smallbrother
Elder Statesman
Errors aplenty, progress slow, but progress nonetheless!
Posts: 2,269
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Post by smallbrother on Nov 27, 2011 21:35:43 GMT
Looks like the boiler of my refurbished Simplex will need one of these as the paperwork is 12 years old. An hydraulic test won't do.
As someone who has undertaken many a visual inspection of buildings, excavations, spoil heaps, culverts, mine-shafts etc and put my name and professional standing behind my reports, I am a bit puzzled by this requirement in the case of a loco boiler that has been dormant.
Perhaps I am confused by the fact that this requirement is waived if the boiler has been tested hydraulically and by steam at 4 and 1 year intervals.
Why is a dormant boiler more likely to have a problem? Why can't it be tested on 12 successive days to make up for the missing 12 years? What do the extra tests prove if they are taken every (4) year(s)? Why is it more likely to go wrong in my case? What's the difference?
Am I missing something here?
I have every sympathy for the boiler inspector in this mad age but I am struggling with the logic of this. If every boiler had to be inspected visually every "x" years I could understand it but to say some are ok because they pass another test is flawed in my opinion.
Pete
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Post by alanstepney on Nov 28, 2011 5:10:57 GMT
Just accept the rules as they are, rather than try to change things.
It works, so leave well alone!
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Post by Boadicea on Nov 28, 2011 9:30:56 GMT
I can understand some of your reasoning and I am pleased you were/are willing to stand by the judgements you made/make - something called judgement, sadly, has disappeared from our language. Sadly again, not everything in life is logical. In this case, the procedure has come about with the agreement of those providing insurance. What you point out is not the only anomaly, but as Alan says, it works, stick with it. I think most boiler testers would do a visual at the hydraulic anyway, although probably not with the clothes off so to speak. As demonstrated recently, this subject does generate much heat - nearly enough to fire a boiler!
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smallbrother
Elder Statesman
Errors aplenty, progress slow, but progress nonetheless!
Posts: 2,269
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Post by smallbrother on Nov 28, 2011 19:48:18 GMT
As a matter of interest how old are people's boilers?
The one in my Simplex seems to be 1979. Is that old enough to warrant a change or do they go on for ever?
It has had an unofficial 1.5WP test and was fine by the way.
Pete.
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Post by alanstepney on Nov 28, 2011 21:21:10 GMT
I used to be a boiler inspector and took it very seriously. (In some cases I was more strict than some inspectors, but like any group of people, their approach and attitude varies.) If a boiler that I wasnt familiar with, perhaps new to the club, or of unknown history, came to be tested I always wanted to inspect it to see how well it was made and if stays etc looked sound and hadnt weeped, that there were no through bolts made of brass, etc, and particularly, that the cladding didnt hide some nasty bodges. We have an enviable safety record, but it would only need one failure (I wont use the word "explosion"), that resulted in a serious injury to change that entirely. Imagine, a small piece of metal goes into some childs eye. The consequences dont bear thinking about! So, to me, safety is paramount.
As for age, a well built copper boiler will last well, virtually for ever. I have one (on a Maisie) that I built nearly 50 years ago. It still works and holds pressure. However, I have chosen to condemn it and make a new one as I am not satisfied with the quality of construction. ( I thought it was good when I built it, but with more experience, I dont like it.)
But, it will still pass all the tests, so had I dont a better job at the start, it would still be in use.
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smallbrother
Elder Statesman
Errors aplenty, progress slow, but progress nonetheless!
Posts: 2,269
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Post by smallbrother on Nov 29, 2011 16:06:01 GMT
Would it be useful for the Examiner to take photos of the boiler during the process for a permanent record? Subsequent examiners could see if any work has been done in between.
I am going to take some myself in any case.
Pete.
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pondok
Part of the e-furniture
My 5" gauge SAR class 15F
Posts: 359
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Post by pondok on Nov 29, 2011 16:18:05 GMT
Regarding life span, obviously this is as much a factor of maintenance as good construction - I wonder how many boilers get regular washouts and de-scalings. It seems strange that the inspection process appears to ignore a consistent maintenance regime. No doubt the concientious will get hold of a nifty internal inspection thingy, of the kind doctors use to check the innards. I have done regular de-scalings but would be fascinated to see around the inside of the foundation ring... cheers, andy
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Post by Shawki Shlemon on Nov 30, 2011 8:43:52 GMT
First we have to consider that this is a hobby and the general desire of members is to keep it as a hobby and with minimum regulation . At the same time the safety is of utmost importance , also the cost must be kept as low as possible to keep the hobby alive . members ( boiler owners ) are considered to be responsible people and are expected to take care of their boilers and report to club boiler inspector any incidents . Boiler inspection and testing in the clubs is free , the boiler inspector also needs to enjoy the hobby ( otherwise he/she wouldn't be there ) and not spend all his time in the club tracing /observing/testing and keeping records of all members boilers and what maintenance they did or did not . If this becomes a full time job then members have to pay for the service , so far things have worked fine , I think we should not start advocating more procedures and control , once they come in , they stay and will cost us dearly . I am a boiler inspector and I don't want to spend our running day on boiler work , I do that on working day .On running day I like to play trains like everyone else in the club . Here in OZ, the inspector is entitled to ask for the cladding to be removed for inspection ( does not have to give a reason ) before testing but it is not a common practice . I have been a boiler inspector for over 20 years and have never asked anyone to do so , I would if I suspect the boiler is damaged or faulty .Internal scale is more of a problem to the owner than safe operation . If a person is not responsible enough to operate a boiler , should not have one , here we train new members on operating boilers and driving model trains and issue licenses that are recognized all over Australia .
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Post by Boadicea on Nov 30, 2011 9:30:16 GMT
..... I have done regular de-scalings but would be fascinated to see around the inside of the foundation ring... cheers, andy Andy, unfortunate statement when taken with the previous sentence. ;D
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pondok
Part of the e-furniture
My 5" gauge SAR class 15F
Posts: 359
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Post by pondok on Nov 30, 2011 13:04:15 GMT
harr harr, Bodicea, ok you got me
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