Last week, our blog dealt with
surface blowdown and how this process is used to remove dissolved solids from a steam boiler. In order to control these solids, they have to be measured. A conductivity meter which reads in Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) or in Conductivity (micromhos) is the instrument to use. As the dissolved solids' concentration goes up, the TDS or Conductivity reading increases proportionately. Your water treatment company can help you set surface blowdown conductivity control limits that maintain the dissolved solids in a safe, economical range.
It is important to understand the importance of controlling high AND low concentrations of dissolved solids in your boiler. Just as having a HIGH concentration can have disastrous effects on equipment, LOW dissolved solids concentration indicates that excessive amounts of boiler water are being lost. Water can be very expensive - it has been purchased and:
- Treated with pretreatment equipment
- Treated with chemical
- Fuel has been purchased to heat it
- You may have to pay again to discharge the blowdown to a municipality or your own wastewater treatment system
So, as you can see, minimizing surface blowdown goes a long way in maintaining a cost effective operation.