In the prevention of carryover in a boiler, what should be controlled?

In the context of preventing carryover in a boiler, controlling the amount of boiler water solids is crucial. Carryover refers to the unintentional movement of boiler water (along with dissolved solids) into the steam output, which can lead to operational issues such as overheating and damage to equipment.

By managing the concentration of solids present in the boiler water, operators can minimize the risk of carryover. High levels of dissolved solids can create foaming conditions, which are conducive to carryover. Maintaining a proper balance of water chemistry – ensuring that the total dissolved solids (TDS) levels are kept within specified limits – allows for the safe and efficient generation of steam without the unintended transfer of contaminants.

While controlling temperature, pressure, and fuel type is important to overall boiler operation and efficiency, these factors do not directly address the specific mechanism of carryover. Carryover is primarily a consequence of the water's chemical composition and physical state, making the control of water solids the most critical aspect in its prevention.