Boiler Water Analysis — Don’t Just Check the pH ⚓
Boiler water analysis is one of the simplest ways to prevent expensive boiler problems.
A proper analysis should normally include:
🔹 pH — indicates the alkalinity condition and helps control corrosion.
🔹 Phosphate (PO₄) — confirms that the phosphate treatment is working and helps prevent scale formation.
🔹 Chloride (Cl⁻) — a key indicator of seawater contamination. A sudden increase is a warning sign.
🔹 Sulphite / Oxygen Scavenger — confirms that dissolved oxygen is being chemically controlled.
🔹 Alkalinity (P/M) — important for controlling caustic conditions and preventing corrosion or caustic attack.
🔹 Conductivity / TDS — shows the concentration of dissolved salts and helps determine the need for blowdown.
⚠️ The important part
Do not correct the chemistry blindly.
If chloride and conductivity suddenly rise, adding more chemicals is not the solution.
👉 First look for the cause:
condenser leakage, contaminated make-up water, faulty feedwater treatment, or insufficient blowdown.
And remember:
Good boiler water is not the water with the highest chemical concentration.
It is water maintained within the correct limits for that particular boiler and treatment programme.
⚓ RhumbFleet — Professional Maritime Knowledge. Real Experience. Continuous Learning.
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