The malfunction and breakdown of marine boilers are not new issues although it is well known that only a very thin layer of oil on the surface of the boiler tubes can cause local overheating and possible damage to the boiler. Gard has recently seen a number of claims involving boiler damage caused by the presence of oil in the boiler feedwater system. In several cases, where a minor oil leakage has been discovered by the crew, the boiler has been blown down from the bottom instead of surface blowing resulting in a boiler totally covered with oil. During cleaning after repairs, the oil has not been properly removed from the boiler or from the feedwater piping system which again has led to cracks and an associated loss of integrity in high heat transfer areas.
Many of the reported incidents have led to expensive and time consuming repairs including cleaning of the feed water system and renewal of the boiler tubes. The purpose of this circular is therefore to remind shipowners and operators of the importance of proper boiler operation and maintenance, and to highlight the relevant control measures for preventing, and where necessary handling, oil leakages into the feedwater system.
See attached file: Gard Updates LPC 02-13 Oil contamination of marine boilers.pdf
船用锅炉油污事故
船用锅炉出现故障和失灵的情况已屡见不鲜。众所周知，即使是一层极薄的油层浮于锅炉管表面，也会导致锅炉局部过热，甚至受损。近来，Gard已见证了数起因锅炉给水系统表层有浮油而导致锅炉损坏的索赔案。在一些案例中，尽管船员在油污初期已发现问题，但由于锅炉是从底部而非表层排污，最终仍导致整个锅炉被油污污染。在对锅炉进行维修和清理期间，由于未能正确地将油污从锅炉或给水管道系统中清理干净，油污又进一步导致锅炉的高热传导区出现裂缝，锅炉的完整性因此也受到破坏。
在众多被报道的锅炉油污事故中，大多需要对锅炉进行维修，包括清理给水系统和更换锅炉管道等，这些维修往往既费钱又耗时。本通函旨在提醒船东和船舶经营人对锅炉进行恰当操作及保养的重要性，并强调防止油污进入给水系统的预防措施，以及给水系统被油污污染后必要的处理方案。
详细信息请参阅附件。
