Order of the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation No. 511 of 14 May 2025
Unofficial translation. Only the Russian original published in the official sources of the Russian Federation has legal force. This translation is provided for reference and does not replace the official document.
1. These Rules establish mandatory requirements for the safe operation (hereinafter - operation) of heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations and the buildings, premises, structures and equipment forming part of them (hereinafter - heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations), including requirements for the training of workers to perform labour functions in the field of heat supply associated with the operation of heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations and for confirming the readiness of workers to perform such labour functions, as well as requirements for the dispatch control of heat supply systems, the maintenance of the water-chemical regime in heat supply systems, and the commissioning works of heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations (hereinafter - mandatory requirements).
2. These Rules are mandatory for the operation of the following heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations forming part of heat supply systems with steam and (or) water heat carriers: 1) steam and hot-water boiler houses, including built-in, attached and roof-top ones, with the exception of boiler houses or boilers forming part of a single technological process of the production and consumption of thermal energy and (or) heat carrier solely for production purposes; 2) sources of thermal energy operating in the combined generation mode of electrical and thermal energy without connection to the Unified Energy System of Russia <1> or to technologically isolated territorial electric power systems; -------------------------- <1> The fourth sub-paragraph of Article 3 of Federal Law No. 35-FZ of 26 March 2003 "On the Electric Power Industry". 3) sources of thermal energy operating in the combined generation mode of electrical and thermal energy <2>, in respect of the requirements for: -------------------------- <2> Paragraphs 3 and 25 of Article 2 of Federal Law No. 190-FZ of 27 July 2010 "On Heat Supply". the dispatch control of heat supply systems; the quality indicators of network and make-up water; the operation of hot-water accumulator tanks; the operation of station heat-supply pipelines and heat networks; 4) heat networks, including hot water supply pipelines; 5) heat points of all types and inlet units; 6) heat-consuming installations of heat supply systems, with the exception of installations the operation of which is carried out as part of a single technological process of the production and consumption of thermal energy and (or) heat carrier at industrial enterprises; 7) heat supply systems.
3. These Rules are mandatory for compliance by all organisations regardless of their form of ownership and departmental affiliation, by individual entrepreneurs and natural persons operating heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations, and also by those performing works (services) associated with their servicing, diagnostics, repair, technical re-equipment, reconstruction, mothballing, adjustment and testing.
4. In respect of hazardous production facilities, the requirements of these Rules apply only to the extent of the requirements not provided for by the legislation of the Russian Federation on industrial safety.
5. The operation of heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations shall include the performance, by the persons listed in paragraph 3 of these Rules who carry out operation (hereinafter - operating organisations), of the following functions arising from the technological processes of the production, transmission and consumption of thermal energy and heat carrier: 1) commissioning and decommissioning; 2) use for the intended purpose; 3) dispatch control of heat supply systems; 4) monitoring and adjustment by heat supplying and heat network organisations of heat supply regimes; 5) monitoring and adjustment, by organisations operating heat-consuming installations, of the regimes of consumption of thermal energy and (or) heat carrier; 6) monitoring by heat supplying and heat network organisations of the regimes of consumption of thermal energy (or) heat carrier, the issuing to consumers of notifications of violations of the regimes of consumption of thermal energy and (or) heat carrier, and consulting assistance in adjusting these regimes; 7) operational monitoring; 8) determination of the technical condition of heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations (hereinafter - technical diagnostics); 9) technical examination, tests, trials, operational measurements of the parameters and indicators of operating regimes, survey of the technical condition, and inspection (visual and measuring) of equipment and systems; 10) ensuring the service life, including protection against corrosion; 11) maintenance and repair; 12) mothballing; 13) keeping documentation and ensuring its accessibility for personnel and its safekeeping.
6. The head of the operating organisation (structural subdivision) shall ensure: 1) the development and approval of a regulation on the technical policy of the organisation, including one containing requirements: for the materials and equipment purchased and used, in respect of their characteristics and quality; for the methods of technical diagnostics; for the methods of ensuring the service life; for the methods and scope of operational monitoring; for information systems and automated control systems; for the development and application in the organisation of measured parameters and calculated indicators characterising the operation of heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations; for the quality of work of the operating personnel; and for ensuring the safety, reliability and efficiency of the operation of heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations and the efficiency of the work of the organisation's personnel; 2) the development and approval of a list of documentation of the operating organisation, including the composition and forms of that documentation; 3) the equipping of workplaces with technological diagrams and technical documentation, approved instructions for the operation of heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations (hereinafter - operating instructions) and job descriptions, and regulations on the subdivisions of the operating organisation; 4) the development and approval of a procedure for organising and carrying out rounds and inspections of workplaces, including the determination of a list of workplaces, the composition of operational and (or) operating documentation at each workplace, the persons carrying out the rounds and inspections, the frequency of rounds and inspections, route maps of rounds and inspections of each workplace, informing the responsible persons of the violations and deviations identified, and the development of actions for their elimination; 5) the development and approval of a procedure for organising and carrying out the maintenance and repair of heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations, including requirements for the technological cards for performing maintenance and current repair (including technical diagnostics), the frequency of maintenance and current repair, the maximum permissible frequency of medium and capital repair, the scope of application of repair according to technical condition, and the procedure for checking the quality of maintenance and repair; 6) the development and approval of a regulation on metrological support; 7) the transfer to the federal state energy supervision bodies of data for the recording of the objects of monitoring, of information on compliance with mandatory requirements, and on the fulfilment of the orders of the federal state energy supervision bodies; 8) the recording and analysis of technological violations in the operation of heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations and of industrial accidents, and the taking of measures to prevent the accident rate and injury rate; 9) the organisation of the investigation of the causes of emergency situations in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation on heat supply; 10) the development and approval of a list of documents for checking knowledge of these Rules, the job descriptions and operating instructions, and the documents of the operating organisation necessary for the performance by workers of their job duties; 11) the readiness of the personnel of the operating organisation to perform their functional duties in accordance with the requirements of these Rules and professional standards, by defining, in the regulations on subdivisions and the job descriptions of the heads of the organisation and subdivisions, their duties and powers for carrying out work with personnel, and the exercise of personal control over the completeness and effectiveness of the work with personnel.
7. By an organisational and administrative document of the operating organisation, a person or persons responsible for the sound condition and safe operation of heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations (hereinafter - the person responsible for the sound condition and safe operation) shall be appointed, the heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations assigned to them and the boundaries of the operational responsibility of these persons shall be defined, together with the procedure for their interaction and the persons deputising for them. The person responsible for the sound condition and safe operation shall, within the limits of their powers, ensure: 1) the approval of schedules for checking knowledge of these Rules and of the documents included in the list of documents for checking the knowledge of the personnel of the operating organisation; 2) the monitoring of the condition of the heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations assigned to them, including their inspection at the frequency established in the operating instructions and the recording of the inspection results in the operational log; 3) the performance by personnel of the mandatory requirements and operating instructions; 4) carrying out the technical examination, technical diagnostics, maintenance, repair, adjustment and testing of the heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations assigned to them; 5) the monitoring of the quality of repair of the heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations assigned to them; 6) the operation of equipment operating under excess pressure with serviceable, adjusted and sealed safety devices (valves) provided for by the design documentation and the technical documentation of the manufacturer; 7) the entry of records of the technical diagnostics, tests, repairs, modernisation and reconstruction performed into the documentation containing technical information, the main operating parameters of the equipment, and the characteristics of buildings, structures and chimneys (hereinafter - the data sheet of the equipment, buildings, structures and chimney); 8) the entry of information on the technical examination performed into the documentation containing technical information and the main operating parameters of equipment operating under pressure (hereinafter - the data sheet of equipment operating under excess pressure); 9) carrying out emergency-response training; 10) the organisation of the performance, on the equipment assigned to them, of the actions the need for which arises from the identification of technological violations and (or) the occurrence of accidents.
8. During the operation of heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations, rounds and inspections of workplaces, including at night-time, shall be carried out in accordance with the procedure for organising and carrying out rounds and inspections of workplaces approved by the head of the operating organisation (structural subdivision).
9. The procedure for organising and carrying out rounds and inspections of workplaces shall contain provisions for checking: 1) the performance by personnel of the requirements of the job descriptions and operating instructions; 2) compliance by personnel with the procedure for the handover and acceptance of shifts and with production and labour discipline; 3) the availability and keeping of the operational documentation provided for in paragraph 114 of these Rules; 4) the performance of high-risk work under a permit to work; 5) the maintenance by personnel of labour hygiene at the workplace; 6) the serviceability and availability at workplaces of safety appliances and protective equipment.
10. The results of the round and inspection of workplaces shall be entered in the operational logs within 1 working day from the day of completion of the round and (or) inspection.
11. The operating organisation shall carry out monitoring of the presence and rate of progress of the process of external and internal corrosion of the heating surfaces of boilers, the pipelines of the heat network and other equipment of heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations.
12. The standard (minimum) scope of works for the maintenance and current repair of heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations is established by the technical head of the operating organisation (structural subdivision) in the technological cards for performing maintenance and current repair, which are developed in accordance with the procedure for organising and carrying out the maintenance and repair of heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations, the technical documentation of the manufacturers, and operating experience and conditions.
13. Information on the performance of maintenance and current repair and on their results shall be entered in the log provided for in the list of technical documentation of the operating organisation within 1 working day from the day of completion of such repairs. The scope of works for the medium and capital repair of heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations is established by the technical head of the operating organisation (structural subdivision).
14. The acceptance of heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations from repair is carried out: 1) after current repair - by the person (persons) responsible for the sound condition and safe operation; 2) after the medium repair of heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations assigned to the person responsible for the sound condition and safe operation - by that responsible person; 3) after the medium repair of heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations within the boundaries of responsibility of two or more persons responsible for the sound condition and safe operation, and also after their capital repair - by the technical head of the operating organisation (structural subdivision) or by a commission appointed by them.
15. The results of the acceptance of heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations after repair are formalised by acts, with the attachment of defect lists and protocols of testing and adjustment (where these have been carried out).
16. Equipment of heat supply facilities operating under excess pressure shall, during the period of operation, undergo technical examinations, which include a set of works to determine the actual condition of the equipment and its operability. The procedure for carrying out the technical examination is determined by these Rules, and the scope of the works performed - by the operating instructions. The operation of heat supply facilities shall be prohibited after the expiry of the period for the next technical examination or after the identification of defects threatening a breach of safe operation, and also in the absence or unserviceability of protection elements.
17. Operating organisations shall carry out periodic and extraordinary technical examinations. The technical examination of equipment operating under excess pressure shall be carried out by the person responsible for the sound condition and safe operation of that equipment. The technical examination of equipment operating under excess pressure shall consist of external and internal inspections (visual and measuring) and a hydraulic test for the strength and tightness of that equipment. During the technical examination, other methods and means of non-destructive testing of the technical condition may be applied. During the technical examination, the external and internal inspection and the hydraulic test for strength and tightness may be replaced by methods of non-destructive testing of the technical condition, provided this is not prohibited by the technical documentation of the manufacturer.
18. The external and internal inspection of equipment operating under excess pressure is carried out in accessible places for the purpose of identifying: 1) cracks, tears, deformations (bulges, buckles, dents) and surface defects; 2) corrosion; 3) breaches of the tightness and strength of welded, riveted and rolled joints; 4) damage to the lining that may cause impermissible heating of the equipment elements.
19. At the request of the person responsible for the sound condition and safe operation, the refractory lining, the lining and the insulation shall be removed if there are signs indicating the possible presence beneath them of defects affecting the safety of equipment operating under excess pressure. After the elimination of the defect, the refractory lining, the lining and the insulation shall be restored.
20. The hydraulic test for the strength and tightness of equipment operating under excess pressure shall be carried out for the purpose of identifying defects of the equipment and its elements and the tightness of their joints. For hydraulic tests for strength and tightness, water with a temperature of not below 5 degrees Celsius (hereinafter - °C) and not above 40 °C shall be used.
21. The water pressure during the hydraulic test shall be controlled by not fewer than two pressure gauges. Both pressure gauges are selected to be of the same type and measuring limit, of the same accuracy class (not lower than 1.5) and of the same scale division value.
22. Equipment and its elements in which, during the hydraulic test for strength and tightness, defects have been identified that did not allow the holding time at the test pressure to be ensured in accordance with the requirements of these Rules shall, after the elimination of these defects, undergo repeat hydraulic tests at the test pressure.
23. If, during the technical examination, it is established that equipment operating under excess pressure is, owing to existing defects or violations, in a condition dangerous for its further operation, then the continued operation of this equipment shall be prohibited.
24. The decision on decommissioning is taken in the following cases: 1) a reduction in the wall thickness of the equipment as a result of corrosive or erosive wear beyond the minimum value established by the strength calculation; 2) the presence on the heated elements of the equipment of deposits leading to overheating and burn-out of the metal of the elements, the thickness of which exceeds the permissible value established by the technical documentation of the equipment manufacturers (the identification of this defect is carried out during inspections of the equipment, and its presence may also be indirectly indicated by an increase in the hydraulic resistance in the equipment path and a decrease in the temperature of the working medium at the equipment outlet owing to a deterioration of heat exchange); 3) the presence of cracks of all kinds and directions (fatigue, thermal, corrosion), and also of other operational defects in the base metal and in the welded, rolled, riveted and detachable joints of the equipment, the magnitude of which exceeds the values established in the design documentation and (or) the technical documentation of the equipment manufacturers; 4) the presence of damage to the lining of the equipment that may cause a danger of overheating of the metal of its elements and also creates a threat of injury to the operating personnel, including through cracks and the complete or partial destruction (collapse) of the lining of the boiler furnace, the fireproof lining (gunite) and the refractory lining of the heated elements of the equipment; 5) the presence of damage (including cracks, deformations) to the supporting metal structures (frame) of the equipment that affects their load-bearing capacity.
25. The actual operability during the technical examination of equipment operating under excess pressure shall, depending on the type and nature of the defects, be established in accordance with the instructions of the operating manual (instruction) of the manufacturer. The results of the technical examination of equipment operating under excess pressure, the permitted working pressure and the date of the next technical examination shall be recorded in the data sheets of this equipment by the person responsible for the sound condition and safe operation. In the case of an extraordinary technical examination, the data sheets of the equipment shall indicate the reasons that gave rise to the need for such an examination.
26. Based on the results of the hydraulic tests for strength and tightness, an act shall be drawn up, approved by the technical head of the operating organisation (structural subdivision), which reflects the conditions under which the tests were carried out and the defects identified.
27. The extension of the service life of equipment that has worked out the service life established in the technical documentation of the manufacturer or the design documentation shall be carried out by the technical head of the operating organisation (structural subdivision) on the basis of the results of the technical diagnostics of the equipment. In the absence of information on the service life in the technical documentation of the manufacturer or the design documentation, it is established by the technical head of the operating organisation (structural subdivision) on the basis of the service lives of analogous (similar) equipment.
28. The operating organisation shall determine and maintain a stock of materials, shut-off valves, spare parts and mechanisation means for performing urgent unscheduled (emergency) repair works. The scope and time limits for replenishing the stock are determined by the head of the operating organisation (structural subdivision).
29. In the event of a break in use for a period of not less than six consecutive months, and also during storage, equipment shall be protected against corrosion and mechanical and other impacts for the period of temporary inactivity (hereinafter - mothballing) or storage. The decision on the mothballing of equipment is taken by the technical head of the operating organisation (structural subdivision) and is formalised by an organisational and administrative document. The choice of the mothballing method is carried out by the technical head of the operating organisation (structural subdivision) on the basis of the technical documentation of the manufacturers, the duration of the storage or temporary non-use of the equipment, and the characteristics of the external environment. The procedure for carrying out the preparatory works, the mothballing, the observation during the mothballing period and the unmothballing is established in the mothballing programme approved by the technical head of the operating organisation (structural subdivision). The operating organisation shall keep and store data sheets for heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations. The list of data sheets and their form are approved by an organisational and administrative document of the operating organisation (structural subdivision).
30. The data sheets shall contain, among other things, information on: 1) the location, purpose, composition and characteristics; 2) the date of commissioning; 3) the automated systems for control and monitoring of the technical condition and the results of their primary and periodic tests; 4) changes in the design and (or) technical characteristics; 5) the service life (resource) established by the manufacturer and (or) assigned on the basis of the assessment of the technical condition; 6) the person responsible for the sound condition and safe operation, the number and date of the organisational and administrative document on their appointment, and on the appointment of a deputising person for the period of their absence; 7) the repairs and tests carried out; 8) the results of the technical examinations of equipment operating under excess pressure.
31. In the event of the loss, mislaying or impossibility of further use owing to wear of a data sheet, it shall be restored. Data sheets may be kept and stored using technical means allowing the storage and display of information in electronic form.
32. In the operating organisation, in the procedure determined by the head of the operating organisation (structural subdivision), the design and operating documentation shall be stored, including: 1) the approved design documentation with the changes made to it; 2) the as-built technical documentation, including the drawings and diagrams provided for by the legislation of the Russian Federation on town-planning activity; 3) the acts of acceptance of works and of testing of the equipment of the heat supply facility and (or) heat-consuming installation, established by the requirements of the Rules for issuing permits for the admission to operation of energy-receiving installations of electrical energy consumers, electrical energy production facilities, electric grid facilities, and heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations, approved by Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 85 of 30 January 2021 (in accordance with paragraph 4 of Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 85 of 30 January 2021, this act is valid until 1 January 2027); 4) the technical documentation of the equipment manufacturers and drawings; 5) the technical reports on the regime-adjustment tests carried out; 6) the lists of optimal values of parameters and regime requirements for safe operation, compiled on the basis of the results of the regime-adjustment tests of heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations (hereinafter - regime cards); 7) the operating and repair documentation, acts of testing, adjustment and flushing, and logs containing information on inspections, surveys and defects.
33. Documentation may be kept and stored using technical means allowing the storage and display of information in electronic form. The procedure for the transition to the keeping and storage of documentation in electronic form is determined by the head of the operating organisation (structural subdivision). Upon a change of the operating organisation, the organisation that ceases the operation of heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations shall transfer all the documentation that is kept and stored in accordance with the requirements of these Rules to the new operating organisation <3>. -------------------------- <3> Part 8 of Article 55.25 of the Town-Planning Code of the Russian Federation. At the workplaces of the operational personnel of the operating organisation, operational documentation shall be kept, the list of and requirements for the keeping of which are established by an organisational and administrative document of the operating organisation on the basis of the requirements of these Rules.
34. On each unit of equipment, a plate shall be provided or an inscription applied indicating the number of the equipment according to the numbering system adopted in the operating organisation. On each boiler, pump, vessel and tank, as well as other equipment specified in the operating instructions, there shall be a plate indicating technical information. The list of technical information is determined in the operating instructions. The numbering of the equipment shall be identical to the numbering in the technological diagrams and operating instructions.
35. In operating organisations, operating instructions regulating the performance of works and operations at heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations shall be developed and approved by the technical head of the operating organisation (structural subdivision). The list of operating instructions is determined in the list of documentation of the operating organisation. The operating instructions shall be drawn up in compliance with the requirements of the design documentation, the technical documentation of the manufacturers, and these Rules.
36. The operating instructions shall contain, among other things: 1) the purpose of the instruction and a list of positions for which knowledge of the instruction is mandatory; 2) a technical description and the parameters of the equipment; 3) the criteria of a safe condition and safe operating regimes, determined by the technical documentation of the manufacturers and (or) the design documentation; 4) the procedure for preparation for start-up, carrying out the start-up, and shutdown during operation and in the event of malfunctions in operation, including the procedure for bringing into operation the standby equipment that is kept permanently ready; 5) the cases in which the equipment, heat supply facility and (or) heat-consuming installation shall be immediately stopped (disconnected) by the action of protection devices or by personnel; 6) the procedure for maintenance and for admission to inspection, repair, testing and technical diagnostics, and instructions on repair; 7) the frequency of bringing into operation the equipment held in reserve; 8) the procedure and frequency for checking the alarm, protection and interlock devices and systems; 9) a list of the readings of the control and measuring instruments that shall be entered in the daily record; 10) the procedure for notifying personnel, the heads of the operating organisation (structural subdivision) and the emergency services; 11) a list of possible malfunctions and measures for their elimination; 12) a list of the documents used in drawing up the instruction; 13) the cases in which the start-up of the equipment and the performance of individual operations during its operation shall not be permitted.
37. Personnel shall know the operating instructions and be familiarised with them against signature. The operating instructions shall be stored at the workplace of the personnel on a paper medium or using technical means allowing the storage and display of information in electronic form.
38. The operating instructions shall be reviewed and re-approved not less frequently than once every 3 years.
39. In operating organisations, instructions for the prevention and elimination of emergency situations shall be developed and approved by the technical head of the operating organisation (structural subdivision), including: 1) a list of possible emergency situations; 2) the procedure for actions to prevent the development of emergency situations; 3) the procedure for the actions of personnel in the event of their occurrence and (or) the danger of the operating parameters going beyond the permissible values.
40. Personnel shall know the instructions for the prevention and elimination of emergency situations and shall be familiarised with them against signature. The instructions for the prevention and elimination of emergency situations shall be kept at the personnel's workplace on paper or on technical means that allow the storage and display of information in electronic form.
41. All changes to heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations made in the course of operation, including the algorithms of the control means, shall be recorded in the operating instructions, process flow diagrams and drawings before the heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations begin to operate. Changes to the design or composition of the equipment, or to the process flow diagram of its operation, shall be carried out on the basis of the design documentation or amendments thereto in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation on urban development activities.
42. The process flow diagrams are placed in the premises of the heat supply facility and (or) heat-consuming installation, and the diagrams of the heat networks are placed at the source (sources) of thermal energy of the given heat supply system (in the premises of the on-duty personnel of each thermal energy source) and in the premises of the dispatching service of the heat network. The diagrams may be placed on technical means that allow the storage and display of information in electronic form.
43. Personnel for whom knowledge of the operating instructions and process flow diagrams is mandatory shall be familiarised, against signature, with the changes made to them on familiarisation sheets, which form an integral part of the operating instructions. Organisations operating heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations shall prepare these facilities and installations for operation during the heating period to meet the requirements for ensuring readiness for the heating period provided for by the legislation of the Russian Federation in the field of heat supply.
44. The head of the operating organisation (structural subdivision) shall ensure the development and approval of regulations on metrological assurance, which include: 1) the procedure for organising the operation of measuring instruments and other equipment used for the purposes of metrological assurance; 2) the establishment of the metrological characteristics of the measuring instruments used; 3) the procedure for organising and carrying out metrological control; 4) requirements for compiling and maintaining a list of measurements carried out outside the scope of state regulation of ensuring the uniformity of measurements, and for maintaining and implementing schedules for the voluntary verification and (or) calibration of the relevant measuring instruments, including the reference standards (calibrators) used for the voluntary verification and (or) calibration of measuring instruments carried out by the operating organisation's own resources; 5) requirements for carrying out the voluntary verification and (or) calibration of measuring instruments.
45. By an organisational and administrative document of the operating organisation (structural subdivision), the person(s) responsible for the metrological assurance of the operating organisation (structural subdivision) shall be appointed.
46. The person responsible for the metrological assurance of the operating organisation shall, within the limits of their powers, ensure: fulfilment of the requirements determined by the regulations on the metrological assurance of the operating organisation; control over the technical condition of the assigned measuring instruments; compliance with the schedules for the verification and (or) calibration of measuring instruments; compliance with the requirements of the legislation of the Russian Federation on ensuring the uniformity of measurements.
47. During operation, monitoring shall be carried out of the presence, on the dials of the pressure gauges installed on boilers and vessels operating under excess pressure, of a red line or of a plate (bracket) attached to the body of the pressure gauge in place of the red line, made of metal or other material of sufficient strength, painted red and fitting tightly against the glass of the pressure gauge, marked at the graduation corresponding to: in a vessel - the permitted working pressure therein; in a boiler - the permitted working pressure therein.
48. Applying the red line onto the glass with paint shall be prohibited.
49. The pressure gauge shall be installed so that its readings are visible to the servicing personnel, with the dial of the pressure gauge being positioned in a vertical plane or inclined forward by up to 30 degrees. The working pressure limit shall be within the second third of the pressure gauge dial, and its relative reading error shall not exceed 2.5 per cent.
50. The operation of heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations shall be carried out by personnel of the operating organisation who have passed the knowledge assessment of these Rules and who have education corresponding to their positions and qualification requirements.
51. The required qualification level of the personnel of the operating organisation is determined by the head of the operating organisation, with the qualification level indicated in the approved regulations on the structural subdivisions and services of the organisation and (or) in the job instructions of the employees.
52. For the purposes of organising and carrying out work with the personnel operating heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations, the personnel of the operating organisation is divided into the following categories: senior employees of the operating organisation; heads of structural subdivisions; managerial personnel and specialists; operational managers; operational personnel; dispatching personnel; operational and repair personnel; repair personnel.
53. The assignment of employees to a specific personnel category is determined in the job instructions.
54. For individual employees of the operating organisation, the following mandatory forms of work with personnel shall be established: 1) for senior employees of the operating organisation, heads of structural subdivisions, managerial personnel and specialists: labour protection training and assessment of knowledge of labour protection requirements in accordance with the requirements of the labour legislation of the Russian Federation; assessment of knowledge of the documents included in the list of documents for knowledge assessment; 2) for operational managers, operational personnel, dispatching personnel and operational and repair personnel: labour protection training and assessment of knowledge of labour protection requirements in accordance with the requirements of the labour legislation of the Russian Federation, as well as training at the workplace for the practical mastery of work skills, carried out during the preparation of personnel for a new position (hereinafter - the traineeship); assessment of knowledge of the documents included in the list of documents for knowledge assessment; performance by the employee of functional duties under the supervision of the person responsible for the employee's preparation (hereinafter - understudy training); special training; production briefing; emergency response drills; 3) for repair personnel: labour protection training and assessment of knowledge of labour protection requirements in accordance with the requirements of the labour legislation of the Russian Federation, as well as the traineeship; assessment of knowledge to the extent of the requirements of the qualification characteristics.
55. The traineeship is carried out prior to the knowledge assessment in accordance with programmes developed for each position and workplace and approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision), and is formalised by an organisational and administrative document of the operating organisation (structural subdivision), which indicates the duration of the traineeship and the employee under whose guidance the traineeship is conducted. The duration of the traineeship is established individually, depending on the level of vocational education, work experience and occupation (position) of the trainee, and shall be not less than 2 shifts and not more than 180 shifts.
56. The head of the operating organisation (structural subdivision) may exempt an employee who has at least 3 years of work experience in their speciality and who is transferring to another workplace from the obligation to undergo the traineeship, if the nature of their work and the type of equipment on which they previously worked does not change.
57. During the traineeship, the employee shall: 1) master the practical application at the workplace of the requirements of these Rules; 2) study the diagrams and documents knowledge of which is mandatory for work in the given position (occupation), in accordance with the list of documents for knowledge assessment specified in sub-clause 10 of paragraph 6 of these Rules; 3) practise orientation at their workplace; 4) acquire the necessary practical skills in performing production operations.
58. The knowledge assessment is divided into initial, regular and extraordinary.
59. The initial assessment of knowledge of the documents knowledge of which is mandatory for work in the given position (occupation), in accordance with the list of documents for knowledge assessment specified in sub-clause 10 of paragraph 6 of these Rules, is carried out for employees taking up for the first time work connected with the operation of heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations, as well as where there has been a break in the knowledge assessment of more than 3 years.
60. The regular assessment of the knowledge of operational managers, operational, dispatching, operational and repair, and repair personnel who take direct part in the operation of the process equipment of heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations, in its repair, adjustment, regulation and testing, as well as of the persons responsible for the sound condition and safe operation and the persons deputising for them, is carried out at least once a year. The regular assessment of the knowledge of the other categories of the organisation's employees is carried out at least once every 5 years. The knowledge assessment is carried out in accordance with the approved knowledge assessment schedules.
61. The employee being assessed shall be familiarised, against signature, with the knowledge assessment schedule and with the list of documents knowledge of which is mandatory for work in the given position (occupation), in accordance with the list of documents for knowledge assessment specified in sub-clause 10 of paragraph 6 of these Rules. Before the regular knowledge assessment, preliminary preparation of the employees is carried out. The preliminary preparation may be carried out by the employees independently, at specialised educational organisations or at the place of work.
62. The person responsible for the sound condition and safe operation and the person deputising for them, and the members of the operating organisation's knowledge assessment commission shall undergo the assessment of knowledge of these Rules at the federal executive authority empowered to exercise federal state energy supervision (hereinafter - the federal state energy supervision authority). The knowledge assessment of individual members of the operating organisation's knowledge assessment commission responsible for the sound condition and safe operation and of the persons deputising for them may be carried out by the operating organisation's knowledge assessment commission, provided that the chairperson and at least two members of this commission have passed the knowledge assessment in the commission of the federal state energy supervision authority. The personnel of the operating organisation for whom the knowledge assessment is mandatory undergo it in the operating organisation's knowledge assessment commission.
63. If the employee being assessed has failed to give a correct answer to more than 3 out of 10 questions of the commission for the assessment of knowledge of these Rules, the employee shall be given an overall knowledge grade of "unsatisfactory".
64. An extraordinary knowledge assessment of employees, regardless of the time of the previous assessment, is carried out: 1) by decision of the head of the organisation (structural subdivision) upon the entry into force of regulatory legal acts of the Russian Federation knowledge of which is mandatory for the employee, in which case the knowledge assessment is carried out in respect of the newly adopted acts and documents; 2) upon the transfer of an employee to a new position or to a new workplace, to another subdivision, if the new duties or equipment require additional knowledge of the norms and rules and operating conditions; 3) upon the commissioning of new equipment and a change in the technological processes that require additional knowledge; 4) by decision of the head of the operating organisation (structural subdivision) upon the establishment of facts of violations by the employee of mandatory requirements, including those identified during supervisory activities by the federal state energy supervision authorities; 5) on the conclusion of the commissions that investigated emergency situations and (or) occupational accidents at the operating organisation during the operation of heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations; 6) in the event of an unsatisfactory grade at the regular knowledge assessment; 7) upon a break in work in the position held (workplace) of more than 6 months.
65. Where heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations operate on a seasonal basis with their shutdown for a period of more than 6 months, the duration of the break in work after which an extraordinary knowledge assessment of the employees is required is taken to be equal to the duration of such seasonal shutdown.
66. The regular knowledge assessment is carried out in accordance with the knowledge assessment schedule approved by the head of the operating organisation (structural subdivision). The extraordinary knowledge assessment is carried out in connection with the transfer of an employee to a new position or workplace, in which case the schedule for the regular knowledge assessment for such an employee remains unchanged. The extraordinary knowledge assessment is initiated by the person heading the commission for investigating the causes of an emergency situation and (or) occupational accidents during the operation of heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations, as well as by the official exercising state energy supervision, based on the results of supervisory activities carried out by the federal state energy supervision authorities during which violations were identified that were caused by employees' deviation from the requirements of the documents specified in sub-clause 10 of paragraph 6 of these Rules.
67. The requirements for the scope and procedure for conducting the extraordinary knowledge assessment are determined jointly by the person initiating it and the chairperson of the operating organisation's knowledge assessment commission.
68. The operating organisation's knowledge assessment commission is created by an organisational and administrative document of that organisation and comprises at least five persons, including the chairperson and the deputy chairperson of the commission. In the structural subdivisions, the head of the operating organisation may create commissions for the assessment of the knowledge of the employees of those structural subdivisions. The members of the knowledge assessment commissions of the structural subdivisions shall undergo such assessment in the operating organisation's knowledge assessment commission. When the knowledge assessment is carried out, at least three members of the operating organisation's knowledge assessment commission shall be present, including the mandatory presence of the chairperson (deputy chairperson) of the commission. The knowledge assessment of each employee of the operating organisation shall be carried out individually.
69. The knowledge assessment of the employees of an operating organisation whose number does not allow a knowledge assessment commission to be formed shall be carried out in the commission of the federal state energy supervision authorities.
70. The results of the knowledge assessment of an employee of the operating organisation are recorded in the knowledge assessment log and are signed by all members of the operating organisation's commission who took part in the knowledge assessment.
71. The knowledge assessment certificate of an employee of the operating organisation is drawn up and issued by that operating organisation. For personnel who have successfully passed the knowledge assessment, a note is made in the knowledge assessment certificate.
72. For an employee being assessed who has received an unsatisfactory grade, a re-taking of the knowledge assessment is scheduled within a period not later than 1 month from the date of the previous assessment.
73. The knowledge assessment log shall contain: 1) the name of the organisation's log; 2) the personal data of the person being assessed - surname, first name, patronymic (if any), position, length of service in the specified position; 3) the date of the previous assessment and the knowledge grade; 4) the date and reason for the knowledge assessment; 5) the results of the knowledge assessment and the conclusion of the commission; 6) the signature of the person being assessed; 7) the date of the next assessment; 8) the surnames, initials, positions and signatures of the chairperson of the commission and the members of the commission.
74. The knowledge assessment certificate shall contain: 1) the name and number of the certificate; 2) the name of the organisation; 3) the personal data of the person being assessed - surname, first name, patronymic (if any), position; 4) information on admission to work; 5) the date of issue of the certificate; 6) the surname, initials and signature of the head of the organisation; 7) the results of the knowledge assessment (the date of the assessment, the reasons for the assessment, the knowledge grade, the date of the next assessment, the signature of the chairperson of the commission); 8) information on the right to carry out special work (the date, the name of the work, the signature of the chairperson of the commission).
75. The knowledge assessment certificate, with a record of the knowledge assessment results, shall be kept by the employee while performing their official duties (labour functions) and shall be presented at the request of the officials of the operating organisation and the officials of the federal state energy supervision authority.
76. The validity period of a previously issued knowledge assessment certificate for an employee who has received an unsatisfactory grade may be extended by the head of the operating organisation (structural subdivision) until the date set by the operating organisation's knowledge assessment commission for the re-taking, provided that the employee has not been temporarily suspended from work on the operation of heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations on the basis of a decision of the operating organisation's knowledge assessment commission.
77. An employee who has received an unsatisfactory grade at the re-taking of the knowledge assessment shall not be permitted to work on the operation of heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations.
78. Understudy training is carried out during the preparation of employees for independent work and after a break in work of more than 6 months.
79. Where heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations operate on a seasonal basis with their shutdown for a period of more than 6 months, the duration of the break in work after which understudy training of employees is required is taken to be equal to the duration of such seasonal shutdown. Admission to understudy training is formalised by an organisational and administrative document of the operating organisation (structural subdivision), which indicates the duration of the understudy training and the employee under whose guidance the understudy training is conducted. Understudy training is carried out in accordance with a programme approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision). After a break in work, the understudy training programme need not be developed.
80. The duration of understudy training is established individually depending on the level of vocational education, work experience and occupation (position) of the employee of the operating organisation.
81. The duration of understudy training shall be: at least 12 working shifts when preparing for a new position; at least 1 working shift after a break in work of more than 6 months.
