Engineering Encyclopedia

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Boiler Operation And Control

Note: The source of the technical material in this volume is the Professional
Engineering Development Program (PEDP) of Engineering Services.
Warning: The material contained in this document was developed for Saudi
Aramco and is intended for the exclusive use of Saudi Aramcos employees.
Any material contained in this document which is not already in the public
domain may not be copied, reproduced, sold, given, or disclosed to third
parties, or otherwise used in whole, or in part, without the written permission
of the Vice President, Engineering Services, Saudi Aramco.

Chapter : Vessels
File Reference: MEX10402

For additional information on this subject, contact

R.K. Khanna

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Boiler Operation And Control

Contents

Pages

MAJOR BOILER OPERATING VARIABLES, MONITORING AND CONTROL ............. 1

Steam Drum Level/BFW Rate ................................................................................... 1
Objective ....................................................................................................... 1
Level Measurement........................................................................................ 1
Control Valves............................................................................................... 2
Shrink and Swell............................................................................................ 2
Control .......................................................................................................... 2
Boiler Blowdown ...................................................................................................... 3
Steam Drum Pressure/Steam Production Rate ........................................................... 4
Fuel Flow/Pressure.................................................................................................... 4
Air Flow.................................................................................................................... 7
Fire Box Pressure ...................................................................................................... 9
Natural Draft ................................................................................................10
Forced Draft .................................................................................................10
Balanced Draft..............................................................................................10
Excess Air/Oxygen ...................................................................................................10
Total System Interaction of Variables....................................................................10
Consequences of Inadequate Control........................................................................11
BOILER SAFETY SYSTEMS ............................................................................................12
Alarm Systems .........................................................................................................12
Emergency Shutdown (ESD) Systems ......................................................................13
Flame Detectors .......................................................................................................14
Startup Interlocks.....................................................................................................14
Safety Valves (PZVs) ...............................................................................................14
Non-Return Valve ....................................................................................................17
MAJOR STEPS FOR SAFE BOILER STARTUPS .............................................................18
Automatic and Manual Startups................................................................................18
Startup Sequence .....................................................................................................18
MAJOR STEPS FOR SAFE BOILER SHUTDOWNS ........................................................21
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Standby ....................................................................................................................21
Normal Shutdowns...................................................................................................21
Shutdown for Maintenance.......................................................................................21
Emergency Shutdowns .............................................................................................22
Boiler Layup ............................................................................................................22
WORK AID 1: HP BOILER STARTUP INSTRUCTIONS, RT REFINERY .....................23
WORK AID 2: HP BOILER SHUTDOWN INSTRUCTIONS, RT REFINERY ................34
WORK AID 3: BOILER SAFETY SYSTEMS FOR WATERTUBE TYPES .....................45
GLOSSARY........................................................................................................................50
REFERENCE......................................................................................................................52

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Table of Figures

Pages

Figure 1. Three-Element Feedwater Control System ................................................. 3

Figure 2. Gas Burner System (Automatic Startup) .................................................... 5
Figure 3. Oil Burner System (Automatic Startup) ..................................................... 6
Figure 4. Typical Forced-Draft Arrangements........................................................... 8
Figure 5. Pressure and Draft Profile Draft System..................................................... 9
Figure 6. Short Term Overheating ...........................................................................11
Figure 7. Extreme Short Term Overheating .............................................................11
Figure 8. Typical Safety Valve.................................................................................15
Figure 9. Typical Steam Generation System.............................................................16
Figure 10. HP Boiler Startup Instructions ................................................................23
Figure 10. HP Boiler Startup Instructions, Contd ...................................................32
Figure 11. HP Boiler Shutdown Instructions............................................................34
Figure 12. Ignitor Gas System .................................................................................45
Figure 13. Gas Burner System (Supervised Manual) ................................................46
Figure 14. Gas Burner System (Automatic) .............................................................47
Figure 15. Oil Burner System (Supervised Manual) .................................................48
Figure 16. Oil Burner System (Automatic)...............................................................49

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MAJOR BOILER OPERATING VARIABLES, MONITORING AND CONTROL

Steam Drum Level/BFW Rate
Objective
The objective of the steam drum level control is to:
1.

Control the drum level to the set point

2.

Minimize the interaction with the combustion control system

3.

Make smooth changes in boiler water inventory as boiler load changes

(shrink/swell)

4.

Properly balance the BFW input with boiler steam output

5.

