Texas Boiler Law Extension

[texasmike45]

I have a couple questions about how other boiler users interpret section 755.026 of the Texas Boiler Law copied below. I realize TDLR and the insurance inspector have the final say so. I am mainly curious as to other users opinions and practices.

(1) Assuming section 755.026 is complied with can the internal inspection of a power boiler be extended to the full 60 months even if the boiler is shut down within the 60 month period for other maintenance activities?

(2) For unfired steam boilers and steam collection drums could the "next scheduled down time of the boiler" be the 84 month or 120 months allowed even if the boiler is shut down for other maintenance work?

§§ 755.026. EXTENSIONS.
(a) With the approval of the executive director and the inspection agency that has jurisdiction for the power boiler, the interval between internal inspections may be extended to a period not exceeding a total of 60 months. For unfired steam boilers or steam collection or liberation drums of process steam generators, the inspection interval may be extended to the next scheduled downtime of the boiler, but not exceeding a total of:

(1) 84 months for unfired steam boilers; or

(2) 120 months for steam collection or liberation drums of process steam generators.

 

[pmover]

without knowing the details . . .

the inspections are to:

1) "not to exceed 60-months . . ."

2) "not to exceed 84-months for unfired steam . . ." and "not to exceed 120-months for steam collection . . .".

good luck!
-pmover

 

[metengr]

1) Assuming section 755.026 is complied with can the internal inspection of a power boiler be extended to the full 60 months even if the boiler is shut down within the 60 month period for other maintenance activities?

No

(2) For unfired steam boilers and steam collection drums could the "next scheduled down time of the boiler" be the 84 month or 120 months allowed even if the boiler is shut down for other maintenance work?

No

Rationale;
The owner/user must make an attempt to schedule the internal inspection during scheduled maintenance periods.

 

[texasmike45]

metengr and pmover thanks for your replies.

It seems most plants I have talked to have used the 60, 84 and 120 month allowable extension periods as the internal inspection interval for the steam drums. The boiler may be shut down for tube cleaning or other maintenance work in between the extension period but the drums are not normally opened for internal inspection.

In talking with TDLR the purpose of the extension process is to allow boilers to operate continuously for process or system needs and minimize large plant shutdowns. "Continuously" seems to be the key word, too bad the boiler law does not include this purpose statement because it would clear up some mis-interpretation.

Thanks again for you all's help.

Mike