equipment lists should include
the age, size, type, model, fuel used, condition, etc.
Boilers
Introduction
Boilers are fuel-burning appliances that produce either hot water or steam that gets circulated
through piping for heating or process uses.
Boiler systems are major financial investments, yet the methods for protecting these investments
vary widely. Proper maintenance and operation of boilers systems is important with regard to efficiency
and reliability. Without this attention, boilers can be very dangerous.
A boiler efficiency improvement must include two aspects:
(1) action to bring the boiler to peak efficiency and
(2) action to maintain the efficiency at the maximum level.
Good maintenance and efficiency start with having a working knowledge of the components associated
with the boiler, keeping records, etc., and end with cleaning heat transfer surfaces, adjusting the air-to
fuel ratio, etc.
Boilers Checklist
Description Comments dail week mont annu
y ly hly ally
Boiler use/sequencing Turn off/on work with usual sequence don’t try to
follow unnecessary sequence and always keep your
safety
Overall visual inspection Complete overall visual inspection to be sure all
equipment is operating and safety systems are in
place
Follow manufacturer’s Compare temperatures with test performed after
recommended procedures annual cleaning
in lubricating all
component
Check steam Is variation in steam pressure as expected under
pressure different loads? Wet steam may be produced if the
pressure drops too fast
Check unstable water Unstable levels can be a sign of contaminates in feed
level water, overloading of boiler,
equipment malfunction
Check burner Check for proper control and cleanliness
Check motor condition Check for proper function
temperatures
Check air temperatures in Temperatures should not exceed or drop below
boiler room design limits
Boiler blowdown Verify the bottom, surface and water
column blow downs are occurring and are effective
Boiler logs Keep daily logs on:
• Type and amount of fuel used
• Flue gas temperature
• Makeup water volume
• Steam pressure, temperature, and
amount generated
Look for variations as a method of fault
detection
Check oil filter assemblies Check and clean/replace oil filters and
strainers
Inspect oil heaters Check to ensure that oil is at proper
temperature prior to burning
Check boiler water Confirm water treatment system is functioning
treatment properly
Check flue gas Measure flue gas composition and temperatures at
temperatures and selected firing positions recommended O2% and
composition CO2%
Fuel O2 % CO2%
Natural gas 1.5 10
No. 2 fuel oil 2.0 11.5
No. 6 fuel oil 2.5 12.5
Note: percentages may vary due to fuel
composition variations
Check all relief valves Check for leaks
Check water level control Stop feedwater pump and allow control to stop fuel
flow to burner. Do not allow water level to drop
below recommended levels.
Check pilot and burner Clean pilot and burner following manufacturer’s
assemblies guidelines. Examine for mineral or corrosion buildup
Check boiler operating Stop fuel flow and observe flame failure. Start boiler
characteristics and observe characteristics of flame.
Inspect system for water/ Look for: leaks, defective valves and traps, corroded
steam leaks and leakage piping, condition of insulation
opportunities
Inspect all linkages on Check for proper setting and tightness
combustion air dampers
and fuel valves
Inspect boiler for air leaks Check damper seals
