Laying Up a Boiler by the Dry Method

Dry lay-up should be used when a boiler is scheduled to be out of service for a long period of time or when a boiler is in danger of freezing. The first step is to clean both firesides and watersides of the boiler thoroughly. After cleaning the boiler, the watersides must be completely dried, because any moisture remaining on the surface will cause corrosion. Take precautions to preclude entry of moisture in any form from steam lines, feed lines, or surrounding air.

Place a moisture-absorbing material, such as quicklime, in the boiler at a rate of 2 pounds, or silica gel at the rate of 5 pounds, for 30 cubic feet of boiler volume. Place the chemical-absorbing material in trays and insert it in the drums or manholes. Air carries moisture; ensure that you close all of the manholes and handholes. This method requires checking the moisture-absorbing material every 3 months.

One method of dry lay-up for a large utility type of boiler is to simply feed nitrogen through the boiler vents while draining the boiler. With this method, maintain nitrogen pressure at 5 psig during the storage period.

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