Posted by Paul K on June 01, 2001 at 02:49:13:
In Reply to: low ph of condensate return posted by zaib on May 28, 2001 at 03:29:54:
If your internal boiler water pH is 4 - 5,you have a serious problem. Although I have seen condensate return at pH's as low as 4.4 the amount of total alkalinity & CO2 in the make up water was the cause. Are you feeding liquid Sodium Bisulfite as an oxygen scavenger? This product at 30% active will have a very strong odor, and can be shipped from the manufacturer in the pH range you have described. Many water treatment companies use this product if your makeup water is high in alkalinity. (Or to sell you more caustic to boost the pH, so watch out.) My recommendation is install a chloride dealkalizer on your makeup system. This will reduce your demand for the amine (condensate pH builder) or make it easier to treat the condensate without breaking your budget.
Paul