Posted by Jim Clark on December 08, 2001 at 07:07:35:
I have 2 Cleaver Brooks 800HP firetubes that put out about 28,000 lbs/hr at 150 lbs. Had one on manual low fire and one swinging with load. Total flow was 16,000lbs/hr when sight glass on one began leaking. Sight glass isolation valve leaks by slightly so plan was to bring boiler down and make necessary repairs. No emergency since load not expected to spike any higher than 21,000 lbs/hr for the next few days at least. Impatient boss wanted me to hurry cooldown by having me vent at 75 lbs. Knowing I would have to throttle vent valve to prevent water spew, I refused to vent primarily to prevent a cut valve. Plus I have never been a big fan of cooling down faster than normal recommended manufacturers guidelines unless an emergency required me to do so.
Needless to say I got my butt chewed out. He went ahead and vented, resulting in a cut valve. He has now had a second valve installed on top of the cut one. One for throttling and the other for a stop.
My question is, can anyone give me any more reasons than a cut valve as a reason not to continue this practice?