Steam Drum Inspection

by Inspector 15 Aug 2012, 03:47

Hi there. I wanted to ask a question about the Inspection of Steam Drums. I would highly appreciate the answers with some industrial experience. 1. Is it necessary to remove the protective magnetite layer from the internal surface of steam drum for each inspection? If not, how often this should be done? 2. How often the removal of internals in a steam drum should be carried out if no significant anomaly is observed during Internal Inspection? Regards, Shahid Razzaq.
Inspector Posts: 4 Joined: 15 Aug 2012, 03:39 Area of interest: Mechanical Engineering T o p

Re: Steam Drum Inspection

by Nabeel Ahmed Qureshi 15 Aug 2012, 09:36

Dear Shahid, There is no need to remove the magnetite layer from the drum. The continuity of the magnetite layer is a good sign and where u find this absent shall be the area of concern for you. Secondly there is no need to remove the internals also unless u find any abnormality/damage, VI of all the welds (tubes to steam drum shell joints), tube ends, internal, Cyclone separaters, Demister condition etc.Perform hydro and hot setting of steam drum PSVs after shop calibration. Regards Nabeel
Nabeel Ahmed Qureshi Core Member

Posts: 215 Joined: 04 Apr 2010, 09:38 Area of interest: Mechanical Engineering T o p

Re: Steam Drum Inspection

by mechcolor 17 Aug 2012, 13:39

I would be quoting as per API 510 and NBIC inspection codes. I haven't seen any publication mentioning the removal of magnetite layer however this remains necessary when you have planned to perform magnetic particle, liquid penetrant inspections for continuous and T welds. Internals should be removed at a set frequency as per laid / agreed upon inspection plans no matter it's steam drum or any other vessel, drum or column. They must be inspected for their health as per drawings and accordingly their inspection frequency be reviewed / revised after each inspection.
mechcolor Senior Member Posts: 411 Joined: 17 May 2010, 18:05 Area of interest: Manufacturing Engineering T o p

Re: Steam Drum Inspection

by Inspector 29 Aug 2012, 11:26

Dea Nabeel, thanks a lot for your reply. @ mechcolor: I'll really appreciate if u can gimme an exact reference out of API or NBIC related to extent or frequency of inspection bcz i wasn't able to find one.
Inspector

Posts: 4 Joined: 15 Aug 2012, 03:39 Area of interest: Mechanical Engineering T o p

Re: Steam Drum Inspection

by irish 03 Sep 2012, 08:50

1. We inspect our steam drums every 2 years due to its high criticality and many years of service. Magnetite layer is romoved from the welds which needs to be inspected. 2. Internals are not always removed and remain on the call of inspector as and when he feels the need of detailed inspection. What I remember, we haven't always felt necessary to remove the internals. They are inspected there and then. There won't be an exact refrence for inspection of steam drum. You may have to see the rules for of unfired pressure vessel inspection in order to seek any help from API or NBIC.
irish Senior Member Posts: 214 Joined: 27 Nov 2010, 09:04 Area of interest: Mechanical Engineering T o p

Re: Steam Drum Inspection

by Inspectengr 20 Sep 2012, 10:43

irish wrote:1. We inspect our steam drums every 2 years due to its high criticality and many

years of service. Magnetite layer is romoved from the welds which needs to be inspected..

Have u find any major observation... during these inspections...?