FM Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets 6-22

Reaffirmed March 1994

Interim Revision October 2024
Page 1 of 9

FIRETUBE BOILERS

Table of Contents
Page

1.0 SCOPE ................................................................................................................................................... 2

1.1 Changes .......................................................................................................................................... 2
2.0 LOSS PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................................................... 2
2.1 Operation and Maintenance ............................................................................................................. 2
2.2 Training .............................................................................................................................................. 4
2.3 Contingency Planning ...................................................................................................................... 4
2.3.1 Equipment Contingency Planning ........................................................................................... 4
3.0 SUPPORT FOR RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................................... 4
4.0 REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................................... 6
4.1 FM .................................................................................................................................................... 6
4.2 Others .............................................................................................................................................. 6
APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF TERMS ....................................................................................................... 6
APPENDIX B DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY ....................................................................................... 6
APPENDIX C SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................ 6
C.1 Installation Guidance ...................................................................................................................... 6
C.2 Operation and Maintenance ........................................................................................................... 7

List of Tables
Table 1. Frequency of Testing ........................................................................................................................ 3

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reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in whole or in part, in any form or by any means,
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6-22 Firetube Boilers
Page 2 FM Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

1.0 SCOPE
This data sheet covers firetube boilers used to supply steam for a given process, except those used in marine
and locomotive applications. It does not cover space and hot water heating firetube boilers. Recommendations
provided are intended to prevent losses involving firetube boilers.

1.1 Changes
October 2024. Interim revision. Minor editorial changes were made.

2.0 LOSS PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS

2.1 Operation and Maintenance

2.1.1 Establish and implement a firetube boiler inspection, testing and maintenance program. See Data Sheet
9-0, Asset Integrity for guidance on developing an asset integrity program. Provide periodic testing and
verification of controls and safety devices in the maintenance program. Table 1 shows the recommended
frequency of testing and verification. Records or logs of such maintenance should be kept by the owner or
boiler operator. Investigate and record the cause and corrective action taken for all cracking incidents. (See
also Appendix C.2).
a. Flush water columns and gage glasses at least once each shift Flushing removes accumulation of sludge
or deposits that could cause a false boiler water level indication. Check the accuracy of a water column (blow
down the column) more frequently if boiler water conditions (surging, foaming) cause the indicated water
level to be unreliable.
b. Provide, maintain and periodically test low-water fuel cutoff devices and feedwater regulators in
accordance with recommendations in Data Sheet 6-12, Low-Water Protection.
Check low-water cutoffs to make sure they are free of scale and sediment. Open, internally inspect, and
clean these devices at least once each year. Additional information on operation and maintenance is in Data
Sheet 6-12.
c. Periodically blow down (bottom blowdown) the boiler to prevent accumulations of sediment. Sediment
can insulate the heating surfaces of the boiler and lead to overheating. Frequency of blowdown depends on
water quality.
d. Periodically inspect the boiler fireside in accordance with the National Board Inspection Code (NBIC).
When the exit flue gas temperature exceeds 100°F to 175°F (38°C to 80°C) above normal operating
temperature, perform a fireside cleaning immediately upon shutdown. Follow the boiler manufacturer’s
recommended procedures for all fireside maintenance.
Inspect all refractory for excessive cracking, chipping, erosion or loose sections. Perform this inspection when
the boiler is open for cleaning, or at least once a year. If refractory has not been properly installed or repaired,
the boiler may be severely damaged by overheating.
e. Check interior baffles (if provided) on both the waterside and fireside during unit shutdowns to make sure
the baffles are still intact and properly located.
f. Check the area around tube ends at both tubesheets for cracks or leakage problems.
g. Periodically check all stays to make sure they are in place, securely attached and in proper tension.
h. To ensure prevention of boiler water backflow, inspect check valves in the boiler feedwater and treatment
chemical feed piping thoroughly. Inspect the valve disc and seat for signs of wear and corrosion and replace
the valve if any defect is found. Inspections for any foreign matter that may have entered boiler feedwater
piping should be completed at the same time.
If backflow occurs, shut off the burner(s) immediately and close the feedwater stop valve tightly. If boiler
water has entered the feedwater system or treatment chemical feed system in any significant amount, cool
down the system for a few hours and inspect for damage (especially of plastic fittings in the chemical feed
system) before restarting.

