What happens when feedwater quality is compromised?

When feedwater quality is compromised, it can lead to significant issues within steam systems. Poor feedwater quality often results in the introduction of impurities such as dissolved solids, oils, or other contaminants. These impurities can lead to a variety of problems, including scaling, corrosion, and fouling of equipment, which in turn can cause damage to the boiler, heat exchangers, and associated piping.

When scaling occurs, it impairs heat transfer efficiency, leading to overheating and potential boiler failure. Corrosion can also weaken critical components, leading to leaks and unplanned outages. This damage can result in costly repairs and extended downtime, thereby disrupting operations and reducing overall system efficiency. Therefore, maintaining high feedwater quality is essential to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of steam systems.