This method should not be used on a boiler with a superheater or reheater.
b. By measuring the maximum amount of fuel that can be burned and computing the corresponding evaporative capacity (steam-generating capacity) upon the basis of the heating value of this fuel. These computations should be made as outlined in the code.
c. By determining the maximum evaporative capacity by measuring the feedwater. When either of the methods outlined in (b) or (c) above is employed, the sum of the safety valve capacity should be equal to, or greater than, the maximum evaporative capacity (maximum steam-generating capacity) of the boiler.
If you discover that the relieving capacity is inadequate because of deficiencies in the valve, the valve should be repaired or replaced. If the relieving capacity of the valve is found to be satisfactory within the proper relieving range of the valve but inefficient for the steam-generating capacity of the boiler, additional safety valve capacity should be provided.
4. PRESSURE-RELIEF VALVE-CAPACITY TEST. When the relieving capacity of any pressure-relief valve for hot-water boilers is questioned, the capacity can be tested by turning the adjustment screw until the pressure-relief valve is adjusted to the fully open position. The pressure should not rise excessively. When the test is completed, reset the pressure-relief valve to the required setting. This test is made with all water discharge openings closed except the pressure-relief valve being tested. When the discharge is led through a pipe, determine at the time the valve is operating if the drain opening in the discharge pipe is not properly free, or if there is evidence of obstruction elsewhere inside the pipe. If deemed necessary to determine the freedom of discharge from the valve, the discharge connection should be removed. After completing tests and adjustments, the inspector should seal the safety adjustment to prevent tampering.
While the boiler is operating under normal conditions, observe the operation of all boiler auxiliaries for any defects that may prevent proper functioning of the boiler or indicate a lack of proper maintenance of auxiliary equipment. The unnecessary use of multiple auxiliaries or the use of a large auxiliary during a light-load period (when a smaller auxiliary could be substituted)
should be discouraged. The maximum use of steam-driven auxiliaries short of atmospheric exhaust should be encouraged. Steam leaks, wastage to atmosphere, and so forth, should be called to the attention of operating personnel. Particular attention should be given to deaerator venting practice. Venting should be held to the minimum required to preclude oxygen entrainment in the feedwater.
When intermittently operating condensate pumps are used, look for any tendency toward creation of a vacuum when a pump starts. If this happens, recommend installation of a small, continuously operating, float-throttled, condensate pump (in parallel with intermittently operating pumps) to assure a condensate flow at all times. If there are a number of intermittently operating condensate pumps, it may be possible to convert one of them (if of small enough capacity) to continuous throttled operation.
To operate boilers or be a plant supervisor, you need to know all the mechanical details of the boiler you are operating and its associated auxiliaries. However, just knowing this information is not enough. To be a professional boiler operator or plant supervisor, you must develop a keen eye for trouble, a finely tuned ear, and an overall sense of awareness concerning boiler plant operation at all times.
As an operator and/or supervisor of a boiler plant, you must learn to tell the difference between normal and abnormal operating conditions. By training yourself to notice and analyze strange noises, unusual vibrations, abnormal temperatures and pressures, and other indications of trouble, you will be better able to prevent any impending trouble or casualty to the plant.
Boiler plant operators must maintain accurate records. Logs provide a means of recording continuous data on boiler plant performance and analysis of operation. Logs are arranged for use over a 24-hour period, consisting of three 8-hour shifts. Log entries should be carefully made in columns.
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