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Firetube Boilers 6-22
FM Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets Page 3

Table 1. Frequency of Testing

Item Frequency
Calibration of gages, monitors and instrument and equipment settings Per Data Sheet 6-4
Firing rate control Per Data Sheet 6-4
Fuel valves:
1. Pilot valves Per Data Sheet 6-4
2. Main gas valves
3. Main oil valves
Combustion safety controls: Per Data Sheet 6-4
1. Flame failure
2. Pilot turn down tests
Low-water cutoff, feedwater regulator/pump controls Per Data Sheet 6-12
Low combustion air flow interlock Per Data Sheet 6-4
Atomizing air/steam interlock Per Data Sheet 6-4
High and low gas pressure interlock Per Data Sheet 6-4
Low oil pressure interlock Per Data Sheet 6-4
Low oil temperature interlock Per Data Sheet 6-4
Fuel valve proof-of-closure switch Per Data Sheet 6-4
Purge timer Per Data Sheet 6-4
Burner position switch (multi-fuel only) Per Data Sheet 6-4
Low fire-start interlock Per Data Sheet 6-4
Automatic changeover control (dual fuel) Per Data Sheet 6-4
Safety valves Per NBIC or Data Sheet 12-43

2.1.2 Provide proper water treatment to prevent formation of scale and prevent corrosion from harmful
elements that may be in the water supply (make-up and return condensate). Feedwater can contain many
impurities that can cause damage. Atmospheric gases, minerals, and organic matter may be present in
solution. Maintain boiler water quality within limits recommended by the boiler manufacturer. (See Section
C.2, item 3 water treatment.)
Oxygen is a direct cause of pitting damage to feedwater heaters, condensate lines and corrosion of the boiler
proper. Make dissolved oxygen tests during boiler operation on a regular basis. Standby or out-of-service
equipment is more susceptible to oxygen corrosion than on-line equipment. Control of oxygen is of vast
importance.
2.1.3 Check all piping systems for proper installation.
a. Design and install steam and water piping between the boiler and Code-required stop valves in
conformance with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
and local and state ordinances.
b. Install gas piping as recommended in Data Sheet 7-54, Natural Gas and Gas Piping, and as required
by state or local codes. After installation, test the gas lines for leaks. Size the gas line to provide the maximum
gas flow required at the proper pressure. Inadequate gas line capacity results in the inability to fire the boiler
at its maximum capacity. Provide a pressure regulator at each boiler to assure gas delivery at a constant
pressure.
c. Install oil piping at the burner front according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Install oil transfer piping
as recommended in Data Sheet 7-32, Ignitable Liquid Operations. Install oil tanks as recommended in Data
Sheet 7-88, Ignitable Liquid Storage Tanks.
For additional recommendations on the installation of fuel piping at the burners, refer to Data Sheet 6-0,
Elements of Industrial Heating Equipment and Data Sheet 6-4 Oil- and Gas-Fired Single-Burner Boilers. (See
also Section C.2, item 6, Operating Checks.)
2.1.4 Install all boiler and boiler room wiring in compliance with the National Electrical Code and any state
or local requirements. For information on control circuit wiring, refer to Data Sheet 6-0. Periodically check
electrical contacts on such items as starters, contactors and controls for cleanliness and arc burns.
2.1.5 Package-type firetube boilers may be factory test fired prior to shipment to verify proper operation of
all controls and safety devices. Damage or instrument drift may have occurred during shipping and installation.

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6-22 Firetube Boilers
Page 4 FM Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

