BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS

Article 7.1 Definitions

PSME Boiler Construction Code the term, PSME Boiler Construction Code, shall mean the Boiler
Construction Code of the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers with amendments and interpretations
thereto made and approved by the Council of the Society.
New Boiler or Unfired Pressure Vessel Installations include all boilers and unfired pressure vessels
constructed, installed placed in operation or constructed for.
Existing Installations any boiler or unfired pressure vessel constructed, installed, placed in operation but
subject to annual inspection.
Boiler or Steam Generator a closed vessel intended for use in heating water or for application of heat to
generate steam or another vapor to be used externally to itself.
Unfired Pressure Vessel a vessel in which pressure is obtained from an external source, or from an indirect
application of heat.
Power Boiler a closed vessel in which steam or other vapor (to be used externally to itself) is generated at
a pressure of more than 1.055 kg/cm 2 gage by the direct application of heat.
Locomotive Boiler a boiler mounted on a self-propelled track locomotive and used to furnish
motivating power for travelling on rails. (It does not include locomotive cranes, tractors, or other self-
propelled apparatus). Locomotive boilers however if dismantled from locomotive and reinstalled for
stationary use are not included in this definition.
Portable Boiler an internally fired boiler which is self-contained and primarily intended for temporary
location and the construction and usage is obviously portable.
Miniature Boiler as used in this Code herein shall mean any boiler which does not exceed any of the
following limits: 405 mm inside diameter, 1 065 mm overall length of outside to outside of heads at center,
1.85 m2 of water heating surface, 7.03 kg/cm 2 maximum allowable working pressure.
Low Pressure Heating Boiler a boiler operated at pressure not exceeding 1.055 kg/cm2 gage steam, or
water temperature not exceeding 121 C.
Hot Water Supply Boiler a boiler furnishing hot water to be used externally to itself.
Reinstalled Boiler or Unfired Pressure Vessel - a boiler or unfired pressure vessel removed from its original
setting and re- erected at the same location or erected at a location without change of ownership.
Second Hand Boiler or Unfired Pressure Vessel as used herein shall mean a boiler or unfired pressure vessel
of which both the location and ownership have been changed after primary use.
Condemned Boiler or Unfired Pressure Vessel a boiler or unfired pressure vessel that has been inspected and
declared unsafe to operate or disqualified stamped and marked indicating its rejection by qualified inspecting
authority.
Internal Inspection an inspection made when a boiler or unfired pressure vessel is shut down and hand holes,
manholes, or other inspection openings are opened or removed for inspection of the interior.
External Inspection an inspection made on the external parts accessories and/or component even when a
boiler or unfired pressure vessel is in operation.
Fusion Welding a process of welding metals in a molten or molten and vaporous state, without the
application of mechanical pressure or blows. Such welding may be accomplished by the oxy-acetylene or
hydrogen flame or by electric arc. Thermit welding is also classed as fusion welding.
Article 7.2 General Requirements for Boiler and Pressure Vessel Installation
7.2.1 Installation and Operating Permits. Application for permits to install and operate steam generators for
power or heat, unfired pressure vessels for steam, air or gases shall be accompanied by plans and specifications
in quadruplicate showing
7.2.1.1 General Layout Plan giving a plan view; longitudinal view and at least a front view showing location of
boiler with respect to building, location, size and height of smoke stack, location of boiler auxiliaries and
location and size of fuel supply. Building permit and location plan of same, Electrical permit, fire
department permit and other permits necessary should also be stipulated on the plan.
7.2.12 Detailed assembly plan of boiler should show all appendages indicating instruments, panels if any for
controls and all safety devices. Details should show actual joints, riveting, welding, thickness of plates, tubes,
fusible plugs etc. Steam conditions like temperature, pressure, degrees superheat should be indicated.
7.2.1.3 Piping drawing, preferably in isometric drawing showing elevations headers, lead to headers preferably
from the bottom, branches from headers, preferably from the top, expansion joints, pipes covering sizes, fitting
and valves and method support.
7.2.1.4 All plans and specifications sound be prepared under supervision of the professional mechanical engineer
and should have his signature and seal on every page, regardless of boiler horsepower.
7.2.2 Location: steam generators (boilers) should be preferably be located
7.2.2.1 In detached building of fire resistant construction used for not other purpose and situated not less than 3m
desistance from buildings not forming part of factory, or
7.2.2.2 In structures of fire resisting materials. Preferably stone ore concrete wall connected to or in close
proximity to other factory buildings.
7.2.2.3 No part of the steam generator should be closer the one meter from any wall.
7.2.2.4 In case of fire tube boilers sufficient room for tube removal either thru the front of rear should be provided.
7.2.3 Steam Generator Rooms.
7.2.3.1 Although not to be used for passage generators rooms should be provided with two doors preferable on
opposite end or sides which if locked may be opened without key from inside.
7.2.3.2 As the room air is usually the source of combustion air sufficient ventilation from outside should be
provided
7.2.3.3 Steam generators should be mounted over a suitable foundation or concrete pad of not less than 305mm
thick and with sufficient area at base to be supported by bearing capacity of soil with safety factors of not less than
four.
7.2.4 Where brickwork is necessary, the surface facing the hot gases should be fire brick and the outside may be
red brick or other suitable material.
7.2.4.1 Nrockwork should be provided with sufficient expansion joints bot vertically and horizontally to take care of
expansion at operating temperature.
7.2.5 No structural stress other than its own weight should be imposed on any brickwork and in no case the full
weight or part weight of steam generator or appearances via supported on brickwork.

