Water Treatment consists of three crucial factors: Service, Chemistry and Equipment. It is an important part of the preventative maintenance program for boiler, cooling, and process water systems. With the right partner, you can ensure to have a reliable and well-working system that will minimize cost, maximize efficiency and provide sustainable solutions. 

Carryover is any contaminant that leaves the boiler with steam. It can be in a solid, liquid, or vapor form. The most common form of carryover is boiler water droplets that contain dissolved and suspended solids.

Boiler water carryover can cause deposits to form in valves, heat exchangers, turbines, and superheaters. If deposits are significant, heat transfer and/or turbine efficiency may be reduced. Additionally, carryover can strip away the protective magnetite layer on steam lines, remove the film formed by filming amine programs, cause erosion-induced corrosion, and result in product quality problems in processes using live steam.

Corrosion in water systems is a costly problem.  In the United States alone, the costs associated with corrosion in water and wastewater systems are estimated to exceed $50 billion annually. The metal loss resulting from corrosion reduces system life, increases maintenance costs, and ultimately results in premature equipment failure. Corrosion can also produce deposits that impede water flow, foul heat exchange surfaces, and reduce overall water system efficiency.  A basic understanding of the different types of corrosion can help you diagnose and solve corrosion related problems.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

How many careers can you think of that are rewarding, virtually recession proof, and give you exclusive behind-the-scenes access to a variety of fascinating locations? How about careers that also offer multiple options for personal advancement, a supportive employer, and opportunities to improve the environment? There certainly aren’t many, but here is one that might surprise you — industrial water treatment. Water is the lifeblood of many, if not most, facilities and the literal life blood of society; no one can survive without water. Let’s take a closer look at what industrial water treatment is, why it is important, and why you should consider a career in this vital, dynamic industry.

When a boiler is shut down and removed from service, oxygen intrusion occurs as the boiler cools. This dissolved oxygen can cause a rapid pitting attack and metal failure. The potential for oxygen corrosion is particularly high in multiple boiler systems where the boilers are rotated or left off-line for extended periods of time. Unless very high levels of oxygen scavenger are present and the boiler water remains well mixed while off-line, severe corrosion can occur.