Managing Silica in Boiler Water

10-10-2015
Ansuman Sen Sharma

India Boiler dot Com
1
What is our
objective?
10-10-2015
What makes Boiler Water Chemistry

Critical for the O&M Engineers?
3 + 2OH
10Ca2+ + 6PO
$
+
4
[Ca3(PO4)2]3Ca(OH)2
10-10-2015
Water Flow diagram in Boiler
CIRCULATING WATER AND STEAM CYCLE

TO CONDENSER
Attemperator
Economizer
RH
SH-1
SH-2
L P Heater
Condenser
H P Heater
Riser
Down comer
Riser
Deaerator
Boiler Feed Pump
CEP
10-10-2015
What are the adverse Conditions

under which a Boiler operates?
10-10-2015
Water Tube Boiler:
Temperature inside the furnace :

1100 -1200oC
10-10-2015
Natural Circulation:
Nucleate Boiling :
10-10-2015
Departure from Nucleate Boiling (DNB):
Film Boiling
Disturbance of Water Chemistry due to Steam Blanketing:
Increase in concentration of
contaminants
10-10-2015
Departure from Nucleate Boiling (DNB) leads

to Film Boiling overheating of evaporator
tube and rapture
Cause:
High Heat Flux Critical Heat Flux
Poor Circulation Ration
Natural Circulation
P =
H d g -
Downcomer
Riser
H r g = H g (d r)
10-10-2015
Natural Circulation
Down comer
Riser
Drum Level
P = H g (d r)
17
Factors inducing DNB and tube

overheating
Fast Ramp up during cold start
Low drum level
Obstruction due to foreign object fouling the
tube
Formation of scale inside the tube
Flame shifting towards one side wall
10-10-2015
Other than Heat what other

adverse Conditions?
10
10-10-2015
Longitudinal Stress & Hoop

Stress in a cylinder:
L = (P x D) / 4 t
c = (P x D) / 2 t
c = (P x D ) / 2 t
When c exceeds Allowable..Tube fails in the
longitudinal direction
11
10-10-2015
Water Analysis:
What do we check in the Feed Water, Boiler Water & Steam?
Analysis
Feed Water
Boiler Water
Steam
Cond.
pH
Conductivity
Silica
Residual
Hydrazine
Residual
Phosphate
P Alkalinity
M Alkalinity
Chloride
Iron & Copper
Residual
Ammonia
12
10-10-2015
What are the consequences of faulty

Water Chemistry in Boiler?
Scale
Corrosion
Carry Over
13
10-10-2015
Scale and Corrosion :
Carry Over :
14
10-10-2015
Carry Over :
Impurities in Water
15
10-10-2015
Water has been

universal solvent
called
IMPURITIES
The natural surface water picks up:

Minerals and salts
dissolved condition
from
the
earthen
layer
Organic and inorganic impurities

Decayed vegetation and marine lives
Coarse and un-dissolvable substances in suspended
form, mainly silt and clay matters - turbidity
Siliceous matters,
colloidal forms
in
dissolved
as
well
as
in
Various gases, mainly Oxygen, and others like

Carbon dioxide etc.
16
10-10-2015
SOLID IMPURITIES:
Suspended (> 1 micron)

Dissolved (< 0.001 micron)
Colloidal (< 0.5 micron)
Dissolved Solids:
Ionization of dissolved NaCl
Na+ + Cl-
17
10-10-2015
Suspended (> 1 micron)
Non Reactive
Dissolved (< 0.001 micron)

Colloidal (< 0.5 micron)
Reactive
Non Reactive
Dissolved Solids in Natural Water:

Mainly mineral salts
CATION (Basic Radical) ANION (Acidic Radical)
Ca++ (Calcium)
HCO3
(Bicarbonate)
Mg++ (Magnesium)
CO3
(Carbonate)
Na+
SO4
(Sulphate)
Cl
(Chloride)
(Sodium)
NO3
(Nitrate)
PO4 (Phosphate)
HSiO3 (Bisilicate)
18
10-10-2015
Scale Formation
t2 = t4 + (1/ + D/ k2) x Q
Where,
t2 = inner skin temperature of tube (C)
t4 = boiler water temperature (bulk) (C)
= heat transfer coefficient of boiling surface
(kcal/ m2hC)
D = scale thickness (m)
k2 = thermal conductivity of scale (kcal/ mhC)
Q = heat flux (kcal/m2h)
Thermal Conductivity of various scales
Substance
Thermal conductivity
(kcal/m2hC)
Silica scale
0.20.4
Calcium carbonate scale
0.40.6
Calcium sulfate scale
0.52.0
Calcium phosphate scale
0.50.7
Iron oxide (hematite)

scale
35
Iron oxide (magnetite)

scale
Carbon steel
4060
19
10-10-2015
Most deposits can be classified as one of two types

scale that crystallized directly onto tube surfaces
sludge deposits that precipitated elsewhere and were
transported to the metal surface by the flowing water
Scale formation is a function of two

criteria
1. The concentration and solubility limits of the
dissolved salt
2. The
retrograde
solubility
(inversely
proportional to temperature) characteristic
of some salts
The principal scaling and fouling ions are:
Calcium,
carbonate
Silica
Magnesium,
Iron
and
bicarbonate
and
20
10-10-2015
Distribution Ratio (DR) =
mass dissolved in steam

mass dissolved in water
The need of Managing Silica
Forms hard glassy deposit on turbine blade

