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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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

Why Use Membranes?

July 16, 2024
At Sparkling Clear, we understand the importance of using membrane cartridges for filtration. The pore structure of our membrane cartridges ensures extremely high retention efficiency and consistent effluent quality. This capability to capture and retain very small particulates and organisms instills a high degree of confidence that your product will be clean and safe for use. The consistent pore structure of our membranes also allows for straightforward testing, helping both manufacturers and users to understand and communicate the expected performance of the cartridge in various applications. This is why membrane filters are typically employed in scenarios where the removal of submicronic contaminants is crucial. It is important to note that membrane filters are generally used in the final stages of a filtration process. To ensure the longevity and efficiency of the membrane cartridge, it is essential to protect it with prefilters. This protection prevents premature fouling and maximizes the economic value of the system. Applications that Usually Require Membranes: Submicronic particulate removal Removal of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, etc.) Applications requiring sterility (liquid or gas) Endotoxin removal Haze removal (typically caused by high concentrations of particles at or below 0.45 microns) Choose Sparkling Clear for your membrane filtration needs to ensure the highest quality and safety of your products.
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