Minnesota Special Engineer Boiler License Practice Exam

How many square feet of boiler surface are equivalent to one boiler horsepower for an Engineers License?

1. 5 Sq. Ft.

2. 10 Sq. Ft.

3. 20 Sq. Ft.

4. 15 Sq. Ft.

The correct answer is: 10 Sq. Ft.

For steam boilers, one boiler horsepower is generally defined as the ability to produce 34.5 pounds of steam per hour at a pressure of 0 psig and at a temperature of 212°F. When converting boiler horsepower to boiler surface area, a standard estimation used is that one boiler horsepower is equivalent to 10 square feet of boiler surface area. This conversion is essential for engineers to understand because it helps in sizing and selecting the appropriate boiler for a given application. Knowing this relationship allows engineers to ensure that a boiler has adequate capacity to meet the steam demand of the system it serves. In this context, the correct answer illustrates a fundamental concept in boiler operation and engineering calculations, reflecting an industry standard that aids in designing efficient and effective boiler systems.