How can temperature affect the solubility of gases in feedwater?

The solubility of gases in liquids, such as feedwater, is influenced significantly by temperature. At higher temperatures, the kinetic energy of the gas molecules increases. This increased energy makes it more difficult for the gas to remain dissolved in the liquid, as the gas molecules are more likely to escape into the atmosphere, thus decreasing their solubility.

In practical terms for feedwater systems, this means that as the temperature of the water rises, the amount of dissolved gases, such as oxygen or carbon dioxide, will drop. This relationship is critical for processes that require specific gas levels in the feedwater, such as in boiler operations where dissolved oxygen must be controlled to prevent corrosion.

Understanding this principle helps professionals in the field to manage the conditions of their feedwater system effectively. Lower temperatures are indeed more favorable for maintaining higher levels of gas solubility, which is vital for applications requiring specific gas concentrations.