Boiler tips

Boiler Tips
1. While modern boiler installations tend to be highly sophisticated with many self-monitoring and selfregulating features, it pays to maintain and follow a rigid maintenance and inspection schedule. Studies have shown that, on average, 7% of boiler fuel costs are a direct result of poor maintenance. The following boiler maintenance tips have been adapted from the Cleaver-BrooksBoiler Room Guide, an extensive document referring to various topics including General Boiler Description; Inspections; Start-up; Routine Operations; Shutting Down; and Theory of Combustion and Thermodynamics. • • • • • • • • • 2. Know your equipment. Keep the boiler manufacturer’s manual and data in a special file and ensure that staff consults this information whenever in doubt. Maintain completerecords. Individual components should be listed on indexed cards or computer data base by model, serial number and date of installation. Establish a regular boiler inspection schedule. Establish and use boiler log sheets. Establish and keep written operating procedures updated. A detailed start-up procedure is essential in standardizing boiler room routine. Emphasize good housekeeping. Keepelectrical equipment clean. Maintain adequate fresh air supply. Filters must be kept clean. In severe winter weather, the room may need to be heated to an acceptable ambient temperature. Keep accurate fuel records.

Power Boilers (Steam pressure set above 15 pounds per square inch) require an internal inspection every 12 months. This means both the watersides and firesides must be opened and cleanedprior to visual inspection by a certified inspector. It is important that owners or operators also remove plugs and caps to water column piping and low water cutoff devices to verify pipe connections are free and clear of mud, sludge or other obstructions. After the inspection, a certified inspector may indicate satisfactory conditions on an inspection report, provide a report copy to theowner/operator and submit the original report to Commerce. Upon receipt, Commerce issues a permit to operate (PTO) that shall be posted on the premises by the owner or operator. Steam Heating Boilers (Steam pressure set at or below 15 pounds per square inch) require an external inspection every 36 months. This means a visual inspection by a certified inspector can be completed while the boiler is inoperation. Although it is a recommended maintenance item, owners are not required to remove plugs and caps to water column piping and low water cutoff devices to verify pipe connections are free and clear of mud and sludge. After the inspection, a certified inspector may indicate satisfactory conditions on the inspection report to issue a PTO. The inspector will provide a report copy to the owner/operatorand submit the original report to Commerce. Upon receipt, Commerce may issue a PTO that shall be posted on the premises by the owner or operator.

Hot Water Heating Boilers (set pressure 0-160 pounds per square inch and maximum 250o F temperature) require an external inspection every 36 months similar to the steam heating boilers above. 3. Boiler Maintenance Tips Responsibility • • Owners areresponsible to obtain/maintain documentation on equipment, assure code Compliance and safe operation.

New installations • • • • Boilers must be American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) constructed and identified with proper stamping on the nameplate. Contractors must submit Installation Registration form, SBD-6314 to Commerce. An inspection, registration B# on the boiler, and aninspection report submittal by certified inspector are required. A valid PTO is needed and must be posted during operation.

Existing installations • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Keep boiler room clean. Assure adequate/sound boiler piping supports, foundations and settings for all equipment. Maintain clearances for operation, repair, and maintenance as recommended by manufacturer. Make provisions for...