In order for a boiler to continue functioning safely and effectively there are several considerations to keep in mind.

Water Level – It is very important that the boiler’s normal operating water level (NOWL) be carefully maintained. If the water level drops too low it can cause boiler failure.

Startup – The startup of a boiler is one of the most dangerous stages in its operation. It is important to follow all manufacturer guidelines when starting up a boiler.

Shutdown – Different shutdown procedures exist for different boilers, but in general this is also a sensitive time in the boiler’s operation cycle and it is once again important to follow recommended guidelines for the particular boiler.

Maintenance – All boilers will require periodic maintenance and inspection. In addition, with age many boilers begin to operate less efficiently and as such may require a considerable overhaul such as a retrofit or retubing.

Being such an integral part of many plants operations makes the need for boilers to be in proper working shape a critical aspect of plant uptime. Regularly scheduled maintenance and planned refurbishment are two proactive ways to make sure boilers don’t experienced prolonged or unexpected downtime. Routinely checking a boiler’s health through inspections can vastly improve the safety in the boiler unit for its operators and the plant as a whole.