Boiler calculations for Boiler operation Engineer Exam (BOE)

1-Oxygen percentage in Boiler outlet flue gas is 4.9%, then what will be the percentage of
excess air?

We have excess air EA = O2 X 100 / (21-O2)

                                   EA = 4.7 X 100 / (20-4.7)

                                   EA = 30.71%

2-Calculate the Oxygen level (O2) in flue gas, if excess air is 25%

We have Excess air EA = O2 X 100 / (21-O2)

                                   25 = O2 X 100 / (21-O2)

                                   O2 = 4.2%

3-A Boiler’s combustion system requires 5.5 kg of air for burning 1 kg of fuel, then
calculate the total air required for complete combustion if its flue gas has 4.1% of O2

We have,

Total air = (1 + EA/100) X Theoretical air

EA = O2 X 100 / (21-O2)

EA = 4.1 X 100 / (20-4.1) = 25.78%

Therefore Total air = (1 + 25.78/100) X 5.5 = 6.92 kg of air per kg of fuel burnt

4-A Coal fired boiler having total heating surface area 5200 M2 produces 18 kg of steam
per square meter per hour of heating surface, then calculate the Boiler capacity in TPH

Boiler Capacity = (Heating g surface area X Steam generation per square meter)

Boiler Capacity = 5200 X 18 = 93600 kg/hr =93600 / 1000 = 93.6 TPH

5-Calculate the Theoretical air & Excess air required to burn 10 MT of coal having carbon
(C) 48%, Hydrogen (H2) 3.8%, Oxygen (O2) 8.2% & Sulphur (S) 0.6% in it. For complete
combustion operator is maintaining 4% of O2 in flue gas.

We have Theoretical air, Th = (11.6 X %C + 34.8 X (H2-O2/8) + 4.35 X S) / 100

                                             Th = (11.6 X 48 + 34.8 X (3.8-8.2/100) + 4.35 X 4) / 100

                                             Th = 5.84 kg/kg of fuel

We have excess air EA = O2 X 100 / (21-O2)

                                         = 4 X 100 /(21-4) = 23.52%

Total air = (1 + EA/100) X Theoretical air

Total air = (1 + 23.52/100) X 5.84 = 7.21 kg of air per kg of fuel burnt

6-Calculate the Oxygen required for complete combustion of 1 kg of Carbon

On complete combustion, Carbon becomes carbon dioxide

C + O2 = CO2 + Heat (8084 kcal/kg)

Write down the molecular weights of carbon, oxygen & carbon dioxide

12 + 32 = 44

Divide by 12

1 + 2.67 = 3.67

So, 2.67 kg of oxygen is required for complete combustion of 1 kg of Carbon

7-Calculate the amount of Oxygen required for complete combustion of 1 kg of Methane

On complete combustion, Methane becomes carbon dioxide & water

CH4 + 2O2 = CO2 + 2H2O Heat

Write down the molecular weights of Methane, oxygen & carbon dioxide

16 + 64 = 44 + 36

Divide by 16

1 + 4 = 2.75 + 2.25

So, 4 kg of Oxygen is required for complete combustion of 1 kg of Methane

8-A Coal sample having Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen & Sulphur percentages 50%,3.5%,8.6%
& 1% respectively, then calculate the GCV of coal.

GCV of coal = (8080 X C + 34500 X (H2-O2/8) + 2440 X S)) / 100

GCV of coal = (8080 X 50 + 34500 X (3.5-8.6/8) + 2440 X 1)) / 100 = 4901 Kcal/kg
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9-A Boiler uses imported coal to generate 100 TPH of steam, the O2 & CO2 in flue gases
are 5% & 14.5% respectively. Calculate the mass of flue gas generated if following is the
ultimate analysis of fuel.

