Be On The Lookout For These Mobile Boiler Red Flags
Whether you're working on a remote site or coping with planned or unintentional downtime for your permanent boiler system, a temporary boiler comes in handy for keeping your critical operations on track. As you choose the best temporary steam plant for your company's needs, it pays to be on the lookout for
Rust and Corrosion
When it comes to renting a temporary boiler, you'll want to keep an eye out for units that show advanced signs of rust and corrosion. These units have usually been neglected or poorly maintained, which could potentially make them dangerous to operate.
Any temporary boiler rental you choose should be well-cared for and structurally intact. Units with visible rust trails, bubbled or chipped paint or areas with patches of rust should be avoided. It's usually a good idea to take a complete walk-around of the unit for signs of severe rust before choosing it for service.
Advanced Age
A boiler's risk for unexpected and sometimes catastrophic failure can increase with age, thanks to constant wear and tear from years of continuous operation. Nevertheless, it's not unusual for some rental companies to repurpose boilers that are several decades old into portable units. Older units also tend to lose overall output as they age.
For this reason, it's usually a good idea to give older boilers a pass and only rent from companies offering the newest available boiler fleet. You'll not only benefit from the latest in mobile boiler technology, but you'll also enjoy better efficiency and reduced emissions.
Thin-Walled Designs
It's not out of the ordinary to see mobile steam plants built from converted van bodies and semi-truck trailers. It's an economical way for boiler manufacturers and rental agencies to build mobile units, but it doesn't offer the same structural strength and safety that a purpose-built mobile boiler offers.
An ideal mobile boiler should be kept within a high-quality purpose-built enclosure (similar to that of an intermodal container) made from high-strength steel, as opposed to the light-grade aluminum used in lower-quality conversions. The enclosure and questions should also be compliant with the latest safety rules and regulations.
Wooden Walls and Flooring
Wooden walls and flooring are common features on temporary boilers housed in converted semi-truck trailers. However, these attributes represent a heightened safety risk due to their inherent flammability. Wooden walls and flooring also lack the structural rigidity offered by all-metal structures. Steel construction is a must for preventing fire hazards and other structural issues.
No On-Board Compressor
Most temporary boiler systems include on-board compressed air for a wide variety of field operations. A temporary boiler that lacks one may also be lacking other important features that can make your operations more efficient and less time-consuming.
No Exterior Flanged Connections
These connections are essential for operators who want to connect their temporary boilers to municipal water sources and other structures that require process steam or hot water. Without them, you may be forced to rely on internal connections, which could prove difficult and time-consuming to use due to space constraints and other factors.
No Combustion Air Louvers
All boilers require a steady supply of fresh air for efficient and safe operation. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for many temporary boilers to lack louvers or other ventilation inlets for channeling combustion air into the unit without having to keep the mobile boiler's enclosure doors open. In areas that are already starved for space, this oversight could make it extraordinarily difficult, if not impossible, for workers to operate in nearby spaces.
It's important to choose a temporary boiler that offers combustion air louvers on the external enclosure doors as a space-saving measure.