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Information Bulletin: Recommended maintenance and inspection for low pressure steam boilers
Information Bulletin
Information Bulletin: Recommended maintenance and inspection for low pressure steam boilers
July 12, 2013
Reference Number:
IB-BP-2013-02
Topic:
Lack of routine inspection and proper maintenance for small low pressure (not exceeding 15 psig ) steam boilers is widespread and one of the major causes of accidents, breakdowns and repairs. The BC Safety Authority recommends that owners of low pressure steam boilers put into practice a routine maintenance program and establish a regular, periodic safety-testing program Such programs will help prevent accidents, repairs and operating problems and result in operating cost savings.
Please download and print out a copy for your reference or add this webpage to your bookmarks.
Most boiler manufacturers will recommend maintenance and testing practises for their equipment which can be used to develop a program and checklists. As a minimum the following maintenance, inspection and testing should be carried out:
DAILY
- Blow down and test low water cutoffs of steam boilers
- Blow down make up feeder
- Blow down boiler
- Check boiler control linkage
- Visual check of burner flame
- Record feed water pressure and temperature, flue gas temperature, steam pressure and make-up water usage
WEEKLY
- Check flame failure cutoff, safety and interlock controls
- Check operating and limit controls
- Check indicating lights and alarms
- Check pilot and main flame fuel shutoff valve closing
- Check burner operation
- Check boiler and system for leaks, noise or vibration
SEMIANNUALLY
Have a licensed contractor:
- Inspect burner components
- Carry out combustion analysis
- Check flame failure system components
- Check piping and wiring of all interlocks and shutoff valves
- Inspect burner control linkage and cams
- Lubricate pumps and other equipment
- Open, inspect and clean low water cutoff and perform a slow drain test for low water cutoffs (steam)
- Inspect combustion control system, burner, refractory and casing for hot spots
- Inspect for flue gas leakage
- For oil -- check atomizers and strainers
- Test boiler safety/safety relief valves in accordance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Sections VI and VII
ANNUALLY
Have a licensed contractor:
- Perform the SEMIANNUAL maintenance procedures
- Clean boiler firesides
- Drain boiler, open manholes and hand holes, inspect and clean waterside surfaces
- Replace gaskets
- Leak-test all fuel valves
- Test operation of all controls and safety devices
- Have fuel-burning system adjusted using combustion test instruments
AFTER EACH PERIOD
- Make a record of all maintenance and parts replacement in the maintenance log
Ed Hurd P.Eng.
Provincial Safety Manager, Boilers
References:
Safety Standards Act
Power Engineers, Boiler, Pressure Vessel & Refrigeration Safety Regulation