Overview
SBW 1 is a comprehensive 3-day training course designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for the effective and efficient management of steam equipment, boiler house operations, and water treatment processes.
The SBW 2 course builds on the SBW 1 course, with the first three days covering the same material. It includes an additional fourth day focused on practical water treatment training, where participants work directly with water samples provided by their own facility.
To ensure participants meet the course prerequisites, evidence of the student’s role and/or experience as an operator or manager within the boiler house must be provided prior to attendance. This will be assessed to confirm eligibility for the course.
At the end of each day, students must successfully pass an exam (one per day). These exams are more advanced than those offered in the 1-day courses, and successful completion grants the student a pass certificate accredited for 5 years. This certificate confirms that the student has acquired the necessary knowledge but does not by itself prove competence.
Competency Checks
To be deemed fully competent, participants must undergo a separate competency assessment, which can be purchased upon course completion.
- The assessment involves a site visit, typically 2–3 months after the student has passed the course. This allows time for the student to refine their skills in a practical setting.
- During the site visit, practical competency checks are conducted to ensure the student can effectively apply their learning in the workplace.
- Upon successful completion, the student will receive a certificate of competency, confirming their ability to perform tasks safely and efficiently in a boiler house environment.
Course Objectives
SBW 1
- Understand the fundamental principles of steam generation and utilisation.
- Safely operate boiler house equipment.
- Implement strategies to reduce energy consumption and improve boiler efficiency.
- Monitor and treat water quality to prevent scaling, corrosion, and fouling in steam systems.
- Understand and comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations in boiler house operations.
SBW 2
- As per SBW1, but with an additional day to gain practical experience of carrying out water treatment testing
Course Content
Day 1: Introduction to Steam Systems & Utilisation (SBW 1 & 2)
- Law, regulations, approved codes of practice, and guidance applicable to steam systems.
- How steam and condensate are generated, distributed (basic design), and the removal of condensate.
- Steam quality and the removal of air and gases from steam.
- Water hammer: what it is and why it must be avoided.
- Reading and using steam tables.
- Key steam system components: stop valves, pressure reduction valves, regulators, steam traps, and condensate recovery equipment.
- Thermal expansion of pipework and safe valve operation.
- Steam system isolation (HSG 253).
Day 2: Boiler House Operations (SBW 1 & 2)
- Boiler types: wetback, dry back, steam generators, and vertical tubeless.
- Key boiler components: gauge glasses, level limiters, and pressure transmitters.
- Key boiler house components: burners, economisers, feedwater systems, hot wells, deaerators, and fuel systems.
- Combustion and heat transfer.
- Boiler annual inspections.
- Boiler cold start and warm start procedures.
- Daily and weekly boiler house checks.
Day 3: Water Treatment for Steam Systems (SBW 1 & 2)
- The role of water quality in boiler performance and longevity.
- Types of water treatment and equipment: softening, demineralisation, and reverse osmosis.
- Effects of poor water quality: scaling, corrosion, fouling, and efficiency reduction.
- Basics of water chemistry: pH, hardness, alkalinity, conductivity, and total dissolved solids (TDS).
- Treatment options for steam systems: chemical dosing, filtration, and monitoring systems.
- Bottom blowdown and side (TDS) blowdown: objectives and management.
Day 4: Practical Water Treatment Testing (SBW 2)
- A wide range of practical testing + fault finding
