Low Water Cut-Off Testing: ASME CSD-1 Guidelines

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What is the purpose of low water fuel cut-offs?

To increase the pressure in the boiler

To prevent the boiler from overheating

To shut off the boiler when the water level is too low (correct)

To control the temperature of the boiler

According to the text, what does low water cut-off testing involve?

Checking for leaks in the boiler system

Testing the pressure of the boiler

Rapidly draining the float chamber and isolating the feedwater (correct)

Inspecting the fuel supply to the boiler

What is the advantage of rapidly draining the float chamber during testing?

It increases the sediment accumulation in the float chamber

It discharges sediment from the base of the float chamber (correct)

It causes the low water cut-off float to rise suddenly

It proves that the low water cut-off mechanism will operate in slow water level decreases

What happens when water is expelled suddenly from the float chamber during testing?

The low water cut-off float drops suddenly, tripping the boiler Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of isolating the feedwater and allowing the boiler to steam off water during testing?

To see if the control shuts off the boiler Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of low water cut-off testing?

To ensure proper operation and function of low water cut-offs Signup and view all the answers

What might happen if sediment is permitted to accumulate in the base of the float chamber?

The cut-off device may malfunction Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for the water level in the float chamber to quickly return to normal after testing?

To maintain proper operation of the low water cut-off Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the flow switch in copper tubular and copper fin-tube boilers?

To prevent the boiler from firing unless there is adequate water circulation Signup and view all the answers

Why are many forced circulation hot water boilers not equipped with low water cut-offs?

Because they are filled with water and the low water cut-off cannot be tested with the boiler in-service Signup and view all the answers

How can the operation of the external low-water fuel cutoff be tested without draining the entire system?

By isolating the device from the boiler during testing, with automatic return to its normal position Signup and view all the answers

How often does ASME BPVC VI recommend testing the low water cut-off of hot water heating boilers?

Monthly, as long as it can be done by draining only minimal amounts of water from the system Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended if the operating parameters of the operating limit switch differ from the expected range?

Adjusting the switch as needed Signup and view all the answers

When can the high temperature cut-off be tested during normal boiler operation?

It cannot be tested during normal boiler operation Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended step to test the high temperature cut-off?

Disconnecting the power to the boiler controls Signup and view all the answers

What does ASME BPVC IV restrict the water temperature of hot water heating boilers to?

$120°C$ Signup and view all the answers

How often should the low water cut-off test be completed for power boilers, according to ASME CSD-1?

Daily Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended frequency for completing the low water cut-off test for heating boilers, according to ASME CSD-1?

Weekly Signup and view all the answers

What is the critical action to take if the boiler does not trip at or above the lowest visible part of the gauge glass during a falling water level?

Immediately add water to the boiler Signup and view all the answers

How can the operation of the make-up valve in combined feeder/cut-off controls be checked?

By shutting down the feed pump Signup and view all the answers

What should be done annually to low water cut-offs, pump controls, and water feeders?

Dismantled and checked by qualified personnel Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the operating parameters differ from the expected range for the operating limit switch?

Adjust the operating limit switch Signup and view all the answers

How can the high-pressure cut-off control be tested?

By disconnecting the power to the boiler controls and placing a test lead across the terminals of the operating cut-off control Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if the high-pressure cut-off control does not trip the boiler at a pressure higher than the set point of the operating limit control, but lower than the safety valve popping pressure?

Adjust or replace it Signup and view all the answers