Decrease Enthalpy drop across stages
Increase specific steam consumption
May lead to imbalance and vibration
sometimes
21
10-10-2015
Stage pressure increased by 5% after 15 months
Total accumulation can happen very fast
22
10-10-2015
Continuous Blow Down

Money down the drain =
Bw x (hf h) x C/ (BE x CV)
Where,
Bw = Blow down quantity per hour
hf = Enthalpy of 1 kg of saturated water in
drum,
h = Enthalpy of 1 kg of feed water entering
the Economizer.
Factors that make Managing Silica difficult

Dissolved Silica is weakly ionized
Silica sometimes enter in colloidal state, particularly

during high run off condition
Colloidal Silica can not be detected by Molybdate
reaction test
Colloidal Silica becomes
temperature in the drum
reactive
silica
at
high
23
10-10-2015

Superheater
MS
Economizer
BW
FW
ms
mw
Silica < 10 - 20 ppb
Distribution Ratio (DR) = mass dissolved in steam

mass dissolved in water
24
10-10-2015

Above 28 kg/ cm2 pressure, silica DR starts increasing
almost logarithmically
Silica DR starts decreasing above 9 pH
Boiler Water pH > 9.2

In the turbine, the solubility sharply decreases after around
15 kg/ cm2 pressure
25
10-10-2015
Managing Silica
Silica < 0.01 - 0.02 ppm
ms
mw
MS
Boiler Water pH 9.2 to 9.8

BW
Silica < 0.5 ppm
FW
Managing Silica
SiO22 in steam in ppm
SiO2 in boiler (mg/L)
Pressure in bar
26
10-10-2015
Managing Silica
EPRI recommended Guideline for Boiler Water
Managing Silica
EPRI recommended Guideline for steam
27
10-10-2015
Managing Silica
Silica < 0.01 ppm
ms
mw
MS
Boiler Water pH 9.2 to 9.6

BW
Silica < 0.3 ppm
FW
Silica < 0.01 ppm
Managing Silica
GEN
HP
IP
LP
APH
HRH
SH1
SH2
Down comer
Condenser
Economizer
HP Heater
Deaerator
LP Heater
CRH
Boiler Feed Pump
Cond. Extraction Pump
28
10-10-2015
Managing Silica
Silica Control:
Clariflocculator
Strong Based Anion
Mix Bed
Ultra Filtration
Reverse Osmosis
Drum Separator
Unwanted intrusion
Managing Silica
Membrane treatment can remove virtually all
colloidal silica. Both reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration are effective in this respect. Reverse
osmosis offers the additional advantage of
significant reduction (98%+) of reactive silica as
well.
Using Ultra Filter at MB outlet

MWCO (Molecular Weight Cut-off = 10,000 D )
29
10-10-2015
Managing Silica
Checking of Drum
mechanical carry over
Separators
to
avoid
Managing Silica
Unwanted intrusion
GEN
CR
H
HR
H
SH1
IP
LP
AP
H
SH2
Down
comer
Condens
er
Economi
zer
HP
Heater
Deaerator
LP
Heater
H
P
Boiler Feed
Pump
Cond. Extraction
Pump
30
10-10-2015
Managing Silica
150 MW unit, silica went sky high during
commissioning
Date : 03.8.11 To 19.08.11 (Day Average data)
Boiler Feed water
Boiler Drum
Main Steam
Condensate Water
Date
pH
Silica
Iron
pH
Control Limits
8.8-9.5
Unit
< 0.02
0.01
9.4-9.7
ppm
ppm
03.08.11
9.43
0.21
0.16
05.08.11
9.43
0.24
07.08.11
9.39
08.08.11
Cond
Silica
< 80
Iron
Po4
pH
Silica
Iron
pH
Silica
Iron
Boiler Pr.
Load
< 0.5
5 to 10
8.8-9.5
< 0.02
< 0.02
8.8-9.5
< 0.02
mS/cm
ppm
ppm
ppm
ppm
ppm
ppm
ppm
Kg/Cm2
MW
9.68
31
3.44
0.03
2.6
9.52
0.08
0.02
9.44
0.10
0.14
0.13
9.55
32
4.41
0.05
2.1
9.44
0.07
0.01
9.50
0.13
0.08
0.18
0.11
9.51
32
2.96
0.04
3.3
9.33
0.06
0.02
9.38
0.13
0.09
9.45
0.19
0.09
9.69
31
2.88
0.07
3.1
9.46
0.04
0.02
9.39
0.11
0.09
10.08.11
9.46
0.17
0.09
9.62
34
2.08
0.07
4.6
9.39
0.06
0.03
9.38
0.10
0.13
15.08.11
9.40
0.12
0.10
9.66
34
1.89
0.09
5.4
9.45
0.06
0.05
9.39
0.08
0.09
16.08.11
9.44
0.09
0.07
9.68
40
1.83
0.03
5.7
9.46
0.04
0.02
9.48
0.05
0.05
17.08.11
9.54
0.08
0.04
9.70
42
1.45
0.03
4.4
9.53
0.04
0.02
9.54
0.04
0.04
112
107
18.08.11
9.43
0.08
0.07
9.62
38
1.97
0.04
5.0
9.45
0.05
0.01
9.49
0.05
0.05
109
75
19.08.11
9.41
0.06
0.03
9.64
34
0.95
0.02
6.0
9.42
0.03
0.01
9.43
0.03
0.02
139
97
Average
9.44
0.14
0.09
9.64
35
2.39
0.05
4.2
9.44
0.05
0.02
9.44
0.08
0.08
120
93
Managing Silica
Mine water was being used
Treatment :
RO
DM
MB
DM water analysis
S.No
Description
Unit
Design value
Actual value
RO water
ppm
<3
< 0.4
MB outlet
ppm
< 0.02
< 0.02
Condensate
ppm
< 0.02
0.04
They were operating with lower drum level to

