Boiler design verification

[smr779]

Let's assume I have designed a steel boiler (mainly by making some alterations to an existing design by lengthening the firebox), and proved (by calculation) that it is up to the job.
I know I need to get it approved by an insurance company, but does anyone know:
1) How much this would cost, and
2) Exactly who does this process?
Thanks
Peter

[weldsol]

Hi Peter I take it it's a model if so what scale ?
With mine I did a similar exercise, changed the existing design to bring material thickness to current spec, I also went for copper tubes expanded in and added extra drain / wash out plugs.
I then got my club boiler inspector to check my calcs,
I had to show all material and consumable certification
It was then hydraulic tested ( which gave no problems )
Then I had to stamp up each part with the cert,numbers
Then stamp up with the test pressure /working pressure and serial number.
Also I am a coded welder

Paul

PS you can see a picture in MY 7 1/4" Shay in images

[smr779]

Paul,
It's a very large 7.25" gauge loco. The existing design has 91 sq ins of grate area, and I need about 120 sq ins. As it has 3 rows of stays along the side of the firebox, I intend to simply add a fourth, which will give me the extra size I need. Oh yes, and I need to make the barrel a foot longer than designed - but I know that's OK and allowable without a change. It will be a steel boiler for commercial use, to be professionally built. So the design needs approval by a suitable body - I just haven't a clue who that might be, or what it might cost.
Regards
Peter

[alanstepney]

First, decide who you will be insuring it with.
Then contact the insurance company, and they will either appoint a local engineer, or boiler inspector, (or both) or send one of their own guys down to inspect it, perhaps after seeing the drawings and calculations, or send you a list of their "approved people" from which you can select one.

I did the same thing, but that was over 20 years ago, so costs then, even if I remembered them, would be far different to now.

[jgb7573]

The following company (no connection of mine) provide insurance services to the hobby and if they cannot help you then they may be able to point you in the right direction.
www.walkermidgley.co.uk/

[geoffrogers]

hi,
if the boiler is for commercial use then the PED will apply and CE marking may be applicable - depends on the pressure times volume (PV). This would need the involvement of a Notified Body such as Lloyd's Register, RSA, etc.
I currently currently work for LR (but retire in June!) and carryout design verifications for John Rex and Bell Boilers.
If you can let me have some more details I can advise better.
regards
Geoff Rogers

[gilesengineer]

I've done more-or-less exactly what you are talking about. I drew up the boiler I wanted, and then went to see Wayne Bell. He then suggested that it was close enough to the 6" Burrell (a design already approved), and he looked after the alterations to the Burrell design involved by adding a dome and lengthening the firebox.

In short, I got the boiler I wanted (with a teeny bit of compromise - I wanted a 16" barrel, and come a way with a 15") with no hassle, all the approvals, paperwork and CE markings for £4,500.

I can't speak highly enough of Wayne - very good work at a very good price.


Giles

[geoffrogers]

yes, I remember that boiler. Both carry my approval.
Geoff Rogers

[gilesengineer]

Well, Geoff - Thank you very much for your input! From my point of view it was entirely fussless.