82. The subdivisions of the operating organisation, as well as the dispatching services with which operational interaction is carried out, shall be notified of the admission of operational managers and dispatching personnel to understudy training. While undergoing understudy training, an employee admitted to understudy training at the workplace may carry out operational switching, inspections and other work only with the permission and under the supervision of the employee under whose guidance the understudy training is conducted. During the period of understudy training when preparing for a new position, the employee shall take part in emergency response drills in accordance with paragraph 98 of these Rules. The number of drills and their subject matter shall be determined in the understudy training programme.
83. If, during the understudy training, the employee has not acquired sufficient production skills or has received an unsatisfactory grade in an emergency response drill, the extension of their understudy training and the conduct of additional drills is permitted. If, during the period of understudy training, the professional unsuitability of the employee for this activity is established, they shall not be permitted to undertake independent work.
84. Before being admitted to independent work, the personnel of the operating organisation, upon being hired or upon transferring to other work (position, workplace) connected with the operation and repair of heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations, as well as upon a break in work in their speciality of more than 6 months, undergo preparation for the new position in accordance with individual preparation programmes approved by the head of the operating organisation (structural subdivision). The individual preparation programme determines the period for familiarisation with the heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations, the equipment, the technical documentation and the process flow diagrams. Where heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations operate on a seasonal basis with their shutdown for a period of more than 6 months, the duration of the break in work after which preparation of employees for the new position is required is taken to be equal to the duration of such seasonal shutdown.
85. If an employee requires, for the performance of the work in the position held or at the workplace, knowledge obtained at vocational educational institutions, then the employee being hired or transferred to another position or workplace may perform this work independently after training at vocational educational institutions.
86. The admission of employees to independent work connected with the operation and repair of heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations, after the completion of briefings, the knowledge assessment and, where necessary, the traineeship and (or) understudy training, is formalised by an organisational and administrative document of the operating organisation (structural subdivision).
87. In the operating organisation, special training of personnel shall be carried out at least once every 3 months. The scope of special training of personnel includes: the study of reviews of occupational accidents, emergency situations, accidents and incidents that have occurred in the field of heat supply; the analysis of impermissible deviations of the parameters of technological processes and of the operation of equipment that have taken place at the operating organisation; the analysis of the results of the walk-rounds and inspections of workplaces carried out and of the results of the monitoring of the operation of the equipment; familiarisation with the specifics of the operating technologies of new equipment applied for the first time. The list of additional topics for special training is determined by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision). The results of special training are entered in the log specified in the list of technical documentation of the operating organisation.
88. The production briefing is divided into scheduled and unscheduled. The procedure for conducting the production briefing is determined by the production briefing programme approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision).
89. The production briefing shall comply with the operating and job instructions and does not include matters regulated by the labour legislation of the Russian Federation. Scheduled production briefings shall be carried out monthly. A scheduled production briefing may be carried out during the special training of personnel.
90. The scheduled production briefing programme shall be developed (updated) annually. The scope of the scheduled production briefing programme shall include: matters of the current operation of heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations and of the means of dispatching and process control; the features and operating modes of the equipment during the periods of its start-up, normal operation, shutdown and conservation; technological matters of managing heat supply modes.
91. An unscheduled production briefing shall be carried out: upon the entry into force of new instructions and (or) technical documents or the introduction of changes to the existing documents of the operating organisation on the matters specified in paragraph 90 of these Rules; upon a change in the provisions of the legislation of the Russian Federation on heat supply, by decision of the head (technical manager) of the operating organisation (structural subdivision); by decision of the head (technical manager) of the operating organisation (structural subdivision), including upon the establishment of violations by employees of the requirements of the legislation of the Russian Federation on heat supply; in the event that an employee has failed to complete a scheduled production briefing (on the topics of the missed briefing).
92. The production briefing may be carried out both individually with each employee and with a group of employees operating equipment of the same type. The production briefing is carried out by the employee's immediate supervisor or by the persons authorised by them to conduct the briefing. The quality of the material assimilated during the production briefing shall be checked by questioning the employee being briefed.
93. The conduct of the production briefing is recorded in the log specified in the list of technical documentation of the operating organisation. The conduct of the production briefing may be recorded in the same log as the recording of labour protection briefings.
94. Emergency response drills are carried out to acquire, or to verify the presence in the personnel of the operating organisation of, the necessary skills for eliminating disruptions of the normal operating mode of heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations.
95. An emergency response drill shall be carried out in accordance with the emergency response drill programme approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision).
96. The programme for conducting an emergency response drill shall contain: the type of the drill and its topic; the purpose of the drill; the date, time and place of the drill; the method of conducting the drill; the surname, initials and position of the drill supervisor; the list of participants in the drill; the scenario of the emergency situation; the diagram and operating mode of the heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations; the method for assessing the actions of the personnel during the emergency response drill.
97. The results of emergency response drills are recorded in the log specified in the list of technical documentation of the operating organisation. Based on the results of emergency response drills, an analysis of the actions of the personnel and their assessment shall be carried out.
98. Employees from among the operational, dispatching and operational and repair personnel and the operational managers of the operating organisation are assessed in an emergency response drill at least once every 3 months.
99. An employee who has received an unsatisfactory grade during an emergency response drill shall undergo a repeat drill within the time limits determined by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision). Upon a repeated unsatisfactory grade, the employee is suspended from independent work. The employee shall undergo training and a knowledge assessment, the scope and time limits of which are determined by the head of the operating organisation (structural subdivision).
100. The heads of organisations whose personnel carry out work at the heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations of a third-party operating organisation shall ensure the knowledge and observance by the personnel of the requirements of these Rules and of the local acts that are in force at the operating organisation.
101. The performance of commissioning works in respect of heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations for which, in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation on heat supply, it is necessary to obtain a temporary permit for admission to operation shall be carried out where such a temporary permit, issued by the federal state energy supervision authorities, is available.
102. Commissioning works in respect of heat supply facilities and (or) heat-consuming installations shall be carried out in accordance with the commissioning works programme approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision), which includes the following stages: the designation of the supervisor of the commissioning works from among the operating personnel or a contractor organisation; the briefing of the personnel or their training; the inspection of the equipment for completeness and the absence of visible defects; the marking of the equipment and the preparation of process flow diagrams and operating instructions; the preparation of measuring apparatus, testing equipment and devices; the preparation of the equipment for start-up; trial start-ups with an assessment of the safety and operability of the equipment and the elimination of the defects identified; reaching the operating mode, testing in various operating modes with the adjustment of the protection settings and characteristics of the equipment and of the interaction of technologically connected equipment and systems to ensure the safety of the equipment and the required modes of its operation; comprehensive testing during prolonged operation in operating modes with monitoring of the reliability and stability of operation.
103. The commissioning works programme indicates the procedure for conducting checks of the operability of the equipment and of the monitoring, protection and process control systems. The need to carry out additional stages and tests is determined by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision) in the commissioning works programme. The need to carry out commissioning works is determined by the instructions contained in the design documentation and in the operating manual (instructions) of the manufacturer organisation, and, in the absence of such instructions, by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision).
104. Trial start-ups shall be carried out before the combined testing of a heat supply facility and/or a heat-consuming installation. Before a trial start-up (placement under load), the following shall be ensured: the putting into operation of the means and systems of monitoring, protection and process control; the availability of stocks of fuel, materials, tools and spare parts.
105. During the trial start-up, the operability of the equipment and process schemes and the safety of their operation shall be checked, and all systems of monitoring, protection and process control shall be checked and adjusted.
106. During the combined testing of a heat supply facility and/or a heat-consuming installation, the joint operation of the equipment under load shall be checked. The duration of the combined testing shall be not less than 72 hours for heat energy sources and not less than 24 hours for the other heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations.
107. Based on the results of the commissioning works, a commissioning works report is drawn up, which is approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision).
108. The start-up (putting into operation) of heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations shall be prohibited where there are departures from the technical conditions for connection (process connection) to the heat supply system or from the design documentation for these facilities and installations, and also where there are unremedied defects made during construction and installation and identified during commissioning works and tests.
109. Round-the-clock dispatch control of the heat supply system (systems) shall be ensured in the single heat supply organisation (hereinafter - the SHSO) defined in the heat supply scheme, or, in agreement with it, in another heat supply (heat network) organisation operating within the area (areas) of activity of the SHSO.
110. Dispatch control of the heat supply system in the specified regimes shall ensure the performance of the following tasks: control of the heat supply system as a single process complex; analysis of the current state of heat supply facilities against control parameters and indicators; control of thermal and hydraulic regimes; preparation and execution of switchovers to enable repair works to be carried out; monitoring of compliance with the requirements for the quality of heat energy and heat carrier.
111. Dispatch control, where the heat supply system or its elements transition to off-design regimes, shall ensure the performance of the following tasks: containment and elimination of process failures in the production, transmission and distribution of heat energy; assessment of the scale of the event and of the possibility of its development with an increase in the volume of negative consequences; determination of response measures based on the possible scenarios, and organisation of their implementation with the transfer of the forces and resources not engaged at the first stage of response to a heightened readiness regime; transfer, to preserve the survivability of the heat supply system, of the operation of the heat supply system to reduced parameters with partial or full restriction of heat energy consumers; communication to heat energy consumers of information on forced shutdowns and restrictions and on the measures they shall take to preserve the survivability of the heat supply system; assessment of the development of the situation and adjustment of the adopted action plan; interaction with the dispatch services of heat supply and heat network organisations, of consumers and of municipalities, with the territorial bodies of the Russian Ministry for Emergency Situations, and with the organisations engaged to eliminate accidents and their consequences.
112. Where the total design heat load of heat energy consumers (defined in the heat supply scheme) is 10 Gcal/h or more within the area (areas) of activity of the SHSO, dispatch control shall be organised on a round-the-clock basis by establishing a dispatch service. Where the load is less than 10 Gcal/h, dispatch control is organised by decision of the head of the SHSO. The dispatch service of the operating organisation (hereinafter - the dispatch service) is established as a separate structural subdivision of the operating organisation or by assigning the functions of a dispatch service to the personnel of one of the other structural subdivisions of the operating organisation.
113. To ensure interaction between dispatch services, the following are determined: the location of the central dispatch service; the subordination of dispatch services and of those responsible for dispatch control in organisations that do not have a dispatch service; the procedure for interaction of operating organisations during accidents and emergencies; the powers of the central dispatch service to control the heat supply facilities of other heat supply and heat network organisations; the list of facilities and equipment of the heat supply system whose operating regimes are controlled directly by the central dispatch service; the list of facilities and equipment of the heat supply system whose operating regimes are controlled by the dispatch service of the operating organisation or by the person responsible for dispatch control, with the coordination of control commands by the central dispatch service; the procedure for interaction (between adjacent information systems, automated process control systems (hereinafter - APCS), automated dispatch control systems (hereinafter - ADCS)) is determined in accordance with the heat supply system management agreement <4> concluded between heat supply and heat network organisations in accordance with the requirements of the legislation of the Russian Federation in the field of heat supply. ——————————-- <4> Paragraph 120 of the Rules for the Organisation of Heat Supply in the Russian Federation, approved by Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 808 of 8 August 2012. In accordance with paragraph 3 of Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 808 of 8 August 2012, this act is in effect until 1 September 2027.
114. Operational documentation shall be kept at the workstations of the dispatch personnel, including: the instruction on dispatch control; the operational scheme of the heat networks; the operational schemes of the heat energy sources; the operational log; the list of heat supply facilities and/or heat-consuming installations under the operational control and supervision of the dispatcher; the list of chambers and passage channels subject to the danger of gas ingress (hereinafter - gas-hazardous chambers and passage channels); the temperature schedule of the central regulation of the heat supply system; the piezometric graphs of the heat networks; the instructions on the prevention and elimination of emergency situations; the procedures (plans) of actions for the elimination of the consequences of emergency situations in the field of heat supply; the list of standby equipment kept in constant readiness for operation.
115. The instructions on dispatch control shall include: the procedure for participation in the dispatch control of the heat supply system; the structure and tasks of dispatch control; the subordination of the organisation's own dispatch services where a two-level or three-level structure of dispatch control exists; the distribution of equipment across the levels of dispatch control and supervision; the procedure for interaction and information exchange of personnel at the various levels of dispatch control; the procedure for interaction and information exchange of the dispatch personnel with the operational subdivisions of the operating organisation; the procedure for conducting communications between the dispatch and/or operational personnel carried out for the purposes of dispatch control (hereinafter - operational communications); the procedure for keeping records of instructions; the list of officials entitled to conduct operational communications and instructions and to submit requests for switchovers; the procedure for carrying out switchovers and for regulating regimes; the list of switchovers and shutdowns, including for the transfer of heat supply facilities and equipment from one operational state to another (operation, standby, repair, conservation), which are carried out on the basis of requests coordinated by the dispatch service; the list of complex switchovers; the list of points in the heat supply system used for operational monitoring of the measured parameters of the thermal and hydraulic regimes (hereinafter - control points).
116. The instruction on dispatch control, in the part concerning the interaction and information exchange of the operational personnel of the heat supply system and the operational personnel of the entity performing dispatch control in the electric power industry, shall take into account the requirements of the Rules for Operational Dispatch Control in the Electric Power Industry, approved by Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 854 of 27 December 2004. The instruction on dispatch control is approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision). The instructions on dispatch control are updated once every 3 years or where it is necessary to make changes to them.
117. For each level of dispatch control, two categories of equipment control shall be established - operational control and operational supervision. Under the operational control of the dispatcher or of the person responsible for dispatch control (where the operating organisation has no dispatch service) there shall be the heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations, including protection devices, emergency-prevention and regime automation systems and means of dispatch and process control, on which operations are carried out directly by the dispatch personnel of the given level, and also where such operations require the coordination of the actions of subordinate dispatch personnel and/or coordinated changes at several heat supply facilities. Under the operational supervision of the dispatcher there shall be the heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations, including protection devices, emergency-prevention and regime automation systems and means of dispatch and process control, the state and regime of which affect the available capacity and reserve of the system as a whole, the regime and reliability of the networks, and the setting of the emergency-prevention automation. Operations on them shall be carried out with the permission of the dispatcher under whose operational supervision those heat supply facilities and/or heat-consuming installations are placed.
118. Organisations operating heat-consuming installations shall interact with heat supply organisations during the actions for the adjustment of heat networks, in-house networks and heat-consuming installations in accordance with the procedure provided for by the heat supply contract <5>. ——————————-- <5> Paragraph 6.1 of Part 8 of Article 15 of Federal Law No. 190-FZ of 27 July 2010. To monitor the quality of heat supply (heat energy) and the heat consumption regimes, organisations operating heat-consuming installations and/or heat energy consumers that have automated information-measuring systems for the collection and transmission of information from commercial heat energy metering devices and from systems for monitoring the operation of heat points shall provide prompt remote access to the information in these systems, including on the parameters (temperatures, pressures) and the flow rates of the heat carrier and hot water.
119. The instructions of the heads of the operating organisation (structural subdivision) to the dispatch personnel of the operating organisation on matters within the competence of the personnel of the higher-level dispatch control of the heat supply system are carried out with the consent of the latter.
120. Where an instruction of higher-level dispatch personnel appears erroneous to the subordinate dispatch personnel, the latter shall immediately report this to the person who gave the instruction. Upon confirmation of the instruction, the dispatch personnel shall carry it out, except for instructions that may lead to damage to heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations or to a threat to the life and health of people. The dispatch personnel shall immediately report their refusal to carry out such an instruction to the higher-level dispatch personnel that gave the instruction and to the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision), and shall also record it in the operational log.
121. The personnel who have received an instruction shall repeat it and shall obtain confirmation that the instruction has been understood correctly. Operational communications shall be conducted in accordance with the instruction on dispatch control using the technical terminology applied in the schemes and operating instructions; equipment and devices shall be named in accordance with the established dispatch designations. Departure from the technical terminology and the dispatch designations shall not be permitted. Operational communications, including operational correspondence using electronic means of communication, shall be recorded. The procedure for recording communications and for storing them, and the extent of the entry in the operational log, is determined by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision) in agreement with the higher-level dispatch service.
122. The dispatch personnel shall hand over the shift before leaving work. Where one worker of the dispatch personnel is replaced by another worker, the replacement is carried out by the immediate manager, with an entry on the replacement being made in the operational log.
123. When accepting a shift, a worker of the dispatch personnel shall: familiarise themselves with the operational state of the equipment, the operational schemes and the operating regime of the heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations under their operational control and/or operational supervision; obtain from the person handing over the shift information on the equipment that needs to be monitored to prevent emergency situations in heat supply, on faulty equipment and on equipment under repair; obtain information on the works being carried out under work orders, requests and instructions; receive the documentation assigned to the given workstation and the keys to the premises; familiarise themselves with the entries in the operational log and with the instructions issued during the time since their previous duty; receive the reports of the subordinate personnel on the acceptance of the shift; report to the immediate manager on the deficiencies and deviations identified when accepting the shift and on taking up duty (if any).
124. The handover and acceptance of the shift is documented in the operational log by the signatures of the person handing over and the person accepting the shift.
125. To manage the flows of heat energy and heat carrier, thermal and hydraulic regimes for heat energy sources and heat networks shall be developed annually by the operating organisations, separately for the heating period and the inter-heating period. The hydraulic regimes of open heat supply systems for the heating period are developed on the basis of the actual maximum draw-off of the heat carrier from the supply and return pipelines and for the condition of no draw-off. For heat supply systems with a predominant hot water supply load using a closed scheme, the hydraulic regimes for the heating period are developed at the design (for heating design) outdoor air temperature and at the outdoor air temperature corresponding to the break point of the temperature schedule. In a water-based heat supply system, a static regime shall be developed with a pressure that ensures the filling with water of the pipelines of the water-heating installation of the heat energy source, of the heat network, and of all directly connected heating systems, with a margin of not less than 0.05 MPa (0.5 kgf/cm2). The static pressure shall be not higher than that permissible for the pipelines and equipment of the heat energy source, the heat networks, the heat points and the directly connected heating systems. The pressure values in the static regime for the entire heat network or for individual heat mains or hydraulically isolated zones may be revised in the event of the connection (process connection) of new heat energy consumers, a change in the configuration of the heat networks, a change in the connection scheme, the putting into operation of a transfer pumping station, a pressure throttling unit or a peak heat energy source, or the merging of several heat supply zones. The static pressure shall be determined conditionally for a water temperature from 1 °C to 100 °C.
126. The temperature of the network water in the supply pipelines of heat energy sources is set by the central dispatch service on the basis of the temperature schedule, depending on the values of the averaged outdoor air temperature over a period of time within the range of 12 to 24 hours, as determined by the dispatcher depending on the current and/or forecast weather conditions and the delivery time of the heat carrier to the most remote consumers. Where qualitative-quantitative or quantitative regulation of the release of heat energy is applied, the values of the temperature and pressure of the network water in the supply pipelines at the outlets of the heat energy source are set by the dispatcher in accordance with the developed thermal and hydraulic regimes. The regulation of the temperature of the network water in the supply pipelines of heat energy sources, and also at mixing pumping stations and in central heat points, shall be uniform, at a rate not exceeding 30 °C per hour.
127. The permissible limit values of deviations from the temperature schedule and from the specified hydraulic regime shall not reduce the quality of heat supply and may not exceed the following values for heat energy sources: for the temperature of the water entering the heat network, ±3 per cent; for the pressure in the supply pipelines, ±5 per cent; for the pressure in the return pipelines, ±20 kPa (±0.2 kgf/cm2).
128. The temperature of the network water in the return pipelines, the flow rate of the network water in the supply pipelines, and the difference in flow rates in the supply and return pipelines are ensured by the operating regimes of the heat supply system and are monitored by the dispatcher. The average daily temperature of the network water in the return pipelines shall not exceed that specified by the temperature schedule by more than 5 per cent. A reduction in the temperature of the network water in the return pipelines compared with the schedule is not limited. Deviations of the pressure and temperature of the steam at the headers of the heat energy source shall be not more than ±5 per cent of the specified parameters, unless otherwise established by the heat supply contract <6>. ——————————-- <6> Paragraph 2 of Part 8 of Article 15 of Federal Law No. 190-FZ of 27 July 2010 "On Heat Supply".
129. The maximum average hourly flow rates of the network water in the supply pipelines and the difference in the flow rates of the network water in the supply and return pipelines shall not exceed the sum of the values established in the heat supply contracts and the rate of leakage of network water from the heat network, determined in accordance with paragraph 371 of these Rules.
130. Where the maximum average hourly flow rates of the network water in the supply pipelines or the difference in flow rates in the supply and return pipelines are exceeded, the dispatcher shall notify the operational subdivisions of the heat supply (heat network) organisation so that they take measures to identify the heat-consuming installations in which the regimes of consumption of heat energy and/or heat carrier are disrupted and the possible locations of heat carrier leaks, and to restore the specified hydraulic regime.
131. Where the average daily temperature of the network water in the return pipelines exceeds the permissible limits of its deviation, the dispatcher shall notify the operational subdivisions of the heat supply (heat network) organisation defined in the instruction on dispatch control, so that the latter take measures to identify the heat-consuming installations in which the regimes of consumption of heat energy are disrupted and to restore the thermal and hydraulic regime.
132. The pressure of the network water at any point of the supply pipelines of the heat energy source, the heat networks and the heat points, and at the upper points of the heat-consuming installations directly connected to the heat supply systems, during the operation of the network pumps shall be: not less than 0.05 MPa (0.5 kgf/cm2) above the saturation pressure at the maximum temperature of the network water; not less than 0.05 MPa (0.5 kgf/cm2) above the requirements of the protection setpoint for the reduction of the heat carrier pressure at the outlet of the boilers, where there is no device maintaining the pressure at the outlet of the boilers; not more than the permissible working pressure of the pipelines and equipment.
133. The pressure of the network water at the suction branches of the pumps shall be not less than the value ensuring the permissible cavitation margin specified in the technical documentation of the pump manufacturer, calculated in accordance with the maximum temperature of the network water at the pump suction and its actual load (delivery) in accordance with the developed thermal and hydraulic regimes of the heat supply system. The pressure of the network water in the return pipelines of the heat energy source and of the heat network, during the operation of the network pumps and the pumps of booster pumping stations, shall be not lower than 0.05 MPa (0.5 kgf/cm2). The pressure of the water in the return pipelines shall be not higher than the permissible working pressure for the equipment of the heat energy source, the heat networks and the heat points and for the directly connected heat-consuming installations, including in the event of an emergency shutdown of the network and/or booster pumps or an unplanned closure of the shut-off and/or regulating valves.
134. Where the pressure of the network water in the water-heating installation of the heat energy source or in the heat networks drops in an emergency below the saturation pressure at the current temperature of the heat carrier, the repeated start-up of the network and booster pumps and/or the switching-on of the standby pumps (including automatic reserve activation), and also the circulation of the heat carrier, shall not be permitted (to avoid water hammer due to the non-stationary condensation of the heat carrier). The operational regime, including the resumption of the heat carrier circulation, may be restored after the pressure of the heat carrier in the heat supply system is established above the saturation pressure at the current temperature of the heat carrier, with a margin of 0.05 MPa (0.5 kgf/cm2).
135. For each control point, ranges of permissible values of the temperature, pressure and flow rate of the heat carrier in the supply pipeline (steam pipeline) and the return pipeline (condensate pipeline) shall be established for the heating period and the inter-heating period, based on the safety requirements in the field of heat supply and the heat supply quality indicators (parameters) established in the heat supply contracts <7>. ——————————-- <7> The third sub-paragraph of paragraph 21 of the Rules for the Organisation of Heat Supply in the Russian Federation, approved by Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 808 of 8 August 2012. In accordance with paragraph 3 of Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 808 of 8 August 2012, this act is in effect until 1 September 2027. The regulation of the thermal and hydraulic regimes of the heat supply system shall be carried out in compliance with the ranges of permissible values of the temperature, pressure and flow rate of the heat carrier established at the control points. The list of control points includes the points located at the outlets of the heat network from the heat energy sources, at booster (transfer) and mixing pumping stations, heat points, heat chambers and pavilions of the heat networks where the parameters or flow rates of the heat carrier, hot water or condensate are regulated and/or measured, and also the heat points (inlet units) of heat energy consumers equipped with commercial heat energy metering devices.
136. When organising automated information systems for the collection and transmission of information from control points, including control points that use measurement information from commercial heat energy metering devices, to ensure information exchange between the existing adjacent information systems, APCS and ADCS, one shall be guided by the requirements of Sections 7 and 8 of the national standard of the Russian Federation GOST R 70384-2022 "Automation of energy resource metering and management. Heat energy metering devices and measuring systems based on them. Management of the life cycle and metering processes", approved by Order of Rosstandart No. 1091-st of 10 October 2022 and brought into effect from 1 April 2023 (Moscow: Federal State Budgetary Institution "Russian Standardisation Institute", 2022) (hereinafter - GOST R 70384-2022), and of Sections 5 to 12 and 13 of the national standard of the Russian Federation GOST R 56942-2016 "Automated measuring systems for the monitoring and metering of heat energy. General technical specifications", approved by Order of Rosstandart No. 461-st of 1 June 2016 and brought into effect from 1 April 2017 (Moscow: Standartinform, 2016) (hereinafter - GOST R 56942-2016).
137. The dispatch personnel shall immediately report all forced (actual and expected) deviations from the specified thermal and hydraulic regime to the dispatcher of the higher level of dispatch control.
138. To execute a dispatch command of the entity performing operational dispatch control in the electric power industry aimed at preventing the development and eliminating disruptions of the normal regime of the electrical part of the power system, the dispatcher or the person responsible for the operational dispatch control of a heat energy source operating in the combined electric and heat energy generation mode, where they are unable to execute that dispatch command without changing the temperature of the heat carrier supplied to the heat network, notifies the dispatcher of the central dispatch service of the received dispatch command of the entity performing operational dispatch control in the electric power industry and reduces the temperature of the heat carrier supplied to the heat network for a period of no more than 3 hours and by no more than 10 °C from that specified by the central dispatch service. The requirements of paragraph 127 of these Rules concerning the permissible values of deviations of the temperature of the heat carrier supplied to the heat network do not apply for the period of execution of the dispatch command of the entity performing operational dispatch control in the electric power industry.
139. Where, during the period of validity of the dispatch command of the entity performing operational dispatch control in the electric power industry, the maximum permissible value of the reduction of the heat carrier temperature specified in the first sub-paragraph of paragraph 138 of these Rules is reached, the operational personnel of the heat energy source operating in the combined electric and heat energy generation mode, provided that all other possibilities aimed at maintaining the heat carrier temperature are used, shall increase the steam flow to the heating extractions of the steam turbines to maintain the heat carrier temperature at the permissible level to which it was reduced, while maintaining the value of the active power load achieved thereby and notifying the dispatcher of the entity performing operational dispatch control in the electric power industry thereof.
140. Upon the expiry of the time for changing the temperature regime of the heat network established in the first sub-paragraph of paragraph 138 of these Rules, the regime shall be restored. The dispatcher or the person responsible for the operational dispatch control of a heat energy source operating in the combined electric and heat energy generation mode shall notify the dispatcher of the central dispatch service of the start of the restoration of the temperature regime of the heat network.
141. The notification of the dispatcher of the entity performing operational dispatch control in the electric power industry is carried out in accordance with the procedure for interaction and information exchange of personnel at the various levels of dispatch control defined in the instruction on dispatch control.
142. The withdrawal of heat supply facilities and equipment for repair, carried out on the basis of requests coordinated by the dispatch service, may be carried out on an urgent basis. Urgent requests may be submitted at any time of the day directly to the dispatch personnel of the operating organisation under whose control or supervision the equipment being shut down is placed.
143. The dispatch personnel on duty of the operating organisation is authorised to permit unscheduled repair. Heat supply facilities, equipment and heat networks under the operational control or operational supervision of the central dispatch service may be withdrawn from operation without its permission or coordination in cases where a danger to people and equipment arises, with a notification being subsequently sent to the dispatch service.
144. Complex switchovers and start-ups, the list of which is determined by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision) in the instruction on dispatch control, are carried out under programmes for complex switchovers. Such switchovers and start-ups include: load switchovers between heat energy sources; switchovers involving two or more subdivisions or organisations; switchovers and start-ups on heat networks of great length and/or diameter; the putting into operation of equipment after installation and reconstruction.
145. The following are specified in the programme of complex switching operations: the purpose of carrying out the switching operations; the objects of the switching operations; a list of actions to prepare for carrying out the switching operations; the conditions for carrying out the switching operations; the planned start and end time of the switching operations (which may be refined on an operational basis); the process flow diagram of the switching object, indicating the names and numbering of the elements of the heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations; the procedure and sequence for performing the operations, indicating the position of the shut-off and control devices and of the elements of the process protection and automation; the personnel carrying out the switching operations; the dispatch personnel directing the switching operations; a person from among the personnel of the operating organisation who provides overall direction of the direct conduct of the switching operations and monitors the correctness of execution of the switching programme; the members of the operational personnel responsible for carrying out the switching operations at each organisation (where two or more organisations participate in the switching operations), and the person providing overall direction during the direct performance of the switching operations; the functions of the persons specified in the switching programme; the actions of the personnel in the event of a threat to the safety of people and the integrity of the equipment.
146. The programme of complex switching operations is approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision), and where the effect of the switching programme extends beyond a single organisation - by the technical managers of the organisations (subdivisions) participating in the switching operations. Standard switching programmes are applied for standard switching operations. Standard switching programmes are revised when the composition of the equipment or the process flow diagrams change, but at least once every 3 years.
147. Heat supply and heat network organisations of the heat supply system shall ensure interaction between the existing adjacent information systems, the automated process control systems (APCS) and the automated dispatch control systems (ADCS) to the extent determined in the heat supply system management agreement <8>. ——————————-- <8> Paragraph 120 of the Rules for the Organisation of Heat Supply in the Russian Federation, approved by Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 808 of 8 August 2012. In accordance with paragraph 3 of Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 808 of 8 August 2012, this act is in effect until 1 September 2027.
148. For heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations for which the design documentation does not provide for the use of APCS, the introduction of APCS is determined by a decision of the management of the operating organisation. APCS may function as independent systems or be integrated with ADCS.
149. Information arriving at the dispatch service from the ADCS shall be processed to a state that allows it to be assessed and analysed promptly.
150. For this purpose, the following methods for improving the quality and efficiency of working with information are applied: the entry into the ADCS of information from consumers' commercial thermal energy metering devices in accordance with the requirements of GOST R 70384-2022 and GOST R 56942-2016; the transmission of information by the on-duty personnel of the heat supply facilities in a formalised electronic form; the use of heat supply system performance indicators that result from the processing in the ADCS and/or APCS of primary measurement information and that enable the dispatcher to analyse the operational situation and take operational decisions without analysing a multitude of values of direct measurements; the automatic construction of graphs and nomograms; the automatic distribution of information on deviations into information transmitted to the operational personnel for elimination on a planned basis, information transmitted to the on-duty personnel, and information that is communicated promptly directly to the dispatch service; the automatic sending of information on deviations to the telephones of the responsible persons with confirmation of acknowledgement of the information; the automatic removal of a deviation from monitoring upon its elimination and the presence of a control response from the operational personnel to whom the information was communicated; the preliminary processing of information arriving to the dispatcher into a formalised form that allows a decision to be selected from the proposed options or a readiness mode for applying a specific command to be entered after assessing the development of the situation or performing the necessary calculations; the visualisation of a multitude of similar parameters on the mimic diagram of the heat supply system using colour highlighting of facilities, networks and territories where the control parameters and indicators deviate; the use of electronic mathematical models of heat supply systems that are automatically calibrated to the actual state.
151. The choice of the scope and methods for processing information arriving at the dispatch service from the ADCS shall be determined by the operating organisation in its regulation on technical policy.
152. Where the automation of heat supply processes is carried out in stages within the heat supply system, at individual heat supply facilities and/or heat-consuming installations, the automation shall be implemented as a component part of a common APCS, ensuring unity of control and data conversion.
153. Where various facilities of a single heat supply system are automated by several heat supply and heat network organisations, the principles and protocols for interaction of the various APCS and ADCS shall be recorded in the heat supply system management agreement <9>. ——————————-- <9> Paragraph 120 of the Rules for the Organisation of Heat Supply in the Russian Federation, approved by Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 808 of 8 August 2012. In accordance with paragraph 3 of Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 808 of 8 August 2012, this act is in effect until 1 September 2027.
154. The requirements for the maintenance of the technical means of the APCS and ADCS, for their servicing and repair, and for their testing during operation are established in the operating instructions for these systems, approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision).
155. Measuring instruments, software and hardware complexes, means of monitoring and presenting information, of automatic control, of process protection and signalling, of logical and remote control, and of technical diagnostics of operating heat supply facilities and/or heat-consuming installations shall be continuously in operation to the design extent. The disconnection of the process protection devices of operating heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations is carried out with the permission of the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision), with a record being made in the operational log.
156. Process protection devices may be taken out of service in the following cases: when heat supply facilities are operating in transient modes that cannot be achieved without disconnecting the protections; in the event of a fault in the protection; during the elimination of accidents; during the period of equipment repair.
157. The operability of process protection devices shall be checked within the time frames and to the extent specified in the instructions for their operation. The actuating mechanisms (devices) of the protections and of the automatic backup activation devices (hereinafter - ABA) of the process equipment are additionally checked before starting the equipment after it has been idle for more than 3 days, or if repair work in the protection circuits was carried out during a shutdown lasting less than 3 days.
158. The operating organisation shall develop setpoint charts for process protections, interlocks and emergency alarms, and setpoint charts (settings) for automatic controllers (hereinafter - setpoint charts). The setpoint charts are approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision). The values of the setpoints and of the actuation time delays of the process protections are determined by the technical documentation of the manufacturing organisations and/or the design documentation. In the absence of data from the manufacturing organisations, the setpoints and time delays are established on the basis of test results. The values of the actuation setpoints of the protections are marked on the scales of the instruments or on a tag. Protection apparatus that has devices for changing the setpoints is sealed (except for recording instruments). The removal of the seals may be carried out by the workers servicing these devices only when the protection devices are disconnected, with a record in the operational log. Process protections that act to disconnect the equipment are provided with devices that record the cause of their actuation and that are in operation throughout the entire time that the protected equipment is operating.
159. In the event of emergency situations at heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations, the operational personnel of the operating organisation shall immediately take the measures provided for by the instructions for the prevention and elimination of emergency situations to: localise and eliminate the emergency situation while observing safety measures; inform the dispatch service and officials of the emergency situation that has arisen in accordance with the directions of the instructions for the prevention and elimination of emergency situations; protect the life and health of people, the environment, and the property of third parties; preserve the situation as it has developed at the site of the emergency situation until the investigation of its causes begins.
160. In cases where it is impossible to preserve the situation, it shall be documented, including by using photographic and video equipment.
161. During the elimination of emergency situations in accordance with the instructions for the prevention and elimination of emergency situations, the dispatch control of the heat supply system shall ensure: the prevention of the development of emergency situations; the exclusion of injury to personnel and damage to equipment not affected by the emergency situation; the creation of a post-emergency configuration and operating mode of the equipment of the heat supply facility and of the heat supply system as a whole, with minimal disconnection (restriction) of consumers of thermal energy and heat transfer medium; the ascertainment of the technical condition of the equipment that has tripped and been disconnected, and of the possibility of putting it into operation; the restoration of the specified operating mode of the equipment of the heat supply facilities, heat-consuming installations, and the heat supply system as a whole.
