CASE HISTORY SPOTLIGHT #146: Off-Season Boiler/Deaerator Protection

When a new boiler and deaerator were installed at a midwestern college, the chief engineer wanted to guard against corrosion problems of the past that typically occurred when the boiler was idle and drained for annual inspection and maintenance. To prevent this problem going forward, Boiler Lizards were added to strategic points in boiler and deaerator internals. Corrosion coupons were placed and the systems were closed. Months later at startup, no internal corrosion was found upon inspection. This was impressive given the pooling of water from a leaking steam valve. The boilers were filled with deaerated water, drained, and refilled before bringing them back on line. Iron levels were 20 times lower than past startups, and the customer was extremely satisfied with the results.

Keywords: seasonal boiler layup, Case History Spotlight, college boiler maintenance, boiler inspection, boiler corrosion, deaerator corrosion, Boiler Lizard, iron levels at startup, boiler inspection, Cortec

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