1. What is Boiler Horsepower?

Boiler horsepower (BHP) is a measure of boiler output representing the energy required to evaporate 34.5 pounds of water per hour at 212°F. It's a standard unit used to rate boiler capacity in industrial and commercial applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard boiler horsepower formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Steam lb/h} \) — Steam output in pounds per hour
• \( 34.5 \) — Conversion factor (pounds of steam per boiler horsepower)

Explanation: One boiler horsepower is defined as the energy required to evaporate 34.5 pounds of water per hour at 212°F, which is equivalent to 33,475 BTU per hour.

3. Importance of Boiler HP Calculation

Details: Accurate boiler horsepower calculation is essential for proper boiler sizing, energy efficiency assessment, system design, and compliance with industrial standards. It helps determine the appropriate boiler capacity for specific steam requirements.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the steam output in pounds per hour (lb/h). The value must be greater than zero. The calculator will automatically compute the boiler horsepower using the standard conversion factor of 34.5.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between boiler horsepower and mechanical horsepower?
A: Boiler horsepower (33,475 BTU/h) measures boiler capacity, while mechanical horsepower (745.7 W) measures mechanical power output. They are different units for different applications.

Q2: Why is 34.5 used as the conversion factor?
A: 34.5 represents the pounds of water evaporated per hour at 212°F that equals one boiler horsepower, based on historical standards in boiler engineering.

Q3: Can this calculator be used for all types of boilers?
A: Yes, this calculation applies to fire-tube, water-tube, and electric boilers as long as steam output is measured in pounds per hour.

Q4: What are typical boiler HP ranges?
A: Residential boilers: 1-10 HP, Commercial: 10-500 HP, Industrial: 500+ HP. Actual sizing depends on steam demand and application.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides a standard calculation based on ideal conditions. Actual boiler performance may vary due to efficiency, pressure, and temperature factors.