Inefficiency of Deaerators

The last couple of weeks, the topic of our blogs has included deaerators (DA) and how that piece
of equipment plays a vital function in the efficient production of steam. You may find that as
time goes on, your deaerator's performance may begin to decline. Many times the water
treatment chemical supplier is asked if the oxygen scavenger they are providing is off spec
because the customer is using more of that chemical than they used to a few months ago, yet all
of the operating factors (boiler load, cycles of concentration) are the same. The truth is that in
the vast majority of instances, the poor performance of a deaerator is due to a mechanical issue.
Here is a troubleshooting list that may be used to help identify the source of the decreased
performance:
1. Check the DA temperature and pressure. The temperature of the deaerated water should
be within 1-3 degrees of the saturated steam temperature being fed. Contact Watertech
for a saturated steam temperature chart. Pressure which is too high can indicate a faulty
steam pressure reducing valve. Low pressure or fluctuating pressure also indicates a
problem with this reducing valve. Many times an adjustment to this valve is all that is
required.
2. Check the vent. You should see a continuous 18" to 24" visible steam plume.
3. Check the water level gauge glass. These should be checked to ensure that an adequate
storage level is being maintained by the makeup regulating valve.
4. Check the overflow valve. It should be closed and not bleeding off steam. If the unit is
equipped with a loop seal, make sure the seal is not blown and that steam is not being lost
for lack of a seal.
5. If you have a spray type DA, check the makeup water temperature. This type of DA
generally works best if the makeup temperature is 30 degrees F less than the DA
operating temperature.
6. If you are operating a spray type DA, check your lead versus the design load. Spray type
deaerators typically have a problem operating at peak efficiency when the load is less
than 25% of design because of insufficient steam flow.
Still unable to identify the problem? You may consider shutting your deaerator down and doing
an inspection. Tune in to tomorrow's blog for the 8 items to inspect.

Deaerator Inspection List

If your deaerator (DA) has declined in performance and you have done some troubleshooting
(see Tuesday's blog post) and still have not seen an improvement, you should consider shutting
down the deaerator and performing an inspection on the following:

1. Internal spray pipe - make sure it is intact and the orifice holes are not worn excessively.
2. Spray Valves - make sure they are intact and that springs are not broken and retaining
nuts are not loose or missing.
3. Vent Condenser Baffling - if it is an internal vent, make sure it is not cracked or broken.
If it is an external vent condenser, make sure the tube bundle is not leaking or scaled up.
4. Baffling and Steam Jet Valve - if the unit is a spray type DA, check this or the secondary
atomizing mixing compartment for integrity.
5. Tray Section - inspect all trays and make sure they are in place and not dirty or corroded.
6. Target or Baffle Plate - make sure this is not corroded by the high velocity steam.
7. Regulating Valves - seals, disks and diaphragms should be replaced if worn.
8. Pressure gauges and thermometers should be checked for accuracy.
A properly operating deaerator is one of the most important pieces of equipment in a boiler
room. Knowing how a deaerator works, measuring its efficiency, and keeping it operating at
peak efficiency goes a long way in maintaining your steam system and controlling costs.