New York Low Pressure Boiler COF Practice

Under what condition must a boiler have at least two means of feed water?

1. When it operates at high altitude

2. When the heating surface exceeds 500 sq ft

3. When using an external water supply

4. When equipped with multiple burners

The correct answer is: When the heating surface exceeds 500 sq ft

A boiler must have at least two means of feed water when the heating surface exceeds 500 square feet. This requirement is primarily a safety measure to ensure that there is always a reliable method of supplying water to the boiler, which is critical for maintaining safe operational conditions and preventing overheating or a potential boiler explosion due to low water levels. In larger boilers, such as those with significant heating surfaces, the demand for feed water can be greater, and having a secondary supply reduces the risk associated with any failure in the primary feed water system. This redundancy is crucial because it helps maintain the necessary water level within the boiler even if one feed line becomes compromised. While other conditions like high altitude, using an external water supply, or having multiple burners may involve specific considerations or operational practices, the explicit safety requirement for dual feed water sources is directly linked to the size of the boiler's heating surface, specifically when it exceeds the 500 square feet threshold.