Boiler Blog | Nationwide Boiler Inc.

Reliability and Versatility of Nationwide Boiler’s Rental Fleet

Nationwide Boiler operates and maintains one of the largest and most versatile rental boiler fleets in the industry. Our purpose-built rental inventory includes over 100 temporary boiler systems ranging from 47.5 HP to 200,000 lb/hr, stored in multiple locations across the country. We offer multiple configurations including complete mobile boiler rooms, trailer-mounted watertube and firetube boilers, skid-mounted systems, factory-integrated skid packages, fully electric boiler systems designed for zero-emissions operations, and a suite of boiler auxiliary equipment options. This diverse inventory allows us to respond quickly and effectively to emergency outages, planned maintenance, or increased seasonal demand.

Reliable Steam Solutions for Diverse Industries

One of the key advantages of renting from Nationwide Boiler is our ability to provide fast, reliable steam solutions that are tailored to your application. Whether your facility requires low or high capacity, saturated or superheated steam, boiler-only or a complete temporary steam plant, our rental boiler fleet is engineered to support continuous, dependable operation. Our solutions support a wide range of industries including food processing, petroleum and chemical refining, power generation, pulp and paper, manufacturing, and more.

Maintenance and Refurbishment of Rental Boilers

As with any heavily utilized piece of equipment, rental boilers often return to our shop in need of service. Not every rental requires major repairs, but every unit goes through a standard inspection and maintenance process before being returned to service. Our skilled technicians perform routine tasks such as gasket and valve replacements, tube brushing, burner tune-ups, and safety control testing to ensure each system meets the high quality standards we’ve set over the years. These preventative and corrective measures address normal wear and tear that naturally occurs over the course of a rental. Having a disciplined approach to maintenance helps us minimize future service calls, ensure performance reliability, and reduce the total cost of ownership for our customers.

In rare cases, a unit may be damaged beyond repair and must be retired from service. However, thanks to our experienced fabrication team and dedicated Quality Control Department, most boilers are restored and returned to service in like-new condition. With proper maintenance, boilers can provide reliable performance for decades.

Why Retube a Boiler?

A complete boiler retube is one of the most effective ways to extend the life of a heavily damaged boiler, particularly in demanding industrial environments. Over time boiler tubes naturally wear down due to constant use, high temperatures, and exposure to impurities in the water. However, the lack of proper maintenance and water treatment can quickly accelerate this, leading to major damage to the internal boiler tubes and creating an immediate need for retube or complete system replacement.

When boiler tubes become corroded or damaged, overall performance, efficiency, and safety can decline, causing costly downtime or even system failure. Retubing restores the boiler’s internal components, significantly improving efficiency and returning the system to like-new condition.

A Commitment to Reliability, Sustainability, and Performance

At Nationwide Boiler, we take pride in our ability to perform quality service and maintenance on our rental fleet, as well as refurbish and repurpose equipment whenever the need arises. Retubing not only extends the useful life of our boilers but also plays a key role in our sustainability efforts. Instead of scrapping boilers that still have a solid pressure vessel and frame, we focus on restoring their core components. This approach reduces waste, conserves resources, and helps us maintain a high-quality, cost-effective rental fleet.

Our commitment to maintaining a high-performance rental boiler fleet ensures that our customers receive dependable, code-compliant, and cost-effective steam solutions every time. Whether you need a short-term rental for a few weeks or a long-term solution for several months, Nationwide Boiler has the equipment, expertise, and service to keep your operations running smoothly.

This blog post was originally published in June 2021 and has been updated to reflect the latest advancements in boiler maintenance, sustainability practices, and the continued expansion and modernization of Nationwide Boiler’s rental fleet.

In industrial settings where boilers are vital to operations, safety and reliability are non-negotiable. One often overlooked component is the fuel train, or gas train, which plays a critical role in controlling fuel delivery. During budget cuts, maintenance of this system is frequently deferred—an oversight that can lead to gas leaks, combustion failures, and serious safety hazards. For facilities operating high-pressure steam systems, regular gas train maintenance is essential to prevent incidents and ensure safe, reliable performance.

Understanding the Role of the Gas Train

The gas train is a system of mechanical and electrical components that regulate fuel flow and pressure to the burner. It includes shut-off valves, regulators, pressure switches, solenoids, and piping—all working together to ensure safe fuel delivery and immediate shutdown in unsafe conditions.

