Boiler Systems and Safety Regulations

Questions and Answers

For the purpose of rating boiler horsepower for an Engineer's License only, how many square feet of boiler surface shall be equivalent to one boiler horsepower on a boiler?

10 Sq.Ft. Heating Surface

What is meant by the term 'Low Pressure Boiler'?

Boilers operating at a steam or other vapor pressure of 15 psig or less, or a hot water or other liquid boiler in which the pressure does not exceed 160 psig or a temperature of 250 degrees F.

A person holding a current State of Minnesota Special Engineer's License could be in charge of, or a shift engineer in what size plant(s)?

High and Low pressure boilers not to exceed a total of 50 boiler horsepower, or a shift engineer in a 100 horsepower plant.

Special Engineer may serve as an apprentice of what size water/liquid or steam/vapor boiler?

In any plant regardless of size under the direct supervision of a properly licensed engineer. Signup and view all the answers

The purpose of low water cut out on a steam or hot water boiler is to what?

Shut off the burner when a low water condition exists. Signup and view all the answers

The valve or valves that must relieve all excess pressure on a steam or hot water boiler are what?

Safety valve and/or an ASME approved safety relief valve. Signup and view all the answers

A Tri indicator could be found on a:

Hot water boiler Signup and view all the answers

A tri indicator would inform the boiler operator of what?

The temperature of the water, the pressure of the water in PSIG, and the altitude of water in feet. Signup and view all the answers

What is the destructive force in a steam or hot water boiler explosion?

The instant release of energy stored in the water as heat. Signup and view all the answers

An ASME approved safety relieve valve used on a hot water boiler is tested at the factory on what?

Steam first then hot water. Signup and view all the answers

Some of the things you could find on a steam boiler (or hot water boiler) are what?

Low water cut off, safety valve or safety relief valve, pressure gauge. Signup and view all the answers

What devices would only be found on a steam boiler?

Steam pressure gauge, tricocks, Pressuretrols. Signup and view all the answers

An expansion tank or compression tank would be used in what?

Hot water boiler. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the expansion tank?

To provide for expansion and contraction of the water volume as its temperature varies. Signup and view all the answers

On a hot water boiler, what is the purpose of the vent valve?

To make sure there is water inside the boiler and to vent any trapped air. Signup and view all the answers

If the safety valve or ASME safety relief valve leaks you would do what?

Have the valve repaired or replaced. Signup and view all the answers

Tri cocks or gauge cocks are used on a steam boiler to indicate?

The true water level inside the boiler. Signup and view all the answers

On a steam or hot water boiler, the safety valve or safety relief valve could be tested by?

When the boiler is running lifting the lever on the valve or raising the pressure until they operate. Signup and view all the answers

Before starting a steam or hot water boiler you should check for what?

Water in the boiler. Signup and view all the answers

Bottom blow down valves are used for both steam and hot water.

True Signup and view all the answers

Safety valves or safety relief valves should be manually tested at least...?

Monthly. Signup and view all the answers

The low water cut out is one of the most important electrical/mechanical devices on your boiler. How often should you test it?

Daily. Signup and view all the answers

What device must be located between a hot water boiler and the expansion tank?

A shut off valve so the expansion can be isolated and drained during operation of the boiler. Signup and view all the answers

On a hot water boiler, every time the burner operates the safety relief valve opens. Why?

The expansion tank is water logged, or the isolating valve for the expansion tank is closed. Signup and view all the answers

An Aquastat is used on a...?

Hot water boiler. Signup and view all the answers

To reduce thermal shock on hot water boilers, what devices are used?

Low limit or low fire hold control, three way valve, run around pump. Signup and view all the answers

On a steam boiler the control named operator will...

On pressure decrease: Start. On pressure increase: Stop. Signup and view all the answers

On a hot water boiler the control called the operator will...

On temperature decrease: Start. On temperature increase: Stop. Signup and view all the answers

On a steam boiler what is a siphon or pigtail used for?

To protect the steam gauge from too high of temperature. Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason causing the expansion tank to fill with water?

Air leaks from the gauge glass fitting. Signup and view all the answers

What would you do if you came into a boiler room and found no water in the boiler?

Shut off the burner and allow boiler to cool. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the bottom blow down on a steam boiler?

To remove sludge and sediment and to drain the boiler. Signup and view all the answers

When blowing down the water column the water should do what?

Refill the gauge glass quickly. Signup and view all the answers

When doing the annual boiler inspection the boiler should...

Water and fire side cleaned and inspection ports open. Signup and view all the answers

Purging is part of what cycle?

Firing cycle. Signup and view all the answers

All steam traps will prevent steam from passing through them but will allow what to pass through them?

