Automatic Blowdown Controller
To manage a steam boiler for optimum efficiency and reliability an important requirement is to
ensure that the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in the water are measured and controlled to not
exceed a nominated level. It is generally accepted that for water tube boilers the level of TDS
measured should not exceed 1,500 PPM by volume and for smoke tube boillers the TDS should
not be higher than 2,500 PPM by volume. The figures stated are not definitive and in all
applications the recommendations of the boiler manufacturer or water treatment chemist should
be implemented.
The Autoflame System incorporates a temperature measurement sensor in the steam drum to
establish the steam temperature. This data stream is used to constantly correct the conductivity
value.
It also deals with the potential problem of polarization in the following manner. The probe
measures any build up of voltage potential above or below earth or 0V in the water sample. The
measured polarization voltage data is used to modify the conductivity calculation. The Autoflame
System emits electrical energy at a rate of 10x 300 microsecond pulses every second. This
translates into a method where we are emitting electrical energy for 0.6% of the sample time. All
other manufacturers who use the frequency method are emitting electrical energy for 100% of the
sample time. It follows that the polarization problem in these cases would be 167 times greater!
The TDS probe is designed so that the the turbulence created during the blowdown sequence will
ensure that the probe remains effectively free of scale or deposited solids that could be held in
suspension.
ensure that the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in the water are measured and controlled to not
exceed a nominated level. It is generally accepted that for water tube boilers the level of TDS
measured should not exceed 1,500 PPM by volume and for smoke tube boillers the TDS should
not be higher than 2,500 PPM by volume. The figures stated are not definitive and in all
applications the recommendations of the boiler manufacturer or water treatment chemist should
be implemented.
The Autoflame System incorporates a temperature measurement sensor in the steam drum to
establish the steam temperature. This data stream is used to constantly correct the conductivity
value.
It also deals with the potential problem of polarization in the following manner. The probe
measures any build up of voltage potential above or below earth or 0V in the water sample. The
measured polarization voltage data is used to modify the conductivity calculation. The Autoflame
System emits electrical energy at a rate of 10x 300 microsecond pulses every second. This
translates into a method where we are emitting electrical energy for 0.6% of the sample time. All
other manufacturers who use the frequency method are emitting electrical energy for 100% of the
sample time. It follows that the polarization problem in these cases would be 167 times greater!
The TDS probe is designed so that the the turbulence created during the blowdown sequence will
ensure that the probe remains effectively free of scale or deposited solids that could be held in
suspension.
| READ what the U.S. Department of Energy has to say about installing an Automatic Blowdown Controller (click on the link) |
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| Copyright 2001-2020 Steam & Combustion Technology Inc. Designed by V.C.P. Productions |
| Discontinued. Now upgrade with Autoflame Engineering, LTD complete system Cont or intermitent Conductivity Blowdown control. |
