, identified by the boiler manufacturer.
- The LWCO turns off the burner system before the water level drops to the LPWL.
Types of LWCO Designs
- Figure 1: Float chamber connected to the same boiler openings as the directly connected water gauge glass.
- Figure 2: Float chamber connected directly to the steam and water space, independent of the gauge glass.
- Figure 3: Mercury switch used in the low water fuel cut-off, which opens or closes the electrical contacts inside the bulb.
- Figure 4: Float arrangement that combines a feedwater pump control switch with a low water fuel cut-off and alarm.
- Figure 5: Float-controlled make-up water valve combined with a low water fuel cut-off.
- Figure 6: Float chamber of the low water fuel cut-off combined with the water column.
- Figure 7: Magnetic low water fuel cut-off actuated by a float and magnet.
- Figure 8: Electric probe type low water fuel cut-off with two probes immersed in the water.
- Figure 9: Electric probe type low water fuel cut-off with a single probe, using the boiler shell or probe housing as a second probe.
- Figure 10: Float-operated low water fuel cut-off device installed on a hot water heating boiler.
Possible Causes of Low Water Level
- Faulty feedwater level controller.
- Feedwater or condensate pump failure.
- Interruption of the water supply to the feedwater pump.
- Leakage from the boiler, due to ruptured tubes or open blowoff valves.
- Leaks in hot water supply or return piping.
- Damaged condensate return piping.
- Defective condensate return pumps.
- Excessive blowoff or blowdown.
- Relief valve discharge caused by full expansion tanks.
Low Water Fuel Cut-Off (LWCO)
- A float or probe-operated switch that detects the water level in a boiler and shuts off the boiler burner system if the water level drops to a predetermined unsafe level.
Importance of LWCO
- Prevents overheating and weakening of the pressure-retaining parts of the boiler.
- Essential for boiler safety control.
Exemptions from LWCO Requirement
- Electrode-type electric boilers.
- Coil tube and fin tube boilers that require forced circulation to prevent overheating.
- Boilers under continuous operator attendance.
Lowest Permissible Water Level (LPWL)
- The lowest water level at which a boiler can be safely operated, identified by the boiler manufacturer.
- The LWCO turns off the burner system before the water level drops to the LPWL.
Types of LWCO Designs
- Figure 1: Float chamber connected to the same boiler openings as the directly connected water gauge glass.
- Figure 2: Float chamber connected directly to the steam and water space, independent of the gauge glass.
- Figure 3: Mercury switch used in the low water fuel cut-off, which opens or closes the electrical contacts inside the bulb.
- Figure 4: Float arrangement that combines a feedwater pump control switch with a low water fuel cut-off and alarm.
- Figure 5: Float-controlled make-up water valve combined with a low water fuel cut-off.
- Figure 6: Float chamber of the low water fuel cut-off combined with the water column.
- Figure 7: Magnetic low water fuel cut-off actuated by a float and magnet.
- Figure 8: Electric probe type low water fuel cut-off with two probes immersed in the water.
- Figure 9: Electric probe type low water fuel cut-off with a single probe, using the boiler shell or probe housing as a second probe.
- Figure 10: Float-operated low water fuel cut-off device installed on a hot water heating boiler.
Possible Causes of Low Water Level
- Faulty feedwater level controller.
- Feedwater or condensate pump failure.
- Interruption of the water supply to the feedwater pump.
- Leakage from the boiler, due to ruptured tubes or open blowoff valves.
- Leaks in hot water supply or return piping.
- Damaged condensate return piping.
- Defective condensate return pumps.
- Excessive blowoff or blowdown.
- Relief valve discharge caused by full expansion tanks.
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Description
Learn about the function and importance of low water fuel cut-off in boilers, and exemptions for certain types of boilers.