Installation
26
5.2 Operating water - threshold values
CHARACTERISTICS
u.m.
Steam generator water with pressure up to 20 bar
Direct conductivity of the supply water > 30 μS/
cm
Direct conductivity of the supply water ≤30 μS/
cm
Appearance
Clear, limpid, without foam or suspended solids
Direct conductivity at 25°C
μS/cm
< 6000
[a]
< 1500
pH at 25°C
---
10,5 - 12
10 - 11
[b]
[c]
Composite alkalinity
mmol/l
1 - 15
[a]
0,1 - 1
[c]
Silica (SiO
2
)
mg/l
See the previous table "Maximum acceptable silica content in the boiler generator water up to 20 bar pressures"
Phosphates (PO
4
)
[e]
mg/l
10 - 30
6 - 15
Organic substances
-
See note
[d]
[a]
With a superheater consider as maximum value 50% of the value indicated as maximum.
[b]
Basic pH adjustment by injecting NaPO
4
, further injection of NaOH only if the pH value is < 10.
[c]
If the acid conductivity of the generator feed water is < 0.2 μS/cm, and its concentration of Na + K is <0.01 mg/l, the injection
of phosphate is not required. It can be applied under AVT conditions (treatment with volatile chemicals, feed water pH ≥ 9.2 and
generator water pH ≥ 8), in this case the conductivity of the generator water is < 5 μS/cm.
[d]
If treatment with coordinated phosphate is used, considering all other values, higher concentrations of PO
4
are acceptable.
[e]
Organic substances are generally a mixture of various different compounds. The composition of such mixtures and the
behaviour of their individual components under the generator operating conditions, are difficult to predict. Organic substances
can be decomposed to form carbonic acid or other acid decomposition products that increase acid conductivity and cause
corrosion and deposits. They can also lead to the formation of foam and/or production of steam with suspended water, that must
be kept as low as possible.
FREQUENCY OF ANALYSIS
The frequency of the analysis must be carried out according to the table in the periodic verifications paragraph. However, it is
advisable to check the pH value, the total hardness and the alkalinity of the feed and operating water. It is good practice, especially
under variable operating conditions, to monthly submit a significant sample of the feed and operating waters for complete
analysis. It is also good practice to visually check the condensate returns for any highly polluting oily substances (reduction of
evaporation on the surface of generator water due to a layer of oil).
