Below what feedwater temperature should you switch from ordinary sulfite to catalyzed sulfite?

Switching from ordinary sulfite to catalyzed sulfite is crucial for effective oxygen scavenging in water treatment, particularly when dealing with higher temperatures. Sulfite is commonly used as an oxygen scavenger in steam generating systems to prevent corrosion caused by dissolved oxygen.

At elevated temperatures, the reactivity of ordinary sulfite decreases, which can lead to insufficient oxygen scavenging and increased corrosion risk. Catalyzed sulfite, however, provides a more robust and effective method for scavenging oxygen at higher temperatures due to the presence of a catalyst that enhances the reaction kinetics.

The threshold temperature for this transition is typically set at 200°F. Below this temperature, the efficiency of ordinary sulfite is considered adequate, but as temperatures rise, the shift to catalyzed sulfite becomes necessary to ensure continued effective removal of oxygen, thereby protecting the system from corrosion.

This understanding is critical in the field of water treatment, as it informs not only the proper use of chemicals but also the overall maintenance and longevity of boiler systems. Correctly identifying when to transition to catalyzed sulfite based on feedwater temperature ensures better operational reliability and efficiency.