Arkansas Administrative Code
Agency 010 - Department of Labor
Division 01 - Boiler Inspection
Rule 010.01.06-001 - Rules for the Boiler Inspection Division of the Arkansas Department of Labor

The division has been authorized by the Legislature to promulgate rules. Ark. Code Ann. § 20-23-301(a)(2). The division follows the procedural requirements of the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, in particular Ark. Code Ann. §§ 25-15-203 and -204. Additionally, the division is required to abide by the provisions of Ark. Code Ann. § 10-3-309.

The process of adopting a new rule or amending or repealing an existing rule (hereinafter referred to as"rule-making") may be initiated by request of the Boiler Advisory Board or the Director that the Department staff submit proposed drafts. Additionally, staff of the Department may request permission to initiate rule-making. Third persons outside the agency may petition for the issuance, amendment, or repeal of any rule.

Third parties may initiate rule-making to adopt, amend, or repeal a rule by filing a petition with the division to initiate rule-making. The petition must contain the name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner, the specific rule or action requested, the reasons for the rule or action requested, and facts showing that the petitioner is regulated by the division or has a substantial interest in the rule or action requested.

The petition to initiate rule-making shall be filed with the Director of the Department of Labor.

Within thirty (30) days after submission of the petition, the division will either deny the petition, stating its reasons in writing or will initiate rule-making. A special meeting of the Boiler Advisory Board may be called.

Thirty (30) days before the public-comment period ends, the division will file with the Bureau of Legislative Research the text of the proposed rule or amendment as well as a financial impact statement and a Bureau of Legislative Research questionnaire as provided by Ark. Code Ann. § 10-3-309.

The division will give notice of proposed rule-making to be published pursuant to A.C.A. § 25-15-204. The notice will set any written comment period and will specify the time, date, and place of any public hearing.

The division shall cause its rules to be published and made available to interested persons. The publication must include:

The published rules of the division will be organized substantially in the following format:

By reference in a rule, the division may incorporate all or any part of a code, standard, rule, or other matter if the division finds that copying the matter in the division's rule would be unduly cumbersome, expensive, or otherwise inexpedient. The reference in the division rule will fully and precisely identify the incorporated matter by title, citation, date, and edition, if any; briefly indicate the precise subject and general contents of the incorporated matter; and state that the rule does not include any later amendments or editions of the incorporated matter. The division may incorporate such a matter by reference in a proposed or adopted rule only if the agency makes copies of the incorporated matter readily available to the public. The rules must state how and where copies of the incorporated matter may be obtained at cost from this division, and how and where copies may be obtained from an agency of the United States, this state, another state, or the organization, association, or persons originally issuing that matter. The division will retain permanently a copy of any materials incorporated by reference in a rule of the division.

The proponent of a rule may request the division to adopt an emergency rule. In addition to the text of the proposed rule or amendment to an existing rule and any other information required by Rule 010.01.004(C), the proponent will provide a written statement setting out the facts or circumstances that would support a finding of imminent peril to the public health, safety, or welfare.

Upon receipt of the written statement requesting an emergency rule-making and documents or other evidence submitted in support of the assertion that an emergency exists, the division will make an independent judgment as to whether the circumstances and facts constitute an imminent peril to the public health, safety, or welfare requiring adoption of the rule upon fewer than 30 days notice. If the division determines that the circumstances warrant emergency rule-making, it will make a written determination that sets out the reasons for the division's finding that an emergency exists. Upon making this finding, the division may proceed to adopt the rule without any prior notice or hearing, or it may determine to provide an abbreviated notice and hearing.

The emergency rule will be effective immediately upon filing, or at a stated time less than ten (10) days thereafter, if the division finds that this effective date is necessary because of imminent peril to the public health, safety, or welfare. The division will file with the rule its written findings justifying the determination that emergency rule-making is appropriate and, if applicable, the basis for the effective date of the emergency rule being less than ten days after the filing of the rule pursuant to A.C.A. § 25-15-204(e). The division will take appropriate measures to make emergency rules known to persons who may be affected by them.

A declaratory order is a means of resolving a controversy or answering questions or doubts concerning the applicability of statutory provisions, rules, or orders over which the division has authority. A petition for declaratory order may be used only to resolve questions or doubts as to how the statutes, rules, or orders may apply to the petitioner's particular circumstances. A declaratory order is not the appropriate means for determining the conduct of another person or for obtaining a policy statement of general applicability from an division. A petition or declaratory order must describe the potential impact of statutes, rules, or orders upon the petitioner's interests.

The process to obtain a declaratory order is begun by filing with Director of the Department of Labor, a petition that provides the following information:

This Rule applies in all administrative adjudications conducted by the Boiler Inspection Division of the Arkansas Department of Labor. This procedure is developed to provide a process by which the agency formulates orders, including orders revoking a permit or license or making a final administrative determination regarding the imposition of a civil penalty or fine.

The Director of the Department of Labor shall preside at the hearing or may designate a hearing officer, examiner or referee to preside at a hearing.

If there are separate matters that involve similar issues of law or fact, or identical parties, the matters may be consolidated if it appears that consolidation would promote the just, speedy, and inexpensive resolution of the proceedings.

If it appears that the determination of the rights of parties in a proceeding will necessarily involve a determination of the substantial interests of persons who are not parties, the presiding officer may enter an order requiring that an absent person be notified of the proceeding and be given an opportunity to be joined as a party of record.

Unless the presiding officer otherwise orders, every pleading and every other paper filed for the proceeding, except applications for witness subpoenas and the subpoenas, shall be served on each party or the party's representative at the last address of record.

