Questions?
Contact
Gary Scribner, Manager,
Boiler & Pressure Vessel Unit, Division of Fire Safety,
PO Box 844,
Jefferson City, MO 65102
(800) 877-5688
Gary.Scribner@dfs.dps.mo.gov
Boiler & Pressure Vessel State Statute RSMo 650.200
through 650.295
Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code of State Regulations 11
CSR 40-2.010 through 40-2.060
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 Checklist for Starting Boilers After a Lay-Up Period
With the fall heating season approaching, it is not too early
to consider steps to take prior to starting boilers after a lay-up period. While the
following list is not all-inclusive, it can serve as a guide for those responsible for
boiler operation.
Before a boiler is placed in operation, boiler operators and
other responsible personnel and/or supervisors must check the entire system and carefully
review operating procedures.
Operating Manuals
All manufacturers of boilers and fuel burning systems supply
operating manuals with their equipment. Unfortunately, many boiler rooms do not have
manuals and operating instructions available. Most of these documents have either
been lost or misplaced. It is the responsibility of the supervisor to obtain these
publications and see that they are read, understood, followed, and available in the boiler
room.
Maintenance During Summer Lay-Up
The summer shutdown period is a good time to accomplish necessary boiler and
fuel-burning system preventive maintenance. A suggested checklist of such
maintenance follows:
- Drain and flush the boiler, open all handholes and mainholes,
clean and remove soot and scale from the firesides. Examine the boiler for damage
and corrosion.
- Have the boiler inspected by an authorized inspector, as
required.
- Install new gaskets, replace all handhole and manhole covers,
refill boiler, and perform a hydrostatic test, if required.
- Institute a suitable boiler water treatment program to reduce
scale buildup and corrosion.
- Have the fuel-burning equipment cleaned and adjusted by a
competent service technician. Verify operation of all operating and limit controls,
interlocks, and gages. Have the technician disassemble the low-water cutoff and
water-feeding devices, then clean, recondition, and reassemble them. Have the
technician leak test all fuel safety shutoff valves.
- Lubricate all mechanical equipment such as fans and pumps.
Verify motor rotation.
- Check all boiler piping for leaks and missing insulation.
- Make sure provisions are made for establishing and keeping a
boiler log.
Start-Up Checks
Immediately prior to boiler start-up:
- Check that all ventilation and combustion air openings and
louvers are clean and free of debris.
- Verify boiler water level.
- Make certain all stack dampers are open.
- Examine the boiler furnace for foreign material.
- Check furnace and flue passes for fuel accumulation.
- Make sure manual fuel valves are open.
Normal Start-Up
After completing start-up checks, close the operating switch and commence the
normal starting sequence. The following list suggests a typical starting sequence:
- Ensure operating controls are closed.
- Ensure interlocks (safety controls) are closed.
- Start fans and purge the boiler.
- Ensure purge requirements are met.
- Energize igniter.
- Prove ignition flame within 10 seconds.
- Energize main fuel valve(s).
- Establish and monitor main flame.
- Deenergize ignition, main flame proven.
- Release firing rate (combustion) control to demand.
- Ensure normal operation.
This starting sequence should be carefully observed to make
sure all steps are normal. Readings on flame signal strength meters (if fitted)
should be observed and recorded in the boiler log.
A normal shutdown should be initiated by opening the manual
burner switch. After the post-purge has been completed, check the furnace for flame
cutoff and make sure there is no residual flame. have fuel safety shutoff valves
repaired or replaced if required.
For questions contact, Boiler and Pressure Vessel
Unit
573-751-2930 or send an email to Gary.Scribner@dfs.dps.mo.gov
Comments or suggestions? Contact firesafe@dfs.dps.mo.gov
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