We have been recently consulted about high conductivity in the condensate system. Here you go with a few tips on how to prepare a first approach.

How long has the system been running for?

Chemistry stabilization requires time. This period is proportional to the cleaning strategy implemented during commissioning and the quality of preservation during previous stages. That could take a few days but also months.

Is the system stable and running at base load?

All dissolved ions become more mobile and conductive at higher temperatures and are extremely sensitive to any variation. Don´t expect to get chemistry target values while operating the plant in transient regime.

What type of conductivity is being measured?

– Specific Cond is directly related to the NH3 in ppm, Amine, Na, Ca in ppb. Verify pH and consider changing your chemical treatment program.

– Cation conductivity responds to all ionic contaminants; check the quality of the makeup, stop dosing O2 scavenger, increase pressure in the deaerator, and take a sample to search or the presence of anionic species.

– Degassed conductivity provides info about the existence of CO2, therefore, check for possible air leaks.

Verify cation resins as they could be saturated

The accuracy of cation conductivity measurements is limited by the grade of saturation of the resins which can also be condified by the presence of gases such as air or CO2.