Steaming Manhole

Boiler inspections are necessary in order to find out the
effectiveness of the boiler water chemical treatment. It
is also useful to detect any faults or potential weakness
in the steel structures, plates and shells so that accidents
can be avoided.

However, even entering the boiler for inspection can be a
safety hazard if you are not careful!

Firstly, the heat, and the remaining steam. It is better
to cool the boiler sufficiently before entry. However,
sometimes, inspections have to be done in a hurry. Perhaps
there is a schedule to be followed, or the steam supply
cannot be stopped for a long time. Or perhaps it is very
important to find out the condition of the boiler as soon
as possible.

Let's say the boiler is still warm. There isn't sufficient
time to cool it. The thick insulation materials wrapped
around the boiler do their function well - containing the
heat. And you are given the task to open up the manholes
for inspection.

If there is a manhole at the top of the boiler and one at
the bottom, which one would you open first?

Think about it! Hot air rises. Heat travels in convection
currents. If you were to open the bottom manhole first and
the top manhole later, you will create a channel for the
flow of hot air. Hot air from the remaining steam will rise
up very quickly and overwhelm you if you are at the top
manhole.

So always, open the top manhole first, followed by the
bottom manhole. When the hot convectional current flow,
you will be at the bottom and not be harmed.

Think safety!

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