New York Low Pressure Boiler COF Practice

Which schedule pipe is acceptable for boiler blow down lines?

1. Schedule 40

2. Schedule 60

3. Schedule 80

4. Schedule 100

The correct answer is: Schedule 80

Schedule 80 pipe is commonly accepted for boiler blow down lines due to its thicker walls, which provide increased strength and pressure rating compared to thinner schedule pipes. In the context of a boiler system, where elevated temperatures and pressures are encountered, the durability of the piping is crucial to ensure safe and effective operation. Boiler blow down lines require materials that can withstand the stress from hot water and steam. The added thickness of schedule 80 pipe affords greater resistance to the corrosive effects of chemicals and high temperatures, which can result from the blow down process aimed at removing sediment and impurities from the boiler. Other schedule pipes, such as schedule 40 or schedule 60, may not have the necessary thickness to accommodate the demands placed on them under normal operating conditions in a boiler system, which is why they are not preferred for this application. Schedule 100 offers even greater thickness but is often not required for typical blow down applications where schedule 80 provides adequate performance and structural integrity. Thus, schedule 80 is specifically chosen to ensure safety and efficiency in boiler operations.