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Boiler Capacity Formula:
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Boiler capacity in boiler horsepower (BHP) represents the boiler's ability to produce steam. One boiler horsepower is defined as the energy required to evaporate 34.5 pounds of water per hour at 212°F.
The calculator uses the standard boiler capacity formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula converts steam production rate to boiler horsepower, providing a standardized measure of boiler capacity.
Details: Accurate boiler capacity calculation is essential for proper boiler selection, system design, energy efficiency optimization, and maintenance planning in industrial and commercial applications.
Tips: Enter the steam flow rate in pounds per hour (lb/h). The value must be greater than zero. The calculator will automatically compute the boiler capacity in boiler horsepower (BHP).
Q1: What is the difference between BHP and regular horsepower?
A: Boiler horsepower (BHP) is specifically defined for boiler capacity (34.5 lb/h steam), while mechanical horsepower is a different unit used for engines and motors.
Q2: What are typical boiler capacity ranges?
A: Residential boilers: 1-10 BHP, Commercial boilers: 10-500 BHP, Industrial boilers: 500+ BHP.
Q3: Why is 34.5 used in the formula?
A: This is the standard conversion factor established by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) for boiler horsepower calculation.
Q4: Can this calculator be used for all boiler types?
A: Yes, the formula applies to fire-tube, water-tube, and electric boilers as long as steam output is measured in lb/h.
Q5: How does boiler capacity relate to heating capacity?
A: Boiler capacity indicates steam production capability, which directly correlates to the heating capacity of the system for space heating or process applications.