avoid mechanical carry over !!!!
31
10-10-2015
Managing Silica
strongly advise against operating with lower drum level
as mechanical Silica carry over is not indicative. It also
doesn't appear to be Colloidal Silica Problem, but rather
physical Silica intrusion from some point, so don't go for
that test immediately. First rule out silica intrusion from LP
dozing / HP dozing, Deaerator and CST. better clean all of
them. Covering the area is a good idea
C
R
H
H
R
H
S
H1
I
P
GE
N
L
P
AP
H
S
H2
Down
comer
Econ
omiz
er
HP
Heate
r
Deaerato
r
LP
Heat
Cond
er
ense
r
H
P
Boiler Feed
Pump
Cond.
Extraction
Pump
Managing Silica
A gunny bag was found in Deaerator storage tank
CONCLUSION:
Mass can not be created, neither can it be destroyed
An analytical investigation is likely to lead you to the

problem
32
10-10-2015
Corrosion
Mainly due to Dissolved Oxygen
The degree of oxygen attack depends on

The concentration of dissolved oxygen
The pH and
The temperature of the water
Corrosion
Oxidation of Fe in Boiler water:
Fe + O2 + H2O Fe(OH)2
4Fe2 + 3O2 + 6H2O 2Fe2O3 6H2O
3Fe + 4H2O = Fe3O4 + 4H2
Magnetite
33
10-10-2015
Corrosion
Boiler internals with stable magnetite

layer
Without stable magnetite layer
Formation of Magnetite:
N2H4 + 6Fe2O3 4Fe3O4 + N2 + 2H2O
When carbon steel is exposed to oxygen-free
water, the following reaction occurs:
Fe + 2H2O Fe2+ + 2OH- +H2 Fe(OH)2 + H2 (1)
This reaction is then followed by the Schikorr
reaction where precipitated ferrous hydroxide
is converted into magnetite:
3Fe(OH)2 Fe3O4 + 2H2O + H2 (2)
34
10-10-2015
LOW pH CORROSION AND OXYGEN PITTINGS
Galvanic Corrosion:
Anode:
Fe Fe2+ + 2e
Cathode:
O2 + H2O + 2e 2OH
Overall:
Fe + O2 + H2O Fe(OH)2
35
10-10-2015
Galvanic Corrosion:
It occurs when a metal or alloy is
electrically coupled to a different metal or
alloy while being immersed in an
electrolyte
Anything that results in a difference in
electrical potential at discrete surface
locations can cause a galvanic reaction,
such as:
scratches in a metal surface
differential stresses in a metal
differences in temperature
conductive deposits
Effect of Temperature:
Influence of temperature on carbon steel
corrosion in water including dissolved oxygen
In a closed system like boiler feed water degree of

corrosion is directly proportional to temperature
36
10-10-2015
Effect of pH:
Anode:
2Fe (solid) 2Fe2+ (aq) + 4e-
Cathode:
O2 (gas) + 4H+ (aq) + 4e- 2H2O
(liquid)
Further oxidation of
Fe2+(aq) ions at Anode:
4Fe2+(aq) + 3O2 (gas) + 6H2O
(liquid) 2Fe2O3 .6H2O (solid)
The H+ (aq) are available, when the medium is

acidic. Therefore low pH increases the rate of corrosion.
pH
The pH indicates the concentration of hydrogen ion in an
aqueous solution and is used as an index showing the
acidity or alkalinity of water.
Water only slightly dissociates into hydrogen ion (H+) and
hydroxide ion (OH); H2O H+ + OH
The ion product of water is a constant and it is 1 X 1014 at
25C; [H+] x [OH] = 1 X 1014
The pH is calculated from the H+ concentration by using the
equation; pH = log 1/[H+] = - log [H+]
In case of pH 7, [H+] and [OH] are equal at 1 X 107 and
this water is said to be neutral.
37
10-10-2015
Effect of pH:
The corrosion rate of carbon steel at high
temperature is minimized in the pH range of 11
to 12 as shown in Figure below.
Effect of pH:
The corrosion rate of copper is low in the
condensate of the pH 6 to 9 as shown in Figure
below.
38
10-10-2015
Alkalinity
The three basic sources of alkalinity in water are: alkalinity
resulting from
the bicarbonate ion (HCO3-),
the carbonate ion (CO32-), and
the hydroxyl ion (OH-).
HCO3-
Heat
CO32- + H2O CO2 + OH-
The amount of each of these in water can be determined by

