STUDY OF THE INSPECTION OF A FLAMOTUBULAR BOILER THROUGH THE CODES ASME AND NR-13

Abstract

Boilers and pressure vessels are widely used in the industrial environment. They require attention from the project to the end of its useful life, regulated by international standards. The objective of this study was to demonstrate some procedures for the inspection of a boiler by analyzing its databook and verify its compliance with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and NR-13 (Regulatory Standard 13), current legislation used in Brazil for the management of these equipments. Sheet metal thickness calculations and MAWP (Maximum Allowable Working Pressure) were performed to establish the minimum safety criteria. The thickness measurement of the plate was performed using an ultrasonic meter. The data obtained evidenced agreement with the current norms for boilers, but in the databook it was verified the absence of the calculation memory used in the project to obtain the minimum thickness of the sheet metal, essential information according to NR-13, for the safe use the equipment. After inspection it was found that the boiler meets the minimum operating conditions according to the calculations made from the available information, and even after 25 years of operation, it has the structural requirements for use in accordance with the ASME project standard.