Carbon C = 52%

Hydrogen H2 = 3.25%

Oxygen O2 = 8.3%

Sulphur S = 0.3%

Nitrogen N2 = 1.1%

We have Theoretical air, Th = (11.6 X %C + 34.8 X (H2-O2/8) + 4.35 X S) / 100

                                             Th = (11.6 X 52 + 34.8 X (3.25-8.3/100) + 4.35 X 0.3) / 100

                                             Th = 6.82 kg/kg of fuel

We have excess air EA = O2 X 100 / (21-O2)

                                         = 5 X 100 /(21-5) = 31.25%

Total air = (1 + EA/100) X Theoretical air

Total air = (1 + 31.25/100) X 6.82 = 8.95 kg of air per kg of fuel burnt

Mass of flue gas generated Mfg = Mass of CO2 in flue gas + Mass of N2 in fuel + Mass of N2
in air + Mass of O2 in the flue gas + Mass of SO2 in the flue gas

Mass of flue gas generated Mfg = (Carbon percentage in fuel X Mol.weight of CO2) /
Mol.weight of Carbon + 0.011 + (8.95 X 77 / 100) + ((8.95-6.82) X 23 / 100) + (0.003 X
Mol.weight of SO2) / Molecular weight of sulphur

Mass of flue gas generated Mfg = (0.52 X 44 / 12) + 0.011 + 6.89 + 0.49 + (0.003 X 64) / 32
=9.3 kg of flue gas per kg of fuel burnt.

10-Calculate the Sulphur dioxide generated per day in a 150 TPH boiler, where coal
burned is having 0.5% of sulphur. Consider steam to fuel ratio  5.5 & Boiler operates on
full load for 24 hours.

We have S + O2 = SO2

32 + 32 = 64
1+1=2

That is 1 kg of sulphur generates 2 kg of Sulphur dioxide on complete combustion.

Total coal consumed in a day = Steam generated in 24 hours / Steam to coal ratio

Total coal consumed in a day = 150 X 24 / 5.5

Total coal consumed in a day = 654.54 Tones/day

Therefore total SO2 generated = 654.54 X 2 =1309.08 Tones

11-A 100 TPH coal fired boiler generating 8.5 kg of flue gas (Mfg) per kg of fuel burnt at
150 Deg (Tfg) Calculate the heat loss due to dry flue gas loss. Consider coal GCV 5000
kcal/kg & ambient air temperature 25 Deg C (Ta)

Heat loss due to dry flue gas = Mass of flue gas (Mfg) X Specific heat of flue gas (Cp) X (Tfg-
Ta)

Heat loss due to dry flue gas = 8.5 X 0.24 X (150-25) =255 kcal/kg (Specific heat of flue gas =
0.24 kcal/kg)

% of heat loss = 255 X 100 / Coal GCV = 25500 / 5000 =5.1%

12-Calculate the heat loss due to formation of water from 3.22% hydrogen present in coal
of GCV 4500 kcal/kg. Consider Boiler outlet flue gas temperature is 145 deg C & ambient
temperature 30 deg C

Heat loss due to formation of water from hydrogen in fuel = 9 X H2 X (584 + Specific heat of
moisture (Cp) X (Tfg-Ta)

  = 9 X 0.0322 X (584 + 0.45 X (145-30)) = 184.24 kcl/kg

 % of heat loss = 184.24 X 100 / Coal GCV = 18424 / 4500 =4.09%

13-Calculate the heat loss due to 20% (M) moisture present in coal of GCV 3900 kcal/kg.
Consider Boiler outlet flue gas temperature is 145 deg C & ambient temperature 30 deg C

Heat loss due to moisture in fuel = M% X (584 + Specific heat of moisture (Cp) X (Tfg-Ta)

                                                                                             = 0.2 X (584 + 0.45 X (145-30)) = 127.15

kcl/kg

 % of heat loss = 127.15 X 100 / Coal GCV = 18424 / 3900 =3.26%

14-A coal fired Boiler’s fly ash collected at APH & analyzed for unburnt. Report shows 22%
of unburnt & 750 kcal/kg GCV. Calculate the heat loss due to this unburnt. Consider coal
GCV 4700 kcal/kg & ash Percentage in coal 6%
Total ash present in 1 kg of coal = 1 X 6% = 0.06 kg

Total unburnt present in ash = 0.06 X 25% = 0.0015 kg

Heat loss due to unburnt = 0.0015 X 750 = 1.125 kcal/kg

Percentage of heat loss = 1.125 X 100 / 4700 = 0.024%

15-A Boiler losses have been analyzed & found as below

Heat loss due to dry flue gas (L1) = 5.2%

Heat loss due to formation of water from hydrogen (L2) = 3.3%

Heat loss due to moisture in fuel (L3) = 6%

Heat loss due to unburnt fuel in ash (L4) = 0.02%

Heat loss due to incomplete combustion (L5) = 0.8%

Heat loss due to moisture present in air (L6) = 0.6%

Then calculate the Boiler efficiency by indirect method

Boiler efficiency = 100- Total losses = 100-(Sum of L1 to L6)

