What is the first verification step if the existing boiler MAWP is 12 bar and the new pasteurizer requires 10 bar steam?

• A. Increase pasteurizer pressure to 12 bar
• B. Replace the boiler
• C. Verify boiler capacity and steam demand
• D. Decrease steam demand

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is to confirm that the steam source can actually meet the pasteurizer’s needs, not just that the pressures happen to be compatible. Even though the boiler’s MAWP is 12 bar and the pasteurizer requires 10 bar, the critical first step is to verify boiler capacity and the steam demand. You need to check whether the boiler can supply the required mass flow of steam at 10 bar (and with acceptable steam quality) under the pasteurizer’s duty, including any pressure losses in piping and controls. This ensures the system can meet peak demand and maintain the needed pressure, temperature, and dryness of the steam.

If the capacity check shows adequacy, you can proceed with further steps like confirming piping, valve sizing, or process adjustments. If it doesn’t, you would then look at options such as increasing capacity or reducing demand. The other actions—raising the pasteurizer’s pressure, replacing the boiler, or simply decreasing demand—are not the immediate proper step without first confirming that the existing boiler can actually meet the process’s steam demand.