Bicarbonate Thermal Decomposition in Boilers

Shows how heat drives bicarbonate alkalinity in boiler feedwater to break down into carbonate, water, and carbon dioxide gas that leaves with the steam and later forms corrosive carbonic acid in the condensate.

$$2HC{\mathrm{O}}_3^{-}\rightleftharpoons \mathrm{C}{\mathrm{O}}_3^{2-}+{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}+\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{O}}_2\uparrow$$

Variables

Symbol	Meaning	Unit
$HC{O}_3^{-}$	bicarbonate ion in feedwater
$C{O}_3^{2-}$	carbonate ion
$H_{2}O$	water
$C{O}_2$	carbon dioxide gas leaving with steam

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Part of The Blueprint of Water