Boiler efficiency = 100 – (5.2 + 3.3 + 6 + 0.02 + 0.8 + 0.6) = 84.08%

16-A coal fuel with GCV 5500 kcal/kg & having moisture 12%  & Hydrogen 3.1% in it is
burnt in a Boiler with air fuel ratio 8:1.Neglecting ash, calculate the maximum possible
temperature (Tfg) attained in the furnace.Assume whole heat of combustion is given to
the products of combustion. Take specific heat of gases generated 0.24 kcal/kg &
ambieant air temperature 28 deg C (Ta)

For calculation, need LCV

We have LCV = HCV-(9 X H2% X 586) = 5500-(9 X 0.031 X 586) =5336.5 kcal/kg

Mass of flue gas generated per kg of coal burnt, Mfg = mass of air per kg of coal burnt + 1

 =8+1 =9 kg

Heat released by combustion = heat absorbed by gases

5336.5 = Mfg X Cp X (Tfg-Ta)

5336.5 = 9 X 0.24 X (Tfg-28)= 2498.6 deg C

So maximum temperature attained is 2498.6 deg C

17-A 200 TPH boiler generates 190 TPH (Q1) steam at pressure 121 kg/cm2 and
temperature 550 deg C & consumes 31 TPH of coal having GCV 5200 kcal/kg. Calculate the
Boiler efficiency if it requires 25 TPH (Q3) attemperator water at temperature 125 deg C.

Consider feed water temperature at economizer inlet is 210 deg C & ignore blow down loss.

Boiler efficiency = (Steam generation X Enthalpy –(Feed water at flow X Enthalpy +

Attemperator water X Enthalpy)) X 100 / (Coal consumed X Coal GCV)

Ignoring blow down water loss,

Feed water flow Q2= Total steam generated – Attemperator water flow = 190-25 =165 TPH

Refer steam table for enthalpy values

Enthalpy of steam Hg = 830 kcal/kg

Enthalpy of feed water Hf1 = 214.34 kcal/kg

Enthalpy of attemperator water Hf2 = 125.4 kcal/kg

Boiler efficiency = (Q1 X Hg – (Q2 X Hf1 + Q3 X Hf2)) X 100 / (31 X 5200)

Boiler efficiency = (190 X 830 – (165 X 214.34 + 25 X 125.4)) X 100 / (31 X 5200) = 73.94%

18-Calculate the oil consumption of a 75 TPH (Q1) oil fired Boiler having efficiency 88% &
generates steam at 65 kg/cm2 pressure & 485 deg C temperature. Consider feed water
temperature at economizer inlet 160 deg C & oil GCV 10000 kcal/kg

Boiler efficiency = (Q1 X Hg – Q2 X Hf) / (Mf X GCV)

Here feed water quantity is not given, so assume feed water flow = Steam generation
=Q1=Q2

Ignore blow down losses

Now, refer steam tables for enthalpy

Enthalpy of steam Hg =807 kcal/kg

Enthalpy of feed water Hf =161.3 kcal/kg

0.88 = (75 X 807 –75 X 161.3) / (Mf X 10000)

Oil consumption (Mf) = 5.5 TPH

19-A  biomass fired boiler of efficiency 60% operates 285 days in a year , it generates 25
TPH (Q1) steam for a process at pressure 21 kg/cm2 & 360 deg C temperature. Calculate
the cost of fuel to operate the boiler. Assume fuel GCV 2500 kcal/kg, feed water
temperature 105 deg C & cost of fuel per ton is Rs 2800.