All requests for relief will be by motion. Motions must be in writing or made on the record during a hearing. A motion must fully state the action requested and the grounds relied upon. The original written motion will be filed with the division. When time allows, the other parties may, within seven (7) days of the service of the written motion, file a response in opposition. The presiding officer may conduct such proceedings and enter such orders as are deemed necessary to address issues raised by the motion. However, a presiding officer, other than the Director, will not enter a dispositive order unless expressly authorized in writing to do so.

A respondent may file an answer.

The presiding officer will conduct the hearing in the following manner:

If a party fails to appear or participate in an administrative adjudication after proper service of notice, the division may proceed with the hearing and render a decision in the absence of the party.

The responsibility to record the testimony heard at a hearing is borne by the division. Upon the filing of a petition for judicial review, the agency will provide a transcript of testimony taken before the agency.

In addition to any other considerations permitted by Ark. Code Ann. §§ 20-23-101 et seq., if applicable, the division in imposing any sanction may consider the following:

The division will serve on the respondent a written order that reflects the action taken by the division. The order will include a recitation of facts found based on testimony and other evidence presented and reasonable inferences derived from the evidence pertinent to the issues of the case. It will also state conclusions of law and directives or other disposition entered against or in favor of the respondent.

The order will be served personally or by mail on the respondent. If counsel represents respondent, service of the order on respondent's counsel shall be deemed service on the respondent.

All persons holding a license or permit issued by the division are required to provide the division with information so that the division can remain in contact and provide notice of complaints and/or hearings. The licensee is required to provide written notice to the board of any change in business and/or residence address within ten (10) working days of the change. Service of notices of hearing sent by mail will be addressed to latest address on file with the division.

The application and supporting documentation will be reviewed by division staff. The division will inform the applicant in writing if it determines that the application is incomplete, and will specify why the application is incomplete. When a completed application, a supplemental application, or the requested information is returned, the agency will reinitiate action on the application for license. If all requirements are met, a license will be issued or the applicant will be allowed to take the licensing examination, whichever is applicable.

The licensee, in lieu of formal disciplinary proceedings, may offer to surrender his or her license, subject to the division's determination to accept the proffered surrender, rather than conducting a formal disciplinary proceeding.

In every case in which a license is revoked, suspended, or surrendered, the licensee shall, within thirty (30) days of the revocation, suspension, or surrender, do the following:

All boilers and pressure vessels must be constructed in accordance with the ASME Code, as adopted by Rule 010.01.012 and registered with the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors, except for those vessels stamped "UM" pursuant to U-1 and UG-115 of Section VIII -Division 1 of the ASME Code as adopted by Rule 101.01.012 and air vessels of twelve (12) gallons or less containing 150 psi or less as exempted by Ark. Code Ann. § 20-23-102(a)(2).

Installers, sellers, or repairers of boilers and pressure vessels must be licensed by the Boiler Inspection Division. Installers must obtain installation permits from the division.

The following are exempt from installation permits and inspections to the extent stated:

Major repairs and all welding repairs must have division approval. Repairs must be done in accordance with ASME and the National Board Inspection Code as adopted by Rule 101.01.012. Repairs must be accomplished by licensed entity. Repair firms must obtain a license to engage in repair work from the division. Plants with qualified maintenance personnel may perform their own repairs on their own boilers and pressure vessels, but all such repairs shall comply with the National Board Inspection Code as adopted by Rule 101.01.012.

The division is authorized to issue the following administrative fines:

All appliances required for electric steam generators shall be attached in accordance with the following rules:

Where, in the opinion of the inspector, as the result of conditions disclosed at the time of inspection, it is advisable to removed the interior or exterior lining, covering, or brickwork to expose certain parts of the vessel not normally visible, the owner or user shall remove such material to permit proper inspection and to establish construction details. Metal thickness shall be determined utilizing appropriate equipment including drilling if necessary.

Pressure relief devices for each pressure vessel installation shall comply with the requirements of ASME Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII Division I, as adopted.

Each pressure vessel shall be protected by such safety devices, including relief valves and rupture disks, as will insure its safe operation. These valves and devices shall be so constructed, located, and installed that they cannot readily be rendered inoperative. The relieving capacity of the safety devices shall be such as to prevent a rise of pressure in the vessel of more than 10 percent above the maximum allowable working pressure, taking into account the effect of static head pressure. Safety device discharges shall be to a safe place. Device outlets shall not be reduced, and device header piping should not rely on the device body for its support.

Each boiler fitted with a water-jacketed boiler-furnace mouth protector, or similar appliance, having valves on the pipes connecting them to the boiler, shall have these valves locked or sealed open. Such valves, when used, shall be of the straightway type.

All steam and hot-water boilers shall be provided with suitable washout openings to permit the removal of any sediment that may accumulate therein. Washout openings may be used for return pipe connections and the washout plug placed in a tee so that the plug is directly opposite and as close as possible to the opening in the boiler.

For the purpose of this Rule 010.01.023, the terms listed below shall be construed to have the following meanings:

All containers mounted on tractors used for dispensing Anhydrous Ammonia shall be equipped to comply with the regulations as described in "Container Valves and Accessories" (page 148), with the exception of the requirement for the excess flow check valve in the liquid outlet and the vapor return valve. Containers used for dispensing purposes shall not exceed 250 water-gallon capacity.

FLOW CHART

Minimum required rate of discharge in cubic feet per minute of air at 120 percent of the maximum permitted start-to-discharge pressure for safety relief valves to be used on Anhydrous Ammonia containers.

