To produce 1 Boiler Horsepower, what is the required feedwater temperature for evaporation?

To produce 1 Boiler Horsepower, the required feedwater temperature for evaporation is generally accepted to be 212 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature represents the boiling point of water at standard atmospheric pressure. At this temperature, water can efficiently undergo the phase change from liquid to vapor, which is essential for steam generation in a boiler.

Achieving this boiling point is crucial because it ensures that any additional energy supplied by the boiler's heat source can effectively convert the water into steam. In practical terms, maintaining the feedwater temperature at or near 212 degrees allows for optimized efficiency in the steam generation process, as the system operates at its thermodynamic best.

Temperatures lower than 212 degrees would mean that the water is still liquid and not yet producing steam, which would hinder the boiler's ability to meet its steam generation requirements. Higher temperatures, while possible in certain systems, exceed what is typically used for standard boiler operations at atmospheric pressure, leading to unnecessary complications and potential safety hazards.