How To Prepare For A Steam Boiler Inspection

What Should I Do to Prepare For A Steam Boiler Inspection?

Most steam boilers are required to be inspected annually. The inspection is usually performed by a local government authority or an insurance inspector. Most inspections will be both external and internal and both are necessary in order to determine the safety level when the boiler is returned to service.

In order to provide the cleanest boiler surfaces, a shutdown regimen needs to be implemented about a month before the scheduled shutdown.

The purpose of the shutdown procedure is to reduce the sludge that has accumulated during the normal operation of the boiler.

When this procedure is followed the labor required to clean the boiler offline is substantially reduced and often nearly eliminated.

Why Should I Prepare for a Steam Boiler Inspection?

In order to provide the cleanest boiler surfaces, a shutdown regimen needs to be implemented about a month before the scheduled shutdown.

The purpose of the shutdown procedure is to reduce the sludge that has accumulated during the normal operation of the boiler.

When this procedure is followed the labor required to clean the boiler offline is substantially reduced and often nearly eliminated.

The following procedure should be followed to insure the inspection goes well. It is important to understand that normal operating conditions are very different than those when the boiler is opened and exposed to the atmosphere.

One month before shutdown, start reducing the specific conductivity of the boiler slightly each day. In the next two weeks, the boiler conductivity should be reduced to about one half its normal operating levels. During this “solids” reduction, the chemical levels should remain at normal operating levels.

1. During the last two weeks, the chemical levels and the bottom blow down should be increased by 50%. This will reduce the remaining sludge in the boiler to a minimum. Further it will condition any remaining sludge so that it’s removal will be much easier when the boiler is opened for inspection.
2. When the boiler’s waterside is opened, the tubes and shell should be immediately washed down before being allowed to dry. If any boiler is dried before cleaning, it will be more difficult and time consuming to get the tubes and shell clean.
3. When a clean waterside is exposed for long periods of time to the air in a humid environment, a thin layer of rust may form on the clean steel. It is important to return the boiler to service soon after inspection to reduce the steel exposure to the humid air.

Your boiler is now ready for its inspection. These steps will insure longer boiler life and fewer operational problems.