Boiler Guidelines

Antique Boiler Guidelines

• Boiler MUST have a current and valid state inspection in accordance with all applicable state laws concerning operation/inspection of antique/hobby boilers in order to participate in an EDGETA sponsored event.

• Valid state inspection certificate must be posted in a conspicuous location.

• If the state you live in does not have any requirements, the following guidelines must be adhered to and information collected by a certified boiler inspector.

The only requirement EDGETA makes of antique steam/hobby boilers is that they maintain a current state inspection. It is up to the individual owner to research state law as well as insuring his equipment maintains a current state inspection. State law takes the place of any EDGETA recommendations.

EDGETA recommends the following: (recommendations taken from the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors Historical Boilers Non-mandatory Appendix C Sections C-4000 to C-7100.)

Historical Boilers

An inspector, acceptable of the jurisdiction, who has demonstrated knowledge with historical boilers, shall document the results of examinations and tests. The following examinations and tests shall be performed:

• An internal and external visual inspection.

• Ultrasonic thickness testing and evaluation of all pressure retaining boundaries. Ultrasonic results in areas of generalized thinning (3 inches in diameter or greater) or where grooved thinning is noted (2 inches in length or greater) are to be used in calculating MAWP in accordance with C-8000.

• A hydrostatic pressure test at 1.25 times maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP), but in no case shall the test procedure be exceeded by more than 6%.

• The inspector may require other examinations to be performed, including but not limited to:

1. An ultrasonic traverse wave examination in two directions at 90 degrees of each other of the longitudinal lap seam for cracks located between or adjacent to rivet holes.

2. A magnetic particle examination of 100% of the longitudinal seam riveted area and an ultrasonic (longitudinal wave mode) of all firebox stay bolts and rivets.

3. An ultrasonic examination (longitudinal wave mode) of all firebox stay bolts and rivets.

4. A liquid penetrant examination.

5. Drilling and trepanning of pressure retaining components.

Recurring inspection requirements

The following examinations and tests shall be performed:

• Annual visual internal and external inspection.

• Annual visual inspection of the fusible plug to determine the condition of the threads in the crown sheet and on the fusible plug. The fusible plug shall be removed, inspected and confirmed as an ASME Std. plug.

• Annual hydrostatic test at a pressure at least equal to MAWP up to 1.25 times MAWP, but in no case shall test pressure exceed 1.25 MAWP by more than 6%.

• Every 5 years ultrasonic thickness testing.

Safety Devices and Controls

Each boiler shall be equipped with the following safety devices and controls. Pressure relief valves(s), gage glasses, try-cocks and pressure gages shall be tested during each inspection.

Pressure relief valves

• Shall be National Board capacity certified.

• Shall be sealed by an ASME "V" Stamp assembler or NB "VR" repair firm.

• Pressure relief valve(s) shall have a test lever.

• No valve of any description shall be placed between the required pressure relief valve or valves and the boiler, nor on the discharge pipe to the atmosphere.

• The piping connection between the boiler and the safety valve shall not be less than the inlet size of the safety valve and the discharge pipe, if used, shall not be reduced between the safety valve and the point of discharge.

• The required pressure relief valve capacity in pounds per hour shall be calculated by boiler heating surface and the type of fuel used. Excessive pressure relief valve capacity should be avoided. (Only heating surface above the grates to be used.)

Minimum pounds of steam per hour per square foot of heating surface

Boiler heating surface	Fire tube boiler	Water tube boiler
Hand fired	5	6
Stoker fired	7	8
Oil, gas or pulverized fuel fired	8	10

Gage Glass

• Shall be fit with a guard to protect it the gage glass.

• Shall indicate the minimum safe operating water level.

• Shall be provided with a drain valve or petcock, piped to a safe location.

• Shall be fully operational.

Try-Cocks

• Shall be correctly located in reference to the minimum required water level.

• Shall be fully operational.

Fusible Plug

• All boilers shall have a fusible plug unless equipped and operated with automatic controls.

• All fusible plugs shall be constructed to meet the requirements of the ASME code and indicated as such by the ASME marking on the filler material.

• Fireside fusible plugs may not protrude into the fire area more than one inch.

• Fusible plugs shall not be refilled.

Pressure Gage

• Tested and proven accurate at the time of the annual pressure test.

• Siphon, or water seal, shall be installed between pressure gage and boiler.

• If a valve is installed between the gage and the boiler, the valve shall indicate the open position or be wired open.

• The dial range of the gage shall be adequate, i.e. 1 ½ to 2 times MAWP.

Appurtenances

Piping and Fittings

All boiler piping and fittings shall meet the following requirements:

• Threaded openings shall follow accepted standard piping requirements.

• Schedule 80, black pipe (SA-53 B or SA-106 B for seamless pipe) shall be used from the boiler to the first valve.

• All steam piping components shall be used in the manner for which they were designed and shall not exceed manufacturer's pressure rating.

• The boiler shall be equipped with 2 means of supplying feed water while the boiler is under pressure. Pumped water shall be heated.

• The blow down line shall be plugged off during the time the boiler is operating on display or piped to a safe point of discharge.

• All piping shall be properly supported.

Revised 2-21-2005

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