[34 Pa.B. 6033]
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Annex A
TITLE 34. LABOR AND INDUSTRY
PART I. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY
CHAPTER 3. (Reserved) (Editor's Note: As part of this proposed rulemaking, the Department is proposing to delete the existing text of Chapter 3 which appears at 34 Pa. Code pages 3-1--3-49, serial pages (219751) to (219766), (256837) to (256838), (219769) to (219799).)
§§ 3.1--3.7. (Reserved).
§§ 3.11--3.34. (Reserved).
§§ 3.41--3.68. (Reserved).
§§ 3.71--3.76. (Reserved).
§§ 3.81--3.87. (Reserved).
§ 3.91. (Reserved).
§ 3.101. (Reserved).
§§ 3.111--3.116. (Reserved).
§§ 3.121--3.129. (Reserved).
§§ 3.131--3.136. (Reserved).
§§ 3.141--3.145. (Reserved).
§§ 3.151--3.156. (Reserved).
§§ 3.161. (Reserved).
CHAPTER 3a. BOILER AND UNFIRED PRESSURE VESSEL REGULATIONS
Subchapter A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 3a.l. Definitions. 3a.2. Fees. 3a.3. Scope. 3a.4. Adoption of National standards. 3a.5. Examination for inspector commission. 3a.6. Certificate of competency, commission, credential card and renewal application. 3a.7. Reexamination. 3a.8. Reciprocity. 3a.9. Suspension or revocation of boiler inspection commission.
Subchapter B. REQUIREMENTS FOR BOILERS AND UNFIRED PRESSURE VESSELS
3a.21. Stamping. 3a.22. Other state stamps. 3a.23. Lap seam crack. 3a.24. Boiler controls. 3a.25. Pressure reducing stations. 3a.26. Valves and safety devices. 3a.27. Different working pressures. 3a.28. Blowoff tanks. 3a.29. Discharge outlets. 3a.30. Electric boilers. 3a.31. Forced circulation boilers. 3a.32. Supports. 3a.33. Explosion doors. 3a.34. Ventilation for combustion equipment. 3a.35. Ladders and runways. 3a.36. Clearances. 3a.37. Special design. 3a.38. Commercial beverage dispensing systems. 3a.39. Manufactured parts.
INSTALLATIONS OF POWER BOILERS
3a.51. Compliance with the ASME Code for power boilers.
INSTALLATIONS OF LOW-PRESSURE HEATING BOILERS
3a.61. Compliance with the ASME Code for low-pressure boilers. 3a.62. Registration and installation.
INSTALLATIONS OF UNFIRED PRESSURE VESSELS
3a.71. Compliance with the ASME Code for installations of unfired pressure vessels.
REPAIRS AND ALTERATIONS
3a.81. Major repairs and alterations. 3a.82. Reconstruction and repair. 3a.83. Repairs by welding.
Subchapter C. ADMINISTRATION
3a.91. Certificates of operation. 3a.92. Unsafe operation. 3a.93. Insurance notification. 3a.94. Accident notification. 3a.95. Restamping. 3a.96. Condemnation. 3a.97. Removal from service. 3a.98. Reinstallation. 3a.99. Plan approval. 3a.100. Notice of deficiency. 3a.101. Appeals.
Subchapter D. INSPECTIONS
3a.111. Field inspections. 3a.112. Inspection preparation. 3a.113. Inspection accessibility. 3a.114. Removal of covering for inspection. 3a.115. Hydrostatic pressure test. 3a.116. Inspection during construction. 3a.117. Inspection report.
Subchapter E. BOILERS INSTALLED PRIOR TO JULY 1, 1916, AND UNFIRED PRESSURE VESSELS AND POWER BOILERS INSTALLED PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 1, 1937
3a.131. Allowable working pressure. 3a.132. Fusible plugs. 3a.133. Repair and replacement. 3a.134. Weighted safety valves.
Subchapter F. LOW PRESSURE HEATING BOILERS INSTALLED PRIOR TO JULY 1, 1916
3a.141. Riveted boilers. 3a.142. Welded boilers. 3a.143. Cast iron boilers. 3a.144. Safe pressure. 3a.145. Steam stop valves.
