EP18-72-IOMM-2015-7
Fulton Ltd
Page 28
MAINTENANCE - 4
4.4
ELEMENT CARE AND PROTECTION
To protect the element and prolong its life, it is essential that regular inspections are carried out.
The most common causes of element failure are excessive build up of scale and corrosive attack.
Both causes are due to adverse water conditions and reference should be made to
Appendix A -
TI-139-Recommended Water Conditions.
The dangers of scale to the life of the element cannot be overstressed. Scale possesses excellent
insulating qualities and its formation on the element prevents the heat generated by the element
being transferred to the water, causing the element to overheat and burn out. Loose, powdery
formations can be removed with a wire brush. Hard scale may be removed using a chemical
cleaning agent.
Elements, if stored correctly, have an indefinite shelf life. However, problems will arise if they are
stored in damp or humid conditions. Moisture can be absorbed by the insulation as the elements
are fitted with a breathing seal. It is, therefore, a useful precaution to perform an electrical
insulation test on the elements prior to fitting or starting up, following prolonged shut down. If the
reading is low (below 1 megohm), heating in an oven at 300 °C for three hours should restore the
element.
Figure. 13 - Boiler Elements
Boiler heating
elements
