What is the purpose of a hydrotest on a new boiler?

The purpose of a hydrotest on a new boiler is to verify the structural integrity of the boiler. This test involves filling the boiler with water and then applying a specific pressure that is typically higher than the operating pressure to check for any leaks and to ensure that all of the boiler's components can withstand the pressures they will encounter in normal operation.

Conducting a hydrotest helps identify weaknesses or defects in the boiler’s construction that could lead to failures under pressure. The water used in the test is non-compressible, which means that any leaks or weaknesses will result in noticeable pressure drops or visible signs of failure, allowing for immediate corrective action before the boiler is put into service.

Other options are related to important aspects of boiler operation but do not directly pertain to the purpose of a hydrotest. Insulation does not affect the integrity of the boiler structure directly, proper temperature achievement is a normal operating procedure rather than a strength test, and measuring steam pressure is related to operational monitoring, not structural assessment. Therefore, verifying the structural integrity is the primary reason for conducting a hydrotest.