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: 

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 4: Skid-mounted package watertube or firetube boilers.


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 

Nationwide Boiler's rental equipment can be fired on a variety of fuels. This includes natural gas, #2 oil, and propane, as well as more sustainable fuels like hydrogen-blended fuels and electricity. Our fleet of package watertube boilers can accomodate up to 20% hydrogen blended fuels without any modifications to they system. For higher concentrations, minor modifications may be required. 

To determine the amount of fuel required: 

Natural gas:      Boiler size: ___________ lb/hr X 1.28 = ___________ SCFH 

No. 2 fuel oil:    Boiler size: ___________ lb/hr X 0.0095 = ___________ GPH 

Propane:          Boiler size: ___________ lb/hr X 0.512 = ___________ GPH 

 

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.  

 

At Nationwide Boiler, we make it easier to deploy a temporary boiler in Southern California with our fleet of SCAQMD pre-permitted rental boilers. Designed to help facilities meet some of the nation's most stringent emissions regulations, our ultra-low NOx rental boilers are pre-permitted for operation within the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), allowing for faster equipment deployment while simplifying the air permitting process.

Streamlined Excellence

Our rental fleet includes ultra-low NOx trailer-mounted boilers and mobile boiler rooms capable of operating at sub-9 ppm, sub-7 ppm, sub-5 ppm, and sub-2.5 ppm NOx emissions levels. Because these units are already permitted through the SCAQMD, customers can avoid the time, paperwork, and additional costs typically associated with obtaining a temporary air permit. In most cases, the only remaining requirement is completing the required source test during the rental period

Advantages of SCAQMD Pre-Permitted Rental Boilers

• Faster Deployment: Pre-permitted rental boilers can often be shipped, installed, and operating within 24 hours or less.

• Simplified Air Permitting: Eliminate the need to prepare and submit temporary air permit applications.

• Lower Administrative Costs: Avoid many of the permitting fees and processing costs associated with temporary boiler installations.

• Reliable Emissions Compliance: Operate with confidence using ultra-low NOx boiler systems designed to meet strict SCAQMD emissions requirements.

• AQMD Coordination: Nationwide Boiler manages communication and required notifications with the SCAQMD, allowing your team to focus on plant operations.

Whether you're responding to an emergency outage, performing scheduled maintenance, or adding temporary steam capacity, Nationwide Boiler's SCAQMD pre-permitted rental boilers help reduce downtime while simplifying emissions compliance. Our experienced team provides complete support, from equipment selection and logistics to startup assistance and regulatory guidance, so you can get back online quickly and efficiently.

 

 

When a boiler emergency occurs, every hour of downtime can impact production. In addition to selecting the right temporary boiler, facilities must also comply with local air quality regulations before operating a rental boiler. Navigating the air permitting process can be complex, particularly in California, where emissions requirements vary by district.

Nationwide Boiler simplifies the rental boiler permitting process by providing experienced guidance and the documentation needed to help customers obtain temporary air permits as quickly as possible. Our rental boiler fleet includes a wide range of sizes, capacities, and configurations to meet virtually any steam application, while our team has extensive experience working with California's most stringent air quality districts.

California Air Permit Assistance for Rental Boilers

Operating a temporary boiler typically requires an air permit from the local air district. Application requirements, emissions limits, and approval timelines vary depending on the location and equipment being installed.

Nationwide Boiler has extensive experience supporting customers throughout California, including facilities regulated by:

• South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)
• San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD)
• Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD)
• Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (Sac Metro AQMD)

Our team can assist with:

• Determining applicable permitting requirements
• Completing permit applications
• Providing boiler specifications and emissions data
• Supplying equipment documentation required by the permitting agency
• Coordinating with local air districts throughout the approval process

By working with an experienced rental boiler provider, facilities can often streamline the permitting process and reduce delays before startup.

Pre-Permitted Rental Boilers for SCAQMD

Nationwide Boiler maintains a fleet of rental boilers that are pre-permitted for operation within the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). Because these boilers have already been approved for use within this jurisdiction, they can significantly reduce permitting time during emergency situations.

In many cases, these pre-permitted rental boilers can also help expedite permitting in other California air districts with similar emissions requirements, allowing facilities to restore steam production more quickly.

