Optimización del tratamiento del agua de alimentación de calderas de la Empresa Contrachapados de Esmeraldas S.A.

Abstract

The optimization of boiler feed water treatment at Contrachapados de Esmeraldas S.A. in the city of Esmeraldas is aimed at complying with all the parameters required by boiler technical standards. The experimental method was used for the research with evaluative purposes. For the analysis of the boiler feed water, measurements were made in situ and in the company's laboratory using equipment such as: conductivity meter, pH meter, thermometers, colorimeters. The laboratory techniques and materials were based on standardized methods of the American Society For Testing And Materials (ASTM) and Standard Methods (SM). The regeneration of the resin used in the softener with the use of 20% sodium chloride in solution, time between regenerations every two days, strict application of purges and reduction of hardness through the use of the chemical Nexguard 22300 were key variables to improve water quality. As a result, hardness went from 12.6ppm to 0.5ppm which is corrected to a value of zero by the addition of Nexguard 22300, total dissolved solids went from 255.83ppm to 100ppm, while conductivity went from 511.67µS/cm to 200 µS/cm. In conclusion, the optimized boiler feedwater quality meets the parameters required by the catalog standard. Daily monitoring of water parameters, application of necessary blowdowns, correct dosing of chemicals and regeneration with 20% sodium dechloride solution to improve softening are recommended.