Remotely continuously monitored on limiters Where automation on the boilers is such that the boilers self-monitor all operational parameters and have the proven ability to shut themselves down safely in the event of any limiting device activating or a malfunction or an incident, a competent boiler operator shall attend the boilers at least every 72 hours - they might not be based on site. Speed of response to alarms might be a critical part of the risk assessment. The boilers must have advanced controls and monitoring, such as high integrity water level probes, flame detection units and pressure control and limiters. The boiler water, feed water and condensate return chemistry must be checked automatically at a periodicity identified through risk assessment but at least every 24 hours. Continuous monitoring of the water treatment plant, TDS levels and hot well shall be provided, along with any other checks and alarm systems identified in the risk assessment. Auto TDS and bottom blowdown shall be installed on any boiler left unattended for 24hrs. All of the above must send out an alarm condition if they go out of set parameters, and shut the boiler down safely. The boiler must be continuously monitored all the time it is operating from an external monitoring location. This could be a manned control room, either on site or off site, or a contracted monitoring centre where the suitably trained and instructed person has the ability to confirm the boiler has shut down and can summon a competent boiler operator. In the event that the system monitoring the boiler status fails or loses its capability to communicate, the boiler shall automatically shut down and sound an alarm. It is worth taking note that this level of automation and remote supervision is extremely rare, normally due to the boiler house technical risk assessment identifying unforeseen risks and also the high cost of the installation and maintenance of the monitoring equipment.
BG01 Guidance on the safe Operation of Steam Boilers Edition 2 – © 2019
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