162. The technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision) may entrust the elimination of emergency situations to another person or take over the direction himself, having informed the subordinate personnel thereof and having made a record of the decision taken in the operational log or given a verbal instruction under the recording of operational communications.
163. During the elimination of emergency situations, the handover of a shift shall not be permitted without the permission of the person in charge of eliminating the emergency situation, who shall coordinate this permission with the central dispatch service. Coordination is not required if the elimination of emergency situations in heat supply is carried out on equipment that is not under the operational management or jurisdiction of the central dispatch service. The condition of the heat supply facility and the operating mode of its equipment at the moment of the shift handover and acceptance shall be reflected in the operational log.
164. The operation of the production buildings and structures of heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations, including the structures of heat networks (hereinafter - buildings and structures), shall be carried out in accordance with the instructions for the operation of the buildings and structures, as well as of the territories within which such buildings and structures are located.
165. The following documentation shall be kept at the operating organisation: the design and as-built documentation for the buildings and structures, with all changes made to it; the data sheets or technical plans of the buildings and structures; the organisational and administrative documents on the appointment of the persons responsible for the sound condition and safe operation of the buildings and structures; the logs in which the technical condition of the buildings and structures is recorded; the logs in which the results of measuring the groundwater level in the piezometer wells and the materials of the chemical analyses of the groundwater are registered; the reports of the routine and unscheduled inspections and of the comprehensive survey of the buildings and structures.
166. Inspections, control checks and/or monitoring of the condition of the building structures of the buildings and structures shall be carried out by the persons responsible for the sound condition and safe operation of the buildings and structures and, where necessary, by expert organisations, in accordance with the procedure determined by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision).
167. Comprehensive surveys of the technical condition of the buildings and structures are carried out in accordance with the procedure determined by the head of the operating organisation (structural subdivision) in the following cases: upon expiry of the service lives of the buildings and structures established by the design documentation (in the absence of design service lives, the following values shall be used as guidance: buildings and structures operated in highly aggressive environments - 25 years, buildings and structures with normal operating conditions - 50 years); upon the detection, during technical maintenance, of defects, damage and deformations that threaten the integrity of the buildings and structures; based on the consequences of fires, natural disasters and accidents involving damage to a building (structure); upon a change in the technological purpose of the buildings and structures; before carrying out major repairs or reconstruction of the buildings and structures.
168. The need to involve expert organisations to carry out surveys is determined by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision). The results of the comprehensive survey of the buildings and structures are documented in a report approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision).
169. Routine inspections of the buildings and structures shall be carried out at least twice a year (in spring and autumn). The routine spring inspection of the buildings and structures shall be carried out after the snow has melted, to identify the damage to the elements of the buildings or structures, to the engineering support systems and to the amenity elements of the territory adjoining the buildings and structures that has appeared during the winter period. At the same time, the scope of repair work for the summer period and for the future is refined. The routine autumn inspection of the buildings and structures before the start of the heating period shall be carried out no later than 15 days before the start of the heating period, to check the readiness of the building or structure for operation in winter conditions and to assess the sufficiency of the repair work carried out. Unscheduled inspections of the buildings and structures shall be carried out no later than two days after natural phenomena (including downpours, hurricane-force winds, heavy snowfalls and floods), after a natural disaster or a man-made accident. The results of the routine and unscheduled inspections of the buildings and structures are documented in a report, which is approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision).
170. Current inspections of the buildings and structures are carried out according to a schedule approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision). Current inspections of the buildings and structures of thermal energy sources are carried out: for sources with an installed capacity of 10 Gcal/h or more - at least once every 6 months where the service life is less than 15 years, and once every 4 months where the service life is 15 years or more; for sources with an installed capacity of less than 10 Gcal/h - at least once a year where the service life is less than 10 years, and once every 6 months where the service life is 10 years or more. Current inspections of the buildings and structures of heat networks are carried out: at least once a year where the service life is less than 10 years; at least once every 6 months where the service life is 10 years or more. The results of the current inspections of the buildings and structures shall be entered in the logs specified in the list of technical documentation of the operating organisation, in which the technical condition of the buildings and structures is recorded.
171. Upon the detection in the building structures of cracks, fractures and other external signs of damage, observation of these structures shall be established using tell-tales and by means of instrumental measurements. Information on the detected defects is entered by the persons responsible for the sound condition and safe operation of the buildings and structures into the logs specified in the list of technical documentation of the operating organisation, in which the technical condition of the buildings and structures is recorded, with the establishment of time frames for eliminating the detected defects.
172. During inspections of the buildings and structures and of the foundations of the equipment of heat supply facilities and/or heat-consuming installations, the condition of the following elements of the buildings and structures shall be monitored: movable supports; expansion joints; the welded, riveted and bolted connections of the metal structures; the joints and embedded parts of the prefabricated reinforced concrete structures; the reinforcement and concrete of the reinforced concrete structures; the crane runway structures.
173. Checks of the settlement of the foundations of the buildings and structures and of the equipment are carried out at the following intervals: at least three times in the first year of operation; at least twice in the second year of operation; thereafter, until the settlement stabilises - at least once a year; after the settlement has stabilised (1 mm per year or less) - at least once every 5 years. Observation of the settlement of foundations and of the deformations of building structures, and surveys of buildings and structures erected on territories undermined by underground mine workings, on soils subject to dynamic compaction from operating equipment, on subsidence-prone soils, in karst zones, in permafrost regions, and in areas with a seismicity of 7 points or higher, are carried out in accordance with programmes approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision), at least once every 3 years.
174. The metal structures of the buildings and structures shall be protected against corrosion. Monitoring of the effectiveness of the anti-corrosion protection, as well as of the parameters of the gas-air environment and of the effect of aggressive liquids, emulsions, slurries, gases, vapours and dust on the building structures, the foundations of the buildings and structures, and the equipment, shall be carried out at the intervals established by the instructions for the operation of the buildings and structures.
175. The territories on which the buildings and structures are located shall be used in accordance with the production purposes of the operating organisation and in accordance with the design documentation.
176. The following shall be maintained in an operable and sound condition at the operating organisation: the systems for draining surface water from the entire territory away from the buildings and structures, including drains, ditches and drainage channels; the water supply, sewerage, heat, and gaseous and liquid fuel networks; noise silencers and devices intended to reduce its level; the sources and systems of water supply; the railway tracks and crossings, roads, approaches to water bodies and cooling towers, bridges, footpaths and crossings; the complexes of engineering and technical security equipment (fences, checkpoints, posts, service premises); the lightning protection and earthing systems; the networks of external lighting, communications and signalling; the anti-landslide, anti-rockfall, bank-protection, anti-avalanche and anti-mudflow structures; the reference and working benchmarks and marks; the piezometer wells for observing the groundwater regime.
177. Underground utility lines of water supply, sewerage and heat supply, as well as gas pipelines, liquid fuel pipelines, air ducts and cables, shall be marked on the surface of the ground with indicators.
178. By the start of the flood period, all drainage networks and devices shall be inspected and prepared for the passage of surface water. The points where cables, pipes and ventilation ducts pass through the walls of the buildings and structures shall be sealed, and the pumping-out mechanisms shall be brought into a state of readiness for operation.
179. In the territories of thermal energy sources with an installed capacity of 10 Gcal/h or more, observations of the groundwater level in the control piezometer wells shall be arranged at the following intervals: in the first year of operation - at least once a month; in subsequent years - depending on the change in the groundwater level, but at least once a quarter. Measurements of the water temperature and the taking of water samples for chemical analysis from the wells shall be carried out in accordance with the instructions for the operation of the buildings and structures. The results of the observations shall be entered in the log specified in the list of technical documentation of the operating organisation. The control piezometer wells shall be located in the zone of the highest density of the water supply, sewerage and heat supply networks.
180. In the event of the detection of subsidence and landslide phenomena or heaving of soils in the territory where heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations are located, the causes that gave rise to the disturbance of the soil conditions shall be identified and their consequences eliminated.
181. Inspection chambers, chambers, collectors, ducts, excavation pits and trenches of heat networks, the foundations of buildings and structures, and equipment that are opened for the performance of work in the territory of a heat supply facility or heat-consuming installation, as well as in the zone of a heat network, shall be fenced off, with the installation of warning and prohibition signs and light signalling devices.
182. In the territory of thermal energy sources, pumping stations and heat substations, signs shall be installed prohibiting the presence, in the protection zone of the accumulator tanks, of persons who have no direct connection to them.
183. Where, in the territory of a heat supply facility or on a heat network, there is an alternating-sign or time-varying shift of the potential difference between the pipelines of the heat networks and the reference electrode from the stationary potential towards positive values, or a shift of the average value of the potential difference between the pipelines of the heat networks and the copper sulphate reference electrode in the negative direction by at least 10 mV compared with the potential difference measured in the absence of the influence of alternating current (hereinafter - stray currents), electrochemical corrosion protection of underground metal structures and utility lines and of the metal structures of buildings and structures shall be provided.
184. During the operation of tunnels, their ventilation shall be ensured in accordance with the design documentation.
185. During the operation of chimneys and the flue ducts leading to them, in the zones where they are located, the dimensions of which are determined by the design documentation, it shall not be permitted to: carry out earthworks without obtaining a permit from the operating organisation; leave excavation pits open during floods and rains; arrange discharges of water and releases of steam.
186. It shall be prohibited to store combustible materials in the base part of chimneys, under the flue ducts and near them, or to place temporary buildings and structures under the flue ducts.
187. Observation of the settlement of the foundations of a chimney and flue ducts by levelling benchmarks is carried out during the first two years of operation - twice a year, and thereafter, until the settlement stabilises (1 mm per year or less) - at least once a year. After the settlement has stabilised, monitoring of deformations shall be carried out in the event of the appearance of cracks or the opening of joints on the surface of the chimneys, but at least once every 5 years. After the settlement of the foundation has stabilised, for chimneys in permafrost regions, on territories undermined by mine workings, and on subsidence-prone soils, observations of the settlement of the foundations are carried out at least twice a year.
188. The checking of the verticality of a chimney shall be carried out visually twice a year and by geodetic methods at least once every 5 years. In the event of a tilt of the chimney detected visually, an unscheduled instrumental check of the verticality of the chimney shall be arranged. In the event of a detected tilt of the chimney exceeding the permissible value, its survey shall be carried out by an individual entrepreneur or a legal entity holding an admission from a self-regulatory organisation in the field of engineering surveys for the performance of such work in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation on town planning activity <10>. The further operation of the chimney shall be carried out in accordance with the recommendations issued by that expert organisation based on the results of the survey. ——————————-- <10> Parts 1 and 2 of Article 47 of the Town Planning Code of the Russian Federation.
189. The permissible deviation from the vertical of the axis of a chimney is determined in accordance with the design documentation, and in the absence of such information, for chimneys up to 100 m in height it shall be no more than 0.002 of the chimney height, but shall not exceed 150 mm over the entire height of the chimney, and for chimneys more than 100 m in height - 0.0015 of the chimney height, but no more than 200 mm over the entire height of the chimney.
190. An instrumental check of the resistance of the earthing loop of a chimney shall be carried out at least once a year.
191. Observations of the serviceability of the lighting fittings of a chimney are carried out daily.
192. Observation of the technical condition of reinforced concrete and brick chimneys shall be carried out at the following intervals: external inspection of the foundations and supporting structures - at least once every 3 months; instrumental external and internal survey - at least once every 5 years; external inspection of the chimney and flue ducts, as well as inspection of the inter-pipe space of a chimney with an internal gas-exhausting shaft - at least once a year; thermal imaging survey of the condition of the brick and monolithic lining - at least once every 5 years; internal inspection of the chimney and flue ducts with the disconnection of all connected boilers - 5 years after commissioning, thereafter at least once every 10 years, and when high-sulphur fuel is burned - at least once every 5 years; internal inspection of the flue ducts of boilers - at each disconnection of a boiler for scheduled repair, but at least once every 5 years; instrumental check of the resistance of the lightning protection loop of the chimney - at least once a year; measurement of the temperature of the flue gases in the chimney - at least once a month.
193. Observation of the technical condition of metal chimneys shall be carried out at the following intervals: external inspection of the gas-exhausting shaft, foundations, supporting structures, anchor bolts, guy stays and their fastenings - at least once every 3 months; checking for the presence of condensate and soot deposits on the internal surface of the chimney and flue ducts through the hatches - at least once a year; instrumental external and internal survey - at least once every 3 years.
194. Observation of the technical condition of chimneys made of composite materials (including fibreglass, carbon-fibre-reinforced plastics, faolite and glass-faolite) shall be carried out at the intervals and to the extent determined by the design documentation.
195. The results of observations of the technical condition of a chimney are documented in a report of observations of the technical condition of chimneys and are entered in the chimney data sheet.
196. The connection of additional boilers and flue ducts to existing chimneys is carried out on the basis of design documentation.
197. During the operation of metal chimneys and chimneys made of composite materials, the following shall not be permitted: the movement of vehicles, construction machinery and mechanisms under the guy stays of metal chimneys at the points where they descend and are fastened to the foundation masses; the flooding of the metal elements of the anchor fastenings of the guy stays and their presence in the ground; the fastening to the structural elements of the chimneys of cables, blocks (pulley systems), rigging equipment and devices; the cluttering of the area around the foundation masses with equipment, materials and foreign objects.
198. In the premises of the buildings and structures, the drainage channels, trays, sumps, the walls of the salt cells and of the wet coagulant storage cells, and the floors shall be monitored and maintained in a sound condition.
199. The punching of holes, the creation of openings in load-bearing and enclosing structures, the installation, suspension and fastening to the building structures of process equipment, pipelines and devices for lifting loads, the cutting of the ties of the framework of premises, as well as the storage of standby equipment and other articles and materials in unspecified places, shall not be permitted. These works may be carried out in cases where it is necessary to eliminate an accident, technological violations or defects, under the supervision of the person responsible for the sound condition and safe operation of the buildings and structures.
200. During the operation of heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations, there shall be ensured the accessibility for observation and servicing of the fittings, instrumentation and safety devices of the equipment and their serviceability, the serviceability of the platforms and stairs with railings for servicing and of the approaches to them, the absence on them of moisture, contamination and obstruction by foreign objects, and the presence and serviceability of the working and emergency lighting of the servicing zones and the approaches to them.
201. The operation of the fuel handling facilities shall ensure the preparation and uninterrupted supply of fuel and the storage and renewal of the reserves of solid and liquid fuel (including standby fuel), with the preservation of its quality during storage. During the heating period, an irreducible standard fuel reserve, approved in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation on heat supply, shall be maintained at the thermal energy source. The operating organisation shall ensure the maintenance in a serviceable and operable condition of the equipment of the fuel depots and the fuel supply system.
202. The standby equipment of the fuel handling facilities and the equipment of the standby fuel handling facilities shall be in constant readiness to be put into operation during the period of operation of the thermal energy source. A check of the operability of this equipment, including the switchover from the operating pump to the standby pump, shall be carried out at least once a month according to a schedule approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision), with the results being entered in the operational log.
203. At operating organisations, fuel accounting by quantity and quality shall be carried out, including for the fuel supplied, stored and consumed.
204. The quality of the fuel supplied shall comply with the design documentation and the technical documentation of the manufacturing organisations.
205. In fuel-supply premises, systematic monitoring of the gas contamination of the air shall be organised at locations of possible gas accumulation, at a frequency determined in the operating instructions.
206. Before solid fuel is fed into crushers and mills, foreign objects shall be removed from it. On a running conveyor, the catchers of such objects shall be interlocked with it and remain permanently in operation.
207. In coal fuel-supply premises, the accumulation of coal dust shall not be permitted. The seals of the fuel-supply equipment and the air-cleaning devices shall ensure a coal dust concentration no higher than that provided for by the design documentation for the heat energy source. The frequency of cleaning the premises and the fuel-supply equipment is determined in the operating instructions.
208. In the galleries and trestles of belt conveyors, at the transfer points of the main path and of the path for supplying solid fuel from the store, and also in the underground part of the unloading devices, the air temperature during the cold season shall be maintained at not lower than 10 °C, and in the premises of the crushing devices - at not lower than 15 °C. At solid fuel storage areas, the drainage of surface water shall be ensured. The air temperature in the above-ground parts of the unloading devices (with the exception of the wagon tippler building and other devices with continuous movement of wagons) shall be maintained at not lower than 5 °C. On the conveyors supplying fuel to the store that are located outside the buildings of heat energy sources, in the absence of heating devices, frost-resistant belting shall be used.
209. When wet fuel is used, solid fuel bunkers shall be completely emptied for inspection and cleaning at least once every 10 days. When switching to prolonged (more than 30 days) combustion of another type of fuel, the bunkers shall also be emptied.
210. Above-ground tanks (reservoirs) for storing liquid fuel shall be provided with earth banks to prevent the fuel from spreading. The volume of the bund basin shall be not less than the volume of the largest tank. The manhole covers of liquid fuel storage tanks shall always be bolted shut through sealing gaskets. The hydraulic seals shall be systematically inspected once per shift and cleaned when contamination is present.
211. When liquid fuel is drained from tank cars, it shall be heated to a temperature ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the transfer pumps in accordance with the technical documentation of the manufacturing organisation. The temperature of the fuel shall not exceed the values at which coking will occur on the surfaces of the fuel heaters. The temperature of the liquid fuel in the receiving vessels and tanks shall not be higher than the values established by the design documentation. Steam heating of liquid fuel, other than high-sulphur grades, may be used where the tank cars do not have devices for surface heating. When draining fuel oil, the following steam parameters shall be ensured in the steam lines of the receiving-and-draining device: pressure - 0.8 - 1.3 MPa (8 - 13 kgf/cm2); temperature - not higher than 250 °C. At the fuel oil draining point (in tank cars, troughs, receiving vessels and storages), fuel oil is heated to a temperature of: heating fuel oil 40 - 40 - 60 °C; heating fuel oil - 60 - 80 °C. For sulphurous fuel oils, the heating temperature shall be within 70 - 80 °C. The lower temperature values are adopted when the fuel is pumped by screw and gear pumps, and the higher values - by centrifugal pumps. For piston pumps, the average temperature values are adopted. When a mixture of fuel oil of different grades is used, the heating temperature is adopted according to the heaviest fuel oil. The maximum temperature of fuel oil in the receiving vessels and tanks shall be 15 °C below the flash point of the fuel, but not higher than 90 °C. The draining troughs and removable hoses shall be kept in sound condition and clean; on completion of work, the troughs and removable hoses shall be put away in places protected from the sun and atmospheric precipitation.
212. For each liquid fuel storage tank, a table of the dependence of capacity on the tank filling level at the standardised temperature value shall be compiled; this table shall be subject to correction after a major overhaul or reconstruction of the tank, when its shape and volume change, or after relocation to a new place. The verification of the tanks is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the legislation of the Russian Federation on ensuring the uniformity of measurements.
213. The technical condition of permanently installed automatic gas analysers, as well as of the audible and visual alarm devices signalling the presence of a hazardous concentration of vapours in the air in production premises, shall be checked every shift. All defects detected during the check shall be subject to elimination. The results of the check shall be entered in the operational log.
214. In accordance with an approved schedule, but at least once a week, the following are checked: the operation of the alarm for limit pressure increase, temperature increase and pressure decrease of the fuel fed to the boiler house for combustion, and the correctness of the readings, displayed on the control panel, of the remote level gauges and of the instruments measuring the fuel temperature in the tanks and in the receiving vessels.
215. To ensure the safe operation of liquid fuel tanks and receiving vessels, an inspection of their technical condition shall be carried out in accordance with a schedule, to the extent and at the frequency determined in the operating instructions, but at least once every 5 years. The results of the inspection shall be recorded in the tank passport.
216. For process pipelines of liquid fuel that are not hazardous production facilities in accordance with the requirements of the legislation of the Russian Federation in the field of industrial safety, the following are carried out in accordance with an approved schedule: external inspection of the fuel pipelines and valves - at least once a year; selective examination of the valves - at least once every 4 years.
217. The results of the inspection and examination are documented in an inspection report.
218. The viscosity of the liquid fuel fed to the boiler burners shall not exceed: for mechanical and steam-mechanical burners - 2.5 degrees VU (16 mm/s); for steam and rotary burners - 6 degrees VU (44 mm/s).
219. Liquid fuel filters are cleaned (by steam purging, manually or by a chemical method) when the pressure differential across them increases by 50 per cent compared with the initial differential in the clean state at the same load. Burning of the filter mesh during cleaning shall not be permitted. Fuel heaters are cleaned when their thermal capacity decreases by 30 per cent from their capacity in the clean state at the same load.
220. In the pressure pipelines of liquid fuel of heat energy sources equipped with mechanical burners, the pressure provided for by the design documentation shall be maintained. When liquid fuel pipelines and or liquid fuel supply equipment are taken out for repair, they are shut off, drained and steamed. On the shut-off sections of the liquid fuel pipelines, the steam or other heating devices are shut off. Before a tank with liquid fuel is put into operation, a fuel sample is taken from the bottom layer (not more than 0.5 m) for moisture analysis, and measures are taken to prevent settled water and water-cut fuel from entering the burner devices of the boilers, with an entry in the operational log. The tanks shall be cleared of fuel vapours by natural ventilation and (or) steaming. During the steaming of a tank, the steam line and the metal parts of the steam hose are earthed.
221. The operability of the alarm for limit increase and decrease of temperature and for decrease of pressure of the liquid fuel fed to the boilers for combustion, and the correctness of the readings, displayed on the control panel, of the remote level gauges and of the instruments for measuring the fuel temperature in the tanks and receiving vessels, shall be checked at least once a week, with an entry in the operational log.
222. During the operation of the gas facilities, the supply to the burner devices of gas of the required pressure, cleaned of foreign impurities and condensate, in a quantity corresponding to the load of the boilers, shall be ensured.
223. In the event of abrupt changes in gas pressure, measures shall be taken without delay to identify and eliminate the causes, and also to switch the boiler installations to the combustion of reserve types of fuel.
224. The operation of a heat energy source shall be carried out in accordance with the operating instructions for the heat energy source and the operating instructions for individual types of equipment and systems.
225. The technical examination of boilers, as well as of the steel structures of their frames (where present), includes: external and internal inspection of the boiler and its elements; inspection of the steel structures of the boiler frame; hydraulic tests for strength and tightness.
226. The periodic technical examination of boilers is carried out within the following intervals (unless other intervals are provided for in the technical documentation of the manufacturing organisation), at least: once every four years - external and internal inspections; once every eight years - hydraulic test for strength and tightness.
227. The person responsible for the sound condition and safe operation shall carry out external and internal inspections of the boiler before the start and after the completion of a scheduled repair, but at least once a year (unless other intervals are provided for by the technical documentation of the manufacturing organisation), and also shall carry out a hydraulic test at working pressure each time after the opening of the drum or header or the repair of the boiler, if the nature and scope of the repair do not necessitate an extraordinary technical examination.
228. An extraordinary technical examination of boilers shall be carried out: if more than 15 per cent of the anchor stays of any wall have been replaced; after replacement of the drum, the screen header or the economiser; if more than 50 per cent of the total number of screen and boiler or fire tubes, or 100 per cent of the economiser tubes, have been replaced at the same time; if the boilers have not been put into operation for more than 12 months; if the boilers have been repaired using welding, surfacing or heat treatment of elements operating under pressure; if such an examination is necessary by decision of the person responsible for the sound condition and safe operation.
229. Before periodic external and internal inspections, the boiler shall be cooled and cleaned of scale, soot, ash and slag deposits. Internal devices in the drum that obstruct the inspection shall be temporarily dismantled and removed in the manner provided for in the technical documentation of the manufacturing organisation. Where there is doubt as to the sound condition of the walls or seams, the person responsible for the sound condition and safe operation may require the opening of the lining or the removal of the insulation in full or in part, and, when an internal inspection of a boiler with fire tubes is carried out, the partial removal of the tubes. During external and internal inspections of the boiler, possible defects shall be identified (including cracks, tears, bulges and buckles), traces of corrosion on the internal and external surfaces, traces of steaming and leaks in welded, riveted and expanded joints, and also damage to the lining that may cause overheating of the metal of the boiler elements.
230. The hydraulic test for strength and tightness of boilers is carried out where the results of the external and internal inspections and (or) of other non-destructive testing methods, the use of which instead of an external and (or) internal inspection is possible in accordance with the technical documentation of the manufacturing organisation, are satisfactory.
231. If surface cracks or leaks (including leakage, traces of steaming or salt build-up) are detected during the technical examination of a boiler, then, before they are eliminated by welding-up, the areas affected by corrosion shall be removed.
232. The periodic technical examination of the steel structures of the boiler frame shall be carried out at the frequency specified in the technical documentation of the manufacturing organisation. In the absence of such instructions, the periodic technical examination of the steel structures shall be carried out at least once every 8 years. An extraordinary technical examination of the steel structures of the boiler shall be carried out: in cases of explosions (pops) in the furnace and (or) gas ducts; as a result of the effect of high temperatures on the steel structures owing to a fault in the lining or in the event of a fire; after natural or man-made emergency situations whose adverse effect could have influenced the condition and load-bearing capacity of the steel structures of the boiler.
233. Within the frame, the elements whose damage affects the safe operation of the boiler shall be subject to technical examination, including: the load-bearing elements of the frame and of the ceiling floor that ensure the strength and rigidity of the structure (columns, cross-beams, ties, spine beams, the binding beams of the ceiling floor); rigidity belts, the elements of the sheathing and of the bunker, and the gusset plates of the trusses.
234. In boilers without a load-bearing frame (self-supporting), the support structures (assemblies) of the heating surfaces, headers and drums shall be subject to technical examination.
235. The frequency, scope and methods of the technical examinations of vessels operating under excess pressure shall be determined in accordance with the instructions of the technical documentation of the manufacturing organisation (the project developer) in the operating manual (instructions), but at least once a year in the absence of such instructions.
236. An extraordinary technical examination of vessels operating under pressure shall be carried out in cases where: the vessels have not been operated for more than 12 months; the vessels have been repaired using welding, surfacing or heat treatment of elements operating under pressure.
237. The scope of an extraordinary technical examination is determined by the person responsible for the sound condition and safe operation on the basis of the causes that gave rise to its conduct. The causes of an extraordinary examination shall be indicated in the vessel passport.
238. The scope and procedure for carrying out work during the technical examination of a vessel shall be established in the operating instructions for the heat energy source.
239. The hydraulic tests for strength and tightness of a vessel shall be carried out in accordance with the approved diagrams and instructions on the operating regime and safe servicing of vessels, developed within the operating organisation, including in accordance with the requirements of the technical documentation of the manufacturing organisation.
240. During the hydraulic test for strength and tightness of vessels, the minimum value of the test pressure is taken as 1.25 of the working pressure. The maximum permissible value of the test pressure is established in accordance with the technical documentation of the manufacturing organisation or with strength calculations.
241. The hydraulic tests of vessels shall be carried out where the results of their external and internal inspection are satisfactory.
242. In cases where a hydraulic test cannot be carried out (including where there are large loads from the weight of the water on the foundation, the inter-floor ceilings or the vessel itself; difficulty in removing the water; or the presence of a lining inside the vessel), it may be replaced by a pneumatic test in accordance with the design documentation and the technical documentation of the vessel manufacturing organisation.
243. The minimum value of the test pressure during the hydraulic test for strength and tightness of boilers, economisers and pipelines within the boiler is taken as: at a working pressure of not more than 0.5 MPa (5 kgf/cm2) - 1.5 of the working pressure, but not less than 0.2 MPa (2 kgf/cm2); at a working pressure of more than 0.5 MPa (5 kgf/cm2) - 1.25 of the working pressure, but not less than the working pressure plus 0.3 MPa (3 kgf/cm2).
244. When the hydraulic test of drum boilers and of their economisers is carried out, the pressure in the boiler drum is taken as the working pressure, and for drumless and once-through boilers with forced circulation - the pressure of the feed water at the boiler inlet, established by the technical documentation of the manufacturing organisation. The maximum permissible value of the test pressure is established in accordance with the technical documentation of the manufacturing organisation or with strength calculations.
245. The holding time under test pressure during the hydraulic test for strength and tightness of boilers, of steam and hot-water pipelines within the boiler, and of vessels is established in accordance with the instructions of the technical documentation of the manufacturing organisation, and in the absence of such instructions shall be not less than 10 minutes. After holding under test pressure, the pressure shall be reduced to the working pressure, at which an external inspection shall be carried out.
246. Equipment is considered to have passed the hydraulic test for strength and tightness if none of the following are detected: cracks or signs of rupture; visible residual deformations; leakage or sweating in welded, expanded or riveted joints and in the base metal; leakage in detachable joints; a drop in pressure on the pressure gauge.
247. In expanded and detachable joints, individual drops that do not increase in size over the holding time may appear.
248. When equipment is transferred to an operating regime at reduced parameters, the following shall be done: changes shall be made to the operating instructions and the process diagrams; a check of the throughput capacity of the safety valves shall be carried out by calculation, together with their readjustment with a reduction of parameters or their replacement (where the results of the throughput capacity calculation are negative).
249. Boilers shall be operated on the types of fuel provided for by the design documentation. The operation of a boiler with the combustion of non-design fuel without making changes to the design documentation and carrying out regime-adjustment tests shall not be permitted.
250. Regime-adjustment tests of boilers, with the compilation of regime charts and the correction of the operating instructions, shall be carried out: to the extent of commissioning work; after changes have been made to the design of the boilers; when the boilers are switched to another type or grade of fuel; in cases of deviation of the operating parameters of the boilers from the set values (to identify and eliminate the causes), and also periodically at least once every 5 years.
251. Regime-adjustment tests of boilers shall be carried out in accordance with programmes approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision). On completion of the regime-adjustment tests of a boiler, a report is drawn up, approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision). The results of the regime-adjustment tests and the regime charts shall be attached to the reports. The regime charts shall be placed on the front parts of the boilers.
252. During the operation of boilers, measures shall be taken to prevent low-temperature corrosion of the heating surfaces by the methods provided for by the design documentation and the technical documentation of the manufacturing organisation.
253. Before starting up boilers after a repair or a prolonged stay in reserve (more than 3 days), the serviceability and readiness for switching on of the auxiliary equipment, the instrumentation, the means of remote control of valves and mechanisms, the automatic controllers, the protection devices, the interlocks and the means of operational communication shall be checked. If the interlocks and protection devices are faulty, starting up the boiler shall be prohibited. The flow of water through a hot-water boiler before ignition and during operation shall be maintained at not lower than the minimum permissible value determined by the requirements of the technical documentation of the manufacturing organisation. Before ignition and after shutting down the boiler, the furnace and gas ducts shall be ventilated by smoke exhausters and forced-draught fans with the dampers of the gas-air path open for at least 10 minutes with an air flow of not less than 25 per cent of the nominal value, and this shall end immediately before ignition. The ventilation of boilers operating under pressurisation, and of hot-water boilers in the absence of smoke exhausters, shall be carried out by forced-draught fans. When preparing for the ignition of a boiler operating on gas, the section of the gas pipeline from the shut-off device to the boiler shall be purged with gas through the purging gas pipelines. Before the ignition of boilers with balanced draught, the smoke exhauster and the forced-draught fan shall be switched on, and before the ignition of boilers operating under pressurisation - the forced-draught fan.
254. From the moment the ignition of a steam boiler begins, monitoring of the water level in the drum shall be organised. The blowdown of the upper water-level indicators shall be carried out at an excess pressure in the boiler of about 0.1 MPa (1 kgf/cm2) and before switching into the main steam line. The water level in the boiler drum may be monitored by means of the lowered hydraulic and electrical level indicators, checked against the water-level indicators during ignition. The upper limit water level shall not exceed the level established in the technical documentation of the manufacturing organisation or corrected on the basis of commissioning tests. The lower level shall not be lower than that established in the technical documentation of the manufacturing organisation.
255. The connection of steam boilers to the common steam line shall be carried out after the connecting steam line has been drained and warmed up. The steam pressure downstream of the boiler at the time of connection shall be equal to the pressure in the common steam line.
256. The heating surfaces of boilers operating on solid and liquid fuel shall be kept clean by maintaining optimum regimes and by cleaning. The frequency and methods of cleaning the heating surfaces are established by the operating instructions. The results of the cleaning carried out are entered in the operational log.
257. The operation of liquid fuel burners, including ignition burners, with a faulty system for supplying air to them and (or) where fuel enters the burner purging steam line, shall not be permitted.
258. The permissible air in-leakage into boilers and gas ducts shall not exceed the values determined by the design documentation and the technical documentation of the manufacturing organisation. The tightness of the enclosing surfaces of the boiler, the gas ducts and the ash collectors shall be monitored by inspection and by determining the air in-leakage at least once a month. The in-leakage into the furnace shall be determined at least once a year, and also before and after a major overhaul. Leaks in the furnace and gas ducts of the boiler shall be eliminated before the boiler is started up.
259. When a boiler is shut down to reserve, after the furnace and gas ducts have been ventilated for at least 10 minutes but not more than 15 minutes, the draught and blast machines shall be stopped, and all shut-off dampers on the gas-air ducts, the manholes and inspection hatches, and the guide vanes of the draught and blast machines shall be tightly closed. Feeding a shut-down boiler with draining of water to accelerate the cooling of the drum shall be prohibited. Water may be drained from a shut-down boiler with natural circulation after the pressure in it has been reduced to atmospheric, and, where there are expanded joints, at a water temperature not higher than 80 °C. Water may be drained from a hot-water boiler after the water in it has been cooled to a temperature equal to the temperature of the water in the return pipeline, but not higher than 70 °C. When a boiler is taken out to reserve or repair, measures shall be taken to preserve the steam-water path or the network water path in accordance with the technical documentation of the manufacturing organisation. In the absence of instructions from the manufacturing organisation, the preservation of the boiler is carried out by filling it with chemically treated water under pressure. On a boiler that is in reserve or under repair, in accordance with the operating instructions, monitoring of the air temperature shall be carried out and measures shall be taken to maintain positive air temperatures in the furnace and gas ducts, in the zones where the blowdown and drainage devices, the air heaters, the impulse lines and the sensors of the measuring instruments are located.
260. The cooling-down regime of boilers after shutdown, when they are taken out for repair, shall be defined by the operating instructions for the boilers or for the heat energy source. The cooling-down of boilers with natural circulation by draught and blast machines may be carried out where the permissible difference in metal temperatures between the upper and lower generatrices of the drum is ensured in accordance with the technical documentation of the manufacturing organisation. The cooling-down of once-through boilers may be carried out immediately after shutdown.
261. In the event of a rupture of a liquid fuel pipeline or gas pipeline within the boiler house, or of severe leaks of liquid fuel (gas), measures shall be taken to prevent the outflow of fuel through the damaged sections, up to and including shutting down the liquid fuel pumping station or closing the shut-off valves at the gas control point.
