Boiler Operation Procedures

1
Chapter 8

• Boiler Operation Procedures

Taking Over a Shift First-Time Boiler Start-up
Procedures Routine Boiler Start-up Procedures
Boiler Maintenance Procedures Boiler Shutdown
Procedures Boiler Inspection Hydrostatic Test
Boiler Troubleshooting
2

• Boiler operation information is communicated to
  the boiler operator starting the shift to specify
  any special procedures required.

3

• When blowing down the gauge glass, water should
  enter the gauge glass quickly when the gauge
  glass blowdown valve is closed.

4

• During a bottom blowdown, the boiler should be
  under light load and the water level should be at
  the NOWL.

5

• The blowdown valve is opened to evacuate the low
  water fuel cutoff chamber with the burner firing
  during blowdown.

6

• When testing the flame scanner, the flame scanner
  sensor is covered to simulate a flame failure.

7

• Before starting the boiler for the first time,
  the boiler should have a minimum water level of
  approximately 2? above the bottom of the gauge
  glass.

8

• The burner is started in low fire according to
  procedures specified by the manufacturer.

9

• The boiler vent is closed when pressure in the
  boiler reaches 10 psi to 15 psi.

10

• The main steam stop valve is opened slowly to
  allow the pressure to equalize when the boiler is
  a few pounds below the header pressure.

11

• A broken or discolored gauge glass is replaced
  using standard procedures for maximum safety.

12

• The low water fuel cutoff controls must be
  installed vertically for proper performance.

13

• The burner is maintained and tested to ensure
  proper operation and maximum efficiency.

14

• Feedwater pumps should be checked periodically to
  ensure proper bearing temperatures and checked
  for any unusual vibration.

15

• Safety valves are routinely tested to ensure
  proper operation and must be serviced by an
  authorized manufacturer representative.

16

• Steam traps are checked for proper operation when
  determining the cause of a steambound feedwater
  pump.

17

• When inspecting a boiler, inspect tube sheets,
  tubes, and other internal parts for corrosion,
  overheating, and/or other damage.

18

• Handhole covers are removed to provide access to
  boiler parts during a boiler inspection.

19

• All internal surfaces are exposed and cleaned
  prior to the boiler inspection.

20

• Troubleshooting steps from the manufacturer
  provide a guide to correcting a boiler operation
  problem.

21

• The boiler room log lists boiler operation data
  that can be used to increase boiler efficiency
  and identify a potential malfunction.