BOILER WATER OPERATOR TRAINING Notes
Neutralizing Amines
WHAT IS IT?
Neutralizing amines are used to protect condensate systems from
corrosion and to prevent iron/copper deposits in the boiler system.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Neutralizing amines function by raising the pH of the condensate.
When the pH of the condensate is between 8.5 and 9.0, corrosion,
due to carbonic acid attack of mild steel, is minimized.
Carbonic acid is formed when carbon dioxide in the steam
dissolves in the condensed steam.
CO2 + H2O ---> H+ + HCO3-
The source of the carbon dioxide can be:
1. feedwater alkalinity,
2. in-leakage of air or water in the feedwater pump system,
3. in-leakage of air in the condensate system.
Typically, the largest source of carbon dioxide is feedwater alkalinity.
Another reason to minimize attack in the condensate system is to
prevent the formation of iron particles which, when formed, can
return to the boiler. Iron in the boiler system will deposit upon tube
surfaces in heat transfer areas and cause at least boiler inefficiencies,
and in the extreme case, tube ruptures.
By maintaining the proper pH range, corrosion is minimized.
©2006 Nalco Company 1 SECTION 22 – Neutralizing Amines, Book 316 (9-06)
BOILER WATER OPERATOR TRAINING Notes
HOW DOES IT AFFECT MY PLANT?
Use of a neutralizing amine to maintain the proper pH range in the
condensate system will minimize corrosion and thereby:
1. Help prevent steam/condensate leaks which can cause:
production slowdowns
maintenance repair costs
safety hazards
2. Help prevent the formation of corrosion products which can
cause:
economizer deposits
boiler tube deposits
energy use increases
boiler inefficiencies
failed boiler tubes
boiler shutdowns
lost steam or condensate
lost production
©2006 Nalco Company 2 SECTION 22 – Neutralizing Amines, Book 316 (9-06)
BOILER WATER OPERATOR TRAINING Notes
Overfeed of a neutralizing amine can result in excessive chemical
program cost and corrosion to copper systems exposed to the
condensate.
Other effects:
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Underfeed of a neutralizing amine can result in:
1. corrosion to the condensate system causes;
steam leaks
maintenance repairs
production slowdowns
2. boiler tube deposits;
3. boiler inefficiencies;
4. boiler tube failures;
5. lost production.
©2006 Nalco Company 3 SECTION 22 – Neutralizing Amines, Book 316 (9-06)
BOILER WATER OPERATOR TRAINING Notes
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW TO OPERATE IT?
Test the pH of the condensate and maintain the proper pH range.
Proper pH range: ______________________________________
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Ensure that the sample is cooled to less than 90oF while it is taken.
Ensure that the sample cooler is throttled at the cooler outlet only.
Ensure that the sample lines and cooler are made from stainless steel.
Test conductivity of the condensate sample.
Proper conductivity range: ______________________________
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Other controls:
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©2006 Nalco Company 4 SECTION 22 – Neutralizing Amines, Book 316 (9-06)