Subchapter G. UNFIRED PRESSURE VESSELS INSTALLED PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 1, 1937
3a.151. Maximum allowable working pressure. 3a.152. Safety appliances. 3a.153. Pipe connections and fittings. 3a.154. Repair and renewal.
Subchapter H. SPECIAL INSTALLATIONS
3a.161. Modular boilers. 3a.162. Portable boilers. 3a.163. Fired coil water heaters and instantaneous water heaters. 3a.164. Storage water heaters. 3a.165. Steam/hot water coil storage water heater. 3a.166. Miniature boilers and kitchen equipment. 3a.167. Hot water/steam heat exchangers. 3a.168. Autoclaves and quick opening vessels. 3a.169. Fuel trains and piping systems. 3a.170. Swimming pool heaters. 3a.171. Locomotive boilers.
Subchapter A. GENERAL PROVISIONS § 3a.l. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
AGA--American Gas Association, 400 North Capital Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 2001.
ANSI--American National Standards Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, New York 10018.
ANSI/NB23--National Board Inspection Code, 2001 edition, issued by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors.
ASME--The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Three Park Avenue, New York, New York, 10016-5990.
ASME Code--''Rules for Construction of Power Boilers,'' 2001 edition and its published cases and interpretations issued by ASME.
ASME B 31.1--''The ASME Code for Pressure Piping,'' 2001 edition issued by ASME.
ASME/CSD1--''Controls and Safety Devices for Automatically Fired Boilers,'' 2002 edition issued by ASME.
Act--The Boiler and Unfired Pressure Vessel Law (35 P. S. §§ 1331.1--1331.19).
Alteration--
(i) A change in the item described on the original manufacturer's data report, which affects the pressure containing capability of the pressure retaining item.
(ii) The term also includes nonphysical changes such as an increase in maximum allowable working pressure or an increase in design temperature of a pressure-retaining item and a reduction in minimum temperature that requires additional mechanical tests.
American Welding Society--The American Welding Society, 550 N.W. Lejenuen Road, Miami, Florida 33126.
BTU--British thermal unit.
Boiler--
(i) A closed vessel in which water is heated, steam is generated, steam is superheated, or any combination of these actions, under pressure or vacuum, for use externally to itself, by the direct application of heat from the combustion of fuels, or from electricity.
(ii) The term includes fired vessels for heating of liquids other than water where these vessels are separate from processing systems and are complete within themselves.
Certificate of competency--A Department certificate issued to an individual who passed the examination prescribed by the Department which grants the individual the authority to inspector boilers and unfired pressure vessels in this Commonwealth.
Code of construction--ASME Code in effect at the time the boiler or unfired pressure vessel was manufactured.
Condemned boiler or unfired pressure vessel--A boiler or unfired pressure vessel which was inspected and declared unsafe or disqualified for use by the Department.
Department--The Department of Labor and Industry of the Commonwealth.
External inspection--An inspection made when a boiler or an unfired pressure vessel is in operation or in condition to be operational.
Fusion welding--The process of welding metals in a molten, or molten and vaporous state, without the application of mechanical pressure of blows.
Heat exchanger--A device having a shell and head, and a method to exchange heat between steam, hot water or any other liquid. This device may be fired or unfired.
IBC--The ''International Building Code 2003'' issued by the ICC.
ICC--International Code Council, 5203 Leesburg Pike, suite 600, Fall Church, Virginia 22041-3401.
IMC--The ''International Mechanical Code 2003'' issued by the ICC.
Industrial Board--The Department's Industrial Board established under sections 445 and 2214 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. §§ 155 and 574) which hears requests for variances, extensions of time, and appeals of Department decisions under the act.
Instantaneous water heater--A vessel in which water is heated as it passes through the vessel. Water is not stored in the vessel.
Internal inspection--An inspection made when a boiler or unfired pressure vessel is shut down and handholes, manholes, or other inspection openings are opened for inspection of the interior of the boiler or unfired pressure vessel.
Inspector--An inspector commissioned by the Department to field-inspect boilers or unfired pressure vessels in this Commonwealth.
Lap seam crack--A crack found in a lap seam, extending parallel to the longitudinal joint and located between or adjacent to rivet holes.
Locomotive boiler--
(i) A boiler mounted on a self-propelled track locomotive and used to furnish motivating power for travel on rails.
(ii) The term does not include locomotive cranes, tractors or other self-propelled apparatus.
