Boiler water treatment maximizes efficiency and maintains the safety and durability of the steam generator
January 10, 2019
Boiler water treatment maximizes efficiency and maintains the safety and durability of the steam generator
Water is among the most important factors which contribute to maximize the efficiency of a steam generator: according to the type of boiler used and its characteristics and operating conditions, the water must be correctly treated to allow the machine to perform at its best.
A theme, the boiler water treatment, partly underestimated or poorly known; however, as emerged during the conference “The Challenge of High Efficiency – Cannon Bono Energy. Tradition and Innovation “, which took place last September 27, at the Politecnico di Milano, treating boiler water is essential for achieving high efficiency.
Thanks to the use of thermophysical degassers (integral degassers), O2 and CO2 dissolved in the water, primary cause of corrosion phenomena of the boiler and, consequently, of generator failures, are removed. Furthermore, the correct design of the degassing system allows the vent reduction (steam discharge in order to remove gases) and the heat losses connected, thus maximizing the performance of the boiler.
Likewise, the reduction of hardness, the removal of suspended and dissolved solids, the elimination of organic compounds and bacteria, and the removal of micro-pollutants and heavy metals in the reintegration waters and in the recovered condensation, allow to avoid the formation of precipitates and other problems on the exchange surfaces, which would impact on the level of heat exchange.
Finally, the chemical conditioning, by which some feed water and boiler water chemical properties are regulated (such as pH, O2, alkalinity and phosphates), effectively prevents the precipitation of solids.
The listed processes allow to obtain a high quality of the steam generated, both for process use and for the food of a steam turbine, and to maximize efficiency.
In the light of this evident close connection between boiler and water treatment systems, an integrated approach them significantly improves efficiency. Furthermore, thanks to integrated control systems and automation, it is possible to check the quality of production and evaluate the consumption / performance ratio.
Water treatment, especially in terms of water resource reuse, is included within the investment classes which, according to the Italian Business Plan 4.0 (Industry 4.0), are subject to tax benefits (super- and hyper – amortization).