What is BG06?
BG06, formally known as Guidance on the De-aeration of Boiler Feed Water for Industrial Installations, was developed by the Combustion Engineering Association (CEA).
It sets out responsibility guidelines for owners, managers and operators to ensure that dissolved gases are effectively removed or reduced from feed water. This means selecting the right de-aeration method, designing and maintaining hot wells and de-aerators correctly, and ensuring operators are competent to manage chemical dosing and routine checks. By defining these responsibilities, BG06 helps to prevent corrosion and inefficiency while ensuring compliance with UK safety regulations.
What does BG06 cover?
The guidance provides practical recommendations on:
- Safe and effective design of hot wells and de-aerators
- Correct sizing, materials and level control for feed water tanks
- Piping layouts, connections and venting requirements
- Managing hazards such as high water temperature, cavitation and chemical dosing
- Maintenance routines and inspection of de-aeration equipment
- Legal compliance with frameworks such as PSSR, PUWER, PER and CDM
- Record keeping and risk assessments to support safe operation
Why BG06 matters
BG06 is not legislation, but it is the recognised UK guide for feed water de-aeration systems. Following it helps operators prove compliance with PSSR and other regulations while protecting boiler equipment from damage.
Poor de-aeration can result in severe corrosion, shortened equipment life and increased use of water treatment chemicals. BG06 provides a framework to minimise these risks, extend asset life and maintain safe, efficient boiler operation. For more guidance on maintaining and caring for your boiler equipment, explore our specialist training courses.
Download the latest version of BG06
The current edition of BG06, Edition 2, was published in September 2020 and is available to download from the CEA’s official document store.
At Dunphy, we help sites manage safe and efficient boiler operations through modern combustion systems, controls and training. If you would like advice on feed water de-aeration or compliance with BG06, get in touch with our team today.
For more information, see our blogs on:
BG01: what’s new for steam boilers regulations?
BG02: what hot water boiler operators need to know?
BG03: Safe operation of blowdown systems for industrial steam boilers