262. The boiler shall be immediately stopped and shut off by the action of the protections or by personnel in the following cases: 1) for steam and hot-water boilers: on detection of a fault in the safety valve; on the shutdown of all feed pumps; on detection of impermissible defects in the boiler elements in accordance with the technical documentation of the manufacturing organisation and the design documentation; on extinction of the flame in the furnace; on the disappearance of voltage on the remote and automatic control devices; on the failure of the process protections that act to shut down the boiler; on a rupture of the boiler gas pipeline; on a rupture of the liquid fuel pipeline; on an impermissible decrease or increase in the pressure of gas or liquid fuel downstream of the control valve; on the shutdown of all forced-draught fans or smoke exhausters; on an explosion in the furnace, an explosion or ignition of combustible deposits in the gas ducts, or the red-hot heating of the load-bearing beams of the boiler frame; on the collapse of the lining, and also other damage that threatens personnel or equipment; in the event of a fire; on an increase in the pressure in the boiler drum above the permitted value by 10 per cent; on a decrease in the water level below the lowest permissible level; on an increase in the water level above the highest permissible level; on the cessation of operation of all water-level indicators; 2) for hot-water boilers, in addition to those specified in sub-clause 1 of this paragraph: on a decrease in the water flow through the boiler below the minimum permissible value; on a decrease in the water pressure in the boiler path below the permissible value; on an increase in the water temperature at the boiler outlet to a value 20 °C below the saturation temperature corresponding to the working pressure in the boiler outlet header.
263. The operational personnel shall make an entry in the operational log about the causes of the emergency shutdown of the boiler and the measures taken to eliminate them.
264. During operation, it shall not be permitted to change the number, diameter and installation locations of the safety devices (valves) for protecting boilers and vessels against exceeding the pressure in them determined in the technical documentation of the manufacturing organisations and (or) the design documentation.
265. In automated boiler houses that operate, in accordance with the design, without permanent servicing personnel and with the transmission of information on the functioning of the equipment to a round-the-clock control point, remote monitoring of their operation shall be ensured. In the event of a full or partial fault or non-conformity to the design of the automation systems and information transmission systems of such boiler houses, their operation without servicing personnel shall not be permitted.
266. At a heat energy source with permanent operational personnel, documentation shall be kept to the extent of the requirements of these Rules. In doing so, the following shall be recorded in the operational log: the handover and acceptance of the shift, with the signatures of the persons handing over and accepting the shift; the characteristics of the condition of the equipment; all switchovers in the equipment circuits, the position and surname of the person who gave the order for the switchover, and, in the event of an emergency shutdown - a record of the cause; other data and information in accordance with the requirements of these Rules.
267. During the unloading of slag and ash from the bunkers, measures shall be taken to protect the surrounding area from dusting and contamination. The condition of the ash collectors and their systems shall be monitored by the operating personnel at least once per shift. When a boiler is shut down for three days or more, the ash collectors shall be inspected and cleaned of deposits. At least once a year, regime-adjustment tests of the ash-collecting installations shall be carried out in accordance with the technical documentation of the manufacturing organisation.
268. When switching on a draught and blast unit, it shall be necessary to: ensure the absence of foreign objects, including on the adjacent sections of the path and near the draught and blast unit; fully close the guide vanes; close all hatches; ensure the readiness of the lubrication system; switch on the oil cooling system and the oil station.
269. The operation of a draught and blast unit with the escape of gases through leaks in the discharge diffusers and adjacent gas ducts shall not be permitted. If an escape of gases is detected, access of people to the hazardous zone shall be stopped without delay, and the causes of the escape shall be identified and eliminated.
270. The operation of rotating mechanisms with the casings of the rotating parts removed shall not be permitted.
271. The internal inspection of deaerators to identify defects shall be carried out at least once a year through the removable hatches and during the cleaning of the deaerating elements. Before being put into operation after a repair involving restoration of the tightness of the deaerator, and also by decision of the person responsible for the sound condition and safe operation to identify defects, atmospheric and vacuum deaerators are subjected to a test for strength and tightness with an excess pressure of 0.2 MPa (2.0 kgf/cm2), but at least once every 8 years. When two or more deaerators operating in parallel are in operation, the gate valves on the equalising lines for the steam and water spaces of the deaerator tanks shall be open. The operation of deaerators in the absence of, or with a faulty condition of, the hydraulic seals on the deaerator tanks and their columns shall be prohibited. The operation of deaerators with the vapour coolers switched off shall be prohibited.
272. At heat energy sources, during operation, monitoring of process parameters shall be carried out in accordance with the design documentation. The list of monitored process parameters and operating-regime indicators, the procedure for recording and the frequency of entering data into daily log sheets on paper and (or) into electronic devices for storing and displaying information are established in the operating instruction for the heat energy source.
273. During operation of the heat energy source, the operability of the protective devices provided for by the design documentation - against an increase and (or) decrease in the pressure of the network water in the return pipelines and against the boiling of the network water in the supply pipelines and equipment upon an emergency drop in pressure - shall be monitored, and their periodic testing shall be carried out in accordance with the operating manual (instruction) of the manufacturer and before the heating period.
274. On the basis of the results of operational measurements, the head losses in hot-water boilers, network pipelines, network heaters and other equipment along the network water path at its design flow rate shall be determined for subsequent monitoring during operation. The frequency of carrying out operational measurements to determine these indicators, and also the procedure for and frequency of their subsequent monitoring, are established in the operating instruction for the heat energy source.
275. The water treatment technologies applied at the operating organisation and compliance with the water-chemistry regime shall ensure the quality of the heat carrier corresponding to the requirements established by these Rules, so as to prevent: internal corrosion of the equipment and pipelines of the heat networks; the formation of internal deposits on heating surfaces and in pipelines; the formation and accumulation of sludge in the equipment of heat energy sources, in heat networks and in heat-consuming installations.
276. At the operating organisation, operating instructions for water treatment installations and instructions for maintaining the water-chemistry regime, including regime charts, shall be developed and approved.
277. At the operating organisation, monitoring of the water-chemistry regime shall be carried out.
278. The frequency and scope of monitoring of the water-chemistry regime are established on the basis of the quality of the source water and the condition of the equipment in service.
279. In the regime charts, based on the results of the tests and adjustment of the water treatment equipment, the following shall be specified: the technical characteristics and operating parameters of the water treatment equipment; the values of the quality indicators of the make-up water and network water (heat carrier); the values of the quality indicators of the additional, feed and boiler water for steam boilers, based on the requirements of the technical documentation of the manufacturers; the values of the quality indicators of the components of the feedwater, including the condensate of the heaters, the water of the drainage tanks, the low-point tanks and the condensate storage tanks; the values of the quality indicators of the water of the boiler circuit for hot-water boilers, based on the requirements of the technical documentation of the manufacturers; the list of monitored chemical substances, including reagents, and their maximum permissible concentrations in the make-up, network, feed and boiler water; the frequency and scope of monitoring of the water-chemistry regime; the magnitude of the blowdown of the steam boilers and its duration, adopted in accordance with the technical documentation of the manufacturer; the frequency of blowdown of the water of the boiler circuit; the list and diagram of the sampling points for water, steam and condensate for manual and automatic chemical monitoring; the volumes and methods of performing chemical monitoring.
280. At heat supply facilities that have water treatment equipment, a log and (or) a record sheet, defined in the list of technical documentation of the operating organisation, shall be kept, into which information is entered on water treatment and the water-chemistry regime, the results of analyses of water, steam and condensate, the concentration of the dosed reagents and deviation from the approved regime chart.
281. To assess the scale-forming properties of the network water, the value of the carbonate index of the network water is used, equal to the product of the total alkalinity and the calcium hardness of the water (mg-eq/dm3)2, above which carbonate scale formation proceeds at an intensity of more than 0.1 g/(m2·h) (hereinafter - Iks). The value of Iks shall be no higher than the standard values of Iks given in Appendix No. 1 to these Rules and shall ensure the limitation of the occurrence of carbonate scale formation at an intensity of no more than 0.1 g/(m2·h). The value of the carbonate index of the make-up water (hereinafter - Ikp) for open heat supply systems shall be the same as the standard value of Iks. The value of Ikp for closed heat supply systems shall be such as to ensure the standard value of Iks, including the admixture of mains water into the network water in heat-consuming installations.
282. When stabilisation treatment with scale-formation inhibitors (anti-scale inhibitors) is used for the preparation of make-up water, the determination of the grade of the inhibitor and its optimal dose is carried out on the basis of the results of the regime adjustment tests. The maximum value of Iks is determined during the period of the regime adjustment tests and adjustment on the basis of the possible change in the parameters of the source water and is recorded in the regime chart.
283. Violation of the requirements of the regime chart, including the use, for making up the heat network, of water that has not undergone water treatment (hereinafter - raw water), is permitted in emergency situations. For each such case, an entry is made in the operational log, indicating the quality (chemical composition) and quantity of the used water that does not meet the requirements of the regime chart, and the duration of its supply. On the raw-water lines connected to the lines of softened, feed, make-up and network water or condensate, two shut-off devices and a control (drainage) device between them shall be installed. The shut-off devices shall be in the closed position and shall be sealed, and the control (drainage) device shall be open.
284. The quality of the make-up water for heat supply systems shall comply with the water quality standards for making up heat supply systems, contained in Appendix No. 2 to these Rules. The quality of the network water shall comply with the network water quality standards contained in Appendix No. 3 to these Rules.
285. The source water used for the preparation of make-up water in open heat supply systems shall be subjected to coagulation to remove organic impurities if the colour of the water sample, when it is boiled for 20 minutes, exceeds 20 degrees of colour (has a faint yellowish tint).
286. During silicate treatment of make-up water, the maximum concentration of calcium shall be monitored. The frequency and procedure of monitoring shall be defined by the regime chart.
287. The content of dissolved oxygen in the make-up water and network water shall be monitored by means of recording oxygen meters or by sampling water no less than once per shift: from the make-up pipeline of each make-up unit of the heat supply system; from the supply and return pipelines of each main of the heat energy source.
288. In the chemical method of removing oxygen from make-up water in closed heat supply systems, the content of dissolved oxygen in the network water shall additionally be monitored on the basis of the magnitudes of the reagent excesses, by sampling water, the volume and frequency of which are established by the regime chart.
289. In the chemical method of removing oxygen from make-up water, the maximum values of the residual oxygen content in the make-up water and network water shall be established in the regime chart, on the basis of the temperature of the water being treated, the point of introduction of the reagents, and the properties and characteristics of the reagents, and also the frequency and scope of monitoring of the anti-corrosion characteristics of the inhibitors by means of corrosion laboratory tests, consisting in the holding of corrosion indicators in actual network water without the addition and with the addition of inhibitors.
290. At operating organisations, monitoring of the internal corrosion of the equipment of heat supply facilities, of heat-consuming installations and of the pipelines of heat networks shall be organised by means of analyses of the make-up, boiler and network water and condensate for the content of iron compounds, dissolved oxygen, free carbon dioxide and pH, and also by means of internal corrosion indicators. When such processes are detected, determination of the type of corrosion damage and of the physico-chemical composition of the iron-oxide deposits, analysis of the causes and determination of measures for their elimination shall be carried out. The frequency of monitoring is determined in the operational instructions for maintaining the water-chemistry regime.
291. The dosing of hydrazine into the make-up water and network water shall not be permitted.
292. During operation, the surfaces of equipment, pipelines and valves and of the building structures of water treatment installations and condensate purification installations, made of non-corrosion-resistant materials and in contact with a corrosion-active medium, shall be protected with anti-corrosion coatings.
293. During operation of sampling devices, the design flow rate for sampling steam, water and condensate and their cooling to a temperature no higher than 40 °C shall be ensured, and also the absence of any effect of the sampler material on the qualitative composition of the sample. In the absence of design data, the sampling flow rate shall be no less than 25 litres per hour.
294. Regime adjustment tests and adjustment of water-chemistry regimes and adjustment of water treatment installations shall be performed no less than once every 5 years, and also by decision of the technical manager of the operating organisation in the following cases: reconstruction (modernisation) of boilers or water treatment equipment; a change in the main operating parameters of the boilers (pressure, temperature, capacity); a change in the type of fuel; damage to the equipment of heat supply facilities for reasons connected with their water-chemistry regime; a change in the quality of the source water; a change in the requirements for the quality of the source and treated water; a change to another scale-formation inhibitor (when the technology of stabilisation treatment of water is used); a change to other reagents used for the organisation of corrective water-chemistry regimes.
295. Regime adjustment tests shall be carried out in accordance with programmes approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision). The results of the regime adjustment tests and adjustment of water-chemistry regimes and of the adjustment of water treatment installations are documented in an act approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision). Based on the results of the regime adjustment tests and adjustment, the operating instructions for water treatment installations and the instructions for maintaining the water-chemistry regime are revised and re-approved.
296. At operating organisations, monitoring of the formation of scale, deposits and sludge in the equipment of heat supply facilities, heat-consuming installations, pipelines of heat networks and pipelines of hot water supply shall be organised. When such processes are detected, analysis of the causes and measurement of the physico-mechanical properties, composition and thickness of the scale, deposits and sludge shall be carried out. To forecast the intensity of deposit formation, the calcium and total hardness, the bicarbonate and total alkalinity, and also the content of sulphates and iron compounds in the make-up, boiler, network and hot water shall be determined periodically.
297. At the operating organisation, control cut-outs of samples of the most heat-stressed tubes of the heating surfaces of water-tube boilers and the taking of samples of scale, deposits and sludge from heaters, pipelines and other equipment shall be carried out; their frequency and number are determined in the operational instructions.
298. Heat supply and heat network organisations operating heat networks shall ensure continuous monitoring of the quality of the network water in the return pipelines and shall identify connected consumers of heat energy that degrade the quality of the network water.
299. The frequency of cleaning of steam and hot-water boilers shall be determined by calculation on the basis of the intensity of deposits.
300. By the day of the boiler's shutdown for cleaning, the fouling by deposits on the most heat-stressed sections of the heating surfaces of the boiler shall not exceed the values determined by the requirements of the design documentation and (or) the technical documentation of the equipment manufacturer. In the absence of such information, the frequency of cleaning of steam and hot-water boilers and hot-water equipment is established such that the specific fouling by deposits on the most heat-stressed sections of the heating surfaces of the boiler, by the time of its shutdown for cleaning, does not exceed: for steam boilers - 500 g/m2 when operating on gaseous and solid fuel, 300 g/m2 when operating on liquid fuel; for hot-water boilers - 1000 g/m2.
301. In the absence of a need to clean the boilers during the inter-heating period, their flushing with chemically prepared water shall be carried out. The flushing is completed when the quality of the flushing water after the boiler corresponds to the parameters defined in the instruction for maintaining the water-chemistry regime.
302. For network heaters, cleaning is carried out when the temperature head changes beyond the limiting values established in the design documentation and (or) the technical documentation of the manufacturer. The method of carrying out the cleaning of the equipment, and also the need to take measures preventing corrosion and the formation of deposits, is determined on the basis of the results of inspections of the equipment and laboratory analyses of the physico-chemical composition of the deposits.
303. The operation of vessels for hot, make-up and network water and of condensate collection tanks operating at atmospheric pressure (hereinafter - accumulator tanks) shall be carried out in accordance with the operating instruction for accumulator tanks.
304. In the case of two or more accumulator tanks operating in parallel, the operating instruction for accumulator tanks shall provide for a sequence of actions for bringing an unfilled accumulator tank into parallel operation with an operating one, excluding the overflow of hot water from the operating tanks into the unfilled accumulator tank, so as to prevent the formation of a vacuum in the operating accumulator tanks and their destruction.
305. The organisation carrying out the operation of accumulator tanks shall, in accordance with the operating instruction for accumulator tanks, ensure the presence and serviceability of: external metal reinforcing structures preventing avalanche-like destruction of the tank; an embankment around the entire perimeter of the tank facility with a height of no less than 0.5 m (the volume of the embankment bowl shall be no less than the volume of the largest accumulator tank); a blind area around the entire perimeter of the accumulator tank; devices for the safe drainage of water from the embanked territory and the embankment bowl; thermal insulation and a covering layer; a drainage line; a device to prevent the loss of the sealant during the emptying or overflow of water from the accumulator tank and to prevent the ingress of the sealant into the pipelines after the accumulator tank when the water level in it drops below the permissible level; anti-corrosion protection of the internal surfaces; signalling of the attainment of the upper and lower limiting level; an automatic level regulator, or an interlocking device ensuring the complete cessation of the water supply into the accumulator tank upon attainment of the upper limiting level; an interlocking device switching off the pumps upon attainment of the lower limiting level; means of measuring the level and temperature of the water in the accumulator tanks and the pressure in all the supply and discharge pipelines; an automatic device for switching on the standby pump-out pumps when the operating pumps are switched off.
306. The absence of leaks, seepage and wet spots on the outer surface of the thermal insulation and of leaks through the glands of the shut-off and control valves shall be ensured. In preparation for the heating period, a check of the compliance of the accumulator tanks, their equipment and their control and protection systems with the listed requirements shall be carried out, together with their overhaul, the elimination of the detected defects and the restoration of the design characteristics.
307. Monitoring shall be carried out of: the condition of the overflow pipe at the mark of the maximum permissible filling level of the accumulator tank, the throughput capacity of which shall be no less than the throughput capacity of all the pipes supplying water to the accumulator tank, the availability of the possibility of free discharge of liquid from it, and the absence of icing and (or) blockage; the condition of the vent pipe, the cross-section of which shall ensure the free entry of air into the accumulator tank, excluding the formation of a vacuum during the pumping-out of water from the accumulator tank, and the free release of the steam-air mixture, preventing an increase in pressure above atmospheric during the filling of the accumulator tank, and the absence of its icing and (or) blockage.
308. During the operation of accumulator tanks (with the exception of condensate collection tanks), the protection of the water in them against aeration shall be ensured by the use of a floating sealing liquid (sealant) or by the arrangement of a steam cushion.
309. For accumulator tanks, data sheets shall be maintained and kept in accordance with paragraph 29 of these Rules.
310. At the operating organisation, a log defined in the list of technical documentation of the operating organisation shall be kept, into which information is entered on the maintenance and repairs carried out, the replacement of equipment, the levelling of the foundation, the checking of lightning protection devices and static electricity protection devices, and the means of protecting the accumulator tanks against corrosion and the water in them against aeration.
311. Accumulator tanks, after repair and (or) during the period of preparation for the heating period, shall be subjected to a hydraulic test for tightness and strength to detect defects, which is carried out by filling with water up to the maximum permissible level - the mark of the overflow pipe. The filling of the accumulator tank for the hydraulic test for tightness and strength is carried out with water at a temperature no higher than 45 °C at an outdoor air temperature no lower than 5 °C. The filling rate shall correspond to the throughput capacity of the vent pipe. Admission to the inspection of the accumulator tank is permitted no earlier than 10 minutes after filling.
312. Monitoring of the filling level of the accumulator tank after a repair connected with the elimination of a leak is carried out by means of instruments installed outside the zone of its embankment; in this case, a mark corresponding to the upper limiting water level in the accumulator tank shall be applied on the remote level gauge. The accumulator tank is considered to have passed the tests for tightness and strength if, after 24 hours, no leak has appeared on its surface or at the edges of the bottom and the water level in the tank has not decreased.
313. After carrying out the test of the accumulator tank for strength and tightness and draining the water, a check of the quality of the foundation and of the uniformity of settlement shall be carried out by levelling at no less than 8 points around the perimeter of the foundation. The results of the hydraulic tests for strength and tightness and of the check of the quality of the foundation and the uniformity of settlement are documented in an act approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision).
314. Accumulator tanks, after complete emptying, shall be filled with water at a temperature no higher than 45 °C.
315. During each inspection of the accumulator tanks, the following actions shall be carried out: testing of the operability of the signalling of the accumulator tanks; monitoring of the serviceability of the level indicator and the level regulator; monitoring of the absence of blockage or freezing of the overflow and vent pipes.
316. Based on the results of the testing and monitoring carried out, the corresponding entries are made in the operational log and measures are taken to eliminate the detected defects.
317. No less than once per quarter, a check of the serviceability of the power supply circuits of the electric motors of the pumps that pump out water from the accumulator tanks, of the electrified shut-off and control valves and of the interlocks and automatic standby switching devices of the pumps shall be carried out.
318. Annually, in preparation for the heating period, an inspection of the structures and foundation of the accumulator tanks, of the compensating devices of the pipelines and of the vent and overflow pipes shall be carried out, to monitor the technical condition, the need for repair and the suitability for further operation. The results of the inspection are entered into a log defined in the list of technical documentation of the operating organisation.
319. No less than once every 3 years, the accumulator tank shall be subjected to technical diagnostics, during which measurements of the actual thicknesses of the metal sheets of the tank walls, flaw detection of the metal and the welded joints, and a check of the quality of the metal and the welded joints, the mechanical properties and chemical composition of which shall correspond to the design documentation and the technical documentation of the manufacturer, shall be performed.
320. The suitability of the accumulator tank for further operation is determined as follows: the maximum permissible corrosion wear of the roof and bottom for the most worn parts shall not exceed 50 per cent of the design thickness, and for the load-bearing structures of the covering (purlins, beams, ties) and the bottom edge strips - 30 per cent; for the lower half of the tank walls - 20 per cent regardless of the wear area; with corrosion wear of the walls of from 15 to 20 per cent of the design thickness, further operation of the accumulator tank is permitted only by the written order of the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision), subject to confirmation of the strength of the accumulator tank by calculation and the performance of annual measurement monitoring of the walls; with corrosion wear of the walls of the upper half of the accumulator tank equal to 20-30 per cent of their design thickness, further operation is permitted for a period of no more than 1 year, subject to lowering the permissible upper level by 1 m below the corrosion-worn section, with relocation of the overflow pipe and adjustment of the automation system to the new filling level of the accumulator tank; the height of local deformations of the bottom surface of a new accumulator tank shall not exceed 150 mm with an area of no more than 2 m2; for accumulator tanks that have been in operation for more than 15 years, the permissible height of local deformations of the bottom surface is 200 mm with an area of 3 m2, and with a greater height of local deformations of the bottom surface the defective place shall be corrected.
321. The operation of heat networks shall be carried out in accordance with the operating instruction for heat networks and the operating instructions for individual types of equipment and systems. Owners and users of buildings and land plots, managing organisations and servicing organisations of apartment buildings shall ensure unimpeded access to the heat networks located within these buildings and land plots for the operational personnel of the organisations operating these networks, for checking the condition of the networks, servicing them and repairing them. When searching for damage to the networks and to eliminate it, access shall be provided without delay.
322. At the operating organisation, in addition to the documentation specified in paragraph 32 of these Rules, the following documentation shall be kept: a plan-diagram of the heat networks; profiles of the heat networks for each main; data sheets of the heat pipelines of the heat network, containing, in addition to the information specified in paragraph 29 of these Rules, for each section information on the pipelines, the heat-insulating structure, the types of laying, the building structure, the presence of drainages, the heat chambers and pavilions, and also the type, number and characteristics of the shut-off, control and safety valves, their diameters and the types of drives; data sheets of the pumping stations, central heating points and accumulator tanks forming part of the heat network, containing the information specified in paragraph 29 of these Rules.
323. The operating organisation shall ensure that the information contained in the listed documentation is up to date. All changes shall be entered under the signature (electronic signature) of the person responsible for the serviceable condition and safe operation, indicating his position and the date of making the change.
324. To all connected buildings, pipelines, underground chambers and above-ground pavilions, pumping stations, central heating points, branch units, valves, inspection and drainage wells, fixed supports and compensators, a process numbering shall be assigned, which shall be used in the plans, diagrams and piezometric graphs. Valves installed on the supply pipeline (steam pipeline) shall be designated by an odd number, and the corresponding valves on the return pipeline (condensate pipeline) - by the even number following it.
325. Process diagrams of heat networks shall be developed to scale, with reference to landmarks on the terrain and to connected buildings, and shall include the following objects and information about them: sections of heat networks with chambers, units, shut-off valves, fixed supports, compensators, air vents, drain valves and steam traps; the routing, diameters and length of the heat pipelines; pumping stations, central heating points and district accumulator tanks; heating points and (or) input units of buildings and structures of heat energy consumers connected to the heat networks, and the purpose of the buildings; heat energy sources.
326. At the operating organisation, plan-diagrams of the heat networks shall be kept. The plan-diagram of the heat networks, in addition to the information specified in the process diagrams of the heat networks, shall additionally contain: the type of laying of each section; the location of accompanying drainages and water outlets; the types and parameters of the heat carriers; the years of commissioning and replacement of the pipelines; the location of the sites of pipeline damage (with the dates and causes of the damage); the location of the sites (zones) of permanent and periodic flooding of the ducts and chambers; the location of adjacent and crossing underground utilities (gas pipelines, water pipelines, storm drains, sewerage, electric cables), rail tracks of electrified transport and traction substations in the zone from the heat pipelines, and other possible sources of the dangerous influence of stray currents; the location of zones with high corrosion aggressiveness of the soil.
327. On the plan-diagram and the operational and process diagrams of the heat networks, gas-hazardous chambers and passable ducts shall have a distinctive designation in yellow colour.
328. Gas-hazardous chambers and passable ducts shall have identification signs, yellow colouring of the hatches and locking devices preventing free access. Periodically, at the times established by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision), and before each descent, the chambers shall be checked for gas contamination.
329. Periodic technical examination of the equipment (pipelines and vessels) of heat networks operating under excess pressure shall be carried out no less than once a year during the inter-heating period.
330. An extraordinary technical examination shall be carried out in the following cases: the vessels have not been put into operation for more than 12 months, and the pipelines - for more than 24 months; the equipment has been dismantled and installed in a new place; repair of the equipment with the use of welding or surfacing has been carried out.
331. In the event that the design documentation of the heat networks provides for the presence of a system of operational remote monitoring of the moistening of the insulation of the pipelines (hereinafter - the ORM system), the frequency of carrying out their technical examination may be increased to 5 years, subject to maintaining the ORM system in a serviceable condition.
332. Hydraulic tests for strength and tightness of pipelines shall be carried out at a positive temperature of the surrounding air.
333. The minimum value of the test pressure shall be no less than 1.25 of the working pressure, but no less than 0.2 MPa (2 kgf/cm2), unless otherwise specified in the design documentation and the technical documentation of the manufacturer. The value of the working pressure is established in accordance with the design documentation. The maximum value of the test pressure for pipelines is established on the basis of the geodetic marks and the maximum loads that the fixed supports of the pipelines can take in accordance with the design documentation. The value of the test pressure is established by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision) between the maximum and minimum values of the test pressure, on the basis of the physical condition of the equipment, the duration of its operation, information on the frequency and nature of pipeline damage in preceding periods, and the results of technical diagnostics. The value of the test pressure shall ensure the greatest detectability of defects of the pipeline or its elements during the inter-heating period. Vessels that are an integral part of the pipeline (having no shut-off members - non-disconnectable by medium) are tested with the same pressure as the pipelines. The holding time under the test pressure shall be no less than 10 min. After the pressure has been reduced to the value of the working pressure or the pressure in the return pipeline of the operating network, an external inspection of the pipeline shall be carried out in accessible places. The requirements for the organisation of the tests, for the safe performance and monitoring of the work, and the measurement diagram shall be established in the test programme approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision), in accordance with the procedure for carrying out hydraulic tests for strength and tightness of heat network pipelines, contained in Appendix No. 4 to these Rules. The results of the hydraulic tests for strength and tightness are considered satisfactory if, while they are being carried out, no drop in pressure has occurred and no signs of rupture, leakage or weeping have been detected in the welded seams, in the base metal, in the bodies and glands of the valves, in the flanged joints and other elements of the pipelines and equipment; there shall be no signs of displacement or deformation of the pipelines and the fixed supports.
334. After the repair of heat-network pipelines performed under conditions of negative ambient air temperatures, a hydraulic test for strength and tightness at a test pressure equal to the working pressure and an external inspection may be carried out, with subsequent technical examination during the nearest inter-heating period.
335. Heat-network pipelines being put into operation, as well as those following repair involving the replacement of pipeline sections, shall, before being started up (switched into operation), be subjected to cleaning: steam pipelines - by blowing with the discharge of steam into the atmosphere; the pipelines of water heat networks in heat-supply systems and condensate pipelines - by flushing.
336. Flushing may be carried out by the hydropneumatic method.
337. For the flushing of pipelines and equipment in closed heat-supply systems, water from a drinking or industrial water supply may be used; after flushing, the water shall be removed from the pipelines. Reports on the flushing (blowing) of the pipelines and equipment of heat networks shall be drawn up and approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision).
338. Work on the start-up of heat networks (including filling the pipelines, switching on circulation, blowing, and warming up the steam pipelines) is carried out in accordance with the operating instructions for the heat networks.
339. During the start-up of a water heat network, monitoring shall be maintained over the filling and warming-up of the pipelines and over the condition of the shut-off valves, compensators and drainage devices. The sequence and rate of warming-up of the heat-network elements shall preclude the possibility of their impermissible thermal deformations.
340. The filling of pipelines during the start-up of a water heat network shall be carried out with water at a temperature no higher than 70 °C, meeting the requirements for the quality of make-up or network water set out in paragraph 284 of these Rules, at a pressure not exceeding the static pressure of the part of the heat network being filled by more than 0.2 MPa (2 kgf/cm2), and at a water flow rate no higher than the values of the maximum hourly water flow rate for filling the heat-network pipelines specified in Appendix No. 5 to these Rules. The filling of heat networks that have booster or mixing pumping stations shall be carried out through bypass pipelines. The control valves installed on the pipelines shall, for the period of filling, be manually opened and disconnected from the measuring and control devices. A heat network that is not in operation and not subject to conservation shall be filled with chemically treated water and kept under an excess pressure of not less than 0.05 MPa (0.5 kgf/cm2) at the upper points of the pipelines.
341. During the start-up of a water heat network, the establishment of the circulation mode in the trunk pipelines shall be carried out through the end jumpers, with the sectionalising gate valves open and the branches and heat-consuming installations disconnected. After the circulation mode has been established, in pipelines that have pressure regulators, these regulators shall be adjusted to ensure the specified pressures in the heat network. The establishment of the circulation mode in the branches from the trunk line shall be carried out through the end jumpers on these branches, by successively and slowly opening the head gate valves of the branches, first on the return pipeline and then on the supply pipeline.
342. The establishment of the circulation mode in the branches leading to the heat-consuming installations of heat-energy consumers shall be carried out in agreement with, and with the participation of, the heat-energy consumers: for heating systems equipped with elevators - through the mixing line of the elevator (in this case, the heating systems downstream of the elevator and the branches to the ventilation and hot-water-supply systems shall be shut off by gate valves); for heating systems connected without elevators or with mixing pumps - through these systems (with these pumps being put into operation).
343. The start-up of the pumps in booster (transfer) pumping stations on the return pipelines of heat networks shall be carried out before the heat-consuming installations are switched on, and in booster (transfer) pumping stations on the supply pipelines - during the switching-on of the heat-consuming installations as the heat load builds up. In booster (transfer) pumping stations on the return pipelines in which the design does not provide for recirculation lines or variable-frequency control of the pumps, the start-up of the pumps may be carried out during the switching-on of the heat-consuming installations as the heat load builds up. In this case, measures shall be observed that ensure the maintenance of pressure in the heat-consuming installations and the heat network within permissible values, that are substantiated by hydraulic calculations and specified in the start-up programme. After the start-up of the booster (transfer) and mixing pumping stations, the following shall be adjusted: the pressure regulators, the automatic reserve-activation devices, the devices protecting against impermissible changes in the network-water pressure and against water hammer, the devices for sectioning into hydraulically isolated zones, the regulators and make-up pumps of the hydraulically isolated zones, and other means and systems of automatic control and protection, in accordance with the setpoint chart approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision).
344. The start-up of water heat networks at negative outdoor air temperatures shall be carried out in accordance with Appendix No. 6 to these Rules.
345. The start-up of a steam heat network shall be carried out in accordance with the procedure for starting up steam heat networks contained in Appendix No. 7 to these Rules. The operating instructions for the heat networks, in the part concerning the start-up of the steam network, shall specify the rate of warming-up of the steam pipeline depending on the length and profile of the network and the steam parameters, the sequence of carrying out individual operations depending on local conditions, and also the procedure for interaction with the personnel of adjacent steam heat networks, including the steam heat networks of heat-energy consumers.
346. The regulation of steam pressure by means of shut-off valves shall not be permitted, except during the start-up period of the steam pipeline and when carrying out operational switching.
347. During the operation of heat networks, monitoring of their technical condition shall be carried out, including the following methods: rounds and inspections; technical diagnostics; selective external inspection of the pipelines of individual sections of the underground pipelines of the heat network (with the exception of non-metallic ones) laid in non-passable channels and by ductless laying, by opening up the ground and removing the insulation (hereinafter - test-pitting); identification of sections with increased heat losses due to wetting of the insulation; monitoring of the wetting of pipeline insulation using operational remote monitoring (ODK) systems; identification of the causes and sources of flooding; identification of the causes and sources of the hazardous influence of stray currents; carrying out tests for the maximum temperature of the heat carrier and hydraulic tests for strength and tightness; other methods of technical diagnostics defined in the technical policy of the operating organisation.
348. Defects in the pipelines and equipment of heat networks that entail the occurrence of an emergency situation or a danger to human life and health shall be eliminated immediately. Information on the defects and damage identified is entered into the log defined in the list of technical documentation of the operating organisation, or into the heat-network database, indicating the type of defect, the causes of its occurrence, and the location of the defect around the circumference of the pipeline and on the site.
349. During the operation of heat networks, rounds and inspections of them shall be carried out. The frequency of the rounds and inspections is established in the operating instructions depending on the technical condition of the heat networks, but not less frequently than once a month. During the rounds and inspections, it is necessary to carry out: monitoring of the technical condition of the heat networks, including by remote methods of monitoring the wetting of the thermal insulation and monitoring changes in temperature and (or) actual heat losses along the route of the heat network, and by methods of technical diagnostics of the pipelines; detection of leaks and unauthorised withdrawal of the heat carrier; monitoring of the condition of the thermal insulation and of the waterproofing and anti-corrosion coatings of the pipelines; removal of water accumulating in the channels and chambers, and identification of the causes of flooding; monitoring of compliance with the requirements for the protection zones of the heat networks; checking of the operation of the drainage systems; monitoring of the corrosion rate; monitoring of the conformity of the parameters of the supplied and returned heat carrier to the established modes.
350. The results of the rounds and inspections are entered into the log defined in the list of technical documentation of the operating organisation.
351. For the purpose of monitoring the thermal and hydraulic modes of heat networks, during the rounds and inspections the conformity of the operating parameters (temperature, pressure) and the flow rates of the heat carrier at the control points of the heat network shall be checked, with the readings of the measuring instruments being taken and compared with the specified values. The monitoring of the thermal and hydraulic modes may be carried out by means of an automated process control system (APCS) and an automated remote control system (ARCS).
352. The pipelines of water heat networks that are in operation shall be subjected to tests for the maximum temperature of the heat carrier to identify pipeline defects (including compensating devices and supports), and to checks of the compensating capacity of the heat networks under conditions of thermal deformation. The value of the maximum temperature of the heat carrier at which the test is carried out is established in the test programme on the basis of the temperature schedule, the network layout, the limitations on the increase in the network-water temperature in the return pipeline, and the possibility of cavitation at the suction of the network pumps. Tests of heat-network pipelines for the maximum temperature of the heat carrier shall be carried out at least once every 5 years in accordance with the procedure for carrying out tests of heat-network pipelines for the maximum temperature of the heat carrier contained in Appendix No. 8 to these Rules.
