Introduction of BOILERS


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What Is A Boiler?

A boiler is defined as…“a closed vessel in which water or other liquid is heated, steam or vapor is
generated, steam is superheated, or any combination thereof, under pressure or vacuum, for use external
to itself, by the direct application of energy from the combustion of fuels, from electricity or nuclear
energy.”
Also included are fired units for heating or vaporizing liquids other than water where these units are
separate from processing systems and are complete within themselves. This definition includes; water
heaters that exceed 200,000 Btu/hr heat input, or 200 degrees Fahrenheit at the outlet, or 120 gallons
nominal water containing capacity.

What Are The Construction And Installation Requirements For My Boiler?

Boilers installed after 1935 must be constructed in accordance with the ASME (American Society of
Mechanical Engineers) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code:
· Section I is for the high-pressure boilers. Additionally, ASME B31.1 is the required code for
power piping installation for high-pressure boilers.
· Section IV is for low-pressure steam and hot water heating (building heat), and hot water supply
boilers.

How Often Do I Have To Have My Boiler Inspected?

· High Pressure Boilers
o Internal inspection annually
o External inspection three to nine months after internal inspection
· Heating Boilers/Hot Water Supply Boilers/Commercial Water Heaters
o External inspection every two years

Why Are Boiler Inspections Necessary?

Boilers, storage tanks and other pressure equipment are potentially dangerous objects. While operating,
they contain large amounts of energy, which when they fail, is released instantaneously, usually with
devastating results. When water changes from liquid to steam it expands 1600 times its original volume.
In other words, one cubic foot of water instantly converts to 1600 cubic feet of steam. A small boiler
having a volume of 10 cubic feet and operating at a pressure of 100 psi (pounds per square inch) has an
explosive equivalent of 2278 grams of TNT approximately equal to the anti-tank mine used during Desert
Storm.

What Do I Do About Repairs To My Boiler?

The boiler rules state that a repair company must be authorized to perform repairs by the National Board
of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors and hold an “R” stamp.
In all cases, the owner and the repair company must consult an inspector before the repair is attempted
and the completed repair is subject to the inspector’s acceptance.
What Do I Do In The Event Of An Accident?
The rules state that the owner must notify the Boiler Safety Bureau by submitting a detailed report of the
accident. In the event of personnel injury or any explosion, notice shall be given immediately by
telephone, telegraph, or messenger, and neither the boiler, nor any parts shall be removed or disturbed
before permission has been given by the Chief Inspector, except for the purpose of saving human life and
limiting consequential damage.