[Steam-engine] Annual Boiler Steam Test?

[Andrew]

OK,
First, the hydrostatic test is the safest way to perform a pressure test
on a boiler you've never fired before. You should always do that after
inspecting the condition of the boiler and have determined it is in
operating condition. (I do it once a year)...
I don't see where doing the steam test would prove anything other than the
safety valve is the proper size. You would basically just be verifying
your calculations if you did put a new safety valve on. You are more or
less testing the safety valve is large enough for the boiler. This does
not replace the hydrostatic test as you would want to be certain that the
boiler is sound before you done something like this...

>From Andrew at
tech at andrew2.netpluscom.com
engineering at andrew2.netpluscom.com
b10730 at hotmail.com

Visit the website at http://www.netpluscom.com/~10730/
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On Mon, 7 Mar 2005 PWTraubert at aol.com wrote:

> 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.
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