Boiler water Testing and Treatment, The Unitor way! By an engine cadet

Summary

This script offers an insightful look into boiler water testing, a crucial routine for preventing corrosion and scale buildup in marine boilers. It explains the importance of maintaining specific chemical parameters, such as pH and phosphate levels, using a test kit from Unit Marine Chemicals. The video demonstrates testing methods for pH, phosphate, hydrazine, chlorine, and P&M alkalinity, emphasizing the role of each in ensuring boiler efficiency and safety. It concludes with a reminder of the importance of safety and curiosity in learning, encouraging further exploration into maritime engineering.

Takeaways

• 🔬 Boiler water testing is a routine job typically performed by junior engineers or cadets and has a significant impact on boiler operation.
• 💧 Boiler feedwater is chemically treated distilled water that flows through a closed system, constantly evaporating into superheated steam for various industrial uses.
• 🛡️ The parameters of boiler water are crucial for preventing corrosion and scale formation, which are essential for maintaining boiler efficiency and longevity.
• 📚 The video script introduces the testing equipment and chemicals from King of Marine Chemicals, highlighting the importance of using the correct supplier for accurate results.
• 📏 pH testing is essential to maintain boiler water between 9.5 to 11.5, creating an alkaline environment to prevent corrosion and scale formation.
• 📉 Phosphate levels, kept between 20 to 50 ppm, are important as they react with calcium impurities to form a precipitate, reducing the risk of scale buildup.
• 🌡️ Hydrazine levels, maintained at 0.1 to 0.25 ppm, are crucial for reacting with dissolved oxygen to prevent metal oxidation and promote the formation of a protective magnetite film.
• 🌊 Chlorine testing is vital to detect seawater contamination in boiler water, which can accelerate oxidation and reduce boiler efficiency.
• 🧪 P and M alkalinity tests measure the total inorganic carbons in the sample, reflecting the total alkalinity needed to support chemical reactions and prevent corrosion.
• 🛠️ Chemical treatments such as hardness control, oxygen scavenger, and alkalinity control are used to maintain optimal boiler water parameters and prevent operational issues.
• 👨‍🔬 The script emphasizes the importance of safety and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with chemicals, as well as the value of curiosity-driven learning in the field of maritime engineering.

Q & A

What is boiler water testing and why is it important?

Boiler water testing is a routine job typically done by junior engineers and cadets to ensure the water used in boilers is chemically treated to prevent corrosion, scale, and deposit formation. It's important because it helps maintain the efficiency and longevity of the boiler system.

What is boiler feedwater and how does it operate within a closed system?

Boiler feedwater is distilled water that has been chemically treated. It flows through a closed system, constantly evaporating into superheated steam in the boiler, which is then used for various purposes such as moving a turbine, and condensing back into water before returning to the boiler.

Why is it necessary to maintain certain parameters in boiler water?

Maintaining certain parameters in boiler water is crucial for protection against corrosion and prevention of scale and deposit formation, which ensures the boiler operates efficiently and safely.

What is the significance of pH in boiler water?

The pH of boiler water, which should be maintained between 9.5 and 11.5, indicates how alkaline or acidic the water is. An alkaline environment prevents acidic corrosion and scale formation in very alkaline waters, and it's also necessary for some chemicals to function properly.

How is the pH of boiler water tested?

The pH test is performed by taking a sample of boiler water, adding a pH reagent, mixing it, and using a pH indicator strip to compare the color against a reference chart.

What role does phosphate play in boiler water?

Phosphate reacts with calcium impurities in the water to form a precipitate that accumulates at the bottom of the boiler. This can be later blown down or discharged, preventing the impurities from causing scale formation.

How is the phosphate concentration in boiler water measured?

Phosphate concentration is measured using a comparator test with sample cells filled with water and a phosphate indicator tablet. The color match after a set time indicates the phosphate concentration.

Why is hydrazine important in boiler water and how is it tested?

Hydrazine is important because it reacts with dissolved oxygen in the boiler water to form nitrogen and water, preventing oxidation of the metals. It is tested using a comparator with sample cells and a hydrazine reagent.

What does chlorine in boiler water indicate and how is it tested?

Chlorine in boiler water indicates seawater contamination, which can accelerate oxidation. It is tested using a beaker with sample water and indicator pills that change color, allowing for the calculation of chloride concentration.

What is P and M alkalinity and why is it important for boiler water?

P and M alkalinity refers to the total amount of inorganic carbons in the sample, reflecting the total alkalinity. It is important because it promotes an alkaline environment, which helps in the formation of precipitates and the magnetite film that protects the metal from corrosion.

How are the P and M alkalinity levels in boiler water tested?

P and M alkalinity is tested using a 200 milliliter flask and indicator pills. The color change from blue to yellow and then from yellow to purple indicates the levels of P and M alkalinity, respectively.

What are the consequences of not properly maintaining boiler water parameters?

If boiler water parameters are not maintained, it can lead to corrosion, overheating, and inefficient heat transfer, reducing boiler efficiency and potentially causing pipe bursts, which can be catastrophic.

What resources are available for learning more about boiler water testing and chemical dosing?

Unite RR has a manual full of information on chemical dosing and proper concentrations for specific boiler types. Additionally, always review the material data safety sheet for the chemical being used to understand first-aid and hazards.