Dirt, air, and condensate. Signup and view all the answers

How do we know if we are using an approved safety valve for a steam boiler or a safety relief valve for a hot water boiler?

A spring loaded direct acting safety valve or safety relief valve. Signup and view all the answers

Before testing a low water fuel cut-out what must be done?

The burner must be on. Signup and view all the answers

Heat can be transferred in how many ways?

Three. Signup and view all the answers

Aquastats work by sensing:

Temperature. Signup and view all the answers

Name the different ways heat can be transferred and give a definition of each way.

Radiation, Conduction, Convection. Signup and view all the answers

How many types of boilers are there?

Three: Fire tube, Water tube, Cast iron sectional. Signup and view all the answers

What type of boiler can be made larger?

Cast Iron sectional. Signup and view all the answers

What type of boiler has the water surrounding the tubes?

Fire tube. Signup and view all the answers

What type of boiler has the water running through the tubes?

Water tube. Signup and view all the answers

Boiler room log books are a state of Minnesota requirement for every boiler room, what are some of the things you should be writing down in the book?

The log entry should start out with today's date, next what you did in the boiler room, next sign your name. Signup and view all the answers

What is condensate?

Condensed steam. Signup and view all the answers

A firing cycle consists of events that safely control the burning of a fuel. What event occurs first?

Safety controls must be in the circuit. Signup and view all the answers

After blowing down the water column and gauge glass you are looking for the:

Water reentering the gauge glass to rise promptly. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of a cold water start for a hot water boiler.

XXX Signup and view all the answers

Two low water fuel cut-outs are required when the BTU input of the burner exceeds:

750,000. Signup and view all the answers

A boiler equipped with two low water fuel cut-outs must have _______________ on the secondary low water fuel cut-out.

A manual reset. Signup and view all the answers

A boiler with a new burner OR a new boiler room must have:

A kill switch by each door leaving the boiler room. Signup and view all the answers

The low water fuel cut off should be tested:

At least once a day when the boiler is in operation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a check valve used in a feed water line going to a steam boiler?

To restrict the flow in one direction only. Signup and view all the answers

Where would you expect to locate a pyrometer?

In the exhaust gases leaving the boiler. Signup and view all the answers

What would the pyrometer tell you?

The temperature. Signup and view all the answers

An aqua stat would be used on what type of boiler?

A hot water boiler. Signup and view all the answers

Globe valves are used when you need to:

Throttle or restrict the flow. Signup and view all the answers

Three types of drafts are:

Natural, forced, and induced. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Boiler Horsepower and Ratings

One boiler horsepower is equivalent to 10 square feet of heating surface.
Low pressure boilers operate at 15 psi or less in steam/vapor, and hot water up to 160 psi or 250°F.

Special Engineer Licensure

A Minnesota Special Engineers License permits oversight of high and low pressure boilers up to 50 boiler horsepower or 100 horsepower in plants.
Special Engineers can apprentice on any size water or steam boiler under a licensed engineer.

Boiler Safety and Operations

Low water cut-offs shut off the burner during low water conditions.
Safety valves relieve excess pressure in steam or hot water boilers.
Tri indicators on hot water boilers show temperature, pressure (in PSIG), and altitude (in feet).
The destructive force in boiler explosions stems from sudden energy release from heated water.

Boiler Components and Functionality

Expansion and compression tanks accommodate water volume changes in hot water boilers.
Safety relief valves must be tested monthly and the low water cut-off daily.
Bottom blow down valves apply to both steam and hot water systems, used to remove sediments.
Tri cocks indicate the true water level inside boilers.

Boiler Maintenance Procedures

Check for water in the boiler before startup and ensure the safety valve operates correctly.
Test the low water fuel cut-out when the burner is on.
Annual inspections should involve cleaning and checking inspection ports on the boiler.

Types of Boilers and Heat Transfer

Three boiler types: Fire tube (water around tubes), Water tube (water through tubes), Cast iron sectional (can be enlarged).
Heat transfer occurs via radiation, conduction, and convection.

Boiler Room Requirements

Keep a log book documenting daily activities: date, actions taken, and signature.
Condensate refers to condensed steam, collected for reuse.
A "kill switch" is required for new burner or boiler room setups.

Control Equipment and Safety Features

Aqua stats function on hot water boilers to monitor temperature.
Pyrometers measure exhaust gas temperature and are placed in exhaust trails.
Check valves prevent backflow in feedwater lines to steam boilers.

Draft Systems

There are three types of drafts in boilers: Natural, Forced, and Induced, used to control airflow.

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Description

Test your knowledge about boiler horsepower, safety regulations, and operational guidelines. This quiz covers the essential components of boilers and the importance of maintaining safety standards. Explore topics including low pressure operations and special engineer licensure in Minnesota.