Feedwater heater pressure. Indicates whether the proper deaerating temperature can be maintained in the heater.

Feedwater heater temperature. Shows the effectiveness of the feedwater heater. A drop in steam-supply pressure or insufficient venting may cause low heater temperature.

Feed pump pressure. Indicates the effectiveness of the boiler feed pumps. If the feedwater supply fails, the pressure reading enables the operator to determine whether the trouble is in the feed pumps. Pumps are defective when the feed pump pressure reading is below normal.

Last-pass draft. Indicates the actual draft produced by the stack or the induced-draft fan. A decrease in the last-pass draft with other conditions constant indicates leaking baffles. An increase shows gas passages are becoming clogged.

Percent CO₂ flue gas. This value is a measure of relative quantities of air supplied with fuel. It is kept at a value that has been established as most satisfactory for the plant, fuel, firing rate, and other related factors. In plants not equipped with CO₂ recording meters, this value is determined with a hand gas analyzer.

Flue gas temperature. Shows the quantity of heat leaving the boiler with flue gases. This heat represents a direct energy loss in fuel. Dirty heating surfaces or leakage of baffles causes high flue gas temperatures. Excessive fouling of firesides of boilers increases draft loss, while leaking baffles decrease draft loss. Either condition raises the temperature of flue gas above normal.

Fuel. Fuel oil quantities are determined by the use of a measuring stick and tables supplied with a given tank. Some tanks are equipped with gauges to show the fuel volume. Always determine the quantity of fuel used, as this represents a major operating cost.

Outside temperature. The load on a heating plant is greatly influenced by outside temperature. Record this temperature for comparison with steam generated and fuel used. These comparative values are useful in finding abnormal fuel consumption and in estimating future requirements.

Makeup water. Record the quantity of makeup water used to enable the operator to note an abnormal increase before a dangerous condition develops. Return all possible condensate to the boiler plant to save water and chemicals used to treat water.

Water pressure. Indicates whether water is sufficient.

Hot-water supply temperature. Insufficiently heated water can cause scaling or deposits in a boiler.

Water softeners. Where softeners are used, a decrease in the quantity of time used for runs between regeneration indicates either an increase in hardness of incoming water or a deterioration of softening material.

Total and average. Space is provided for recording the total and average quantities per shift.

Steam flowmeter. The steam flowmeter integrator reading at the end of a shift and multiplied by the meter constant gives the quantity of steam generated. Dividing steam generated by fuel burned (gallons of oil) yields a quantity that shows the economy obtained. If a plant does not have a steam flowmeter, pumps can be calibrated for flow and a record kept of their operating time or condensate and makeup water can be metered.

Boiler feed pumps in service. Makes it possible to determine operating hours and to ensure that various pumps are used for equal lengths of service.

Phosphate, caustic soda, and tannin added. Is valuable in keeping the correct boiler water analysis and in determining total chemicals used.

Remarks. The Remarks column is used to record various types of information for which space is not provided elsewhere on the log sheet. Note irregularities that are found during inspections, dates boilers are drained and washed out, equipment to be checked daily, and so forth.

Other personnel. Names of personnel responsible for specific tasks and data must be entered on the log sheet, if required.

Q13. Why are prewatch assumption checks performed?

Q14. What is the next step after completing preoperating checks?

Q15. What is the first step to be taken when cutting in the boiler?

Q16. What are the two major responsibilities of boiler operators during normal boiler operations?