IS PASSIVATION REQUIRED FOR NEW BOILERS

A. It is always advisable to use passivation for boiler. Or else when using water in the boilers it is generally agreed to add inhibitors, which will form a protective layer on the inner side of the boiler and thus prevent further corrosion.

A. Mr Jayaseelan

Passivation of Stainless steel Vessels for boilers is a recommended practice. This will extend the life of the vessel by protecting it from corrosion.

SS passivating chemicals are domestically available, and these are used by circulating within the SS pipelines and boiler.

You need to have clean oil and soil-free surfaces. The passivating chemicals restore the life expectancy of welded portions of SS tanks as well.

Regards,

A. A different passivation is probably indicated.
With a newly manufactured boiler, an initial 'boilout' or passivation using a hot, ammoniated citric acid solution removes dirt, oil and rust. Alkaline solutions can be used but are less effective vs. rust unless a chelate is added. GE Water & Nalco should both be able to help.

A. I think that a passivation is beneficial to a new boiler. The type of treatment as well as the real significance in terms of effectiveness of the operation depends on the boiler characteristic. Trying to be more specific I did a small research to find out what kind, size and rating of boiler your company produces, but I found no entries about your company; I am sorry but I cannot be more accurate. Please provide the above information I will be more than glad to give my opinion on the matter.

I may have misunderstood about the presence of a SS vessel. I came across SS preheaters, LP drums SS internals, SH made by high alloy steel but it is the first time I heard of a SS vessel. Please advise.

A. Passivation should be needed in the new boiler, as well as old depending on condition, it helps to protect inside of pressure parts against oxidation and corrosion, etc.

A. Amir,
Stainless steel should be passivated before use in a corrosive environment, yes. Refer to industry standards such as ASTM A967 for procedures. Let us know if we can help.

Dear AMIR HARIFIJI

Depending on the specific application, the waterside surfaces of most new boiler containing carbon steel components shall be passivated to avoid iron oxide transport problems. This is a large benefit. Passivation is done deliberately to minimize the formation of rust from exposure to atmospheric corrosion, and to assure protection of the carbon steel surfaces prior to placing the components into service. Magnetite that is formed as part of the passivation process protects the tube surfaces from further atmospheric corrosion (provided there is no contact with oxygenated water during storage of the heat exchanger) and corrosion after the heat exchanger is placed into service.

If you don't passivate prior to placing the boiler into service, iron oxide (rust) will form and dissolve into your feed water system. This could create corrosion problems elsewhere in your system.