Pipe-cleaning procedure set at Charter Street Heating Plant

As part of the ongoing renovation of the Charter Street Heating Plant, officials will conduct a “steam blow” at the plant Jan. 30-Feb. 3.

The purpose of the procedure is to clean steam piping that runs from new boilers to the plant’s steam turbine generator, which requires incoming steam to be free of any loose materials.

The cleaning is accomplished by blowing high-pressure steam through the piping to dislodge any foreign materials.

Because of the use of pressurized steam, people in the area may notice some noise during the procedure, which is expected to run continuously from Monday, Jan. 30 at 7 a.m. until Friday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. At the plant’s property lines, noise is expected to be within city requirements.

The cleaning will also produce a plume of white water vapor from the masonry stack at the plant.