Boiler blow down is used to control the concentration of which in boiler water?

• A. Gases
• B. Solids
• C. Chemicals
• D. Oxygen

Answer: (B)

Blowdown is used to control the buildup of solids in boiler water. As water turns to steam, dissolved minerals and other impurities stay behind and become more concentrated in the remaining water. If this concentration gets too high, solids can form scale on heating surfaces, reduce heat transfer efficiency, and increase corrosion risk. By regularly blowing down a portion of the concentrated boiler water, we remove these solids and keep the total dissolved solids within design limits. Gases are removed by venting and deaeration, and chemicals are managed through treatment and feed systems, but blowdown’s main purpose is to limit solids.