titrating with an acid to certain pH levels (end points) using
phenolphthalein (P alkalinity) and a methyl orange (M
alkalinity).
Alkalinity
"P" alkalinity: It is the measure half of the carbonate ion (CO32-)
and Hydroxyl ion content and is expressed in ppm of calcium
carbonate.
M" alkalinity: It is the measure of carbonate ion content,
bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) and hydroxide content.
1. At the P endpoint, all OH and 1/2CO3
would be reacted.
2. At the M endpoint, all OH and all CO3
would be reacted, or,
P = 1/2CO3 + OH; 2P = CO3 + 2OH
M = CO3 + OH + HCO3
When HCO3 is absent;
Subtracting, 2P M = OH
and
CO3 = (M OH) = [M (2P M)]
= 2 (M P)
Neutralization of alkaline water with H2SO4
(assume 50 ppm M alkalinity)
39
10-10-2015
Alkalinity
EXAMPLE :
If P = 86 ppm as CaCO3, and if M = 118 ppm as CaCO3
Then, situation 2 exists (P > M)
Hydroxyl = 2P - M = (2 x 86) - 118 = 54 ppm as CaCO3
Carbonate = 2(M - P) = 2 x (118 - 86) = 64 ppm as CaCO3
Bicarbonate = 118 54 64 = 0 ppm as CaCO3
Caustic Corrosion (Gouging ):
Typical gouging caused by caustic attack developed under

an original adherent deposit. Note irregular depressions
and white (Na2CO3) deposits remaining around edges of
original deposit area.
40
10-10-2015

Caustic corrosion (gouging) occurs when
caustic is concentrated and dissolves the
protective magnetite (Fe3O4 ) layer.
Na3PO4 + H2O Na2HPO4 + NaOH
4NaOH + Fe3O4 Na2FeO2 + 2NaFeO2 + 2H2O
2NaOH + Fe Na2FeO2 +2H
UNDER DEPOSIT BOILING
Water and Steam
Porous Oxide
Protective
Protective
Oxide Oxide
Fe3O4
Tube metal wall

Wick Boiling
41
10-10-2015
Case study:
30 MW BFB Boiler
Location: Bed Coil Tubes
Size & Spec : 51 x 6.35 mm & SA 210
Gr.A1
Bed Temperature: 905C
Service: less than 1 year
84
42
10-10-2015
Tube Location
Bed Coil Tube
BFB Boiler
85
Failed Tube
Failed Bed Coil Tube

86
43
10-10-2015
Failed Tube
Damage at 12 O Clock position

87
Failed Tube
Deposits near damage

88
44
10-10-2015
During discussion, it was noted :

all three boilers are operated at nearly 25% over
loading conditions
Charcoal is used as start up fuel
Recently drum level maintained at 8 12% lower
than normal level to avoid mechanical carry over
(which was observed taking place)
Residual Phosphate was also maintained at 2-3 ppm
instead of 6-8 ppm as required for the same reason
Fuel Distribution plates were found in damaged
condition.
89
Acid Attack:
This results in a visually irregular surface appearance,

as shown in Figure. Smooth surfaces appear at areas of
flow where the attack has been intensified.
45
10-10-2015
ACID CHLORIDE CORROSION

MgCl2 + H2O MgO + 2HCl
Fe3O4 +HCl FeCl2 + FeCl +H2O
Fe + 2HCl
FeCl2 + H2
Embrittlement
92
46
10-10-2015
HYDROGEN DAMAGE (EMBRITTLEMENT)
Thick Lip Brittle Appearance

Violent rupture Hydrogen Damage

Mechanism:
4NaOH + Fe3O4 2NaFeO2 + Na2FeO2 + 2H2O
Fe + 2NaOH Na2FeO2 + 2H
4H+ + Fe3C CH4 + 3Fe
MgCl2 + H2O MgO + 2HCl
Fe3O4 +HCl FeCl2 + FeCl +H2O
Fe + 2HCl FeCl2 + 2H
4H+ + Fe3C CH4 + 3Fe
47
10-10-2015

Decarburization weakens tube
Gas generated collects in grain boundaries
and form fissures as pressure builds up
which eventually grow
Failure occurs when the ruptured section can no longer

withstand the internal pressure. Ruptures are violent and
sudden, and can be disastrous
Case Study:
120 MW Oil Fired Boiler
Location: Goose Neck Rear Water Wall
Size : 76.1 x 5.5 mm
Specification: SA210 GR A1
Working Temp. & Pressure: 350C & 90
kg/cm
Service: 250000 Hrs
96
48
10-10-2015
The middle tube has burst opened with thick

lips
97
Dimensional Measurement (mm):

Tube location
Outside Diameter
0-180 90-270
Near failed lip

Ring section
74.15
78.73
0
4.08
3.97
Thickness
90 180
6.12
5.60 5.78
270
5.67
Flattening Test: Test Method ASTM A370

A flattening specimen was taken near the
failed region. The flattening test showed
cracks on ID surface, indicative of hydrogen
embrittlement.
98
49
10-10-2015
The middle tube was transverse sectioned

and micro examined at the failed region. The
failed lip shows a lot of oxide filled
discontinuous cracks starting from ID
surface
Decarburization is observed near the crack

edges throughout this region.
99
Opposite
the failed
region, the
On a ring to
section
a littleaway
from the failed
microstructure
of is
polygonal
grains
region,
a similarconsists
structure
observed
of ferrite and pearlite
100
50
10-10-2015
Conclusion:
Several oxide filled discontinuous cracks are
observed on the ID surface of the tube. The
flattening test result indicates hydrogen
embrittlement.
The failure of the tube is attributed to
hydrogen embritlement.
101
Case 1:
Location: LHS Water Wall
Size : 76.1 x 5.5 mm
Specification: SA210 GR A1
kg/cm
Service: 254378 Hrs
102
51
10-10-2015
The tube shows blisters at four locations (OD =

