Forensic Engineering Investigation Of Hot Water Boiler And Heater Relief Valve Failures

Abstract

Heating Systems And Hot Water Heaters In Residential Structures Are Often Neglected In Regards To Proper Maintenance And Repair. Although All Manufacturers Recommend Annual Preventative Maintenance On Water Heaters, Furnaces And Boilers, Oftentimes These Appliances Are Not Maintained In Accordance With Manufacturer Or Industry Maintenance Directives And Are Not Seen By Professional Servicemen Until After A Failure Occurs. Forgoing Preventative Maintenance Oftentimes Allows Equipment Failures And Resulting Consequences Such As Loss Of Heat, Soot, And Water Damage. Additionally, The Lack Of Maintenance Also Invites The Possibility Of More Severe Consequences Including Carbon Monoxide Poisonings, Fires, And More Commonly In Water Heaters And Forced Hot Water Or Ydronicheating Systems, Pressure Vessel Explosions. Short Of A Gas Or Propane Leak, The Most Severe Type Of Heating Appliance Malfunction Is Due To A Pressure Vessel Explosion Or Bleve (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion) Which Can Cause Severe Building Damage, As Well As Personal Injury. This Paper Identifies The System Components That Commonly Fail And Go Un-Noticed By Building Occupants, As Well As Service Personnel. This Paper Will Also Detail Typical Damage Caused By The Release