Steamfan Wrote:
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> If boiler chemicals are so nasty then is it a EPA
> issue where and when a blowdown can occur? Seems
> like doing a blowdown when you cross a bridge and
> getting nasty chemicals in a waterway could be a
> problem for the railroad. I have no knowlege in
> this subject. But reading the previous posts it
> seems like this could be a problem.


In the concentrations we're dealing with in a locomotive boiler the only real concern is for the people handling the chemicals and being around the steam and water all day. If you've ever been around dirty or "foamy" steam you know its different and can be physically irritating. And yes, what ever Mr. Dickens was doing (or not doing) with the boiler water treatment and washout procedures after he took over the steam program turned out to be a costly disaster. Hopefully now they're on the right track for keeping the boilers clean.

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