Maintaining the boiler feedwater heating system is critical to increasing efficiency and improving reliability. The number one cause of boiler tube failure is oxygen attack. Too much oxygen in the boiler feedwater can lead to boiler tube corrosion. There are a number of options to remove dissolved gases and oxygen from the feedwater tank such as boiler feedwater heating, deaeration, and chemical.
A boiler feedwater deaerator system can be a good solution for oxygen removal. It is designed to heat feedwater and then vent the oxygen to the atmosphere. Unfortunately, a boiler feedwater deaerator can be an expensive option.
Heating boiler water before it enters the boiler reduces the oxygen levels. As simple and practical approach is to install a boiler steam sparge heater or also known as steam sparge tube or feed water sparge valve. Steam sparge tubes are designed to inject steam directly into the feedwater tank and condensate returns. By injecting steam, feedwater temperature increases and some of the dissolved gasses get driven out of the water. With less oxygen entering the boiler, the potential for corrosion is reduced and the demand for some chemicals can be reduced.
ProSonix ProJet® steam jet sparger is a simple and economical solution for heating the boiler feedwater tank or condensate return systems. It can be used on steam pressures as low as 15 psig. Boiler feedwater tank is monitored and when feedwater falls below target temperature, a steam control valve.
An inline steam injection heater can also be installed on the return condensate line or the boiler cold make-up water to bring the water and condensate up to target operating temperature. The ProSonix heater is designed to deliver high velocity steam flow to assure reliable temperature control and eliminate rough operation & vibration (steam hammer). The ProSonix inline heater can be used on steam pressures from 30-600 psig.
Contact ProSonix today to learn how we can help optimize your boiler feedwater heating system.