Surface Area = Total outside surface area of container in square feet. When the surface area is not stamped on the nameplate or when the marking is not legible, the area can be calculated by using one of the following formulas:

The requirements of this chapter refer only to system piping connecting to the external limits shown by ASME Code in pressure vessels and boilers. ASME B31.1, as adopted, is the accepted code which prescribes the minimum requirements for the designing materials, erection, test, and inspection of power and auxiliary service piping systems for electric generation stations, industrial and institutional plants, central and district heating plants, and district heating systems.

For the purpose of this Rule, the terms listed below shall be construed to have the following meanings:

All persons, firms, or corporations engaged in the fabrication or installation of pressure piping must be licensed by the Boiler Inspection Division prior to performing the work as required by Ark. Code Ann. 20-23-405 and Rule 010.01.008. The pressure piping license shall consist of an endorsement to a valid license issued by the Boiler Inspection Division. There will be no additional fee for the endorsement.

Prior to the installation or the movement of pressure piping a permit must be obtained from the Boiler Inspection Division. One application is required for each installation regardless of the size of the installation. The fee for the permit shall be One Hundred Dollars ($100.00).

All examinations, inspections, and testing shall be performed in accordance with ASME B31.1, as adopted, with regard to frequency and manner. The owner shall be responsible for all examinations and inspections whether or not the owner performs the examinations and inspections himself. The examinations and inspections shall be performed by an authorized inspector. Verification must be reported to the Boiler Inspection Division after the work is completed and prior to the installation becoming operational.

Any owner of a boiler or pressure vessel who also uses and operates the boiler or vessel (Owner/User) may apply for certification under this Rule, Rule 010.01.025. Upon receiving an Owner/User certification from the Boiler Inspection Division of the Arkansas Department of Labor, an Owner/User of a boiler or pressure vessel may perform any inspection required by Ark. Code Ann. §§ 20-23-101 et seq. and these Rules on such vessels owned and operated by them, with the exception of the initial installation inspection. The Owner/User must first meet the requirements prescribed by this Rule.

An Owner/User must employ boiler inspectors holding a valid Owner/User commission issued by the National Board of Boiler and Pressue Vessel Inspectors.

The following fees for review by the Arkansas Boiler Inspection Division shall be paid before any Owner/User self-inspection program will be recognized and issued a certificate by the Arkansas Boiler Division:

absolute pressure. The sum of gauge pressure and atmospheric pressure.

accessory. Piece of equipment not directly attached to the boiler but necessary for its operation.

accumulation test. Test used to establish the relieving capacity of boiler safety valves.

air cock. See boiler vent

air ejector. Steam-driven device that removes air and other noncondensable gases from the condenser, thus maintaining a higher vacuum.

air flow switch. Proves that primary air is supplied to the burner.

air to fuel ratio. Amount of air and fuel supplied to the burner over high and low fire.

air heater. Supplies heated air for combustion. Located in the breeching between the boiler and chimney.

ambient temperature. Temperature of the surrounding air.

alkalinity. Determined by boiler water analysis. Boiler water with a PH over 7 is considered alkaline.

anthracite coal. Hard coal that has a high fixed carbon content.

ash hopper. Large receptacle used to store ashes until they can be disposed of.

ASME code. Code written by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers that controls the construction, repairs and operation of boilers, unfired pressure vessels, and their related equipment.

atmospheric pressure. Pressure at sea level (14.7 psi).

atomize. To break up liquid into a fine mist.

automatic nonreturn valve. Valve located on the steam line closest to the shell of the boiler that cuts the boiler in on the line and off-line automatically. This valve also protects the system in the event of a large steam leak on any boiler.

auxiliaries. Equipment necessary for the operation of a boiler.

baffles. Direct the path of the gases of combustion so that the maximum heat will be absorbed by the water before the gases of combustion enter the breeching and chimney.

balanced draft. When the intake damper is automatically controlled by the pressure in the furnace. Furnace pressure is maintained slightly below atmospheric pressure.

bent-tube boiler. A water tube boiler with more than one drum in which the tubes connect the drums.

bituminous coal. Soft coal that has a high volatile content.

blowdown tank. Coded tank vented to the atmosphere that protects sewer lines from boiler pressure and high temperature when blowing down.

blowdown valves. Found on the boiler blowdown line at the lowest part of the water side of the boiler.

boiler capacity. Pounds of steam per hour that a steam boiler is capable of producing.

boiler explosion. Caused by a sudden drop in pressure (failure on the steam side) without a corresponding drop in temperature.

boiler horsepower. The evaporation of 34.5 pounds of water per hour from and at a feedwater temperature of 212°F.

boiler lay-up. Removing a boiler from service for an extended period of time. A boiler can be laid up wet or dry.

boiler operator. A person who has successfully completed the boiler operator's examination and been issued a boiler operator license from the Boiler Inspection Division.

boiler room. Any building, enclosed room, or space within a building other than residential dwelling, intended by design or by usage to contain a boiler which is connected and available for use.

boiler room log. A data sheet used to record pressures, temperatures and other operating conditions of a boiler on a continuous basis.

boiler shutdown. A sequence of operations completed when taking a boiler off-line.

boiler start-up. A sequence of operations completed when preparing a steam boiler for service.

boiler tubes. Used to carry water or heat and gases of combustion. May be straight or bent tubes.

boiler vent. Line coming off the highest part of steam side of the boiler that is used to vent air from the boiler when filling with water and when warming the boiler. Also used to prevent a vacuum from forming when taking the boiler off-line. Also known as air cock.

boiler external piping. Includes all piping from the boiler proper up to and including the second stop valve and the free-blow drain valve.

boilers in battery. Two or more boilers connected to a common steam header.

