Nationwide Boiler knows that renting a boiler is quite different from renting a car; much more time and preparation is involved to ensure a smooth rental.

Keeping our customers informed and well-prepared is one of our top priorities. For customers who are new to the rental process or may need a refresher, we have comprised a list of common questions and answers related to renting a boiler.

As always, if you have any questions don't hesitate to contact us, toll free at 1-800-227-1966. 

1. WHO PROVIDES INSURANCE? The Lessee agrees to provide full protection for the boiler. This value will be noted on the Lease Rental Agreement. Generally, your boiler insurance policy and general liability insurance will automatically pick up this risk.

2. WHO PAYS THE FREIGHT? This is the Lessee’s responsibility. Nationwide will make the arrangements. Lessee pays the shipping charge from the storage location to the plant site along with the return shipping charge.

3. WHO PAYS FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING? Typically applicable for skid-mounted boiler and auxiliary equipment rentals, the Lessee is responsible for these charges. Watertube rental boilers with outputs of 82,500 lbs/hr and above are accompanied by one or two extra flatbeds carrying the economizer, stub stack, FGR piping, safety valves, etc. Nationwide will arrange and invoice Lessee for loading and unloading (and crane services, as required) at the storage location. Lessee must arrange and pay for the unloading and reloading at the plant site.

4. WHAT ABOUT FUEL AND POWER? These are supplied by the Lessee. Nearly all of our rental boilers are manufactured to fire either natural gas or No. 2 oil. The standard mobile boiler room and trailer-mounted watertube boiler electrical requirement is a single-point 480V/3-phase/60 Hz connection. A 120V/1-phase control circuit transformer is included and pre-wired. Watertube boilers require a dry, clean control air supply (typ. 60 to 80 psi). See specification sheet or drawing package for exact power requirement.

5. WHO PROVIDES THE OIL PUMP FOR NO. 2 OIL FIRING? The No. 2 oil pump and automatic equipment (on boilers under 40,000 lbs/hr) are generally provided as an integral part of the boiler. Atomizing steam and atomizing air piping (for start-up) is also provided for No. 2 oil firing. Heaters for No. 6 oil firing (on select boilers) must be provided by the Lessee.

6. WHO PROVIDES NO. 2 OIL OR PROPANE TANKS? If the Lessee does not have a natural gas supply or fuel storage facility, then a local oil or LPG supplier can usually provide a temporary storage tank. A vaporizer and regulator(s) are also recommended for LPG firing. Please note a state inspection and operating permit for the tank(s) may be required (check with state boiler inspection office). Please be sure to observe local NFPA or fire code clearances when installing the tank(s).

7. WHO SUPPLIES THE MAIN GAS PRESSURE REGULATOR? A regulator is included as a part of the pre-piped and wired gas train on our mobile boiler rooms and skid-mounted firetube rental boilers. For our watertube rental boilers, a separate pre-piped single or dual-monitor regulator assembly can be provided for an additional cost if the on-site gas pressure supply cannot be regulated to 15 psi. In either case, a constant and regulated gas pressure must be supplied to the boiler by the Lessee. See the specification sheet or drawing package for exact pressure requirement.

8. WHO PROVIDES THE FD FAN? The FD fan is installed on boilers with an output of 70,000 lbs/hr or less. For watertube boilers typically exceeding this capacity, the fan is shipped loose on an additional flatbed. A crane is required to install the fan and economizer on top of the burner housing of our 75,000 lbs/hr superheat and 82,500 lbs/hr saturated steam boilers or on a foundation next to our 120,000 lbs/hr boiler.

9. WHO PROVIDES THE BOILER EXHAUST STACK & OTHER AUXILIARIES? Exhaust stacks, typically 7 ft. tall, are provided with all rentals and are bolted to the trailer deck for shipment on boilers with an output of 70,000 lbs/hr or less. Economizers, as required, are readily available for our 70,000 lbs/hr thru 200,000 lbs/hr watertube boilers and are shipped on a separate flatbed. FGR piping, CataStakTM SCR equipment, and raincaps may be also required as site conditions warrant. This equipment is also shipped on a flatbed. Loading, unloading, and installation of this additional equipment are the responsibility of the Lessee.

10. WHO PROVIDES THE HOOKUP AND DISASSEMBLY? Connection and disassembly are done by plant personnel or a local boiler shop. Trailer-mounted watertube boilers are usually supported by railroad ties spaced along the length of the trailer. We recommend only hard-piping for the interconnections. Most times, stub-outs from existing piping may be blank-flanged or capped for ease of future rental tie-ins.

11. WHO PROVIDES THE PERMITS? Any permits (except for select boilers already having a pre-approved South Coast Air Quality Management District (i.e. Los Angeles, CA area) permit) or inspections are the Lessee’s responsibility.

12. WHO PROVIDES THE START-UP? Nationwide provides this service at an additional charge. See our Service Terms and Conditions sheet for details.

13. WHAT ABOUT BOILER AND FEEDWATER TREATMENT? Boiler and feedwater treatment regularly used at the jobsite with existing plant equipment may be suitable for the rental boiler. Mobile boiler rooms are provided with water softeners and chemical treatment equipment. Salt for the brine tank, chemicals, and chemical treatment are by the Lessee. We recommend adherence to ASME recommended water quality limits. A consultation with a water treatment specialist, who most times is already on-site caring for existing equipment, is recommended. Removal of any scale that might develop during operation is the responsibility of the Lessee.

14. HOW SHOULD THE BOILER BE OPERATED? The boiler should be operated by competent engineers in accordance with the Lessor’s Instruction & Operation Manual. Any occurrence or damage other than normal wear and tear is the responsibility of the Lessee. Generally, on-site boiler operators can handle our automatic boilers along with their existing duties. Boiler bottom and control blowdown is recommended at least once per shift.

15. HOW SHOULD THE BOILER BE PREPARED FOR SHIPMENT? The boiler should be fully-drained, opened, washed-out, and inspected by the boiler inspector and plant personnel. In our mobile boiler rooms, the feed system, water softener, and chemical treatment equipment should also be fully-drained prior to shipment. The Inspection Report found in the front of the Instruction & Operation Manual should be completed and forwarded to Nationwide Boiler Inc. at the completion of the rental project. This work is the responsibility of the Lessee.

16. WHO PROVIDES BOILER FREEZE PROTECTION? Freeze protection, as required for exposed skid-mounted equipment and watertube boilers, is the responsibility of the Lessee. Heated weather hoods built on-site are an option to typical heat tracing. Contact Nationwide Boiler for additional information about protecting equipment from freezing conditions.