Those of us in the boiler industry know that steam is one of the most useful things on the planet, and it is still one of the most efficient ways to transfer heat and enable work processes. Unfortunately, the rest of the world isn’t always so clear on just how important steam is to the daily lives of pretty much everyone in the developed world. That’s why WARE, and most everyone else in the industry, is grateful for the American Boiler Manufacturer’s Association and the role it plays in advocating for safer, more widespread use of steam, along with a multitude of other things they do to make our lives better.
HISTORY OF SAFETY
In the early days of the boiler industry, there was a lot of steam being made but not a lot of regulations on how to do it safely. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the boiler industry grew considerably. Unfortunately, due to a lack of standards and proper inspection practices, boiler accidents were all too common, and frequently catastrophic.
Then, in 1888, many of the country’s boiler manufacturers came together to form a sort of alliance, creating a governing body that would help maintain safety standards and best practices, while at the same time working hard to promote the use of safe, powerful steam.
Part of their work would form the basis for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, which remains the international standard for boiler design, construction, and inspection.
GROWTH ALL AROUND
As the 20th century began, boilers started making their way into new industries, such as electrical power generation. As the industry grew, so did the work of the ABMA, which continues to set the standards for safety that helped make steam a reliable pillar in the industrialization of America. During this time, boiler technology itself began to expand, giving the world new types of boilers including residential hot water boilers and electrically powered boilers. Of course, the ABMA kept pace, not only setting new standards as the industry grew, but also establishing performance metrics that would help standardize the measure and comparison of boiler performance.
WAR HERO
When World War 2 began, America ramped up its industrial production like never before, and steam was a key piece of that effort. As expected, the ABMA played a key role in ensuring American industry operated at its most productive and efficient, helping keep our forces armed and supplied across the globe.
GOING GREEN
As America became more environmentally aware in the 60s and 70s, the ABMA shifted its focus to align with what the public expected: greener, cleaner power. During these years, the ABMA worked with manufacturers to develop new methods of steam production that would fall within the new guidelines the government was establishing. Even today, one of the ABMA’s main focuses is the responsible use of energy, helping the boiler industry advance and adapt to changing energy supplies and sustainable environmental practices.
IN OUR CORNER
One of the most prominent roles that the ABMA continues to play today is as an advocate for our industry. They work with government officials and agencies to promote the best interests of all things steam-related and engage with lawmakers to make sure the voices and interests of the boiler industry are heard. Every day, they work on behalf of all of us to advocate for safety, innovation, and sustainability, helping the boiler business thrive as the world gets more and more high-tech.
THE GO-TO GUYS
Another crucial role the ABMA plays is as a repository for technical resources. Thanks to them, boiler operators around the world have a common resource for things like technical specs, industry reports, white papers, and safety updates. They also help boiler operators and manufacturers stay compliant with the latest governmental regulations, from local ordinances to the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
THE NEXT GENERATION
Perhaps the most crucial service the ABMA provides is that of education. They coordinate and hold regular conferences and seminars that help bring boiler professionals together to share insights, expertise, information, and technological advancements. They also help establish and maintain a set of best practices that help everyone in the industry do their job better and safer. In addition to training and education, they also provide networking and collaboration resources that help boiler professionals stay connected with each other, and with the industry, on a global scale.
If you’d like to learn more about our industry, we suggest taking some classes online or in-person from WARE’s Boiler University. They’re taught by real pros, with real expertise in all things steam. If you already know boilers, and you need parts or supplies to keep them running, check out WARE’s Boiler Warehouse for everything you need. Of course, we have a full fleet of new and rental boilers available, as well. Whatever we can do to help, just let us know.