CHAPTER 7 - BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS
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fuel and ash. A leak from a tube frequently
causes serious erosion action on a number
of tubes in its immediate vicinity. The
exterior of the tubes should be inspected for
scale and deposits. Thb space between the
tubes should be made visible by lowering a
small light between them for the purpose of
making sure that there is no restriction of
circulation.
6.4.10.2 Ligaments Between Tube Holes
The ligaments between tube holes in the
heads of all fire tube boilers should be
inspected. lf leakage is noted, broken
ligaments could be the reason.
6.4.10.3 Manholes and Other Openings
The manholes and other reinforcing plates,
as well as nozzles and other flanged or
screwed connections on the boiler, should
be inspected internally and externally to see
that they are not cracked or deformed.
Manhole ring surfaces should be examined
for erosion and corrosion. Particular
attention should be given to areas of the
shell where feedwater piping terminates.
Whenever possible, observation should be
made from inside the boiler to check
soundness of pipe connections to the boiler.
All opening to external attachments, such as
connections to the lbw water cutoff and
opening to safety relief devices, should be
inspected to see that they are from
obstruction. .-.1
6.4.'|-0.4 Fire Surfaces !t
Firetubes sometimes blister but rarely
collapse. The plant inspector should
examine the tubes for such defects; if any
are found to have sufficient distortion to
warrant it, they should be replaced.
lnspection of firetube boilers include a check
for any impingment of flame on dry sheets,
particularly at the back arch of return tubular
boiler. The arch should be entirely clear of
the rear tube sheets with sheet metal or
asbestos rope closing the gap.
6.5 lnspection of ExternalSurfaces and Part
6.5.1 General
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The plant inspector should inspect the boiler
al
for alignment, setting, loss of plumb, (r
abnormal movement such as displacement of - it
p
drums or other pressure parts. He shouH
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ensure that provisions are made for expansion
p
and contraction of the boiler and setting, that
external clearances for boiler expansion are
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unobstructed, and that all supports are in
proper condition to carry loads irnposed on
them. Permanent reference marks tr
indicators on drums and headers are
recommended to enable rechecking the,
position (both hot and cold). The plail
inspector should verify that proper expansion
movement occurs as the boiler is returned b
service after an outage. Water sealed
expansion joints between the furnace and ash
pit should be examined for leaks in the baffle
and for accumulation of sludge.
lnspection should be made for evidence of
corrosion of the exterior of drums or tubes and
a check made for leaks from root, stacks,
valves, or pipes. Riveted joints, butt straps,
and riveted heads should be examined for
leaks or wastage. lf tell tale holes are provided
on stays, they should be kept clean. lf there is
evidence of leakage, the stay should be
replaced. Where butt straps are covered by
masonry or insulation, periodic testing and
inspection for expansion is recommended.
Supporting steel, buck stays, and tie rods
should be inspected for condition and possible
shifting from place.
6.5.2 Piping
The condition of the main steam header, its
connections to the boiler, and its support units
should be inspected to determine that it is
properly supported, that allowance is made for e5.4
expansion and contraction without exerting
excessive stress or strain on the pressure
parts of the boiler, and that the non return and
stop valves in good working condition.
All piping should be inspected for leaks; if any
are found, it should be determined whether
they are the result of excessive strains due to
expansion or contraction or other causes. The
general arrangement of the piping in regard to
the provisions for expansion and drainage, as
well as adequate support at the proper points
should be carefully noted. There should be no
pockets in the connecting piping that can hold
water unless they can be drained or equipped
with stream traps.