Watertreatment for Power Plants

Boiler water treatment in power stations prevents corrosion, scale formation and deposits in large boilers and steam generators. Even slight deviations in conductivity, hardness or oxygen content can lead to losses in efficiency or cause damage to materials. The requirements for boiler water are defined, amongst others, in DIN EN 12953-10 & -12, TRD 611, VdTÜV MB TECH 1453 and in the VGB guidelines. These regulations set limit values for conductivity, silicate, oxygen and other parameters and form the basis for safe power plant operation.

Water softening in power stations serves to remove calcium and magnesium ions in order to reduce hardness-causing substances in the feedwater. Without softening, scale deposits form, which impair heat transfer and increase energy consumption. Regulatory standards, such as DIN EN 12953-10, define clear limit values for residual hardness in feedwater. Softening therefore often constitutes the first process stage within a multi-stage treatment chain for steam boiler systems.

Large boilers place high demands on the purity, stability and continuous monitoring of water quality. In addition to removing hardness-causing substances, dissolved salts, silicic acid, oxygen and organic components must be controlled. Whilst smaller boilers often manage with simple softening, large boilers operating at high pressures and temperatures generally require demineralised, degassed and chemically treated feed water.

Water treatment for steam boilers requires particularly low residual conductivity levels, as well as defined limit values for oxygen, silicate and pH. Whilst industrial process water applications often allow for more lenient parameters, steam boiler operations are subject to strictly defined quality ranges. Regulatory frameworks such as VGB guidelines specify these requirements in practical terms and provide recommendations on operating procedures, monitoring and documentation.  

Feed water for steam boilers must be nearly free of hardness-forming substances, dissolved salts and corrosive gases. The key parameters are the limit values for residual conductivity, pH, oxygen content, silicates and iron. Compliance with these parameters is mandatorily regulated in DIN EN 12953 and supplementary technical regulations such as TRD 611. Continuous monitoring ensures that the regulatory requirements are met at all times and that operational safety is maintained.