Define the steam duty
Capture normal and peak steam flow, required pressure at the process, allowable pressure drop and steam quality. A nameplate alone does not reveal the available capacity at your operating conditions. Include simultaneous loads and planned expansion.
Firetube or watertube?
Firetube designs transfer heat from combustion gases through tubes surrounded by water. Watertube designs circulate water through tubes heated externally. Selection depends on duty, pressure, response, water quality, maintenance access and lifecycle requirements; neither is universally the better choice.
Specify the whole system
Account for feedwater treatment, deaeration, blowdown, condensate return, burners, controls, stack, ventilation and fuel supply. A boiler is one part of a plant. Confirm site-specific installation and Alberta acceptance requirements before procurement.
Alberta sources & further reading
Regulatory summary reviewed 10 October 2026. Requirements depend on equipment, scope and applicable exemptions. Confirm current requirements with ABSA and the responsible project professionals.
- Alberta King’s Printer: Pressure Equipment Safety Regulation, AR 49/2006 ↗
- Alberta: boilers and pressure vessels codes ↗
- ABSA: acts, regulations and codes ↗
- ABSA: owner responsibilities ↗
- ABSA: contractor quality management requirements ↗
- ABSA: Certificate of Authorization Permit FAQs ↗
- ABSA: pressure equipment repair and alteration requirements (AB-513) ↗