Low pressure heating boiler--A steam boiler operated at a pressure not exceeding 15 psig or a hot water heating or hot water supply boiler operating at a pressure not exceeding 160 psig and a temperature not exceeding 250° F.
Miniature boiler--A boiler which is not more than 16 inches inside the diameter of the shell, 5 cubic feet gross volume, excluding casing and insulation; 100 psig maximum allowable working pressure; and, 20 square feet of heating surface.
NEC--The ''National Electric Code, National Fire Protection Association's Standard 70,'' 2002 edition, issued by the NFPA.
NFPA--The National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy Massachusetts 02269.
NFPA 85--The ''Boiler and Combustion System Hazard Code,'' 2001 edition, issued by the NFPA.
National Board--The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors, 1055 Crupper Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43229.
Nonstandard boiler--A boiler which does not bear ASME stamping.
Nonstandard unfired pressure vessel--An unfired pressure vessel which does not bear ASME stamping.
Owner or user--A person, firm, corporation or governmental body owning or operating any boiler or unfired pressure vessel within this Commonwealth.
Psig--Pounds per square inch gauge.
Psi--Pounds per square inch.
Pennsylvania special boiler--A boiler which does not bear standard stamping and bears special Pennsylvania stamping and a Department-approved number.
Pennsylvania special unfired pressure vessel--An unfired pressure vessel which bears special Pennsylvania stamping and a Department-approved number and does not bear standard stamping.
Portable boiler--A boiler which is designed to be moved from location to location and used on a temporary basis.
Power boiler--A closed vessel in which steam or other vapor is generated at a pressure of more than 15 psig by the direct application of heat.
Process boiler--A vessel in which steam is generated or superheated under pressure or vacuum for use external to itself by direct or indirect application of heat. The source of heat may come in part from a process other than the boiler. The boiler is directly tied to another process other than the generation of steam.
R stamp--A National Board designation indicating that a company is authorized to repair boilers and vessels.
R-1 form--National Board report of repair form.
Reinstalled equipment--Equipment removed from its original setting and reinstalled in the same location or a new location without change of ownership.
Repair--The process of restoring a boiler or unfired pressure vessel component or system to a safe and satisfactory condition.
Secondhand boiler--A boiler whose location and ownership have been changed after primary use.
Secondhand unfired pressure vessel--An unfired pressure vessel whose location and ownership have been changed after primary use.
Secretary--The Secretary of the Department.
Standard boiler or unfired pressure vessel--A boiler or an unfired pressure vessel which bears stamping in accordance with this chapter.
Standard Qualification Procedures of the American Welding Society, D1.1--The ''Structure Welding Code, Steel 2002'' issued by the American Welding Society.
Steam coil vessel--A vessel that stores hot water that contains an internal steam coil with controls used to heat hot water.
Storage water heater--A fired or an electrically heated vessel for storing or furnishing hot water supply.
Unfired pressure vessel--A vessel in which pressure is obtained from an external source or from an indirect application of heat.
Unfired steam boiler--An unfired pressure vessel which generates steam for power or heat to be used externally to itself.
VR stamp--A National Board designation that a company is authorized to repair and set safety relief valves.
§ 3a.2. Fees.
(a) The Department will charge commission, certificate of operation and inspection fees in accordance with section 613-A of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 240.13A).