353. The operation of a heat network at the maximum temperature of the heat carrier due to weather factors during the heating period may be combined with tests of heat networks for the maximum temperature of the heat carrier, provided that the technical and working test programmes are developed and executed in accordance with paragraphs 360 - 362 of these Rules and that the provisions of paragraphs 14 - 16, 19, 28 - 30 of the procedure for carrying out tests of heat-network pipelines for the maximum temperature of the heat carrier contained in Appendix No. 8 to these Rules are complied with. Tests of heat-network pipelines for the maximum temperature of the heat carrier may be carried out at the end of the heating period and during the inter-heating period. Sections of heat networks shall be subjected to tests for the maximum temperature of the heat carrier when tests are carried out throughout the entire heat-supply system.
354. If, within a heat-supply system, the heat networks are operated by two or more organisations, the technical and working programmes for tests for the maximum temperature of the heat carrier are developed by the unified heat-supply organisation of that heat-supply system, unless otherwise established in the heat-supply system management agreement.
355. In heat-supply systems with a total length of water heat networks of more than 10 km on a single-pipe basis and (or) steam pipelines of steam heat networks of more than 3 km in length, the heat conduits of water heat networks and the steam pipelines of steam heat networks shall be subjected to tests for the determination of heat losses through the thermal insulation at least once every 5 years in accordance with the procedure for carrying out tests of the heat conduits of a water heat network for the determination of heat losses through the thermal insulation contained in Appendix No. 9 to these Rules, and the procedure for carrying out tests of a steam heat network for the determination of heat losses through the thermal insulation contained in Appendix No. 10 to these Rules. The determination of the actual heat losses through the thermal insulation may be carried out by methods of automatic calibration of electronic mathematical models of the thermal and hydraulic modes to the actual condition and modes of the heat-supply system, and also where continuous monitoring of the magnitude and distribution of heat losses across the sections of the heat networks is organised by methods of instrumental measurement of heat losses in an automated process control system and (or) an automated remote control system, where the error of measurement of the heat losses is no more than 8 per cent.
356. In heat-supply systems with a total length of water heat networks of more than 10 km on a single-pipe basis, tests for the determination of the hydraulic losses of the pipelines of water heat networks shall be carried out at least once every 5 years in accordance with the procedure for carrying out tests of the pipelines of water heat networks for the determination of hydraulic losses contained in Appendix No. 11 to these Rules.
357. The determination of the hydraulic losses of heat-network pipelines on transit sections of heat networks (without branches) may be carried out without disconnecting heat-energy consumers, using standard and portable instruments for measuring the flow rate and pressure of the network water at the beginning and end of such sections of the supply and return pipelines, with relative measurement errors of no more than: network-water flow rate - 1.5 per cent; pressure at the beginning and end of the transit section - ±0.2 per cent, where the measured pressure difference between the beginning and end of the transit section of the heat network is not less than 0.10 - 0.15 MPa (1.0 - 1.5 kgf/cm2).
358. In addition, the determination of the hydraulic losses may be carried out where the operating organisation uses electronic mathematical models of the thermal and hydraulic modes of the heat-supply system that are automatically calibrated to the actual condition and adequately reflect the actual modes of their operation, and also where the automated process control systems and (or) automated remote control systems used have functions for measuring the hydraulic losses.
359. Tests of heat-network pipelines for the maximum temperature of the heat carrier, tests for the determination of heat losses in water and steam heat networks, and tests for the determination of hydraulic losses in water heat networks shall be carried out in accordance with technical and working programmes approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision) and agreed with the technical manager of the organisation (structural subdivision) operating the thermal energy source. The results of each test are documented in reports approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision).
360. The technical programme for carrying out each type of test specified in paragraph 359 of these Rules shall contain: the name of the facility, the purpose of the tests and their scope; a list of the preparatory work and the time frames for carrying it out; the conditions for carrying out the tests; the stages of carrying out the tests, their sequence, and the expected duration of each stage and of the tests as a whole; the operating modes of the equipment of the thermal energy source, of the sections being tested, and of other sections of the heat networks associated with them but not involved in the tests, at each stage; the parameters (temperature, pressure) and flow rates of the network water, make-up water or steam and returned condensate, their permissible deviations, and the limiting values of the parameters and flow rates; the layout of the installation of the thermal energy source and the heat network during the test period; a list of the subdivisions of the organisations and the officials responsible for the preparation and conduct of the tests; a list of the officials of the organisations operating the heat network and the thermal energy source who agree the technical programme.
361. The initial data and the results of the calculation of the test mode shall be attached to the technical programme for carrying out each type of test.
362. The working programme for carrying out each type of test specified in paragraph 359 of these Rules shall contain: the initial state of the equipment; a list of the work and process operations carried out immediately before the tests (preparation of the equipment, assembly of the circuit at the thermal energy source and in the heat network, checking of the measuring instruments, preparation of the communication and alarm system, and other work in accordance with local conditions, as defined by the technical test programme); the requirements for carrying out measurements and for actions in the event of deviations from the mode and malfunctions of the measuring instruments; a list of measures for the preparation of observers, including the conduct of a labour-protection briefing for the tests and the conduct of a briefing on carrying out measurements and on actions in the event of deviations from the mode and malfunctions of the measuring instruments; a schedule for carrying out the tests (the start and end time of each stage and of the tests as a whole); instructions on the possible adjustment of the modes and schedule of the tests (interruption, repetition of modes, termination of the tests, and other requirements determined by local conditions) based on the intermediate test results; instructions on the operating mode of the equipment of the thermal energy source and the heat network after completion of the tests; a list of the subdivisions of the organisations and the officials responsible for the preparation and conduct of the tests; a list of the organisations and persons agreeing the working test programme; the necessary diagrams, drawings and graphs.
363. When carrying out any type of test of heat networks (for strength and tightness, for the maximum temperature of the heat carrier, for the determination of heat losses, or for the determination of hydraulic losses), such tests on the adjacent sections of the heat networks shall not be permitted.
364. During the operation of heat networks, at least once every 2 years, electrical measurements shall be carried out to identify the hazardous influence of stray currents on metal pipelines of underground laying, comprising measurements of the electrical resistivity of the soil (hereinafter - soil ER) and of the potentials of stray currents in accordance with the requirements of Appendices A to E of interstate standard GOST 9.602-2016 "Unified system of protection against corrosion and ageing. Underground structures. General requirements for corrosion protection", approved by Order of Rosstandart No. 1321-st of 7 October 2016 and put into effect on 1 June 2017 (Moscow: Standartinform, 2016) (hereinafter - GOST 9.602-2016). The scope of the measurements is determined by the operating instructions for the heat networks. Unscheduled measurements are carried out upon receipt of information about any change in the operating mode of the power-supply systems of electrified transport, including the location of traction substations and suction points, about the development of the network of underground structures and sources of stray currents, about the commissioning of electrochemical protection means on adjacent networks and structures in the areas where the heat networks are located, and also when eliminating damage to the heat networks associated with external corrosion. The results of the electrical measurements are documented in a report approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision).
365. For sections of heat networks with a hazardous influence of stray currents, measures to eliminate their hazardous influence shall be taken in accordance with the requirements of Sections 4 - 9 of GOST 9.602-2016, including: the draining and cleaning of the channels and chambers, and the prevention of their flooding; the installation of earthing, jumpers and electrically insulating flanges; the installation of screens between the pipelines and adjacent electrical cables; the prevention of the hazardous effect of the cathodic protection stations of adjacent utilities; the limitation of the effect of the sources of stray currents; the restoration of the anti-corrosion coatings of the pipelines and of the covering layer of the thermal insulation; the installation of electrochemical protection units for the pipelines (cathodic and sacrificial-anode protection, drainages).
366. Electrochemical protection units shall be kept in good working condition at all times. The duration of interruptions in the operation of the electrochemical protection units on heat networks shall not exceed 7 days (in total) during a year. The electrically insulating flange joints are inspected, with a check of their electrical insulating properties, at least once a year. The effectiveness of the drainage, cathodic and sacrificial-anode units is checked at least twice a year, and also upon each change in the operating mode of the electrochemical protection and upon changes associated with the development of the network of underground structures and sources of stray currents. The current-spreading resistance from the anode earth electrode of the cathodic station is measured at least once a year and in all cases where the operating mode of the cathodic station changes by 30 per cent or more from that previously established.
367. To monitor the condition of the underground pipelines of the heat network (with the exception of non-metallic ones) laid in non-passable channels and by ductless laying, test-pitting shall be carried out annually. At least one test pit shall be provided for every 2 kilometres of the route of the heat network. The test-pitting plan, which includes the number of test pits and the places where they are to be carried out, is drawn up annually by the person responsible for the sound condition and safe operation of the heat networks and is approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision). By decision of the person responsible for the sound condition and safe operation of the heat network, test-pitting may be replaced by technical diagnostics of the pipeline using the methods and means of non-destructive testing defined in the technical policy of the operating organisation. On new sections of heat networks, test-pitting may begin from the third year of operation. On sections of heat networks with pre-insulated pipelines in polyurethane foam insulation or foamed polymer-mineral insulation, and also on heat networks made of polymer and chrysotile-cement pipelines, test-pitting is carried out in accordance with the operating instructions for the heat networks.
368. The choice of the locations for carrying out test-pitting is determined by the presence of the following factors and conditions: corrosion damage to the pipelines; crossings with storm drains, sewerage, water supply, roads and water bodies; the laying of the pipelines in metal casings (sleeves); the possible hazardous influence of stray currents; periodic flooding by surface waters.
369. The dimensions of the test pit are selected on the basis of the conditions for ensuring the inspection of the exposed pipeline from all sides. The scope of the external inspection is determined by the person responsible for the sound condition and safe operation of the heat network in accordance with the operating instructions for the heat network and includes the inspection of the insulation, of the pipeline beneath the insulation, and of the building structures. Where there are noticeable traces of corrosion, it is necessary to clean the surface of the pipe, to measure the wall thickness of the pipeline, and to determine the reduction in the wall thickness as a percentage of its initial thickness. Where a local reduction in the wall thickness of from 10 per cent to 20 per cent of the design (initial) value is identified, these sections are subjected to repeat monitoring during the nearest inter-heating period. Based on the results of the inspection, a report is drawn up.
370. For a section of pipeline on which thinning of the pipeline wall of more than 20 per cent of the design (initial) wall thickness has been identified, technical diagnostics is carried out with the performance of strength calculations, on the basis of which the operating organisation takes a decision on the further operation of the pipeline section, or its repair or replacement is carried out. When carrying out test-pitting, simultaneously with the inspection of the pipelines, the inspection and assessment of the condition of the building and insulation structures, the taking of samples of thermal insulation and soil for analysis, and the measurement of electrical potentials for heat-supply and hot-water-supply networks are carried out. Closing test pits without restoring the insulation and the building structure shall be prohibited.
371. The norm for the average annual hourly leakage of network water from water heat networks shall be no more than 0.25 per cent of the average annual volume of water in the heat network and in the heat-consuming installations connected to it, irrespective of the scheme of their connection. The norms for the hourly leakage of network water for the heating and inter-heating periods are established within limits that ensure compliance with the average annual norm.
372. When monitoring compliance with the leakage norms, the consumption of network water shall not be taken into account for: the filling of the heat network and the heat-consuming installations during their scheduled repair and the connection of new sections of the heat network, pipelines and equipment of heat-energy consumers; the flushing, disinfection and repeat flushing (for open heat-supply systems) of the pipelines and equipment of heat networks and heat-consuming installations; hydraulic tests of the pipelines and equipment of heat networks and heat-consuming installations for strength and tightness.
373. In operating organisations, the energy characteristics of water heat networks with a total connected contractual heat load of 50 Gcal/h (58 MW) or more shall be drawn up and, at least once every 5 years, revised and approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision), in respect of the following indicators: losses of network water; heat losses; the specific average hourly consumption of network water per unit of the design connected heat load of the heat-energy consumers; the difference in the temperature of the network water in the supply and return pipelines (or the temperature of the network water in the return pipelines); the specific consumption of electricity for the transmission of thermal energy.
374. The development of the energy characteristics of water heat networks shall be carried out on the basis of the results of the tests of water heat networks for the determination of heat losses and for the determination of hydraulic losses, carried out in accordance with Appendices No. 9 and No. 11 to these Rules. Heat-supply (heat-network) organisations shall, with the frequency established in the operating instructions for the heat network of each heat-supply system, but at least once a year, compare the approved energy characteristics with their actual values for the past heating period across the entire range of outdoor air temperatures, and shall determine measures to eliminate deviations.
375. During the operation of heat networks, the operability of the devices provided for by the design documentation for protection against an increase and (or) decrease in the network-water pressure, against boiling of the network water in the supply pipelines and equipment upon an emergency decrease in pressure, and of the devices for sectioning the heat network into hydraulically isolated zones shall be monitored, including by carrying out their trial operation with the frequency established in the design documentation and the technical documentation of the manufacturing organisations, and also before the heating period. The trial operation of the devices and protection means that, according to the design documentation, form part of the integrated systems of protection against water hammer, impermissible pressures and boiling of the network water in the equipment of thermal energy sources, in heat networks and in heat-consuming installations, shall be carried out in accordance with programmes approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision) and agreed with the organisations operating the pipelines and equipment fitted with the elements of the integrated protection system.
376. For the prompt detection of malfunctions of the ODK system, the operating organisation shall carry out monitoring of its condition, the frequency and methods of which are established by the operating instructions for the heat networks. When the ODK system is triggered, the causes of its triggering shall be identified and measures shall be taken to eliminate the causes.
377. It is necessary to monitor the grading of the ground over the routes of the heat networks and to ensure the drainage of surface water, and also to prevent the effect of shrubs and trees on the insulation structures of the pipelines.
378. The following activities shall be included in the plan for preparing for operation during the heating period, drawn up by heat-supply and heat-network organisations in the part concerning heat networks: technical diagnostics and tests of the pipelines and equipment of heat networks with the identification of defects; repair of the pipelines, equipment and structures of heat networks with the elimination or replacement of defects; development or adjustment of the hydraulic and thermal operating modes of the heat networks, installation of elevator nozzles and throttle orifices, and adjustment of the regulating devices in the heating points and at the inlet units of heat-energy consumers; monitoring of the elimination of the comments issued to heat-energy consumers on the adjustment and regulation of the thermal and hydraulic modes; carrying out comprehensive trial operation of the pumping stations, central heating points, units for regulating the parameters of the heat carrier, district accumulator tanks, and other facilities and equipment of the heat networks, including the automatic control means and the process protections and interlocks; bringing into good condition the waterproofing coatings of the end elements of the insulation of the pipelines and of the fittings at the points where sections of heat conduits with different types of insulation adjoin; carrying out measurements of soil ER and of the potentials of stray currents, determining the places of their hazardous influence, and implementing measures for the electrochemical protection of the pipelines of the heat networks.
379. The requirements of this Chapter apply to: booster (transfer) pumping stations; stations with make-up pumps forming part of the units for sectioning the heat network into hydraulically isolated zones (make-up pumps of the "upper zones"); mixing pumping stations (blending pumping stations); pumping stations for charging and discharging district accumulator tanks; condensate pumping stations; drainage pumping stations.
380. The operation of a pumping station shall be carried out in accordance with the operating instructions for the pumping station.
381. When operating pumping stations, the operating organisation shall ensure the presence, completeness and serviceability of the means, provided for by the design documentation, for the automatic maintenance of the specified parameters of the heat carrier under normal and emergency modes, including protection against: an increase in pressure above the permissible level; the emptying of the heat networks and the heat-consuming installations of heat-energy consumers; an increase in the water temperature after the blending pumping stations.
382. The need for permanent personnel at the pumping station and/or the frequency of servicing them are determined in the operating instructions for the pumping station. All switching operations, the start-up and shutdown of the pumps, the shift handover and acceptance, and the operational instructions of the dispatcher shall be recorded in the operational log of a non-automated pumping station. The readings of the control and measuring instruments shall be entered in the daily record sheet. On each visit to automated and non-automated pumping stations, the operational personnel of the operating organisation shall carry out an inspection and make an entry in the operational log recording the time of the visit, the condition of the equipment, its operating mode and the instrument readings, stating the position and surname.
383. During inspections of the equipment of automated pumping stations, the following shall be checked: the process parameters of the water; the load on the electrical equipment; the vibration of the pump units; the temperature and presence of lubrication of the bearings of the pumps and electric motors, and the operation of their cooling system (where present); the absence of water leakage through the pump seals; the condition of the valve glands; the condition of the measuring instruments, automation, telemechanics and protection.
384. Automated pumping stations shall be checked by personnel without delay upon receipt of a signal of equipment faults or of a deviation from the set values of the monitored parameters, and also in the event of the following faults: de-energisation (loss of power supply); switching-off of the main pump unit and switching-on of the standby pump unit by the automatic standby input (ATS); heating of the bearings or the electric motor beyond the permissible limits; flooding of the pumping station premises; actuation of the protective or interlocking systems; emergency shutdown; actuation of the fire alarm system; in the cases provided for by the design documentation, the technical documentation of the manufacturer, or the operating instructions for the pumping station.
385. At drainage pumping stations, during each round and inspection, the action of the level regulator on the device for the automatic switching-on of the pumps shall be monitored.
386. Where there is a risk of the pumping station parameters going beyond the permissible values, threatening the safety of operation of the pumping station or the heat supply system as a whole, and/or where the protective and alarm devices fail to operate, the operational personnel shall: notify the dispatcher of the risk that has arisen; take measures to identify and eliminate the causes that have led to the threat to safe operation; shut down individual pump units or the pumping station as a whole where it is impossible to eliminate the threat to safe operation.
387. Individual pump units or the pumping station as a whole shall be stopped without delay in the event of danger to human life.
388. Before the start of the heating period, the equipment of the pumping stations shall be tested to determine its readiness for operation during the heating period.
389. When testing the equipment of pumping stations, the operability of the automatic control devices and systems, the process protections and the interlocks that ensure the following shall be monitored: 1) at booster (transfer) pumping stations: the set water pressure in the supply or return pipelines of the water heat networks, with the maintenance in the supply pipeline of a constant pressure downstream of the pump and in the return pipeline upstream of the pump (the back-pressure regulator); the sectionalising of the heat network into hydraulically independent zones, if in the static mode or in the operating mode (with the pumping station switched off) the pressure in the heat network exceeds the permissible value; the set water pressure in the suction headers of the booster (transfer) pumps on the return pipeline when they are switched off, using fast-acting relief devices; compensation for the pressure change from switched-off network pumps of pump groups, which may be effected by switching off other pump groups of heat energy sources or booster (transfer) pumping stations connected in series in the heat supply system (dynamic protection); the switching-off of all operating booster (transfer) pumps of the pumping station upon full closure of the sectionalising valve; the sequential switching-off of all booster (transfer) pumps upon a drop in pressure in the discharge or suction header of the pumping station to the boiling pressure, and the interlock against switching-on of the automatic standby input (ATS) of the booster (transfer) pumps; the automatic switching-on of the standby power source upon a voltage drop in the main source, the automatic switching-on of the section circuit-breaker upon loss of voltage on one of the sections of the power source, and the switching-on of the uninterruptible power source upon loss of power supply; 2) at mixing pumping stations: the constancy of the set mixing ratio; the protection of the heat networks downstream of the mixing pumps against a rise in the water temperature above the set value when the pumps are stopped; 3) at make-up pumping stations for the upper zones, where the heat network is divided (sectionalised) into isolated zones: the automatic switching-on of the make-up pump upon closure of the sectionalising valve on the supply pipeline and/or a drop in pressure in the supply pipeline below the setpoint value; the automatic switching-off of the make-up pump upon opening of the sectionalising valve on the supply pipeline and/or a rise in pressure in the supply pipeline below the setpoint value; the set static pressure in the upper zone during operation of the make-up regulator upon a drop in pressure in the supply pipeline downstream of the sectionalising valve below the setpoint value.
390. At all booster (transfer) pumping stations, the operability of the following, provided for by the design, shall be checked: the automatic switching-on of the standby power source upon a voltage drop in the main source, the automatic switching-on of the section circuit-breaker upon loss of voltage on one of the sections of the power source, and the switching-on of the uninterruptible power source upon loss of power supply. The results of testing the equipment of each pumping station are documented in a report approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision).
391. The requirements of this Chapter apply to the following heating points: central heating points, which form part of the heat network and consist of a complex of devices located in a separate room and intended for the conversion of the type and/or parameters of the heat carrier, for the purpose of heat supply to two or more buildings, structures or installations, and for the centralised preparation of hot water (hereinafter - the CHP); individual heating points, consisting of a complex of devices intended for connecting heat-consuming installations to the heat network, and for the conversion of the type and/or parameters of the heat carrier for the purposes of the non-centralised preparation of hot water, heating and ventilation of a single building, structure or installation, or of several buildings joined by a common foundation and engineering support networks and connected to the heat networks as a single capital construction facility (hereinafter - the IHP).
392. The operation of the heating point shall be carried out in accordance with the operating instructions for the heating point.
393. During the operation of the heating point, the operating organisation shall ensure the presence, completeness and serviceability of that provided for by the design documentation, including the equipment by means of which the following are carried out: the conversion of the type of the heat carrier or its parameters; the distribution of heat energy among the consumption systems (via distribution networks in the CHP, or directly into the systems in the IHP); the filling and make-up of the heat energy consumption systems, and the protection of the connected heating systems against draining; the collection, cooling and return of condensate and the monitoring of its quality; the accumulation of heat energy; the preparation of water for the hot water supply systems; the metering of heat energy and heat loads, and of the flow rates of the heat carrier; the protection of the local systems against an emergency rise in the parameters (temperature and pressure) of the heat carrier; the automatic standby input (ATS) of a pump when the operating one is switched off.
394. By 1 September 2027, missing (lost) design documentation for a heating point shall be restored. For the period until the design documentation is restored, the operating organisation shall carry out verification calculations of the correspondence of the heating point equipment to the connected loads, confirm the possibility of ensuring, with the available equipment, devices and systems, the temperature schedule of the heating systems of the connected buildings, the hot water temperature and the network water flow rates, and also develop a data sheet and temporary process schemes for the heating point that ensure the possibility of its safe operation.
395. The operating organisation shall ensure the serviceability (operability) of the measuring instruments and of the control and automatic regulating systems provided for by the design documentation, which perform the functions of: metering of heat energy and the heat carrier; monitoring of the parameters and flow rates of the return network water and condensate returned from the heat-consuming installations into the heat network; regulation and monitoring of the hot water temperature; limiting the pressure differential of the network water at the inlets of the heat network into the heating points; regulation of the static pressure in the heating systems where they are independently connected; regulation of the flow rate of heat energy and the heat carrier in the heating system; limiting the maximum flow rate of network water through the heating point.
396. The need for personnel to be on duty at the heating point and the duration of such duty are established by an organisational and administrative document of the operating organisation (structural subdivision), depending on the composition of the equipment and the level of automation of the heating point, the operating modes and the characteristics of the heat-consuming installations.
397. The pressure of the heat carrier in the return pipeline of the heating point shall be at least 0.05 MPa (0.5 kgf/cm2) higher than the static pressure of the heating systems connected to the heat network by a dependent scheme.
398. The switching-off of heating points on the network water side shall be carried out by successively closing the shut-off valves, starting with the supply pipeline, and the switching-on by opening them, starting with the return pipeline.
399. The switching-on of heating points on the steam side shall begin with the opening of the start-up drains, the warming-up of the pipeline with steam, and the connection of the heating point equipment and the heat-consuming installations.
400. At CHPs or dispatch rooms (where the monitoring of the operation of the heating point is automated), the following documentation shall be available: the operational log; the record sheet of the parameters and operating modes of the heating point; the scheme of the heating point equipment and of the heat networks downstream of the heating point with the connected buildings; the log, defined in the list of technical documentation of the operating organisation, in which information on defects and faults of the equipment is entered; the temperature schedule; the route for rounds of the heating points assigned to the operational or operational-repair personnel; the job description of the heating point operator; the procedure for personnel actions in the event of emergency situations; the operating instructions for the heating point.
401. At IHPs or dispatch rooms (where the monitoring of the operation of the heating point is automated), the following documentation shall be available: the scheme of the heating point equipment; the operational log; the log, defined in the list of technical documentation of the operating organisation, in which information on defects and faults of the equipment is entered; the operating instructions for the heating point.
402. During the period from 1 September 2025 to 1 September 2030, operating organisations that provide for the operation of heating points shall ensure the transition to maintaining the schemes of the heating point, the operational logs, the parameters and operating modes of the heating point, and the logs in which information on defects and faults of the equipment is entered, in electronic form using technical means that allow information to be displayed and stored in electronic form, with the structuring and archiving of information for its automated analysis and use in the automated process control systems (APCS) and automated dispatch control systems (ADCS) of the heat supply systems, and with the provision of access to this information to heat supply and heat network organisations for the purpose of monitoring the quality of heat supply (heat energy) and of the heat carrier. Where the operational personnel are equipped with portable electronic means for working with information, the data shall be entered into that documentation using an electronic signature or an equivalent of a signature obtained using a special device (a stylus). Where the transmission of data to the APCS and ADCS is provided directly from the measuring instruments and heat energy metering devices located in the heating points, the transfer of this information into the electronic logs and record sheets shall be carried out automatically. For the purpose of analysing the operation of the heating point and its equipment as regards determining the operating time of the equipment and the duration and frequency of repairs, the schemes of the heating point held on technical means that allow the storage and display of information in electronic form shall reflect the actual state of the equipment as regards changes in the positions of the shut-off valves (open, closed) and the state of the equipment (in operation, in reserve, under repair, faulty).
403. The following are entered into the record sheet of the parameters and operating modes of the heating point: the values of the pressure and temperature of the network water, steam and returned condensate, of the heat carrier supplied to the heating and ventilation systems, of the hot water supplied to the hot water supply systems, and at the inlet of the cold water supply system, as well as the consumption of energy resources according to the readings of the metering devices for electricity, heat energy, hot water and cold water, and the flow rate of network water for the make-up of the heating system where an independent connection scheme is used, and other parameters and operating modes of the heating point in accordance with the operating instructions for the heating point.
404. During the period of preparation for the heating period, the following works shall be carried out at the heating points: inspection (checking) of the equipment specified in the plan for preparation for operation during the heating period, with the identification of defects and the necessary repair or replacement; hydraulic tests for tightness and strength of the equipment operating under pressure; checking of the adjustment characteristics and setpoints of the regulating systems and/or the regulators of the temperature and pressure of the heat carrier supplied to the heating systems and of the water supplied to the hot water supply systems, and of the limitation of the network water flow rate through the heating point; checking of the operability of the heat energy metering instruments and units, the absence of non-design changes, and the correspondence of the measuring ranges of the flow meters of the metering devices to the measured flow rates; opening and cleaning of the filters (mud collectors); cleaning of the flow-through part of the flow meters and of the straight sections of the metering units; cleaning of the thermometer wells from dirt, and the filling of new oil; replacement of the gland seals and lubrication of the pump units; checking of the equipment marking; checking of the performance of the activities for the adjustment and regulation of the hydraulic mode, including the replacement of the elevator nozzles and the restrictor diaphragms (washers), the change of the regulator settings and other activities.
405. The checking of the performance of the activities for the adjustment and regulation of the hydraulic mode shall be carried out in the presence of a representative of the single heat supply organisation for the given heat supply system.
406. The operation of heat exchangers (including water heaters) shall be carried out in accordance with the operating instructions for the heat supply facilities (equipment complexes) or the heat-consuming installations of which the heat exchangers form part, or in accordance with separate operating instructions for the heat exchangers.
407. During rounds and inspections of heat exchangers, the following shall be monitored: the temperature, pressure and flow rate of the heat carrier on the heating and heated media sides; the actual capacity; the hydraulic resistance on the heating and heated water sides; the hydraulic tightness, and the absence of cross-flows between the heating and heated media (except for heat exchangers of the mixing type).
408. During the operation of heat exchangers in which the heating medium is steam, the following shall additionally be monitored: the condensate level and the operation of the devices for the automatic maintenance of the level and for discharge; the removal of non-condensable gases from the steam space; the temperature head; the hydraulic tightness, based on the quality of the condensate of the heating steam.
409. Heat exchangers operating under excess pressure shall be subjected to technical examination in accordance with the requirements of paragraphs 235 to 242 and 245 to 247 of these Rules. Hydraulic tests for strength and tightness of heat exchangers installed in heating points shall be carried out annually during the inter-heating period. Hydraulic tests for strength and tightness of sectional high-speed water heaters are carried out at test pressure from the side of the inter-tube space with the return bends removed on both sides.
410. To identify cross-flows of network water into the mains water, or of the mains water into the network water, the tightness of the hot water heaters at heating points shall be checked periodically, at least 1 time per quarter, at a pressure equal to the pressure in the water main or the heat network. If the pressure at the mains water inlet of the heating point is greater than that in the return pipeline of the heat network, the tightness of the heat exchangers under operating conditions may be checked by chemical analysis of the network water in the return pipeline downstream of the water heater.
411. If a lack of tightness of water heaters is detected, they shall be taken out for repair.
412. During preparation for the heating period, heat exchangers shall be flushed, and, where the hydraulic resistance increases above the established value, they shall also be cleaned by the methods established in the technical documentation of the manufacturer.
413. On the basis of the results of regime-adjustment tests and/or operational measurements, the following shall be determined for each water heater and group of water heaters and entered into the data sheets of the heat supply facility or heat-consuming installation of which the water heaters form part: the design heat capacity and the corresponding parameters of the heating medium and the heated water; the temperature head and the maximum water heating temperature; the design flow rates of the heating medium (steam, water) and the heated water, and the corresponding water head losses.
414. The frequency of carrying out regime-adjustment tests and/or operational measurements for determining the specified indicators, and also the procedure and frequency of their subsequent monitoring, are established in the operating instructions for the heat supply facility and/or the heat-consuming installation.
415. The operation of pipelines, shut-off and control valves (including safety valves) shall be carried out in accordance with the operating instructions for the heat supply facilities (equipment complexes) or the heat-consuming installations of which the specific pipelines and valves form part, and in accordance with the requirements of these Rules.
416. Shut-off and control valves shall be used in accordance with their functional purpose. The use of shut-off valves as control valves shall not be permitted, except for the start-up of a steam heat network.
417. Safety devices (valves) for the protection of equipment shall be calculated in accordance with the requirements of Section 5 of interstate standard GOST 12.2.085-2017 "Pipeline valves. Safety valves. Selection and calculation of the discharge capacity", approved by Order of Rosstandart No. 142-st of 21 March 2018 and brought into effect on 1 November 2018 (Moscow: Standartinform, 2018), and set such that the pressure in the protected element does not exceed the value of the excess working pressure by more than 10 per cent, and, at a working pressure of up to 0.5 MPa (5 kgf/cm2), by not more than 0.05 MPa (0.5 kgf/cm2). The operation of boilers, pipelines and vessels with inoperative, faulty, unadjusted or unsealed safety devices (valves) provided for by the design documentation and the technical documentation of the manufacturers shall not be permitted. Checking of the correct operation of the safety devices (valves) by brief lifting shall be carried out by the operational personnel at least 1 time per shift on equipment with a working pressure of up to and including 1.4 MPa (14 kgf/cm2), and at least 1 time per day on equipment with a working pressure above 1.4 MPa (14 kgf/cm2). During operation, checking of the tightness (leak-tightness) and adjustment of the actuation pressure of the safety valves shall be carried out at least 1 time every 12 months, and also after inspection and repair, unless otherwise established in the technical documentation by the manufacturer of the valve.
418. The results of checking the tightness (leak-tightness), setting and adjustment of the safety valve are documented in a report and/or by an entry in the log defined in the list of technical documentation of the operating organisation. For automated boiler houses, pumping stations, heating points and heat-consuming installations operating without permanent servicing personnel and with a common round-the-clock dispatch point, checking of the correct operation of the safety devices (valves) may be carried out according to a schedule approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision). The results of the checking shall be entered in the operational log.
419. The operation of pipelines, shut-off and control valves (including safety valves) shall be carried out in accordance with the operating instructions for the heat supply facilities (equipment complexes) or the heat-consuming installations of which the specific pipelines and valves form part, and in compliance with the requirements of these Rules.
420. Shut-off and control valves shall be used in accordance with their functional purpose. The use of shut-off valves as control valves shall not be permitted, except for the start-up of a steam heat network in accordance with paragraph 346 of these Rules. Safety devices (valves) for the protection of equipment shall be calculated in accordance with the requirements of Section 5 of interstate standard GOST 12.2.085-2017 "Pipeline valves. Safety valves. Selection and calculation of the discharge capacity", approved by Order of Rosstandart No. 142-st of 21 March 2018 and brought into effect on 1 November 2018 (Moscow: Standartinform, 2018), and set such that the pressure in the protected element does not exceed the value of the excess working pressure by more than 10 per cent, and, at a working pressure of up to 0.5 MPa (5 kgf/cm2), by not more than 0.05 MPa (0.5 kgf/cm2). The operation of boilers, pipelines and vessels with inoperative, faulty, unadjusted or unsealed safety devices (valves) provided for by the design documentation and the technical documentation of the manufacturers shall not be permitted; the dates for carrying out the next check of tightness (leak-tightness) and the setting of the actuation pressure.
421. During operation, when inspecting pipelines and valves, and also during preparation for the heating period, the following shall be monitored: the possibility of free thermal movement of the pipelines, the presence and serviceability of the movable and fixed supports, hangers or spring fastenings, and their correspondence to the design documentation; the occurrence of additional stresses in the pipeline elements and in the valves due to restrictions on thermal expansion and external effects; the absence of increased vibration of the pipelines; the tightness of the safety devices, valves and flange joints; the ease of movement of the moving parts of the valves; the leak-tightness of the gland seals of the valves; the correspondence of the readings of the position indicators of the control valves on the control panels to their actual position; the absence of any placement of valves, drainage devices, and flange and threaded joints at points where pipelines are routed above gates, doorways and window openings; the serviceability of the thermal insulation; the serviceability of the anti-corrosion protection; the serviceability of the waterproofing over the protective coatings of the thermal insulation of the pipelines, including pipelines with a working medium having a temperature below that of the surrounding air and located in the open air, near oil tanks, oil pipelines or fuel pipelines.
422. Scheduled repair of pipelines, valves and safety devices is carried out simultaneously with the repair of the equipment of the heat supply facilities and heat-consuming installations.
423. The periodic technical examination of pipelines that are not heat network pipelines is carried out by means of: inspection of the pipeline before the start and after the completion of scheduled repair, but at least 1 time per year; inspection and hydraulic testing for strength and tightness in accordance with the time periods established in the design documentation and/or the technical documentation of the manufacturer.
424. Extraordinary technical examination of pipelines that are not heat network pipelines shall be carried out in the cases where: the pipelines have not been operated, including where they have been in mothballing, for more than 24 months; repair of the pipelines has been carried out using welding, surfacing or heat treatment of elements operating under pressure.
