Taiwan Steam System: 20% Faster Steam, No Chemicals

Case Study from HYDROPATH Asia

Food plant steam raising on a food-grade boiler

Food plant steam raising was being slowed by critical scale in a Taiwanese food producer’s steam boiler system. Safety valves were failing in operation, frequent downtime was disrupting production, and because the boiler was food-grade, chemical descaling was prohibited. In 2011 a HydroFLOW® P Range unit was integrated into the system, fitted to the feed line outside the boiler. Existing deposits were removed continuously, coming away gradually through blowdown, and new scale did not form. Steam was raised 20% faster, all without chemical additives, and food-grade compliance was maintained. Safety valves that had been sticking on scale began seating properly again.

The Challenges

• Food plant steam raising was slowed by critical scale in the boiler system
• Safety valves were failing during operation
• Chemical descaling was prohibited by food rules
• Frequent downtime was disrupting production
• Any solution had to be food-safe

The Solution

• Unit installed: HydroFLOW® P Range
• Installation point: feed line outside the food-grade steam boiler
• Installed: 2011
• Chemical additives: none

With chemicals ruled out, the treatment had to stay clear of the water that the food regulations cover. The P Range unit was fitted to the feed line outside the boiler and the existing blowdown routine was kept. The signal disrupts the conditions that bond scale to surfaces, so the old scale came away gradually through blowdown rather than in one disruptive clean. Food plant steam raising is now 20% faster.