Test all safety devices and controls during the initial boiler startup. Set controls to the requirements of the
specific installation at this time. (See also Sections C.1 and C.2, items 1 and 3.)
a. The purpose of water level controls is to maintain the water inside the boiler at a proper operating level.
All water level controls have a range of operation rather than one set point. Set the water level controls and
alarms so that both the low- and high-water level limits are within the visible range of the gage glass.
The water level control that is most frequently found on a packaged firetube boiler is a combination pump
control and low-water fuel cutoff that is often incorporated in a water column arrangement. This combination
control may be designed to cycle the operation of a boiler feed pump to maintain a uniform range of water
level. The control also interrupts electricity to the burner control circuit if water level drops below the minimum
safe level established by the boiler manufacturer.
b. Select and install safety valves or safety relief valves as required by Section I or IV of the ASME Boiler
and Pressure Vessel Code. These valves should be maintained as required by the NBIC and as
recommended by Section VI or VII of ASME Code.
c. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for initial startup, firing rates and curing times for refractory.
2.1.6 Follow the requirements of the NBIC, current edition, for any boiler alteration or repair. Permit only
organizations having a National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors’ (NB) repair authorization
to perform welding on boiler pressure parts. If an NB-authorized repair organization is not available, qualify
the repairing organization in accordance with the NBIC. Outside North America, follow the local code or if
there is none, follow the NBIC. Review other codes and references such as ASME Section I or IV; ASME/ANSI
B31.1, Power Piping, and any technical advisory bulletins from the boiler manufacturer to assure the repair
or alteration will achieve long-term economical results.
2.1.7 Design and construct new firetube boilers to meet or exceed the requirements in the current edition
of ASME Section I or Section IV. Outside North America, implement any similar construction code promulgated
by a jurisdiction. If there is no local code, implement the appropriate ASME Code section.
Complying with the ASME Code will better ensure pressure part integrity over a reasonable operating lifetime.
The ASME Code provides minimum design and construction rules. Specific boiler application may require
design that exceeds these minimums. For boiler construction outside North America (where the ASME Code
may not be accepted by the jurisdiction) a comparable code, acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction,
should be used.

2.2 Training
2.2.1 Train operators on standard and emergency operating procedures. See Data Sheet 10-8, Operators,
for guidance on developing operator programs. Provide proper training for all operators in the general
operation of boilers on documented standard and emergency operating procedures that are readily available
in the boiler control room. Train operators for the specific firetube boiler including responses to typical
emergency situations. Proper training may be accomplished at the boiler site through instruction by qualified
operators, contract instructors or manufacturer’s representatives.

2.3 Contingency Planning

2.3.1 Equipment Contingency Planning

When a firetube boiler breakdown would result in an unplanned outage to site processes and systems
considered key to the continuity of operations, develop and maintain a documented, viable firetube boiler
equipment contingency plan per Data Sheet 9-0, Asset Integrity. See Appendix C of that data sheet for
guidance on the process of developing and maintaining a viable equipment contingency plan. Also refer to
sparing, rental, and redundant equipment mitigation strategy guidance in that data sheet.

3.0 SUPPORT FOR RECOMMENDATIONS

The continual search for higher efficiencies by the manufacturer and maximum outputs by the user has
created situations that can lead to serious trouble while the boiler is in service. As the limit of peak efficiency
and output is reached for a given design, the necessity for all the auxiliary systems to perform reliably
becomes greater. The most critical performance criteria are heat input conditions, circulation, and feedwater
purity.

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Firetube Boilers 6-22
FM Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets Page 5

Typical boiler problems are:

• overheating;
• cracking at the tube ends;
• cracking at the furnace ends;
• collapsing of furnaces;
• cracking of tubesheets;
• cracking of welds.
Although the heat input may be a main contributing factor, it is not always the primary cause of failure.
Physical, chemical, and metallurgical tests may be required to properly diagnose the precise cause. Heat
is conducted through boiler surfaces in rather a complex way and the amount transmitted is dependent on
a number of factors which include the following:
• the specific conductivity of the boiler material;
• temperature differential between the heat transfer surfaces;
• thickness of boiler material;
• foreign matter (scale, deposits) on the heat transfer surfaces.
When a boiler is initially designed, these factors should be in harmony with its thermal characteristics.
Operating conditions can and do vary significantly. This may affect the heat transfer, and result in overheating
failures.
A survey of design practices was conducted of several leading package boiler manufacturers in regard to
the heat input in Btu/hr-cu ft Years ago, furnaces contained a large amount of refractory and the heat input
rate to the furnace was limited to about 25,000 Btu/hr-ft3 (930 J/hr-m3). Later, the amount of refractory was
reduced and the heat input increased to 35,000 Btu/hr-ft3 (1400 J/hr-m3). With practically all refractory
eliminated, today’s designs provide better heat transfer and the heat release rate in the furnace has
increased to as high as 250,000 Btu/hr-ft3 (9300 J/hr-m3).
Cracking at the ends of furnaces, tubes, and at the ligaments is usually the result of overheating. Excessive
overheating can be caused by several conditions, such as these:
• low water;
• excessive scale;
• concentrated heat causing the steam bubbles to act as insulators;
• excessive heat from too high a firing rate, which in turn causes more expansion and contraction than normal;
• excessive temperature change during purge cycle;
• unit started up too fast (overfiring);
• soot plugged tubes.
Overheating due to low water can cause cracking, collapse of the furnace in the case of internally fired units,
or shell distortion in the case of externally fired boilers. Expansion and contraction from temperature changes,
coupled with the tubesheet movement caused by pressure changes, also cause cracking. The movement
caused by temperature appears to be more critical than that caused by pressure.
Any concentration of intense heat on a small section of the rear tubesheet can lead to the formation of steam
bubbles even though the average water temperature is less than that of saturated steam. When these steam
bubbles are blanketed by layers of cooler water on the upper part of the tubesheet, they cannot rise. They
remain in position until the latent heat is transferred to the main mass of water by conduction. The layer of
steam bubbles serves as an insulator, resulting in overheating of this section of the tubesheet. Scale buildup
can also act as an insulator and lead to overheating. Conditions of this type can affect the entire rear
tubesheet, which in turn affects the ends of the tubes and the furnace.
Radiant heat from refractory on the rear door can create a similar condition during boiler operation and during
intermediate firing cycles. A firing cycle is usually preceded and followed by a purge period. During this period

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6-22 Firetube Boilers
Page 6 FM Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

the tubes are subjected to a blast of cool air while the boiler shell remains hot. As the tube walls are relatively
thin compared to the tube sheet, they contract rapidly when cooled. Radial contraction pulls the tube wall
away from the tube hole and can eventually cause cracking or leaking.
If there is a lack of proper instrumentation, it is not always possible to obtain the information necessary to
identify these problems. If the problem is serious, proper instrumentation should be provided to obtain the
required information. Loss experience indicates that cracking at the rear tubesheet, tube ends, and furnace
ends is a major problem. In some instances, there are so many cracks that welding repairs cannot be made
and the entire tubesheet must be replaced.
By carefully monitoring the internal condition of the boiler and taking time to observe operating data, these
types of failure can be prevented.
Additional hazards for firetube boilers include a steam explosion from collapse of the furnace tube due to
severe overheating, and fire hazards that can arise from an event such as fuel leakage coinciding with the
presence of oxygen and an ignition source. A discussion of those hazards can be found in data sheets dealing
with the subjects of furnaces and boiler fire hazards. (See Data Sheets 6-0 and 6-4.)

4.0 REFERENCES

4.1 FM
Data Sheet 6-0, Elements of Industrial Heating Equipment.
Data Sheet 6-4, Oil-and Gas-Fired Single-Burner Boilers.
Data Sheet 6-12, Low-Water Protection.
Data Sheet 7-32, Ignitable Liquid Operations.
Data Sheet 7-54, Natural Gas and Gas Piping.
Data Sheet 7-88, Ignitable Liquid Storage Tanks.
Data Sheet 9-0, Asset Integrity.
Data Sheet 10-8, Operators
Data Sheet 12-43, Pressure Relief Devices.

4.2 Others
National Board Inspection Code.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
ASME/ANSI B31.1, Power Piping.

APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF TERMS

This document does not have any defined terms.

APPENDIX B DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY

The purpose of this appendix is to capture the changes that were made to this document each time it was
published. Please note that section numbers refer specifically to those in the version published on the date
shown (i.e., the section numbers are not always the same from version to version).
October 2024. Interim revision. Minor editorial changes were made.
January 2022. Interim revision. Minor editorial changes were made.
January 2021. Interim revision. Updated contingency planning and sparing guidance.
January 2000. This revision of the document has been reorganized to provide a consistent format.

APPENDIX C SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

C.1 Installation Guidance

Boilers should be positioned in the boiler room to allow for tube cleaning and future tube replacement.
Adequate space for these purposes should be provided.
Aisle space should be provided around the entire boiler and between boilers on multiple installations.
Sufficient space should be provided above the boiler to accommodate access to the breaching, steam header,
and other necessary piping.