425. External inspection and hydraulic testing of a pipeline after repair using welding are carried out before the thermal insulation is applied to the sections that have undergone repair. External inspection of pipelines is carried out during technical examination in the course of operation after the repair (adjustment) of the elements of the support-and-suspension system of the pipeline, and before each start-up of it into operation from the cold state, in the manner established by the operating instructions. Where technically possible, external inspection is carried out in two stages, in the cold and hot states, to check for the absence of any pinching of the pipeline that would obstruct movement during thermal expansion.
426. The minimum value of the test pressure during hydraulic testing for strength and tightness of pipelines operating under excess pressure is taken as follows: at a working pressure of not more than 0.5 MPa (5 kgf/cm2) - 1.5 times the working pressure, but not less than 0.2 MPa (2 kgf/cm2); at a working pressure of more than 0.5 MPa (5 kgf/cm2) - 1.25 times the working pressure, but not less than the working pressure plus 0.3 MPa (3 kgf/cm2).
427. In the event of a reduction of the working pressure relative to that specified in the technical documentation of the manufacturer, the test pressure during hydraulic testing is determined on the basis of the permitted pressure established according to the results of the technical examination. The maximum permissible value of the test pressure is established in accordance with the instructions of the design documentation and the technical documentation of the manufacturer, or by strength calculations. The holding time under test pressure of the pipelines shall be not less than 10 minutes, unless there are other instructions in the technical documentation of the manufacturer. After holding under test pressure, the pressure shall be reduced to the working pressure, at which visual inspection of the outer surface of the pipelines and of all their detachable and permanent joints is carried out.
428. Pipelines shall be deemed to have passed the hydraulic test for strength and tightness if none of the following is detected: visible residual deformations; cracks or signs of rupture; leakage or sweating in welded or expanded joints and in the base metal; leakage in detachable joints; a drop in pressure as shown by the pressure gauge; impermissible displacement of the pipelines from the design position.
429. In the detachable joints of pipelines, the appearance of individual droplets that do not increase in size over the holding time may be permitted.
430. When operating heat-consuming installations, operating organisations shall ensure: heat energy consumption modes in accordance with the heat supply contract <11>, and the quality of the returned network water or condensate; ----------- <11> The third sub-paragraph of paragraph 21 of the Rules for the Organisation of Heat Supply in the Russian Federation, approved by Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 808 of 8 August 2012. In accordance with paragraph 3 of Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 808 of 8 August 2012, this act is in force until 1 September 2027. unimpeded access to the heat-consuming installations for representatives of the heat supply (heat network) organisation for monitoring the heat consumption modes and the quality of the returned network water or condensate; the presence and operability of the automatic regulators of the temperature of the water supplied to the hot water supply systems; preparation for operation during the heating period; monitoring and elimination of leaks and of unauthorised withdrawal of the heat carrier; waterproofing of the inlets into buildings of the heat network and hot water pipelines; prevention of flooding and steaming-up of the equipment of the heat-consuming installations.
431. The operation of heat-consuming installations shall be carried out in accordance with the operating instructions for the heat-consuming installations.
432. The switching-off of heat-consuming installations shall be carried out by successively closing the shut-off valves, starting with the supply pipeline, and the switching-on by opening them, starting with the return pipeline.
433. The switching-on (start-up) of steam heat-consuming installations is carried out in accordance with paragraph 17 of Appendix No. 7 to these Rules.
434. For protection against internal corrosion, heat-consuming installations shall be permanently filled with chemically treated water or condensate, or with another liquid provided for use by the design documentation in the specific heat-consuming installation.
435. Pipelines and equipment of heat-consuming installations operating under excess pressure shall undergo hydraulic strength and tightness tests. The minimum value of the test pressure during the test is taken as not less than 1.25 of the working pressure, but not less than 0.2 MPa (2 kgf/cm2). The maximum value of the test pressure for pipelines and equipment is established on the basis of the permissible pressure for which the pipelines and equipment used are designed. The value of the test pressure is established by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision) within the range between the minimum and maximum values. For water heating systems of buildings, the test pressure is taken as 0.6 MPa (6 kgf/cm2) where cast-iron heating radiators are used, and 1.0 MPa (10 kgf/cm2) in other cases.
436. The hydraulic strength and tightness test shall be carried out in the following order: the heat-consuming installation is filled with water (or another liquid provided for use by the design documentation in the specific heat-consuming installation) at a temperature not exceeding 40 °C, and the air is completely removed through the air-release devices at the upper points; the pressure is brought up to the working pressure and maintained for the time necessary to inspect all welded and flanged joints, valves and fittings, and equipment, but not less than 10 minutes; if no defects are detected within 10 minutes, the pressure is brought up to the test pressure (for plastic pipes, the time for raising the pressure to the test pressure shall be not less than 30 minutes).
437. Hydraulic strength and tightness tests of heating and ventilation systems are carried out separately.
438. Equipment and systems are deemed to have passed the tests if, during their conduct: no capillary permeability (formation of condensate) of the welded joints or leaks from heating appliances, pipelines, valves and fittings, and other equipment is detected; within 5 minutes the drop in pressure from the test pressure has not exceeded 0.02 MPa (0.2 kgf/cm2); during strength and tightness tests of panel heating systems, the drop in pressure from the test pressure within 15 minutes has not exceeded 0.01 MPa (0.1 kgf/cm2).
439. The results of hydraulic strength and tightness tests are documented in a report approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision). If the results of the strength and tightness tests do not meet the specified conditions, the leaks and defects shall be identified and eliminated, after which repeated tests shall be carried out.
440. Heat supply and heat network organisations shall ensure that the parameters and characteristics of the heat carrier supplied to thermal energy consumers at the delivery point are maintained within the following limits: the deviation of the daily weighted average value of the heat carrier temperature in the supply pipeline - not more than ±3 per cent from the temperature schedule set out in the heat supply contract <12>; ——————————-- <12> Paragraphs 24 and 124(2) of the Rules for the Organisation of Heat Supply in the Russian Federation, approved by Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 808 of 8 August 2012. In accordance with paragraph 3 of Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 808 of 8 August 2012, this act is valid until 1 September 2027. the difference in pressures in the supply and return pipelines - not lower than the values specified in the heat supply contract <13>; ——————————-- <13> Paragraphs 24 and 124(2) of the Rules for the Organisation of Heat Supply in the Russian Federation, approved by Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 808 of 8 August 2012. In accordance with paragraph 3 of Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 808 of 8 August 2012, this act is valid until 1 September 2027. the deviation of the pressure in the return pipeline - not more than 0.05 MPa (0.5 kgf/cm2) from the value established in the heat supply contract <14>; ——————————-- <14> Paragraphs 24 and 124(2) of the Rules for the Organisation of Heat Supply in the Russian Federation, approved by Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 808 of 8 August 2012. In accordance with paragraph 3 of Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 808 of 8 August 2012, this act is valid until 1 September 2027. the quality of the heat carrier (water) - in accordance with the requirements of Chapter IX of these Rules; the quality of the heat carrier (steam) in accordance with the terms of the heat supply contract <15>. ——————————-- <15> Paragraphs 24 and 124(2) of the Rules for the Organisation of Heat Supply in the Russian Federation, approved by Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 808 of 8 August 2012. In accordance with paragraph 3 of Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 808 of 8 August 2012, this act is valid until 1 September 2027.
441. Operating organisations shall ensure that the parameters and characteristics of the heat carrier (condensate) returned from heat-consuming installations to the heat network are maintained within the following limits: the daily weighted average temperature of the returned heat carrier - not higher than the temperature according to the temperature schedule specified in the heat supply contract <16>; ——————————-- <16> Paragraph 26 of the Rules for the Organisation of Heat Supply in the Russian Federation, approved by Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 808 of 8 August 2012. In accordance with paragraph 3 of Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 808 of 8 August 2012, this act is valid until 1 September 2027. the maximum average hourly flow rate of the heat carrier in the supply pipeline at the maximum design load of the heat-consuming installations (in total across all types of consumption) - not higher than the values set out in the heat supply contract <17>; ——————————-- <17> Paragraph 26 of the Rules for the Organisation of Heat Supply in the Russian Federation, approved by Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 808 of 8 August 2012. In accordance with paragraph 3 of Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 808 of 8 August 2012, this act is valid until 1 September 2027. the volume of heat losses of thermal energy (heat carrier) in the consumer's heat networks from the balance sheet boundary to the metering point - not higher than the values set out in the heat supply contract <18>; ——————————-- <18> Paragraph 21 of the Rules for the Organisation of Heat Supply in the Russian Federation, approved by Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 808 of 8 August 2012. In accordance with paragraph 3 of Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 808 of 8 August 2012, this act is valid until 1 September 2027. the standard leakage of the heat carrier in the heat-consuming installations of thermal energy consumers - not higher than the values set out in the heat supply contract; the average hourly flow rate of the returned condensate in steam systems - not lower than the minimum value established in the heat supply contract <19>; ——————————-- <19> Paragraph 26 of the Rules for the Organisation of Heat Supply in the Russian Federation, approved by Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 808 of 8 August 2012. In accordance with paragraph 3 of Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 808 of 8 August 2012, this act is valid until 1 September 2027. the quality of the returned heat carrier (water) - in accordance with the requirements for network water in paragraph 284 of these Rules; the quality of the returned condensate - in accordance with the terms of the heat supply contract.
442. The standard for the average annual hourly leakage of the heat carrier during the operation of heating and ventilation systems shall not exceed (excluding process losses of the heat carrier) 0.25 per cent of the average annual volume of water in these systems.
443. When determining the standard leakage of the heat carrier network water of heat-consuming installations, the quantity of water for the following shall not be taken into account: filling upon their scheduled repair; their flushing; carrying out hydraulic strength and tightness tests of pipelines and equipment.
444. Process losses (expenditure) of the heat carrier for filling heat-consumption systems upon commissioning after repair, as well as for carrying out strength and tightness tests, regime-adjustment work and flushing, are recorded in bilateral reports of the consumer and the heat supply (heat network) organisation, unless otherwise specified in the heat supply contract.
445. Monitoring of the condition of heat-consuming installations, their operating regimes, the quality indicators of thermal energy (heat supply) and the indicators of heat-consumption regimes may be carried out by remote methods, including with the use of automated data processing systems.
446. In the event that circulation of the heat carrier in heating, ventilation and hot water supply systems ceases at sub-zero outdoor air temperatures, to prevent them from freezing, the heat carrier (hot water) shall be drained from these systems in accordance with the operating instructions of the heat-consuming installation.
447. During the operation of heating, ventilation and hot water supply systems, the operating organisation shall carry out the adjustment and regulation of these systems to ensure the air temperatures in heated premises and the hot water temperatures in hot water supply systems at the water draw-off points. During the period of preparation for the heating period, the requirements of paragraph 378 of these Rules shall be fulfilled with regard to the installation of elevator nozzles, throttling diaphragms and (or) regulating devices at the heat points and inlet units of thermal energy consumers.
448. When preparing heat-consuming installations for the heating period, the availability and serviceability of the following devices and equipment shall be ensured: shut-off valves; devices for removing air from heating systems in water systems and from condensate pipelines in steam systems; thermal insulation; devices for the automatic control of the hot water temperature; check valves on the circulation pipelines of hot water supply systems before their connection to the return pipelines of the heat networks in open heat supply systems or to the water heaters in closed heat supply systems; other devices, automatic control means and process protections provided for by the design documentation.
449. Where processes of scale, deposit and sludge formation are present, the flow section of the flow meters and the straight sections of the pipelines in the metering units of thermal energy and the heat carrier shall be cleaned.
450. During the annual preparation for the heating period, flushing of the heat-consuming installations shall be carried out. When hydropneumatic flushing is carried out, the flow rate of the water-air mixture shall be within the range of 3 to 5 times the design flow rate of the heat carrier (hot water). When flushing with water is carried out, its flow rate shall be within the range of 3 to 5 times the design flow rate of the heat carrier (hot water), and complete clarification of the water shall be achieved. The results of the flushing are documented in a flushing report for the heat-consuming installation, approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (structural subdivision).
451. A representative of the heat supply and (or) heat network organisation may be present during the flushing of heat-consuming installations. The organisation operating the heat-consuming installations shall, not later than 5 working days in advance, notify the heat supply and (or) heat network organisation of the date of the flushing of the heat-consuming installation and shall provide the representatives of the heat supply and (or) heat network organisations with access to the heat-consuming installations for the entire period of the flushing. A copy of the flushing report for the heat-consuming installation shall be transferred to the heat supply (heat network) organisation within 5 working days after the flushing.
452. Before start-up (putting into operation) following hydraulic strength and tightness tests or flushing, the heat-consuming installations shall be completely emptied of tap water and filled with network water (or another liquid provided for use by the design documentation in the specific heat-consuming installation). The start-up (putting into operation) of the heat-consuming installations of thermal energy consumers during the operation period shall be carried out by the operating organisation in agreement with the heat supply organisation.
1. Values of the carbonate index when heating network water in network heaters depending on the pH of the water: [table - reproduced in the Russian original]
2. Values of the carbonate index when heating network water in hot-water boilers depending on the pH of the water: [table - reproduced in the Russian original]
1. The quality of the water for making up heat supply systems shall meet the following standards: free carbonic acid content: 0; pH value for heat supply systems: open: 8.3 to 9.0; closed: 8.3 to 10.5; where the pH of the network water is above 10.0, the value X shall not exceed 0.1 (mg-eq/dm3); dissolved oxygen content, µg/dm3: not more than 50; amount of suspended matter, mg/dm3: not more than 5; petroleum products content, mg/dm3: not more than 1.
2. The lower limit of the pH value may be adjusted by decision of the technical manager of the operating organisation (subdivision) depending on the intensity of corrosion phenomena in the equipment and pipelines of the heat supply systems, after agreeing the proposed changes with the unified heat supply organisation and the heat network organisations in the given heat supply system.
3. At pH values above 9.5, deep softening of the make-up water shall be carried out.
1. The quality of the network water shall meet the following standards: free carbonic acid content: 0; pH value for heat supply systems: open: 8.3 to 9.0; closed: 8.3 to 10.5; where the pH of the network water is above 10.0, the value X shall not exceed 0.1 (mg-eq/dm3); iron compound content, mg/dm3, for heat supply systems: open: not more than 0.3; closed: not more than 0.5; dissolved oxygen content, µg/dm3: not more than 20; amount of suspended matter, mg/dm3: not more than 5; petroleum products content, mg/dm3, for heat supply systems: open: not more than 0.1; closed: not more than 1.
2. The lower limit of the pH value may be adjusted by decision of the technical manager of the operating organisation (subdivision) depending on the intensity of corrosion phenomena in the equipment and pipelines of the heat supply systems, after agreeing the proposed changes with the unified heat supply organisation and the heat network organisations in the given heat supply system.
3. At pH values above 9.5, deep softening of the make-up water shall be carried out.
1. The procedure for carrying out the hydraulic strength and tightness test of the heat network pipelines (hereinafter - the hydraulic test) is determined by the programme of hydraulic strength and tightness tests, approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (subdivision).
2. Hydraulic tests are carried out using stationary or mobile pumps.
3. When hydraulic tests are carried out, communication shall be arranged between the work teams carrying out the tests and the dispatching services of the organisations whose heat networks are being subjected to hydraulic tests.
4. All thermal energy consumers whose heat-consuming installations are connected to the heat networks being subjected to the hydraulic test shall be notified of the approval of the current repair schedule and the time frame for carrying it out not later than 10 working days after the day of its approval, and of the commencement of the tests - not later than 3 working days before the day of their commencement.
5. The duration of the hydraulic test (the holding time) at the test pressure shall be established by the technical manager of the operating organisation (subdivision) on the basis of local geodetic conditions and shall be not less than 10 minutes.
6. Hydraulic tests of the supply and return pipelines are carried out separately if their joint hydraulic test at the selected test pressure is not permissible in accordance with the strength calculations of the maximum permissible loads on the supports or in accordance with the design documentation.
7. For the duration of the hydraulic tests, in place of measuring and other devices, the loading of which with the test pressure shall not be permitted, transition spool pieces are installed whose material and strength correspond to the characteristics of the pipeline.
8. When hydraulically testing the head sections of trunk pipelines located on the territory of the thermal energy source, or when cooling down heat networks using the network pumps of the thermal energy source, the programme of hydraulic tests shall be agreed with the technical manager of the organisation (subdivision) operating the thermal energy source.
9. Within the time frame established by the programme of hydraulic tests, a cooling-down scheme for the heat network is prepared.
10. To reduce the temperature of the network water in the supply pipeline: a section of the heat networks on which the hydraulic test is carried out is isolated by means of shut-off valves and blanking plugs; the necessary jumpers between the supply and return pipelines are opened; circulation is established by the network pumps of the thermal energy source without heating the water (the pumps of the booster pumping station may be used); where the method of displacing hot network water from the supply pipeline of the section being cooled down into the operating sections of the heat network is applied, the gate valves on the supply pipeline are opened in the relevant chambers; monitoring of the progress of the cooling-down is arranged at the points provided for by the programme of hydraulic tests, with the values of the monitored parameters being transmitted to the dispatcher every hour and, in the event of deviation of the values from those provided for by the programme - immediately; the cooling-down is continued until the temperature of the network water is reduced to 40 °C and below at all monitoring points; the gate valves on the supply pipelines at the boundary with the operating networks are closed, the network pumps are stopped, and the head gate valves at the thermal energy source and (or) the booster pumping station are closed; in the pipelines of the heat networks being tested, a pressure is established equal to the pressure in the return pipeline of the operating networks, but not less than 0.05 MPa (0.5 kgf/cm2) at the upper point of the section. The programme of hydraulic tests specifies the parameters of the network water at the collector of the thermal energy source and (or) the booster pumping station that are necessary during the cooling-down, as well as their permissible deviations; it shall also be noted that, in the event of deviation of the specified parameters from the permissible ones, the cooling-down shall be stopped until the causes of the deviations have been ascertained and eliminated.
11. Before the start of hydraulic tests: a check is made that all jumpers and connections with the operating sections of the heat network are closed; the air is removed from the pipelines through the air vents at the upper points of the section being tested; the connection scheme of the pressure-testing pump is assembled. After the pressure-testing pump is switched on, the pressure in the section of the pipeline being tested is raised at the rate and to the value specified in the programme of hydraulic tests and is held for the specified time. The pressure in the pipeline is then reduced to the working pressure or to the pressure in the return pipeline of the operating heat network, after which the pipeline being tested is inspected, all detected defects are recorded, and the pressure-testing pump is switched off.
12. If, during the hydraulic strength and tightness tests, a sharp drop in pressure on the discharge side of the pressure-testing pump or an increase in the make-up value at the thermal energy source is observed, the pressure-testing pump shall be stopped immediately. The hydraulic tests may be continued after the location has been identified and the damage has been eliminated or the damaged section has been disconnected. Before each subsequent increase in pressure, the air shall be removed from the upper point of the pipeline being tested.
13. The report drawn up upon completion of the hydraulic tests shall specify: the sections of the heat networks that have been subjected to hydraulic tests; the pressure values in the supply and return pipelines during the hydraulic tests; the time and value of each increase in pressure before and after the elimination of the detected damage; the location and diameter of the pipeline where the damage was detected; the volume of repair work carried out.
1. For the start-up of heat networks at sub-zero outdoor air temperatures in the event of operating disturbances defined in the operating instructions for the heat networks, for major repair, or for the start-up of newly constructed mains, additional drain devices shall be installed in the supply and return pipelines of the heat network being filled, where the pipe diameter is 300 mm or more, at a distance of not more than 400 m from one another, and the discharge of the drained water shall be routed outside the chambers.
2. The filling of the pipelines shall be carried out with water at a temperature of 50 to 60 °C along separate sections divided by sectioning gate valves, simultaneously along the supply and return pipelines. In the event of a limited supply of make-up water, the return pipeline shall be filled first, and then the supply pipeline through the jumper before the sectioning gate valves at the end of the section.
3. If the water heating installation of the thermal energy source is not in operation, the water for filling the heat network shall be supplied through the bypass of the head gate valve into the return pipeline and through a specially arranged jumper after the head gate valves into the supply pipeline, whereby the head gate valve (and the bypass) on the supply pipeline shall be tightly closed.
4. The filling of the pipelines with water and the establishment of a circulation regime in the heat network with the water heating installation of the thermal energy source not in operation shall be carried out in the following order: 1) before the start of filling the pipelines, all drain devices and air vents shall be opened, as well as the gate valves on the jumper between the supply and return pipelines before the sectioning gate valves; the air vents shall be closed after air ceases to come out through them, and the drain devices - after the temperature of the drained water exceeds 30 °C; 2) after filling the pipelines of the head sectioned section and closing all air vents and drainage devices, switch on the network pump and, by slowly opening the gate valve on the pump discharge branch (with the gate valve on the pump suction side open), establish circulation on this section through the jumper before the sectioning gate valves; immediately after establishing circulation, raise the temperature of the supplied heat carrier to compensate for the heat losses in the pipeline sections being filled; 3) the filling of the subsequent sectioned sections and the establishment of a circulation regime in them shall be carried out in compliance with the requirements for the head section, by opening the bypasses at the sectioning gate valves between the section in operation and the sections being filled; filling shall be carried out with the gate valve on the jumper between the supply and return pipelines before the next sectioning gate valves open, whereby the make-up device shall continuously replenish the loss of water from the head section; 4) after filling the trunk pipelines and establishing circulation in them, the filling of the distribution networks shall be carried out in compliance with the requirements set out above; branches of great length shall be filled along separate sectioned sections; the filling of each subsequent section is carried out after circulation has been established in the previous one; 5) the filling of the branches to thermal energy consumers shall be carried out after all trunk and distribution networks have been filled, whereby circulation is established through the mixing lines of the elevators with the heating systems switched off (as agreed and with the participation of the thermal energy consumers); heating systems connected directly to the heat networks (without mixing) and heating systems with pump mixing shall be filled together with the heat point, whereby circulation is established through the heating system (as agreed and with the participation of the thermal energy consumers); 6) after the entire heat network has been filled and circulation has been established in it, all gate valves on the jumpers between the supply and return pipelines at the sectioning gate valves shall be fully closed.
5. To fill the pipelines of the heat network with the water heating installation in operation, a jumper shall be arranged between the supply and return pipelines after the head gate valves that disconnect the main being started up from the common collectors; two gate valves shall be installed on the jumper, and a control fitting with a valve shall be installed between them.
6. The filling of the pipelines with water and the establishment of a circulation regime in the heat network with the water heating installation in operation shall be carried out in the following order: 1) before the start of filling the pipelines, all drain devices and air vents shall be opened, as well as the gate valves on the jumper between the supply and return pipelines before the sectioning gate valves; the air vents shall be closed after air ceases to come out through them, and the drain devices - after the temperature of the drained water exceeds 30 °C; 2) the filling of the subsequent sectioned sections and the establishment of a circulation regime in them shall be carried out in compliance with the requirements for the head section, by opening the bypasses at the sectioning gate valves between the section in operation and the sections being filled; filling shall be carried out with the gate valve on the jumper between the supply and return pipelines before the next sectioning gate valves open, whereby the make-up device shall continuously replenish the loss of water from the head section; 3) after filling the trunk pipelines and establishing circulation in them, the filling of the distribution networks shall be carried out in compliance with the requirements set out above; branches of great length shall be filled along separate sectioned sections; the filling of each subsequent section is carried out after circulation has been established in the previous one; 4) water shall be supplied through the bypass of the head gate valve into the return pipeline and through the jumper after the head gate valves - into the supply pipeline, whereby the head gate valve with the bypass on the supply pipeline shall be fully closed; 5) after the filling of the pipelines of the sectioned section is completed, the gate valves on the jumper behind the head gate valves, through which the supply pipeline was filled, shall be closed; 6) the circulation regime in the sectioned section shall be established by gradually opening the bypass at the head gate valve on the supply pipeline; 7) after the entire heat network has been filled and circulation has been established in it, all gate valves on the jumpers between the supply and return pipelines at the sectioning gate valves shall be fully closed.
7. In the event of malfunctions during the filling of the pipelines of the heat network and the need to empty the pipelines, all drain devices and air vents shall be opened so that no water remains at any low-lying point.
1. The start-up of a steam heat network shall be carried out in accordance with the start-up instructions for the steam heat network, approved by the technical manager of the operating organisation (subdivision), and shall consist of the following stages: warming-up and purging of the steam pipelines; filling and flushing of the condensate pipelines; connection of the heat-consuming installations to the steam heat network.
2. The start-up of a steam heat network shall be carried out by a start-up team formed on the eve of the warming-up of the steam pipeline. The number of the team's personnel is determined on the basis of two fitters being on duty at each drainage device of the steam pipeline being warmed up. Where the steam pipeline is located in places that are within view, two fitters may be on duty for every two or three drainage devices, whereby the distance between the outermost drainage devices served by two fitters shall not exceed 100 metres. The start-up team shall be provided with motor transport. Mobile communication shall be provided between the head of the start-up team and its members.
3. The sequence of warming-up and purging of the trunk steam pipelines and the branches from them is specified in the start-up instructions for the steam heat network on the basis of their length and diameters. When starting up a branched steam pipeline of great length, the main line shall be warmed up first.
4. Before warming up the steam pipeline, complete draining of the condensate accumulated in it shall be carried out. Constant monitoring shall be established over the open drainage devices. The lower points of the bends of the steam pipeline shall be subject to special monitoring. The frequency of checking for the absence of blockage in the drainage device shall be determined in the test programme.
5. In the case of separate warming-up of the trunk steam pipeline and the branches from it, before the start of warming up the trunk steam pipeline, the head gate valve at the outlet from the thermal energy source shall be tightly closed, as well as the gate valves on all branches from the main and at the heat points of thermal energy consumers. In the case of simultaneous warming-up of the trunk steam pipeline and the branches from it, the gate valves on all branches being warmed up shall be fully opened. Before warming up the steam pipeline, the drainage devices of the section being warmed up, which are simultaneously used also for releasing air, shall be fully opened. The steam traps on the steam pipeline being warmed up shall be switched off, and the drainage of the steam pipeline at the points where the steam traps are installed shall be switched over to direct blowdown into the atmosphere.
6. The warming-up of the trunk steam pipeline shall be carried out through the bypass of the head gate valve, the opening of which shall be performed smoothly and slowly under the supervision of the head of the start-up team. In the absence of a bypass on the head gate valve, steam is supplied into the steam pipeline by means of a slight opening of the head gate valve. The degree and rate of opening are established by the head of the start-up team, and it may be changed only after his instruction or in the event of water hammer. In the event of water hammer, the supply of steam shall be immediately reduced, and in the case of frequent and strong hammering - completely stopped until the condensate accumulated in the section of the steam pipeline being warmed up has been completely removed.
7. The warming-up rate of the steam pipeline shall be regulated by the signs of the appearance of slight hydraulic shocks (clicks). While carrying out the warming-up, its rate shall be regulated, without allowing the pipeline to slide off the movable supports.
8. During the warming-up of the steam pipeline, in the sections accessible for inspection, the position of the steam pipeline being warmed up relative to the supports shall be monitored.
9. In the event of clogging of the drainage device and the impossibility of clearing the clog by blowing it through, the warming-up shall be stopped, the pressure fully released, with the warming-up resumed after the drainage device has been cleaned. Without excess pressure in the pipeline being warmed up, the removal of condensate through the drainage devices shall not be permitted.
10. As the steam pipeline warms up and dry steam without admixture of condensate begins to issue from the drainage devices, all drainage devices (permanent drains at the low points and start-up drains along the steam pipeline) shall be closed. The warming-up of the steam pipeline is considered complete after dry steam appears at the low point of the steam pipeline and in the last start-up drain along the steam flow. After the drainage devices have been closed, the steam traps shall be put into operation.
11. After the warming-up of the main steam pipeline has been completed and the detected defects eliminated, the branches to the consumers of thermal energy shall be warmed up one by one. The procedure for warming up the branches is analogous to the procedure for warming up the main line.
12. The elimination of defects, where the safety conditions can be observed, shall be carried out without cooling the steam pipeline, but with mandatory reduction of the pressure in it to atmospheric. If the elimination of defects without cooling the steam pipeline is impossible for safety reasons, the supply of steam to the steam pipeline shall be completely stopped and all drainage devices opened. After the defects have been eliminated, the steam pipeline is again subjected to warming-up in the manner set out above.
13. In a warmed-up steam pipeline, the pressure shall be raised to the working steam pressure by fully opening the shut-off valves on the main line and (or) the branches. After the pressure has been raised, all steam pipelines shall be inspected, and the places of steaming and defects detected on them eliminated. After the steam pipeline has been started up, the tightening of the bolts of the flanged joints shall be checked.
14. Before connecting the consumers of steam heat networks, steam pipelines being commissioned for the first time after installation shall be purged to remove sand, scale and foreign objects. The purging is carried out through gate valves specially installed in the end part of the steam pipeline (and its branches) by fully opening them to exhaust steam into the atmosphere. To reduce the noise level, silencers may be used. During the purging of the steam pipeline, measures shall be taken to protect people from burns and other injuries, as well as for unimpeded access to the gate valve through which the purging is carried out.
15. Condensate pipelines may be filled for flushing with water from the industrial water supply, from the circulating water conduits for cooling the condensers, from water heat networks or the make-up line, and also with condensate unsuitable for use, returned from the heat-consuming installations. Purging of the condensate pipelines with steam shall not be permitted. The flushing of the condensate pipelines shall be carried out by the hydropneumatic method until the drained water is fully clarified. The temperature of the water used for flushing shall not exceed 40 °C. After flushing, the condensate pipelines shall be completely freed of the flushing water and filled with condensate or softened deaerated water.
16. After the condensate pipeline has been filled with condensate or chemically treated water, a control flushing shall be carried out with this water, during which the quality of the initial and discharged water is checked by chemical analyses. The control flushing shall be carried out until the quality of the discharged water satisfies the quality of the initial water.
17. Heat-consuming installations, before being connected to the steam heat network, during the start-up period shall be flushed by the hydropneumatic method, and the water from them drained, after which the heat-consuming installations shall be purged with steam in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 14 of this Appendix. The connection of the heat-consuming installations to the steam heat network shall be carried out by smoothly opening the inlet gate valve with the purge valves open, in accordance with the operating instructions for the heat-consuming installation in accordance with Chapter XVI of the Rules for the Technical Operation of Heat Supply Facilities and Heat-Consuming Installations, approved by this Order. As the steam pipelines and the equipment of the heat-consuming installations warm up and dry steam appears, the purge valves shall be closed, and the inlet gate valves to the heat-consuming installations opened fully (to establish full working pressure), after which the permanent drains through the steam traps shall be switched on.
1. All heat network pipelines from the source of thermal energy up to the heat substations to which the heat-consuming installations are connected shall be subjected to testing of the heat network pipelines at the maximum temperature of the heat carrier (hereinafter - the maximum-temperature test). The maximum-temperature test of heat networks having unreliable sections shall be carried out in the inter-heating period after current or capital repair and preliminary hydraulic strength and tightness testing of these sections.
2. During the maximum-temperature test, the water temperature in the return pipeline of the heat network shall not exceed 90 °C, to avoid disruption of the normal operation of the network pumps, of the operating conditions of the compensating devices, and of the integrity of the insulation structures. To reduce the temperature of the water entering the return pipeline, the temperature tests shall be carried out with the hot water supply systems switched on, connected according to a closed scheme and equipped with automatic water temperature regulators, and, in the case of tests carried out before the end of the heating period - with the heating systems switched on, connected through mixing devices - elevators (dependent connection scheme) and water heaters (independent connection scheme), and also, where necessary, as determined by the technical test programme, - with the heating systems switched on that have pumped mixing.
3. In the interests of safety, for the duration of the maximum-temperature test, where it is carried out before the end of the heating period and in the inter-heating period, the following shall be disconnected from the heat networks: the heating systems of children's and medical institutions; non-automated hot water supply systems connected according to a closed scheme; hot water supply systems connected according to an open scheme; heating systems connected through elevators with mixing coefficients lower than the design ones, at which water with a temperature above 100 °C may enter the heating system; air heater installations; heating systems with a direct connection scheme, while the consumers for which interruptions in the supply of thermal energy shall not be permitted (hospitals, pre-school children's institutions with round-the-clock stay of children and other similar social facilities) shall be transferred to heat supply from reserve sources of thermal energy.
4. All consumers of thermal energy whose heat-consuming installations are connected to the heat networks subjected to maximum-temperature testing shall be notified of the approval of the current repair schedule and the timing of its execution no later than 10 working days after the day of its approval, and of the start of the tests - no later than 3 working days before the day of their commencement.
5. During the maximum-temperature test, the water temperature in the supply pipeline of the heat network at the outlet from the source of thermal energy is raised to the established maximum value. The reduction of the temperature of the water entering the return pipeline is achieved through cooling in the heating and hot water supply systems that remain switched on.
6. The maximum-temperature test is carried out by the temperature-wave method, which makes it possible to reduce the duration of the test and of the forced overheating of the consumers of thermal energy. The duration of maintaining the maximum water temperature, on account of the possible erosion of the boundary zones of the temperature wave with increasing distance from the source of thermal energy, shall be not less than 2 hours.
7. The water pressure in the heat network during its maximum-temperature test shall not exceed the values permitted under the operating regime. If the heat network is tested at the maximum temperature in parts, a corresponding reduction of the pressure in the supply pipeline at the outlet from the source of thermal energy shall be provided for, determined on the basis of a preliminary estimative hydraulic calculation for the most unfavourable points of the network.
8. During the maximum-temperature test, at all points of the heat network being tested a pressure shall be maintained in the supply pipeline that ensures that the water does not boil at the maximum temperature. For the test period, the following shall be set: the maximum temperature of the network water in the supply pipeline at the source of thermal energy; the maximum permissible temperature of the network water in the return pipeline; the pressure in the return header of the network water at the source of thermal energy; the pressure in the supply header of the network water at the source of thermal energy; the expected flow rate of the network water; the expected maximum output of thermal energy (with an indication of the hours of the day at which it is expected); the expected minimum output of thermal energy during the passage of the peak of the return water temperature at the final stage of the test (with an indication of the hours of the day at which it is expected); the maximum permissible make-up of the heat network.
9. Deviations from the specified regime of the maximum-temperature test shall not exceed: for the network water temperature in the supply header at the source of thermal energy (relative to the maximum value) - ±2 per cent; for the pressure in the return header of the network water at the source of thermal energy - ±20 kPa (±0.2 kgf/cm2); for the pressure in the supply header of the network water at the source of thermal energy - ±5 per cent. The water temperature at the inlets of the heat network into the heat-consuming installations of the consumers of thermal energy is not set.
10. When preparing for the maximum-temperature test, the significant changes in the volumes of network water during the rise and fall of the water temperature in the course of the test on account of the change in density shall be taken into account.
11. The maintenance, during the maximum-temperature test, of the specified value of the pressure in the return header of the network water at the source of thermal energy shall be carried out by regulating the amount of make-up or drainage.
12. The rate of rise and fall of the water temperature in the supply pipeline shall be chosen such that, throughout the entire period of the maximum-temperature test, the specified pressure in the return header of the network water of the source of thermal energy is observed. This pressure shall be maintained by regulating the amount of make-up, and, after the complete cessation of make-up owing to the increase in the volume of network water on heating - by draining water from the return header. In this case, the change of temperature during its regulation shall be carried out uniformly at a rate not exceeding the value established by paragraph 126 of the Rules for the Technical Operation of Heat Supply Facilities and Heat-Consuming Installations, approved by this Order.
