Why Boiler Inspections are Necessary
In the early days of industrial boilers, as far back as the late 1800s, thousands of people died each year in boiler explosions. With modern technological advancements, we have been able to build better boilers and reduce the number of catastrophic failures (explosions) and the number of injuries and fatalities they cause. Every year, however, there are still hundreds of industrial boilers that fail in the US alone, causing explosions that result in the deaths of hundreds of people. These "catastrophic failures" have been a risk since the 1800's, and the solutions we have been able to develop, (like stronger steel, better welding techniques, internal and external protective coatings and electrical elements instead of open flames) can prolong the lifespan of our modern pressure vessels, but your best defense is still a good offense.
Having regular inspections is the best way to ensure that your boiler is still up to code, that the walls are not corroding from the inside, that the tank isn't filling up with sediment from Arizona's hard water, and that all of the welds are capable of holding pressure.
Averting Disaster
While boilers haven't changed much in the last 200 years, our inspections have made huge strides with the introduction of modern technology. When necessary, we can coordinate in-depth nondestructive testing which are able to harness the power of magnetism, ultrasonic waves, fluorescent dyes and other highly technical tools which is capable to look into and through the steel walls and welds of your boiler, locate weak spots, recommend repairs or replacements and eliminatethe risk of costly and deadly catastrophic failures (explosions).
Required by Law
Just because inspections have transitioned from a State agency to the private sector, does not mean inspections are not important or not required by law. The State will still be watching you to be sure that you are receiving your inspections as before, and the penalties the state imposed in the past will still be applied by them now for boilers and pressure vessels that go uninspected, including potentially shutting down your business.
ABI can help you stay safe and even remind you when it is time for another inspection. You will not have to stop work to accommodate us. We can be in and out without interrupting your company's workflow, and when we leave, you will have the peace of mind that you and your team are safe.
