Rufus T. Strohm

“ A boiler test is necessary in order to determine how well the boiler is doing the work expected of it; that is to say, we must find out whether we are wasting coal in making steam and how much this waste may be. Such a test may be made to discover the efficiency of the boiler, or the quantity of water it is evaporating, or the cost of evaporating 1,000 pounds of water. ”

“ After the boiler test has been made, so as to find the weight of coal burned, weight of feed water used, feed-water temperature and steam pressure, the efficiency, the horsepower, and the economy must be obtained by calculation from the test results. The process of figuring the desired results from the test data is called "working up the test."
To illustrate the method used in finding the efficiency, etc., suppose that the data obtained from the test are as follows:
The efficiency of any process is always a comparison, or ratio, of the output to the input. ”

“ The weight of coal used during a test may easily be found by using an ordinary wheelbarrow and a platform scales, arranged as in figure 1. At each side of the scales build an incline with its top level with the top of the platform, but take care not to have either one touch the platform. Set the empty wheelbarrow on the scales, run the movable weight or poise out until it exactly balances the weight of the barrow and lock it in position with the thumbscrew. ”

“ Where the flame of the torch is drawn inward there is an air leak. Plaster up all air leaks and repair the brickwork around door frames where necessary. You should go over your boiler for air leaks once a month.
In regard to best methods of firing soft coal, see Technical Paper No. 80 of the Bureau of Mines, which may be obtained from your State Fuel Administrator.
Dirty heating surfaces cause low efficiency because they prevent the heat in the hot gases from getting through into the water. ”

“ The second way excess air occurs is by leakage through the boiler setting, through cracks in the brickwork, leaks around the frames and edges of cleaning doors, and holes around the blow-off pipes. There are also other places where such air can leak in. ”

“ If the coal used in the test is to be analyzed, take a sample of from 4 to 6 pounds from each barrow and throw it into a box near the scales. Do this before the coal is weighed. These small amounts from the various barrow loads will then give a fair average sample of the coal used during the test. ”

“ The Bureau of Mines issues a list showing all its publications available for free distribution, as well as those obtainable only from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, on payment of the price of printing. Interested persons should apply to the Director, Bureau of Mines, for a copy of the latest list. ”