Boiler room standards and regulations
The order of June 23rd, 1978, on the regulation of boiler rooms concerned the implementation of boiler rooms with a power greater than 70 kW (useful) or 85 kW (absorbed), up to 2,000 kW (< 2 MW). The heading 2910 of the order published on August 3rd, 2018, sets the new terms for facilities with rated thermal power less than or equal to 2 MW, lowering the classification threshold to 1 MW ICPE (Installations Classified Environmental Protection) facilities.
Regulation of gas boiler rooms < 1 MW
The technical recommendation ATG C.320. highly recommends gas detection for gas boiler rooms below 1 MW, even if it is not mandatory. As for the fuel supply, a double shut-off (2 gas solenoid valves - according to EN746-2) is advised with the gas detection, controlled by a manual reset solenoid valve at the head of the line.
Regulations for gas boiler rooms > 2 MW
For boiler rooms above 1 MW, the order published on August 3, 2018, on the regulation of boiler rooms regulates the implementation of "large" gas boiler rooms.
Fuel supply:
From Article 2.12: In facilities supplied with gaseous fuels, the cut-off of the gas supply will be ensured by two redundant solenoid gas valves placed in series on the gas supply line. These valves are each controlled by fixed gas detectors and a pressure switch. The entire automatic cut-off chain (detection, signal transmission, closing of the gas supply) is tested periodically. The operating staff identifies the open or closed position of these devices.
Gas detection :
From article 2.15: A gas detection device, triggering an alarm according to a pre-established procedure if the danger thresholds exceed, must be installed in installations using gaseous fuels, operated without permanent supervision, or located underground.
This device must cut off the fuel supply and interrupt the electrical power, except for materials and equipment intended to operate in an explosive atmosphere (ATEX), the low voltage supply, and emergency lighting without this action causes an arc or spark that could trigger an explosion.
Gas calibration & periodic checks:
Regularly monitored, the results of these inspections are recorded in writing. The reliability of the gas detectors follows the requirements of article 2.12. Calibrations are regularly carried out; Any gas detection beyond 60% of the LEL leads to the safety of any installation that might be in contact with the explosive atmosphere.
The requirements of articles 2-12 and 2-15 are applicable to existing facilities before January 1st, 2001!
Since July 2003, two European directives detail the obligations of manufacturers and users regarding the design and use of equipment in hazardous atmospheres.
⇒ See the page gas detection in boiler rooms