Compensate for BFW pressure variation without process upset

Level Measurement
SAES-J-602 (Boiler Safety Systems for Water Tube Boilers) specifies that the water level in the
steam drum shall be measured by 3 independent differential pressure type transmitters. Each
transmitter is to have separate tap points. Two transmitters will be connected to the same end of
the steam drum. One will be used for control and the other will be used for local and control room
indication. The third transmitter located on the other end of the steam drum will be used for
control room indication of low and high level alarms. In addition two externally mounted level
switches directly connected to the drum with their own taps are required for high and low drum
level shutdown functions. The level switches are mounted on the same end of the drum as the
control transmitter and dedicated to shutdown functions only. Level gage glasses are also provide
on each end of the steam drum with their own taps.
While the level gage glass is the basic level measurement, the indication it provides is usually in
error. The reason for the error is that the level gage acts like a condenser/cooler for boiler steam
causing a circulation of condensate through the gage glass. This cooling also cools the
condensate to a lower temperature than the water in the steam drum. The greater density of the
cool water in the gage glass results in a level reading that is often 1 to 3 inches lower than the
actual level in the steam drum. These errors can be corrected by installation and calibration of the
gage glass to show the proper level at operating conditions but the level will be in error at
atmospheric conditions.

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Control Valves
Two parallel control valves are provided for BFW supply to the steam drum. Only one valve is in
service at one time as per SAES-J-602. A motor operated valve (MOV) located upstream of each
control valve selects which control valve is in service. Indication is provided for the position of
the MOVs. The BFW control valves remain in their last position on air failure.
Shrink and Swell
When the steam load is increased more steam bubbles are generated in the riser tubes. This
results in some water being displaced in the tubes and results in an initial sudden rise in water
level. This swell effect which results in an increased water level normally would decrease the
BFW rate but the steam load indicates that the BFW rate should be increased.
When the steam load is decreased fewer bubbles are generated in the riser tubes. Water then
replaces the space formerly occupied by steam bubbles and results in an initial sudden decrease in
water level. The shrink effect which results in a decreased water level will increase BFW rate
when the steam load indicates that the BFW rate should be decreased.
The increase in pressure on a load decrease can enhance shrink because the steam bubbles get
smaller due to the pressure change. Likewise a decrease in pressure on a load increase can
enhance swell because the bubbles get larger due to the pressure decrease.
The amount of water in the boiler in any one time is called the water inventory. Increasing boiler
loads causes an apparent swell of this inventory. The increase in BFW rate to supply increased
steam production must be delayed due to the swell to maintain level at its setpoint. The level
effect of shrink and swell will decrease with larger steam drums (less % volume change) and
higher boiler operating pressure (the density difference between water and steam is less).
Control
The proper control action will balance the effect of swell and shrink with steam production to
minimize major swings in steam drum level and BFW rate. A high high steam drum level can
result in boiler water being carried over into the steam system with associated problems
downstream especially in turbines. A low low steam drum level will result in inadequate water
supply to some tubes which can result in tube over heating and possible rupture. Shutdown
switches at high high and low low level shutdown the boiler when the level control system cannot
adequately control the steam drum level.

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The three element control system takes into account the drum level and steam flow to adjust the
BFW rate as shown in the control schematic of Figure 1. The steam drum pressure may also be
used to avoid conflict with the firing control system. The control system in Figure 1 can be
described as a combination feedforward plus feedback cascade control. When boiler load
increases the level control will delay a BFW rate increase required by the steam rate increase until
the level swell has been reduced by boiling due to the load change. A similar control is initiated on
a reduced load change except the BFW continues at the original rate until the shrink has been
reduced and then the BFW is reduced to be proportional to the steam rate. Proper tuning of the
control system results in a desired response so that the control system meets all control objectives.
Steam Out

Steam Drum

Level
Controller

Steam
Flow

BFW Flow
Controller

Boiler
Feedwater

Figure 1. Three-Element Feedwater Control System

Boiler Blowdown
The boiler blowdown rate from the steam drum is continuous to control the circulating boiler
water quality. The continuous blowdown may be controlled by an on-line conductivity analyzer.
Conductivity is proportional to the total dissolved solids in the boiler water but can be calibrated
for any impurity.
Mud drum blowdown is intermittent based on experience for the required removal of sediment.