(b) The following fees apply to unfired pressures vessels and boilers:
(1) Certificate of operation:
(i) Unfired pressure vessels $44 (ii) Boilers $22 (2) Internal inspection of power boilers, high pressure, high temperature water boilers and miniature boilers: (i) Boilers of 50 square feet of heating surface or less $22 (ii) Boilers over 50 square feet of heating surface and less than 4,000 square feet of heating surface $36 (iii) Boilers over 4,000 square feet of heating sur-face or more and less than 10,000 square feet of heating surface $51 (iv) Boilers over 10,000 square feet of heating surface $58 (v) Miniature boilers $15 (3) External inspection of power boilers, high pressure and high temperature water boilers: (i) Boilers of 50 square feet of heating surface or less $15 (ii) Boilers over 50 square feet of heating surface $22 (4) Not more than $50 plus the annual certificate fee shall be collected for any and all inspections for boilers covered paragraphs (2) and (3) in any 1 year. (5) Internal or external inspection of low pressure boilers: (i) Heating boilers without a manhole $18 (ii) Heating boilers with a manhole $22 (iii) Hot water supply boilers $15 (iv) Not more than $50 plus the annual certificate fee shall be collected for any and all inspections as above of any low pressure boiler in any required inspection period. (6) Internal or external inspection of pressure vessels: (i) Each pressure vessel subject to inspection hav-ing a cross sectional area of 50 square feet or less $15 (ii) Each additional 100 square feet of area in excess of 50 square feet $15 (iii) Not more than $75 shall be paid for each inspection on any one vessel. (iv) A group of pressure vessels operating as a single machine or unit shall be considered one pressure vessel. Not more than $75 plus the annual certificate fee shall be collected for any and all inspections as above of any pressure vessel in any required inspection period, except in cases where the vessel is moved. (7) Plan approval: (i) Complete mechanical room drawings-boilers and other vessels $73 (ii) High pressure boilers $29 (iii) Low pressure boilers $29 (8) Boiler inspectors commissions: (i) Inspection's examination fee $44 (ii) Certificate of competency and commission fee $22 (iii) New credential card fee (annual) $15 (9) Hydrostatic test (witnessed) $22 (10) Onsite consultation fee per hour $29 (11) Inspection of repair fee $15 (12) ASME and National Board ''R'' Stamp Shop survey fees: (i) Full day $726 (ii) Half day $363 (13) Copy of Department's regulations $7 (14) Acceptance of boilers and pressure vessels not originally destined for use within the Common-wealth $726 (c) Industrial Board variance request. $100 § 3a.3. Scope.
(a) This chapter applies to:
(1) The boiler and the pipe connections up to and including the stop valve or valves nearest the boiler as required by the ASME Code and Power Piping, B31.1. Superheaters, reheaters, economizers and other pressure parts connected directly to the boiler without intervening valves will be considered as parts of the boiler and their construction must conform to ASME Code and Power Piping, B31.1 requirements.
(2) Unfired pressure vessels and hot water storage vessels.
(b) Boilers installed before July 1, 1916, and unfired pressure vessels and power boilers installed before September 1, 1937, must comply with §§ 3a.131--3a.154 (relating to boilers installed prior to July 1, 1916 and unfired pressure vessels and power boilers installed prior to September 1, 1937).
(c) Heat exchangers must comply with § 3a.167 (relating to hot water/steam heat exchangers) when the heat exchanger operates at 16 psi or greater, and has 5 cubic feet of volume not allowing for channel or tube nest displacements.
(d) This chapter does not apply to:
(1) Piping between the reheater connections and the turbine or other prime mover.
(2) Boilers and unfired pressure vessels regulated under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C.A. §§ 2011--2297h-13).
(3) Boilers and unfired pressure vessels owned or operated by the Federal Government.
(3) Boilers located on farms, except in sales areas which are accessible to the public.
(4) Boilers located in single-family dwellings and multi-unit dwellings with four or less units.
(5) Storage water heaters and instantaneous water heaters if all the following limitations are not exceeded:
(i) A heat input of 200,000 BTUs /hr (58.6 kW).
(ii) A water temperature of 210° F (99°C).
(iii) A nominal water-containing capacity of 120 gallons (454 L).
(6) Unfired pressure vessels used for the transportation of compressed gases that are operated in compliance with specifications and regulations of the United States Department of Transportation (49 CFR Part 173 (relating to shippers general requirements for shipments and packaging)).
(7) Air tanks located on vehicles operating under other Commonwealth agency regulations or rules and used for carrying passengers or freight.
(8) Air tanks installed on the right-of-way of railroads and used directly in the operation of switches and signals and under Federal or other Commonwealth agency jurisdiction.
(9) Vessels having an internal or external operating pressure of no more than 15 psi with no limitation on size when equipped with approved safety devices.
(10) Unfired pressure vessels designed to ASME Code section VIII, Division 1 which meet one of the following specifications:
(i) 5 cubic feet (0.14m3) in volume and 250 psi (1720 kPa) design pressure.
(ii) 3 cubic feet (0.08m3) in volume and 350 psi (2410 kPa) design pressure.
(iii) 1.5 cubic feet (0.04m3) in volume and 600 psi (4140 kPa) design pressure.
(iv) Vessels having an inside diameter, width, height or cross section diagonal not exceeding 6 inches (152 mm), with no limitation on length of vessel or pressure.