First calculate the fuel consumption

Boiler efficiency = (Q1 X Hg – Q2 X Hf) / (Mf X GCV)

Here feed water quantity is not given, so assume feed water flow = Steam generation
=Q1=Q2

Ignore blow down losses

Now, refer steam tables for enthalpy

Enthalpy of steam at pressure 21 kg/cm2 & temperature 360 deg C,Hg =754 kcal/kg

Enthalpy of feed water at temperature 105 deg C, Hf =105.3 kcal/kg

0.60 = (25 X 754 –75 X 105.3) / (Mf X 2800)

Fuel consumption (Mf) = 9.65 TPH

Cost of fuel for operating the Boiler for 285 days = 9.65 X 24 X 285 X 2800 =18.16 crore

20-Calculate the specific fuel consumption of a power plant. If steam Turbine consumes
4.2 Tons of steam to generate 1 MW of power. Assume steam to fuel ratio of Boiler is 4.8.

We have Specific fuel consumption (SFC) = Specific steam consumption (SSC) / Steam to fuel
ratio of Boiler (SFR)

SFC = 4.2 / 4.8 =0.875 kg of fuel for generating 1 kw of power

21-Calculate the GCV of a bagasse sample having moisture 51% & pole 1.5%.

We have GCV of bagasse = 4600-46 X Moisture -12 X pole

                                             = 4600-46 X 51-12 X 1.5 =2236 kcal/kg

22-A coal sample contains Carbon 40%, Oxygen 8.3%, Hydrogen 3.5% and Sulphur 0.5%,
Nitrogen 1.0%, then calculate its GCV/HCV, LCV and NCV if its total moisture content is
12%.
We have the Theoretical formula for GCV,
GCV/HCV = (8084 X C% + 28922 X (H2% 2 O2%/8) + 2224 X S %)/100
                    = (8084 X 40 + 28922 X (3.5 – 8.3/8) + 2224 X 0.5)/100
                   = 3968 kcal/kg
LCV = HCV - (9 X H2 X 586)
         = 3968 - (9 X 0.035 X 586)
         = 3783.41 kcal/kg.
NCV = (GCV - 10.02 X Total moisture)
         = (3968 - 10.02 X 4.4) =3923.9 kcal/kg
23-A 200 TPH coal fired boiler is loaded up to 90% of its MCR thought the day. The steam
fuel ratio (SFR) of this Boiler is 4.8 & ash percentage in coal is 6.5%.Calculate the revenue
generated in a month by selling quantity of ash generated. Consider 30 days in a month &
cost of ash per MT Rs 100.
Total steam generated in a day = (200 X 90 /100) X 24 =4320 tones
Total consumed = Steam generated / SFR = 4320 / 4.8 =900 Tones
Total ash generated in a day = Coal consumption in day X Ash % in coal
= (900 X 6.5 / 100) =58.5 MT
Total revenue generated in a month = 58.5 X 30 X 100 = Rs 175500
24-A 150 TPH (Ms) boiler generates steam at pressure 88 kg/cm2 & temperature 520 deg
C. A feed water at temperature 105 deg C is being used to reduce steam temperature from
450 deg C to 380 deg C to maintain constant main steam temperature at SH
oiutlet.Calculate the water required for desuperheating.
Attemperator inlet steam enthalpy at pressure 88 kg/cm2 & temperature 450 deg C, Hg1
=770 kcal/kg
Attemperator inlet steam enthalpy at pressure 88 kg/cm2 & temperature 380 deg C, Hg2
=750 kcal/kg
Attemperator inlet steam enthalpy at temperature 105 deg C, Hf =105.11 kcal/kg
Heat lost by steam = Heat gained by desuper heating water
Ms X (Hg1-Hg2) = MW X (Hg2-Hf)
Mw =150 X (770-750) / (750-105.11) = 4.88 TPH

25-A boiler steam drum safety valve lifts at 115 kg/cm2 and reseats at 110 kg/cm2, then
calculate  its

Blow down percentage?

 
Blow down of safety valve = (Set pressure – Reseat pressure) X 100/Set pressure
                                  = (115 – 110) X 100/115 = 4.5%

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26-A boiler’s SH steam line safety valve is set at 72 kg/cm2 & blow down rate kept 2.5%,
calculate the pressure at which safety valve reseats

Blow down of safety valve = (Set pressure – Reseat pressure) X 100/Set pressure

2.5 = (75-Reseat pressure) X 100 / 75

Reseat pressure =73.13 kg/cm2

 
27-A air Pre heater (APH) Flue gas  inlet/out let & Air inlet/outlet temperatures are 240
deg C/150 deg C & 35 deg C/185 deg C, calculate the effectiveness of APH from gas side &
air side

