3 Common Boiler Feed Water Treatment Issues and How to Fix Them
October 2, 2023

For a boiler to function efficiently, the boiler feed water that runs it must be of the best quality possible. Impurities can cause problems like operational issues, inefficient flow, and equipment damage. Many of these issues can be mitigated or prevented with an appropriate water filtration system. 


Here are some common problems associated with boiler-feed water and the best ways to mitigate them.


Scale Formation


If the system has trouble keeping steady pressure and temperature, there could be scale deposits in the system that are partially blocking the flow. Scale forms when there are high levels of calcium, magnesium, lime, and other forms of hard water in the system. This buildup reduces heat transfer efficiency, leading to higher fuel costs and potential equipment damage.


Water softening is the most common way to treat and prevent scale formation. Depending on the level of buildup, you may also need to look into solutions like acid cleaning, reverse osmosis, and parts replacements.


Corrosion


Signs of corrosion usually include rust, pitting, or discoloration on the boiler components or pipework. It could also be the source of discolored liquid, changes in pH levels, and unexplained frequent leaks and parts failures


Corrosion can occur if the seals, rings, or inner linings are made from materials that chemically react to the impurities in the system. This corrosion physically weakens and breaks down the equipment. This leads to equipment damage and potential system failures.


Once corrosion occurs, the part is irreversibly damaged. The first step to avoiding corrosion is making sure all parts, hoses, seals, and other components of the boiler feed system are made to withstand any potential interactions with the fluid, hard water, oxygen, and various impurities.


A few other treatments and preventions include:


  • Deaeration. Mechanical deaerators heat the feed water and remove dissolved gases.
  • pH Control. Maintaining a slightly alkaline pH level by adding pH-adjusting chemicals.
  • Corrosion Inhibitors. These chemicals form a protective film on the metal surfaces to prevent contact with corrosive elements in the water.


Contamination and Carryover


Cloudy or discolored steam, or the presence of impurities in downstream equipment, can indicate carryover issues. Carryover happens when impurities in the feed water get carried into the steam. This affects steam quality and can damage downstream equipment.


Opt for a boiler with design features that minimize carryover. Some examples include a steam separator or a large steam drum. Using filters or ion exchange systems in the feed water lines can also remove impurities before they enter the boiler. Our experts can help you find the best solutions for your equipment.


Best Practices for Optimal Boiler Feed Water Treatment


Keeping these common issues in check involves proactive testing and monitoring. Here are a few ways to keep your boiler feed working its best.


  • Regularly test the feed water for impurities. This will help you detect issues early before costly repairs are necessary.
  • Invest in high-quality treatment systems that effectively filter and treat feed water. Our specialists can help you narrow down some of the best choices for your equipment.
  • Ensure staff are equipped to manage the boil feed system effectively.
  • Regular maintenance, repairs, and replacements can help you detect issues and minimize their overall costs to your business.
  • Make sure the system has the filters, softeners, and supporting equipment it needs. Check with your industrial filtration experts for the best ways to support your equipment.


Prevention is always better than a cure, especially when it comes to boiler maintenance. Ensuring the quality of boiler feed water is crucial for the efficient operation of boilers and the longevity of the equipment. 


Sparkling Clear’s Experts Can Help You Troubleshoot Your Boiler Feed Filtration Issues


We provide the most comprehensive, customer-friendly, customized commercial filtration services to help you accomplish more in less time. Don’t let issues build up into costly repairs. Contact us today to find out the best treatment and prevention solutions for your business!

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How Advanced Filtration Systems Help Future-Proof Regulatory Challenges in Water Quality

