Page 67 - Boiler_Operators_Handbook,_Second_Edition

52 Boiler Operator’s Handbook

have more than one safety valve and the seals tor’s log the operator’s log should record all visi-
have to be broken (and replaced by the inspec- tors to the plant.
tor) to test the second valve.
Log Calculations
Water analysis—depends on the plant. High pressure The logged record of a boiler plant’s operation
steam boilers with highly variable loads and make- should include calculations of fuel consumed (absolute
up water requirements should have water analyzed minimum), steam generated or MBtu output, and per-
every shift. Other high pressure plants may test cent makeup as a minimum. These are fundamental val-
water daily. For steam plants where makeup water ues that, if not monitored, can allow plant performance
is limited and consistent, condensate returns cannot to decay until it becomes a serious problem.
be contaminated, and makeup water is metered, Other calculations that can be incorporated into
weekly analysis should do. For hot water boiler a log include evaporation rate or heat rate, a degree
plants with limited leakage and when makeup wa- day calculation and steam generated or heat output
ter is metered monthly analysis should be adequate. per degree day or according to a degree day formula.
Monitoring the makeup is the key, analysis should Reconciliation of fuel oil inventory (including shrink
be checked immediately when makeup usage or swell of oil in outdoor above ground storage tanks)
changes abruptly, either up or down. to account for variations in inventory is recommended
for oil burners. Reconciliation of boiler fuel flow meters
Water pressure/temperature: See Makeup, Boiler, Feed- with gas service meters is invaluable for monitoring the
water. quality of the gas service instrumentation as well as in
plant instruments. Calculation of the plant heat balance
Visitors: Unless frequent visitors suggest having a visi- will permit determining how much steam was delivered
to the facility.