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News
Recovering Boiler Systems After a Flood
The following is a reprint of an article dated June 18, 2008 appearing on the website of the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors.
This Spring we had some devastating flooding in the upper Midwest, which was concentrated around our facility in Iowa. We thought that the article below would be of great interest to those affected customers.
Floods, whether caused by nature or by structural or mechanical failures, can produce deaths, injuries, and severe property damage. The following information is provided to assist in the recovery of boiler systems affected by flooding to help mitigate further risks to public safety and property damage:
- Safety of the personnel performing inspections and repairs is the highest priority. Because flood waters contain many hazardous chemicals and bacteria, personnel safety procedures should be developed and enforced.
- All utilities in the boiler room should be turned off until inspection and necessary repairs of the individual systems allow reactivation.
- A careful visual inspection of the entire boiler system should be made, both internally and externally, with notations of obvious problems and any special equipment or personnel needed to facilitate repairs.
- Keep in mind that some equipment may only be repaired by the original manufacturer or its licensed agents in order to maintain warranties and/or certification.
- The boiler setting or foundation should be examined closely to determine if it has been weakened or undermined. Any movement of the boiler or building will have an adverse effect on piping and other equipment connected to both the boiler and building structure.
- Waterlogged insulation will hasten external corrosion of boilers and pipes. If removal is deemed necessary, remember that asbestos is still present in many boiler rooms and requires handling by specially licensed personnel. If the insulation is left in place and the boiler is fired before thoroughly drying, steam can be generated within the insulation layers, creating the potential for explosive damage to the external lagging.
- Refractory and fire brick should be checked for deterioration or loosening.
- Feedwater and condensate return systems should be thoroughly cleaned of any mud, silt, or debris. After the boiler is put back in operation, the water quality should be checked often for contamination of any kind.
- Pressure relief devices should be checked for corrosion or any damage that would cause binding and failure to operate. Only qualified personnel should perform disassembly or repair of a pressure relief device. Some jurisdictions require this work to be performed by a company holding the National Board "VR" symbol stamp. The outlet and discharge line of the pressure-relieving device should be inspected for blockage.
- All drains and blow-off lines should be inspected to ensure there is no blockage by debris.
- Electric/electronic controls should be evaluated for replacement or repair as needed. Flame safeguard controls, ignition transformers, and safety shutoff valves on the fuel system that have the potential for causing furnace explosions should be replaced. Other fuel system components should be drained and cleaned or replaced as necessary. All work performed on the fuel system and safety devices must comply with jurisdictional requirements.
- All electric motors and wiring should be inspected closely to determine if repair or replacement is necessary. All electrical work must comply with jurisdictional requirements.
- Check to make sure air inlets are clear and chimneys or stacks are open.
These items are not intended to be all-inclusive, as boiler systems and equipment vary in design and operation. However, this list could be used as an outline in developing individual inspection and repair guidelines to fit many systems affected by flooding.
Kunkle Releases New Product
Model 338
Kunkle Valve has just released a new product. It is their Model 338. This valve is available in the two inch size and is used for blowers and bulk hauling equipment. Click here
for further information.
Dresser Announces the Green Tag Center's 25th Anniversary
Dresser has built a global network of aftermarket service centers to provide customers with high quality, cost effective pressure relief valve management services. These service centers are known as Green Tag Centers (GTC).
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the GTC network. Established in 1982, the GTC network was the first aftermarket network to certify for high standards of repair and service, and it remains the industry gold standard and the leading service brand.
Dresser's GTC's and global support team have millions of dollars of available inventory to meet your needs. GTC Technicians are trained extensively prior to certification. After receiving both classroom and hands-on experience, technicians are tested through written and practical application. Each GTC must also maintain Certificates of Authorization from the ASME and the National Board to use the V, UV, and VR symbols.
Supported by Dresser's commitment to excellence through long term quality assurance procedures, Green Tag Centers consistently ensure customer satisfaction
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