Like water softeners, dealkalizers contain ion-exchange resins that are regenerated with a concentrated salt (brine) solution - NaCl.
This gas combines with the condensed steam in process equipment and return lines to form carbonic acid.
This depresses the pH value of the condensate returns and results in corrosive attack on the equipment and piping.
In order to justify installation of a dealkalizer on low-pressure boilers, the alkalinity content should be above 50 ppm with the amount of make-up water exceeding 1,000 gallons (approx.
Hydrogen cycle weak acid cation resins convert alkalinity into carbon dioxide while removing calcium and magnesium.