Steam Boiler Startup Procedure

Safe Startup of a Steam Boiler

• Ensuring the steam piping system is filled with water and all air is vented is an essential step in the safe startup of a steam boiler.

Preventing Water Hammer and Damage

• Gradually warming up the steam lines and headers is recommended to prevent water hammer and severe damage.

Warming Up a Single Boiler Steam Heating System

• ASME VI advises warming up a single boiler steam heating system slowly and evenly, with the boiler steam outlet valve closed, to prevent sudden pressure surges.

Reference Resources

• ASME VI and ASME VII are recommended resources for reference when starting, warming, and cutting in steam boilers.

Steam Piping System During Warm-Up

• The steam piping system should be filled with water and all air vented during warm-up to prevent water hammer and damage.

First Consideration During Warm-Up

• The condition of the boiler and steam piping system must be considered first during a steam boiler warm-up.

Boiler Steam Outlet Valve During Warm-Up

• The boiler steam outlet valve should be closed during the warm-up period in a single boiler steam heating system to prevent sudden pressure surges.

Valve Type at Boiler Outlet

• A non-return valve is usually found at the outlet of a single power boiler.

Non-Return Valves in Single Power Boiler Plants

• According to ASME VII, non-return valves are not necessarily needed in single power boiler plants.

Header Stop Valve Purpose

• The header stop valve is used to isolate the boiler from the steam header in a single power boiler plant.

Warming Up Steam Header and Boiler

• It is advisable to warm up the steam header or main simultaneously with the boiler to prevent thermal shock and uneven expansion.

Preventing Thermal Shock

• Operating the boiler at low fire and gradually increasing the load is advisable to prevent excessive stress due to thermal shock and uneven expansion.

Drum Vent Valve Closure

• The drum vent valve should be closed when the boiler reaches operating pressure during the warm-up process.

Steam Line Warm-Up

• As the steam lines warm up and very little condensate is blowing from the drains, it is an indication that the system is warming up properly.

Testing During Warm-Up

• The boiler's safety valves, gauge glasses, and water columns should be tested during the warm-up period to ensure proper boiler operation.

Learn about the main steps and ignition sequence involved in starting a steam boiler, including the furnace purge, ignition, and main burner light off. Understand the general nature of these steps and the importance of following boiler manufacturer operating procedures and site-specific standard operating procedures.