What is the function of a boiler blow off tank?

A boiler blow off tank primarily serves the essential function of collecting and cooling the discharge from a boiler blow off. This process involves managing the byproducts of boiler operation, particularly when sediment and impurities accumulate in the boiler's water. The discharge is typically hot and may contain harmful substances, so it is crucial for safety and compliance with environmental regulations to cool and contain it effectively.

By using a blow off tank, the system can ensure that any discharge, which might be at a high temperature, is handled properly to prevent potential hazards such as burns or damage to surrounding infrastructure. Additionally, the collection in a blow off tank helps facilitate easier management and disposal of this water, which is key to maintaining both operational safety and efficiency in the plumbing system associated with the boiler.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the role of a blow off tank. For instance, cooling and storing water for showers relates to domestic water systems rather than boiler discharge, while filtering water for kitchens pertains to water treatment, and serving as a reservoir for irrigation is associated with agricultural water management, none of which are relevant to the function of a boiler blow off tank.