SJVAPCD Temporary Replacement Emissions Unit (TREU) Program

Unlike SCAQMD, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) does not offer a pre-permitted rental boiler program. However, facilities may qualify for the district's Temporary Replacement Emissions Unit (TREU) Program, which can help accelerate the installation of a temporary boiler during an equipment failure.

The TREU Program includes an application shield provision that allows a temporary rental boiler to replace an existing permitted boiler while repairs are being completed, without waiting for a temporary operating permit to be issued. This can significantly reduce downtime for facilities facing unexpected boiler outages.

To qualify, the temporary boiler must:

• Have a heat input equal to or less than the boiler it is replacing.
• Not exceed the emissions limits established under the existing permit.
• Operate on-site for no more than 180 days within a 12-month period.

Because eligibility requirements vary by project, Nationwide Boiler can help determine whether the TREU Program is appropriate for your facility and provide the equipment information needed to support the application process.

Simplify Your Rental Boiler Permitting Process

Whether you're responding to an emergency boiler outage, planning a scheduled shutdown, or preparing for a temporary increase in steam demand, Nationwide Boiler can help simplify the California air permitting process. From emissions documentation and permit applications to equipment selection and startup support, our experienced team works closely with customers to help keep projects moving and minimize costly downtime.

Contact Nationwide Boiler today to learn more about rental boiler air permit assistance or to discuss your temporary steam requirements.

With more than 100 rental boilers in our fleet, Nationwide Boiler delivers reliable temporary steam solutions to customers across the United States and around the world. Since 1967, we've supported industrial facilities with dependable temporary boiler rentals, emergency steam solutions, and long-term boiler projects for planned outages, seasonal demand, and critical equipment failures.

Our strategically located offices and storage facilities throughout the U.S. allow us to quickly mobilize and deliver industrial rental boilers wherever they're needed. Many of our trailer-mounted watertube rental boilers carry all-Canada CRNs for operation throughout Canada, and our 200,000 lb/hr "World Boiler" has been supplied to customers on six of the world's seven continents.

To support rapid deployment, Nationwide Boiler offers STAR delivery with flexible shipping options by sea, truck, air, or rail. We work closely with trusted freight forwarders to meet or exceed customer delivery schedules, helping minimize downtime and restore steam as quickly as possible.

For fast response and reduced transportation costs, Nationwide Boiler maintains rental boiler storage and service facilities in seven strategic locations across North America:

• Fremont, CA
• Washougal, WA
• Alvin, TX
• Council Bluffs, IA
• Bessemer, AL
• Washington, PA
• Cleveland, OH

Whether you need an emergency boiler rental, supplemental steam capacity, or a complete temporary steam plant, Nationwide Boiler has the equipment, engineering expertise, and logistics network to support your project. Browse our complete rental boiler inventory or contact us today to discuss your temporary steam requirements.

How We Prepare and Maintain Equipment for Deployment

Before equipment leaves one of our storage and maintenance facilities, it undergoes a comprehensive inspection and preparation process to help ensure reliable operation upon arrival. Depending on the equipment, this may include mechanical inspections, control system verification, burner testing, cleaning, routine maintenance, and final quality checks. Preparing equipment in advance helps streamline field installation and supports dependable startup once it reaches the job site.

Rental equipment requires ongoing inspection and maintenance, even while in storage. Nationwide Boiler routinely services and rotates equipment throughout its fleet to help suport boilers and auxiliary systems remain ready for deployment. This proactive approach supports equipment reliability and helps extend the service life of the rental fleet.

Experienced Service & Logistics Teams

Each of Nationwide Boiler's storage and maintenance facilities is supported by experienced personnel responsible for equipment preparation, logistics coordination, inspections, and ongoing maintenance. Before rental equipment is dispatched, our teams perform detailed inspections, verify system components, coordinate transportation logistics, and prepare equipment for safe and efficient operation in the field. By managing these processes at our regional facilities, we help make sure that equipment arrives organized, well-maintained, and ready for installation. This coordinated approach helps streamline project planning, supports reliable startup, and minimizes delays once equipment reaches the job site.