7.2.6 No steam generator should be closed or walled-in without authorization and inspection by authorized
government representative and who will conduct a hydrostatic test of 150% of stipulated working pressure.

7.2.7 Clearance

7.2.7.1 When boilers are replaced or new boilers are installed in existing or new 2130mm shall be provided
between the top of the boiler proper and the celling expect in single installation of self-contained boiler where a
minimum height of wean the highest point of any valve steam, of fitting and the celling.

7.2.7.2 All boilers and unfired pressure vessels shall be so located that adequate space will be provided for the
proper operation of the boiler and its appurtenances for the inspection of all surfaces, tubes, water wall,
economizers, piping, valve and other equipment and for their necessary maintenances and repair.

7.2.7.3 Smokestacks should be sufficient capacity to handle flue gases, self-supporting or guyed to withstand a
wind load 160kph and rise at least 5000mm above the eaves of any buildings within a radius of 50 meters.

7.2.7.4 No smokes should be closer than 305mm from any exposed woodwork or framing.

7.2.7.5 All steam generators should be each be provide with two means of feed water two pumps, one steam
driven and one pump and one injector.

7.2.7.6 When feeding hot water, feed pump should at least be 1220mm below hot well at prevents vapor lock.

7.2.7.7 Two check valves should be provided between any feed pump and boiler.
7.2.7.8 Where two or more steam generators will be connected in parallel each steam outlets should be provided
with a non-returns

7.2.7.9 Only steam pressure sufficient for requirements should be allowed. No high pressure will be generated just
to be reduced on the line to suit requirement.
7.2.7.10 All construction features of boiler should be in conformity with P.S.M.E. Boiler Construction Code when
available or its equivalent.
7.2.7.11 All new boiler installations, including reinstalled boilers, shall be installed in accordance with the
requirements of the latest revision of the P.S.M.E. Boiler Construction code and/or the rules and regulations
provided herein.
7.2.7.12 Ladders and Catwalks. A steel catwalk or platform at least 455 mm wide and provided with standard
handrails and toe-board on either side shall be installed across the tops of adjacent boilers or at some other
convenient level for the purpose of affording safe access to the boilers. All catwalks shall have at least two means
of exit, each exit to be remotely located to a permanent stairway or inclined ladder leading to the floor level.
7.2.7.13 Inspections. Upon completion of the installation, all boilers shall be inspected by the authorized
government engineer or assistant engineer of the locality.
Article 7.3 Specific Requirements for Power Boilers
7.3.1 Maximum Allowable Working Pressure. The maximum allowable working pressure on the shell of a boiler or
drum shall be determined by the strength of the weakest SECTION OF THE STRUCTURE, computed from the
thickness of the plate, the tensile strength of the plate, the efficiency of the longitudinal joint, OR TUBE
LIGAMENTS, the inside diameter of the outside coarse and the factor of safety by these rules.

= maximum allowable working pressure in MPa

: = ultimate tensile strength of the shell plates, N/mm2
= Minimum thickness of the shell plate, in weakest course in mm, minimum thickness for boiler plate shall be
6.35mm
= Efficiency of longitudinal joint.