Bourdon tube. Connected by linkage to a pointer that registers pressure inside pressure gauges.

box header. Requires staybolts to prevent the headers from bulging. Found on older water tube boilers.

breeching. Duct connecting boiler to chimney.

British thermal unit (BTU). A measurement of the quantity of heat. The quantity of heat necessary to heat one pound of water to 1°F.

burning in suspension. Combustion of a fuel when burned in air without support.

butterfly valve. A balanced valve used to control gas flow to gas-fired boilers.

bypass damper. Controls the air temperature in air heaters to prevent corrosion.

bypass line. A pipeline that passes around a control, heater or steam trap. Used so that a plant can operate while equipment is serviced or repaired.

calibrate. Adjusting a pressure gauge to conform to a test gauge.

carryover. Particles of water that flow with the steam into the main steam line.

caustic embrittlement. The collection of high alkaline material that leads to breakdown and weakening of boiler metal.

centrifugal force. Force caused by a rotating impeller that builds up in a centrifugal pump.

centrifugal pump. Works on the principle of centrifugal force that is converted into pressure.

chain (traveling) grate stoker. A cross-feed stoker that is used with larger capacity boilers because of its ability to feed coal at a faster rate than other stokers.

check valve. Automatic valve that controls the flow of a liquid in one direction.

chemical compound. Formed when two or more chemical elements combine into a new substance.

chemical concentration. The amount of a specific chemical in the boiler water.

chemical energy. Energy in the fuel that converts to heat energy during the combustion process.

chimney. Used to create draft. Also an outlet to the atmosphere for the gases of combustion.

coal bunker. An overhead bin where large quantities of coal are stored.

coal conveyor. Mechanism on a stoker that moves coal to the coal scale.

coal feeder. Controls the flow of coal entering the pulverizer.

coal gate. Used to control the depth of coal entering the boiler furnace on chain grate stokers.

coal ram. Distributes coal evenly into the center retort on underfeed stokers and forces the coal up to the top where it is burned.

coal scale. Measures and records the amount of coal fed to stoker-fired or pulverized coal fired boilers.

combustible material. Any material that burns when it is exposed to oxygen and heat.

combustion. The rapid union of oxygen with an element or compound that results in the release of heat.

combustion control. Regulates the air to fuel ratio supplied to the burner.

complete combustion. The burning of all supplied fuel using the minimum amount of excess air.

compressive stress. Occurs when two forces of equal intensity act from opposite directions, pushing toward the center of an object. Fire tubes in a fire tube boiler are subjected to compressive stress.

condensate. Steam that has lost its heat and has returned to water.

condensate pump. Used to return condensed steam to the open feedwater heater.

condensate tank. Where condensed steam (water) is stored before it is delivered back to the open feedwater heater by the condensate pump.

condense. Process whereby steam turns back to water after the removal of heat.

conduction. A method of heat transfer in which heat moves from molecule to molecule.

conductivity. A measure of the ability of electrons to flow through a solution.

constant attendance. Boiler operator must be stationed at the boiler with no other significant job duties.

continuous blowdown. Used to control chemical concentrations and total dissolved solids in the boiler water.

convection. A method of heat transfer that occurs as heat moves through a fluid.

convection superheater. Located in a boiler and receives heat from convection currents.

counterflow. Principle used in heat exchangers where the medium being heated flows in one direction and the medium supplying the heat flows in the opposite direction.

cracking open. Slowing opening a steam valve to allow pressure to equalize.

cross"T". Used on connections on a water column for inspection of steam and water lines to ensure they are clean and clear.

cyclone separator. Separates water droplets from steam using centrifugal force and by changing direction.

damper. Used to control the flow of air or gases.

data plate. A plate that must be attached to a safety valve containing data required by the ASME code.

deadweight tester. Used to test a pressure gauge so that it can be recalibrated.

deaerating feedwater heater. Type of open feedwater heater equipped with a vent condenser.

desuperheating. Removing heat from superheated steam to make it suitable for process.

discharge piping. Piping attached to the outlet side of a safety valve that conveys steam to the atmosphere.

draft. The difference in pressure between two points that causes air or gases to flow.

dry pipe separator. A closed pipe perforated at the top with drain holes on the bottom that remove moisture from the steam.

duplex strainers. Remove solid particles from the fuel oil in fuel oil systems.

economizer. Uses the gases of combustion to heat the feedwater.

element. A basic substance consisting of atoms.

enthalpy. Total heat in the steam.

erosion. Wearing away of metal caused by wet steam.

equalizing line. Line used to warm up the main steam line and equalize the pressure around the main steam stop valve.

evaporation test. Test that checks the operation of the low water fuel cutoff.

excess air. Air more than the theoretical amount of air needed for combustion.

exhauster. Discharges a mixture of coal and warm air to the burner.

expansion bends. Installed on boiler main steam lines to allow for expansion and contraction of the lines.

external treatment. Boiler water treated before it enters the boiler to remove scale-forming salts, oxygen and noncondensable gases.

extraction steam. Steam that is extracted from a steam turbine at a controlled pressure for process.

factor of evaporation. A correction factor used to determine boiler horsepower.

feathering. That point when a safety valve is about to lift.

feedwater. Water that is supplied to the steam boiler.

feedwater heater. Used to heat feedwater before it enters the steam and water drum.

feedwater lines. Lines leaving the open feedwater pump and going to the boiler.

feedwater pump. Takes water from the open feedwater heater and delivers it to the boiler at the proper pressure.

feedwater regulator. Control used to maintain a NOWL that cuts down the danger of high or low water.

feedwater treatment. Can be internal, using chemicals, or external, using water softeners.

