According to ASME code, how often should boiler blowdown occur if no water analysis is made?

Regular blowdown of a boiler is crucial for maintaining safe and efficient operation. According to the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) code, if no water analysis is made, a blowdown should occur every 24 hours. This practice helps in the removal of accumulated sediments and dissolved solids from the boiler water, which, if left unchecked, can lead to scale buildup, corrosion, and ultimately reduce the efficiency of the boiler.

While more frequent blowdowns can be beneficial in certain scenarios, the 24-hour interval is established to ensure adequate maintenance routines while preventing excessive water loss and operating costs. This interval strikes a balance between effective cleaning and operational efficiency, particularly when water quality testing is not performed.

The other intervals, like every 12 hours, may result in unnecessary loss of water and energy, while longer intervals such as every 48 hours or weekly could lead to issues with water quality, potentially compromising the integrity and efficiency of the boiler system. Therefore, the 24-hour blowdown requirement set forth by ASME code serves to promote safe operation and longevity of boiler equipment.