X 100%

:
P = pitch of rivets, mm
= Diameter or rivet hole after driving, mm
For riveted construction, E shall be determined by the formula:

E= X 100%

P = pitch of rivets
= Rivet diameter
or fusion welding, E shall be taken as equal to 90% or E shall be determined by the following P.S.M.E. Code. For
seamless construction, Eshall be 100%.

7.3.2 Allowable Stresses.

7.3.2.1 Tensile strength. When the tensile strength of steel or wrought iron shell plates is not known, it shall be
taken as 379.31 N/mm2 for steel and 310.04 N/mm2 wrought iron.

7.3.2.2 Crushing strength of mild steel. The resistance to crushing of mild steel shall be taken at 655.17 N/mm 2 of
cross sectional area.

7.3.2.3 Strength of rivet in shear. When computing the ultimate strength of rivet in shear, the following values in
N/mm2 of the cross sectional area of the rivet shank shall be used:
Iron rivets in single shear................. 262 N/mm2
Iron rivets in double shear................ 524 N/mm2
Steel rivets in single shear................. 303 N/mm2
Steel rivets in double shear................ 607 N/mm2

7.3.3 Riveted joints.

7.3.3.1 When the diameter of the rivet holes in the longitudinal joints of a boiler is not known, the diameter and
cross section area of rivets, after driving, may be selected from the following table or ascertained by cutting out
one rivet in the body of the joint.
Valve or valves, and shall be run full size without use of reducers or bushing. The piping shall be extra heavy
wrought iron or steel and shall not be galvanized.

7.3.11.6 Whenever repairs are made to fittings or appliances or it become necessary to replace them, the work
shall comply with the code for new installation.

7.3.11.7 Each existing boiler shall be identified by a serial number. The number shall be assigned by the Chief
Inspector/Engineering and stamped by the authorized representative. The stamping shall be kept free of paint and
lagging so that it will be plainly visible and easily read by Engineers.

7.3.11.8 All authorized representative of the government agency shall notify the owners and users who must
provide for those requirements, in a written notice to the owner or user that the necessary work must be
completed within six months from the date of notifications.

7.3.11.9 All cases not specifically covered by these rules and regulations shall be treated as New Installation or
may be referred to the government agency for instructions concerning the requirements.

7.3.4 Factor of safety.

7.3.4.1 The following factors of safety shall be increased by the engineer if the condition and safety of the boilers
demand it.

7.3.4.2 the lowest factor of safety permissible on existing installations shall be 4.5 excepting for horizontal return
tubular boilers having continuous lap seems more than 3650 mm in length where this latter type of boiler is
removed from its existing settings, it shall not be reinstalled for pressures in excess of 1.05 kg/cm^2 gage.

7.3.4.3 Reinstalled or secondhand boilers shall have a minimum factor of safety of 6 when the longitudinal seams
are of lap riveted construction, and a minimum factor of safety of 5 when the longitudinal seams are to butt and
double strap construction.

7.3.4.5 Age limit of fire tube boilers. The age of limit of a horizontal return tubular, flue or cylinder boiler having a
longitudinal lap joint and operating at a pressure in excess of 0.345 MPa or 3.45 Bar gage shall be thirty years (30
years). A reasonable time for replacement shall be given at the discretion of the inspector not o exceed one year
(1year).
7.3.4.6welded boilers. Boilers having either longitudinal or circumferential seams or fusion welded construction
shall be constructed and stamped in accordance with the rules and regulations of the P.SM.E boiler construction
Code.

7.3.4.7 Pressure on old boilers. In no case shall be the maximum working pressure of an old boiler be increased to
a greater pressure than would be allowed for a new boiler of same construction.

7.3.4.7.1 Cast iron headers and Mud drums. The maximum allowable working pressure on a water tube boiler, the
tubes of wich are secured to cast iron or malleable iron headers, or which have cast iron mud drums, shall be not
exceed 1.10MPa or 11.0 Bars.
7.3.4.7.2 Pressure on cast iron boilers. The maximum allowable working pressure for any cast iron boiler except
hot water boiler, shall be 1.0 Bar gage.

7.3.8 Safety Valves.

7.3.8.1 The use of weighted-lever safety valves shall be prohibited and these valves shall be replaced by direct
spring-loaded pop types valves.

