Which chemical is recommended for oxygen scavenging in boiler water?

Sodium sulfite is commonly recommended for oxygen scavenging in boiler water due to its effectiveness in removing dissolved oxygen. When sodium sulfite is added to boiler water, it reacts with free oxygen, converting it to sodium sulfate, which is non-corrosive and helps prevent oxygen-related corrosion in the boiler system. This is a critical process because dissolved oxygen in boiler water can lead to pitting and other forms of corrosion that compromise the integrity and longevity of boiler components.

The effectiveness of sodium sulfite in this role is well-documented within the industry, making it a standard choice for boiler water treatment. Using sodium sulfite ensures that the boiler operates efficiently and reduces maintenance needs by effectively minimizing the degradation caused by oxygen.

In contrast, while sodium carbonate, potassium chloride, and sodium hydroxide serve other functions in water treatment, they do not effectively scavenge oxygen in the same way. Sodium carbonate can help adjust pH but does not address oxygen directly, potassium chloride is primarily used for different applications such as saltwater systems, and sodium hydroxide is mainly employed for pH control and not specifically for oxygen scavenging.