Steamate* NA6540
Condensate Corrosion Inhibitor
- Reduce condensate corrosion
- Reduce maintenance costs
- Improve boiler system reliability
- Reduce the levels of iron and copper in boiler feedwater
Steamate NA6540 is a liquid blend of water-soluble neutralizing amines designed to meet the specific needs of boiler and condensate systems.
Steamate NA6540 is designed to protect all parts of the condensate system by chemically neutralizing any carbonic acid present in the condensate.
The ingredients in Steamate NA6540 are listed in FDA 21CFR173.310 – boiler water additives for use in the preparation of steam that will come into contact with food.
Steam containing carbon dioxide forms a weakly acidic solution “carbonic acid” when condensation occurs. Metal loss due to carbonic acid is one of the major causes of condensate corrosion.
Feedwater alkalinity is the main source of carbon dioxide as bicarbonate and carbonate alkalinity breakdown at elevated temperatures as follows:
(1) 2NaHCO3 + heat Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O
(2) Na2CO3 + H2O + heat 2NaOH + CO2
The first decomposition reaction proceeds to 100% completion, whereas the second reaction proceeds to about 80% completion.
At points of condensation, carbon dioxide dissolves in water to form carbonic acid. This depresses the pH of the condensate and causes etching of the metal. This characteristic acidic corrosion shows up as thinning and grooving of the metal at and below the water level.
If the corrosion is severe, failures could occur in condensate pipe work, vessels, and heat exchangers. This would result in costly equipment replacement, maintenance, and possible production losses.
Furthermore, iron and copper corrosion products returned to the boiler may cause deposition in areas of high heat flux, resulting in reduced energy efficiency. Iron deposits are very porous and may promote under deposit corrosion, thus reducing boiler reliability.
Protection
Condensate corrosion can be controlled by applying volatile neutralizing amines.
Steamate NA6540 contains neutralizing amines with distribution characteristics designed to protect metal surfaces at points of initial condensation and in extended areas of the condensate system.
Neutralizing amines perform two functions when applied as condensate corrosion inhibitors. Firstly, they neutralize the acidity imparted to the condensate by carbon dioxide. Secondly, they elevate the pH of the condensate to a range where iron pick-up is reduced to a minimum.
There are several important properties that govern the effectiveness of a particular neutralizing amine.
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- Neutralizing capacity: this is simply the quantity of neutralizing amine required to neutralize a given quantity of carbon dioxide.
- Distribution ratio: this is a measure of the volatility of a neutralizing amine under defined conditions.
- Basicity: this is a measure of the neutralizing amine’s ability to elevate the pH of the condensate after all the carbon dioxide has been neutralized.
Steamate NA6540 can provide the required volatility, neutralizing capacity, and basicity for a typical condensate system.
Treatment and Feeding Requirements
Feed Point – Steamate NA6540 can be fed to the deaerator storage section, feedwater line, steam drum, or steam header.
In some systems, supplemental (“satellite”) feed points may be required to provide optimum system protection. This is especially true in complex multipressure steam/condensate systems with flash tanks and high alkalinity boiler feedwater.
Feed Rate – The required feed rate of Steamate NA6540 depends on many factors particular to a given installation. The product feed rate is controlled by monitoring condensate pH, iron, and copper levels.
Dilution – Steamate NA6540 can be fed neat or diluted to any convenient strength with softened make-up, feedwater, or condensate. Neutralizing amines can be fed along with most other internal treatment chemicals.
The physical properties of Steamate NA6540 are shown on the Safety Data Sheet, a copy of which is available on request.
Steamate NA6540 is a liquid blend and is available in a wide variety of customized containers and delivery methods. Contact your local Veolia representative for details.
A Material Safety Data Sheet containing detailed information about this product is available on request.
Veolia Water Technologies
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www.veoliawatertechnologies.com
