Challenge

Plant personnel were aware that even small levels of hardness and other contaminants could be detrimental to the boiler feed water system that was being installed in their Midwestern facility. Some of the concerns with using the available water supply included:

• Increased boiler blowdowns to remove accumulated dissolved solids and corrosion products
• Increased usage of energy, water and chemicals
• Unscheduled downtimes for cleaning and replacement of parts
• The desire to make better use of the wasted low pressure steam
• The desire to pre-heat the boiler feed water

A quick, dependable solution and technical expertise were needed

Solution

Working with plant personnel, Siemens:

• Conducted a thorough water analysis to determine the types and levels of contaminants in the feed water
• Analyzed the existing water treatment system
• Supplied a Permutit® hot process water softener with a deaerator built into the upper portion of the settling tank, anthracite filters and polishing ion exchange softeners

The Permutit® line of equipment continues to be an important solution that we can provide. Permutit® hot process water softeners and deaerators are ideal for all industries, power plants and other facilities where hardness, calcium, magnesium, alkalinity, turbidity, silica, oxygen and carbon dioxide are present.

Results

Dissolved solids, non-condensable gases and other contaminants are common problems faced by a multitude of plants throughout the world. Permutit® hot process water softeners and deaerators ensure:

• Reduced scale and corrosion in boilers, condensate systems and associated equipment
• Maximum efficiency by using otherwise wasted low pressure steam
• Increased boiler performance and reduced blowdown
• Simple, inexpensive installation with easy maintenance