Operational evaluation of the interconnecting piping of a steam boiler

Abstract

Because they work with numerous fluids with corrosive, toxic and flammable characteristics, the interconnection pipes of boilers and pressure vessels have been controlled by regulatory standard No. 13 (NR-13). In this way, pipelines or piping systems interconnecting boilers and pressure vessels, categorized according to NR-13 for Class A or B fluids, now have NR-13 inspection requirements to meet the system. However, although the focus of the study evaluation is on the water vapor piping system, Class C fluid, the NR-13 standard mentions that water vapor pipes must be maintained in good operating condition, according to a maintenance plan. In this vein, this work presents a theoretical study with the application of a case study on the operating conditions of the interconnecting steam piping system of a small vertical flamed-tube steam boiler, through a direct visual inspection. The results showed absence of identification of the piping system according to NR-26, absence of a maintenance plan that includes a program and an inspection plan, as well as evidence of wear in the piping system. Finally, it was possible to emphasize the importance of including pipes in the scope of the standard, since they are responsible for conducting the fluids of the processes, which emerges as a need for compliance with NR-13.