7.3.8.2 Safety valves having either the seat or disc of cast iron shall not be used.

7.3.8.3 Each boiler shall have at least one safety valve and if it has more than 46.5 m2 of water heating surface or
the generating capacity exceeds 910 kg/hr, it shall have two (2) or more safety valves.

7.3.8.4 The valve or valves shall be connected direct to- the boiler, independent of any other steam connection,
and attached as closed as possible to the boiler, without unnecessary intervening pipe or fittings. Where alteration
is required to conform to this rule and regulation, owners or users shall be allowed one (1) year in which to
complete the work.

7.3.8.5 No valve of any description shall be placed between the safety valve and the boiler nor on the escape pipe
(if used) between the safety valve and the atmosphere. When an escape pipe is used, it shall be full size and fitted
with an open drain to prevent water lodging in the upper part of the safety valve or escape pipe. When an elbow is
placed on a safety valve outlet or the escape pipe shall be securely anchored and supported. All safety valve
discharges shall be so located or piped as to be carried clear from walkways or platform used to control the main
stop valves of boilers or steam headers.

7.3.8.6 The safety valve capacity of each boiler shall be such that the safety valve or valves will discharge all the
steam that can be generated by the boiler without allowing the pressure to rise more than 6% above the highest
pressure to which any valve is set, and in no case to more than 6% above the maximum allowable working
pressure.

Article 7.4 Miniature Boilers

7.4.1 New Boiler Installation

7.4.1.1 No Miniature Boiler, except reinstalled boilers and those exempted by these Rules and Regulations, shall
hereafter be installed unless it has been constructed/inspected and stamped in conformity with P.S.M.E. Boiler
Construction Code and is approved, registered and inspected in accordance with these rules and regulations.

7.4.2 Existing Installation

7.4.2.1 Rules and Regulations, as adopted for power boilers applying to strength of materials and calculations to
determine maximum allowable working pressure, shall be use for miniature boilers unless a special rule stated
herein.

7.4.3 General Requirements

7.4.3.1 Maximum Allowable Working Pressure. The maximum allowable working pressure on the shell of a boiler
or drum shall be determined by the Rules in section 7.3.1.

7.4.3.2 Construction. The construction of miniature boilers including factor of safety, except where otherwise
specified, shall conform to that required for power boilers.

7.4.3.3 Safety Valves

(a) Each miniature boiler shall be equipped with a sealed, spring loaded, pop type safety valve not less than 12.7
mm pipe size, connected directly to the boiler.
The safety valve relieving capacity of each boiler shall be such that it will discharge all the steam that can be
generated by the boiler without allowing the pressure to rise more than 6 percent above the maximum allowable
working pressure.
(b) In those cases where the boiler is supplied with feed water directly from a pressure main or system without the
use of a mechanical feeding device, the safety valve shall be set to release at a pressure not in excess of 94 percent
of the lowest pressure obtained in the supply main or system feeding the boiler. Returns traps shall not be
considered mechanical feeding devices.

7.4.3.4 Water Gage Glass

(a) Each miniature boiler shall be equipped with water gage glass for the determination of water level.

(b) The lowest permissible water level shall be at a point one-third of the height of the shell, except where
the boiler is equipped with internal furnace, in which case it shall not be less than one-third of the tube
length above the top of the furnace.
(c) For small boilers where there is insufficient space for the usual type of gage glass, water level
indicators of the glass bulls eye type may be used.

7.4.3.5 Feed water Connection

(a) Every miniature boiler shall be provided with at least one feed pump or other feeding mechanical
device except where the ff. condition exist:

1) Where the boiler is connected to a water main or system having sufficient pressure to feed the boiler at any
time while under pressure.

2) Where the fuel burned is such that all heat input can be discontinued instantaneously by the operation of the
valve, cock or switch, thereby permitting the boiler pressure to be quickly lowered to a point where water can be
introduced from the connection to the

7.5.5 Non-Code Iron Boilers shall not be used.

7.5.6 Fired Radiators. A radiator in which steam pressure is generated at a pressure of 1.056 kg/cm2 or less is con-
sidered a low-pressure boiler.

7.5.7 General Requirements. If in the judgement of the engineer based on the following and other re -
quirements, a steam heating boiler is unsafe for operation at the pressure previously approved, the pressure shall be
reduced, proper repair made or the boiler retired from service.

