Information Bulletin: Recommended maintenance and inspection for low pressure steam boilers

Lack of routine inspection and proper maintenance for small low pressure (not exceeding 15 psig ) steam boilers is widespread and one of the major causes of accidents, breakdowns and repairs. The BC Safety Authority recommends that owners of low pressure steam boilers put into practice a routine maintenance program and establish a regular, periodic safety-testing program Such programs will help prevent accidents, repairs and operating problems and result in operating cost savings.

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Most boiler manufacturers will recommend maintenance and testing practises for their equipment which can be used to develop a program and checklists. As a minimum the following maintenance, inspection and testing should be carried out:

DAILY

• Blow down and test low water cutoffs of steam boilers
• Blow down make up feeder
• Blow down boiler
• Check boiler control linkage
• Visual check of burner flame
• Record feed water pressure and temperature, flue gas temperature, steam pressure and make-up water usage

WEEKLY

• Check flame failure cutoff, safety and interlock controls
• Check operating and limit controls
• Check indicating lights and alarms
• Check pilot and main flame fuel shutoff valve closing
• Check burner operation
• Check boiler and system for leaks, noise or vibration

SEMIANNUALLY

Have a licensed contractor:

• Inspect burner components
• Carry out combustion analysis
• Check flame failure system components
• Check piping and wiring of all interlocks and shutoff valves
• Inspect burner control linkage and cams
• Lubricate pumps and other equipment
• Open, inspect and clean low water cutoff and perform a slow drain test for low water cutoffs (steam)
• Inspect combustion control system, burner, refractory and casing for hot spots
• Inspect for flue gas leakage
• For oil -- check atomizers and strainers
• Test boiler safety/safety relief valves in accordance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Sections VI and VII