Powerful chemical additive protects boiler at Pulp & Paper Mill

The Challenge

As is the case in many Paper Mills, the client was experiencing erratic condensate returns and iron “throw” due to production schedules. This situation impacted feedwater quality and internal boiler chemistry.

While feedwater pH levels were maintained within control ranges, the iron levels and erratic chemical treatment created an unstable boiler water quality. Boiler pH levels were low and unable to maintain the desired Magnetite iron oxide surfaces necessary to protect from corrosion. As well, boiler Phosphate levels were often below control limits, further increasing the potential for corrosion.

The Solution

After surveying the utility boiler/condensate system and documenting the problems the mill was having, Veolia proposed the use of their Hydrex ProtectAll technology. ProtectAll is a single drum approach containing a blend of Film forming amines, Neutralizing amines and dispersants designed to:

• Maintain a uniform pH profile across the steam cycle
• Establish a hydrophobic barrier between system metallurgy & water, while promoting nucleate boiling
• Promote cleaning of existing boiler deposits
   

The Results

After 6 months, daily test results show the impact of the Hydrex ProtectAll technology. pH profiles across the system have risen and stabilized, reducing the risk of corrosion. Reduced Iron levels confirm the impact ProtectAll has had on corrosion. Millipore filter results began to show improvement after only 2 weeks of ProtectAll treatment, and have remained free of iron, in spite of the erratic operational schedule of the paper machine in the mill.