7.5.7.1 Safety Valves. Each steam heating boiler shall be provided with one or more safety valves with a total area
of not less than 25.4 m2 for each 0.465 m2 of grate area, or equivalent, if grates are not used. It is further provided
that the steam relieving capacity of the safety valve or valves on any boiler shall be sufficient to prevent a boiler
pressure greater than 1.4 kg/cm 2. If there is any doubt as to the capacity of the safety valve an accumulation test
shall be run. No stop valve of any description shall be located between a boiler and its safety valve; nor in the
safety valve discharge pipe. The safety valve may be located on a main steam pipe connection at the boiler.

7.5.7.2 Water relief valves. Each Hot Water Heating or Hot Water Supply boiler shall have one or more relief
valves of the spring-loaded type without disc guides on the pressure side of the valve.
The valves shall be set to relieve at or below the maximum allowable working pressure of the boiler and so
arranged that they cannot be reset to relieve at a higher pressure of the boiler. Each relief valve shall have a
substantial device which will positively lift the disc from its seat at least 1.5 mm when there is no pressure on the
boiler.
7.5.7.3 Steam gage. Each steam boiler shall have a steam pressure gage connected to the steam space of the
boiler itself or on steam pipe near the boiler. The graduations of the steam gage shall not be less than 1.0 bar nor
more than 2.0 bars.

7.5.7.4 Water Gage Glass and Gage Cocks. Each steam boiler shall have at least one water gage glass with the
lowest visible part above the heating surfaces in primary combustion chamber. When, in the judgement of an
Engineer the heating surfaces above the low water line may be injured by contact with gases of high temperature
the water gage shall be raised until the lowest visible part of the gage glass is above such heating surface. Each
steam boiler shall have two or more gage cocks located within the visible length of the water gage glass; except
when such boiler is provided with two water gage glasses.

7.5.7.5 Stop Valves and Check Valves. If a boiler may be closed off from the heating system by closing a steam stop
valve, there shall be a check valve in the condensate return line between the boiler and the system. If any part of
heating system may be closed off from the remainder of the system by closing a steam stop valve, there shall
be a check valve in the condensate return pipe from that part of the system.

7.5.7.6 Feedwater Connections. Feedwater con-sections shall be independent of any water gage connections
and be made to the condensate return pipe or reservoir of the "condensate return pump. There should be a stop
valve and a check valve in the feedwater line at the boiler.

7.5.7.7 Return Pump. Each condensate returns pump where practicable shall be provided with an automatic
water level control set to maintain the water level within the limits of two game cocks.

7.5.7.8 Repairs and Renewal of Fittings and Appliances. Whenever repairs are made to fittings or appliances or it
becomes necessary to replace them, the work must comply with the Code for New Installations.

Article 7.6Unfired Pressure Vessels

7.6.1 New Installations

7.6.1.1 Requirements. No Unfired Pressure Vessel except reinstalled vessels and those exempt by these Rules
and Regulations, shall hereafter be installed unless it has been constructed, inspected and stamped inconformity
with P.S.M.E. Unfired Pressure Vessel Boiler Construction Code and is approved, registered and inspected in
accordance with the requirements of these Rules and Regulations.

7.6.1.2 All new installation unfired pressure vessels, including reinstalled unfired pressure vessels shall be
installed in accordance with the requirements of the latest. Revision of the P.S.M.E. Unfired Pressure Vessel Boiler
Construction Code, and these Rules and Regulations.

7.6.1.3 Inspections. Upon completion of the installation, all unfired pressure vessels shall be inspected by the
representative authorized by the government agency concerned.

7.6.1.4 Rupture Discs. Rupture discs or safety heads may be used for additional protection of pressure vessels.

7.6.2 Existing Installations

7.6.2.1 Maximum Allowable Working Pressure

(a)For Internal Pressure the maximum allowable working pressure on the shell of a pressure vessel shall be
determined by the strength of the weakest course computer from the thickness of the plate, the tensile strength
of the plate, the efficiency of the longitudinal joint, the inside radius of the course and the factor of safety by those

rules. = ,

TS = Ultimate tensile strength of shell plate N/mm2. When the tensile strength is not known if shall be taken as
310.34 N/mm2 for temperature not exceeding 371 degrees Celsius.
t = Minimum thickness of shall plate of weakest course mm.
E = Efficiency of longitudinal joint depending upon construction. Use values as follow:
For fusion welded joints
Single lap weld 40%
Double lap weld 60%
Single butt weld 50%
Double butt weld 70%
Forge weld 70%
Brazed steel 80%
Brazed copper 90%
R = inside radius of weakest course of shell, mm, provided the thickness does not exceed ten (10) percent of the
radius. If the thickness is over ten (10) percent of the radius, the outer radius shall be used.
FS = Factor safety allowed those rules.
(b) For external pressure. The maximum allowable working pressure for cylindrical vessels subjected to external or
collapsing pressure shall be determined by the rules of the P.S.M.E Unfired Boiler Construction Code.

