Hello,

I currently have a Special License. I want to upgrade to 2B status. (high pressure)

Our plant currently uses a high pressure, 15 horsepower, boiler daily for a sterilization process.

If I were to aquire the 2000 hours required, operating/using said boiler, would I qualify to take the “B” class test?  (having proper affidavits assumed)

In other words, is there a horsepower rating, (min/max), that one must operate in order to test for the high pressure license? (or...even a pressure min/max requirement)

Hope the question makes sense.

Regards........

Bob

I don't believe there is a horsepower requirement, but we can check with Joel.  Horsepower is not usually considered when you are looking at experience, but I prefer having Joel verify all the code questions on the site when possible (Joel is the MN Chief Inspector).

As far as pressure is concerned, you don't mention what the actual pressure of your boiler is, but for a sterilization boiler I'm assuming it's well over 15 psig, so it should qualify.  I would assume you can test as soon as you get your 2,000 hours in.

If you need a licensed engineer to help you cover anything in the meantime, let us know.  We do quite a bit of fill-in operations.  We can also cover vacation relief work, etc after you have your license if need be.

Thanks for the question.  Ask as many as you need.  You should also keep checking back.  We will be offering training in the relatively near future.

Reed 

By the way, your license application is here:

http://www.doli.state.mn.us/pdf/applicationboilerandboatmaster.pdf

A blank affidavit is here:

http://www.doli.state.mn.us/pdf/boiler_engineer_license_affidavit06.pdf

And the testing schedule is here:

http://www.doli.state.mn.us/exams07.html

Cheers,

Reed

Bob,

Yes, you can test for the Second Class “B” License operating a 15 horsepower boiler.  You are required to have at least 2000 hours of operating experience prior to making application for the Second Class “B” exam.

The Sceond Class “B” license will be the highest class license you will be allowed to test for operating this boiler.  You are only allowed to test for one license class higher than what is required to operate the boiler.  Example, this boiler requires a Special Engineers License to operate (0-30 horsepower) so you may only test up to a Second Class “B”.

If you want to test for a First Class “B“, you must operate a boiler over 30 horsepower, and if you want to test for a Chief “B“, you must operate a boiler over 100 horsepower.

I hope this answers your question, please call or email me if you have any others.

Sincerely,

Joel T. Amato, Chief Boiler Inspector

Thanks Reed, and Joel!

Joel,

Your answer was what I was looking for and it raises another. 

Let's assume that the 15 horsepower 60 psig boiler was the only boiler I have experience operating.  After 2000 hrs, I test and obtain the 2nd class B license. 

Would the 2nd class B license allow me to operate low pressure boilers also, even though I have no experience operating one?  (I imagine, that in order to pass the 2B test, I would have to demonstrate knowlege of a low pressure boiler.) 

Thanks in advance.........Bob

Bob,

I'm sorry it took so long to get your question answered.  I was transferring all the message board posts to our new site and I noticed nobody answered you.

Yes, your B license qualifies you to operate low-pressure boilers as well.

A chief can operate the same as a 1st class, who can operate the same as a 2nd class, who can operate the same thing as a special.

An "A" licensed person can operate the same equipment as a "B" licensed person, who can operate the same equipment as a "C" licensed person.

A special license allows you to operate A, B or C equipment as long as it isn't above 100 Hp.  A person with a special license can "Take Charge Of" (be the chief) of a plant of no more than 30 Hp.

Hope that helps.

Reed