NVIC 07-14 Task 3.1.G

For keeping a safe boiler watch: Maintain the correct water levels and steam pressures

RFPEW-A2.1 Safe operation of boilers

On a steam vessel, on a simulator, or in a laboratory,

the candidate assists in manual light- off, raising steam, and cutting-in on line a main- propulsion boiler.

The candidate:

1. Checks all burner fuel oil root valves closed;
2. Opens the forced draft damper, all air register doors, start the forced draft fan in high speed, and purge the furnace for a few minutes;
3. Lines up the fuel-oil system to recirculate through heater (if fitted) and brings oil up to temperature as specified and notifies the watch engineer;
4. Makes up a burner atomizer with a small sprayer plate and inserts it into a central register designated for light-off (#1), closes air register doors, and opens steam and fuel oil root valves for #1 burner;
5. Adjusts forced draft damper for low fire and adjust the fuel-oil pressure to the minimum pressure specified for successful combustion;
6. Opens the steam atomizing valve of burner #1 and allows steam to flow to at least one minute to clear header of condensate;
7. Closes the fuel oil recirculation valve, open burner #1 air register doors, and readjusts fuel pressure to minimum required;
8. Lights the torch or activate lighter ignition (go to step 15);
9. Inserts the torch through the manual light-off opening;
10. Stands clear of open register doors;
11. Holds the torch near and just under the atomizer tip;
12. Cracks open the burner valve;
13. Checks for ignition; opens the burner valve wide when ignition occurs and fire stays lit (closes burner valve and purges furnace if ignition does not occur or if fire goes out);
14. Withdraws the torch (if used);
15. Inspects the fire through the peep hole;
16. Checks the periscope for smoke and adjust the ratio of fuel to air needed for a steady flame and to avoid smoking while achieving complete combustion;
17. Closes superheater drains when blowing clear of condensate;
18. Throttles steam drum atmospheric vent when steam pressure starts to rise;
19. Closes steam drum atmospheric vent at pressure specified by watch engineer;
20. Throttles in on superheater vent valves, ensuring that they are not closed until the boiler is on line;
21. Monitors steam drum water level and maintain the water level with the auxiliary feed stop check as necessary;
22. As line pressure is approached, inserts additional atomizers into the idle burners and cut in atomizing steam;
23. When steam drum pressure exceeds line pressure, opens the auxiliary, then the main steam stop valves, bringing the boiler on line;
24. Closes the superheater vent valves;
25. Switches the automatic combustion control system and feedwater regulating system to automatic as appropriate;
26. Notifies the watch engineer of any unusual or unsafe conditions; and
27. Takes proper action to prevent safety and pollution violations.