Boilers and Steam Generators
1.What are the four inspections performed on a boiler as it is manufactured? - a. Steel is
inspected before it is shipped; the fit up of a boiler shell is inspected after it is tack welded. The welding
inspection after the boiler has been welded and the hydro-static pressure test.
2.How is a boiler plate steel identified? - a. The inspection code is printed on it.
3.What is hydro-static testing? - a. Resting of the boiler at certain water pressures at certain
temperatures.
4.Who is responsible for inspecting boilers? - a. Certified boiler inspectors employed by the state
or in some cases by the specialty insurance companies.
5.What is a boiler license and who requires it? - a. A boiler license is required in many states or
local jurisdictions in order to buy, install or service any pressure vessel.
6.Why is there even a need for boiler licenses? - a. Boiler licenses are needed to ensure that those
installing or servicing steam pressure vessels are qualified and knowledgeable of the codes, and service
procedures. Pressurized steam equipment can cost lives and serious injuries if a serious accident occurs.
7.What is boiler permit? - a. A boiler permit is an approval to install or modify a steam pressure
vessel. In the food service sector, this can include boiler bases and any kind of steam kettle, whether
direct steam fired or self-contained.
8.Who can legally weld boilers? - a. Certified boiler welders
9.What is an "R" stamp? - a. An "R" stamp is a designation certifying that the holder has the
experience and knows the proper codes and methods of making safe repairs to any boiler pressure
vessel.