13. During the maximum-temperature test, the water temperature in the heat-consuming installations connected to the heat network being tested shall not exceed: in heating systems - 95 °C; in hot water supply systems - 75 °C.
14. To reduce the air temperature inside the premises during the maximum-temperature test, the consumers of thermal energy shall be recommended to intensify the ventilation of the premises.
15. During the maximum-temperature test, the following values are measured: 1) at the source of thermal energy: the water temperature in the supply and return headers of the network water; the pressure in the supply and return headers of the network water; the flow rate of the network water in the supply pipeline; the flow rate of the make-up water; 2) at the heat substations of the consumers of thermal energy at which observation points are equipped: the water temperature in the supply and return pipelines of the heat network; the water temperature in the supply and return pipelines of the heating system; the water temperature in the hot water supply system; the pressure in the supply and return pipelines of the heat network; 3) in the heat network: the maximum displacement of the sleeves of the gland expansion joints on the supply pipeline (measured selectively at the locations provided for by the programme).
16. Observation points shall be organised at the heat substations of the consumers of thermal energy connected at the end sections of the heat network, and also at several heat substations of the consumers of thermal energy along the length of the heat network at various distances from the source of thermal energy, at which the readings of the measuring instruments are recorded.
17. The checking of the compensating capacity of the sections of the heat network is carried out with the help of maximum-displacement fixators (hereinafter - MDF) selectively on the gland expansion joints in those places where, during operation, insufficient (in the assessment of the operating personnel) values of the displacement of the sleeves of the gland expansion joints were observed, and also in the places where re-laying of the heat pipelines, replacement of gland expansion joints and fixed supports was carried out, or subsidence of the heat pipelines was observed.
18. The disconnection of the heat-consuming installations of the consumers of thermal energy provided for by the maximum-temperature test programme shall be carried out by the gate valves that are first from the side of the heat network, installed on the supply and return pipelines at the heat substations. In the event of leakage of these gate valves, additional disconnection shall be carried out by the gate valves located in the heat chambers on the branches to the heat substations.
19. For the duration of the maximum-temperature test, at the most dangerous places along the route of the heat network (on ductless-laying sections, on sections where washouts of the soil are possible in the event of damage, in places where people gather) attendants shall be posted for the timely detection of places of steaming, of the appearance of hot water on the surface and of other similar manifestations of possible defects, which makes it possible to promptly identify the places of possible damage to the heat network and to take measures to ensure safety. At the heat substations of the consumers of thermal energy that are in operation during the test, duty of the servicing personnel of the consumers of thermal energy shall be organised. In heating systems with pumped mixing, the uninterrupted operation of the pumps shall be ensured during the test.
20. The personnel taking part in the maximum-temperature test shall be familiarised with the working programme of the maximum-temperature test, with the duties assigned to them and the requirements of the safety rules. The personnel at the heat substations of the consumers of thermal energy, along the route of the heat network and at the source of thermal energy shall be provided with means of communication for the prompt reporting to the test supervisor of the values of the measured parameters and of any faults arising. For traversing the route of the heat network during the test, motor transport shall be provided to the personnel taking part in the maximum-temperature tests. When carrying out the maximum-temperature test (preparatory work, the test proper), the following safety requirements shall be observed: 1) the personnel of the operating organisation shall be prohibited from being in the heat chambers and tunnels; 2) the personnel of the operating organisation and of contractor organisations shall be prohibited from carrying out work on the heat network being tested and on the heat-consuming installations and heat networks of the consumers of thermal energy connected to it; 3) for the timely identification of places of damage and to ensure safety for those around, attendants shall be posted along the route of the heat network for the duration of the test. The locations of the attendants are determined by the test supervisor on the basis of local conditions; 4) continuous monitoring shall be ensured of the sections of the heat network near places of movement of pedestrians and vehicles, of sections where the pipelines of the heat network are laid ductlessly, and of sections where corrosion damage to the pipelines was previously observed.
21. The consumers of thermal energy shall be notified of the planned maximum-temperature test and its duration no later than 72 hours before the moment of the start of the test.
22. The start of the maximum-temperature test shall be preceded by a warming-up of the heat network at a water temperature in the supply pipeline 15 - 20 °C below the maximum temperature of the heat carrier, but not more than 100 °C. The duration of the warming-up is determined in the test programme, determined on the basis of local conditions.
23. Before the start of the maximum-temperature test, the positioning of the personnel at the observation points and along the route of the heat network is carried out.
24. The specified maximum temperature of the heat carrier is maintained constant for the time (not less than 2 hours) established by the working programme of the maximum-temperature test, and is then smoothly reduced to the limits of 70 - 80 °C.
25. During the maximum-temperature test, the personnel shall traverse and inspect the route of the heat network (without descending into the heat chambers and tunnels) and shall immediately report to the test supervisor any damage detected (the appearance of steaming, of water on the route of the network and other similar manifestations of possible defects). If damage is detected that may lead to consequences threatening the life and health of people or to disruptions in the operation of the equipment, the test shall be suspended until this damage has been eliminated.
26. Heat-consuming installations in which the water temperature during the maximum-temperature test has exceeded the permissible values specified in paragraph 12 of this Appendix shall be immediately disconnected.
27. The measurements of the temperature and pressure of the water at the observation points are completed after the temperature wave has passed the given place and the temperature of the network water in the supply pipeline has fallen to a temperature 15 - 20 °C below the maximum temperature of the heat carrier, but not more than 100 °C. The maximum-temperature test is considered complete after the water temperature in the supply pipeline of the heat network has fallen to within the limits of 70 - 80 °C.
28. On completion of the maximum-temperature test, an inspection of the tested heat network shall be carried out to identify defects, as well as the processing and assessment of the test results, including: identification of places of leakage of the pipelines, their elements and welded joints; checking the condition of the expansion joints in the heat network (integrity and tightness of the structures and welded joints, tightness of the seals of the gland expansion joints, presence of traces of thermal displacement of the pipelines); checking the condition of the fixed and movable supports located in places accessible for inspection (identification of places of displacement of the supports, presence of damaged elements); checking the condition of the shut-off valves (integrity of the valves, tightness of the flanged joints and gland seals); carrying out measurements of the values of the actual maximum displacements of the sleeves of the gland expansion joints from the displacement of the fixing washers at the MDF installation locations.
29. For the gland expansion joints on which MDF were installed, a comparison of the values of the actual and theoretical displacements of the sleeves of the expansion joints is carried out. The value of the theoretical displacement of the sleeve of the gland expansion joint (of the end cross-section of the pipeline of the compensated section) for a steel pipeline laid freely in a channel, tunnel or above ground is determined as the product of the coefficient of thermal linear expansion of the pipe (for carbon steel it may be taken as 1.2 · 10 mm/(m·°C)), the difference between the maximum and initial temperatures of the network water during the maximum-temperature test, and the length of the section (m) from the fixed support to the end cross-section of the pipeline (to the sleeve of the expansion joint). The value of the theoretical displacement of the sleeves of the gland expansion joints for steel pipelines laid ductlessly is taken according to the calculation of the pipeline in accordance with the design documentation. The value of the actual maximum displacement of the sleeves of the gland expansion joints shall be not less than 75 per cent of the theoretical value. A lower value indicates unsatisfactory compensating capacity of the pipelines and equipment of the compensated section of the heat network and the need to identify the causes of under-compensation. In the inter-heating period, the causes of under-compensation shall be determined, including incorrect installation of the expansion joint, subsidence of the heat pipelines, displacement of the fixed support, and excessive compaction of the gland packing of the expansion joint.
30. After the maximum-temperature test has been carried out, a report shall be drawn up, containing: the data on the test regime; the maximum values of the network water temperature in the supply and return headers reached during the test at the source of thermal energy; the water pressure in the supply and return headers of the network water at the source of thermal energy; the flow rates of the network water; the maximum values of the water temperature in the supply pipeline reached at the end points of the heat network; the duration of maintaining the maximum water temperature in the supply pipeline of the heat network; the travel time of the temperature wave changing the temperature of the heat carrier (water or steam) in the heat supply system to the most remote consumers of thermal energy; a list of the defects identified from the results of the inspection and the presumed causes of their occurrence; a list of actions to eliminate the identified defects. If, in the course of the maximum-temperature test, difficulties were observed in raising the temperature of the network water in the supply pipeline of the heat network to the specified value, large values of temperature drop occurred along the length of the network, or other factors arose that hindered the achievement of the regimes specified by the working programme of the maximum-temperature test, all of them shall be reflected in the report.
1. Tests of a water heat network to determine the heat losses through the thermal insulation (hereinafter - the heat-loss tests of a water heat network) shall be carried out to determine: the actual characteristics of the thermal-engineering properties of the insulation structures of the sections of operated heat pipelines of the laying types, structures and types of thermal insulation characteristic of the heat network, and their comparison with the heat losses according to the norms for the design of the thermal insulation of equipment and pipelines; the changes in heat losses that have occurred as a result of the commissioning of new, and the reconstruction and repair of, sections of operating heat networks, as well as the degradation (ageing) of the insulation structures of the heat network in the course of operation; the values of the correction factors to the normative design (determined according to the design norms) values of heat losses on the characteristic sections of the heat network; the operational heat losses through the thermal insulation on the sections tested that are characteristic of the heat network, by applying these correction factors (hereinafter - the norm-setting of operational heat losses). The rate-set (determined as a result of the norm-setting) operational heat losses through the thermal insulation, determined on the basis of the heat-loss tests of the water heat network, shall be the basis for the development of the energy characteristic of the heat network in terms of the "heat losses" indicator, of the thermal and hydraulic operating regimes of the heat network and the heat supply system, and of the substantiated determination of the indicators (parameters) of the quality of heat supply and the indicators (parameters) of the quality of thermal energy in the heat supply system.
2. When preparing for the heat-loss tests of the water heat network, an analysis shall be carried out of the scheme of the heat network, the temperature regimes of its operation, the types of laying and structures of the thermal insulation, the service lives of the pipelines, the characteristic cases and causes of damage, the schemes, operating regimes and composition of the equipment of the water-heating installation, as well as the data on the technical condition of the thermal insulation and structures of the heat pipelines of the heat network as a whole.
3. Sections of the water heat network whose laying type, structures and design periods of the thermal insulation are characteristic of the given heat network shall be subjected to the heat-loss tests. The design periods are distinguished as: from 1959 to 1989 inclusive, from 1990 to 1997 inclusive, from 1998 to 2003 inclusive, and from 2004 and later. Characteristic of the specific heat network shall be considered the sections of the heat network having the largest shares in the material characteristic of the entire heat network, determined by the formula: , (1) where: [table - reproduced in the Russian original] The results of the analysis of the materials on the heat networks shall be drawn up in tabular form in accordance with Tables 1 and 2 of this paragraph. Table 1 of this paragraph includes the characteristic of the heat network by individual sections, with an indication of the outer diameter and length of the pipelines, the structures of the thermal insulation, the types of laying (underground ductless, underground in channels, above-ground), as well as the service lives (years of commissioning).
The data specified in Table 1 of this paragraph shall correspond to the names of the sections adopted in the passports of the heat pipelines of the heat network, with an indication of the number of the passport in which the given specific section is indicated.
All sections of the heat network that are in operation with the operating organisation are included in Table 1 of this paragraph.
Generalised data for identifying characteristic groups of sections are included in Table 2 of this paragraph.
4. The material characteristic of the heat network sections being tested shall be not less than 20 per cent of the material characteristic of the entire heat network. The specific composition of the characteristic sections of the heat network being tested shall be determined by the real technical possibility of carrying out the tests, as well as by the need to obtain results that can be extended to the maximum number of sections of the heat network not subjected to testing. Tests of the characteristic sections may be carried out in a smaller volume only in cases where the predominant (by material characteristic) part of such sections is dispersed over the heat network and cannot be combined into a circulation loop. In such cases, the heat-loss tests are carried out sequentially on two or more circulation loops. The results of the selection of the composition of the heat network sections being tested are drawn up in tabular form in accordance with Table 3 of this paragraph and are additionally presented in the form of a scheme with the designation of the controlled measurement points.
5. Before carrying out the heat-loss tests of the water heat network, work shall be performed to restore the damaged thermal insulation on the sections being tested, to drain the heat chambers of the heat network, to bring the drains into working condition, to organise the runoff of surface water, and other activities ensuring that the heat-insulating structures are brought into a normal technical condition.
6. To determine the temperature parameters of the heat-loss tests of the water heat network, the following climatological data shall be used for the locality in which the heat network being tested is situated: the average annual and average monthly ground temperatures at the average depth of laying of the axis of the pipelines (for underground laying); the average annual and average monthly outdoor air temperatures (for above-ground laying). The average monthly values of the ground and outdoor air temperature are determined as the averages of the corresponding statistical values according to the information of the nearest meteorological stations over the last 5 years. The average monthly values of the network water temperature in the supply and return pipelines are determined according to the operational temperature schedule for regulating the output of thermal energy, in accordance with the expected average monthly values of the outdoor air temperature. The average annual values of the ambient temperatures and of the network water temperatures in the supply and return pipelines are calculated as weighted averages by the average monthly values of the network water temperature on the basis of the number of hours of operation averaged over the last 5 years in each month. The data on the average monthly and average annual temperatures of the ambient environment and the network water in the heat network shall be drawn up in tabular form in accordance with Table 4 of this paragraph.
7. The heat-loss tests of a two-pipe water heat network shall be carried out on a circulation loop consisting of supply and return pipelines with a jumper between them at the end section of the loop. The circulation loop shall include sections of the heat network recognised as characteristic for the given heat network, on the basis of the laying type, insulation structure, diameter of the pipelines and design periods in accordance with paragraphs 3 and 4 of this Appendix. The material characteristic of such sections and their number shall ensure the obtaining of representative results in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 4 of this Appendix on the basis of the available technical possibility of connecting the sections being tested into a circulation loop. All branches and separate heat-consuming installations connected to the circulation loop shall be disconnected for the duration of the tests.
8. At the stage of preparing the heat-loss tests of a water heat network, the following test parameters and modes shall be calculated: the temperature of the network water in the supply pipeline of the heat network at the outlet of the water-heating installation of the source of thermal energy or at the inlet to the circulation loop; the flow rate of the network water in the circulation loop under test; the values of the water temperature in the return pipeline at the inlet to the water-heating installation or at the outlet of the circulation loop expected during the test period; the flow rate of the make-up water; the approximate duration of the tests.
9. The temperature mode of the circulation loop during the tests shall be determined on the basis of the following preliminary conditions: the difference between the mean water temperature over all sections of the loop and the ambient temperature during the tests is determined as the mean annual value of the difference between the water temperature averaged over the supply and return pipelines and the ambient temperature for the network concerned; the reduction of the water temperature in the circulation loop owing to heat losses through the thermal insulation structures during the tests shall be not less than 8 °C and not more than 20 °C. Where the loop under test contains sections with different types of laying, insulation structures and design periods, the reduction of the water temperature in the loop is selected in accordance with the formula: , (2) where: - the minimum permissible reduction of the water temperature in the supply or return line on the section with the smallest material characteristic Mmin, taken as not less than 2 °C from the conditions of ensuring the required accuracy of temperature measurements; - the ratio of the smallest material characteristic for the supply or return pipeline of a section of the loop under test Mmin to the total material characteristic of the supply Mk.p and return Mk.o pipelines for the loop as a whole. At a value of the ratio on the respective sections of the circulation loop under test, it is permitted not to distinguish such sections for carrying out measurements of the network water temperature at its beginning and end. The water temperatures in the supply (tp.i) and return (to.i) pipelines of the circulation loop under test at the outlet of and inlet to the water-heating installation shall be determined by the formulas, °C: ; (3) (4) where: and - the mean annual water temperatures in the supply and return pipelines of the network under test, °C (calculated as weighted averages of the mean monthly network water temperatures determined from the approved operational temperature schedule at the mean monthly outdoor air temperatures); tokr.i - the ambient temperature expected during the tests, averaged over all sections of the loop, °C; - the mean annual ambient temperature averaged over the same sections, °C. Where within the loop under test there are sections with both underground and above-ground laying of the heat network, the averaged ambient temperatures are calculated respectively by the formulas, °C: ; (5) ; (6) where: and - respectively the temperatures, averaged for the month in which the tests are conducted, of the ground at the mean level of the axis of the heat pipelines and of the outdoor air, °C; Mpodz and Mnadz - the material characteristics for the supply or return pipelines over all sections of underground and above-ground laying respectively, located within the circulation loop under test, m2; Mk - the total material characteristic for the supply or return pipelines over all sections of the circulation loop under test, m2.
10. The expected values of the heat losses of the circulation loop under test (Qi) under the heat-loss test mode of water heat networks shall be calculated by the formula, W or kcal/h:
- the local-loss coefficient accounting for the heat losses of fittings, supports and expansion joints; for ductless laying it is taken as 1.15, and for in-channel and above-ground laying, depending on the nominal bore diameter of the pipelines: up to 150 mm - 1.2, 150 mm and more - 1.15;
qn.i - the values of the specific heat losses of the heat network concerned, total for the supply and return pipelines of each diameter of underground (in-channel and ductless) laying under the temperature mode of the tests, W/m or kcal/(m·h);
qn.p.i and qn.o.i - the values of the specific heat losses of the heat network concerned, respectively along the supply and return lines for each pipe diameter of above-ground laying under the temperature mode of the tests, W/m or kcal/(m·h).
11. The values of the specific heat losses for underground and above-ground laying are determined, on the basis of the heat-loss norms under the temperature mode in the circulation loop during the tests, by the formulas, W/m or kcal/(m·h):
where the values qn, qn.i and qn.o are taken at the mean annual water temperatures in the supply and return pipelines and the mean annual ambient temperature according to the values of the heat-loss (heat-flow) norms in accordance with the design period of the specific sections of the heat networks, set out in the Procedure for determining the standards of technological losses in the transmission of thermal energy and heat-transfer medium, approved by Order of the Ministry of Energy of Russia No. 325 of 30 December 2008 (registered by the Ministry of Justice of Russia on 16 March 2009, registration No. 13513), as amended by Orders of the Ministry of Energy of Russia No. 36 of 1 February 2010 (registered by the Ministry of Justice of Russia on 27 February 2010, registration No. 16520) and No. 377 of 10 August 2012 (registered by the Ministry of Justice of Russia on 28 November 2012, registration No. 25956) (hereinafter - the Procedure for determining the standards of technological losses in the transmission of thermal energy and heat-transfer medium) for heat pipelines designed from 1959 to 1989 inclusive, from 1990 to 1997 inclusive, from 1998 to 2003 inclusive, and from 2004 onwards.
12. The values of the specific hourly heat losses under mean annual (mean seasonal) operating conditions differing from the standard values set out in the Procedure for determining the standards of technological losses in the transmission of thermal energy and heat-transfer medium shall be determined by linear interpolation or extrapolation.
13. The mean water temperatures under the test mode, respectively in the supply and return pipelines of the loop under test, shall be determined by the formulas, °C: ; (11) (12)
14. The design water flow rate in the circulation loop during the heat-loss tests of a water heat network shall be determined by the formula, kg/s or t/h: , (13) where: c - the specific heat capacity of the network water, taken as 4.19 · 103 J/(kg·°C) or 1 kcal/(kg·°C). The flow rate of the network water on all sections of the circulation loop during the tests shall be the same; its values in the supply and return pipelines at the source of thermal energy may differ by not more than the maximum value of the hourly leakage of network water, which during the test period shall not exceed 0.5 per cent of the total volume of the pipelines of the circulation loop under test. When calculating the hydraulic and thermal modes of the tests, the expected design value of the hourly make-up of the heat network during the test period shall be taken as equal to the maximum value of the hourly leakage of network water.
15. The expected duration of travel of the water particles through the circulation loop under test shall be determined by the formulas, h: [table - reproduced in the Russian original] where: V - the total volume of the pipes of the circulation loop under test within the limits from their outlet from to their inlet to the water-heating installation, m3; - the density of the water in the loop under test at the mean water temperature , kg/m3.
16. During the heat-loss tests of a water heat network, hot-water boilers and (or) water heaters shall be used that provide a thermal capacity corresponding to the design hourly thermal energy losses in the circulation loop, as well as the possibility of maintaining the specified design temperature at the outlet of the source of thermal energy at the relatively small water flow rate during the tests determined in accordance with paragraph 14 of this Appendix. The circulation of the water in the loop under test is created by network (summer network) pumps and by the pumps of booster (transfer) pumping stations whose flow-and-head characteristics correspond to the flow rate of the network water during the test period in accordance with paragraph 14 of this Appendix.
17. On the final section of the loop under test, existing and (or) additionally installed circulation jumpers shall be used for the transfer of water from the supply pipeline to the return pipeline. In agreement with the organisations operating the heat-consuming installations, the jumpers of the elevators of the heating systems in the heat points and (or) inlet units of the thermal energy consumers located beyond the final section of the loop under test may be used as circulation jumpers during the heat-loss tests of a water heat network. The elevator nozzles shall in this case be removed for the period of the tests.
18. Immediately before the start of the tests, all branches not subject to testing, the jumpers between the supply and return pipelines, and also the inlet units of the thermal energy consumers, except for those used as jumpers beyond the final section, shall be disconnected from the loop under test. The tightness of the disconnection shall be checked.
19. During the heat-loss tests of a water heat network, measurements shall be taken of: 1) the pressure of the network water in the supply and return pipelines at the source of thermal energy (at the inlet to and outlet from the circulation loop); 2) the flow rate of the network water in the supply and return pipelines of the main under test at the source of thermal energy (at the inlet to and outlet from the circulation loop); 3) the flow rate in the make-up pipeline of the heat network at the source of thermal energy (at the make-up point of the circulation loop); 4) the temperatures of the network water at the points of the supply and return pipelines on the boundaries of the sections of the circulation loop determined in accordance with paragraph 3 of this Appendix.
20. At the final point of the loop under test, at the location of the circulation jumper, measurements may be taken with a single thermometer installed before or after the circulation jumper.
21. In the return pipeline in the water-heating installation of the source of thermal energy, the temperature measurement shall be taken before (in the direction of the water flow) the make-up point of the heat network.
22. During the heat-loss tests of a water heat network, measuring instruments that have undergone verification or calibration shall be used: the regular measuring instruments (installed at the source of thermal energy and in the heat networks) and the measuring systems of the automated dispatching control systems and the automated process control systems; additionally installed (including portable) measuring instruments. The temperature of the network water, as well as the outdoor air temperature during the tests, shall be measured with an absolute error of not more than 0.1 °C. The limits of the permissible principal absolute error of measurement of the network water temperature at the points of the circulation loop shall be not more than 0.05 °C. The measurement of the flow rates of the network and make-up water during the heat-loss tests shall be carried out with a relative measurement error of not more than 2.5 per cent over the entire range of variation of the flow rate during the test period. The measurement of the network water pressure shall be carried out with a relative error of not more than 1.5 per cent.
23. Before the heat-loss tests, a technical programme and a working programme shall be developed, agreed and approved in accordance with the requirements of paragraphs 359 - 362 of the Rules for the Technical Operation of Heat Supply Facilities and Heat-Consuming Installations approved by this Order.
24. Immediately before the start of the heat-loss tests of a water heat network, a check shall be carried out of the fulfilment of the requirements provided for by the technical and working programmes: the performance of the technical and organisational preparatory actions; the correctness of the assembled working circuit for switching on the equipment at the source of thermal energy and in the heat network; the operability of the regular and additional measuring instruments installed at the source of thermal energy and in the heat network; the positioning of the observers and their briefing at the workplaces; the completion of the filling of the pipelines under test with network water, the verification of the absence of air and of the reliability of the disconnection of the thermal energy consumers from the sections of the heat network under test that form part of the circulation loop.
25. The regulation and establishment of the hydraulic and temperature modes at the source of thermal energy and in the heat network shall be carried out in accordance with the order and sequence of operations determined by the technical and working programmes of the heat-loss tests of a water heat network: switching on the flow meters on the supply and return pipelines at the inlet to and outlet from the circulation loop, and on the make-up water pipeline; putting into operation the temperature measuring instruments on the circulation jumper of the final section of the circulation loop, in the network pipelines at the outlet of and inlet to the water-heating installation of the source of thermal energy; establishing and regulating the flow rate of the network water in the circulation loop in accordance with the technical and working programmes; establishing and regulating the pressure in the return pipeline of the circulation loop at the inlet to the water-heating installation; establishing and regulating the temperature tp.i of the network water in the supply pipeline of the circulation loop at the outlet of the water-heating installation in accordance with the technical and working programmes. During the period of the heat-loss tests of a water heat network, the deviations of the hydraulic and temperature mode in accordance with the technical and working test programmes shall not exceed the following limits: for the flow rate of the network water in the circulation loop - not more than ± 2 per cent; for the temperature of the network water in the supply line - not more than ± 0.5 °C.
26. During the period of the heat-loss tests of a water heat network, the following stages shall be carried out: the stage of stabilisation of the temperature mode of the circulation loop under test; the main stage; the final stage of testing with a temperature wave.
27. At the stage of stabilisation of the temperature mode of the circulation loop under test, under the specified mode in accordance with the technical programme of the heat-loss tests of a water heat network, the warming-up of the thermal insulation structures, including the surrounding ground (where the circulation loop includes sections of heat networks with underground laying), and the attainment of the steady thermal state of the heat pipelines, at which the changes in the temperature of the network water in the return pipeline of the circulation loop at the inlet to the water-heating installation of the source of thermal energy shall be not more than ± 0.5 °C over 4 hours, shall be ensured. At the stage of stabilisation of the temperature mode, measurements of the parameters and operating-mode indicators shall be taken at the following points of the circulation loop under test: the flow rates of the network water in the circulation loop under test - at the source of thermal energy at the inlet to and outlet from the circulation loop; the flow rate of the make-up water - at the source of thermal energy on the make-up water pipeline; the temperature of the network water - at the inlet to and outlet from the water-heating installation of the source of thermal energy; the temperature of the network water - on the circulation jumper of the final section of the circulation loop under test. The recording of the measurement results at the specified observation (measurement) points of the circulation loop during the stage of stabilisation of the temperature mode shall be carried out simultaneously every 10 - 30 minutes.
28. The main stage of the heat-loss tests of a water heat network, during which measurements of the temperature of the network water at all points of the circulation loop shall be taken in accordance with the technical and working test programme, shall be carried out from the moment of attainment of the steady thermal state in the circulation loop. The recording of the results of the measurements of the temperatures and flow rates of the network and make-up water shall be kept simultaneously at an interval of not more than 10 minutes. The duration of the main stage of the tests shall be not less than hours, where is the duration of travel of the water particles through the circulation loop under test, determined in accordance with paragraph 15 of this Appendix.
29. At the final stage of the heat-loss tests of a water heat network, the duration of travel of the water particles through the circulation loop under test shall be refined. At this stage of the tests, the temperature of the water in the supply pipeline at the outlet of the source of thermal energy tp.i shall be raised over 20 - 40 minutes by 10 - 20 °C in comparison with the value of tp.i under the technical test programme, and shall be maintained constant for 1 hour. Then, at the same rate at which the temperature was raised, the temperature of the network water shall be reduced to the value of tp.i (hereinafter - the temperature-wave mode) and maintained constant until the end of the tests. The water flow rate under the temperature-wave mode shall be maintained constant and equal to the flow rate at the other stages. During the passage of the temperature wave through the loop under test, to determine the actual duration of travel of the water particles through each section of the loop under test, the values of the temperature and flow rate of the network water shall be recorded at all observation (measurement) points at time intervals of equal duration, but not less frequently than every 10 minutes. The total duration of the main stage and the final stage with the temperature wave shall be hours.
30. The heat-loss tests of a water heat network are deemed complete after the temperature wave has been registered in the return pipeline at the point at the outlet of the circulation loop under test (at the inlet to the water-heating installation of the source of thermal energy).
31. As a result of the tests, the heat losses for each of the sections of the loop under test are determined separately along the supply and return lines. To identify the period during which the temperature mode of the tests was closest to the steady state, a graph of the temperature variation is plotted from all the measurement points. For each observation (measurement) point of the circulation loop, the water temperature values obtained from 20 - 30 successive measurements during the period when the test mode was closest to the steady state shall be averaged. The averaged temperature values shall be shifted in time by the actual duration of travel of the water between the measurement points determined by the temperature wave.
32. The heat losses along the supply Qp.i and return Qo.i pipelines for each of the sections of the loop under test are determined by the formulas, W or kcal/h: ; (16) , (17) where: Gs - the averaged flow rate of the network water in the supply line at the outlet of the water-heating installation, kg/s (t/h); Gp - the averaged flow rate of the make-up water, kg/s (t/h); and - the averaged water temperatures at the beginning and end of the supply pipeline on the section, °C; and - the averaging of the water temperature at the beginning and end of the return pipeline on the section, °C.
33. Where, on one or more tested sections of the circulation loop (between the temperature measurement points), there are pipeline segments with other uncharacteristic types of laying, structures or design periods of the insulation, with a total material characteristic of less than 20 per cent of the material characteristic of the section (between the temperature measurement points), on which temperature measurements were not carried out, the processing of the test results of such a section shall be carried out as follows: by formulas (18) and (19) of this Appendix, the actual heat losses along the supply and return lines on the tested section that includes the uncharacteristic pipeline segments shall be calculated; for each uncharacteristic segment, the mean water temperatures along the supply and return pipelines shall be calculated, °C:
Mp.uch and Mo.uch - the material characteristics, respectively of the supply and return pipelines, over the entire tested section of the circulation loop, m2;
Mp.nach and Mo.nach - the material characteristics, respectively of the supply and return pipelines, of the part of the section of the circulation loop from the beginning of the section to the location of the uncharacteristic segment, m2;
Mp.otr and Mo.otr - the material characteristics, respectively of the supply and return pipelines, of the uncharacteristic segment, m2.
The heat losses of the uncharacteristic pipeline segment under the temperature mode of the tests shall be calculated by formula (7) of paragraph 10 of this Appendix, whereby, in formula (7), L is the length of the uncharacteristic segment (m), and the values qn.i, qn.p.i and qn.o.i shall be determined in accordance with formulas (8), (9) and (10) of paragraph 11 of this Appendix from the temperatures , and from the temperatures of the ground and the surrounding air averaged over the test period.
The actual heat losses along the main part of the tested section of the circulation loop, used for further calculations, shall be determined as the difference between the heat losses along each of the pipelines by formulas (18), (19) of this Appendix and the heat losses on the uncharacteristic pipeline segments.
34. The analysis of the heat losses obtained as a result of the heat-loss tests of a water heat network for the mean annual conditions is carried out by comparing them with the corresponding values of the heat losses determined according to the design norms in accordance with the design periods and the types of laying of the sections of the tested circulation loop in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 11 of this Appendix.
35. The heat-loss values of each tested section under the conditions of the heat-loss tests of a water heat network shall be recalculated to obtain the heat-loss values under the mean annual operating conditions of each section, W or kcal/h, by the formulas: for sections of underground laying, total for the supply and return pipelines ; (20) for sections of above-ground laying, separately for the supply and return pipelines ; (21) , (22) where: [table - reproduced in the Russian original]
36. The values of the mean annual heat losses according to the norms specified in paragraph 11 of this Appendix, for the tested sections of the heat network concerned, are determined by the formulas, W or kcal/h: for sections of underground laying ; (23) for sections of above-ground laying ; (24) , (25) where the values qn, qn.p, qn.o and are determined in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 11 of this Appendix. The total values of the mean annual heat losses determined according to the norms on the section under test do not include the losses on the uncharacteristic segments accounted for in paragraph 31 of this Appendix.
37. The ratios of the actual and the norm-based heat losses are determined by the formulas: for sections of underground laying ; (26) for sections of above-ground laying ; (27) (28)
38. The determination of the standardised operational heat losses for the entire heat network shall be carried out in accordance with the results of the heat-loss tests of water heat networks; the comparison of the actual and the standardised operational heat losses for the past operating periods of the heat network shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements of paragraphs 373 - 374 of the Rules for the Technical Operation of Heat Supply Facilities and Heat-Consuming Installations approved by this Order, when developing the standard and actual energy characteristics of the heat networks by the heat-loss indicator.
39. The results of the calculation of the heat losses on the tested sections of the heat network and of their comparison with the standard design values are presented in tabular form in accordance with Tables 5 and 6 of this paragraph respectively and shall be attached to the test report.
1. Tests of a steam heat network to determine the heat losses through the thermal insulation (hereinafter - heat-loss tests of the steam pipelines of a heat network) shall be carried out to determine: the actual characteristics of the heat-engineering properties of the insulation structures of the sections of the steam pipelines in operation, the types of laying, the structures and types of thermal insulation characteristic of the heat network, and their comparison with the heat losses according to the norms for the design of thermal insulation of equipment and pipelines; the changes in heat losses that have occurred as a result of the commissioning of new, and the reconstruction and repair of, sections of the operating heat networks, as well as the degradation (ageing) of the insulation structures of the heat network in the course of operation; the values of the correction coefficients to the standard design (determined according to the design norms) heat-loss values on the characteristic sections of the heat network; the operational heat losses through the thermal insulation on the tested sections characteristic of the heat network by applying the specified correction coefficients (hereinafter - the standardisation of operational heat losses). The standardised (determined as a result of standardisation) operational heat losses through the thermal insulation, determined on the basis of the heat-loss tests of the steam pipelines of a heat network, shall serve as the basis for the development of the thermal and hydraulic operating modes of the steam heat network and for the justified determination of the indicators (parameters) of the quality of the thermal energy in the heat supply system.
2. The heat-loss tests of the steam pipelines of a heat network shall be applied to those sections of the steam pipelines of the heat network whose types of laying, types of insulation structures and design periods of the thermal insulation are characteristic of the steam heat network concerned. The design periods are distinguished as follows - from 1959 to 1989 inclusive, from 1990 to 1997 inclusive, from 1998 to 2003 inclusive, and from 2004 onwards. As characteristic of a particular steam heat network there shall be considered the sections of the heat networks having the largest shares , in the total material characteristic of all the steam pipelines, determined by the formula: , (1) where: - the material characteristic of the steam pipelines of the heat network, summed over all sections with the given type of laying and insulation structure, m2; - the material characteristic of the steam pipelines, summed over the entire steam heat network as a whole, m2; dn - the outer diameter of the pipes within a single section of the steam pipeline (where the pipe diameters are equal), m; L - the length of the section of the steam pipeline, m. The technical characteristics for the steam pipelines are indicated on the design diagram, including data on the pipeline diameters, section lengths, insulation structures, types of laying (laying in a non-passable channel, in a tunnel, above-ground laying, indoors) and design years. The technical characteristics of the steam pipelines of the heat network and the results of the analysis of the materials on the heat networks shall be presented in tabular form in accordance with Table 1 of this paragraph.
3. The heat-loss tests of the steam pipelines of a heat network shall be carried out at steam temperatures and pressures equal to or below the design values, while ensuring a minimum value of steam superheat at the final point of the steam pipeline under test of not less than 15 °C.
