Deoxidizer products, also known as oxygen scavengers, are available in various forms and chemistries to suit different boiler system requirements. Here are some common deoxidizer products used in industrial and commercial boiler systems:
Common Deoxidizer Products
- Sodium Sulfite (Na2SO3)
- Typical Form: Powder or liquid
- Use: Commonly used in low- to medium-pressure boiler systems.
- Advantages: Cost-effective, readily available, and easy to handle.
- Disadvantages: Produces sulfate as a byproduct, which can contribute to solids build-up.
- Catalyzed Sodium Sulfite
- Typical Form: Liquid
- Use: Enhanced version of sodium sulfite with a catalyst (e.g., cobalt) to increase reaction rate.
- Advantages: Faster reaction with oxygen, effective at lower concentrations.
- Disadvantages: Similar to sodium sulfite, produces sulfate byproducts.
- Hydrazine (N2H4)
- Typical Form: Liquid
- Use: Effective in high-pressure boiler systems.
- Advantages: Produces nitrogen and water as byproducts, leaving no solid residues.
- Disadvantages: Toxic and hazardous, requires careful handling and storage, increasingly being replaced by safer alternatives.
- Carbohydrazide
- Typical Form: Powder or liquid
- Use: Alternative to hydrazine, used in high-pressure systems.
- Advantages: Safer than hydrazine, decomposes to produce beneficial byproducts, such as hydrazine and ammonia.
- Disadvantages: More expensive than traditional sulfite-based scavengers.
- DEHA (Diethylhydroxylamine)
- Typical Form: Liquid
- Use: Suitable for high-pressure boilers and systems requiring passivation.
- Advantages: Provides oxygen scavenging and metal passivation, safer than hydrazine.
- Disadvantages: More costly, requires precise dosing and control.
- Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
- Typical Form: Powder or liquid
- Use: Environmentally friendly oxygen scavenger.
- Advantages: Non-toxic, safe to handle, effective at removing oxygen without producing harmful byproducts.
- Disadvantages: More expensive and less commonly used in industrial settings.
- Erythorbic Acid
- Typical Form: Powder or liquid
- Use: Similar to ascorbic acid, used for environmentally friendly oxygen scavenging.
- Advantages: Non-toxic, effective oxygen removal.
- Disadvantages: Similar to ascorbic acid, more expensive than traditional options.
- Sodium Erythorbate
- Typical Form: Powder
- Use: Similar to erythorbic acid, used for oxygen removal.
- Advantages: Non-toxic, effective at lower dosages.
- Disadvantages: Higher cost compared to traditional sulfite-based scavengers.
- Organic Polymeric Oxygen Scavengers
- Typical Form: Liquid
- Use: Used in systems requiring both oxygen scavenging and deposit control.
- Advantages: Multifunctional, providing oxygen scavenging and dispersing properties.
- Disadvantages: Generally more expensive and complex to manage.
Application and Selection
- Form: Deoxidizers are available in liquid, powder, and tablet forms to suit different application methods.
- System Requirements: The choice of deoxidizer depends on the boiler system’s pressure, temperature, and water chemistry.
- Safety and Handling: Considerations include toxicity, ease of handling, and environmental impact.
Summary
Deoxidizer products play a crucial role in preventing corrosion and maintaining the efficiency and longevity of boiler systems. The selection of a suitable deoxidizer depends on the specific requirements of the boiler system, including operating conditions, safety concerns, and environmental impact.