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Large rapid changes in the steam or mud drum blowdown rate can adversely affect the steam
drum level control.
Steam Drum Pressure/Steam Production Rate
The overall steam production rate is set by user demand. The steam production rate is
proportional to the firing rate. The steam pressure is the primary control of firing. As user
demand increases there is a slight decrease in pressure until firing rate can be increased so that
steam production will match steam demand. The reverse holds true for a decrease in steam
demand. In a single boiler installation the steam pressure controls the firing directly. In multiple
boiler installations a master firing rate pressure controller resets the set point for the steam rate on
individual boilers. The steam rate controls the firing rate on each boiler. The master controller
can allocate steam rate to individual boilers based on the boiler size or on a least cost basis.
Individual boilers may be base loaded by placing them on a constant steam flow control with no
adjustment by the master controller.
Steam production can drop off if the heating value of the fuel decreases. The reduced steam flow
will correct the boiler firing in a multiple boiler installation. In a single boiler installation, the
reduced steam flow will result in decreased steam pressure which will correct the firing. If there
are frequent fluctuations in fuel quality, firing controls can be made more responsive by adding a
fuel heating value feed-forward control component.
Fuel Flow/Pressure
Fuel flow is controlled to meet a boiler demand by the firing control signal through the
combustion control system. Fuel flow can change due to boiler load changes and from heating
value changes in the fuel. Fuel flow should not be a function of fuel supply pressure. Supply
pressure to the control valve should have an independent control as shown in the typical gas and
fuel oil installation flow schematics shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 which are the minimum fuel
system specified by SAES-J-602 for automatic startup of water tube boilers. Work Aid 3
contains all fuel supply figures from SAES-J-602. The oil supply system also controls the
differential pressure between oil and steam for proper atomization of the oil.

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A
B
C
D
E

Manual Block Valve

BMS Operated Block Valve
BMS Operated Vent Valve
Flow Control Valve
Minimum Flow Regulator

F
H
FT
PI
PS

Pressure Regulator
Manual Vent Valve
Flow Transmitter
Pressure Gauge
Pressure Switch

Figure 2. Gas Burner System (Automatic Startup)

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A
B
C
D
E

Manual Block Valve

BMS Operated Block Valve
Steam/Oil Pressure Regulator
Flow Control Valve
Minimum Flow Regulator

G
H
BMS
CCS
PDS
TS

Strainer
Manual Bleed Valve
Burner Management System
Combustion Control System
Differential Pressure Switch
Temperature Switch

Figure 3. Oil Burner System (Automatic Startup)

Fuel flow will be shut off in a boiler shutdown event by BMS block valve (B). One shutdown
event that has been discussed is a high high or a low low level in the steam drum. The fuel flow
will also be shutoff on air failure in a forced draft system.
On boilers with the ability to burn both gas and oil fuels the combustion control system can
control the rate of either fuel but not both. When both fuels are fired, the oil rate is usually
controlled by the number of oil burners in service and the gas rate is controlled by the combustion
control system.

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Air Flow
In a forced draft boiler air flow is controlled in proportion to fuel flow by a flow ratio controller.
The air flow is measured by a minimal pressure drop flow measurement such as a venturi. The air
to fuel ratio is normally fairly constant in most systems because ratio does not change rapidly
with heating value and the heating value of the fuel is usually fairly constant. The air to fuel ratio
may need to be adjusted when there is a major change in fuel heating value, because higher
heating value fuels require more air for complete combustion.
Figure 4 shows a schematic of air control. Air flow from fans is normally controlled by throttling
the suction of the forced draft fan to minimize power usage.

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Figure 4. Typical Forced-Draft Arrangements

When there is an increase in firing rate the air rate is always increased before the fuel rate is
increased to make sure the fuel has adequate air to burn. When there is a decrease in firing rate
the fuel rate is decreased before the air rate is decreased. This action insures that there is always
adequate air for combustion and avoids shutdowns due to flame failure.

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Fire Box Pressure

Saudi Aramco water tube boilers are designed for forced draft and pressurized operation of the
firebox. The stack creates a draft (negative pressure) but the amount of draft available in the
firebox is a function of the pressure drop through the fire box, convection section, stack damper
and stack. A typical draft profile for a forced draft boiler with no air preheater is shown in Figure
5. The lowest draft (highest positive pressure) in the boiler occurs at the burners. The highest
draft (lowest pressure) occurs at the exit of the boiler. Note, the outlet pressure of the boiler
could be positive with a preheater.