Protects boiler from scale and corrosion.

field-erected boiler. Boiler that must be erected in the field because of its size and complexity.

fire point. The temperature at which fuel oil burns continuously when exposed to an open flame.

firebox. The part of the boiler where combustion of fuel takes place.

fire tube boiler. Has heat and gases of combustion passing through tubes surrounded by water.

firing rate. Amount of fuel the burner is capable of burning in a given unit of time.

fittings. Trim found on the boiler that is used for safety, and/or efficiency.

flame failure. When the flame in the furnace goes out.

flame scanner. Device found on a boiler that proves pilot and main flame.

flareback. Flames discharging from the boiler through access doors or ports caused by delayed ignition or furnace pressure buildup.

flash economizer. A heat recovery system used to reclaim the heat from the boiler blowdown water and used in conjunction with the continuous blowdown system.

flash point. Temperature at which fuel oil, when heated, produces a vapor that flashes when exposed to an open flame.

flash steam. Created when water at a high temperature has a sudden drop in pressure.

flash tank. Used with a continuous blowdown system to recover the flash steam from the water being removed from the steam and water drum.

flat gauge glass. Type of gauge glass used for pressure over 250 psi.

flexible joint. Used to allow for expansion and contraction of steam or water lines.

flow meter. Meter used to measure the flow of steam or water in the system.

fly ash. Small particles of noncombustible material found in gases of combustion.

fly ash precipitator. An electric device that traps and holds fly ash until it is properly disposed of.

foaming. Rapid fluctuations of the boiler water level that can lead to priming or carryover.

Caused by impurities on the surface of the boiler water.

forced draft. Mechanical draft produced by a fan supplying air to the furnace.

free-blowing drain. Used to remove condensate from the main steam line.

front header. Connected to the steam and water drum by downcomer nipples.

fuel oil heater. Used to heat fuel oil so it can be pumped and is at the correct temperature for burning. Can be electric or steam.

fuel oil pump. Pump that takes fuel oil from the fuel oil tank and delivers it to the burner at the proper pressure.

furnace explosion. Occurs when fuel or combustible gas build up in the fire side of the boiler.

furnace volume. Amount of space available in a furnace to complete combustion.

Fyrite analyzer®. Instrument used to measure the percentage of carbon dioxide in the gases of combustion.

galvanometer. Used to measure small electric currents.

gas analyzer. Used to analyze the gases of combustion to determine combustion efficiency.

gas calorimeter. Used to determine the BTU content of natural gas.

gas cock. A manual quick-closing shutoff valve.

gas leak detector. Device used to locate gas leaks in a boiler room.

gas mixing chamber. Where air and gas mix before they enter the furnace in low pressure gas burners.

gas pressure regulator. Used to supply gas to the burner at the required pressure needed for combustion of the gas.

gases of combustion. Gases produced by the combustion process.

gate valve. Valve used on boilers as the main steam stop valve that when open offers no restriction to flow. Must be wide open or fully closed.

gauge glass blowdown valve. Valve used to remove any sludge and sediment from gauge glass lines.

gauge pressure. Pressure above atmospheric pressure that is read on a pressure gauge and is recorded as psi or psig.

globe valve. Used to take a piece of equipment out of service for maintenance. Used in conjunction with a bypass line and bypass valve.

grade. Refers to the size, heating value and ash content of coal.

grates. Where the combustion process starts in a coal-fired furnace.

handhole. A part found on both fire tube and water tube boilers that is removed when cleaning the water side of the boiler.

heat energy. Kinetic energy caused by molecular motion within a substance.

heat exchanger. Any piece of equipment where heat is transferred from one substance to another.

heat recovery system. Equipment that is installed to reclaim heat that is normally lost during the blowdown process.

heat transfer. Movement of heat from one substance to another that can be accomplished by radiant conduction or convection.

heating boilers. Boilers used exclusively for low pressure steam heating, hot water heating, and hot water supply.

heating surface. That part of the boiler that has heat and gases of combustion on one side and water on the other.

heating value. Expressed in BTU's per gallon or per pound. Heating value varies with the type of fuel used.

high and low water alarm. Warns the operator of high or low water. Found inside the water column.

high fire. Point of firing cycle when burner is burning the maximum amount of fuel per unit of time.

high pressure steam boiler. Boiler that operates at a steam pressure over 15 psi and over 6 boiler horsepower.

horizontal return tubular boiler. Type of fire tube boiler that consists of a drum suspended over the firebox.

hot well. A reservoir located at the bottom of a condenser where condensate collects.

huddling chamber. Part on a safety valve that increases the area of the safety valve disc, thus increasing the total upward force, causing the valve to pop open.

hydraulic coupling. Coupling between the drive element and fan or pump.

hydrogen. A basic element present in gas, coal and fuel oil.

hydrostatic pressure. Water pressure per vertical foot (.433) exerted at the base of a column of water.

hydrostatic test. Water test made on a PRI after repair work on the steam or water side or overheating of boiler metal.

ignition. The light off point of a combustible material.

ignition arch. Made of refractory material that absorbs the heat from the fire and radiates it back to the green coal.

impeller. The rotating element found in a centrifugal pump that converts centrifugal force into pressure.

impingment (fuel oil). Fuel oil striking brickwork or the boiler heating surface that results in formation of carbon deposits and smoke.

