New York Low Pressure Boiler COF Practice

When does a heat exchanger not require shut off valves?

1. When it is larger than the boiler

2. When it is integral with the boiler

3. When it is not in use

4. When it is over 5 years old

The correct answer is: When it is integral with the boiler

A heat exchanger does not require shut off valves when it is integral with the boiler because in this configuration, the heat exchanger is considered a part of the boiler system. This means that it is designed to operate continuously with the boiler, and separating it with shut off valves is unnecessary for normal operation. Integral designs typically facilitate better heat transfer and minimize potential points of failure that may occur with separate components. In contrast, larger heat exchangers or those that are not in use might necessitate shut off valves to control flow or maintenance. The age of the equipment does not inherently dictate the need for shut off valves; rather, it is the design and operational context of the heat exchanger in relation to the boiler that matters.