Safe Operation of a Boiler

IBR Steam Boilers are closed vessel exceeding 25 litres capacity and 1kg/cm² pressure that are used exclusively for generating steam under pressure. It includes any mounting and or fittings attached to such vessel that is wholly or partly under pressure when the steam is shut off. This causes the boiler to be an extremely dangerous equipment which must be treated with utmost care.

Boiler Maintenance is essential to obtain maximum boiler efficiency. Regular maintenance helps to avert any kind of major break-downs. It is a big savings on overall costs. It is advised to entrust the maintenance work to licensed experts, for a commendable solution and to avert possibilities of mishaps. A scheduled maintenance program extends the life span of the boiler. Below are some important tips to safely operate a boiler:

Tips to Safely Operate a Boiler

1. Keep A Daily Log For Smooth Operation – The daily log records is very useful to monitor the health of a boiler. Records on operating conditions that includes temperature, pressure, water quality, fuel consumption etc, help to monitor the boiler. These recorded parameters indicate the condition of the boiler, the kind of maintenance required, if any.
2. Water Level of the boiler is vital and needs to be checked every fortnight or so. Should the boiler operate without adequate water, this can easily damage it beyond repair. Shortage of water in the boiler can lead to serious mishaps and endanger the lives of people. It is to be ensured the pilot light is on as you check the water level. If the water level is below minimum, you need to check the plumbing and correct faults if any. Sometimes, all that is required is a few minor adjustments in the set-up.
3. Leaks may occur during normal usage of boiler. Gas or fuel leak is serious and calls for immediate attention. This usually indicates some adjustments are necessary in the system. If you detect damaged or worn out parts, it should be replaced or repaired, as the case may be, immediately.
4. Regular Feed Water & Boiler Water Quality Check and monitoring is important to avoid scale formation in the boiler. Feed water & Boiler water’s TDS, PH & Hardness are critical factors to keep a boiler healthy. Scale formation due to hard water reduces boiler efficiency, increases fuel consumption, leads to heat loss and the possibilities of a mishap.
5. Burner Maintenance is very important for boiler fuel efficiency. Fuel nozzles, Blower, Fuel pump, Fuel filters are important factors that improve efficiency. If fuel solenoid fails then chances of a mishap is high.
6. Boiler Tube Cleaning is an important factor to improve boiler efficiency.
7. Testing of Boiler Safety Mounting and Interlocking to prevent mishaps and increase the boiler health.
8. Blow Down at regular intervals helps maintain boiler water quality and prevents scale formation.
9. De-scaling, hard water usually gives rise to excessive lime-scale in the boiler. This prevents the boiler from functioning smoothly. If left to accumulate, lime-scale will hamper the heating capacity of the boiler. You will need to de-scale your boiler should you notice too much lime-scale inside the boiler.
10. Annual Check & Overhauling is a mandatory practice to have your boiler checked at least once a year by a registered engineer. This ensures the safety and efficiency of the boiler. Any emerging problems can be noted and dealt with accordingly. The license to operate the boiler is issued after inspection.