New York Low Pressure Boiler COF Practice

What is the pressure increase represented by 45 feet of water?

1. 10.5 psi

2. 19.50 psi

3. 30.0 psi

4. 45.0 psi

The correct answer is: 19.50 psi

To determine the pressure increase represented by a height of 45 feet of water, we need to apply the basic principle that pressure in a fluid increases with depth. The standard conversion factor for water is that 1 foot of water corresponds to approximately 0.433 psi. To find the pressure in psi due to 45 feet of water, we multiply the height by this conversion factor: \[ Pressure \, (psi) = Height \, (feet) \times 0.433 \, (psi/foot) \] Substituting 45 feet into the equation gives: \[ Pressure = 45 \, \text{feet} \times 0.433 \, \text{psi/foot} = 19.485 \, psi \] This value rounds to 19.50 psi, which confirms the selection as the correct answer. Understanding this relationship between the height of the water column and pressure is vital in various applications, particularly in boiler operations where maintaining pressure is essential for safe and efficient performance.