Preventing common problems in boilers

Journal Article · Thu Dec 09 04:00:00 EST 1993 · Plant Engineering (Chicago)

OSTI ID:142382

Barrieau, A S ^[1]

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1. Cleaver-Brooks, Milwaukee, WI (United States)

Preventive maintenance is the most widely used means of minimizing common problems in boilers. Unfortunately, most maintenance programs do not properly address the needs of the boiler and its related systems. Statistics indicate about two-thirds of all boiler failures and nearly all unscheduled shutdowns are caused by poor maintenance and operation. Boiler inspection and maintenance are critical. A typical inspection schedule covers four basic areas: boiler, burner, controls, and system. Regardless of boiler design, application, or size, the basic maintenance criteria remain the same. The paper describes the following: (1) maintaining the boiler: water level, boiler blowdown, water column blowdown, water treatment, flue gas temperature, waterside and fireside surfaces, safety valves, and refractories; (2) maintaining the burner: combustion, fuel and air linkage, oil pressure and temperature, gas pressure, atomizing media pressure, and fuel valve closing; (3) maintaining the controls: flame safeguard control, operating and limit controls, safety and interlock controls, and indicating lights and alarms; (4) maintaining the system: operating conditions, and leaks, noise, vibration, and unusual conditions.

• OSTI ID: 142382
• Journal Information: Plant Engineering (Chicago), Journal Name: Plant Engineering (Chicago) Journal Issue: 19 Vol. 47; ISSN PLENAV; ISSN 0032-082X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
42 ENGINEERING
BOILERS
FAILURE MODE ANALYSIS
MAINTENANCE
RECOMMENDATIONS
RELIABILITY
SPECIFICATIONS