Tips for Specifying Water Tube Steam Boilers

Following are some general recommendations for when purchasing or specifying packaged water tube boilers.

The water tube boilers manufacturer should assume unit responsibility for all equipment and auxiliary systems included in the scope of the order.

The unit should be shop assembled to the maximum extent practical to minimize on-site erection work. All skids and equipment that mate directly (without interconnecting piping by Purchaser) should be trial fit in the Supplier's shop. The Supplier should identify in his proposal all loose shipped parts requiring field installation.

The following criteria should be observed:

1.All horizontal boiler drum internals and the internals of other system components should be shipped installed;
1.Refractory, insulation, and lagging should be shipped installed to the maximum extent possible;
2.Steel structures, stacks, and ducts should be shipped assembled to the maximum extent possible;
3.The horizontal boiler frame and other major components should be provided with lifting attachments for unloading and installation purposes. Any special slings, spreader bars, etc. that are required should be provided;
4.Steam turbines and reducing gears should be furnished with all auxiliary systems mounted on a single
5.Base plate, with auxiliary piping completely mounted to single inlet and outlet connections for each service;
6.All fuel piping is to be furnished pre assembled with all components mounted on the boiler or on a separate rack. Fuel piping is preferred to be all welded construction.
7.Unit should be designed for continuous or intermittent operation as specified, and at least 3 years of uninterrupted service with no forced outages.

Horizontal boiler manufacturer duties

1.Horizontal boiler manufacturer's offering should be a unit of size and design which has a successful record of proven service at operating conditions similar to those specified. An installation list should be submitted upon request. In the event no such unit is available, the Supplier may offer an alternative with a detailed explanation of where the offering differs from his field proven equipment.
2.The boiler manufacturer should supply safeguards and relief devices on equipment where necessary to protect personnel, equipment, and piping.
3.Control of the sound pressure level (SPL) of all equipment furnished should be a joint effort of the Purchaser and the Supplier. Supplier should include in the proposal completed Purchaser's Noise
4.The arrangement of the equipment including piping and auxiliaries will be reviewed by the Purchaser. The arrangement should provide adequate clearance areas and safe access for operation and maintenance.
5.The package and its auxiliaries should be suitable for outdoor operation unprotected from the environment.
6.All structures and equipment should be designed to resist earthquake forces, wind loads, snow loads and other environmental factors as necessary.