Sterling Deaerator Company   The Deaerating Principle   Technical Advantages/Reseach & Development   Engineering & Drafting   Fabrication & Quality Assurance   Contact Sterling  
   
  Sterling Deaerator Models
  Parts & Service
 
  Steam Accumulators
 
  Packaged Deaerators Boiler Feed System
  Accessories
  User Information and FAQ
  Corporate News Update
  Certificate of Reqistration
   
   
   
 
The removal of dissolved gases from boiler feedwater is an essential process in a steam system. The presence of dissolved oxygen in feedwater causes rapid localized corrosion in boiler tubes. Carbon dioxide will dissolve in water, resulting in low pH levels and the production of corrosive carbonic acid. Low pH levels in feedwater cause severe acid attack throughout the boiler system. While dissolved gases and low pH levels in the feedwater can be controlled or removed by the addition of chemicals, it is more economical and thermally efficient to remove these gases mechanically. This mechanical process is known as deaeration and will increase the life of a steam system dramatically.

Deaeration is based on two scientific principles. The first principle can be described by Henry’s Law. Henry’s Law asserts that gas solubility in a solution decreases as the gas partial pressure above the solution decreases. The second scientific principle that governs deaeration is the relationship between gas solubility and temperature. Easily explained, gas solubility in a solution decreases as the temperature of the solution rises and approaches saturation temperature. A deaerator utilizes both of these natural processes to remove dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide and other non-condensible gases from boiler feedwater. The feedwater is sprayed in thin films into a steam atmosphere allowing it to become quickly heated to saturation. Spraying feedwater in thin films increases the surface area of the liquid in contact with the steam, which results in more rapid oxygen removal and lower gas concentrations. This process reduces the solubility of all dissolved gases and removes them from the feedwater. The liberated gases are then vented from the deaerator.

With these principles in mind, Sterling Deaerator Company employs a counter-flow two-stage system of heating and deaerating feedwater. This system reduces dissolved oxygen concentration to less than 0.005 cc/liter (7 ppb) and completely eliminates the carbon dioxide concentration.
 

PJR Cert
ISO 9001:2015
Member of:
ABMA Logo
Heat Exchange Institute Logo
For Spare Parts Contact
Sterling in Cumming, GA
Phone: 770-205-1969
Fax: 770-205-2882

For New Equipment Contact
Sterling in Lee’s Summit, MO
Phone: 816-524-5382
Fax: 816-524-5480