(11) Unfired pressure vessels with a nominal water-containing capacity of up to 120 gallons containing water under pressure. These vessels include unfired pressure vessels that contain air, which is trapped in the system and where the compression air serves only as a cushion.
(12) Filters and softeners with a nominal water containing capacity of 120 gallons or less and pressures not exceeding 100 psi at ambient temperature.
(13) Air conditioner heat exchangers (chillers) with a design pressure not more than 300 psi and a water temperature not more than 210° F.
(14) Coil-type hot water boilers which meet the requirements of ASME Code, Section I, paragraph, PG 2.3.
§ 3a.4. Adoption of National standards.
The Department adopts and incorporates by reference the following codes:
(1) ANSI/NB23.
(2) ASME Code.
(3) ASME Code published cases and interpretations that have been approved by the Industrial Board.
(4) ASME B 31.1.
(5) ASME/CSD1.
(6) National Electric Code, NFPA 70.
(7) NFPA 85.
§ 3a.5. Examination for inspector commission.
(a) The Department will conduct National Board examinations four times a year at a location determined by the Department.
(1) An applicant for examination as a boiler inspector shall meet the National Board rules and regulations, and its education and experience requirements.
(2) When the applicant successfully passes the National Board examination, the Department will issue a certificate of competency so the National Board Commission may be issued
(b) The Department will conduct a Pennsylvania certificate of competency examination based on the act, this chapter and the ASME Codes. An applicant shall pass the examination with a grade of 70% or more before conducting inspections of boiler and unfired pressure vessels in this Commonwealth.
(1) The National Board application must be used to apply for a Pennsylvania certificate of competency.
(2) An applicant for the certificate of competency examination shall meet one of the following education and experience requirements:
(i) A 4-year degree in mechanical or chemical engineering and 1 year experience in the design, construction, inspection or repair of boiler or pressure vessels.
(ii) A 2-year degree in mechanical or chemical engineering and 2 years experience in the design, construction, inspection or repair of boilers or pressure vessels.
(iii) A high school diploma, or Graduate Equivalent Development (GED) and 3 years experience as a high-pressure boiler operator in charge or 3 years experience in the construction, repair, inspection of high-pressure boilers or vessels.
§ 3a.6. Certificate of competency, commission, credential card and renewal application.
(a) The Department will issue a certificate of competency, credential card and commission to an applicant who passes an examination for inspector, meets the requirements of this part and pays the required fee under § 3a.2 (relating to fees).
(b) An inspector shall renew a certificate of competency and obtain a new credential card each year to continue to act as an inspector. The inspector shall complete and submit a Department-provided renewal application and pay the required fee under § 3a.2 to renew the commission.
§ 3a.7. Reexamination.
(a) An applicant may take the examination for inspector three times in a 1-year period without submitting a new application and fee.
(b) An applicant may take the examination a fourth time within a 1-year period if the applicant fails to obtain a passing grade by submitting a new application and the required fee under § 3a.2 (relating to fees).
§ 3a.8. Reciprocity.
(a) The Department may grant a reciprocal commission to an applicant who meets one of the following requirements:
(1) The applicant holds a current National Board Commission in good standing.
(2) The applicant is currently employed by another state or an insurance company in good standing if the applicant passes a written Department-administered examination on the act.
(b) An applicant for reciprocal commission shall submit a completed Department-provided application form, a copy of the inspector's National Board commission and the required fee under § 3a.2 (relating to fees) to the Department.
§ 3a.9. Suspension or revocation of boiler inspection commission.
(a) General. The Department may suspend or revoke a boiler inspector's commission for due cause under section 11(d) of the act (34 P. S. § 1331.11(d)). Due cause includes the following:
(1) Practicing fraud or deceit or making untrue representations in obtaining a commission.
(2) Failure to remit the required commission fee under § 3a.2 (relating to fees).
(3) Violating a provision of the act or this chapter.
(4) Incompetence or gross negligence while acting as a boiler inspector.
(5) Acting in a manner presenting a danger to public health and safety.
(6) Having a commission or any other authorization to engage in the business of boiler inspection revoked or suspended or having other disciplinary action taken, surrendering a commission or other authorization in lieu of discipline, or having an application for a commission or authorization to engage in the business of boiler inspection refused or denied by the National Board, the proper authority of another state or Federal district, territory, insular possession of the United States or Canada.
