A steam supplier for a large town in central Pennsylvania had a problem with low pH steam condensate and subsequent corrosion of steel metallurgies. One option to remedy the situation was by chemical addition. There were a few chemical options to consider but all involved chemical purchase, addition, monitoring and some can cause problems with direct contact contamination. A dealkalizer was also considered to remove boiler feedwater alkalinity prior to site softeners. Removing alkalinity reduces production of carbonic acid in the condensing steam and subsequently raise the pH. A dealkalizer represents a capital cost and operation does require additional labor and water usage for the regeneration of the unit(s).
The next alternative considered was a decarbonator. A decarbonator mechanically removes alkalinity by breaking it down and venting CO2 out of the top of the unit; thus inhibiting production of carbonic acid in the condensing steam. A decarbonator does require initial investment but the ongoing operation is not labor intensive. Electricity used is intermittent for forwarding pumps and a small fan used for induced draft. Regeneration is not necessary and no wastewater is generated.
Considering the alternatives, the site chose a decarbonator installation to solve their low pH condensate. The site was able decrease their incoming alkalinity by 90% and therefore neutralize condensate pH.
In this case, a decarbonator was successful providing alkalinity removal and condensate pH increase, these units can also provide many other operational benefits.
We provide decarbonator installation in New Jersey (NJ), Pennsylvania (PA), New York (NY), Delaware (DE), Connecticut (CT) & Maryland (MD).
