Dissolved Solids

Even though we add chemicals to the feedwater to protect the boiler from scale and corrosion, they do add to the ‘Total Dissolved Solids’ (TDS) content. As steam is produced, the dissolved solids remain in the boiler and concentrate up.

Excessive concentrations of dissolved and suspended solids must be avoided if foaming at the interface of water and steam is to be controlled and carryover and instability avoided.

Too high a level and problems with foaming and carry over are prevalent, too low and excessive energy is wasted.  

Given that in protecting the boiler from corrosion and scale we adversely affect the dissolved and suspended solids, it is in the interest of the operator to ensure that water quality is correct throughout the system; from the incoming cold feed to the returning condensate. In so doing we ensure the cleanliness of the heat transfer surfaces and the overall efficiency of the boiler.