Steam Boiler ChemicalsHere are the basics of Steam Boiler Chemicals. The main purpose of Steam Boiler Chemicals are to prevent scaling and to minimize corrosion. There are only four groupings of Boiler Chemicals alkalinity builders, scale prevention, condensate treatments, and oxygen scavengers. This will cover 95% of all boiler water applications. If you have a more advanced system there are minor exceptions. Our goal is to simplify Boiler Chemicals.
Alkalinity Builders
What is an the purpose of an Alkalinity Builder purpose?
The purpose of an Alkalinity Builder is to increase the boiler water pH. It serves as the following:
- Mild steel tubes become exponentially corrosive the higher the temperature.
- For high pressure boilers, > 300 psi, you must maintain a 3:1 total alkalinity OH to silica ratio to ensure the soluble silica does not plate out. It will appear as glass.
- At a pH above 10.5 it will ensure the polymer properly functions to keep any hardness in solution.
What is an Alkalinity Builder?
It is either 25% or 50% sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. Potassium hydroxide is used in applications where chemical storage may be below 32F since it has a lower freeze point
What is the recommended residual rate?
Maintain a Boiler Water pH above 10.5 for boiler pressure below 300 psi.
How do you feed Alkalinity?
Feed the Alkalinity as far back into your system as possible. This will protect all your metallurgy. Ideally, inject the alkalinity into the center of you injection valve.
How do you monitor Alkalinity?
You can you pH test strips, a conductivity meter, or a titration pH visual test kit. If you need an accurate reading, use a good pH meter, other wise just use pH test strips. They work great!
Any other notes on Alkalinity?
Alkalinity is sometime referred to as caustic soda. A caustic skin burn is one of the worst burns. Be very careful handling your alkalinity source. If you get it on your skin or in your eyes wash immediately. Get immediate care. Eliminate any handling of this chemical. Use the 25% version of either product.
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