Procedures for dry lay-up of boilers

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1.  When securing the boiler, decrease pressure and make total blow down

(surface & bottom) of the boiler as per the manufactures boiler manual.

2.  Once the boiler has cooled down, then completely drain. Proper boiler

cooling prevents any sludge or debris baking onto the surface of the

boiler – water sides.

3.  Blank flanges should be made with rubber gaskets, for all pipes leading

into or out of the boiler; the boiler should be gas tight - including all vent

lines, scum lines, sight glass lines and all headers / drain lines. (Except

the excess steam, drum, vent at the very top of the boiler, and one

header / drain at the lowest point of the boiler).

4.  These two points; the steam drum vent line and drain line should have a

ball valves or pin valve on them so the boiler can be filled and purged

with gas.

5.  Only after the boiler is completely drained can the water drum, steam

drum and headers be opened, inspected and manually cleaned if

required. All other debris, sludge and other impurities should be taken

out at this stage.

6.  The next stage is to completely dry the boiler. This can be done using a

dehumidifier set up at various points in the boiler.

7.  During this process any further dry debris should be removed from the

headers and water drum, steam drum, Etc.

8.  After the boiler is completely dry and the debris removed, silicea gel

bags can be put into the headers, water drum and steam drum. This

should be calculated based on size of the boiler.

9.  Only at this point should the boiler be made gas tight an in dry lay-up

condition.