M4 Knick is no stranger to the abundance of analytical needs found in steam water analysis systems (SWAS) found in power generation facilities. In our previous article regarding SWAS, we focused on various priorities. At the center of any SWAS is pH measurement. Maintaining proper pH in feed-water and condensate helps prevent corrosion of piping, economizers, boilers, and turbines. Operators and engineers use cation conductivity to detect corrosive contaminants. These include chlorides and sulfates that damage turbines and boiler tubes. Together, pH and conductivity provide a clear picture of water chemistry stability. They also warn of conditions that threaten system integrity.
Addressing the volume of these measurement points, we focused on the Memorail Modbus and its ability to help consolidate space when working with multiple points of measurement. But space is not the priority for all steam water analysis systems. In many of these processes, visibility is key.
Visibility Through the Knick Stratos Multi and Digital Sensors
For many steam water analysis systems, constant access to measurement points is necessary. Optimizing visibility can be crucial when needing near constant verification that measurements are not drifting outside of desired parameters. The Stratos Multi transmitter connects to Memosens® digital sensors along with analog or other digital sensors that can be connected simultaneously and in any combination. pH and conductivity can be measured simultaneously via one single transmitter. In addition to the sensor diagnostic system that monitors sensor health, the transmitter can trigger external alarms to warn operators of any measurement deviations.
Accurate pH and conductivity measurements are fundamental to maintaining water chemistry integrity in steam water analysis systems. Therefore, measurement reliability and accessibility is critical to plant safety and performance.
For pH measurements, the SE558 is ideal for the ultra-pure conditions required in steam water analysis systems. The sensor utilizes 3 ceramic junctions and a pressurized reference system to prevent junction fouling and contamination. This vastly extends sensor life and reliability in SWAS measurements. As with any Memosens sensor, the pre-calibration capabilities allow operators to store calibration data digitally, saving significant time on in-field calibrations and sensor swapping.
The SE625 offers an ideal solution for conductivity measurements in SWAS. The sensor is engineered for high-purity water and steam condensate applications. Excelling in accuracy in very low conductivity ranges, the SE625 is the ideal choice for detecting trace contamination in ultrapure boiler feedwater and condensate. This is extremely important for SWAS, where even trace contaminants can lead to corrosion and fouling within process infrastructure.
Optimizing SWAS with M4 Knick
Knick engineers solutions to improve visibility, optimize panel space, and ensure precise pH and conductivity measurement. For more information on our process solutions or any questions about how we can help your process, reach out to one of our experts. We’re here to help.