80 to 82 mm) in the spool piece between two
weld joints.
103
A circumferential crack is observed near the

fusion line of one of the butt joint. Heavy
deposits are observed on the ID surface of the
tube.
104
52
10-10-2015
Wall thickness at 0o was measured as 1.5

mm
Micro examination of Transverse sections of
the tube at two out of four blisters reveal
oxides on the blister edges and ID surface of
the tube
105
Oxides filled rounded pits are observed on

the ID surface.
Copper coloured copper rich phase
segregation is observed near the blister
edges and ID surface
106
53
10-10-2015
No significant deformation / decarburisation

of the adjoining grains of the pit edges and
blister edges are observed.
The microstructure consists of polygonal
grains of ferrite and pearlite
107
Transverse section of the weld joint where

the circumferential crack was observed
reveals segregation of copper rich phase
near the ID surface.
Several discontinuous grain boundary cracks
with decarburisation of the adjoining grains,
typical of Hydrogen embrittlement cracks are
observed in the spool piece PM, HAZ and
weld metal of the butt joint
108
54
10-10-2015
One more transverse section of the weld

joint at about 180 from the circumferential
crack was also micro examined. Mismatch
between the tube members, lack of sidewall
fusion, incomplete root penetration and slag
are observed
109
Conclusion:
Micro examination reveals presence of
copper coloured copper rich phase on the ID
surface and blister edges of the tube. Also
damage due to Hydrogen embrittlement is
observed in the PM, weld and HAZ regions of
the weld joint.
The blisters observed on the OD surface is
attributed to waterside corrosion may be
due to condenser leakage.
The circumferential crack observed near the
fusion line of the butt joint is attributed
Hydrogen embrittlement caused by
waterside corrosion.
Swab analysis shows presence of some
chloride and sulphur with a pH value of 7.8.
110
55
10-10-2015
CAUSTIC EMBRITTLEMENT
REASON
For caustic embrittlement to occur, three
conditions must exist:
The boiler metal must have a high level of
stress
A mechanism for the concentration of
boiler water must be present
The boiler water must have embrittlementproducing characteristics
Fine cracks adjacent
and parallel to the weld
joint can be seen on a
Super heater tube.
Surface branching of
the crack is apparent
56
10-10-2015
Micro-structural examinations
revealed branched cracks running
across the grains (trans-granular)
and originating on the internal
surface. The cracks are located in
the heat-affected zone immediately
adjacent to the weld.
REMEDIAL ACTION
Proper stress relieving of all welded or
rolled section
Application of a coordinated pH/phosphate
control
57
10-10-2015
Carry Over
A. Chemical Carry Over

B. Mechanical Carry Over
A. Chemical Carry Over:
Factors related to water quality:

Excess concentration of the boiler water
Contamination of boiler water with oils and
fats causing foaming
Dissolution of silica to steam
58
10-10-2015
B. Mechanical Carry Over:

Factors related to Operating control,
causing Priming:
Operation at the high water level
Rapid fluctuation of heat load
Failure of flow control
Factors related to the mechanical structure

of boiler:
Inadequate, or, poor condition of the water
and steam separator
Water treatment
59
10-10-2015
Water treatment
Pre treatment
Demineralization
Deaeration
Chemical conditioning
Pre-treatment:
To Neutralize the Micro-Biological organisms,

chlorine is dosed into raw water, before the
process of clarification
Chlorination:
Cl2 + H20 HOCl + H+ + Cl-
Effective Biocide
60
10-10-2015
Pre-treatment
Clariflocculator:
The precipitator operates on the sludge blanket

principle
Clarification
Coagulating agent added
Alum [Al2(SO4)3] and Hydrated Lime [Ca(OH)2]
solutions
Polyelectrolyte solutions (PAC)
Lime precipitates and forms sludge:
Ca ( OH )2 + Ca ( HCO3 )2 2CaCO3 + 2H2O
Ca ( OH )2 + MgCO3 Mg( OH )2 + 2CaCO3
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Alum with calcium bicarbonate

Al2(SO4)3*18H2O + 3Ca(HCO3)2 2Al(OH)3 +
6CO2 + 3CaSO4 + 18H2O
The colloidal produced by Aluminum Hydroxide is
negatively charged, and is an effective coagulant of
the positively charged
To avoid algae formation chlorine is dosed into raw
water, before the process of clarification
Polyelectrolyte
These are polymers with ionizable groups that can
dissociate in solution, leaving ions of one sign bound
to the chain and counter-ions in solution. They are
soluble in water and help to coagulate.
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Lamella Plate System:
The settling surface is

provided by a series of
inclined, parallel plates.
Saving in space compared
with a settling tank is
90%
The water to be treated is admitted through the inlet

chamber in the mid-section, flows upward through
the plate assembly and is discharged to the runoff
channels through a series of holes arranged to
distribute the flow
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Pressure Filters
Filter medium - sand, fabric or porous membranes.
Chlorination:
Cl2 + H20 HOCl + H+ + Cl-
Effective Biocide
De-Chlorination:
Na2S2O3 + Cl2 + H2O Na2S04 + S + 2HCl
Na2S2O3 + HCl NaCl + H2O + S + SO2
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Activated Carbon Bed adsorbs left over chlorine
Demineralization:
Ion exchange
Membrane desalination (RO)
Thermal desalination
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Ion Exchange Process

Ion exchange resins in ion exchange pressure
vessels

Ion exchange resins:
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Ion exchange resins:
R-H+
R+OH-

