New York Low Pressure Boiler COF Practice

Which of the following is NOT a method to check safety valve capacity?

1. Visual inspection

2. Accumulation test

3. Maximum amount of fuel burned

4. Maximum evaporative capacity of feed water

The correct answer is: Visual inspection

Visual inspection is primarily a method used to assess the physical condition and operation of the safety valve but does not provide a quantitative measurement of its capacity. It allows the operator to check for visible signs of wear, corrosion, or leakage, but it does not evaluate how effectively the valve will perform under operating conditions or its ability to relieve excess pressure. In contrast, the accumulation test measures the safety valve's ability to relieve pressure by raising the system pressure and observing how the safety valve performs, confirming that it opens and lets out steam or vapor as designed. The maximum amount of fuel burned could relate to the operational load and the potential for generating steam, thereby indirectly linking to safety valve requirements. Similarly, the maximum evaporative capacity of feed water pertains directly to the system's production capabilities, aligning with the need for adequate safety measures to manage pressure builds. These latter methods are integral in establishing that the safety valve is functioning correctly and can handle the pressure safely under operational conditions.