Class 5 Boiler Practice Exam

True or False: Washout openings on cast iron must be no smaller than 1.5" nps.

1. True

2. False

3. Only if specified

4. Not applicable

The correct answer is: False

The correct assessment of washout openings on cast iron is that they do not necessarily have to be no smaller than 1.5" NPS (Nominal Pipe Size). In fact, washout openings can be smaller than this, as industry standards allow for variations depending on the design and specific requirements of the boiler system. While it is important to ensure that washout openings are adequately sized for maintenance and cleaning purposes, this doesn't imply a universal minimum size of 1.5" NPS for all cast iron applications. The context of designing washout openings lies in facilitating the removal of sludge, scale, or other deposits, which can occur in the lower portions of a boiler. Therefore, these openings may be designed based on the exact needs of the boiler and its intended operation, without being restricted to a specific minimum size. Understanding this flexibility is key for proper boiler maintenance and operation.