Monitoring Iron Transport in the Steam Cycle via Grab Sample and Online Methods

Quantitative online monitoring of iron corrosion product transport is an ongoing technical challenge. Total iron measurements require digestion of the particulate and colloidal iron oxides which constitute the majority of these products. Particle monitoring is fast and simple, but is not quantitative. The present study combines a modified total iron analysis with a laser nephelometer to create a quantitative online monitoring system. This system is applicable in the steady-state flow regime, where flow corrosion products are consistent. The calibration is specific to the particular corrosion product characteristics present at the individual nephelometer installation site.