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Posted by Joe T on April 21, 2002 at 05:57:37:
Our company, like many others is considering down sizing in several areas. One are that is being considered is the number of operators that operate our industrial boilers. We have four 120,000 pound per hour boilers which produce supoer heated steam at 700 degrees F and 450 psig. All are fueled with gas. Normal operation is 2 or three boilers on line. We also generate electrical power with any excess steam produced from waste gas. The company is considering shutting down the power generator and possible running only one boiler. I have seen opertions where the boiler operates basically unattended (no operator). Does anyone know of any codes or regulations which require an operator to be on duty. How about the number of operators required? Safety is our overall concern. We realize that with less operators, it will be more difficult and time consuming to restore steam production to the plant in the case of a boiler trip. I just wondered if there are any codes or restrictions which might assist us in making this decision...