Figure 5. Pressure and Draft Profile Draft System

In boilers with a positive pressure firebox, the firebox must be well sealed because leaks of hot
gases can damage the boiler structure since the structural members are designed to operate at low
temperatures. The observation ports must be sealed with fire resistant glass and openings for
removing burners must have a sealing system to prevent escape of hot gases.
The firebox pressure should be controlled at a constant value because changes in the firebox
pressure will change the differential pressure across the burner. Differential pressure swings will
result in swings in the air flow. Swings in air flow can result in changes in flame pattern which
can affect tube metal temperatures.
Boilers can be natural draft, forced draft, or balanced draft. All Saudi Aramco water tube boilers
are either forced or balanced draft.

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Natural Draft
Natural draft boilers are limited to fire tube boilers in Saudi Aramco. In a natural draft boiler the
air supply is drawn from the atmosphere by the negative pressure (draft) in the fire tube. The
draft must be carefully controlled because it affects the supply of combustion air through the
burner. Too low of a draft can result in inadequate combustion air with the production of smoke,
long flames and possible flame impingement.
Forced Draft
Saudi Aramco water tube boilers are all forced draft in which air is supplied by a fan. The draft in
the firebox may be either negative or positive depending on the pressure drop through the boiler
to the stack. The draft is controlled by the stack damper when the burner air registers are in a
given position.
Balanced Draft
Balanced draft is usually used when there is an air preheater. A balanced draft boiler has an
induced draft fan at the base of the stack to control the firebox pressure and to compensate for
preheater system pressure drop. The firebox draft is controlled by the damper in the suction or
the induced draft fan.
Excess Air/Oxygen
Excess air and excess oxygen are numerically equivalent since air always has 21% oxygen.
Percent excess air or oxygen is defined as the amount of air in excess of that required for
complete combustion divided by the amount of air required for complete combustion times 100.
Excess oxygen is not the oxygen concentration in the stack. Excess air is controlled by the air to
fuel ratio controller.
An oxygen trim control system may provide automatic control of excess oxygen (air) using the
stack oxygen analyzer to adjust the ratio of air to fuel. Carbon monoxide analyzers are
recommended but are to be used only for monitoring and alarming as per SAES-J-602.
Total System Interaction of Variables
Tuning of the control system is very important to prevent unwanted system interaction. For
example the level control can affect the firing rate by swings of the cold BFW rate into the steam
drum. If the system is not properly tuned swings in the BFW rate can result in firing rate swings
which will then affect the level control because of the changes in shrink and swell and cause
further swings in the BFW rate. This swinging could be started by a change in steam demand.
Interactions can also occur in other systems such as the draft control and the firing system,
blowdown and steam drum level control, etc..

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Consequences of Inadequate Control

Inadequate control can result in overheating of tubes with the results shown in Figures 6 and 7.
Other consequences of inadequate control include carryover of boiler water into the steam
system, boiler explosions, lifting safety valves, etc..

Figure 6. Short Term Overheating

Figure 7. Extreme Short Term Overheating

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BOILER SAFETY SYSTEMS

Alarm Systems
Alarms on a boiler typically include the following recommended by SAES-J-602:
1.

High and low boiler firebox pressure.

A high boiler firebox pressure could indicate a ruptured tube. A low boiler fire box pressure
could indicate a failure of combustion air supply or a stack damper too far open.

2.

High and low steam drum level.

A high steam drum level can result in carryover of boiler water into the steam system and a
low steam drum level can result in inadequate supply of water to the tubes which could
result in a ruptured tube.

3.

Flame failure detection.

Flame failure can result in a hazardous explosive mixture in the boiler. Each burner has two
flame detectors and each will alarm a flame failure.

4.

Low gas or oil fuel pressure to burners.

5.

Low gas or oil fuel header pressure.

Low or high fuel pressure can result in malfunction of the burner and possible flame failure.

6.

Low combustion air flow in forced draft systems.

Low air flow can result in flame failure or a poor flame pattern.

7.

Combustion air fan trip.

A combustion air fan trip requires shutdown unless the spare fan has successfully started up.

8.

Low steam to oil differential.

A low steam to oil differential will result in improper combustion of the oil with a poor
flame pattern.

9.

Low instrument air header pressure.

Low instrument air pressure could result in shutdown of all control systems.

Additional alarms may include:

1.

High steam temperature.

