in service gagging of safety relief valve on a large utility boiler

[deckie]

A large utility power generation boiler is fitted with nine srv's. There are six fitted on the drum and three on the superheater outlets.One of the superheater srv's was leaking or popped at a low pressure so it was gagged.May this boiler continue to operate with the gagged valve in place if it can be demostrated that the relieving capacity of the remaining srv's is sufficient ? Should the insurance company AI or the jurisdiction be consulted ?

 

[NozzleTwister]

I'm not an authority, but if it can be demostrated that the relieving capacity of the remaining srv's is sufficient, then the other is a spare.

I'd would get it repaired and back in service before another srv goes bad and you are in trouble.

NozzleTwister
Houston, Texas

 

[unclesyd]

Unless this is in the SOP of the boiler you definitely need to inform the AI and jurisdictional authority.

Just for curiosity where are the other RV's located in respect to the gagged RV?

 

[davefitz]

As far as I know, the ASME code only mandates what the original equipment manufacturer must supply, and the responsibility of how the equipment is used , or even used at all, is up to the owner/operator.

As a practical rule, the national board insurance inspector will define the policy as to what equipment may be gagged , etc.

Although the number of relief valves provided must have a rated capacity equal to "all the steam the boiler can generate", most boilers can generate 10-20% more steam than the relief valves can relieve anyhow, if firing the best avaialable fuel at lowest possible excess air , with all mills and burners in service.

 

[metengr]

May this boiler continue to operate with the gagged valve in place if it can be demostrated that the relieving capacity of the remaining srv's is sufficient ?

Reply; Yes, provided the Inspector or your Jurisdiction have been informed.

Should the insurance company AI or the jurisdiction be consulted ?

Reply; The Inspector should be informed of this matter.