This weeks case

JUGHNE

I use the gauge that come with the boiler and add at least one more new. The other 1 or 2 may have been used but when they all agree within 2-3 PSI I assume the readings are correct.

Steamhead

EdTheHeaterMan said:

My brother was at the St Agnes Burn center in Philadelphia because he did not use the oil pressure gauge to diagnose a commercial boiler.

As it happened, there were 3 boilers in this factory. And there were 3 shifts of Black Seal Licensed boiler operators because the factory was also operating around the clock. On Monday, the morning shift boiler man logged that boiler #1 was firing and recorded the water pressure. Boiler #2 was also operating and the water pressure was recorded on the log. Boiler #3 was not firing so I reset only once. The boiler did not fire. This was recorded in the log book. Second shift boiler operator did the same inspection and followed the same procedure. Resetting ONLY once. Third shift followed the same procedure, Resetting ONLY once. These three knuckleheads followed this procedure for 7 days.

On the following Monday morning a manager asked about the failed boiler. He called the oil company for service. As it stands the reset button was pressed ONLY ONCE three times a day for 7 days. My little brother found the problem to be an ignition transformer and replaced the part. When he lit the boiler there was so much oil saturating the chamber that the boiler door blew open and the flame rolled out to my brother's unexpecting countenance. He looked like something from a cartoon with his hair burnt and face black with soot. The burns were not that bad. More like a bad sunburn. But for insurance purposes, he went to the burn center.

I agree with @dullknife1, "Known Good Gauges" are one of the best tools to have at your disposal, only if you use them.

This is why I never stand directly in front of a boiler when firing it up after servicing it, or allow anyone else to do so. Fortunately I haven't "faced the dragon" yet.

And those "Black Seal Licensed boiler operators"? I hope they were fired, had their licenses revoked and were sued for damages. No one that stupid deserves to be in this business.

dullknife1

I was in the field for less than a year when I was inducted into the”blue flame club “ as we called it. My first understanding of the incorrect way to purge a gas line. It takes longer than you think for your eye brows and eye lids to grow back.  It’s not a club you want to belong too.