(7) Engaging in fraud, deceit or other act of moral turpitude while acting as a boiler inspector.
(8) Failure to enforce the act or this chapter.
(9) Engaging in boiler inspection activities without a current commission issued by the Department.
(10) Pleading guilty, entering a plea of nolo contendere, being found guilty, receiving probation without verdict, disposition in lieu of trial or an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition for any felony or for any other crime relating to boiler inspection in the courts of this Commonwealth, a Federal court, a court of any other state, territory or insular possession of the United States or a court of Canada.
(b) Notice and hearing. Actions of the Department relating to suspension or revocation under this section will be taken subject to the right of notice, hearing and adjudication in accordance with 2 Pa.C.S. (relating to administrative law and procedure). All suspension and revocation proceedings will be conducted under 1 Pa. Code Part II (relating to the General Rules of Administrative Practice and Procedure).
(c) Procedure for suspension or revocation.
(1) The Department will serve the boiler inspector with an order to show cause under 1 Pa. Code § 35.14 (relating to orders to show cause). The order to show cause will contain notification that the certification may be subject to action and the grounds for the action. The order to show cause will require that the boiler inspector respond in writing within 30 days after the date of service of the order. The Department will also serve a copy of the order to show cause upon the boiler inspector's current employer, if any.
(2) The boiler inspector shall file an answer in writing to the allegations set forth in the order to show cause in accordance with 1 Pa. Code § 35.37 (relating to answers to orders to show cause). If made, answers must be filed with the Department at the appropriate address within 30 days after the date of service of the order to show cause. Failure to file an answer will result in the entry of a default judgment against the inspector.
(3) At the request of any of the parties, the Department will hold a hearing on the matter. The Secretary will designate a presiding officer to preside at the hearing and to issue a proposed report under 1 Pa. Code §§ 35.201--35.207 (relating to proposed reports). The Secretary may delegate final authority to the hearing examiner.
(4) The presiding officer will have the power to conduct hearings under 1 Pa. Code §§ 35.185--35.190 (relating to presiding officers). The presiding officer will issue a proposed report that must be served upon counsel of record or to the parties in the hearing. The presiding officer will transmit the proposed report and the certified record to the Secretary within 15-days after issuance of the proposed report.
(5) A participant desiring to appeal to the Secretary shall, within 30 days after the service of a copy of the proposed report, file exceptions to the proposed report under 1 Pa. Code § 35.211 (relating to procedure to except to proposed report). A response may be filed within 20 days to the exceptions.
(6) The Secretary or a designee will issue a final order under 1 Pa. Code § 35.226 (relating to final orders).
(d) The Department may not reinstate a commission that was revoked under this section unless ordered to do so by a court of competent jurisdiction. The Department will order the surrender of the commission documents following an order of revocation or suspension.
(e) Subsection (c) supplements 1 Pa. Code §§ 35.14, 35.37, 35.185--35.190 35.201--35.207, 35.211 and 35.226.
Subchapter B. REQUIREMENTS FOR BOILERS AND UNFIRED PRESSURE VESSELS § 3a.21. Stamping.
(a) A boiler and unfired pressure vessel destined for use in this Commonwealth must be built to the applicable ASME code of construction or meet the requirements of section 7 of the act (35 P. S. § 1331.7).
(b) A boiler and unfired pressure vessel built to the ASME Code must be stamped with the appropriate ASME symbol, the manufacturer's information in accordance with stamping requirements of the code of construction, and its National Board registration number. The stamping may be applied to a nameplate in accordance with the code of construction.
(c) National Board registration and stamping requirements do not apply to cast iron boilers, which are constructed under ASME Code provisions and do not require final inspection by a National Board inspector.
(d) A new boiler or unfired pressure vessel installed in this Commonwealth must be stamped with an identifying serial number consisting of the keystone symbol and figures, which may not be less than 5/16 inches in height and arranged as follows:
(e) A boiler or unfired pressure vessel that is not built to the ASME Code may be stamped with a Pennsylvania special number if it meets the requirements of section 7(b) of the act.
(f) The Department may accept a boiler or unfired pressure vessel with a registration number from another state for use in this Commonwealth if a National Board inspector inspected and approved the boiler or unfired pressure vessel during construction.
