Upstream Alkalinity Removal

Definition

The strategy of removing bicarbonate alkalinity from boiler makeup before it enters the boiler, using reverse osmosis or dealkalizers.

With alkalinity removed upstream, alkalinity-derived carbon dioxide is greatly reduced and the condensate corrosion pathway is largely controlled. This is the capital-investment route to interrupting the carbonate cycle, as opposed to the operating-cost route of downstream amine dosing. High alkalinity feedwater means high chemical demand, so reducing it at the source lowers ongoing treatment burden.

Related concepts

Neutralizing Amine Treatment · CO2 Generation Rule of Thumb · Condensate Corrosion

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