Sec. 09.12.01.20. Power Boiler — Existing Installation: Age Limit

A. Nonstandard Construction.

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this regulation, the age limit of a boiler of nonstandard construction installed before the Act became effective shall be 30 years.

(2) A boiler of nonstandard construction installed before the Act became effective, not having a lap-riveted longitudinal joint, may continue to operate for more than 30 years without reduction in working pressure after a:

(a) Thorough internal and external inspection; and

(b) Hydrostatic pressure test at 1-1/2 times the allowable working pressure, held for a period of at least 30 minutes, during which no distress or leakage develops.

(3) A boiler having a lap-riveted longitudinal joint, which operates at a pressure greater than 50 PSI, has an age limit of 20 years.

(4) The chief boiler inspector may authorize a reasonable time for replacement, not to exceed 1 year.

B. Standard Construction.

(1) The age limit of a boiler of standard construction installed before July 1, 1969 shall be determined by a:

(a) Thorough internal and external inspection; and

(b) Hydrostatic pressure test conducted at 1-1/2 times the maximum allowable working pressure, with water temperature between 70°F and 140°F and not less than the nil ductility temperature of the material.

(2) A boiler that exhibits no distress or leakage under test conditions may continue in operation at the same working pressure.

C. The shell or drum of a boiler having a lap-seam crack along a longitudinal riveted joint in either a butt seam or a lap joint may not be used under steam pressure.