impingment (steam). Steam that strikes the boiler heating surface, causing erosion of boiler metal.

incomplete combustion. Occurs when all the fuel is not burned, resulting in the formation of smoke and soot.

induced draft. Draft that is produced mechanically using a fan located between the boiler and the chimney.

infrared. Invisible light rays produced by the combustion process and detected by a flame scanner.

installer. A person, firm or corporation which sets up or adjusts for service any mechanical device, apparatus or pressure vessel.

insulation. Material used to cover steam, water, and fuel oil lines to cut down on radiant heat losses.

integrator. A calculating device used on differential-pressure flow meters to determine hourly or daily flow rates.

interlock. Used with burner controls to ensure proper operating sequence.

internal feedwater line. Perforated line located at the NOWL in the boiler that distributes the relatively cool feedwater over a large area to prevent thermal shock to the boiler metal.

internal furnace. Furnace that is located within the boiler and is surrounded by water in the scotch marine boiler.

internal overflow. A pipeline located in an open feedwater heater that prevents the water level from exceeding a fixed level and flooding the system.

internal treatment. The addition of chemicals directly into the boiler water to control pitting, scale and caustic embrittlement.

instrument (boiler). Device that measures, indicates, records and controls boiler room systems.

ion (zeolite) exchanger. Water softener that uses zeolite to soften water for use in the boiler.

jobber. One who deals as a wholesaler or one who does work by the job.

There are no definitions under this category.

lighting off. The ignition of the fuel.

lignite. Coal with a low heating value (BTU content) and a high moisture content.

lime-soda process. A process that uses lime and soda ash to soften water.

live steam. Steam that leaves the boiler directly without having its pressure reduced in process operations.

low fire. Point of firing cycle where burner is burning the minimum amount of fuel per unit of time.

low pressure steam boiler. Boilers that operate at a steam pressure of no more than 15 psi.

low water. Whenever the water level in the gauge glass is below the NOWL.

low water fuel cutoff. A device located a little below the NOWL that shuts off the boiler burner in the event of low water, preventing burning out of tubes and possible boiler explosion.

main header. That part of the system which connects boilers in battery and then distributes the steam to wherever it is needed.

main steam stop valve. Valve or valves found on the main steam line leaving the boiler.

makeup water. Water that must be added to the boiler to make up for leaks in the system, water that is lost through boiler blowdowns, or condensate that is dumped because of contamination.

malleable iron. Used for construction of water columns in boilers carrying a pressure between 250 psi and 350 psi.

manhole. Opening found on the steam and water side of a boiler that is used for cleaning and inspection of the boiler.

manometer. Instrument used to measure boiler draft.

manual reset valve. Used to secure the gas in the event of a low water condition or a pilot flame failure on a low pressure gas system.

master control. Unit that receives the primary signal and relays signals to individual control units.

MAWP (maximum allowable working pressure). Determined by the design and construction of the boiler in conformance with the code of construction.

mercury switch. Switch in which the movement of mercury in a capsule controls the flow of electricity in a circuit.

mica. Used to protect the flat gauge glass from the etching action of steam and water.

microprocessor. A computer acting as a flame-monitoring device that programs the burner, blower motor, ignition and fuel valves to provide for safe burner operation.

modulating motor. Receives signals from the modulating pressure control and repositions the air to fuel ratio linkage.

modulating pressure control. Located at the highest part of the steam side of the boiler and sends a signal to the modulating motor that controls firing rate.

mud drum. Lowest part of the water side of a water tube boiler.

multiple-pass boiler. Boilers that are equipped with baffles to direct the flow of the gases of combustion so that the gases make more than one pass over the heating surfaces.

natural draft. Caused by the difference in weight between a column of hot gases of combustion inside the chimney and a column of cold air of the same height outside the chimney.

natural gas. A combustible gas found in pockets trapped underground that consists mainly of methane.

nonadhering sludge. Residue formed in a boiler when scale-forming salts are created by adding feedwater chemicals.

noncondensable gases. Gases found in boiler makeup water (oxygen) and in condensate returns.

nonvolatile. Any substance not easily vaporized under average temperature.

NOWL (normal operating water level). Water level carried in the boiler gauge glass during normal operation (approximately one-third to one-half glass).

oil separator. A device that removes oil from the exhaust steam before it enters the open feedwater heater.

operating range. Range that must be set when using an ON/OFF combustion control in order to prevent extremes in firing rate.

operator. (see boiler operator)

orifice plate. Plate with a fixed opening that is installed in a pipeline to give a certain pressure drop across the opening where liquid or steam is flowing.

Orsat analyzer. A flue gas analyzer that measures the percentage of carbon dioxide, oxygen and carbon monoxide in the gases of combustion.

outside stem and yoke valve (os&y). Shows by the position of the stem whether it is open or closed. Used as boiler main steam stop valves.

overfeed stoker. Air introduced over the fire to aid in complete combustion. Used mostly when burning soft coal that has a high volatile content.

package boiler. Comes completely assembled with its own feedwater pumps, fuel system and draft fans.

packing gland. Holds packing or seals in place on valves and pumps to minimize leakage.

perfect combustion. Burning of all the fuel with the theoretical amount of air. Can only be achieved in a laboratory.

periodic attendance. Boiler operator must inspect the boiler for proper operation every four hours to take and record any required readings. Boiler is equipped with the usual local operating and safety devices which include alarm lights and buzzers. In addition, there must be remotely actuated alarm devices to detect:

(1), low water condition;

(2), over pressure condition (set to operate before the safety valve operates); and

(3), loss of operating boiler.

pilot. Used to ignite fuel at the proper time in a firing cycle.