7.6.3 Requirements for Boiler Inspection and Tests

7.6.3.1 Inspection of Boiler and Unfired Pressure Vessels. All boilers and unfired pressure vessels, unless otherwise
exempt by these Rules and Regulations, and which are subject to annual inspections as provided for in this code
shall be prepared for such inspections, or hydrostatic tests whenever necessary, by the owner or user when
notified by the authorized representative of the government agency. The owner or user shall prepare each boiler
and fired pressure vessel for internal inspection, and shall prepare for and apply the hydrostatic test whenever
necessary, on the data specified by the authorized government, representative which data shall be not less than
ten (10) days, after the data of notification.

7.6.3.2 Preparation for Internal Inspection. The owner or user shall prepare a boiler for internal inspection in the
following manner:
(a) Water shall be drawn off and the boiler thoroughly washed,
(b) All manhole and plates and wash-out plugs and water column connections shall be removed, the furnace and
combustion chambers thoroughly cooled and cleaned,
(c) All grates of internally fired boilers shall be removed,
(d) At each annual Inspection brickwork shall be removed as required by the Inspector in order to determine the
condition of the boiler, headers, furnace, supports or other parts,
(e) The steam gage shall be removed for testing,
(f) Any leakage of steam or hot water into the oiler shall be cut off by disconnecting the pipe or valve at the most
convenient point. Unfired pressure vessels shall be prepared for inspection to the extent deemed necessary by the
Inspector.

7.6.3.3 Improperly Prepared Requirement for Inspection. If a boiler or unfired pressure vessel has not been
properly prepared for an internal inspection or the owner or user fails to comply with the requirements for
hydrostatic test as set forth in these rules, the Engineer may decline to make the inspection shall be withheld until
the owner or user complies with the requirements.
7.6.3.4 Removal of Covering to Permit Inspection. If the boiler or unfired pressure is jacketed so that the
longitudinal seams of shells, drums, or domes cannot be seen, enough of the jacketing, setting wall, or other form
of casting or housing shall be removed so that the size of the rivets, pitch of the rivets and other data necessary to
determine the safe of the boiler or unfired pressure vessel may be obtained, provided such information cannot be
determined by other means.
7.6.3.5 Lap Seam Crack. The shell or drum of a boiler or unfired pressure vessel in which a lap seam crack is
discovered along a longitudinal riveted joint shall be immediately discontinued from use. If the boiler or unfired
pressure vessel is not more than 15 years of age, a complete new course of the original thickness may be installed
at the discretion of the authorized representative of the government agency. Patching is prohibited.

7.6.3.6 Hydrostatic Pressure Tests. A hydrostatic pressure test, when applied to boilers or unfired pressure vessels
of riveted or welded construction, except locomotive boilers, shall not exceed one and one half times the
maximum allowable working pressure. Hydrostatic pressure applied to locomotive boilers shall not exceed one and
one quarter times the maximum allowable working pressure. Hydrostatic pressure supplied to glass lined vessels
shall not exceed the maximum allowable working pressure. During the hydrostatic pressure test, the safety valve
or valves shall be removed or each valve disc shall be held down by means of a testing clamp and not be applying
addition load to the spring with the compression screw. It is suggested that the minimum temperature of the
water used to apply a hydrostatic test be not less than 21 C but the maximum temperature shall not exceed 71 C.
1. For all cases involving the question of tightness, the pressure shall be equal to the release pressure of the safety
valve or valves having the highest release setting.
2. For all cases involving the question of safety, the pressure shall be equal to one and one half times the maximum
allowable working pressure, except for locomotive boilers, in which case it shall be one and one quarter times the
maximum allowable working pressure.

