Chem-Aqua can help you maximise the life, efficiency and reliability of your boiler systems.
High cost of boiler scale
The problems associated with boiler scale largely stem from its insulating properties. In a boiler, fuel (natural gas, oil, wood, etc.) is burned to generate heat energy. The objective is to transfer as much heat as possible from the hot combustion gases to the boiler water.
Since scale deposits are insulating, they reduce how efficiently heat is transferred through the metal boiler tubes to the water. The reduced heat transfer efficiency in a dirty boiler means more of the heat goes out the stack instead of being converted into steam. This also means more fuel must be burned to produce the required amount of steam and is accompanied by more greenhouse gas emissions.
However, not all scale deposits are the same. Some deposits are much more insulating than others. For example, 1 mm of “normal”, calcium carbonate scale reduces heat transfer efficiency by 2%; 1 mm of a high iron and high silica scale reduces efficiency by 7%. This makes a tremendous difference in the excess fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions associated with the deposit. Scale composition can also provide insights into why the deposits formed.
The end result of boiler deposits is invariably higher fuel and maintenance costs, with unexpected failure being a very real possibility.
Softener regeneration
Everyone knows soft water feels different than hard water—but did you know soft water may be better for your water systems?
Achieve optimal softener performance with Chem-Aqua’s boiler water treatment programmes.
Find out how we can help you
Protecting your condensate system from destructive corrosion
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, causing leaks and potentially catastrophic damage to the boiler as corrosion by-products are carried into the feedwater.
An effective protection and treatment plan can be divided into four main categories: the use of amines, volatile oxygen scavengers, pre-treatment equipment and treatment programme monitoring.
Chem-Aqua can set up and maintain your boiler treatment plan to protect your operations and water treatment investment.
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 minimise scale deposits and carryover. Too much blowdown increases fuel, water and treatment requirements. Too little blowdown can cause scale deposits and wet steam (carryover).
A customised water treatment programme from Chem-Aqua can help you determine the optimal blowdown rate to maximise energy efficiency and to protect your boiler system from the harmful effects of corrosion, scale and carryover.
Chem-Aqua has the Solution
Chem-Aqua can set up and maintain your boiler treatment plan to protect your operations and water treatment investment
