For many of us, our first experience in the Utilities Department, apart from a good bit of hazing from the senior operators, was performing Rounds or Walk-Throughs. These rounds, which are essential operational checks of our Boiler Room Equipment, are absolutely essential to an Effective Boiler Maintenance program. Performing rounds provides an invaluable source of information concerning the “Health” of our Boiler Room Equipment. The importance of performing these Rounds should never be underestimated as these checks provide a health report of the equipment and also an opportunity for the Operator to “Get to Know Their Equipment”. The information gathered from these Rounds should be recorded on the “Round Sheets” and then compiled into a Log Book.
Let’s take a look at some of the information that we, as operators, may be recording on our Round Sheets and then discuss the importance of compiling this information into the Log Book. While the information gathered during Rounds may vary from facility to facility, there is some information that all facilities should be collecting. Some of the most basic things we should be recording on rounds are:
- Steam Pressure
- Stack Temperature
- Firing Rate
- Feedwater Temperature
- Feedwater Pressure
- Blowdowns
- Boiler Water Level
- Deaerator Pressure and Temperature
- Manual Resets on Safeties
While performing these rounds can be very valuable in identifying problems as they arise, it is when we collect this data and compile the data into a Log Book that this information becomes extremely useful to the facility for operational conditions as well as safety.
One may ask “How is the Log Book useful in our Maintenance Program”? The simple answer to that question is that “We can see how well our equipment is performing NOW compared to when the equipment was in Tip-Top shape”. Additionally, the Log Book will offer insight as to seasonal performance changes such as Combustion Efficiency. By having the ability to make these comparisons we can then make adjustments to any part of our Operational or Maintenance procedures to ensure that our equipment remains as Safe and Efficient as possible throughout its service lifetime.
Finally, some jurisdictions may require access to your equipment Log Books when they perform annual inspections. Log Books are a vital part of a good Boiler Maintenance Program and are one of the many aspects that make a maintenance program successful.
BE SAFE OUT THERE FOLKS!!!!
For more information on rounds and walkthroughs please visit our website @ www.BoilerLicense.com
