| back |
|
||
|
preventing steam and condensate line corrosion |
|||
|
Carbon dioxide enters a steam boiler as dissolved
CO2 gas or as carbonate (CO3= ) or bicarbonate ions (HCO3-).
Both are associated with hardness and alkalinity. CO2 molecules leave the boiler as a gas
with steam and dissolve in relatively cooler
condensed steam (condensate), carbonating it and making it mildly acidic.
AMP (volatile amine), a base (the opposite of an acid), evaporates and condenses much like water. AMP molecules go through the water-steam-condensate cycle with water, neutralizing carbon dioxide and other volatile acids. Insufficient AMP in the system allows condensate to become acidic and corrosive. Maintain condensate pH between 8.0 and 9.0 at all times.
AMP |