2008-09-13 20:01:05 -

- The recent hurricanes and previous floods in the Midwest have put many industrial plants and institutional facilities like hospitals in a position of trying to recover and get back into operation. This document provides information regarding pre-event considerations and post event recovery issues for critical fuel fired equipment in these facilities.

The information that follows is part of an article that applies to boilers, industrial ovens and furnaces, thermal oxidizers, and even space heating equipment. The issues are presented and discussed as pre and post event considerations. For full text of this article at no charge contact John Puskar, P.E. at JPuskar@Combustionsafety.com.

Pre-Event design and installation considerations

1. Keep fuel train valves, piping and components as

high off the ground as possible.

2. Make sure that burner management systems are not obsolete.

3. Consider NEMA weather proof control cabinets even inside.

4. Keep spare components on site but in protected areas.

5. Prepare a list of vendors and suppliers for mission critical components.

6. Run vent lines outside of the building from all regulators and switches.

7. Install rental boiler connections.

8. Install dual fuel systems and or at least connections for back-up.

9. Consider the availability of components used in the fuel train and control systems.

10. Have all documentation in order including control and electrical drawings, lists of components, and set points for controls.

Dry out and inspection, testing, recommissioning

1. Vent lines and regulators need to be checked for water incursion.

2. Refractory dry out is critical

3. Control panels and components need special attention

4. Fuel oil tanks need water removed, biocides, and cleaning.

5. All safety interlocks need to be tested

6. All valves need to be checked for leakage

7. Burners need to be removed and checked for corrosion

8. Fuel air ratios need to be reset and checked.

9. Combustion air fans need to be checked and cleaned

10. Have procedures in place for emergency response when an event may be imminent.

CEC Combustion Services Group is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, (www.combustionsafety.com). The firm provides services worldwide to many Fortune 100 companies focusing on the safety, reliability, and efficiency of fuel and combustion systems for industrial and large commercial/institutional facilities. The firm's staff can support clients on an emergency basis by calling 216-533-7292 or during normal business hours at 216-749-2992.

CEC Combustion Services Group Inc.
John R. Puskar, P.E.
216-533-7292 (Emergency 24 hours)
216-749-2992 (Normal business hours, EDT)
JPUSKAR@COMBUSTIONSAFETY.COM