Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) Practice Test

A hydrostatic test is specifically designed to assess the integrity and leak-tightness of a pressure vessel or boiler by filling it with water and subjecting it to internal pressure. This method is crucial because water is incompressible, making it an effective medium for detecting any weaknesses or leaks within the vessel's structure that could pose a risk during operational conditions. By applying pressure beyond the normal operating limits, the test helps to reveal any potential points of failure, ensuring that the vessel can safely handle the operational pressures it will face.

In the context of the other options, measuring the temperature of a boiler does not directly relate to the testing of pressure integrity. Additionally, evaluating fuel combustion efficiency pertains more to the operational performance of a boiler rather than assessing its physical integrity. Routine inspections focus on overall operational safety and may include aspects beyond just pressure testing, but they do not specifically address the critical need for pressure vessel integrity that hydrostatic testing provides.