Boiler feed water is industrial water treated to meet specific standards, ensuring the steam produced is high-quality and free of substances that could damage machinery. This is important since boilers serve as power generators in power plants and manufacturing machinery across various industries.
This article discusses boiler feed water and its role in operational processes. To learn more, read the information below.
What Is Boiler Feed Water?
Boiler feed water is treated water that enters the boiler system to produce hot steam. Feed water consists of condensate (return water, water derived from condensed steam) and purified clean water (makeup water).
The composition of the feed water depends on the quality of the makeup water and the amount of condensate returning to the boiler. Typically, the water remaining in the boiler contains dissolved substances left behind after some of the water has turned into steam.
Therefore, these substances must be removed or controlled in the feed water. If not properly managed, dissolved solids become concentrated and form scale inside the boiler.
As a result, the boiler cannot operate at maximum efficiency because heat transfer is impeded. Furthermore, dissolved gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, can react with the boiler’s metal components, causing corrosion.
Proper water quality management can help extend the boiler’s service life, improve steam generation efficiency, and optimize heat transfer, contributing to greater operational reliability.
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Boiler Feed Water Sources
Feed water can come from well water, surface water, or water managed by local governments. However, these water sources cannot be used directly as feed water.
Raw water may contain total suspended solids (TSS) and total dissolved solids (TDS). Furthermore, the water may have an unstable pH or an alkalinity level above the standard.
Minerals that affect water hardness, such as magnesium and calcium, can form scale inside the boiler if continuously exposed to heat. Furthermore, dissolved oxygen can cause corrosion on the boiler’s metal surfaces.
High TDS levels can accumulate in the boiler drum over time, while an inappropriate pH, for example, if it is too alkaline or acidic, can cause metal degradation.
That is why raw water must be treated first to meet the ideal water quality parameters for boiler feed water.
Feed water specifications can be determined by several factors, such as raw water quality, the amount of condensate returning to the boiler, the type of boiler, its pressure, maximum heat transfer, the specifications of the steam produced, and ecological considerations.
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Stages of Boiler Feed Water Treatment
To become boiler feed water, raw water must undergo several stages. Generally, feed water treatment procedures are divided into external and internal.
External boiler feed water treatment removes particles and water hardness, while internal treatment adds chemicals to prevent scaling and corrosion. The following is the general sequence of raw water treatment before it enters the boiler:
- Filtration: Water is filtered to remove turbidity, solids, and sediment.
- Ion exchange: This process removes magnesium and calcium ions that can cause scale and sediment.
- Deaeration: This process removes dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide to prevent corrosion.
- Chemical conditioning: Certain chemicals, such as pH adjusters and scale inhibitors, are added to maintain steam purity.
The steps above are a general overview, as each boiler has different procedures based on raw water quality and boiler pressure.
Industrial Water Treatment Services from CDI
Boiler feed water can be sourced from surface water, such as lakes and rivers. To meet industry standards, the raw water must be treated through a series of steps.
If you are looking for clean water for manufacturing processes, PT Chandra Daya Investasi Tbk (CDI) can provide a solution.
CDI, through PT Krakatau Tirta Industri (KTI), provides clean water solutions sourced from the Cipasauran River, the Cidanau River, and the Nadra Krenceng Reservoir.
This raw water is treated at two standard Water Treatment Plants (WTPs), namely Krenceng WTP and Cidanau WTP. The Krenceng WTP has an installed capacity of 1,800 liters per second and operates using raw water from the Cidanau River.
Meanwhile, the Cidanau WTP treats water from the Cipasauran Dam. This WTP has three intake pump units, each with a capacity of 600 liters per second, as well as a tapping structure, a flushing structure, and a sludge-or-sand-trap channel.
So, do not hesitate to entrust your company’s industrial water needs to CDI and KTI, #YourGrowthPartner. Contact us now for more information!
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