Abu Dhabi · United Arab Emirates
LABORATORY KNOWLEDGE CENTER · BW-05

Boiler Water Analysis

Steam boilers operate under high pressure and temperature conditions that make water chemistry control critical to safety and service life. Scale deposits and corrosion from poor water quality are leading causes of boiler tube failures. ORDNEX coordinates boiler water and feed water testing through qualified UAE-based laboratory partners.

PURPOSE & ENGINEERING VALUE

Why Boiler Water Analysis Matters

Boiler water chemistry must be maintained within tight limits. The consequences of out-of-specification water — scale deposits, oxygen pitting, and stress corrosion cracking — can cause boiler tube failure, unplanned shutdowns, and costly repairs.

Classification society survey requirements include evidence of routine water treatment and testing records. Regular analysis supports compliance and provides the documentation required for class surveys.

Typical Sampling Intervals
  • ·Boiler water: daily on-board testing recommended
  • ·Laboratory verification: monthly or quarterly
  • ·Feed water: weekly on-board testing
  • ·After condenser repair or leak event
  • ·At drydocking and return to service
Typical Report Turnaround

24 to 72 hours depending on parameter set.

ORDNEX coordinates testing through qualified laboratory partners. Turnaround times are subject to laboratory capacity and sample condition.

TEST PARAMETERS

Analysis Parameters & Interpretation

pH (Feed & Boiler Water)Boiler water pH must be maintained between 10.5 and 11.5 to protect steel from corrosion. Feed water pH should be 8.5–9.5 to prevent oxygen pitting in the economiser.
Total Alkalinity (P & M)Phenolphthalein (P) and methyl orange (M) alkalinity measure carbonate and bicarbonate levels, controlling scale formation and the risk of caustic corrosion.
Chloride ContentSeawater contamination through condenser leaks is immediately detected by rising chloride. Chloride above limits causes stress corrosion cracking in boiler tubes.
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)High TDS leads to carry-over of dissolved salts into the steam, contaminating turbines, engines, and downstream processes. Controls blowdown frequency.
HardnessCalcium and magnesium hardness causes scale deposition on heat transfer surfaces. Scale reduces heat transfer and can cause local overheating and tube failure.
Dissolved OxygenDissolved oxygen in feed water causes oxygen pitting, particularly in the economiser and feed lines. Measured to verify deaerator and oxygen scavenger performance.
Phosphate LevelResidual phosphate prevents scale by precipitating hardness salts as sludge, which is removed by blowdown. Correct dosing prevents both scale and caustic attack.
Hydrazine / Oxygen ScavengerVerifies the residual oxygen scavenger concentration in the feed water, confirming the deaeration treatment is maintaining the required protective level.
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

Boiler & Steam System Types

·Auxiliary steam boilers
·Exhaust gas economisers
·Composite boilers
·Thermal oil heaters (water side)
·Shore steam boilers
·Industrial process steam boilers
·Laundry and hotel service boilers
·Heating boilers
INDUSTRIES SERVED

Operational Sectors

·Commercial Shipping
·Tanker Operations
·Ship Management Companies
·Industrial Facilities
·Power Generation
·Food & Process Industries
·Offshore Platforms
·Marine Service Companies
LABORATORY INTAKE

Submit a Boiler Water Analysis Request

Provide boiler type, operating pressure, treatment chemicals in use, and blowdown frequency. ORDNEX will coordinate collection and laboratory routing.