Chapter 2

10
BOILER TERMINOLOGY
Steam Boiler
1) Safety Valve
1) Low Water Cut Off
2) Water column blow-down valve
3) Pressuretrols (one is high-limit safety)
4) Steam pressure-gauge
5) Water column clean-out (cross tee)
6) Bottom blow-off and drain valve
7) Low-water cutoff/blow-off valve

11
HOT WATER BOILER
1) Expansion tank
2) Low-water cutoff
3) Combination temperature/pressure gauge or altitude/temperature gauge

12
Boiler water level
The first duty when taking over a boiler-room shift is to make certain the pipe, fittings
and valves between the water glass and boiler are free and open by blowing down the
water column and water glass and noting the promptness of the return of water to the
glass.
The most important rule
The most important rule for the safe operation of boilers is to maintain the proper water-
Level at all times, and as constant a level as conditions will permit. If water is not visible
in the water glass, shut the boiler off immediately until a safe water-level has been
determined.
Low water and feed water controls
The low-water cutoff is the most important electrical/mechanical device on your boiler
for maintaining a safe water-level. If a low-water condition develops, it could very well
result in an overheating and explosion of your boiler. The low-water cutoff should be
tested at least weekly.
Low-water cutoff, evaporation test (steam boiler)
While the boiler is in operation, shut off the feed water pump and monitor the boiler
water level. The low-water cutoff should shut down the burner before the water level goes
13
out of sight low; if the burner does not shut off, restart the feed water pump before the
water level goes out of sight low and immediately troubleshoot the low-water cutoff to
determine the cause of failure. The boiler must be under constant attendance by a
properly licensed engineer at all times during this test.
Low-water cutoff, slow drain test (steam boiler)
While the boiler is in operation, shut off the feed water pump and slowly open the bottom
blow valve to drain the water from the boiler. The low-water cutoff should shut down the
burner before the water level goes out of sight low; if the burner does not shut off, restart
the feed water pump before the water level goes out of sight low and immediately
troubleshoot the low-water cutoff to determine the cause of failure. The boiler must be
under constant attendance by a properly licensed engineer at all times during this test.
Firing
Aside from the standpoint of economy, maintain the fire as uniformly as possible
to avoid an excessive rate of combustion, undesirable variations in temperature
and possible explosions. The destructive force in a boiler explosion is
caused by the instant release of energy stored in the water as heat.
Water gauges
Keep all connections and valves clear. Test by blowing down the water glass and
14
water column regularly. Gauge cocks or tri-cocks should also be blown regularly.
Safety valves
The safety valve is the most important valve on the boiler. Safety valves prevent
dangerous over pressurization of the boiler. Safety valves are installed in case
there is failure of pressure controls or other devices designed to control the firing
rate. All safety valves should be kept free of debris by testing the safety valve
regularly. This should be done when the steam pressure is at approximately 75
percent of the safety valve set pressure. Safety and safety-relief valves on low-
pressure boilers should be tested at least quarterly, this is in accordance with the
National Board Inspection Code.
Blow-down valves
The concentration of solids in the boiler should be measured and the boiler
blown-down at such intervals as necessary to maintain established limits. Blow-
down valves are placed at the lowest point of the boiler for the purpose of blowing
sediment or scale from the boiler. They should be maintained in good working
order and are to be opened and closed carefully when used.

15
Starting fires in a boiler
Before starting fires in a cold boiler or restarting a fire that may have been
accidentally extinguished, the entire fireside of the boiler must be thoroughly
ventilated (purged) with the dampers open to remove unburned gases before
attempting to relight the fire. Attempting to start a fire in a boiler with unburned
gases is the most common cause of boiler furnace explosions.
Boiler-room requirement
A current proper engineer’s license and log shall be posted in the boiler room. It
is the responsibility of the owner and the engineer to make sure the boiler is
inspected annually.
Hot-water systems
These systems are equipped with expansion tanks for the expansion and
contraction of the water as the temperature varies
Firing cycle, power burners
The burner will start when the aqua stat or pressuretrol calls for heat. The
breeching Damper will open and the draft fan will purge the combustion chamber.
The main gas or oil valve will be energized when the pilot or ignition is proved.
16
Repairs
Any excessive overheating or burning, and any major repairs, must be reported
to your boiler inspector.

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10

1) Low Water Cut Off

2) Water column blow-down valve

3) Pressuretrols (one is high-limit safety)

5) Water column clean-out (cross tee)

6) Bottom blow-off and drain valve

7) Low-water cutoff/blow-off valve

HOT WATER BOILER

3) Combination temperature/pressure gauge or altitude/temperature gauge

Boiler water level

The most important rule

Low water and feed water controls

tested at least weekly.

Low-water cutoff, evaporation test (steam boiler)

properly licensed engineer at all times during this test.

Low-water cutoff, slow drain test (steam boiler)

to avoid an excessive rate of combustion, undesirable variations in temperature

and possible explosions. The destructive force in a boiler explosion is

caused by the instant release of energy stored in the water as heat.

regularly. This should be done when the steam pressure is at approximately 75

National Board Inspection Code.

blown-down at such intervals as necessary to maintain established limits. Blow-

order and are to be opened and closed carefully when used.

Starting fires in a boiler

accidentally extinguished, the entire fireside of the boiler must be thoroughly

gases is the most common cause of boiler furnace explosions.

contraction of the water as the temperature varies

Firing cycle, power burners

to your boiler inspector.

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