7.6.3.7 Low Water Fuel Cut offs. All automatically fired steam or vapor boilers, excepting boilers having a constant
attention who has no other duties while the boiler Is in operation, shall be equipped with an automatic low water
fuel cut off and/or water feeding device so constructed that the water inlet valve cannot feed water into the boiler
through the float chamber, and so located as to automatically cut off the fuel supply and/or supply requisite feed
water when the surface of the wall falls to the lowest safe water line. This point should be not lower than the
bottom of the water glass. Such a fuel or feed water control device may attached direct to a boiler or to the tapped
openings provided for attaching a water glass direct to the boiler, provided that such connections from the boiler
are non-ferrous tees or Ys not less than 12.7 mm diameter piper size between the blur and the water glass so that
the water glass is attached direct and as close as possible to the boiler; the straightway tapping of the Y or tee to
take the water glass fittings, the side outlet of the Y or the tee to take the fuel cut off or water feeding device. The
ends of all nipples shall be reamed to full size diameter. Designs embodying a float and float bowl shall have a
vertical straight away valve drain piper at the lowest point in the water equalizing piper connections by which the
bowl and equalizing pipe can be flushed and the device tested.

7.6.3.8 Safety Appliances. No person shall remove or tamper with any safety gadgets or components
prescribed by these rules except for the purpose of making repairs. The resetting of safety gadgets or components shall
be done in the presence of an authorized representative of the government agency concerned.

7.6.3.9 Blow-off Tanks

Blow-off piping from a power boiler or miniature shall not discharge directly into a sewer. A blow -off tank
shall be used where conditions do not provide an adequate and safe open discharge. Blow-off tanks hereafter
installed, if of metal shall have a plate thickness of not less than 8 mm diameter and shall be designed for a
minimum working pressure of 0.345 Mpa or 3.45 bars. The outlet from the blow-off tank shall be twice the area
of the inlet pipe and made to extend internally within 203 mm from the bottom of the tank. A vent pipe at least
four (4) times the area of the inlet pipe shall lead to the outer atmosphere. Vents shall be as direct as possible to the
outer air and discharge at safe location. There shall be no valve or other possible obstructions such as water
pockets, between the tank and the discharge end of vent pipe. All pipe connections between the tank and
the boiler shall be as direct as possible and shall conform to PSME Boiler Construction Code or its
equivalent. For convenience in cleaning the tank a manhole or an access opening shall be provided.
Where a blow-off tank is not vented as specified above it shall be constructed for a pressure equal to that
allowed on the boiler to which it is attached or shall be equipped with a safety valve or valves of sufficient
capacity to prevent the pressure from exceeding the safe working pressure of the tank.

7.6.3.10 Location of Blow-offs. The discharge of safety valves, blow-off pipes and other outlets shall be located
so as to prevent injury to personnel or avoid making a nuisance to the surrounding vicinity.
7.6.3.11 Underground Installations. Where necessary to install a vessel underground, it shall be enclosed in a
concrete or brick pit with a removable cover so that inspection of the entire shell and heads of the vessel can be
made.

7.6.3.12 Supports. Each unfired pressure vessel shall be supported by masonry or structural supports of
sufficient strength and rigidity to safely support the vessel and its contents. There shall be no vibration in
either the vessel or its connecting piping.

7.6.3.13 Pressure Reducing Valves.

Where pressure reducing valves are used one or more relief safety valves shall be provided on the low-pressure side of
the reducing valve in case the piping or equipment on the low pressure side does not meet the requirements for
the full initial pressure. The relief or safety valves shall be located adjoining to or as close as possible to the reducing
valve. Proper protection shall be provided to prevent injury or damage caused by the escaping steam from the discharge
of relief or safety valves if vented to the atmosphere.
The combined discharge capacity of the relief valves shall be such that the pressure rating of the lower pressure piping or
equipment shall not exceed in case the reducing valve sticks open.
The use of hand-controlled by-passes around reducing valves is permissible. The by-pass if used around a reducing
valve shall not be greater in capacity than the reducing valve unless the piping or equipment is adequately protected by
relief valves or meets the requirements of the high-pressure system.
It is mandatory that a pressure gage be installed on the low-pressure side of a reducing valve.

7.6.3.14 Electric Steam Generators. All appliances required for electric steam generators shall be attached in
accordance with the rules.

Reference:
Philippine Mechanical Code
 CASE STUDY NO. 3

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In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements in
NME 417 1ME: Safety Engineering

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Presented to the
College of Engineering
University of the East - Caloocan

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Cruz, Arvin Jansen O.

20. September. 2017