A high steam temperature could result in a ruptured tube in the superheater or possible
damage to downstream equipment.

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2.

High and low stack oxygen.

High stack oxygen is indicative of poor operation (high excess air) and a low stack oxygen
can be indicative of inadequate air supply which could result in flame failure.

3.

High gas or oil fuel pressure to burners.

High fuel pressure could indicate over firing the burners and/or plugging of the burners.

4.

Low oil temperature.

A low oil temperature causes a high viscosity of the oil. A high viscosity will result in
improper combustion of the oil with a poor flame pattern and oil drip.

Emergency Shutdown (ESD) Systems

An automatic emergency shutdown of the boiler can result from the following as specified in
SAES-J-602 and 34-SAMSS-619:
1.

Flame failure on both flame detectors for primary fuel.

2.

Low low gas or oil fuel burner header pressure after firing control valve.

3.

Low low gas or oil fuel burner header pressure.

4.

Low low steam to oil fuel differential.

5.

High high or low low steam drum level.

6.

Furnace pressure high high.

7.

Low low combustion air flow.

8.

Fan(s) tripped.

9.

Low low instrument air header pressure.

10.

Local or remote manual ESD push-button enabled.

The shutdowns above are simply extremes of alarms already discussed. The purpose of the alarm
is to give warning of a situation that can lead to a shutdown.
The following sequence will be initiated by Emergency Shutdown System (ESD):
1.

Close fuel gas and oil header shut off valves and open vent valves

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2.

Close fuel gas and oil burner shut off valves and open vent valves

3.

Close pilot gas header shut off valves and open vent valves

4.

Turn on appropriate shutdown lights and alarms

5.

Return system to pre-purge state

6.

De-energize all ignitors

Flame Detectors
SAES-J-602 specifies the there should be a minimum of two flame detectors for each burner for
main flame detection. On multiple fuel burners, two detectors are required for the primary fuel
and at least one detector is required for the secondary fuel if the secondary fuel.
Where burner front space is limited and will not allow a third flame detector to be fitted, singleelement dual sensitivity or dual-element flame detectors are acceptable. Single element flame
detectors shall have automatically selected dual-sensitivity adjustments. There should be two
separate sensitivity adjustments for gas and oil firing.
Startup Interlocks
The primary purpose of startup interlocks is to prevent a boiler explosion. Introducing a flame
into a boiler that contains fuel can result in an explosion if the fuel concentration is within the
explosive (flammable) limits. These interlocks should not be bypassed for normal operation.
Bypassing these interlocks will be required to perform system maintenance. Interlock details are
discussed under boiler startup.
Safety Valves (PZVs)
A typical safety relief valve (PZV) is shown in Figure 8.

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Stem
Spring Adjustment
Bonnet

Spring

Outlet

Disc
Nozzle
Body
Inlet

Figure 8. Typical Safety Valve

Safety valves are provided on the steam drum and after the superheater as noted in Figure 9. A
separate PZV is also provide for the economizer if it can be valved off from the steam drum.

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Figure 9. Typical Steam Generation System

At least two PZVs (one spare) are required per SAES on the steam drum, on almost all boilers.
Each PZV must be capable of relieving at least 75% of the steam the boiler can generate without
the pressure in the boiler rising more than 3% above the PZV setting. The pressure of the first
PZV can be set at or below the design pressure (maximum allowable working pressure) and the
maximum setpoint for the other PZV is 3% above the design pressure. The maximum range of
set points is 10% of the highest set point.
At least one PZV is required by ASME code to protect the superheater and is located between the
superheater and the first block valve downstream of the boiler. The superheater PZV should be
set to open first so that flow through the superheater is ensured. Without adequate flow the
temperature of the superheater tubes may exceed design temperature and could burst at a lower
pressure than design. The superheater PZV setting is commonly 97% of the lowest boiler drum
PZV setting minus the superheater pressure drop at full flow.
For PZVs operating between 300 and 1000 psig, the popping tolerance is plus or minus 10 psi.
PZVs should close at no less than 96% of set pressure (blowdown adjustment).
The total required design capacity for steam drum and superheater PZVs is the greater of the
boilers maximum rated capacity or a capacity factor times the heat transfer area. The capacity
factor are 16 lb/ft2 of heat transfer surface for watertube boilers, 14 lb/ft2 of heat transfer surface
for fire tube boilers and 3.5 lb/ft2 of heat transfer surface for electric boilers. The capacity of the
superheater PZV may contribute to the boilers total PZV capacity but the steam drum PZV
capacity must be at least 75% of the total required.

