What kind of impurities does blowdown aim to remove from a boiler?

Blowdown in a boiler system is a critical process used to control the concentration of dissolved and suspended solids in the water. The primary purpose of blowdown is to remove minerals and chemicals that accumulate in the boiler water over time due to the evaporation of water during the steam generation process.

As water evaporates, the minerals and chemicals in it become more concentrated, which can lead to issues such as scale formation, carryover, and corrosion. Scale can severely interfere with heat transfer and boiler efficiency, while carryover can result in contamination of the steam and associated systems. Therefore, regular blowdown helps maintain water quality by reducing these harmful concentrations, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the boiler.

Other impurities like soot, dust, air, and gases, along with oil and grease, are generally not the primary focus of the blowdown process. Instead, those contaminants are typically managed through different methods, such as proper combustion management or filtration systems, depending on their nature and source.