APH gas side efficiency

ηAPHg = (Flue gas inlet temp.-Flue gas outlet temp.) X 100 / (Flue gas inlet temperature -Air
inlet temperature)

ηAPHg =(240-150) X 100 / (240-35) =43.9%

APH air side efficiency

ηAPHa = (Air outlet temp.Tao-Air inlet temp.)) X 100 / (Flue gas inlet temperature -Air inlet
temperature)
ηAPHa =(185-35) X 100 / (240-35) =73.17%
28-Calculate the economiser effectiveness, whose feed water inlet & outlet temperatures
are 165 Deg C & 245 Deg C respectively & flue gas inlet & outlet temperatures 385 deg C &
215 deg c respectively.
ηEco. = (Economizer outlet feed water temperature -Economizer inlet feed water
temperature) X 100 / (Economizer inlet flue gas temperature - Economizer inlet feed water
temperature)
ηEco = (245-165 ) X 100 / (385-215)
ηEco = 47.05%
29-A HP heater is been used to raise the feed water temperature from 105 deg C to 150
deg C by using Turbine bleed steam at inlet temperature 280 deg C, calculate the HP
heater effectiveness. Consider the HP heater condensate out let temperature is 140 deg C
HP heater effectiveness = It is calculated as temperature range of steam X 100/
Temperature range of feed water
HP heater effectiveness = (280-140/ (150-105) = 3.1
30-A HP heater is used to heat 100 TPH feed water from 110 deg C to 145 deg C by using
bleed steam at pressure 15 kg/cm2 and temperature 320 deg C, calculate the quantity of
steam required if condensate outlet temperature is 155 deg Consider specific heat of
water =1 kcal/kg
Enthalpy of steam used at pressure 15kg/cm2 & temperature 320 deg C by referring steam
table =735.29 kcal/kg
Enthalpy of condensate leaving HP heater =156.12 kcal/kg
Heat lost by steam = Heat gained by feed water
Mass of steam X (Enthalpy of steam-Enthalpy of condensate water) = Mass of water X Cp X
Rise in feed water temperature
Mass of steam = 100 X 1 X (145-110) / (735.29-156.12)
Mas of steam Ms =6.04 TPH
31-A spray cum tray Deaerator inlet & outlet water oxygen concentration is 15 & 0.007
ppm respectively, calculate the Deaerator efficiency

η D/A = (Concentration of Oxygen in inlet water-Concentration of oxygen in outlet water) X

100 /(Concentration of Oxygen in inlet water)
η D/A =(15-0.007) X 100 /15
η D/A = 99.53%
32-In a coal based Thermal power plant, a 10” steam line is left uninsulated around 2
meters of its length. Because of this there is a loss of heat around 17500 kcal/hr .Calculate
the extra fuel consumption in a day to compensate this loss. Consider coal GCV & boiler
efficiency 4500 kcal/kg & 90% respectively
We have,
Heat loss in terms of fuel = Heat loss / (Fuel GCV X Boiler efficiency) = 17500 / (4500 X 0.9)
=4.32 kg/hr
So extra coal consumption to compensate the heat loss = 4.32 X 24 =103.7 kg/day
33-A boiler of generates 85 TPH of steam at pressure 65 kg/cm2 & temperature 490 deg C,
calculate the velocity of this steam if it passes through 150 NB steam line.
Velocity of steam inside the pipe line = Flow in steam line (m3/sec) / Area of steam line (m2)
Convert steam flow 85 TPH into m3/sec
That is 85000 kg/hr / Density of steam
Refer steam table & find out density of steam at above pressure & temperature
Density of steam = 20.13 kg/m3
Area of pipe line =∏XD2 / 4 = 3.142 X (0.150)2/4 =0.018 M2
Steam flow = 85000 / (20.13 X 3600) = 1.17 m3/sec
Then,
Velocity of steam inside the pipe line = 1.17 / 0.018 =65.16 m/sec
34-A air preheater of heating surface 2800 M2 need to design for a Boiler of 120 TPH, the
total area required for flue gas flow is around 8.5 M2.Calculate the number of tubes &
their length. Select tube size OD 63.5mm X 2.34mm thickness.
For finding out number of tubes, calculate the area of one tube
A==∏XD2 / 4
Where D is inside diameter of tube (considered flue gas passes through tubes & air outside
the tubes)
 
