Steam Boiler Repair

A steam boiler is utilized whenever steam or hot steam is required, oftentimes used in industrial and energy applications. Proper maintenance of the boiler and its components is required to keep these systems running efficiently.

Common components of industrial boiler systems include:
 * Pipes
 * Tank(s)
 * Steam traps
 * Pressure gauges
 * Insulation
 * Pumps
 * Valves
 * Sensors, controls, and safety limits
 * Electrical systems

Common Boiler Issues
Various issues may arise due to age of the system or failure to properly maintain the system. Some of these issues include:
 * Closed or open steam traps
 * Broken or malfunctioning shutoff or modulating valves
 * Damaged, loose, or missing pipe insulation
 * Pump failure
 * Incomplete combustion resulting in high carbon monoxide levels
 * Broken or malfunctioning pressure gauges

Repairing a Broken Tubular Glass Gauge
One of the more common boiler problems that can occur is a broken or clouded tubular glass gauge. It is possible to repair this component without the help of a professional, but discretion is advised.

The following is the generally accepted procedure of safely fitting a new tubular glass on a steam boiler in industrial applications. Leather work gloves and a full face shield should be worn while working with the glass; this to prevent burns, cuts, and protect the operator's eyesight.
 * 1) Shut both the valves and open the glass drain cock
 * 2) Loosen and remove both gland nuts
 * 3) Remove any broken glass or other debris from glass valve body
 * 4) Place gland nuts and new seals on the precut glass
 * 5) Install glass in upper valve first and loosely tighten the nut. Pull glass down to bottom so that the gap in upper and lower valve body is even (this allows for expansion of the glass)
 * 6) Hand tighten both nuts, and then using a wrench, give each nut an additional quarter turn.
 * 7) Crack open steam side valve and allow the steam to lightly blow through to warm the glass. This prevents the glass from being subject to sudden thermal shock. (Should the glass be subject to thermal shock the effects may not be noticed immediately. However, the glass may then be much more brittle and even a slight bump might shatter it.)
 * 8) Close drain valve and crack open valve on water side of glass
 * 9) Observe gland for leakage and tighten as required
 * 10) Open both valves fully.