Preventing Boiler Corrosion: The Basics of Oxygen Scavengers

Sample article. Will be updated by the website admin.

Even small amounts of dissolved oxygen in boiler feedwater can cause pitting corrosion, shortening the life of tubes and increasing the risk of unplanned shutdowns.

Two layers of protection

• Mechanical deaeration: a deaerator removes most dissolved oxygen by heating the feedwater.
• Chemical oxygen scavengers: remove the remaining traces of oxygen that the deaerator cannot.

Supporting chemistry

Oxygen control works best together with proper alkalinity control. Keeping boiler water within the recommended pH range helps form a stable protective layer on metal surfaces.

Monitoring and handling

• Monitor regularly: measure dissolved oxygen, pH and residual scavenger levels.
• Follow the manufacturer and water treatment specialist guidance for dosing.
• Handle with care: some scavengers such as hydrazine are hazardous and must be stored and handled according to the Safety Data Sheet.