Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Alkalinity Builders

Alkalinity or AT is the ability of a base to neutralize acids to the stoichiometric point of carbonate or bicarbonate. Some simply measures it through the buffering capacity of water. Determining alkalinity in value water systems is imperative because it determines a system’s ability to neutralize acidic contamination from rainfall or waste water, especially the increased occurrence of pollution.Alkalinity does not refer to pH level per se, but rather refers to the ability of water to resist pH  change.

Most common buffering compounds are bicarbonates (HCO3-) and carbonates (CO32-), although hydroxides (OH-), borates, silicates, phosphates, ammonium, sulfides, and organic ligands are also used. In the natural environment, carbonate alkalinity makes up the majority of the total alkalinity level because of the presence of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the abundance of carbonate rocks.The unit mEq/L is usually given as its standard measurement, although when dealing with water systems such as steam boilers, the unit ppm or parts-per-million is usually given.

To increase the pH level, it is important to boost the alkalinity of boiler water. In general, water pH should be greater than 10.5 to ensure that the polymer chemical can work effectively to remove impurities made by scaling. In the long run, scaling impurities decrease the heat transfer efficiency of a boiler which greatly impacts energy costs. Also, if scaling is excessive, early tube replacement may be required. In high boiler pressure systems, if the total alkalinity exceeds the 3:1 ratio, silica plating may occur. Boiler water that is too acidic may lead to excessive corrosion rates and premature tube failure.

When handling alkaline products, extreme care should be exercised. Protective gear including masks, gloves, and laboratory goggles should be worn before handling the product. Alkalinity builders can cause one of the worst types of chemical burns.

Boiler Chemical 1425

BC 1425 is a concentrated alkalinity builder in liquid form for boiler treatment. Product provides maximum alkalinity adjustment per pound. It is recommended for use in any water system requiring additional alkalinity to assure proper reaction, and will not give off any residual carbon dioxide to the steam produced. All ingredients are FDA-approved for steam boilers in contact with food.

Friday, July 15, 2011

All-In-One Boiler Chemicals

Maintaining a water system poses an arduous challenge. Not only do you need to control scaling, but you need to deter bacterial growth as well. Scaling and corrosion shortens boiler life span because of material disintegration, while bacterial growth causes contamination and decreased heat transfer efficiency. To save time and cut costs, an all-in-one boiler chemical contains all the necessary components like phosphates, polymers, sulfites, alkalines, and amines. Phosphates and polymers are designed to remove trace elements that cannot be treated by softeners. They prevent scaling to accumulate in the system. Sulfites act as oxygen scavengers to prevent corrosion while alkalines neutralize acids contained in water. Amines, if present, are used to increase the condensate pH. 

Below are the products sold by QualiChem Technologies:

Boiler Chemical 1187

BC 1187 is a non-amine, all-in-one treatment system with a concentrated sulfite-based formulation and carboxylated organic polymer specifically designed for boiler systems like vapor modulatic boilers. It can also be applied for other systems, especially for softened water makeup and low condensate returns. Product also provides one of the most effective copolymers for higher heat transfer boilers.

Boiler Chemical 1197

BC 1197 is another all-in-one treatment product with concentrated sulfite-based formulation, carboxylated organic copolymer, and neutralizing amine for boiler systems having a softened water of sodium zeolite makeup. Product has effective copolymer as well for higher heat transfer boilers.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Alkalinity Builder Chemical

Alkalinity or AT is the ability of a base to neutralize acids to the stoichiometric point of carbonate or bicarbonate, or the measurement of the buffering capacity of water. Measuring alkalinity in water systems is imperative because it determines system’s ability to neutralize acidic contamination from rainfall or wastewater, given the increased occurrence of pollution. Alkalinity does not refer to pH level per se, but rather refers to the ability of water to resist pH change. Most common buffering compounds are bicarbonates (HCO3-) and carbonates (CO32-), but occasionally, hydroxides (OH-), borates, silicates, phosphates, ammonium, sulfides, and organic ligands are also used. In the natural environment, carbonate alkalinity makes up the majority of the total alkalinity level because of the presence of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the abundance of carbonate rocks. The unit mEq/L is usually given as its standard measurement, although when dealing with water systems such as steam boilers, the unit ppm or parts-per-million is usually given.

It goes to say that alkalinity for boiler waters is required to increase the pH level. In general, boiler water pH should be greater than 10.5 to ensure that the polymer chemical can work effectively to remove impurities made by scaling. In the long run, scaling impurities decrease your boiler heat
transfer efficiency which in turn will increase your energy costs. Also, if scaling is excessive, early tube replacement may be required. In high boiler pressure systems, if the total alkalinity exceeds the 3:1 ratio, silica plating may occur. Low boiler water pH may lead to excessive corrosion rates and premature boiler tube failure.

When handling alkaline products, extreme care should be exercised. Protective gear including masks, gloves, and laboratory goggles should be worn before handling the product. Alkalinity builders can cause one of the worst types of chemical burns.


Boiler Chemical 1425

BC 1425 is a concentrated alkalinity builder in liquid form for boiler treatment. Product provides maximum alkalinity adjustment per pound. It is recommended for use in any water system requiring additional alkalinity to assure proper reaction, and will not give off any residual carbon dioxide to the steam produced. All ingredients are FDA-approved for steam boilers in contact with food.