Hot Water Heating Boilers: Routine Checks and Safety

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What is the primary reason for the additional importance of regular checks of hot water heating boilers?

To monitor the fuel consumption of the boiler

To ensure the boiler functions safely and efficiently during unsupervised periods (correct)

To inspect the exterior condition of the boiler

To adjust the temperature of the hot water in the boiler

What are some of the routine boiler checks mentioned in the text?

Flame condition, water treatment, and pump efficiency

Flame color, stack temperature, and water pressure (correct)

Burner symmetrical condition, set point temperature, and make-up water supply

Operator intervention, make-up water supply, and pump operation

What does it mean for most hot water boilers to be fully automatic?

They start when there is a call for heat, maintain hot water at set point, and stop when heating conditions are satisfied without operator intervention (correct)

They operate only when supervised by an operator

They need a human operator to initiate and shut down the heating process

They require constant manual adjustments for temperature control

What is the role of the burner programmed combustion control in hot water boilers?

It sequences the operation of the burner, maintains safe and efficient burner operation, and shuts down the boiler when an unsafe firing condition exists Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the daily routine procedures for operators to ensure the safe operation of hot water boilers?

Observing the condition of the burner flame and checking operator intervention Signup and view all the answers

Why do hot water boilers still need regular attention despite being fully automatic?

To ensure safe and dependable operation Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a predominantly blue flame when burning natural gas?

Indicates efficient combustion and proper air-fuel ratio Signup and view all the answers

What does a bright yellow flame with orange tips indicate when burning light fuel oil?

Need for adjustment of the air-fuel ratio Signup and view all the answers

What may cause a high flue gas temperature when the heating surfaces are clean?

Too much excess air Signup and view all the answers

What does a gradual increase in stack temperature indicate?

Fouling of heating surfaces and decreasing heat transfer efficiency Signup and view all the answers

What may occur if a boiler is over-fired?

Potential furnace explosion Signup and view all the answers

Why must the hot water set point in non-condensing boilers not be below 75°C?

To avoid chimney and vent connector corrosion Signup and view all the answers

What may prevent costly structural damage in a hot water heating system?

Installing a water meter in the make-up line Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if an expansion tank is full in a hot water heating system?

The safety valve opens and discharge water Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the tank pressure does not increase when adding air to a bladder-style expansion tank?

Check if the tank bladder is damaged Signup and view all the answers

What can cause conventional air cushion expansion tanks to fill with water?

Old, brittle, and cracked gauge glass gaskets Signup and view all the answers

What is required for hot water heating systems that have had major leaks or equipment replacement?

Additional treatment chemical Signup and view all the answers

When are blowoff valves usually opened in hot water heating boilers?

To drain boilers that require structural repair or waterside inspection Signup and view all the answers

What do blowdown valves help test regularly in hot water heating boilers?

Low water cut-offs Signup and view all the answers

What helps reduce the need for internal water treatment in hot water heating boilers?

Restricting blowoff and blowdown Signup and view all the answers