Boiler Deaerator Steam & Mass Balance Calculator
Compute deaerator pegging steam consumption, makeup water heating demand, and dissolved oxygen removal to < 7 ppb per ASME PTC 12.3 standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why must boiler feedwater be deaerated to less than 7 ppb oxygen?
Dissolved oxygen in boiler water aggressively attacks steel at elevated temperatures, causing localized catastrophic oxygen pitting on boiler tubes and economizers. Deaerators thermally strip oxygen down to 7 ppb (0.005 cc/L), allowing chemical scavenger (sodium sulfite or hydrazine) consumption to be minimized.
What is the purpose of the deaerator vent condenser or orifice?
As oxygen and carbon dioxide are stripped from the liquid, they collect in the vapor space at the top of the tray or spray tower. A continuous small steam plume (0.1% to 0.2% of total steam) must be vented to atmosphere to purge non-condensable gases, preventing them from re-dissolving into the storage tank.
Why are deaerators typically operated at 5 psig pressure?
Operating at 5 psig corresponds to a saturation temperature of 227°F (108°C). This positive pressure ensures atmospheric air cannot leak into the vessel, creates adequate driving head for the vent plume, and keeps the water well above the 212°F boiling point for efficient gas release without excessive vessel shell thickness.