(g) Stamping required under this section must be exposed at all times and may not be concealed by paint or lagging.
§ 3a.22. Other state stamps.
A boiler or unfired pressure vessel stamped with the ASME symbol and another state stamp may be installed and operated if a National Board inspector witnessed its construction and the shop data report is provided to the Department with a completed Department-provided intent to install form.
§ 3a.23. Lap seam crack.
The shell or drum of a boiler or unfired pressure vessel containing a lap seam crack along a longitudinal riveted joint shall be immediately taken out of service. Repairs may not be made without Department approval.
§ 3a.24. Boiler controls.
(a) The installation of boiler controls must comply with ASME CSD 1 and NFPA 85.
(b) The maintenance and inspection of boilers must comply with ANSI/NB 23.
§ 3a.25. Pressure reducing stations.
(a) The installation of pressure reducing stations must comply with ASME B 31.1.
(b) Hand-controlled bypasses around reducing valves may be used if the bypass has no greater capacity than the reducing valve. Hand control bypasses may be used around reducing valves at greater capacity than the reducing valve if the system or unfired pressure vessel has adequate relief or safety valve protection, or meets the requirements of the high pressure system.
(c) A pressure gauge must be installed on the low-pressure side of a reducing station.
§ 3a.26. Valves and safety devices.
(a) A boiler or unfired pressure vessel may not be placed in service unless it complies with § 3a.152 (relating to safety appliances).
(b) A company or organization holding a Department-issued certificate of authorization to reset and reseal safety valves and relief valves or a current VR stamp is required to reset and reseal safety valves and relief valves.
(c) A company or organization holding a current VR stamp is required to repair safety valves and relief valves.
(d) A safety valve or relief valve may not be loaded to maintain a working pressure in excess of the maximum working pressure stated on the boiler or unfired pressure vessel's certificate of operation.
(e) Additional or supplemental safety or relief valves installed on a boiler or unfired pressure vessel, may exceed maximum working pressure if the valves comply with the applicable code of construction or this chapter.
§ 3a.27. Different working pressures.
(a) At least one safety valve on each boiler must be set at or below the maximum allowable working pressure. All other valves may be set within a range of 3.0% above the maximum allowable working pressure. The range of setting of all of the saturated steam valves on the boiler may not exceed 10% of the saturated steam valve set at the highest pressure.
(b) When a boiler system is comprised of boilers with different maximum allowable working pressures having minimum safety valve settings varying more than 6 % and connected so that steam flows toward the lower pressure boiler, the boiler system must meet one of the following requirements:
(1) A check valve must be installed in the steam line to protect the lower pressure boilers.
(2) Additional safety valves on the low-pressure side of the boiler system must protect lower pressure boilers and meet the following requirements:
(i) The additional safety valve capacity must be based on the maximum amount of steam that can flow into the low-pressure system.
(ii) Additional safety valves must have at least one valve set at a pressure that is not greater than the lowest maximum allowable pressure.
(iii) Other valves must be set within a range of not more than 3% above the lowest allowable pressure.
§ 3a.28. Blowoff tanks.
(a) Blowoff piping from a power boiler or a miniature boiler may not discharge directly into a sewer. A blowoff tank will be used if conditions do not provide an adequate and safe open discharge.
(b) ASME Section VIII, Division l governs the construction of metal blowoff tanks.
(c) The cross sectional area of the outlet from blowoff tanks must be twice the area of the inlet. The outlet pipe must be located to drain the blowoff tank to within 8-inches of the bottom of the tank.
(d) A vent pipe comprised of at least four times the area of the inlet pipe must lead to the outer atmosphere.
(e) Vents must lead as directly as possible to the outer air and discharge in a safe location. There may be no valve or other obstructions such as water pockets between the tank and the discharge end of the vent pipe.
(f) Pipe connections between the boiler blowoff valves and the tank must be as direct as possible and conform to the ASME Code.
(g) A manhole or an access opening must be installed for cleaning the tank.
(h) A blowoff tank that is not vented as required in this section must meet one of the following requirements:
(1) Constructed to withstand pressure equal to the pressure allowed on its attached boiler.
(2) Equipped with a safety valve or valves of sufficient capacity to prevent the pressure from exceeding the safe working pressure of the tank.
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