What does it mean when two or more boilers are operating in parallel?

When two or more boilers are operating in parallel, it indicates that they are interconnected to provide a common supply of steam or hot water to a system. This configuration allows the combined output of the boilers to meet the demand of a heating or process system more efficiently. By linking the boilers in parallel, the load can be shared among them, which can enhance reliability and ensure that if one boiler were to fail or require maintenance, the others can continue to supply the necessary output.

This design is often implemented to improve energy efficiency and ensure consistent system performance, as multiple boilers working together can respond more effectively to varying demand levels. Additionally, maintenance can often be performed on one boiler while the others continue to operate, which helps maintain system reliability.