Locomotive Boiler Rule Changes Proposed

[John Deck]

Just saw this on another board. Thought everyone would be interested.

From Trains Newswire, December 17, 2009:


CHAMA, N.M. — The organization that sets standards for the engineering community plans to develop criteria for the construction of new steam locomotive boilers.
Because more new steam locomotive boilers are being built, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers has asked the locomotive boiler subgroup of another prestigious professional organization, the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors, for input. That group, in turn, is seeking initial public comment about the construction of new locomotive boilers of either riveted or welded construction. The formal announcement, with contact data, follows:

A new Part for inclusion in Section I, covering construction of new steam locomotive boilers is to be considered by the Code Committee of American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ASME has asked the National Board Inspection Code Committee, Subgroup on Locomotive Boilers to begin the drafting process. The Subgroup needs your input. To initiate a first draft, prior to ASME's formal process, we need the first series of comments and suggestions by Jan 31, 2010. Comments must be exclusive to new construction of locomotive boilers, either riveted or welded (both types of construction will be treated in the new Part). Also this mandate does not include miniature boilers as defined in ASME Boiler Code, Section I, Part PMB. Please email comments and suggestions to train@valornet.com or mail them to:
TRAIN
P. O. Box 1245
Chama, NM 87520-1245.

Once a draft is submitted formally under ASME procedures, the new Part will be published, and there will be opportunity for public comment.

The address is that of Dan Ranger who is part of TRAIN the tourist railroad organization.

[Mark L. Jordan]

This is actually a good thing, and needs to be done. I've sat in on a meeting of the subgroup, and can tell you that the folks involved are professionals from the steam railroad community, and they will do as good a job as can be done. No need to worry, but feel free to voice your input if needed.

An example of why this is needed:

The old ASME Locomotive Code is Section III, which has been redone as the Nuclear Code. Locomotive boilers now fall into Section I (Power Boiler Code). One glitch which was brought up several years ago is that Section I requires a stop valve be installed outside the boiler in the main steam supply pipe as it leaves the boiler. Most locomotive boilers will not meet this requirement, as they only have an internal (not outside the boiler) throttle valve located in the steam dome.

[AndyG]

What code are locomotive boilers built to now? Why does the A$ME need to get involved in them?

[Mark L. Jordan]

TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION

CHAPTER II--FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION

PART 230--STEAM LOCOMOTIVE INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS--Table of Contents

Subpart B--Boilers and Appurtenances

Sec. 230.29 Inspection and repair.

(a) Responsibility. The steam locomotive owner and/or operator shall
inspect and repair all steam locomotive boilers and appurtenances under
their control. They shall immediately remove from service any boiler
that has developed cracks in the barrel. The steam locomotive owner and/
or operator shall also remove the boiler from service whenever either of
them, or the FRA inspector, considers it necessary due to other defects.
(b) Repair standards. (1) All defects disclosed by inspection shall
be repaired in accordance with accepted industry standards--which may
include established railroad practices, or NBIC or API established
standards--before the steam locomotive is returned to service. The steam
locomotive owner and/or operator shall not return the steam locomotive
boiler or appurtenances to service unless they are in good condition and
safe and suitable for service.
(2) Any welding to unstayed portions of the boiler made pursuant to
Sec. 230.33 shall be made in accordance with an accepted national
standard for boiler repairs. The steam locomotive owner and/or operator
shall not return the steam locomotive boiler or appurtenances to service
unless they are in good condition and safe and suitable for service.

[Mark L. Jordan]

The FRA governs steam locomotives and their boilers. The FRA is really big on ACCEPTED STANDARDS. Thus, if a boiler is replaced, a national accepted standard is needed. Enter ASME.

[Pete Deets]

One side note, Mark. The FRA governs only those locomotive boilers used on common carrier railroads. There are some places that do not fit the definition of a railroad and come under the governance of the local jurisdiction.....PD

[Mark L. Jordan]

Pete,

True. We're one of those jurisdictions that has a 24" gauge lokie. There was a full size loco overseen by the Commonwealth of Kentucky until it's "retirement" and current restoration to FRA standards and planned use on FRA governed trackage. Previously I was involved with this loco and railroad before taking my current job.

Thanks,
Mark

[Rob Bryce]

Is there any reason why the old ASME Section III (locomotives) isn't being considered for riveted construction?

[Kelly Anderson]

Is there any reason why the old ASME Section III (locomotives) isn't being considered for riveted construction?

I'll try to answer your question with one of my own.

Who says it isn't? They may slide the '52 code into the new locomotive code with no changes. Since the committee hasn't even met yet, I doubt they have reached a consensus on any issues.

Second, I've never heard of anyone seriously contemplating building a new locomotive boiler using riveted construction, except in specific areas such as attaching the mud ring. Locomotive work is expensive enough without choosing the most expensive option.

[Rob Bryce]

Thanks Kelly,

The reason why I ask is although the ASME loco code is similar to the power boilers code, there are some important differences w/r to coefficients in the (same) equations. That in itself could lead to "interesting" discussions.

--Rob

[Kelly Anderson]

That in itself could lead to "interesting" discussions.

No doubt about that.