How is boiler horsepower determined?

Boiler horsepower is determined primarily by utilizing the formula that factors in the steam capacity of the boiler, specifically by dividing the amount of steam produced (in pounds per hour) by 34.5. This conversion is based on the standard that one boiler horsepower is defined as the ability to produce 34.5 pounds of steam per hour at a pressure of 0 psi above atmospheric pressure, at a temperature of 212°F.

This measure is crucial for comparing the performance and efficiency of different boilers in practical applications. The other methods listed, such as measuring water temperature, calculating steam volume, or evaluating fuel consumption rates, do not provide a direct and standardized measure of a boiler's power output. Instead, they may relate to different aspects of boiler performance or efficiency but do not serve as reliable measures of boiler horsepower as the steam capacity does. Therefore, dividing steam capacity by 34.5 effectively translates the raw output into a standardized horsepower measurement that can be understood and utilized in engineering practices.