[Steam-engine] Annual Boiler Steam Test?

[PWTraubert at aol.com]

Has anyone ever heard of a requirement of performing a steam test of a boiler 
in excess of working pressure?

In England, where there are a large number of steam societies and numerous 
hobbyist built model boilers, there is a practice of performing a steam test to 
prove the setting and capacity of safety valves. This is performed with a 
"good fire" and the blower "full on." A successful test is one where the boiler 
pressure does not rise more than 10% above the working pressure.

Texas has an exemption from inspection for boilers below a certain size. The 
age and code of construction of the boiler does not constitute a part of the 
exemption. In order to be covered in case of an injury the group I am 
associated with has adopted a set of standards to cover Texas exempt boilers. A 
proposal has been made to add a steam test of 1.25 X working pressure. This is in 
addition to the 1.5 X working pressure hydrostatic test.

Is it just me or is a steam test really necessary? What would it prove? I am 
totally against it. This is especially true for historic boilers like the 
definition that the National Board has put forth in their recommended inspection 
practices.

Thoughts? Ideas/

Thanks,

Patrick Traubert
Plano, TX.