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The ASME code requires that no valves be installed between the PZVs and the boiler or between
the PZV and it discharges to atmosphere. Discharge piping should be as short and straight as
possible and located away from any platform or walkway. Discharge piping should also be
supported.
Non-Return Valve
Each boiler is equipped with a non-return (check) valve in accordance with ASME code to
prevent the whole steam system from being depressured by venting through a ruptured tube in a
boiler. Two check valves in series are usually used for a non-return valve function.

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MAJOR STEPS FOR SAFE BOILER STARTUPS

Automatic and Manual Startups
Both automatic and manual startups must follow the same sequence of events to prevent boiler
explosions. Natural draft boilers will use steam to purge the boiler instead of air used on forced
draft boilers. Burners are always lit one at a time for both manual and automatic startup. The
automatic startup will be discussed in detail because most boilers have an automatic startup.
Work Aid 1 is the detailed startup for Ras Tanura Refinery high pressure steam plant which is an
example of a typical boiler startup. This startup instruction contains additional safe guards
beyond the minimal acceptable startup sequence in 34-SAMSS-619.
Startup Sequence
The boiler startup sequence as specified in 34-SAMSS-619 includes the following:
1.

Pre-purge permissives

2.

Purge

3.

Light-off pilot and first burner

4.

Light-off subsequent pilot and burner

The pre-purge permissives require that the following be in place:

1.

Drum level satisfactory (BFW level control established)

2.

Instrument air pressure satisfactory

3.

Fan running

4.

Combustion air (purge air) flow satisfactory

5.

No flame in the furnace (flame detectors)

6.

All burner fuel gas and fuel oil block valves closed

7.

Main fuel gas header block valves closed and vent is open

8.

Main fuel oil header block valve and recirculating valve closed

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9.

Main pilot gas header block valves closed and vent valve open

10.

All burner air registers at predetermined open position

11.

Atomizing steam to oil differential pressure satisfactory

12.

Fuel gas header pressure upstream of block valves is satisfactory

13.

Fuel oil header pressure upstream of block valve is satisfactory

14.

Pilot gas header pressure is satisfactory

If the status of the above is satisfactory then the indicating lamp Purge Available will be turned
on and the purge can begin.
The purge sequence includes starting the purge timer for a minimum of 5 minutes, turning on
Purge in Progress light and turning off Purge Available light.
Once the purge has been completed, the light off can start provided purge permissives are still
satisfactory. The light off includes:
1.

Turning off Purge in Progress light and turning on Purge Complete light,

2.

Enabling the pilot gas header push-button circuit, and

3.

Start ignitor/burner light off period timer set for about 10 minutes.

4.

The Burner Available light will be turned on if the permissives are still satisfactory which
enables the pilot start push-button at the local panel only.

Operation of the first pilot or burner start push-button will initiate the following sequence:
1.

If selected register predetermined position is satisfactory

2.

If remaining air registers are in their predetermined open position

3.

Start the pilot flame establishing period timer, open the pilot solenoid valves, and energize
pilot ignitor.

The pilot flame will be proven (flame detected) within 10 seconds (pilot flame establishing
period). Failure to detect the pilot flame shall result in closing the pilot solenoid valves and the
pilot start being inhibited for 2 minutes.
When the pilot flame is proven, the burner sequence can be started resulting in the following:
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1.

Enabling the main fuel gas or oil header valve push-button circuit.

2.

Opening of selected burner fuel block valves and closing vent valves.

3.

First burner must be proven within 10 minute light off period

The main flame detectors will prove the flame present within 3 - 5 seconds. Failure to prove the
first main burner flame present or a system malfunction will result in the pilot solenoids closing,
the burner fuel block valves closing and vent valve opening and return to Purge Required state.
Satisfactory completion of the first burner light-off will enable the burner start circuits on the
remaining burners. Light off of the remaining burners is possible from either the local panel or the
control room. Failure to ignite a subsequent burner within its light-off period shall close fuel and
pilot gas block valves and open vents on that burner only.
Once all burners are lit, the system is then in the normal run condition. Combustion is controlled
by the combustion (firing) control system which controls steam production. Any ESD event shall
command the logic to initiate a boiler shutdown.

