For a 20 horsepower steam boiler, what would be its maximum input in Btu?

To determine the maximum input in BTU for a 20 horsepower steam boiler, one must understand the relationship between horsepower and heating input.

For steam boilers, one common rule of thumb is that 1 horsepower (HP) is equivalent to approximately 33,475 BTUs per hour. Therefore, to calculate the maximum input for a 20 horsepower boiler, you multiply the horsepower by the BTU conversion factor:

20 HP × 33,475 BTU/HP = 669,500 BTU/hr.

This value can be approximated to 680 MBTU when converted, since MBTU (one million BTUs) essentially contextualizes the scale of energy input.

Thus, the maximum input for a 20 horsepower steam boiler is closest to 680 MBTU, aligning with industry standards for boiler operation and ensuring efficient system design. This answer reflects a practical application of converting horsepower to BTU, which is crucial for determining the proper input ratings for boiler systems.