Ion exchange DM process:
Cation resin:
R-H+ + C+ R-C+ + H+
Anion resin:
R+OH- + A- R+A- + OHThe hydrogen ions (H+) displaced from the
cation resin react with the hydroxide ions (OH-)
displaced form the anion resin and form pure
water (H2O)
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Regeneration of exhausted resins
Cation resin regeneration:
2R-C+ + HCl 2R-H+ + C+ClAnion resin regeneration:
R+A- + NaOH R+OH- + Na+A-

Degasifier:
Before anion exchanger, this is placed primarily for
the removal of CO2 and lessen the load on Anion
exchanger
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Degasifier:

Mixed Bed:
It consists of both Cation and Anion resins mixed
together
Traces of all Cation and Anions are totally absorbed
and removed. Primarily used for silica removal
69
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Mixed Bed:
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In case of water to be treated contains a high proportion of

strong anions (chlorides and sulphates)
Mixed Bed Regeneration
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Membrane
Osmosis):
Desalination
Process
(Reverse
Membrane
Osmosis):
Desalination
Process
(Reverse
Membrane Material:
Cellulose Acetate
Polyamide
Nylon
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Membrane
Osmosis):
Desalination
Process
(Reverse
Example:Pressure:
Osmotic
-3;
A simple equation
Concentration
in solution
relates =
osmotic
100 kg.m
pressure
to
concentration:
T
= 300 K; for a
P compound
= C x R xwith
T A molecular weight
Where,
of
0.050 kg.mol-1
P is=osmotic
C
100/ 0.05
pressure
= 2000,
in Pa,
5 Pa =-350 bar
C=is2000
P
difference
x 8.3143
in concentration
x 300 = 50 x in
10mol.m
[mol.m-3 = concentration in kg.m-3/ mol. Weight in
kg.mol-3]
R is constant of an ideal gas = 8.314 (J/mol.K),
Membrane
Osmosis):
Desalination
Process
(Reverse
When water is transferred, the

molecules and ions retained by the
membrane tend to accumulate
along its entire surface
This phenomenon is known as

concentration polarization of the
membrane and is defined by the
coefficient: = Cm/ Ce
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Membrane
Osmosis):
Desalination
Process
(Reverse
For a saline solution, the water flux rates may be obtained by

Fick's and Henry's laws.
Qp = Kp x S x (P - p) x Kt/e
Where,
Qp = flow of water through the membranes,
Kp = membrane permeability coefficient for water,
S = membrane surface area,
e = thickness of the membrane,
P = hydraulic pressure differential across the membrane,
p = osmotic pressure differential across the membrane,
Kt = temperature coefficient.
Thermal Desalination Process:
Treatable water is vaporized and the vapour is

subsequently condensed as pure water. Particularly
used when raw water is sea water
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Zeolite Softening Process:
Deaeration:
at 10C, the solubility of principal gases under
a pressure of pure gas equal to 102 kPa
Gas
Solubility
mg.l-1
N2
23.2
O2
54.3
CO2
2318
CH4
32.5
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Deaeration:
Dissolved
oxygen
is
removed
by
thermomechanical action.
Temperature is raised with
steam
to
lower
the
solubility of gas and trays
are used to atomize the
water
Oxygen removal up to
0.007 ppm
Solubility of Oxygen depends on :
Temperature
0 solubility at saturation temperature
Partial pressure of Oxygen on water surface
PT
LT
TE
152
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Chemical conditioning
Oxygen scavengers:
Sodium sulfite: It reacts readily with oxygen,
particularly at elevated pH and temperature, to
form sodium sulfate
2 Na2SO3 + O2 2 Na2SO4
The use of sodium sulfite should be avoided in
high pressure boilers because of its potential for
thermal decomposition
2 Na2SO3 + H2O + Heat 2NaOH + SO2
Hydrazine (N2H4): For low and medium pressure

applications and more extensive in high pressure
systems.
N2H4 + O2 2H2O + N2
Hydrazine will also react with Ferric oxide and
Cupric oxide
N2H4 + 6Fe2O3 4Fe3O4 + N2 + 2H2O
N2H4 + 4CuO 2Cu2O + N2 + 2H2O
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Hydrazine dosing is done either at condensate

line or at feed water suction line where the
temperature is well below 270C
At 270C, hydrazine undergoes rapid thermal
degradation
3N2H4 + Heat N2 + 4NH3
Alternative of Hydrazine:
Carbohydrazide:
[1.4 : 1]
H6N4CO + 2O2 CO2 + 2N2 + 3H2O
Methylethylketoxime, or MEKO:
[11 : 1]
2 H3C(C=N-OH) CH2CH3 + O2 2 H3C (C=O) CH2 CH2 + N2O + H2O
Hydroquinone:
[6.9 : 1]
HO CH6 OH + O2 H2O + O=(double bond) CH6=O
Diethylhydroxylamine, or DEHA :
[1.3 - 3 : 1]
4 (CH3CH2)2 NOH + 9O2 8 CH3 COOH + 2 N2 + 14 H20
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pH correction
In high pressure Boiler, the pre-boiler conditions

are having a high temperature
Ammonia and/or Morpholine or Cyclo-hexylamine
is sometimes added before the Deaerator for pH
control
In case Copper alloys are used in the pre-boiler
section like HP heater, pH is to be kept lower to
avoid oxidation
pH correction
Volatile pH booster chemicals:
Ammonia [NH3], (DR - 10); mildly basic

Cyclohexylamine [C6H11NH2], (DR 4.0) ; highly basic
Diethylaminoethanol [C6H15NO], (DR 1.7); mildly basic
Morpholine [C4H9NO], (DR 0.4); significantly less basic
DR: Amine in vapor phase divided by amine in water phase
Amines will decompose and produce

