Bicarbonate Decomposition

Definition

The thermal breakdown of bicarbonate at boiler temperatures into carbonate, water, and carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide leaves with the steam and seeds condensate corrosion.

At boiler temperatures bicarbonate decomposes so the carbonate stays in the boiler while volatile carbon dioxide rides off with the steam. When the steam condenses, the carbon dioxide redissolves and forms carbonic acid in the condensate. Higher makeup alkalinity means more bicarbonate, more carbon dioxide, and a more acidic condensate.

Related concepts

pH Effect on Carbonate Speciation · Alkalinity · Carbonate Chemistry

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Part of The Blueprint of Water · 🧪 chemistry