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What is the primary function of a soot blower?

  1. To clean the flue gas path

  2. To decrease boiler pressure

  3. To enhance combustion

  4. To control water levels

The correct answer is: To clean the flue gas path

The primary function of a soot blower is to clean the flue gas path. Soot blowers are essential components in a boiler system designed to remove soot and other foreign deposits that accumulate on the heat exchange surfaces. Over time, these deposits can lead to reduced heat transfer efficiency, increased fuel consumption, and higher emissions. By employing high-pressure steam or air, soot blowers help maintain optimal heat transfer efficiency and ensure that the flue gas can pass through the system without obstruction. Proper cleaning of the flue gas path translates to enhanced operational performance and reliability of the boiler system, ultimately contributing to energy efficiency and reduced operational costs. The other options, while related to boiler operation, serve different functions. Decreasing boiler pressure focuses on pressure management, enhancing combustion aims to optimize fuel burning efficiency, and controlling water levels is crucial for safe operation but does not pertain directly to removing soot from the system.