Antique tractor boiler restoration

[gallo27]

I'm trying to find a code section that addresses riveted reinforcement on flue sheets and rear heads. We've run across a unit with no stays in the front flue sheet but a riveted flat plate above the flue tube area. No through or diagonal stays. It was built in 1902 and we may be contracted to replace the barrel and flue sheet. We could utilize diagonal stays to fulfill code. But wondered how to incorporate the reinforcement (whether welded or riveted) to minimize the number of stays. In another case, a tractor built in 1916 has a rear head is stayed with a riveted "T" girder with forged diagonal stays. There are also through stays through the reinforced area. NBIC only address the forged stays as direct replacement. We intend to replace the complete rear head. If code addressed this, we would like to replicate the reinforcing for welded diagonal and through stays. This would minimize the number of stays and/or maximize pitch. This would help work around mechanical issues in mounting the external components. Thanks.

 

[MJCronin]

You are aware that these things are extremely dangerous.....right ?

http://www.smokstak.com/forum/showthread.php?t=68517

Four dead in 2001, could have been dozens

http://gasengine.farmcollector.com/Tractors/Tragedy-in-Medina-Ohio.aspx

http://www.dli.mn.gov/CCLD/BoilerIncidentsHobby1.asp

With a massive amount of stored energy, there is a damn good reason to be careful.....

 

[gallo27]

I actually found the reference in the 1971 ASME. Our AI verified that we can use all parts not just part PR. It is PG 46.3. We do CODE repair. Code repairs do not fail, thus the reason for them. The accident you reference was due to a number of factors, most notable was operator error and the process that allowed him to make that error. The unit should never have been operating. It wouldn't have passed any legitimate boiler inspection. Thin sheets. Questionable pop valve. There were operational circumstances magnified by the unsafe nature of the unit. Personally, I feel a good operator can overcome a bad boiler because he would know when to shut down. However, an inattentive operator (even the best) can be easily trapped by the snowball effect and go to visit angels and unfortunately may take others with him. This is why we should have inspections and code repair procedures for correcting defects and normal deterioration. The shows should have a consistent inspection procedure that is thorough enough to weed out the unsafe units. Once made yard art, the owner can decide to repair correctly or be kept out of the game.

 

[chicopee]

Don't you have to restore this (locomotive type, I think) boiler to the ASME code I,Power Boiler, used at the time of fabrication?

 

[boltforger]

1902....Pre-code.

 

[gallo27]

For the most part, we don't have the code used at the time of fabrication. Most built before ASME, or no way for us to find compliance. We are allowed to repair per current NBIC (NBIC defers to ASME for most details). We have to verify carbon content before welding. We have to assume undocumented materials at 55000psi. Basically increase safety factor to cover the unknowns.

 

[metengr]

Don't you have to restore this (locomotive type, I think) boiler to the ASME code I,Power Boiler, used at the time of fabrication?

No. The restoration would be under the NBIC and it is to the original code of construction requirements, and not the year or addendum of the construction code. In this case it would be BPV I, and the edition most applicable to the work.