Frequently, there is a need for a temporary steam plant to replace or augment the permanent system for one of the following reasons:
• Unplanned outages for emergency repair
• Planned outages for repair, maintenance or upgrades
• Increased capacity requirements to handle peak loads
• Testing of a new process or production run
• Research and development projects
• Delays in bringing new systems on line
Although management expects steam plants to operate without interruption, as well as to meet new and changing requirements, the likelihood that one of the above listed factors will affect any steam plant operation in one year’s time is 100 percent! Furthermore, the probability that some part of a steam plant will cause an interruption in service at least once during any year is about 20 percent.
One way to greatly improve the chances that your system will be able to supply steam reliably and without interruption is by planning for installation of a temporary steam plant. Typically, this means making adequate provisions for quickly installing a rental boiler and auxiliary equipment.
Steam plant equipment that can be rented for both short- and long-term periods include:
| Boilers | Gas Regulators |
| Deaerators | Propane Vaporizers |
| Water Softeners | Feedwater Pumps |
| Chemical Feed Systems | Fuel Oil Skids |
| EconoStak Economizers | Gas Flow Meters |
| CataStak™ SCR Systems | Heat Exchangers |
| DataStak™ Emissions Monitoring | Valves |
| Blowdown Tanks | Additional Boiler Stack |
| Blowdown Heat Recovery Systems | Spare Parts Packages |
The best time to plan for installing a temporary steam plant is before the need actually arises. Including provisions for a temporary steam plant can be very cost effective if accomplished when building a new facility, or when making changes to upgrade your current power boiler or steam plant. Such provisions can be as simple as installing additional connections for steam, water, fuel and power.
BOILER REQUIREMENTS
Type 1: Mobile boiler rooms consisting of a complete system with firetube boiler and auxiliaries mounted in a semi-trailer van. Units are pre-piped and pre-wired.
BOILER SIZE & WEIGHT
Temporary boilers require a firm foundation or footing. A concrete pad is the best support and asphalt is an acceptable alternative. At a minimum, a stable, well drained, compacted area is required with wood timbers sufficient to support the boiler’s weight. The boiler must be blocked-up prior to operation. All weight must be removed from the running gear on trailer-mounted boilers.
STANDARD EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED WITH RENTAL BOILER
The following items are normally provided as a part of the complete rental boiler:
• Boiler
• Combustion Control
• Trailer
• Safety Valves
• FD Fan, Motor and Starter
• Blowdown Valves
• Burner
• Feedwater Stop and Check Valves
• Feedwater Controls
• Steam Gauge and Other Trim
• Flame Safeguard System
• Non-return Valve
FUELS
To determine the amount of fuel required:
Natural gas: Boiler size: ___________ lb/hr X 1.28 = ___________ SCFH
NOTE: Hp X 34.5 = ___________ lb/hr
POWER REQUIREMENTS
A disconnect switch must be provided between the power source and the rental boiler. Install temporary conduit and wiring after the rental boiler arrives at the site.
PIPING SIZE
1. All connections 1-1/2” and larger should be flanged.
2. All piping should be ASTM A-106 GrB or A53 GrB, SCH 80 or equivalent.
INSTRUMENT AIR
On larger boilers, instrument air is required to drive the dampers, combustion controls, valves and regulators. Generally this requires a supply of 1-2.5 SCFM of dry, clean instrument air, supplied at 80-100 psig and regulated to 20-25 psig.
WEATHER PROTECTION
Generally, all rental boilers are equipped with weather protection. However, if low temperatures are expected, provisions should be made to protect the boiler from freezing. A shelter in front of and around the boiler should be considered for the comfort of the operating personnel during inclement weather.
LOCAL CODES & PERMITS
Check local codes for stack height restrictions, emission limits, and other boiler installation requirements. Site specific air and operating permits will be required as well. Check with your local jurisdiction for additional information. Nationwide can assist with the process.
Download our complete Emergency Preparedness Guide for additional information.
