Confined space entry during boiler hydrostatic test 1

[mjpetrag]

What are the best practices for visually witnessing a boiler hydrostatic test? If the boiler hydrostatic test must be visually inspected from inside the firebox for tube leaks, the confined space entry is not technically zero energy. I could see a practice where the boiler is brought up to 1.5x pressure and held for a time, and if no drop in pressure you can assume no leakage, and then make entry to visually inspect the tubes. However, you still don't have zero energy.

-Mike

 

[MJCronin]

Who made your boiler and what do they recommend ?.... Theoretically, they have addressed this many times

MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer

 

[chicopee]

what type and size of the boiler are you involved with; fire tube, water tube, once through boilers?

 

[mjpetrag]

250# steam, 200klb/hr water wall tube boiler.

Firebox is 20’ wide, 30’ deep, 28’ tall

-Mike

 

[chicopee]

There are two documents that hould be reviewed to conduct safe internal inspections of boilers. OSHA 1910 on confined space and the National Board Inspection code ANSI/NB-23. Remember an attendant should always be positioned outside drum openings and hatchway of furnaces, tube bundles, economizers,and superheater.

 

[DBreyer]

In Germany you first apply full test pressure and hold it (1 hour) afterwards you lower it to maximum 60% of rated pressure and hold. Only when the pressure is thus reduced are you allowed to access the boiler and check for leaks and deformations.