By Keith Adams • January 27, 2025
Businesses and industries face a lot of changes in the coming years. Advanced filtration systems are essential tools that can help meet these evolving standards before they become an issue. Here are a few ways to future-proof your businesses against water quality regulations. Managing PFAS and Emerging Contaminants One of the most pressing challenges is regulating PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), also known as “forever chemicals.” PFAS have been linked to significant health risks like cancer, heart disease, and immune system disorders. Advanced filtration technologies defend against PFAS and other emerging contaminants. Three effective options that meet or exceed regulatory standards include: Reverse Osmosis (RO). RO systems use semi-permeable membranes to remove up to 99% of contaminants, including PFAS, heavy metals, and bacteria. Granular Activated Carbon (GAC). The right GAC filters can adsorb PFAS molecules, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other pollutants. Ion Exchange Systems. These systems target specific contaminants and bind to them during the removal process. By integrating these technologies, businesses can meet or exceed regulatory thresholds for water safety before they go into effect. It also ensures they protect their employees, customers, and reputation as our knowledge of PFAS and other contaminants continues to evolve. Supporting Sustainability Goals Advanced water filtration systems help meet sustainability-focused regulations, including those that could appear in coming years. Reducing Water Waste. Stricter laws are targeting water conservation and waste reduction across industries. New filtration designs and custom filtration services allow for things like closed-loop systems that recycle used water. Lowering Environmental Impact. When the situation allows, advanced filtration processes like UV disinfection or ozone treatment minimize reliance on chemicals, reducing both cost and environmental risk. Compliance with Green Certifications. Compliance with green initiatives often comes with benefits like tax incentives or operational grants. Modern systems designed to meet water efficiency and waste reduction benchmarks help businesses achieve these certifications more easily. Businesses who take a sustainability approach to their water filtration systems will future-proof themselves to rising environmental standards and position themselves as leaders in environmentally responsible practices. Staying Prepared for Water Quality Crises The winter storm of January 2025 showed us that emergency preparedness should be a top priority to avoid or minimize regulatory issues during unexpected events. A few ways advanced systems help mitigate these risks include: Rapid Response Capabilities. Portable filtration units or mobile treatment systems can be deployed to manage emergencies quickly. Real Time Warnings and Automatic Controls. Using filtration and quality controls like real time meters, alarms, and pH regulators can help businesses deal with issues before they build up into regulatory breaches. System Redundancy. Designing systems with backup capabilities ensures uninterrupted compliance even during disruptions like frozen pipes or blockages from storm debris. Businesses can minimize compliance risks and stay prepared for future challenges by adopting filtration systems that can quickly adapt to unplanned situations. This proactive approach will safeguard against fines and penalties, ensure operational continuity, and future-proof your system against sudden regulatory issues.  Sparkling Clear Will Help Future-Proof Your Filtration Systems If your business is ready to upgrade its water filtration systems to meet the latest and future regulatory challenges, contact us today. Our team will provide tailored solutions designed to keep your operations compliant and running smoothly.

The Hidden Link Between Water Quality and Energy Efficiency

By Keith Adams • October 3, 2024
The Hidden Link Between Water Quality and Energy Efficiency

Self-Cleaning Strainers and How They Work

July 24, 2024
Self-cleaning strainers offer an efficient and continuous way to remove debris and contaminants from fluid systems without the need for manual intervention. In this blog, we’ll discuss what self-cleaning filters are, how they work, and their various benefits in industrial filtration. What Are Self-Cleaning Filters?  Automatic self-cleaning strainers keep industrial process systems free of contaminants and debris as with traditional strainers and filters. What makes self-cleaning strainers unique is how they clean themselves without shutdowns and manual intervention. In most self-cleaning strainer designs, liquid enters the strainer from the bottom, flows upward through a filtering system, and exits as clean fluid. Any debris caught by the filter is pushed to a collection area. When the system detects a buildup of pressure, it opens a flush valve to remove the collected debris. The most common mechanisms you will see in a self-cleaning strainer include: Backwashing . The flow of the liquid is reversed to send a portion back through the filter. This dislodges trapped debris so that it can be directed to the collection area. Mechanical Scraping . Uses blades to physically scrape t he filter surface. Continuous Flushing . A bypass stream continuously dislodges and carries away contaminants while the main fluid passes through the strainer s . Ultrasonic Cleaning . Uses high-frequency vibrations to break apart and dislodge stubborn debris so that it can continue to the collection area. The longer a filter can go without shutdowns for cleaning and repairs, the greater the savings lost production. Benefits of Automatic Self-Cleaning Strainers The advantages of using a self-cleaning strainer are not limited to productivity and reduced downtime. Other benefits include: Consistent performance in flow rate and purity Prevents damage and repairs due to clogs in the filter Protects downstream equipment from damage due to clogs and impurities Is a Self-Cleaning Strainer Right for my Filtration Needs? Every work sight and process is unique, so what works perfectly at one site may not work well at another. This holds true with self-cleaning strainers as well. Before you invest in a self-cleaning strainer, you should discuss your needs with one of SCI’s knowledgeable employees. They will help you navigate factors to consider. This includes factors such as maximum flow rate, pressure, strainer mesh sizing and material compatibility to ensure the strainer will not corrode on contact with the fluid. Let Sparking Clear Help You Find the Best Filtration System For Your process. Contact us today to set up a consultation. We’ve Got You Covered
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