What is the primary purpose of soot blowing in a boiler?

The primary purpose of soot blowing in a boiler is to remove deposits from furnace tubes. Over time, soot and other particulate matter can accumulate on the heat transfer surfaces within a boiler. This buildup can significantly impair the efficiency of heat transfer, leading to increased fuel consumption and potentially creating hotspots that may damage the boiler components.

Soot blowing involves the use of high-pressure steam or air to dislodge and remove these deposits, thereby restoring optimal heat transfer efficiency. This maintenance practice not only improves overall boiler performance but also extends the lifespan of the equipment by preventing excessive overheating and other operational issues associated with fouling.

The other options do not represent the primary function of soot blowing; while it may indirectly affect fuel efficiency, cooling the boiler down, or testing strengths are not related to the soot removal process.