How much water is needed for every boiler horsepower when sizing a boiler feed pump?

The correct answer is 1/12 of a gallon per boiler horsepower when sizing a boiler feed pump. This measurement is based on industry standards for estimating the amount of feedwater required for steam generation in a given boiler system.

When sizing a boiler feed pump, it is important to ensure that the pump can supply enough feedwater to match the steam output of the boiler efficiently. The figure of 1/12 of a gallon helps engineers determine the minimum capacity needed for the feed pump based on the rated horsepower of the boiler. Therefore, for each boiler horsepower, the feedwater requirement is effectively calculated to ensure that boiler operations remain efficient and prevent situations like low water conditions which can be detrimental to boiler performance and safety.

This value is derived from practical applications and serves as a rule of thumb across different types of boiler systems. It reflects a balance between ensuring adequate steam generation and avoiding excessive feedwater, which can lead to operational inefficiencies. Understanding this metric is vital for engineers when selecting appropriate equipment for boiler systems.