The steam and water connections to a water column or water gauge glass on a high pressure boiler must be accessible for what purpose?

The connections to a water column or water gauge glass on a high-pressure boiler must be accessible for internal inspection and cleaning. This is crucial because sediment, corrosion, or other contaminants can accumulate over time and affect the operation and accuracy of the water column or gauge glass. Ensuring these connections are clean and functioning properly is integral to maintaining the safety and efficiency of the boiler system.

Internal inspections allow technicians to assess the condition and functionality of these components, ensuring that they provide accurate readings of the water level. If the connections were not accessible, it would be difficult to carry out necessary maintenance, ultimately risking operational safety and efficiency.

Routine checks, pressure testing, and safety valve adjustments, while important, do not specifically require direct access to the water column or gauge glass in the same way that the need for internal inspection and cleaning does. Therefore, the focus on accessibility for maintenance purposes highlights the importance of safety and operational reliability in high-pressure boiler systems.