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MAJOR STEPS FOR SAFE BOILER SHUTDOWNS

There are five types of boiler shutdown.
1.

Standby

2.

Normal shutdown

3.

Shutdown for maintenance

4.

Emergency shutdowns

5.

Boiler layup

Standby
In standby, the boiler remains at system pressure but all burners and pilots are turned off and
blocked in. The non-return valve will have to be bypassed to maintain pressure if standby is to be
maintained for a long period of time. Standby can be returned to service quicker than other
shutdowns.
Normal Shutdowns
In a normal shutdown, the burners and pilots are blocked in and the boiler is depressured but
water level is maintained in the boiler. See layup if the boiler will be wet and idle for one week or
more.
Shutdown for Maintenance
In a shutdown for maintenance the boiler is completely shutdown. All water is drained and the
fire side is purged. The fireside of tubes may be water washed. See procedure for water washing
tubes in Work Aid 2.
When shutting down a boiler, care should be taken to avoid a vacuum being formed by
condensing of steam. Boilers are usually vented to atmosphere once the pressure reaches about
15 psig.
Work Aid 2 is a detailed shutdown procedure for Ras Tanura Refinery high pressure steam plant
which is an example of a typical boiler shutdown.

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Emergency Shutdowns
In an emergency shutdown, the burners and pilots are shutdown and blocked in so that the boiler
is in a standby condition.
The following sequence will be initiated by an Emergency Shutdown Device:
1.

Close all fuel gas/oil header shut off valves and open vent valves

2.

Close all fuel gas/oil burner shut off valves and open vent valves

3.

Close all pilot gas header shut off valves and open vent valves

4.

Turn on appropriate shutdown lights and alarms

5.

Return system to pre-purge state

6.

De-energize all ignitors

Note that the air fan continues to operate purging the boiler and cooling the boiler.
Boiler Layup
Boiler layup procedures are specified in GI 403.001. The layup procedures minimize boiler
corrosion during layup. Layup should be considered for time periods of greater than one week.
The two principle methods used for boiler layup are:
1.

Wet layup in which the boiler is drained and then completely filled with boiler feed water
that contains additional corrosion inhibitors. All vapor space is filled.

2.

Steam layup in which 15 - 60 psig steam pressure is maintained in the boiler. All boiler
water is drained. Steam connections are made to the superheater outlet and steam traps are
installed on the mud drum and superheater drains. Corrosion inhibitors may be added to the
steam.

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WORK AID 1: HP BOILER STARTUP INSTRUCTIONS, RT REFINERY

STEAM GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION

Page 1 of 11

Figure 10. HP Boiler Startup Instructions

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STEAM PLANT - START UP BOILERS NOs. 5 & 6

Page 2 of 11

Figure 10. HP Boiler Startup Instructions, Contd

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STEAM PLANT - START UP BOILERS NOs. 5 & 6

Page 3 of 11

Figure 10. HP Boiler Startup Instructions, Contd

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STEAM PLANT - START UP BOILERS NOs. 5 & 6

Page 4 of 11

Figure 10. HP Boiler Startup Instructions, Contd

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STEAM PLANT - START UP BOILERS NOs. 5 & 6

Page 5 of 11

Figure 10. HP Boiler Startup Instructions, Contd

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STEAM PLANT - START UP BOILERS NOs. 5 & 6

Page 6 of 11

Figure 10. HP Boiler Startup Instructions, Contd

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STEAM PLANT - START UP BOILERS NOs. 5 & 6

Page 7 of 11

Figure 10. HP Boiler Startup Instructions, Contd

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BOILER FIRING LIST

Page 8 of 11

Figure 10. HP Boiler Startup Instructions, Contd

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BOILER FIRING CHECK LIST

Page 9 of 11

Figure 10. HP Boiler Startup Instructions, Contd

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STEAM PLANT - FIRING MAIN BOILERS

Page 10 of 11

Figure 10. HP Boiler Startup Instructions, Contd

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BOILER BLINDS CHECK LIST

Page 11 of 11

Figure 10. HP Boiler Startup Instructions, Contd

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WORK AID 2: HP BOILER SHUTDOWN INSTRUCTIONS, RT REFINERY

HP STEAM PLANT

Page 1 of 11

Figure 11. HP Boiler Shutdown Instructions

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HP BOILER - TAKING OUT OF SERVICE

Page 2 of 11

Figure 11. HP Boiler Shutdown Instructions, Contd

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HP BOILER - TAKING OUT OF SERVICE