pipeline heater. Electric heater attached to the fuel oil line in order to maintain proper fuel oil temperature (viscosity) for moving fuel oil.

pneumatic system. A system of control that uses air as the operating medium.

pneumercator. A fuel oil level indicating device that gives a direct reading in gallons.

popping pressure. Predetermined pressure at which a safety valve opens and remains open until the pressure drops.

pop-type safety valve. Valve with a predetermined popping pressure. Commonly found on steam boilers.

positioning controller. A control that regulates air and fuel going to a boiler furnace.

postpurge. The passing of air through a furnace after normal burner shutdown.

pour point. Lowest temperature at which fuel oil flows as a liquid.

prepurge. The passing of air through a furnace prior to light off.

pressure control. Attached to the highest part of the steam side of a boiler to control its operating range.

pressure gauge. Calibrated in pounds per square inch. Used to indicate various pressures in the system.

pressure-reducing governor. Used on low pressure gas burner systems to reduce the gas pressure to 0 psi.

pressure-reducing station. Where higher pressure steam is reduced in pressure for plant process.

PRI. Pressure retaining item.

primary air. Air supplied to the burner that regulates the rate of combustion.

process steam. Steam used in the plant for manufacturing purposes.

products of combustion. Gases that are formed as a fuel is burned in the furnace.

programmer. Control that puts the burner through a firing cycle.

proportioning chemical feed pump. Pump that can be adjusted to feed chemicals to a boiler over a 24-hour period.

proving pilot. Sighting the pilot through the scanner to verify that the pilot is lit.

proximate analysis. Provides information regarding moisture content, volatile matter, fixed carbon and ash content of coal.

psi (pounds per square inch). Unit of measurement used to express the amount of pressure present in a given structure or system.

pulverizing mill. Grinds coal to the consistency of talcum powder before it is delivered to the furnace, where it burns in suspension.

pump controller. Starts and stops a feedwater pump, depending on the water level in the boiler.

purge period. Before ignition and after burner shutdown when explosive combustibles are removed.

pyrometer. High-pressure thermocouple used to measure furnace temperatures.

quality of steam. Term used to express the moisture content present in saturated steam. Quality of steam effects the BTU content of the steam.

quick-closing valve. Valve that requires a one-quarter turn to be fully open or closed.

radiant superheater. A nest of tubes that the saturated steam passes through to acquire heat.

rank. Refers to how hard the coal is.

rate of combustion. The amount of fuel that is being burned in the furnace per unit of time.

raw water. Untreated water from wells or city water lines.

rear header. Found on straight-tube water tube boilers. Connected to front header by water tubes.

reciprocating pump. Positive-displacement pump used to pump liquids.

recorder. An instrument that records data such as pressures and temperatures over a period of time.

refractory. Brickwork used in boiler furnaces and for boiler baffles.

regular attendance. Boiler operator must inspect the boiler for proper operation and take any required readings once each hour. Boiler must be equipped with local operating and safety devices and should have local alarm lights and buzzers.

relief valve. Used to protect liquid systems from excessive pressure.

reset. Switch that must be reset manually after tripping.

retort. Space below the grates of an underfeed stoker.

Ringelmann. Chart used as a means of determining smoke density.

rivets. Fasteners used to connect steel plates.

rotometer. Variable-area flow meter that measures the flow of a fluid.

safety valve blowdown. Drop in pressure between popping pressure and reseating pressure (usually 2 to 8 psi below popping pressure).

safety valve capacity. Measured in pounds of steam per hour safety valves can discharge.

saturated steam. Steam at a temperature that corresponds with its pressure.

scale. Deposits caused by improper boiler water treatment.

scale-forming salts. Salts such as calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate that when in solution tend to form a hard, brittle scale on hot surfaces.

scanner. Device that monitors the pilot and main flame of the furnace. The scanner is used to prove the pilot flame and the main flame.

school. Includes all public and private school systems, as well as public and private colleges, universities, and technical schools.

scotch marine boiler. A fire tube boiler with an internal furnace.

secondary air. Air needed to complete the combustion process.

sediment. Particles of foreign matter present in boiler water.

shear stress. Occurs when two forces of equal intensity act parallel to each other but in opposite directions.

sinuous header. Found on water tube boilers. Tubes are expanded, rolled and beaded into front and rear headers.

siphon. Protective device used between the steam and Bourdon tube in a steam pressure gauge.

slow-opening valve. Valve that requires five full turns of its handwheel to be fully open or closed.

sludge. Accumulation residue produced from impurities in water.

smoke density. Varies from clear to dark. Determined by the amount of light that passes through the smoke as it leaves the boiler.

smoke indicator. An indicating or recording device that shows the density of the smoke leaving the chimney.

solenoid valve. An electromagnetic valve positioned open or closed.

solid state. An electronic system using transistors in place of electronic tubes.

soot. Carbon deposits resulting from incomplete combustion.

soot blowers. Used to remove soot from around tubes to increase boiler efficiency. Mostly found on water tube boilers.

spalling. Hairline cracks in boiler brickwork (refractory) due to changes in furnace temperature.

spontaneous combustion. Occurs when combustible materials self-ignite.