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Firetube Boilers 6-22
FM Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets Page 7

The boiler room should be properly vented to provide an adequate amount of air to the burner(s) for proper
combustion of the fuel. Automatic dampers on ventilation systems should be provided with electrical
interlocks that will prevent any automatic burners from operating when the dampers are in the closed position.
In cold climates the boiler room should be constructed and insulated to protect pipes, pumps, vessels,
controls and other equipment against freezing.

C.2 Operation and Maintenance

The following material is a guide for operation and inspection, testing, and maintenance of packaged firetube
boilers.
1. Preliminary Checkout
All manufacturers supply operating instruction manuals for their equipment. Before starting the boiler, the
instruction manual should be thoroughly read and understood. It is important that operating personnel carefully
study and follow the procedures in the manual, particularly the safety precautions, before attempting
equipment activation.
Before initial operation of a new boiler, certain procedures should be followed to ensure high operating
efficiency, long life, and reliability. Even when the boiler has been test fired by the manufacturer, the following
procedures should be performed:
a. The unit should be thoroughly examined on both the waterside and the fireside to make sure that no
foreign material is present;
b. Blowdown piping, steam piping, feedwater piping, and all other piping should be checked to ensure
that it has been properly installed to eliminate any possibility of damage. Items such as gages, gage
glasses, controls and the like should be checked for any evidence of damage or breakage during
transportation or installation;
c. Motors should be checked for correct rotation. Solenoid valves, interlocks, motorized valves, and limit
switches should be operationally checked to ensure proper function;
d. All fuel lines should be checked for proper installation.
After completing these and any other inspections recommended by the manufacturer, boiler startup may
be initiated.
2. System Cleaning
System cleaning must be completed prior to connecting the boiler to the system. A boiler can experience
severe damage because of system contaminants such a pipe dope, cutting oil and metal shavings or chips.
Much of the dirt and contamination in a steam system can be flushed out prior to boilout of the system. This
is accomplished by first flushing the system to waste with clear water. The boiler and circulating pump are
isolated with valves, and city water is allowed to flush through successive zones of the system carrying chips,
dirt, pipe joint compound, etc., with it. This is followed by a chemical flush. Removal of pipe chips and other
debris before opening the isolating valves to the boiler and pump help to protect this equipment from
damage.
After the flushing process is complete, the usual boilout procedure is done. If one zone is flushed and boiled
out before other zones are completed or connected, this flushing process should be repeated on completion
of additional zones, loops, or sections of piping.
The boilout should be done at approximately 50% of the unit operating pressure for a period long enough
to ensure that all oils and materials to be removed by the boilout process have been dislodged. Manufacturer’s
recommendations for boilout should be followed.
3. Water Treatment
Proper water treatment should be provided in order to prevent any depositing of scale and to prevent any
corrosion from harmful elements that may be in the water supply.
The basic aims and objectives of boiler water conditioning are:
• prevention of the accumulation of scale and deposits in the boiler;

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6-22 Firetube Boilers
Page 8 FM Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

• removal of dissolved gases from the water;

