When it comes to boiler maintenance, it's worth focusing on serious problems such as component failures or defects in system operation. You also need to be careful about boiler corrosion, a less obvious but very serious problem that can quickly develop into a catastrophic result in the form of failure of boiler equipment.
Specialists of the company "BOOSTER RUS" (Moscow) supplies of South Korean industrial steam boilers, propose to consider this issue, paying close attention to it. If the equipment needs to be diagnosed and possibly replaced, visit the company's website to explore the offer and see the range of BOOSTER brands of boilers.
Boiler corrosion occurs when any iron present in the system is exposed to oxygen and water. This combination causes a chemical reaction that eventually leads to the formation of rust and metal destruction in the boiler pipes and related pressure parts.
How boiler corrosion occurs
Pitting occurs at a localized point and can be very destructive. The local anode or cathode point serves as the starting point for the formation of a corrosion site. Oxygen in the boiler water supply system can be a catalyst for this process. When pitting is detected, it is important to check that ancillary equipment such as deaerators, feedwater tanks and chemical pumps are working properly and that there are no leaks that allow fresh water or process contaminants to enter the system.
Crevice Corrosion can form near cracks if poor water circulation prevents corrosive elements from washing off boiler surfaces. This is more common in units with large water pipes.
Another type of corrosion can occur on the metal near the joint. Called galvanic corrosion, this type of corrosion is relevant when metals of dissimilar electrochemical composition are in electrical contact in an electrolytic environment. This type of corrosion is more common in hydraulic systems with various metals in the boiler heat exchanger and piping. Dielectric bonding or other protective measures can be used to prevent this kind of damage.
Corrosion can also form when the pH of the water is too high or too low. The concentrated caustic agent dissolves and creates a high pH level. Acid corrosion develops when the pH of the water in the boiler is too low. Improper use of cleaning products can also lead to this phenomenon.
How to keep corrosion under control
Although it is impossible to completely prevent corrosion processes, it is possible and important to control the conditions that contribute to their development. A proactive approach will maximize the life of your industrial steam or hot water boiler.
A regular inspection program will help you monitor the performance of both the unit itself and its ancillary equipment. Watch for things like changes in the pH of the water and the temperature of the water in the feed tank. Check the system regularly for leaks and check for any signs of corrosion damage. Boiler, feed and make-up water and condensate should be checked daily for pH, hardness and chemical composition. Changing these values over time can give you an early warning of problems.
Proper degassing with a deaerator or feedwater tank, combined with proper chemical treatment, can solve most problems. Regular scheduled maintenance of the boiler will keep your boiler clean, free of rust and scale, as well as warn you of potential problems.
Company "BOOSTER RUS" carries out not only the supply of boiler equipment and its maintenance. If your boiler has failed due to corrosive damage and you are planning to purchase a new unit, visit the company's website to view the product range and place an order for delivery. The company supplies products throughout Russia and the CIS countries.
