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

The role of a water column in a boiler system primarily serves as a visual reference for water levels within the boiler. This is vital for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the boiler. By allowing operators to observe the water level, it provides critical information on whether the water level is adequate for safe operation, helping to prevent conditions like low water levels that can lead to overheating and potential damage to the boiler.

Having a clear visual reference helps in monitoring the operational state of the boiler, ensuring that it operates within safe parameters. Additionally, the water column effectively communicates the pressure and water levels, which is essential for maintaining the overall balance and safety of the system. This monitoring capability is fundamental for compliance with safety regulations and for effective boiler management.

In this context, the other options do not serve roles relevant to the primary function of a water column. Cooling the steam, compressing gas, or facilitating chemical reactions are not tasks attributed to a water column within a boiler system.