New York Low Pressure Boiler COF Practice 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Using fire brick to protect a bottom blow off pipe from direct furnace heat is effective because fire brick is designed to withstand high temperatures and provide thermal insulation. Fire bricks are made from materials that can endure the intense heat characteristic of furnace operations, helping to maintain the integrity of the pipe by preventing it from being directly exposed to extreme heat.

This protection is crucial as the bottom blow off pipe plays an important role in the boiler system, allowing for the removal of impurities and sediment that accumulate in the boiler water. If the pipe were subjected to direct heat without proper protection, it could lead to heat damage or failure of the pipe, potentially causing unsafe conditions.

Other materials like steel plating may not provide the necessary insulation against direct heat, and while heat-resistant paint could offer some protective qualities, it does not provide the same level of thermal resistance as fire brick. Similarly, ceramic insulation may be useful, but fire brick has practical applications in this specific scenario given its structural stability and insulating properties in high-temperature environments.