Gas trains are designed to:

• Prevent unburned fuel from entering the combustion chamber
• Shut off fuel flow in the event of unsafe operating conditions
• Maintain consistent gas pressure for efficient burner operation
• Enable both manual and automatic control of fuel delivery

Even in systems equipped with modern burner management systems and interlocks, the effectiveness of these safety measures depends on proper maintenance and operator awareness.

Risks of Inadequate Maintenance

Neglecting gas train inspection and testing can lead to component failures that may not be immediately apparent but can compromise the entire combustion system. Common issues include:

• Leaking or sticking safety valves
• Inaccurate or failed pressure switches
• Improperly functioning regulators
• Worn or bypassed interlocks
• Electrical wiring faults

In many documented incidents, failures were not due to a lack of safety devices, but rather a lack of routine testing and operator training. Preventive maintenance is essential to avoid these scenarios.

Best Practices for Gas Train Safety

Implementing a structured maintenance and safety program can mitigate risks and improve system reliability. The following practices are strongly recommended:

1. Staff Training and Competency

Operators must be trained not only in basic boiler operation but also in combustion safety and hazard recognition. Training programs should include hands-on system reviews, mock upset drills, and instruction on emergency response procedures. Even when maintenance is outsourced, in-house personnel should have a fundamental understanding of the systems they oversee.

2. Written Startup and Shutdown Procedures

Many combustion incidents occur during equipment startup or shutdown. Standardized, clearly written procedures ensure consistency across shifts and personnel. These procedures should include purge verification, valve testing, and system readiness checks.

3. Routine Testing and Documentation

Facilities should establish a regular schedule for testing gas train components, including:

• Valve leak and tightness testing
• Functional testing of pressure switches and interlocks
• Flame safeguard system checks
• Compliance with applicable NFPA, ASME, and local code requirements

Documenting all tests and inspections ensures traceability and supports compliance efforts.

4. Third-Party Equipment Reviews

When acquiring new equipment or undergoing significant upgrades, a third-party review can help verify compliance, confirm correct installation, and identify design deficiencies. This is especially important when retrofitting legacy systems with modern controls or safety components.

5. Proactive Equipment Upgrades

Waiting for failure is not a viable safety strategy. Facilities should establish a timeline for replacing aging components and upgrading outdated systems. Modern PLC-based burner management systems and digital flame safeguards offer improved diagnostics, safety, and reliability.

Building a Culture of Safety

The safe operation of permanent boilers, rental boilers, and boiler combustion equipment depends not just on hardware, but on the culture and procedures that support it. Gas train maintenance should be treated as a critical operational task—not an afterthought. Investing in training, testing, and system upgrades enhances reliability, reduces unplanned downtime, and most importantly, protects personnel.

This blog post was originally published in September 2011 and has been updated to reflect current best practices, safety standards, and advancements in gas train maintenance.

Nationwide Boiler proudly offers the world’s largest high pressure mobile steam boilers for industrial applications: the 150,000 pph saturated steam boiler and the 110,000 pph superheated Steam boiler, both trailer-mounted for unmatched mobility and rapid deployment. These high-capacity rental boilers set the industry standards for performance, flexibility, and reliability, delivering robust steam output for the most demanding industries.

Engineered for Performance and Flexibility

The 150,000 pph saturated steam boiler is engineered to provide consistent, high-volume steam for industries requiring a dependable temporary steam supply. With a design pressure of 650 psi and an operating range from 350 to 600 psi, this unit delivers exceptional operational flexibility and reliable output.

For applications demanding higher steam temperatures, the 110,000 pph superheated steam boiler is the ideal solution. This unit has a design pressure of750 psi and is built to supply 750°F superheated steam, with an operating range from 350 to 680 psi. Both boilers are trailer-mounted with removable gooseneck and running gear, ensuring true mobility, rapid installation, and flexible site placement for both temporary and long-term use.

Standard Features for Industry Leading Performance

• PLC Based Combustion Controls: Advanced, user-friendly controls for safe, efficient, and fully metered operation.

• EconoStak™ Economizer: Recovers heat from flue gases to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce energy costs.

• VFD Controlled Forced Draft Fan: Provides precise airflow control for optimal combustion.

