When do you need a Building Engineer 24-hours a day?

[atlas06]

Hello all,
We have a kitchen application using a steam boiler for kettles rated at 1800 LBS/HR. We were recommending two boilers sized at 2/3 each for continuous operation during maintenance and redundancy.
At what Boiler Plant capacity does one need to have a buidling engineer 24-hours per day in the boiler plant?

Thank you

 

[vzeos]

atlas06, It probably varies by locality but here is the requirement according the NYC building code.

§[C26-1402.1] 27-795 High pressure boiler operating engineer license. -If a boiler produces steam or vapor or has a safety valve setting of more than fifteen psi and rated in excess of ten hp or if such boiler produces hot water at a pressure of more than one hundred sixty psi or at a temperature over two hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit, such boiler shall be operated by a highpressure boiler operator licensed in accordance with the requirements of subchapter two of title twenty-six of the administrative code.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/bldgs_code/bc27s14.pdf

 

[atlas06]

Vzeos,
Thanks for taking the time and deliver a very fast response.
Since it varies with locality,is there anyone out there in West Virginia?

 

[BronYrAur]

I don't know local WV code, but in Chicago it is also 15 psi. What pressure does your kettle require?

 

[atlas06]

I've got requirements for 20/30/45 psi.

 

[BronYrAur]

Then you should probably check with the fire marshall. He can point you in the right direction if nothing else. My guess is that you will have to legally have a full-time operator. Although, I run into 100 psi boilers all the tinme that run "unattended."

 

[KiwiMace]

Indiana does not require at 150psi. Not sure of the breakover point though.