4. Before carrying out the heat-loss tests of the steam pipelines of a heat network, work shall be carried out to restore the damaged thermal insulation on the sections under test, to drain the heat chambers of the heat network, to put the drainage in order, to arrange the run-off of surface water, and other actions ensuring the bringing of the thermal insulation structures into a normal (sound) technical condition.
5. The heat-loss tests of the steam pipelines of a heat network shall consist of the following stages: analysis of the design and operational materials on the steam pipeline under test; selection of the sections of the steam pipeline subject to testing; determination of the test parameters; preparation of the pipelines and equipment for the tests; preparation of the measuring apparatus; conducting the tests; processing of the test results; comparison of the actual heat losses with the standard ones.
6. To determine the temperature parameters of the heat-loss tests of the steam pipelines of a heat network, the following climatological data for the locality in which the heat network under test is situated shall be used: the mean annual and mean monthly temperatures of the ground at the mean depth of laying of the axis of the pipelines (for underground laying); the mean annual and mean monthly outdoor air temperatures (for above-ground laying). The mean monthly values of the ground and outdoor air temperature are determined as the averages of the corresponding statistical values according to the information of the meteorological station for the last 5 years. The mean annual temperature values shall be determined as weighted averages of the mean monthly values with respect to the number of operating hours in each month. The mean monthly and mean annual outdoor air and ground temperatures and the steam temperature at the source of thermal energy, averaged over the last 5 years, are presented in tabular form in accordance with Table 2 of this paragraph, and the mean monthly and mean annual steam parameters and flow rates - in accordance with Table 3 of this paragraph.
7. At the stage of preparation for the heat-loss tests of the steam pipelines of a heat network, the following parameters and modes of such tests shall be calculated: the temperature and pressure of the steam in the steam pipeline under test at the outlet of the source of thermal energy; the flow rate of the steam in the steam pipeline under test; the values of the temperature and pressure of the steam on each section of the steam pipeline under test expected during the period of the heat-loss tests of the steam pipelines of a heat network, on the basis of the conditions of maintaining the required steam pressure at the thermal energy consumer and steam superheat of not less than 15 °C at the final point of the section under test.
8. On the basis of the conditions of maintaining the required steam pressure at the thermal energy consumer and steam superheat of 15 °C at the final point of the section under test, the final pressure (P2i) and temperature of the section of the steam pipeline under test shall be determined. The steam temperature at the initial point of the section under test is determined by the formula:
- the temperature of the steam at the beginning of the i-th section, °C;
- coefficient of local heat losses, accounting for the heat losses through shut-off and other fittings, compensators and supports (taken as 1.15 for ductless laying, and for duct and above-ground laying depending on the nominal bore diameter of the pipelines: up to 150 mm - 1.2, 150 mm and more - 1.15, irrespective of the year of design);
Ri - thermal resistance of the insulation structure of the section under test, determined by thermal calculation of the existing structures using tabular data, m·°C/kW;
Gi - design steam flow rate on the section, kg/s;
and - temperatures at the beginning of the steam pipeline for the n and (n + 1) calculation.
The absolute steam pressure at the beginning of the i-th section is determined by the formula, Pa:
p2i - absolute steam pressure at the end of the i-th section, Pa;
Li - length of the individual i-th section of the steam pipeline, m;
R2i - specific linear pressure drop at the end of the i-th section, Pa/m;
- coefficient of local pressure losses of the i-th section.
The specific linear pressure drop at the end of the i-th section is determined by the formula, Pa/m:
- steam density at the end of the i-th section of the steam pipeline, kg/m3;
dvn.i - internal diameter of the steam pipeline on the i-th section, m.
The coefficient of local pressure losses on the i-th section is determined by the formula:
- the sum of the coefficients of local resistances on the i-th section.
9. The initial data for the calculation of the test mode and the results of determining the parameters and mode of the heat loss tests of the heat network steam pipelines are set out in tabular form in accordance with Tables 4 and 5 of this paragraph.
10. During the heat loss tests of the heat network steam pipelines, process equipment of the heat energy source shall be used that provides thermal power corresponding to the design flow rate and steam parameters determined in accordance with paragraph 8 of this Appendix. During the period of the heat loss tests of the heat network steam pipelines, constant parameters (pressure and temperature) shall be ensured at the heat energy source. A constant steam flow rate in the steam pipeline being tested shall be ensured by regulating the steam flow rate at the heat-consuming installations of the heat energy consumers, by increasing or decreasing the discharge of steam into the atmosphere through special drainage pipelines. During the period of the heat loss tests of the heat network steam pipelines, the fluctuations in temperature and pressure shall not be more than 3 per cent, and in flow rate - not more than 15 per cent.
11. Immediately before the start of the tests, all branches not subject to testing shall be disconnected from the steam pipeline being tested. The tightness of the disconnection shall be checked.
12. During the heat loss tests of the heat network steam pipelines, the following measurements shall be performed: the steam flow rate at the heat energy source and at the heat-consuming installations involved during the test period; the temperature and pressure of the steam at the beginning and end of the steam pipeline under test; the temperature and pressure of the steam on each section of the steam pipeline under test; the outdoor air temperature; the barometric pressure.
13. During the heat loss tests of the heat network steam pipelines: standard (installed at the heat energy source, in the heat networks) measuring instruments or measurement systems of automated dispatch control systems and automated process control systems; additionally installed (including portable) measuring instruments. The steam temperature, as well as the outdoor air temperature during the tests, shall be measured with an error of not more than 0.1 °C. The limits of the permissible absolute error of measurement of the network water temperature at the points of the circulation ring shall be not more than 0.05 °C. The measurement of steam flow rates during the heat loss tests of the heat network steam pipelines shall be performed with a relative error of not more than 2.5 per cent. The measurement of steam pressure shall be performed with a relative error of not more than 0.5 per cent.
14. Before the heat loss tests of the heat network steam pipelines, the technical and working programmes for the heat loss testing of the steam pipelines shall be developed, agreed and approved in accordance with the requirements of paragraphs 359 - 362 of the Rules for the Technical Operation of Heat Supply Facilities and Heat-Consuming Installations approved by this Order. The initial data and the results of the calculation of the test mode, the diagram of the steam pipeline under test shall be attached to the technical programme for the heat loss testing of the heat network steam pipelines; the locations of installation of the measuring instruments are indicated on the diagram.
15. The regulation of the parameters and flow rates in the steam pipeline being tested shall be carried out in accordance with the order and sequence of operations determined by the technical and working programmes for the heat loss testing of the heat network steam pipelines: switching on the pressure gauges and flow meters at the beginning and end of the steam pipeline; establishing the design steam flow rate, which is maintained constant throughout the entire test period, the pressure P1 and the temperature; heating up the steam pipeline (and the soil in the case of underground laying) until a constant temperature is established on the final section over a period of 2 - 5 hours; the duration of this period is significantly reduced with preliminary heating of the soil; carrying out measurements of the steam temperature, pressure and steam flow rate every 10 minutes for at least 2 hours after the test mode is established at all monitoring points of the steam pipeline.
16. When processing the results of the heat loss tests of the steam pipelines, the following shall be done: tables shall be compiled with data on the flow rates, absolute pressures and temperatures, and graphs of their variation over time shall be constructed for all tested sections of the steam pipeline; the average values of the steam parameters during the test period shall be calculated, and corrections shall be introduced to eliminate systematic errors identified during verification or calibration, as well as corrections for barometric pressure when determining the absolute pressure.
17. The averaged values of the measured quantities during the heat loss test of the steam pipeline are set out in tabular form in accordance with Table 6 of this paragraph.
18. The hourly heat losses on each section shall be determined by the formula: , (6) where: Qii - the heat losses according to the test results on the i-th section, W; Gii - the steam flow rate during the tests on the i-th section, kg/s; and - the steam enthalpies, respectively at the beginning and end of the i-th section, kJ/kg.
19. The specific heat losses on each section shall be determined by the formula: , (7) where: qii - the specific heat losses on the i-th section, W/m; Li - the length of the i-th section, m; - the coefficient of local heat losses.
20. The thermal resistance of the i-th section during the tests is determined by the formula, m·°C/W:
- the average temperature of the heat carrier on the section during the tests, °C;
to.i - the ambient temperature during the tests, °C.
21. The values of the steam superheat at any point of the steam pipeline shall be determined by the formula: , (9) where: - the steam saturation temperature, determined from tables or diagrams of Pi, °C. The results of the calculations when processing the data of the heat loss tests of the steam pipelines are set out in tabular form in accordance with Table 7 of this paragraph.
22. To compare the heat losses obtained as a result of the heat loss tests of the heat network steam pipeline with the standard ones, a recalculation to the average annual operating conditions of the steam pipeline shall be carried out. In doing so, it is assumed that the values of the thermal resistances (Rii) of the sections of the steam pipeline, which characterise the quality of the thermal insulation structures of the steam pipeline, are constant quantities. In the case where, under operating modes, the steam is in a superheated state, the recalculation shall be carried out using formulas (2), (4) - (8) of this Appendix on the basis of the average ambient temperatures in accordance with paragraph 6 of this Appendix. In the absence of measured pressures on the intermediate sections, the specified values shall be calculated from the known initial steam parameters using formulas (10) - (11) of this Appendix.
R1i - the specific linear pressure drop at the beginning of the i-th section, Pa/m.
The specific linear pressure drop at the beginning of the i-th section is determined by the formula:
- the steam density at the end of the i-th section of the steam pipeline, kg/m3.
23. In the case where, under the operating modes of the heat network steam pipelines, the steam passes into a state of wet saturated steam, the recalculation shall be carried out as follows: with the initial data - the steam pressure and temperature at the heat energy source and the steam flow rate at the heat energy source and at the heat energy consumers - the distribution along the route is determined by formula (12): ; (12) the saturation temperature line is constructed in accordance with the pressure drop line P2i along the route, determined by formula (10); the intersection of the line and gives the point of transition of the steam from the superheated into the wet state ; the specific heat losses of the steam pipeline, W/m, on the section Lvl with wet steam: , (13) where: - the average saturation temperature on the section Lvl, °C; - the steam temperature at the end of the section Lvl, equal to the saturation temperature at P2vl, °C; the total losses with wet steam, W, are determined by the formula: (14) the enthalpy of the wet steam (a mixture of dry steam and condensate), kJ/kg, at the end of the section Lvl is determined by the formula: , (15) where: i1vl - the steam enthalpy at the point of transition from the superheated into the saturated state, kJ/kg; the wetness fraction of the steam at the end of the section is determined by the formula: , (16) where: r - the latent heat of vaporisation, kJ/kg; the dryness fraction of the steam: , (17) where: i2zh - the heat content of the liquid at the final point, kJ/kg; the amount of condensate formed, kg/s: Gkond = y · G (18) The results of the calculations for the section with wet steam are checked using the formulas of the heat and material balance:
G1p - the steam flow rate at the beginning of the section with wet steam, kg/s;
G2p - the steam flow rate at the end of the section with wet steam, kg/s;
G2v - the flow rate of the condensed moisture at the end of the section with wet steam, kg/s;
Q1-2 - the heat losses of the section with wet steam, W.
Instead of formula (19), formula (21) may be used:
24. The recalculation of the actual heat losses, W, obtained during the tests to the average annual operating conditions of the steam pipeline shall be carried out by the formula: , (22) where: Qii - the actual heat losses on the i-th section obtained from the results of the conducted tests, W; - the average steam temperature during the tests on the i-th section, °C; - the average annual steam temperature during the operation of the steam pipeline, °C; to.i - the ambient temperature during the tests, °C; - the average annual ambient temperature, °C.
25. The values of the standard average annual heat losses, W, shall be determined by the formula: , (23) where the values qni, W/m are taken at the average annual steam temperatures and the average annual ambient temperatures according to the values of the heat loss standards (heat flux) in accordance with the design period of the specific sections of the heat networks, given in the procedure for determining the standards for technological losses in the transmission of heat energy and heat carrier - for heat pipelines designed from 1959 to 1989 inclusive, from 1990 to 1997 inclusive, from 1998 to 2003 inclusive, and from 2004 onwards. The values of the specific hourly heat losses under average annual (average seasonal) operating conditions that differ from the standard values given in the procedure for determining the standards for technological losses in the transmission of heat energy and heat carrier shall be determined by linear interpolation or extrapolation.
26. The ratios of the actual heat losses and those determined according to the standards are determined by the formula: (24)
27. The results of the recalculation (the actual average annual heat losses) are compared with the standard heat losses and are set out in tabular form in accordance with Tables 8 and 9 of this paragraph.
1. Tests of the pipelines of water heat networks for the determination of hydraulic losses (hereinafter - the hydraulic loss tests) shall be carried out to determine the actual operational hydraulic characteristics of the pipelines, to assess the condition of their internal surface, and the change in the actual throughput capacity: the hydraulic resistance of the pipeline s, h2/m5 or m/(m3/h)2; the hydraulic friction coefficient ; the equivalent roughness of the pipeline ke, m.
2. The assessment of the condition of the heat network pipelines based on the results of the hydraulic loss tests shall be carried out by comparing the actual hydraulic resistance coefficient of the tested pipeline sections with the design value at ke = 0.5 · 10-3 m for new pipelines, as well as the actual and design throughput capacity of an individual section or of the tested sections of the network as a whole.
3. For the hydraulic loss tests, sections of the main and distribution pipelines of the heat network shall be selected whose share, for the given heat networks of the heat supply system in terms of their service life and operating conditions, is predominant. The sections determined as characteristic for the heat network of the operating organisation are those whose shares, for each five-year operating period, of all the sections of the heat network of the operating organisation (per cent), determined by formula (1), amount to not less than 20 per cent. , (1) where: - the sum of the material characteristics (the products of diameter and length) of the sections of the heat networks for each five-year period of their operation - up to 5 years, over 5 to 10 years, over 10 to 15 years, over 15 to 20 years, over 20 to 25 years, over 25 years, m2; - the service life of the sections of the heat networks in each five-year period of their operation - up to 5 years, over 5 to 10 years, over 10 to 15 years, over 15 to 20 years, over 20 to 25 years, over 25 years, years; Mt.s - the total material characteristic of all the sections of the heat network on the balance of the operating organisation, m2; - the average service life of the pipelines of the given heat network, years. The material characteristic of a heat network section is determined by the formula, m2: , (2) where: and - the nominal bore (nominal) diameter, respectively, of the supply and return pipelines on the section, m; Ln, Lo - the length, respectively, of the supply and return pipelines on the section, m. The average service life of the heat network pipelines (years) is determined by the formula: (3) The information on the characteristics of the heat network sections of the operating organisation for each heat supply system and the results of the calculation are set out in tabular form in accordance with Table 1 of this paragraph.
4. The sections of the heat network pipelines of the heat supply system selected for carrying out the hydraulic loss tests shall form a circulation ring (or several circulation rings) from one or several heat energy sources of the heat supply system. The circulation ring (circulation rings) shall include the maximum possible number of characteristic sections of the pipelines of the main heat network, as well as of the distribution network with the largest diameters.
5. For the heat network sections determined as those to be tested for carrying out the hydraulic loss tests, a process diagram of the hydraulic loss tests of the circulation ring shall be drawn up (hereinafter - the test diagram), on which the following shall be indicated: the nominal bore (nominal) and internal diameters, the lengths of the pipeline sections; the points of location of the booster (transfer) pumping stations, heat chambers, pavilions and other characteristic points of the heat network, their numbers in accordance with the numbering adopted in the operating organisation; the points of installation of the existing (standard) and additionally installed instruments for measuring pressure at the beginning and end of the heat network sections being tested; the points of location of the existing circulation jumpers, their diameters and hydraulic resistances; the points of installation of the instruments for measuring the temperature and flow rate of the network water and make-up water, including at the heat energy source; the geodetic elevations of all the points listed above in this paragraph, according to the levelling data given in the as-built documentation. The characteristics of the heat network sections according to the test diagram are set out - by the lengths, diameters, geodetic elevations of the beginning and end of the sections being tested - in tabular form in accordance with Table 2 of this paragraph, and by the coefficients of local resistances - in accordance with Table 3 of this paragraph.
The values of the coefficients of local resistances on the sections and of the circulation jumpers of the heat network, in the absence of actual operational or design data, shall be taken in accordance with Table 4 of this paragraph.
6. At the stage of preparation of the hydraulic loss tests, a connection diagram of the equipment of the water-heating installation of the heat energy source shall be developed (hereinafter - the connection diagram), and for the heat network sections combined into the circulation ring, the locations of installation of the measuring instruments and circulation jumpers shall be determined. To create the maximum available head at the heat energy source, the connection diagram of the equipment of the heat energy source shall ensure the minimum resistance of the intra-station communications through the use of bypass jumpers, apart from the water-heating equipment.
7. During the hydraulic loss tests, measurements shall be performed of: 1) the flow rate of the network water: in the supply and return pipelines of the main line being tested at the heat energy source (at the inlet to and outlet from the circulation ring); in the case of simultaneous testing of the heat network sections on the branches from the main pipeline - in the supply and return pipelines of each branch; in the make-up pipeline of the heat network at the heat energy source (at the make-up point of the circulation ring); 2) the pressure of the network water: in the supply and return pipelines at the heat energy source; at the points of change of the internal diameter of the pipeline (at the smaller diameter); at the points of change of the network water flow rate (in the case of simultaneous testing of the main line and the branch from it up to the point of branching); at the points of installation of the circulation jumpers (before and after the jumper); in the case of testing of pipeline sections with a constant internal diameter and considerable length - also at intermediate points, the locations of which are determined on the basis of the specific conditions; 3) the temperature of the network water in the supply or return pipelines at the heat energy source (at the inlet to and outlet from the circulation ring).
8. In preparation for the hydraulic loss tests, calculations of the test mode shall be performed for: determining the flow rate of water during the tests; checking the possibility of using the existing circulation jumpers and (or) the need to install additional ones required to pass these flow rates; checking the possibility of using and the sufficiency of the existing flow measuring instruments and (or) installing additional ones; specifying the points of location of the pressure measuring instruments (primary transducers, pressure gauges) on the sections being tested and the measurement limits under the various test modes; identifying the need to use booster (transfer) pumping stations during the test period where they are present on the heat network.
9. The expected flow rate of water G (m3/h) during the hydraulic loss tests shall be determined by the formula:
sseti - the resistance of the main line being tested, h2/m5;
- the available head at the outlets of the heat source, m.
The resistance of the main line sseti (h2/m5) is determined by the formula:
and - the resistance of each section of the main line, respectively along the supply and return pipeline, h2/m5;
sn - the resistance of the jumper (or the total resistance of several jumpers) between the supply and return pipeline at the end of the main line being tested, h2/m5.
The values of the resistances of the circulation jumpers sn of the heat network, in the absence of actual operational or design data, are taken in accordance with Table 5 of this paragraph.
10. The resistance of a section along the supply or return pipeline shall be determined by the formula:
sl - the specific resistance of 1 m of pipeline, h2/m6 or m/[(m3/h)2·m], is determined depending on the equivalent roughness ke adopted for the preliminary calculation in accordance with Table 6 of this paragraph, for each pipeline diameter in accordance with Table 7 of this paragraph.
- the sum of the coefficients of local resistances by sections according to Table 3 of this Appendix;
sm - the specific resistance of a unit of the coefficient of local resistances, h2/m5 or m/(m3/h)2, determined in accordance with Table 7 of this paragraph.
11. Where an operational jumper is present between the supply and return pipelines at the end of the main line being tested, a calculation shall be performed to check the possibility of its use during the tests. In the absence of actual data on the hydraulic resistances of the jumpers, the resistance of the jumper sp may be determined from Table 5 contained in paragraph 9 of this Appendix. In the case where the head losses in the existing jumper exceed 20 m and the passage of the flow rate of water required for the tests is not ensured, a calculation is made of an additional jumper located after the main one (or of a jumper of increased diameter installed instead of the existing one). When using an additional jumper located after the main one at a distance L (m), the total resistance (h2/m5) shall be calculated by the formula: , (7) where: so.p - the resistance of the main jumper, h2/m5; sp.d - the resistance of the additional jumper, h2/m5; sh - the resistance of the supply and return pipelines on the section between the jumpers, including the local resistances, h2/m5.
12. The preliminary values of the head losses along the sections of the main line being tested (m) are determined by the formula: (8) The head losses on each section of the main line being tested shall be not less than 10 m.
13. The determination of the piezometric heads and the construction of the piezometric graph shall be carried out by sections in sequence from the heat energy source. The piezometric head in the supply header of the heat source (m) is determined by the formula: , (9) where: - the head in the return pipeline of the main line being tested at the outlets of the heat source during the tests, m; it is provisionally taken to correspond to the operational pressure; hg.o - the geodetic elevation of the return pipeline at the heat source, m. The expected piezometric head at each monitoring point along the supply and return pipelines (m) is determined by the formula: , (10) where: Hi-1 - the piezometric head at the previous (in the direction of water flow) monitoring point, m; - the head losses on the section between the given and the previous monitoring points, m; hg.i and hg.i-1 - the geodetic elevations of the pipeline at the given and previous (in the direction of water flow) monitoring points, m.
14. For each monitoring point, the piezometric heads and pressures under the static mode shall be determined, for which the operational value of the static pressure maintained by the make-up device of the heat energy source is provisionally taken.
15. If, based on the results of the preliminary calculation of the modes of the hydraulic loss tests, the total head losses of the circulation ring exceed the maximum possible available head (the pressure difference in the supply and return pipelines) at the heat energy source, which can be provided by the head of the network pumps (according to their rated or actual technical characteristics) at the flow rate corresponding to such a head and less the head losses along the network water path of the water-heating installation of the heat energy source, then the hydraulic loss tests of the heat network shall be carried out for the separate circulation rings using additional circulation jumpers. Where booster (transfer) pumping stations are present on the section of the heat network being tested on the supply and (or) return pipelines, their use to ensure the required flow rates and pressures of the network water during the hydraulic loss tests is permitted, provided that such need is justified by the performed calculations of the test mode in accordance with paragraph 8 of this Appendix. The calculation of the mode of the hydraulic loss tests using booster (transfer) pumping stations is performed in a similar manner in accordance with paragraphs 8 - 14 of this Appendix.
16. Before the hydraulic loss tests, the technical and working programmes shall be developed in accordance with the requirements of paragraphs 360 - 362 of the Rules for the Technical Operation of Heat Supply Facilities and Heat-Consuming Installations approved by this Order. The initial data and the results of the calculation of the hydraulic test mode in tabular form in accordance with Table 1 contained in paragraph 3 of this Appendix, Tables 2 and 3 contained in paragraph 5 of this Appendix, as well as the piezometric graph corresponding to this calculation for each circulation ring, shall be attached to the technical programme for the hydraulic loss tests.
17. The measuring instruments used during the hydraulic loss tests shall ensure the required measurement accuracy in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 18 of this Appendix, which shall be ensured by monitoring: the use of measuring instruments with the required metrological characteristics; the correctness of the installation of the measuring instruments and of the taking of readings of the measuring instruments in accordance with the requirements of the operating manuals (instructions) of the manufacturing organisations; the introduction of corrections to eliminate systematic errors identified during verification and (or) calibration; the introduction, for the pressure measuring instruments, of corrections for the difference in geodetic elevations.
18. During the hydraulic loss tests, measuring instruments that have undergone verification or calibration may be used: standard (installed at the heat energy source, in the heat networks) measuring instruments and measurement systems; additionally installed (including portable) measuring instruments. When measuring the pressure of the network water in the pipelines, the relative measurement error shall be not more than 0.5 per cent. The limits of the measured pressure shall be within the range of 2/3 of the pressure gauge scale. The measurement of the flow rates of the network water and make-up water during the hydraulic loss tests shall be performed with a permissible relative error of measurement of the water flow rate of not more than 2.5 per cent over the entire range of variation of the flow rate during the test period. The measurement of the water temperature during the hydraulic loss tests at the heat energy source and (or) at the inlet to and outlet from the circulation ring shall be performed with an absolute error of not more than 0.5 °C.
19. Immediately before the start of the hydraulic loss tests, a check shall be carried out of the readiness to fulfil the requirements provided for by the technical and working programmes for the hydraulic loss tests, including: the performance of the technical and organisational preparatory actions; the monitoring of the correctness of the assembled working diagram of the connection of the equipment at the heat energy source and in the heat network; the monitoring of the standard and additional measuring instruments installed at the heat energy source and in the heat network; the positioning of the observers and their briefing at the workplaces; the monitoring of the completion of the filling of the pipelines being tested with network water, the checking of the absence of air in them; the monitoring of the reliability of the disconnection of the heat energy consumers from the sections of the heat network being tested that are included in the circulation ring.
20. The hydraulic loss tests shall be performed: in the static mode (without circulation of the network water) - at not less than two values of the static pressure (hereinafter - the initial (static) stage of the hydraulic loss tests); in the dynamic mode (with circulation of the network water) - at not less than two values of the circulation flow rate of the network water (hereinafter - the main (dynamic) stage of the hydraulic loss tests).
21. During the initial (static) and main (dynamic) stages of the hydraulic loss tests: the pressure at all points of the sections of the heat network being tested shall be not less than 0.05 MPa (0.5 kgf/cm2); the make-up flow rate of the circulation ring shall not exceed the maximum value in accordance with the requirements established by the technical and working test programmes, and shall be not more than 1 per cent of the maximum flow rate of the network water in the circulation ring provided for in the dynamic mode.
22. The initial (static) stage of the hydraulic loss tests shall be carried out immediately before the main stage of the hydraulic loss tests in accordance with the requirements of the technical and working test programme: with the network (circulation) pumps switched off; with the circulation jumpers open; with the make-up pumps switched on and with the maintenance of the static pressure in the circulation ring in accordance with the working test programme.
23. Before performing the measurements provided for at the initial (static) stage of the hydraulic loss tests, a check shall be carried out of: 1) the fulfilment of the conditions specified in paragraph 21 of this Appendix, in the case of the violation of which measures shall be taken: where the maximum permissible values of the make-up flow rate are exceeded - to identify and eliminate the causes of the increased leakage from the circulation ring (leaks of the shut-off valves) to reduce the make-up flow rate of the circulation ring being tested to the permissible value; where the pressure at the upper points of the circulation ring is insufficient - to increase the pressure in the return pipeline at the heat energy source (at the inlet to the circulation ring); 2) the correctness of the selection of the measurement limits of the pressure measuring instruments (pressure gauges, primary measuring transducers) installed at the observation (measurement) points under the static mode, in accordance with paragraph 18 of this Appendix.
24. At the initial (static) stage of hydraulic loss testing, the actual corrections to the values of the geodetic elevations of the pressure measuring instruments at the beginning and end of each section (hereinafter - corrections for the position of the pressure measuring instruments) shall be determined under at least two static conditions: at the operational static pressure of the heat network; at a pressure greater or less than the operational static pressure of the heat network. The point of the circulation loop (at the heat energy source or at an observation point located at the lowest geodetic elevation), relative to which the values of the corrections for the position of the pressure measuring instruments are determined for the other control points, is determined by the technical and working test programme.
25. During the initial stage of hydraulic loss testing, measurements of the following parameters and mode indicators at the heat energy source and at the tested sections of the heat network forming part of the circulation loop shall be taken: the pressure in the supply and return pipelines at each control point; the flow rate of make-up water; the water temperatures in the supply and return pipelines at the heat energy source (at the inlet to the circulation loop and at its outlet).
26. The recording of the readings of the measuring instruments during the initial (static) stage of hydraulic loss testing under each static condition shall be carried out as follows: where readings are taken visually by observers and recorded in observation logs, which are drawn up in tabular form in accordance with Table 8 of this paragraph - at intervals of no more than every 5 minutes for a period of no less than 1 hour.
where the measurement results are automatically recorded in electronic archives - at a sampling interval of no less than 1 minute, the total number of measurements shall be no less than 30.
Where, at some points, the readings of the pressure measuring instruments are taken visually by observers and, at other points, they are recorded automatically in electronic archives at the same time, the recording duration shall be no less than 1 hour.
27. Based on the measurement results at the initial (static) stage of hydraulic loss testing, the corrections for the position of the pressure gauges (pressure transducers) installed at the beginning and end of the section, hg.n and hg.k (m), shall be preliminarily determined by the formula: , (11) where: - is the pressure under static conditions at the heat energy source (or at the lowest observation point), determined by the technical and working test programme, kgf/cm2; - is the pressure at the point in question (at the beginning or end of the section) under static conditions, kgf/cm2; - is the density of water at the test temperature, kg/m3.
28. The main (dynamic) stage of hydraulic loss testing shall be carried out at the maximum water flow rate in the circulation loop in accordance with the technical and working test programmes. During testing at this stage, the circulation jumpers located at the final point of the tested section and in all subsequent heat chambers shall be opened. After the network pumps are put into operation and circulation is established, the conformity of the water flow rate and the available heads to the values determined during the calculation of the test modes and to the adopted operating scheme of the circulation jumpers shall be checked. Where the main line is divided into sections (circulation loops) tested sequentially at different water flow rates, then, when each section is tested, the greatest available head shall be created at the heat energy source and its conformity to the technical and working test programmes shall be checked, as well as the conformity of the network water flow rates to the values adopted based on the results of the preliminary hydraulic calculation.
29. At the beginning of the main (dynamic) stage of hydraulic loss testing, a trial reading of all the installed instruments shall be taken, on the basis of which the following shall be checked: the actual make-up water flow rate, which numerically shall not exceed 1 per cent of the actual network water flow rate in the circulation loop (the average network water flow rate according to the readings of the flow meters on the supply or return pipelines); the correctness of the selection of the measurement ranges of the pressure gauges (primary pressure measuring transducers) and flow meters. Where the network water flow rate in the circulation loop, based on the results of the control measurements, is below the value determined by the preliminary calculation of the test mode, and where, based on the results of the control measurements, the head loss at each section is less than 10 minutes, measures shall be taken to increase the throughput capacity of the circulation loop by switching on additional jumpers and increasing the head at the outlets of the heat energy source (at the inlet to the circulation loop).
30. During the main stage of hydraulic loss testing at the maximum flow rate, measurements of the following network water parameters and mode characteristics shall be taken: the temperature of the circulating water; the pressures in the supply and return pipelines at each control point; the flow rate of the network and make-up water in the tested main line. The recording of the measurement results shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 26 of this Appendix.
31. To verify the correctness of the measurement results of the quadratic relationship between flow rates and head losses, testing is carried out under a second mode, in which the network water flow rate is set at approximately 80 per cent of the maximum. In accordance with the geodetic corrections (elevations) to the readings of the pressure measuring instruments at each control point, the head losses at the section at the maximum and reduced network water flow rates are determined. The verification is carried out by the formula: , (12) where: [table - reproduced in the Russian original] The permissible deviation shall not exceed ±10 per cent. Where the results of the verification against the quadratic relationship exceed the permissible deviation, the causes shall be identified and (if necessary) repeat testing shall be carried out. Where the verification results do not exceed the permissible deviation, the measurement phase of hydraulic loss testing is deemed completed. The results of the verification of the measurement correctness at the maximum and reduced water flow rates are drawn up in tabular form in accordance with Table 9 of this paragraph.
32. For the calculation of the hydraulic characteristics of the tested sections of the heat networks, the measurement results of the test parameters and modes (flow rate, pressure and temperature) at the maximum flow rate during the main stage of hydraulic loss testing shall be used. From the time-sequential measurement results, the values corresponding to the time intervals under a stable hydraulic mode over no less than 20 pressure measurements, characterised by minimal deviations of flow rate and pressure in the circulation loop, shall be selected. The measurement results in the selected time interval of the stable hydraulic mode shall be averaged by determining the arithmetic mean value. The averaged values of flow rates, pressures and temperatures are drawn up in tabular form in accordance with Table 10 of this paragraph. Corrections are made to the readings of the pressure measuring instruments in accordance with the results of their verification or voluntary calibration.
33. The head losses (m) along the supply or return pipeline at the maximum network water flow rate shall be determined by the formula: , (13) where: Hn and Hk - are the total head in the pipeline at the beginning and end of the section, m; and - are the readings of the pressure gauges (with corrections) at the beginning and end of the pipeline section, kg/cm2; hg.n and hg.k - are the geodetic elevations (corrections) for the position of the pressure gauges installed at the beginning and end of the section, m; determined based on the results of the initial (static) stage of hydraulic loss testing in accordance with paragraph 27 of this Appendix.
34. For sections on which measuring orifice plates are installed, the head losses in them shall be excluded from the total head loss.
35. The actual hydraulic resistance of the network section, sf (h2/m5), is determined by the formula:
Gf - is the network water flow rate during testing, m3/h.
36. The hydraulic resistance (friction) coefficient is determined by the formula: (15)
37. The value of the equivalent roughness (m) is determined by the formula: (16) The calculation results are drawn up in tabular form in accordance with Table 11 of this paragraph.
38. When analysing the results of hydraulic loss testing, the ratio of the actual hydraulic friction coefficient of the tested pipeline to the hydraulic friction coefficient corresponding to the equivalent roughness value Ke = 0.5 · 10-3 m for the given diameter of a new pipeline in accordance with Table 12 of this paragraph, characterising the increase in the actual hydraulic friction resistance relative to the calculated value for new pipes, shall be determined.
39. The reduction in the actual throughput capacity of the pipelines at the tested sections relative to the calculated value (where ) is determined by the formula: , (17) where: sr - is the calculated resistance of the heat network section at ke = 0.5 · 10-3, determined by formula (6), h2/m5; sf - is the actual resistance of the pipeline section, calculated based on the test results by formula (14), h2/m5; Gr - is the water flow rate at the section, equal to the flow rate through the circulation loop determined by formula (4) of this Appendix at a network resistance sr. The calculation results are drawn up in tabular form in accordance with Table 13 of this paragraph.
In the same way, a comparison of the actual head losses in the heat network during testing with the calculated values is carried out.
40. The specific causes of the increase in hydraulic resistance are established on the basis of the test results by means of an additional analysis of the operational data, among which the following causes shall be analysed: increased local resistances due to the presence of blockages, malfunction of the shut-off and control valves, or incorrect data on the local resistance coefficients of individual types of equipment along the water path; increased hydraulic friction coefficients of the internal surface of the pipelines due to scale deposition, internal corrosion resulting from unsatisfactory operation of the water treatment installation and the make-up water failing to comply with its quality standards, the make-up of the heat network with raw, unsoftened and (or) non-de-aerated water, disruption of the heat network operating mode and the ingress of atmospheric oxygen into the network water, or the penetration of tap water into the network water due to leaks in the heat exchange equipment of the heat substations.
41. The actual values of the hydraulic friction coefficients and the equivalent roughness shall be used in the development of the operational thermal and hydraulic modes of the heat network, and of the standard and actual energy characteristics of the heat network, in accordance with paragraph 373 of the Rules for the Technical Operation of Heat Supply Facilities and Heat-Consuming Installations approved by this Order. The results of periodic hydraulic loss testing shall be used to accumulate statistical material on changes in the hydraulic characteristics of the pipelines during operation.
42. The following shall be appended to the report on the heat network testing for the determination of hydraulic losses: the technical and working programmes; the measurement logs and archives; the results of the calculations of the hydraulic characteristic indicators and the results of their comparison with the design and rated values; the conclusions based on the test results, indicating the identified or probable causes of the change in the hydraulic characteristics of the pipelines and in the throughput capacity; the recommended actions to reduce hydraulic losses.