Ammonia in feed water. A general
rule
of
thumb
suggests
that
Ammonia concentration should be
limited to 0.5 ppm in systems with
Copper alloy metal. pH should be
maintained below 8.5
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pH correction
When non-condensed gases, such as ammonia
and oxygen, are contained in the steam, they are
highly concentrated near the air ejector and copper is
attacked by the following reactions:
Cu + 1/2O2 + H2O Cu(OH)2

Cu(OH)2 + 4NH3 [Cu(NH3)4](OH)2
[Cu(NH3)4](OH)2 Cu(NH3)42+ + 2OH
The boiler water pH is maintained by dosing of

TSP or Tri Sodium Phosphate in the boiler section
In addition to increasing the pH of the Boiler water, Phosphate helps
1. By reacting with hardness components (Ca2+, Mg2+) in water and
converting them into the suspended solids to be easily discharged
from boiler with blow down water,
2. By keeping silica in the water soluble form.
1. 10Ca2+ + 6PO43 + 2OH Ca5(OH)(PO4)3
[hydroxyapatite]
2. Mg2+ + 2OH Mg (OH)2

Mg2+ + HSiO3 + OH MgSiO3 + H2O
3. H2SiO3 + 2NaOH Na2SiO3
+ 2H2O
[sodium meta silicate]
80
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Damage Mechanism: Flow Accelerated

Corrosion
HP Economizer drain
tube
Feed Pipe
Feed Pipe
162
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Corrosion
Flow-accelerated corrosion (FAC) is a wellknown damage mechanism that affects carbon
steel components carrying water or two-phase
flow. Caused by the mechanically-assisted
chemical dissolution of the protective oxide and
base metal.
163

Corrosion
It has lead to failures or severe wall thinning
in:
Economizer/preheater tubes at inlet headers.
Economizer/preheater tube bends in regions where
steaming occurs.
Vertical LP evaporator tubes on Horizontal HRSGs,
especially in the bends near the outlet headers
LP evaporator inlet headers which have a tortuous fluid
entry path and where orifices are installed.
LP riser tubes/pipes to the LP drum.
LP evaporator transition headers.
164
Feed Water Line.
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Corrosion
FAC is a mass-transfer process in which the
protective oxide (mostly magnetite) is removed
from the steel surface by flowing water.
Material wear rate depends on
(1) Steel composition, temperature, flow
velocity and turbulence,
(2) Water and water-droplet pH, and
(3) The concentrations of both oxygen and
oxygen scavenger.
165
FLOW ASSISTED CORROSION

FAC
affectedthinning
by:
Localized
Temperature
Dissolution of protective
oxide and base metal
pH
Occurs in single or two
O2 concentration
phase water
Mass flow rate
Low pressure system bends
in
Geometry
evaporators,
Risers
Qualityand
of fluid
economizer
tubes
Alloys of construction
Feed water cycle
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Effect of temperature on normalized
wear rate of various metallurgies
Greatest potential for FAC occurs around 150 C

pH has significant effect on normalized
wear rate of carbon steel
Nearly forty (40) fold reduction between

pH 8.6 and 9.4
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Dissolved oxygen has direct impact
FAC minimized above 30 ppb O2

FAC increases exponentially below 30 ppb O2

Effect of Velocity
Normalized wear rate minimal below 10 ft/sec

Rate increases by 2.8 times at 100 ft/sec
85
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Location
Geometry affects location of FAC, regardless of

Reynolds Number
Formation of Magnetite:
When carbon steel is exposed to oxygen-free
water, the following reaction occurs:
Fe + 2H2O Fe2+ + 2OH- +H2 Fe(OH)2 + H2 (1)
This reaction is then followed by the Schikorr
reaction where precipitated ferrous hydroxide is
converted into magnetite:
3Fe(OH)2 Fe3O4 + 2H2O + H2 (2)
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Dissolution of Magnetite

Corrosion
Precaution:
For HRSG and fossil fired boiler plants with
all-ferrous feedwater systems the feedwater
chemistry should be AVT(O) to avoid singlephase FAC in the feedwater and LP
evaporator circuit.
The basic idea of AVT is to minimize corrosion
and FAC by using deaerated high purity water
with elevated pH. The pH elevation should be
achieved by the addition of ammonia.
174
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Effect of Temperature and Ammonia on

iron dissolution
Effect of pH on FAC
88
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Corrosion
Precaution:
Turbulences should be minimized by proper
design
For new replacement and for new units
material of construction may be changed to
P11 or P22
Regular inspection of susceptible components
by ultrasonic (UT) examination needs to be
undertaken to prevent any catastrophic
failure
177

Corrosion
Precaution:
For the carbon steel materials operating
under reducing feedwater chemistry the
oxide formed is Fe3O4 (magnetite) and its
solubility is strongly influenced by the
reducing conditions.
This constitutes the highest probability for
FAC in a fossil plant with highest solubility
being around 1500C.
178
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Corrosion
Precaution:
Changing the feedwater to an oxidizing
treatment by eliminating the reducing agent
and/or adding oxygen will result in the
formation of FeOOH (ferric oxide hydrate).
This reduces the solubility of the surface
oxide by at least two orders of magnitude in
the temperature range up to about 3000C.
179
pH correction with AVT

