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.
At Nationwide Boiler, we've revolutionized the rental boiler experience, especially for those operating within the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). Our rental boiler inventory boasts a variety of ultra-low NOx boiler systems, and here's the game-changer—they're pre-permitted for expedited operation within the SCAQMD.
Streamlined Excellence
Our rental fleet consists of ultra low NOx boilers that can perform at sub 9 ppm, sub 7 ppm, sub 5 ppm, and sub 2.5 ppm levels, all of which are pre-permitted through the SCAQMD. This means you're instantly aligned with emissions standards, sparing you the hassle and expense of temporary air permit applications. Through this streamlined approach, Nationwide Boiler simplifies your journey to compliance. We only require that you perform the necessary source test as required during your rental.
Advantages of SCAQMD Pre-Permitted Rental Boilers
- Instant Compliance: Our equipment arrives on-site, pre-permitted and ready to go.
- Financial Relief: Say goodbye to payment and processing fees related to temporary air permit applications; it's already been handled.
- Efficiency Unleashed: No more paperwork or waiting; your equipment can be shipped, installed, and operational within 24 hours or less.
- Seamless Notifications: We handle the communication with AQMD, so you can focus on what matters most—your operations.
Nationwide Boiler redefines convenience in emissions compliance. It's not just about rental boilers; it's about saving you time, money, and hassle while keeping your operations environmentally responsible.
Nationwide Boiler's SCAQMD Pre-Permitted Rental Boiler Systems | |||
---|---|---|---|
47.5 hp* | 200 psig | Mobile Boiler Rooms | Ultra Low NOx |
80 hp | 200 psig | Mobile Boiler Rooms | Ultra Low NOx |
200 hp | 250 psig | Mobile Boiler Rooms | Ultra Low NOx |
200 hp | 250 psig | Mobile Steam Plants (open-trailer) | Ultra Low NOx |
250 hp | 150 psig | Mobile Boiler Rooms | Ultra Low NOx |
300 hp | 250 psig | Mobile Steam Plants (open-trailer) | Ultra Low NOx |
350 hp | 150 psig | Mobile Boiler Rooms | Ultra Low NOx |
350 hp | 200 psig | Mobile Steam Plants (open-trailer) | Ultra Low NOx |
350 hp | 250 psig | Mobile Boiler Room | Ultra Low NOx |
650 hp | 250 psig | Mobile Boiler Rooms | Ultra Low NOx - sub 5 ppm |
650 hp | 250 psig | Mobile Boiler Rooms | Ultra Low NOx |
650 hp | 250 psig | Skid-Mounted Boilers | Ultra Low NOx |
800 hp | 290 psig | Mobile Boiler Rooms | Ultra Low NOx - sub 5 ppm |
75,000 lb/hr | 350 psig | Trailer-Mounted Boiler with CataStak™ SCR System | Ultra Low NOx - sub 2.5 ppm |

At Nationwide Boiler, we understand that boiler emergencies happen, and a temporary boiler may be required immediately. For this reason, we maintain a fleet of rental boilers in a variety of sizes, operating parameters, and configurations, to better serve our customers and provide a solution that works for you. We have also compiled some helpful emissions compliance resources for some of the most stringent jurisdictions in the state of California.
Part of the rental boiler process includes air permitting - a boiler fired on fossil fuels will require an air permit for operation. The air permit process can be lengthy and confusing, but Nationwide Boiler is here to help. We have extensive experience providing rental boilers to customers in many parts of the state, including areas with the most stringent emissions requirements like the SCAQMD, SJVAPCD, BAAQMD, and the Sacramento Metro AQMD. We can walk you through the permitting process, assist with completion of the required paperwork, and we will provide all necessary equipment details required for your permit.
As an added benefit of our experience and long-term relationship with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), Nationwide Boiler maintains a fleet of rental boilers that are pre-permitted for use in this jurisdiction. These pre-permitted rental boilers can be utilized in other locations, and having them pre-permitted can help to expedite the permitting process in other parts of the state with similar emissions regulations.
In addition, while the San Joaquin Air Polluction Control District (SJVAPCD) does not have a pre-permitted rental boiler program, they do have a provision for expediting the installation of a temporary rental boiler. The TREU (Temporary Replacement Emissions Unit) Program contains an application shield provision that allows a rental boiler to be installed in place of an existing permitted boiler that is down for repairs, without the need for a permit. This provides a quick resolution for users who are not able to wait the multiple weeks required to get a temporary air permit in place.
To qualify for the TREU Program, the rental boiler being installed must have a heat input equal to or less than the unit it is replacing, and must not have the potential to produce more emissions than the current permit allows. In addition, the temporary boiler can only be on-site for a period of 180 days or less within twelve-months.
Nationwide Boiler can assist with the permitting process as needed for your facility, contact us today to get started. 1-800-227-1966

With more than 100 rental boilers in our fleet, Nationwide Boiler supplies reliable temporary steam solutions to customers not just nationwide, but worldwide. Our offices and storage facilites are located in various locations throughout the United States, but we have provided temporary and permanent boilers to customers across the globe since 1967. Many of Nationwide Boiler's watertube rental boilers have all-Canada CRN's for operation throughout Canada, and our 200K "World Boiler" has been sold and shipped to 6 of the 7 continents in the world!
Nationwide Boilers offers STAR delivery with options to ship by Sea, Truck, Air or Rail, and we work closely with our freight forwarders to meet or exceed the delivery schedules of our customers. Plus, to facilitate quick shipment and cost savings, Nationwide Boiler has storage and maintenance facilities located across the country in 7 separate locations:
- Fremont, CA
- Washougal, WA
- Alvin, TX
- Council Bluffs, IA
- Bessemer, AL
- Washington, PA
- Cleveland, OH
and contact us today to get started on preparations for your next rental boiler project.