"State Special". A boiler or fired/unfired pressure vessel of any type or size, which carries neither the ASME symbol nor the National Board stamping, and which has been accepted by the Boiler Division and assigned an Arkansas state number.

staybolts. Bolts used in boilers to reinforce flat surfaces to prevent bulging.

steam and water drum. The pressure vessel in a steam boiler that contains both steam and water.

steam boiler. A closed pressure vessel in which water is converted to steam by the application of heat.

steambound. Condition that occurs when the temperature in the open feedwater heater gets two high and the feedwater pump cannot deliver water to the boiler.

steam separator. Device used to increase the quality of steam. Found in the steam and water drum.

steam space. The space above the water line in the steam and water drum.

steam strainer. Used before steam traps and turbine throttle valves to remove solid impurities.

steam trap. An automatic device that removes gases and condensate from steam lines and heat exchangers without the loss of steam.

steam turbine. Used to drive boiler auxiliaries or generators in large plants.

stopcock. A quick-opening or closing valve usually found on gas lines.

strip chart. Recording chart that records temperatures and pressures in the system.

suction pressure. Pressure on the liquid at the suction side of a pump.

sulfur. A combustible element found in coal and fuel oil.

superheated steam. Steam at a temperature above its corresponding pressure.

superheater. Used to increase the amount of heat in the steam.

superheater drain. Valve found on the superheater header outlet. Used to maintain flow throughout the superheater during start-up and shutdown.

super-jet safety valve. Valve set to open at a predetermined pressure.

surface blowdown valve. Used to remove impurities from the surface of the water in a steam and water drum.

surface condenser. A shell-and-tube vessel used to reduce the exhaust pressure on the outlet end of turbines or engines.

surface tension. Caused by impurities on the top of the water in the steam and water drum.

suspension sling. Used to support the drum of the HRT boiler.

synchronize. To balance out combustion controls before switching to automatic.

tensile stress. Occurs when two forces of equal intensity act on an object, pulling in opposite directions. Affects boiler plates and staybolts.

therm. Unit used to measure BTU content of natural gas. A therm has 100,000 BTU.

thermal efficiency. The ratio of the heat absorbed by the boiler to the heat available in the fuel per unit of time.

thermocouple. Used to measure temperatures in the system and send them back to a recording chart.

thermometer. Instrument used to measure temperature (degree of heat). Calibrated in degrees Celsius or degrees Fahrenheit.

through stays. Found on fire tube boilers (HRT and scotch marine) to keep front and rear tube sheets from bulging.

total force. Total pressure that is acting on an area, determined by diameter and pressure.

totalizer. Dial that determines hourly or daily flow rates.

try cocks. Secondary way of determining the water level.

tube brushes. Used in fire tube boilers to remove soot from inside of tubes.

tube sheet. Tubes are rolled, expanded and beaded into front and rear tube sheets of HRT and scotch marine boilers and upper and lower tube sheets of vertical fire tube boilers.

tubular gauge glass. Round gauge glass used for pressures up to and including 250 psi.

turbine stages. That part of the turbine where steam gives up its energy to the turbine blades. As the steam pressure drops, the stages (blades) become larger.

turbulence. Movement of water in the steam and water drum.

ultimate analysis. Used to determine the elements present in a coal sample.

ultraviolet. A form of light that is produced during combustion.

underfeed stoker. A coal-firing system that introduces the coal under the fire.

U-tube manometer. When filled with mercury, used to measure vacuum. U-tube manometers are calibrated in inches.

vacuum. A pressure below atmospheric pressure.

vacuum gauge. Pressure gauge used to measure pressure below the atmosphere that is calibrated in inches of mercury.

valve flow meter. Measures flow of a substance by the movement of a piston in a valve caused by resistance to flow of the substance.

vaporstat. Control with a large diaphragm that makes it highly sensitive to low pressure.

variable-area flow meter. Measures the flow of a substance by how much resistance is created by a float or piston which changes the area (size) of the flow path.

variance. A petition presented in writing to the Chief Inspector of the Boiler Inspection Division for consideration of a non-code boiler or pressure vessel to be installed and used within the State of Arkansas.

vent condenser. Removes oxygen and other noncondensable gases in a deaerating feedwater heater.

venturi. A constricting device used in pipelines to measure flow.

vertical fire tube boiler. One-pass boiler that has fire tubes in a vertical position. Vertical fire tube boilers are classified as wet-top or dry-top.

warping. Bending or distortion of boiler or superheater tubes, usually caused by overheating.

water column. Reduces fluctuations of boiler water to obtain a better reading of the water level in the boiler gauge glass. Located at the NOWL.

Water column blowdown valve. Valve on the bottom of the water column used to remove sludge and sediment that might collect at the bottom of the water column.

water hammer. A banging condition that is caused by steam and water mixing in a steam line.

water softening. The removal of scale-forming salts from water.

water tube boiler. Boiler that has water in the tubes with heat and gases of combustion around the tubes.

waterwall. Vertical or horizontal tubes found in the furnace area of water tube boilers that lengthen the life of the refractory.

waterwall blowdown valve. Approved valve used to remove sludge and sediment from waterwalls and waterwall headers.

weight-type alarm whistle. Alarm whistle which signals high or low water by the gain or loss of buoyancy of weights in water within the water column.

windbox (plenum chamber). Pressurized air chamber that supplies air to a furnace.

There are no definitions for this category.

There are no definitions for this category.

zeolite. A resin material that is used in the process of softening water.

The Arkansas Department of Labor does not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender, national origin, race, or religion in employment or in its admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, or activities. Becky Bryant, Arkansas Department of Labor, 10421 West Markham, Room 317A, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, (501) 682-4541 (voice) 1-800-285 -1131 (TDD Relay Service) has been designated to coordinate compliance with the non-discrimination requirements contained in 28 CFR 35.107 of the Department of Justice regulations. Information concerning the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the rights provided thereunder, are available from the ADA coordinator.