Boiler

Steam boilers should be operating at design rates and as cost-effectively as possible for long periods of time without mechanical failure. This optimizes production planning and minimizes maintenance costs whilst, hopefully, eliminating unplanned outages and ensuring the boiler is operating safely as well as reliably. The correct chemical treatment should ensure optimal performance.

MAIN FACTORS TO BE KEPT IN CONTROL:

• Scaling - The deposition of sparingly soluble compounds (mainly of calcium), usually as hard, crystalline materials on exchanger surfaces, which interfere with heat transfer and fluid flow. This is mainly caused by calcium salts in the feed. They are cleaned using special types of steam boiler treatment chemicals, such as phosphate and polyphosphate dispersants, tannins, lignosulfonates, nitrite, sodium sulfite, etc. These steam boiler cleaner chemicals help remove scale and corrosion, enable continuous heat exchange, and produce high-quality of steam. In addition to this, boilers are subjected to external water treatment, including softening, ion exchange, evaporation, deaeration, and chemical treatment.
• Fouling - The accumulation of suspended matter, usually as deposits in low-flow areas, which interfere with heat transfer and fluid flow. This can be corrosion debris (iron) or calcium salts in the feed. fouling inhibitors can be used to reduce the fouling and for the boiler optimium performance.
• Corrosion - The dissolution of refined materials (ie plant) to oxides (rust), resulting in early and unpredictable failures of plant and equipment. This is caused by acid, alkali or oxygen. Corrosion can be minimized through proper design (to minimize erosion), periodic cleaning, control of oxygen, proper pH control, and the use of high-quality feedwater (to promote passivation of metal surfaces).