Question 282Steam Plants - Assistant Engineer

The correct answer is B) installing fins on the firesides of water-tubes. Explanation: Installing fins on the water-tube surfaces increases the surface area exposed to the hot gases, which in turn increases the rate of heat transfer from the hot gases to the water in the tubes. This improves the overall efficiency and heat transfer capabilities of the water-tube auxiliary boiler. The other answer choices are incorrect because: A) Operating the boiler at less than normal water level would actually decrease the heat transfer rate by reducing the surface area of the water-tubes exposed to the heat. C) Increasing excess air to the burners would not directly impact the rate of heat transfer in the boiler. D) Chemical water treatment with oxygen scavengers would not affect the physical heat transfer mechanism in the boiler.