Hydrocarbon Processing - November 2021 - 73

Water Management
position within the condensate/feedwater systems and boilers
of steam generating systems. While these issues are extremely
important, protecting the steam system may be even more critical,
particularly if the steam powers turbines. Steam turbines are
highly tuned mechanical devices that are extremely expensive
to repair or replace after mechanical or chemical failure, and
may hobble a plant for months, if not longer.
Additionally, solids carryover into steam can induce deposition
and corrosion in superheaters, which may cause heat
exchanger failure even in industrial steam generators without
turbines.2
Depending on unit pressure, some steam chemistry
guidelines call for impurity limits at low parts-per-billion (ppb)
levels. Steam chemistry control is, therefore, an integral part of
any steam generator chemistry program.
Takeaway. A summary of key principles for internal boiler water
treatment and corrosion/scale control follows:
* Careful selection of an internal boiler water treatment
program is recommended. The choice of phosphate
treatment often depends greatly on makeup quality.
Maintaining low phosphate concentrations is now
common practice for avoiding hideout.
* Dispersion polymers can be effective up to approximately
1,800 psi to sequester metals transported to boilers.
These contaminants can be removed via blowdown.
Minimizing iron and copper deposition will help reduce
the risk of under-deposit corrosion.
* Proper boiler water chemistry control is also critical
for preventing carryover and other impurity ingress to
steam. Some contaminants can cause major damage,
particularly if the steam drives turbines for electrical or
mechanical output.3
* The importance of monitoring cannot be overstated.
Upsets have been known to cause boiler tube failures
within days, sometimes even hours. Continuous online
instruments are available for complete steam generation
chemistry monitoring. Intelligent water management
software is available for tracking and analyzing data and
providing reports and alarm notices to plant personnel.
This program is also well suited for monitoring other
plant water systems, including cooling water.
Each system is different and has unique treatment needs, and
due diligence is necessary for determining the feasibility for utilizing
these methods. Equipment manuals and guides should always
be consulted, and a water treatment professional contacted,
before changes are made to systems and treatment processes.
LITERATURE CITED
1
2
Kraetsch, K. and B. Buecker, " Advanced methods to control boiler tube corrosion
and fouling-Part 1, " Hydrocarbon Processing, October 2021.
Buecker, B., " Condenser chemistry and performance monitoring: A critical
necessity for reliable steam plant operation, " Proceedings of the 60th Annual
International Water Conference, October 18-20, 1999, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
3
Shulder, S., B. Buecker and A. Sieben, " Fossil power plant cycle chemistry, " Preconference
seminar, 39th Annual Electric Utility Chemistry Workshop, June
4-6, 2019, Champaign, Illinois.
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How Turbomachinery Drives the Future
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Rebecca Thomas
Market Manager
Renewable Hydrocarbons
Atlas Copco Gas and Process
As the world transitions to a circular, decarbonized economy, renewable hydrocarbons such as
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1. The requirements of EPCs, process licensors and end users alike
2. Giving a broader look at how turbomachinery can support renewable hydrocarbon
processes
3. Turbomachinery designs for handling the challenges of decarbonized production
Lee Nichols
Editor-in-Chief/Associate Publisher
Hydrocarbon Processing
Hydrocarbon Processing | NOVEMBER 2021 73
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Hydrocarbon Processing - November 2021

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