01 Jun Boiler Best Practices: Safe Start-Up and Shut Down for a Hot System
Managing boiler run time and off time is critical for maximizing boiler efficiency. You also need to understand the proper boiler start-up and boiler shutdown process if you are working with a hot boiler. Unfortunately, the start-up and shutdown procedure isn’t as simple as switching the power button, as you would for a computer. Navigate through these processes with our boiler best practices that should be integrated into your daily boiler maintenance routine. Follow our step-by-step guide in order to safely recommission an offline boiler, thus maximizing its efficiency and extending its lifespan. Here are a couple of important points you should keep in mind when starting or shutting down a boiler.
How Do You Start a Boiler?
There are a lot of steps involved in the boiler startup procedure. These include:
- First, you have to turn on the burner switch and make sure the pilot lights appropriately.
- Next, you should make sure the boiler vent and drain are open. This is important for bleeding any air that may be present.
- Following this, you have to open the main steam stop valves.
- After the pressure in the boiler reaches between 10 and 15 PSI, close the vent.
- Now, test the low-water cutoff system. Secure the boiler feed and let the boiler steam off naturally.
- When the pressure reaches between 75 and 85 percent of the system line pressure, open the non-return valve.
- Test the safety valve to make sure it is operating appropriately.
- Increase the boiler pressure gradually, allowing the boiler to acclimate to the current environment.
- Finally, you should close the drain and verify that all controls are working properly.
If you experience any issues during this process, have an internal expert examine the system. Might we suggest McKenna Boiler? We offer same-day service where we send our boiler technician to physically examine your boiler system.
How Do You Shut Down a Boiler?
Once you are done working with your boiler, you need to make sure you shut it down appropriately. A few important steps you have to follow include:
- First, shutting off fuel that powers the burner.
- Next, you should open the superheater outlet drain valve if your boiler system has one.
- After this, you should close the main steam stop valves.
- Open all drains on the boiler system.
- Finally, you should shut down the main boiler feed system to complete the process.
Once you have completed the steps, your boiler system should be powered off appropriately.
How Does This Improve Boiler Performance?
It is true that it will take you a few minutes to go through these steps; however, you have to make sure you work the steps appropriately in order to properly take care of your boiler. If you try to rush through the steps, you could place a lot of stress on the internal components of the boiler. Additionally, keeping fluids and gasses trapped in the pipes for extended periods of time can cause severe damage to the pipes. As a result, you may end up with serious issues that could lead to a major repair bill. Furthermore, this could also create a significant safety hazard. These factors prove even more reason to make sure you go through the start-up and shutdown boiler processes appropriately.
Contact McKenna Boiler for Professional Boiler Services
Your boiler system has a lot of internal components that require routine maintenance to ensure perfect harmony. If you do not start or shut down your boiler correctly, you put your boiler system and facility at major risk for complete failure. At McKenna Boiler, we serve as reliable boiler professionals who can maximize the operational efficiency of your boiler. We handle everything from boiler installation to boiler maintenance and even boiler repairs. Contact us us today to learn more about our services.
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