BOILER WATER OPERATOR TRAINING Notes

Neutralizing/Filming Amines

WHAT IS IT?
Neutralizing/filming amines are used to protect condensate
systems, to prevent corrosion in the condensate system, and to
prevent iron/copper deposits in the boiler system.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

These programs combine two components, neutralizing amine
and filming amine. The neutralizing amine works by raising the
pH of the condensate. When the pH is between 8.5 and 9.0,
corrosion, due to carbonic acid attack of mild steel, is minimized.
Filming amines work by laying down a very thin film on all
condensate piping which protects the mild steel from both
carbonic acid and oxygen attack by acting as a barrier between the
metal and the condensate.

This combination of neutralizing amine and filming amine is used

when there is so much carbonic acid that it is not economical to
neutralize all of it. It is also used in systems where the
concentration of oxygen is high. Some filming amines provide
corrosion protection in the pH range of 6.5 - 9.0. Other filming
amines require tighter pH control between 7.5 and 8.0. Filming
amines also provide protection from oxygen that leaks into the
condensate system. Neutralizing amines alone are not effective
against oxygen attack.

Carbonic acid is formed when carbon dioxide in the steam

dissolves in the condensed steam.

CO2 + H2O ---> H+ + HCO3-

The source of the carbon dioxide can be:

1. feedwater alkalinity,
2. in-leakage of air in the feedwater pump system, or
3. in-leakage of air in the condensate system.
Typically, the largest source of carbon dioxide is feedwater alkalinity.

The source of oxygen can be from a poorly functioning deaerator or

from air in-leakage to the condensate system. These leaks can occur
at stage heaters, condensers, pumps, etc. Oxygen attack causes a deep
pit to form in the metal eventually perforating the steel.

©2006 Nalco Company 1 SECTION 24 – Neutralizing/Filming Amines, Book 316 (9-06)

 BOILER WATER OPERATOR TRAINING Notes

Another reason to minimize attack in the condensate system is to

prevent the formation of iron particles which, when formed, can
return to the boiler. Iron in the boiler system will deposit upon tube
surfaces in heat transfer areas and cause at least boiler inefficiencies,
and in the extreme case, tube ruptures.

By maintaining the proper pH range and filming amine concentration,

corrosion is minimized.

HOW DOES IT AFFECT MY PLANT?

Use of a neutralizing/filming amine to maintain the proper pH range
and filmer level in the condensate system will minimize corrosion and
thereby:
1. Help prevent steam leaks which can cause:
 production slowdowns
 maintenance repair costs
 safety hazards
2. Help prevent the formation of corrosion products which can cause:
 economizer deposits
 boiler tube deposits
 energy use increases
 boiler inefficiencies
 failed boiler tubes
 boiler shutdowns
 lost steam/process production
Overfeed of a neutralizing amine can result in excessive chemical
program cost and corrosion to copper systems exposed to the
condensate. If a filmer is overfed, gunk balls of excess material will
form and can plug traps, lines, pumps, and eventually reach the boiler.

Other effects:

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©2006 Nalco Company 2 SECTION 24 – Neutralizing/Filming Amines, Book 316 (9-06)

 BOILER WATER OPERATOR TRAINING Notes

Underfeed of a neutralizing/filming amine program can result in:

1. corrosion to the condensate system causes;
 steam leaks
 maintenance repairs
 production slowdowns
2. boiler tube deposits;
3. boiler inefficiencies;
4. boiler tube failures;
5. lost production.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW TO OPERATE IT?

Test the pH of the condensate and maintain the proper pH range.

Proper pH range: ______________________________________

______________________________________

Ensure that the sample is cooled to less than 90oF while it is taken.

Ensure that the sample cooler is throttled at the cooler outlet only.

Ensure that the sample lines and cooler are made from stainless steel.

Test conductivity of the condensate sample.

Proper conductivity range: ______________________________

______________________________

Test for residual filming amine

Proper filming range: ______________________________

Other controls:

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©2006 Nalco Company 3 SECTION 24 – Neutralizing/Filming Amines, Book 316 (9-06)