Controlling Alkalinity
The alkalinity is a more accurate indicator of the boiler water condition than pH when water quality is monitored manually. The phenolphthalein (P) Alkalinity is measured to determine whether the correct conditions of alkalinity exist in the boiler.

Controlling Chlorides
The chloride value will reveal any presence of dissolved salts in the boiler. An increase, gradual or sudden, in the level of chloride is an indication of contamination by sea water and the chloride level is often used as a reference point when controlling rate of blowdown.

pH BOILER
Recommended limits of 9.5-11.0. An additional test to determine the pH of the boiler water can be carried out to give a better overall understanding of the boiler water quality.

pH-Condensate
To control corrosion in a boiler, condensate and feed water section, the condensate pH should be kept between 8.3-9.0. Monitoring the pH of this water is very important in maintaining a complete Boiler Water Treatment Programme

P Alkalinity test
1. Take a 200 ml water sample in the stoppered bottle provided.
2. Add one P. Alkalinity tablet and shake to disintegrate.
If P. Alkalinity is present the sample will turn blue.
3. Repeat tablet addition until the blue colour changes to permanent yellow.

Calculation
P. Alkalinity ppm (CaCO3) = (Number of tablets used x 20) -10.
Example:
lf 8 tablets are used then P. Alkalinity = (8 x 20) -10 = 150 ppm.
4. Log the result against the date on which the test was taken.

Chloride test
1. For boilers with working pressure below 30 Bar (KG/CM2) take a 50 ml sample in the stoppered bottle provided.
2. Add one chloride tablet and shake to disintegrate, sample will turn yellow if chlorides are present
3. Repeat tablet addition until the yellow colour changes to orange/brown.

Chloride calculation (50 ml sample)
Chloride ppm = (number of tablets used x 20)-20

Example: lf 4 tablets are used then chloride ppm = (4 x 20) -20 = 60 ppm.
4. Log the result against the date on which the test was taken.

N.B. For higher expected chloride levels reduce the water sample size e.g. 25 ml sample will give steps of 40 ppm per tablet used. For lower expected chloride levels increase the water sample volume e.g. 1OO ml sample will give steps of 1O ppm per tablet used.

pH test
7.5-14.0 For boiler water
6.5-10.0 For condensate water

1. Take a 50 ml sample of water to be tested in the plastic sample container provided.
2. Using the white 0.6 grm scoop provided, add one measure of the pH reagent to the water sample, allow to dissolve - stir if required.
3. Select the correct range of pH test strip and dip it into the water sample for so that the colour zone is completely immersed for at least one minute.
4. Withdraw the strip from the sample and compare the colour obtained with the colour scale on the pH indicator strips container.
5. Log the pH value obtained against the date on which the test was taken.