Proper Sizing of Steam Boiler Feedwater Systems

  • One of the most important factors in keeping your boiler online is to keep enough water in it. Otherwise, the boiler will shut down on a low water condition. This is especially true with firetube boilers that are fired automatically. That is why it is so important to size a feedwater system so that it has the capability of maintaining the proper water level in your boiler. feedwater system

A properly sized feedwater system will have a tank adequately sized to feed your boiler and pumps selected to deliver that water at the correct rate and pressure.

Calculate the Storage Tank Needed
In most cases, ten minutes of water should be readily available for your boiler.
One boiler horsepower = 34.5 lb/hr of steam (or water) from and at 212F and One gallon of water weighs 8.33 lbs. 

To calculate the storage tank needed, use the following formula:
BHP x 34.5 / 8.33 lbs / 60 minutes x 10 = minimum useable capcity in gallons

For example, if you have a 500 HP boiler, the calcuation would be as follows:
500 x 34.5 / 8.33 / 60 x 10 = 345 gallons

We are more than happy to assist with sizing and quoting a new feedsystem to meet the requirements of your facility. Please don't hesitate to contact us at 800-227-1966.