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On some hot water boilers, a run around pump is used. What is its main purpose?

  1. To increase circulation and bring the boiler up to temperature faster

  2. To keep the discharge and return lines at the same pressure

  3. To increase discharge pressure

  4. To suck out air from the system

The correct answer is: To increase circulation and bring the boiler up to temperature faster

The primary purpose of a run around pump in hot water boilers is indeed to enhance circulation within the system, which in turn helps the boiler reach its operating temperature more quickly. The run around system typically involves a closed-loop of piping fluid that circulates between the boiler and heat exchangers, efficiently transferring heat and ensuring that the water within the boiler is heated uniformly and effectively. By facilitating better circulation, the run around pump minimizes thermal stratification and helps distribute the heated water evenly throughout the system. This leads to improved performance and quicker heating times, which are essential for maintaining efficiency and comfort in systems that rely on hot water for heating applications. The other options describe functions that are not the primary role of the run around pump. While aspects like pressure maintenance and air removal may be important in boiler systems, they are generally managed by other system components such as pressure regulators and air separators rather than the run around pump itself.