• Comprehensive Safety Systems: Includes safety valves, low water cutoffs, and NEMA 4 electrical enclosures for reliable, safe operation.

• Emissions Compliance Options: Optional CataStak™ SCR system supports compliance with stringent emissions standards, offering ultra-low NOx performance down to 2.5 ppm.

• Flexible Fuel Options: Designed for natural gas, with capability for #2 oil and hydrogen blend fuels. 

• Trailer Mounted, Highway Legal Design: Removable gooseneck and running gear for flexible site placement and rapid deployment.

Both package watertube boilers are fully piped, wired, and tested before shipment, ensuring seamless setup and compliance with ASME, FM, NFPA 85, and GE GAP Insurance Standards. Additionally, boilers are weatherproofed (except for freezing conditions) and come with comprehensive operating manuals.

Saturated or Superheated Steam: Selecting the Optimal Solution

• Saturated Steam: Ideal for applications requiring fast, even heating such as process steam and heating, sterilization, and district energy. Saturated steam is efficient for heat transfer and can be easily controlled through pressure adjustments.

• Superheated Steam: Best suited for power generation and turbine driven equipment. Superheated steam remains dry at higher temperatures, improving thermal efficiency and reducing the risk of equipment corrosion.

Supporting Reliable Operations

Whether you need a rapid temporary solution or a long-term addition to your plant, Nationwide Boiler’s world’s largest 150,000 pph saturated steam and 110,000 pph superheated steam boilers provide reliability, efficiency, and flexibility. These world class boilers are engineered for demanding industrial environments, offering rapid deployment and operational flexibility for both planned projects and emergency situations. 

As we wrap up National Safety Month, Nationwide Boiler is highlighting a key aspect of a safe work environment: well-being. In industrial settings—especially within the boiler industry—employee health and wellness directly impact safety, performance, and risk management. Whether on the road, at a job site, or in a boiler maintenance facility, a workforce that’s physically, mentally, and emotionally well is better equipped to operate safely and efficiently.

Employee Wellness in the Boiler Industry

In our line of work—ranging from emergency boiler rentals and mobile boiler installations to shop maintenance and field service—attention, coordination, and alertness are non-negotiable. Here's how well-being influences workplace safety:

• Fatigue & Sleep Deprivation: Long shifts or irregular schedules can lead to exhaustion, which slows reaction times and increases the likelihood of accidents. Studies show that up to 13% of workplace injuries are linked to fatigue.
• Mental Health: High-stress environments can lead to anxiety or distraction, increasing risk-taking behaviors or reduced situational awareness—both hazardous in environments involving pressurized equipment or combustion systems.
• Substance Use: Drugs or alcohol impair judgment and coordination, creating major safety hazards when operating machinery, driving to job sites, or performing boiler system inspections.
• Chronic Health Conditions: Back pain, mobility limitations, or untreated illness can make routine tasks—like lifting parts, climbing scaffolds, or maneuvering around large boiler skids—more dangerous.

Building a Culture of Well-Being at Work

At Nationwide Boiler, promoting a safe and supportive workplace starts with acknowledging the human factor in industrial safety. Here’s how employers can help:

• Recognize Limits: Understand that employees can’t operate at 100% all the time. Allow for recovery and rest, especially after demanding projects or turnaround jobs.
• Encourage Cross-Team Support: Involve HR, safety managers, and leadership to offer wellness programs, EAP resources, and regular safety check-ins.
• Be Flexible: Offer flexibility in schedules or time off when possible—especially for employees who travel frequently for on-site boiler support or installations.
• Normalize the Conversation: Encourage open dialogue around stress, mental health, and well-being without judgment or stigma.

Prioritize Personal Well-Being Off the Clock

A strong safety culture extends beyond work hours. When employees take care of their personal well-being, they show up more focused and capable.

• Get consistent, quality sleep
• Exercise regularly to boost strength and energy
• Eat well and stay hydrated
• Foster supportive relationships
• Practice stress-relief habits like walking, reading, or meditation

At Nationwide Boiler, we believe that safety isn’t just about wearing the right gear or following protocols—it’s also about showing up healthy, rested, and mentally prepared to do the job right. When we prioritize well-being across the board, we create a safer, more productive work environment for everyone in the boiler industry and beyond.

Learn more from the National Safety Council and keep safety top of mind—on and off the job.