AVT(R) [Reducing All Volatile Treatment]
Reducing all volatile treatment uses ammonia
and a reducing agent (N2H4).
Used for mixed metallurgy feed water systems
Achievable iron level for units operating with
AVT(R) is less than 2ppb
In AVT(R), the steel surface in contact with
water is covered by a magnetite layer
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AVT(R) [Reducing All Volatile Treatment]
The requirements for AVT(R) :
Elevated pH of 9.0 9.3
Cation conductivity of less than 0.20 S/cm
Minimum air in-leakage to ensure less than
10 ppb dissolved oxygen

AVT(O) [Oxidizing All Volatile Treatment]
In oxidizing all volatile treatment the use of
reducing agent is eliminated.
For units operating with AVT(O), the achievable
iron levels can be around 1ppb or less.
With AVT(O) or OT, the protective cover layer
pores become plugged with ferric oxide hydrate
(FeOOH)
Used for all ferrous metallurgy
91
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AVT(O) [Oxidizing All Volatile Treatment]
The requirements for AVT(O):
Elevated pH of 9.2 9.6
Minimum air in-leakage to ensure less than
10 ppb dissolved oxygen at CPD
No additional reducing agent

OT (Oxygenated Treatment)
In Oxygenated treatment, oxygen and ammonia
are added to feedwater
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OT (Oxygenated Treatment)
The requirements for OT:
Addition of oxygen to the feed water
Blow Down control:

CBD (Continuous Blow Down)
IBD (Intermittent Blow Down)
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Failures Case Studies
187
Case 1:
Location: Primary SH Coil
Size : 57.15 x 4.2 mm
kg/cm
Service: 243000 Hrs
188
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The tube shows bulging (OD=61.5 mm) and burst

opened like a fish mouth
189
Dimensional Measurement (mm):

Tube location
Outside Diameter
0-180
90-270
Thickness
90
180
270
Near failed lip

Ring section
little away
-59.21
-61.81
3.03
3.35
-3.68
4.27
-3.93 3.82
Burst section is having thick lip
190
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Transverse section of the burst lip reveals

oxidation of the edges.
Several oxides filled rounded pits are
observed on the edges of the lip as wells on
the ID surface of the tube.
No significant deformation / decarburisation
of the adjoining grains of the pit edges are
observed.
The microstructure consists of polygonal
grains of ferrite and pearlite.
191
Opposite to the burst and a ring section little

away from the burst also show similar type
of microstructure. Oxides filled pits are
observed in both the sections examined.
192
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Conclusion:
Micro examination indicates several rounded
pits filled with oxides on the ID surface of
the tube.
The failure is attributed to waterside
corrosion.
193
However, take the case of a similar failure

in the same Boiler
Tube shows bulging (OD= 83.5 mm) and burst

opened with thin lips. No significant amount of
deposits is observed on ID and OD surface.
194
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195
Some rounded pits filled with oxides are

observed on the ID surface tube in all the
three sections examined.
196
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Transverse section of the burst lip shows oxidation of

the edges and the structure consists of bainite.
Opposite to the burst the structure shows polygonal

grains of ferrite and pearlite.
197
A ring section little away from the burst shows

transformed ferrite and pearlite along the axis of
burst and polygonal grains of ferrite and pearlite,
opposite to the burst axis.
Above observations suggests that the tube has been

overheated to above AC3 temperature for the steel
for a short period of time.
198
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100

Managing Silica in Boiler Water

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Managing Silica in Boiler Water

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10-10-2015

Ansuman Sen Sharma

What makes Boiler Water Chemistry

Water Flow diagram in Boiler

CIRCULATING WATER AND STEAM CYCLE

Boiler Feed Pump

What are the adverse Conditions

Water Tube Boiler:

Temperature inside the furnace :

Departure from Nucleate Boiling (DNB):

Disturbance of Water Chemistry due to Steam Blanketing:

Departure from Nucleate Boiling (DNB) leads

Factors inducing DNB and tube

Other than Heat what other

Longitudinal Stress & Hoop

Iron & Copper

What are the consequences of faulty

Scale and Corrosion :

Water has been

The natural surface water picks up:

Organic and inorganic impurities

Various gases, mainly Oxygen, and others like

Suspended (> 1 micron)

Ionization of dissolved NaCl

Suspended (> 1 micron)

Dissolved (< 0.001 micron)

Dissolved Solids in Natural Water:

Thermal Conductivity of various scales

Calcium carbonate scale

Calcium sulfate scale

Calcium phosphate scale

Iron oxide (hematite)

Iron oxide (magnetite)

Most deposits can be classified as one of two types

Scale formation is a function of two

Distribution Ratio (DR) =

mass dissolved in steam

The need of Managing Silica

Forms hard glassy deposit on turbine blade

The need of Managing Silica

Stage pressure increased by 5% after 15 months

The need of Managing Silica

Total accumulation can happen very fast

The need of Managing Silica

Continuous Blow Down

Factors that make Managing Silica difficult

Silica sometimes enter in colloidal state, particularly

Factors that make Managing Silica difficult

Factors that make Managing Silica difficult

Silica < 10 - 20 ppb

Distribution Ratio (DR) = mass dissolved in steam

Factors that make Managing Silica difficult

Boiler Water pH > 9.2

Factors that make Managing Silica difficult

Silica < 0.01 - 0.02 ppm

Boiler Water pH 9.2 to 9.8

Silica < 0.5 ppm

SiO2 in boiler (mg/L)

Silica < 0.01 ppm

Boiler Water pH 9.2 to 9.6

Silica < 0.3 ppm

Silica < 0.01 ppm