American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Practice Exam 2026 - Free ASME Practice Questions and Study Guide

The minimum boiler load required to operate soot-blowers is typically around 50% of the rated output. This is because soot-blowers are designed to clean the boiler surfaces efficiently when there is sufficient steam generation to create the necessary pressure and temperature for effective cleaning. Operating at this level ensures that the soot-blowers can function properly without adversely affecting the overall efficiency of the boiler.

If the load is too low, the boiler may not produce enough steam to generate the required velocity or pressure needed for the soot-blowing process, potentially leading to inadequate cleaning of heat transfer surfaces. This can result in increased fouling and heat loss, ultimately reducing the boiler’s efficiency and performance.

In scenarios where the load is below this threshold, the energy recovery that soot-blowers provide is diminished, and the benefits of using them may not justify their operation. Hence, a minimum load of 50% represents a balance between effective soot removal and maintaining operational efficiency in the boiler system.