I am trying to determine what different jurisdictions require when conducting a cold hydro test on a boiler that has been out of service for an extended period of time. To what extent should the boiler pressure exceed the standard operating pressure? 10%? 25%? 50%?
What say you?
Thanks

marcec@telus.net

You need to figure out who is in charge of certification for your boiler and contact them. Most cases it is 1 1/5 times working pressure.

Tom

Whatever the case, A.S.M.E. Code for a riveted and/or stayed boilers is to never exceed 125% of working pressure. If at all possible, use warm water.



nwstaybolt@reachone.com

> Whatever the case, A.S.M.E. Code for a
> riveted and/or stayed boilers is to never
> exceed 125% of working pressure. If at all
> possible, use warm water.

If it's a locomotive boiler, it is hydroed to 125% of MAWP and water temp not less than 60 degrees. That is both FRA and NBIC requirement, and the age of the boiler or how long it's been out of service are not factors.

> what extent should the boiler pressure
> exceed the standard operating pressure? 10%?
> 25%? 50%?

Mark, I assume the boiler you are referring to is Comox Logging & Railway Co. #16 in British Columbia?

Before Essex Terminal Railway #9 was permitted to operate on CPR trackage, CP INSISTED a hydro be done to 125% of the normal operating pressure. Although the provincial requirement here in Ontario is only 100% (way too low in my opinion), federal regulations (Transport Canada) requires it at 125%.

I don't know what the provincial law requires in B.C., but if you have any intention going out on the CPR main you have to meet the Transport Canada regulations.

> Mark, I assume the boiler you are referring
> to is Comox Logging & Railway Co. #16 in
> British Columbia?

> Before Essex Terminal Railway #9 was
> permitted to operate on CPR trackage, CP
> INSISTED a hydro be done to 125% of the
> normal operating pressure. Although the
> provincial requirement here in Ontario is
> only 100% (way too low in my opinion), By old icc rules press. was 1 1/4 times working press. However its best to ask the inspector what he wants. As for temp .back in the 1950 when I did my first one. The inspector told me to use water warm enough so the boiler doesn't sweat and cold enough not to burn someone. regards bb. ps I have found more bad places by a hammer hdro. on the box than useing more press.
> federal regulations (Transport Canada)
> requires it at 125%.

> I don't know what the provincial law
> requires in B.C., but if you have any
> intention going out on the CPR main you have
> to meet the Transport Canada regulations.


streamtrain@losch.net

A question about hammer testing stay bolts under maximum hydro pressure (125%). I have been told that this is when stay bolts should be hammered and also told that hammering them under pressure is a no no. I have my own opinion, and of course I think I am right, but what is the ideas of thoes of you who have done hammer testing?

johncgra@locl.net

I believe that the FRA requirement for hammering staybolts is at 90% of MAWP

The current FRA regulations require a Minimum temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and a Maximum temperature of 120 degrees F. The pressure is specified at 125% maximum allowable working pressure. I would strongly advise you not to exceed 25% over mawp by not more than a few pounds. Here in Michigan I had to point out right to inspectors that law only requires 125% on locomotive boilers - they wanted to go 150%. Now that seems to be turned around - the insurance guys now say only go to working pressure.

As for hammer testing of staybolts the pressure should be at least 95% of working pressure when there is water in the boiler. The alternative is to hammer test with no water and no pressure in the boiler.

Personally I don't put much faith in hammer testing. I've burned out and replaced bolts that another inspector insisted were broken, but I couldn't find any evidence of it. Of course, I'm tone-deaf - I would drive my brother nuts when I tried to learn to play the guitar. I'd just pick it up and start playing, never bothering to tune it.

Martyhuck@aol.com

> You need to figure out who is in charge of
> certification for your boiler and contact
> them. Most cases it is 1 1/5 times working
> pressure.

> Tom
Tom is Correct on this point. The State of Colorado requires a 150% of working pressure hydrostatic test on all power boilers not covered by the FRA which includes any non insular tourist lines and amusement lines. This includes rivited and stayed boilers. The same rule applies to any pressure vessel in commercial service.
Roger Mitchell
Master Mechanic
Fort Collins Municipal Railway



n0mcr@netzero.net

> A question about hammer testing stay bolts
> under maximum hydro pressure (125%). I have
> been told that this is when stay bolts
> should be hammered and also told that
> hammering them under pressure is a no no. I
> have my own opinion, and of course I think I
> am right, but what is the ideas of thoes of
> you who have done hammer testing?

You want to hammer staybolts under pressure because they will be under tension at that time. A unbroken bolt under stress will have a completely different sound to it than one that is broken. A good bolt should have a ring or a "solid" sound to it, a broken bolt should sound dead or dull. Sometimes the hammer won't bounce off of a broken bolt like it does on a good one. Hammer testing a firebox takes some experience, so don't expect to get it right the first time. Even boilermakers with years of experience don't get it right every time. That is one reason you should always do an internal afterwards. As and aside, short bolts (less than 8" long) are much harder to pick up as broken with the hammer, that's why they are required to have telltail holes.

armusser@dejazzd.com

> The current FRA regulations require a
> Minimum temperature of 70 degrees
> Fahrenheit, and a Maximum temperature of 120
> degrees F.

Sorry to be incorrect in my terminology. When I said 'cold', I meant 'not operating temp'.

Thanks to everyone for their perspective.
Mark

marcec@telus.net

And use a brass hammer so the ring of a steel hammer won't confuse the situation.

dave

irondave@bellsouth.net