Why is scale the biggest enemy?
When hard water is heated, the scale it contains accumulates as deposits on heating surfaces. These deposits make it more difficult for heat to transfer to the water: more energy is required to produce the same amount of steam, surfaces may overheat, and the risk of failure increases over time. Scale is the biggest problem in terms of both efficiency and service life.
Water softening
The way to reduce this problem from the outset is to treat the water entering the system. Water softening reduces the hardness of the water and largely prevents scale buildup. Properly treated water helps the generator maintain its efficiency and extends maintenance intervals.
What does blowdown do?
As steam is produced, dissolved substances and sediment in the water accumulate. Blowdown is the controlled discharge of a certain amount of water from the system to dilute this buildup. Regular blowdown prevents excessive concentration and carryover of sediment, ensuring clean steam and reliable operation.
Regular maintenance and support
Scale control, water treatment and blowdown are all part of a regular maintenance routine. Stilsan provides maintenance and troubleshooting support for the systems it installs. Designing water quality correctly from the outset is the most cost-effective investment for keeping your machines efficient and extending their service life.
Frequently asked questions
- Why is scale a problem in a steam generator?
- Scale forms deposits on heating surfaces, making it more difficult for heat to transfer to the water. As a result, more energy is required to produce the same amount of steam, surfaces may overheat, and the risk of failure increases.
- Is water softening really necessary?
- Yes. Water softening reduces water hardness and largely prevents scale buildup; it helps maintain the generator’s efficiency and extends maintenance intervals. In the long term, it is a step that reduces costs.
- How often should blowdown be performed?
- The frequency of blowdown varies depending on water quality and operating intensity. The aim is to keep the accumulation of dissolved substances and sediment under control. We can determine a maintenance routine suitable for your system together.