Inside diameter of tube = OD -2 X Thickness = 63.5-2 X 2.34 =58.82 mm =0.05882 meters
Area, A = 3.142 X (0.05882)2 /4 =0.0027 M2
Total required area for flue gas flow is 8.5 meter
Then, Number of tubes = 8.5 / 0.0027 =3148.1 nos
Take round figure =3148 Nos
Given that, total heating surface area of the tubes = 2800 M2
Length of the tube,
(2∏RL) X Number of tubes= 2800
R = Outside diameter of tube =63.5/2 =31.75 mm = 0.03175 meter
Length of tubes, L=2800 / (2 X ∏ X 0.03175 X 3148) =4.46 meter or 4460 mm
 
35-A boiler of operating pressure 66 kg/cm2 has LHS water wall panel total length of 25
meters from bottom header to top header, calculate the maximum thermal expansion of
panel. Consider the MOC of tube material SA210 Gr.A (Carbon steel) & ambient air
temperature 30 deg C
We have,
Total thermal expansion =Length of the panel X Coefficient of expansion carbon steel pipe X
Operating temperature of metal
As per boiler operating temperature & carbon steel material maximum metal temperature
will be 390 deg C
Coefficient of expansion carbon steel pipe=11.6 X 10-6 m/m oC
Maximum possible thermal expansion of LHS water wall panel=25 X 11.6 X 10-6 X 390 =0.113
meter =113.1 mm

36-The maximum permissible limit of a 75 TPH boiler’s TDS is 120 mg/l. If the TDS of feed
water is 5 mg/l and percentage of makeup water is 7%. Then calculate the percentage of
blow down and blow down water quantity.
% of blow down = (Feed water TDS X % of makeup water) X 100/(Boiler permissible TDS -
Feed water TDS)
                     = (5 X 0.07) X 100 / (120 - 5)
                     = 0.3%
Quantity of blow down water = (0.3 X 75 / 100) = 0.225 TPH

37-What quantity of flash steam is produced when steam drum water operating at 70
kg/cm2 is released in CBD tank at atmospheric pressure at the rate of 1.1 TPH
Sensible heat at high pressure in drum water S1 = 305 kcal/kg…… Refer steam table

Sensible heat of steam at atmospheric pressure in CBD tank S2 = 100 kcal/kg…… Refer steam
table

Latent heat of flash steam L = 539 kcal/kg

CBD water flow rate Q = 1.1 TPH

Percentage of flash steam produced % = (S1 - S2) X 100 / L

                                                               = (305 – 100) X 100 / 539

                                                      = 38%
Total quantity of flash steam produced per hour = (1.1 X 38 / 100) = 0.42 TPH

38-What is the COC of a Boiler, if boiler water has chloride 95 ppm & feed water 21 ppm.

COC = Boiler water chloride / Feed water chloride

COC = 95 / 21 = 4.5 

39-Convert 100 TPH boiler capacity into BHP capacity

We have, 1 BHP = 15.65 kg/hr
There fore total BHP = 100 X 1000 / 15.65 = 6389.8 
40-A Boiler of capacity 75 TPH operating at 65 kg/cm2 & temperature 490 deg C,calaculate
boiler BHP.Assume feed water temperature 150 deg C
Total heat content in out let steam = 75 X 1000 X (Enthalpy of outlet steam- Enthalpy of feed
water)
                                     =75000 X (811-151) =49500000 kcal/hr
We have 1 BHP =8436 kcal/hr
So Boiler BHP = 49500000 / 8436 =5867.7 
41-Calculate the condensate formed, if 25 TPH steam at pressure 7 kg/cm2 & temperature
180 deg C is supplied to a process plant situated at a distance of 500 meter from the
generation plant. The pressure & temperature at the end user point are 6.2 kg/cm2 & 170
deg C respectively.

Enthalpy of steam generating end = 666.74 kcal/kg

Enthalpy of steam at end user = 662.41 kcal/kg

Enthalpy of evaporation at average pressure (7 + 6.2) / 2 =6.6 kg/cm2 = 489.95 kcal/kg

Condensate formed = 25 X (666.74-662.41) / 489.95 =0.22 TPH