The Value of Good Boiler Blowdown Control

A Critical Component of the Boiler Water Treatment Program

  • 26 June 2018
  • Author: Chem-Aqua, Inc
  • Number of views: 13412
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The Value of Good Boiler Blowdown Control

In a steam boiler system, blowdown involves removing a portion of the concentrated boiler water and replacing it with feedwater, which is a mixture of condensate and makeup water.

Good blowdown control is a critical component of the boiler water treatment program.  Boiler blowdown is heated, treated feedwater that is sent to the drain instead of converted into steam. Blowdown is used to control the dissolved and suspended solids level in a boiler within the range necessary to minimize scale deposits and carryover.  Too much blowdown increases fuel, water, and treatment requirements.  Too little blowdown can cause scale deposits and wet steam (carryover)

Learning the Language of Microbiological Control

Key Terms for Water Treatment Novices

Learning the Language of Microbiological Control

Water treatment specialists can forget that their clients may not understand the technical terms used in our industry. The language of microbiological control can be particularly confusing. To help establish a common working vocabulary, it’s important to define some key terms. Let’s get started!

A Quick Tutorial on the Mechanics of Steam Boiler Systems

Basic Boiler Functions

  • 22 May 2018
  • Author: Chem-Aqua, Inc
  • Number of views: 33803
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A Quick Tutorial on the Mechanics of Steam Boiler Systems

Boilers are specialized mechanical devices designed to generate pressurized steam. Steam is an essential raw material that drives industry and commerce worldwide. From the electricity used to power our homes and run our plants, to the plastic and vinyl in our automobiles, the paints and wood in on our homes, and the preparation of the food we eat, steam is used to make our lives more comfortable and convenient.

Overcoming Cooling Water Challenges in Plastics Manufacturing

How To Have an Effective Water Treatment Program

Overcoming Cooling Water Challenges in Plastics Manufacturing

Plastics manufacturing is a cooling water intensive process with production efficiency and product quality directly tied to effective water treatment. Increased cycle time, high defect rates, unscheduled downtime, mold damage, and high maintenance costs can all result from water system problems including corrosion, deposits, and biofouling.  

Dip Slides vs. Lab Testing

The Key Differences and Similarities

Dip Slides vs. Lab Testing

Monitoring bacteria levels in cooling water systems is vital to the operating life, efficiency, and functionality of a well-run system.  Unmonitored microbiological activity can lead to deposits, corrosion, blockages, downtime, increased energy usage, and possibly even disease.  There are many variables in field versus laboratory bacteria testing that need to be considered in order to take the proper course of action when required.  While differences are expected between these two testing methods, both offer various advantages.  Ultimately, trends over time and after specific events offer the most clarity.

Whether testing in a lab or in the field, results from microbiological water analysis must be dependable and accurate to maintain proper system control. A highly trained Chem-Aqua water treatment professional can help to maintain the right system chemistry to ensure that a facility’s systems remain optimal and compliant. Check out this infographic to learn more about the differences between field and lab testing.

Neutralizing Amine Use in Hospital Steam Boilers

Regulations and Compliance

  • 1 May 2018
  • Author: Dan Weimar
  • Number of views: 24600
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Neutralizing Amine Use in Hospital Steam Boilers

Hospitals use steam boilers to meet a variety of needs including domestic hot water, space heating, food preparation, sterilization, and humidification. The use of water treatment compounds called “neutralizing amines” can be a source of confusion, especially where plant steam is used for humidification and sterilization. Recently updated standards provide clear guidance on neutralizing amine use in hospital steam boiler systems.

How PTSA Tracers Simplify Cooling Water Treatment

A More Accurate and Safer Process

  • 17 April 2018
  • Author: Jerold Murray
  • Number of views: 16845
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How PTSA Tracers Simplify Cooling Water Treatment

Scale and corrosion in cooling tower systems can reduce heat transfer efficiency and cause unexpected equipment failures. While scale and corrosion inhibitors added to the water supply can minimize these occurrences, maintaining treatment levels within the control limits necessary to optimize performance and minimize costs can be a challenge. Let’s take a look at a more accurate and safer process for controlling inhibitor levels over traditional methods.

5 Steps to Protect Your Condensate System from Destructive Corrosion

Primary Causes and How to Prevent Them

  • 29 March 2018
  • Author: Chem-Aqua, Inc
  • Number of views: 17134
  • 0 Comments
5 Steps to Protect Your Condensate System from Destructive Corrosion

In boiler systems, steam that has completed its work condenses back into liquid water called condensate.  This is a high-purity, high-heat-content water that makes sense to recycle into the boiler system whenever possible to save money, water, energy, and chemicals.

 

Protecting your plant’s condensate return system is vital not only because it is a massive capital investment, but also because it can impact your day-to-day operations. The primary causes of destructive corrosion are carbonic acid attack and oxygen pitting.  This corrosion can cause unexpected system shutdowns, affecting production timelines. Corroded systems are also less efficient, risking leaks and potentially catastrophic damage to the boiler as corrosion byproducts are carried into the feedwater.

Don’t Send Your Air-Handler Condensate Water (and Money) Down the Drain!

  • 20 March 2018
  • Author: Pat Guccione
  • Number of views: 6926
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Don’t Send Your Air-Handler Condensate Water (and Money) Down the Drain!

Facilities are under continuous pressure to reduce costs and operate in a more environmentally responsible manner.  In many locations, the reduced availability and increased cost of water are making water conservation a much more attractive goal than in the past. More and more facilities are being limited on how much water can be used; while there are alternatives to oil and gas, there is no substitute to water. Thus, the economic and environmental payback on reducing water usage is greater than ever.

Softener Regeneration in Four Easy Steps

How to Achieve Optimal Softener Performance

  • 13 March 2018
  • Author: Chem-Aqua, Inc
  • Number of views: 34634
  • 0 Comments
Softener Regeneration in Four Easy Steps

Everyone knows soft water feels different than hard water—but did you know soft water may be better for your water systems? To improve efficiency and extend the life of your water systems, scale-causing calcium and magnesium ions are replaced with sodium ions in the softening process. To regenerate a softener that has reached capacity, you must conduct four steps: backwash, brine draw, slow rinse, and fast rinse.

Review this infographic for details about how to achieve optimal softener performance, and turn to Chem-Aqua for all of your water treatment needs.

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