• protection of the boiler against corrosion;
• elimination of carryover (steam only);
• maintenance of proper pH levels;
• maintenance of the highest possible boiler efficiency;
• decrease of boiler downtime for cleaning.
There is a tendency for any sediment or sludge to settle at the bottom of the boiler. Salts, silt and solids
are usually introduced into a boiler with raw feedwater. Chemicals introduced into the system can also
contribute to these deposits. The continual supply of makeup water to replace leakage, process losses and
unusable condensate results in accumulation of these undesirable solids. The removal of these solids is
of utmost importance. Bottom blowdown valve connections are provided at the bottom of the boiler shell to
provide a means of controlling sediment buildup.
Water released from the boiler during blowdown must be reduced to atmospheric pressure and cooled to
permit disposal. Blowdown tanks vented to atmosphere are used for this purpose. The frequency and amount
of blowdown is dependent on the amount of makeup water required and on the type of boiler water treatment
program used.
4. Removal from Service
When cool-down of a boiler is required, the manufacturer’s recommendations should be followed.
Some boilers may be subject to freezing temperatures, or may be idle for long periods (more than 30 days)
if used on a seasonal basis. These boilers should be laid up dry and the following procedures performed
to prevent damage during periods of inactivity:
• The boiler should be thoroughly drained, cleaned (both fireside and waterside) and then dried out;
• Lime or other water absorbing substance should be placed in open trays inside the boiler shell, fireside
and flue gas pass. The waterside should be closed tightly to exclude all moisture and air. A sign that reads
Fill Boiler and Remove Desiccant Trays Prior to Firing should be attached to the boiler front;
• All allied equipment such as condensate tanks, pumps, etc., should be thoroughly drained.
During short idle periods, a boiler should be laid up wet in the following manner:
• The boiler should be filled to overflowing with hot water. The water should be approximately 120°F (50°C)
to help drive out the free oxygen. The water should also be chemically treated to minimize corrosion;
• All boiler connections should be checked for leaks, and a weekly sample should be taken to ensure that
the water is chemically neutral.
Upon restarting a boiler that has been laid up dry, laid up wet, or has been cooled down for repairs, the startup
procedure recommended for a new boiler should be followed.
5. Burner System
Package-type boilers are supplied with engineered fuel combustion equipment that must be maintained
through a regular maintenance program to keep it in satisfactory operating condition.
Oil nozzles, igniters, electrodes and burner internals should be checked on a regular maintenance schedule.
Specific instructions as to the methods of cleaning and adjustment are contained in the instruction manual
furnished by the boiler manufacturer.
Such items as linkages and other mechanical fastenings and stops should be periodically checked for
tightness and visually checked for any movement or vibration. Any items that are loose or that have changed
in position should be thoroughly checked and readjusted if necessary.
Fuel solenoid valves and motorized valves should be visually checked by observing the fire when the boiler
shuts down. If the fire does not cut off immediately, the valve could be fouling or showing wear. If this occurs,
the valve should be repaired or replaced immediately to avoid any serious problems.

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Firetube Boilers 6-22
FM Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets Page 9

All switches, controls, safety devices, and other equipment should be periodically checked. Do not assume
that all safety devices, switches, controls, etc. are operating properly. These devices should be checked on
a planned maintenance schedule and any malfunctions noted and promptly repaired. See Data Sheet 6-4.
All filters, screens, and strainers should be periodically cleaned to prevent any restriction or malfunction.
Oil tanks should be checked annually for the presence of water and sludge. Filling connections should be
checked for tightness of covers and proper gaskets after each delivery. The fill box must be above grade to
prevent water seepage into the tanks. Vent pipes should be checked periodically for obstructions.
Oil heaters should be checked annually for the presence of water or sludge and for ‘‘coking’’ on the heat
exchanger surfaces.
Condensate removal systems from oil heaters should be checked for proper operation and that condensate
is discharged to a satisfactory place. Condensate from oil heaters should not be discharged into the boiler
feedwater system.
Pumps should be checked for leaky shaft seals and worn or loose drive mechanisms at least monthly.
Oil lines should be checked for external leaks and damaged insulation at least monthly.
The oil line pressure gages should be checked daily. Gage readings that increase or are erratic indicate
potential trouble. If this occurs, strainers should be checked and cleaned, and oil lines checked for
obstructions or internal sludge buildup.
6. Operating Checks
The following periodic checks should be conducted to prevent boiler malfunction:
• Check to ensure that cold makeup water is not being fed into an operating boiler. Feedwater temperature
should be kept above 80°F (26°C).
• Check the feedwater treatment equipment to make sure it is operating properly.
• Check such items as feed pumps, valves, and other equipment to ensure proper performance.
• Check safety valves according to the requirements of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code,
Sections I or IV and VI or VII and the NBIC. Weeping safety valves may indicate valve malfunction.
• Check for excessive amounts of system makeup water by means of a water meter on the inlet line.
Particular instructions and recommendations made in the instruction manual should be observed to ensure
a long life for the boiler.
When draining a boiler for inspection, it is recommended that a flow of water be maintained into the boiler
with a high-pressure hose to keep any sediment thoroughly agitated and in solution. This prevents caking of
the sludge, which can be extremely difficult to remove if permitted to harden in place.

©1994-2024 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.