Posted by Roger Link on February 23, 2000 at 05:13:07:
In Reply to: Boiler capacity posted by Dave on February 23, 2000 at 04:08:37:
: we have a water tube boiler that is rated at 40000lbs/hr @ 100 psi MAWP 250 radiant heating surface 562.32sqft convection heating surface 460.65 sqft. Looking for a formula to determine if we can increase capacity to 50,000 lbs/hr without doing any damage. Boiler is fired with natural gas and #4 fuel oil. If boiler is capable of increased capacity is it only a matter of increasing the turn down ratio?
In my opinion, I would avoid at all costs the attempt to increase the over firing of the boiler as you are suggesting. While most boilers have the capacity to exceed the design capacity by @10 % you are asking for 25%. You would be better served to install a second packaged boiler to handle the extra load. Over firing results in shorter life and increased repair costs.