Page 3 of 11

Figure 11. HP Boiler Shutdown Instructions, Contd

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HP BOILER - TAKING OUT OF SERVICE

Page 4 of 11

Figure 11. HP Boiler Shutdown Instructions, Contd

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HP BOILER - TAKING OUT OF SERVICE

Page 5 of 11

Figure 11. HP Boiler Shutdown Instructions, Contd

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HP BOILER - TAKING OUT OF SERVICE

Page 6 of 11

Figure 11. HP Boiler Shutdown Instructions, Contd

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HP BOILER - TAKING OUT OF SERVICE

Page 7 of 11

Figure 11. HP Boiler Shutdown Instructions, Contd

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T & I BLIND & SAFETY VALVE CHECK LIST Page 8 of 11

Figure 11. HP Boiler Shutdown Instructions, Contd

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WATER WASHING OF THE FIRESIDE OF BOILERS

Page 9 of 11

Figure 11. HP Boiler Shutdown Instructions, Contd

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WATER WASHING OF THE FIRESIDE OF BOILERS

Page 10 of 11

Figure 11. HP Boiler Shutdown Instructions, Contd

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WATER WASHING MANIFOLDS Page 11 of 11

Figure 11. HP Boiler Shutdown Instructions, Contd

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WORK AID 3: BOILER SAFETY SYSTEMS FOR WATERTUBE TYPES

Figure 12. Ignitor Gas System

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Figure 13. Gas Burner System (Supervised Manual)

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Figure 14. Gas Burner System (Automatic)

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Figure 15. Oil Burner System (Supervised Manual)

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Figure 16. Oil Burner System (Automatic)

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GLOSSARY
alloy steel

Steel that owes its distinctive properties to elements other than

carbon, or jointly to these elements and carbon. Chromium,
nickel, and molybdenum are the most common alloying
elements.

austenitic steel

Also known as stainless steel.

BFW

Boiler feed water

buckstay

Structural beams which encircle the water walls of a boiler,

increasing the boiler's structural strength.

carbon steel

Steel that owes its distinctive properties to the carbon it

contains.

compensation

Material added to a base wall thickness to compensate for

openings in the wall.

corroded condition

The geometry of a component (for example, diameter, radius,

thickness), assuming that any corrosion allowance has been
completely removed.

corrosion allowance

The part of a wall thickness that is included to provide for

future metal loss due to corrosion or erosion.

draft

Draft is the amount of negative pressure in the boiler. A

negative draft is a positive pressure

ferritic steel

Also known as low alloy steel.

inside radius

The inside radius of a cylindrical component, in the corroded

condition.

interlock

A means of preventing further action until certain criteria have

been satisfied

ligament efficiency

The relative strength of a component in which a number of

openings have been made compared to the same component
with no openings.

maximum allowable

The allowable stress of the metal to be used in stress

calculations.

stress

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maximum allowable
working pressure
minimum required
thickness

The pressure used for design. This is the maximum pressure at

which the boiler is allowed to operate.
The minimum required wall thickness of a new component,
taking into account all allowances.

MOV

Motor operated valve

non-return valve

A check valve(s) to prevent depressuring the entire steam

system through a burst tube in a boiler.

operating temperature

The temperature used for design. This is the maximum

temperature the component is expected to experience under
normal operating conditions.

outside diameter

The actual outside diameter of a new cylindrical component.

pitch

The center-to-center spacing of adjacent holes in a vessel wall.

PZV

Safety relief valve

ratio control

A flow rate is controlled so that it is in a constant ratio with

another flow rate.

safety relief valve

A spring loaded valve that will release gas at a specified

pressure with a poppet action.

shrink

Shrink takes place when the firing of the boiler is reduced and
less boiling occurs in the riser tubes which results in the water
level dropping

steel

A malleable alloy of iron and carbon, usually also containing

trace elements.

swell

Swell occurs when the firing in the boiler is increased and

more vaporization occurs in the riser tubes causing the water
level to increase

transition

The tapered section in a vessel wall joining two sections of the

wall having unequal thicknesses.

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REFERENCE
Saudi Aramco Standards
SAES-J-602

Boiler Safety Systems for Watertube Boilers

32-SAMSS-021
34-SAMSS-619

WaterTube Boilers
Flame Monitoring and Burner
Management Systems for Boilers

ASME Standards
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code

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