Before things heat up

With winter around the corner, it’s time for growers to start firing up their heaters. To help with that process, Chad Fletcher, director of aftermarket parts and sales for Hurst Boiler, shared some common tips for pre-starting a boiler.

1. Check the feedwater tank (deaerator) to verify that the water level is correct and that the feed valve that supplies water to the tank is open.
2. Check that pump suction valves are open.
3. Check that power is available to the pump(s).
4. Check that the main steam supply valve(s) is open.
5. Be sure that the safety valve(s) is correct for this boiler design for pressure and capacity.
6. Check that the boiler water is at the correct level and feedwater valve(s) is open.
7. Verify low water cutoff operation by opening the water column blowdown valve until alarm sounds and feed pump starts.
8. Verify that Auxiliary Low Water Cutoff is operational. (You may close the feed valve and open bottom blowdown for this check. Be sure to re-open the feed valve after you close the blowdown valve.) Pump should start and bring the water level in the boiler back to normal operating level.
9. Verify water treatment systems are operational and valves are open.
10. All control cabinets should be clean—inside and out—with completely functional doors that are closed.
11. Equipment guards should be in place.
12. Fuel valves should not be open at this time.

1. Check that the feed valve that supplies water to the system is open.
2. Check that the supply and return valves are open.
3. Check that the safety valve(s) is correct for this boiler design for pressure and capacity.
4. Check that the system water is at the correct level.
5. Verify the low water cutoff operation.
6. Verify that chemical treatment has been performed and is satisfactory.
7. All control cabinets should be clean—inside and out—with completely functional doors that are closed.
8. Equipment guards should be in place.
9. Fuel valves should not be open at this time.