ASME PTC 4.1 Boiler Test Procedure Update, 1992 Engineering Conference Proceedings

In 1983 The ASME Board of Performance Test Codes formed a code revision committee to update PTC 4.1 for Steam Generators. The committee decided that more than a few revisions were needed and began the effort to draft a new code. This code is now designated PTC 4 Steam Generating Units. This code applies to combustible fuel fired steam generators, which represent a wide variety of steam generators from small industrial units to large utility units.

In addition to efficiency, nine other performance characteristics are defined and methodology for their determination incorporated. Two definitions of efficiency are now incorporated in the code, Fuel Efficiency and Gross Efficiency. For each efficiency definition two methods of determination are covered, the input/output method and the heat balance method.

Uncertainty analysis has been included as a measure of the quality of the test. A target uncertainty will be established prior to the test, and an acceptable test will have a post test uncertainty less than or equal to the target value. This will allow the users of the code to design a test to meet their needs and allow new measurement technology to be used to further improve the quality of the test.