What method conditions boiler water before it enters the boiler?

The method of cold lime-soda treatment effectively conditions boiler water before it enters the boiler by removing impurities and hardness. This process typically involves adding lime (calcium hydroxide) and soda ash (sodium carbonate) to the water at lower temperatures, which precipitates calcium and magnesium ions as insoluble compounds. These unwanted minerals are then settled out of the water, resulting in softened water that helps prevent scale buildup in the boiler, ensuring efficient operation and longevity of equipment.

In contrast to cold treatment, hot lime-soda treatment is generally utilized in different contexts and conditions, often at elevated temperatures, which may not be necessary or efficient prior to boiler entry. Ionic exchange processes are effective but involve a more complex setup and typically require additional equipment. Mechanical filtration, while useful in removing suspended particles, does not address hardness effectively. Thus, cold lime-soda treatment remains a common and practical approach to conditioning boiler water.