Understanding De-Aeration and Decarbonation in Water Treatment Systems
De-Aeration and decarbonation are two essential processes used to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) and dissolved oxygen (O2) from water streams, particularly in boiler-feed water systems. While both processes share the goal of eliminating CO2, they differ in their approach to removing oxygen. A De-Aeration system focuses on removing both CO2 and O2, while a decarbonation system primarily targets the removal of CO2. Let's delve deeper into these processes to understand their mechanisms and benefits.
In a De-Aeration system, steam is introduced at the bottom of the tower. The inlet feed water is heated to near saturation temperature, minimizing pressure drop and venting limits. This ensures optimal thermal operating efficiency of the tower. The steam acts as a carrier gas, stripping both CO2 and O2 from the water as it rises through the tower. The tower is equipped with an internal distribution system and media packing to enhance the removal of dissolved gases. By the time the water reaches the top of the tower, it has undergone significant de-aeration, resulting in reduced CO2 and O2 levels. This purified water is then ready for entry into the boiler, ensuring efficient and reliable steam generation.
