What should be done if total steam demand exceeds boiler rating?

• A. Switch to electric heating
• B. Add another boiler or upgrade capacity
• C. Shutdown some equipment
• D. Operate at lower pressure

Answer: (B)

When the total steam demand cannot be met by the existing boiler, the system must be expanded to carry the load. The correct course is to increase capacity by adding another boiler or upgrading to a larger unit (or using parallel boilers) so the process can draw the required steam without overworking a single boiler, while maintaining the designed pressure and temperature and preserving reliability. This keeps the steam supply stable and avoids under-pressure conditions that could affect product quality or equipment operation. Other options don’t reliably solve the problem: switching to electric heating may be impractical or more costly for large steam loads; shutting down equipment reduces production; and operating at a lower pressure can alter steam characteristics and may not meet the process requirements.